Eye on the Tropics

Hurricane season officially begins; here’s what to expect

ORLANDO, Fla. — Hurricane season officially begins Tuesday.

Forecasters believe an “above normal” season is most likely, at a 60% chance.

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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it expects 13 to 20 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes, and three to five major hurricanes for the 2021 season.

So far, there has been one named storm. Subtropical Storm Ana formed near Bermuda in May.

READ: See what NOAA is predicting for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Season starts June 1st and goes through November 30th. 1.) MOST storms do not impact us. 2.) With that,...

Posted by Brian Shields on Monday, May 31, 2021

NOAA said it does not anticipate the historic level of storm activity seen in 2020.

The peak of hurricane season is Sept. 10. This is when we usually see the most storm activity in the Atlantic basin.

READ: How you can prepare now for hurricane season

Meteorologist Brian Shields said most storms do not impact Central Florida. However, every few years, we deal with a hurricane.

Residents should be prepared with some simple items, such as non-perishable food, water, a first aid kit and a flashlight.

READ: What do they mean? Disturbance, depressions, tropical, subtropical storms, hurricanes

“I promise we’ll stay calm and measured during the season. We will take it storm-by-storm, and go from there,” Shields said.

According to a survey by The American Automobile Association, many residents would not be ready if a hurricane struck Florida tomorrow.

The survey found 43% of Floridians do not have an emergency plan. The survey also found 29% would not evacuate their home if they were warned to and 60% of Floridians who would evacuate would only leave for a Category 3 hurricane or greater.

“Don’t wait until Florida is in the cone of uncertainty, get ready now,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. “Gather supplies while they’re still on the shelves, develop an evacuation plan, and prepare your home.”

The 2021 hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.

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Katlyn Brieskorn, WFTV.com

Katlyn Brieskorn is a Digital Assignment Editor at WFTV. She joined Channel 9 in July 2019.

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