The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 and runs until November 31. In fact, two weeks before the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane season, tropical storm Arthur became the first named storm of the year and then last week, tropical storm Bertha made landfall and deluged us with rain. What can we expect to happen this hurricane season and how can we prepare?
According to top forecasters from Colorado State University, an average hurricane season has 12 tropical storms, six of which are hurricanes. In 2019, there were 18 named storms, six of which were hurricanes. Early predictions indicate that 16 named tropical storms will form this year, eight of which will become hurricanes. An added challenge now is the COVID-19 health crisis and the need for social distancing, which adds another layer of complication especially should we need to evacuate. Based on our recent hurricane history in the Lowcountry, now is the time to plan and prepare for the likelihood of hurricanes in 2020.
In the past, the Town of Seabrook Island and the Town of Kiawah have hosted Disaster Awareness Day to help residents be prepared for any weather emergency. However, in light of COVID-19, this event will not be held this year.
Tidelines will again provide a series of articles outlining things you can do to be prepared for a weather emergency. The first two articles will provide checklists of preparations to perform early in the summer and then in mid-summer. The first will appear in early June and the other in late July. The third article will provide a checklist of actions to take as a storm approaches and will be published if and when needed. The fourth article will address the steps to take for evacuation and sheltering when deemed appropriate and will be published if and when needed. Our entire Hurricane Hints 2020 can be accessed at any time on the Tidelines website. Look for the dropdown menu. This dropdown also includes a comprehensive listing of resources pertinent to hurricanes.
Last, please keep in mind that the Tidelines staff, all volunteers, will make every effort to keep our followers informed of the status of storms, evacuation procedures, and recovery efforts during such an event assuming we have Internet capability. Please also check the Town of Seabrook Island’s website and watch for SIPOA’s e-blasts. In addition, both the Charleston County Emergency Management Department and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) Hurricane Guide contain a wealth of information on hurricanes.
Remember, be prepared; stay safe.
–Tidelines Editors