Hurricane Season Is Right on Time — Are We Prepared?
Hurricane season is nominally considered to be about May 15 to November 30 in the Eastern Pacific. It got started right on time. Though it never reached hurricane stage, the first named cyclonic storm arrived early when Tropical Storm Alvin headed for Cabo on May 30. Then, a week later, came Tropical Storm Barbara, followed by Tropical Storm Cosme. A fourth storm is now possibly forming off Acapulco. As is often the case, it is projected to be an active hurricane season, though forecasters have been wrong before.
A major concern for mariners and coastal communities is the disruption and downsizing going on at NOAA as we head into hurricane season. While the impact of budget and staff cuts can only be evaluated in the future, it is unnerving to many who have been relying on NOAA for accuracy and safety. Hurricanes can be difficult to predict without adding many more variables to the mix. Below is Florida meteorologist John Morales, explaining his concerns as he hopes to prepare his viewers for the season ahead.
Though winds peaked at 60 knots, Tropical Storm Alvin passed near Cabo, bringing rain and wind, though no major damage.
It’s typical to have three or four named storms by the end of June, so the busy start may end up in the normal range. They may all pass without damage, but it is enough to worry boat owners, marinas, insurance companies, and waterfront communities. Everyone paying for boat insurance also feels the impact whenever and wherever hurricanes devastate the boating community. For those with boats left unattended in hurricane regions, now is the time to make sure your sails, dodgers, and anything else creating windage are stowed away for the season.
The cuts coming to NOAA include everything from marine research to atmospheric research, salmon fisheries — including the currently fragile West Coast fishery — and many more critical weather services, with almost no time for any agencies to evaluate or adjust to the reductions. The result is TBD.
Right now, everyone is advised to clip in, hang on to your hat, and prepare for the unknown.