We’re entering the month of June, which marks the beginning of the six-month Atlantic hurricane season that runs through Nov. 30.
Longtime Florida residents will know that it’s time to take important steps to be prepared in the event of a dangerous storm.
Many will soon be collecting water, batteries and food for their hurricane supplies. Generators will be checked to make sure they’re ready, should there be a power failure.
One thing is clear: Everyone should prepare an evacuation plan to ensure their family, and pets, can leave town if a storm threatens the island.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted the 2026 hurricane season will likely be a less-active season. It’s the first time NOAA has forecast a less-active season since 2015.
But that is no reason for residents to let down their guard.
NOAA is predicting eight to 14 named storms, including six likely to become hurricanes. Three could become major hurricanes — and all it takes is one to put the region and precious lives in danger.
Last year, the National Hurricane Center predicted Hurricane Melissa, initially thought to be a low-intensity storm, would grow into a major hurricane just before it hit. They were right.
By the time Melissa hit western Jamaica, it was a Category 5 storm, with wind speeds of 185 miles per hour. The hurricane devastated the island.
Predictions for a quieter season than in past years come in part because the weather pattern known as El Niño is likely to form this season. That typically brings warm temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific, which can disrupt the development of hurricanes.
Even so, the potential for the kind of rapid change in a developing storm’s power has town officials again warning residents to be prepared.
“Act early and prepare now,” Palm Beach Fire-Rescue Assistant Chief Joe Sekula said. “Your safety depends on it.”
He warns of the potential for destructive winds, heavy rain, storm surge and flooding.
To help keep people informed, Palm Beach officials are encouraging residents to visit the town’s website, TownOfPalmBeach.com, for links to town, county and state informational resources. Residents can also email storm@townofpalmbeach.com.
Palm Beach lies in Evacuation Zone B, which includes most of the county’s barrier islands east of the Intracoastal Waterway. It and Zone A, which includes mobile homes and low-lying areas, are typically the first neighborhoods to be evacuated when a major storm approaches.
In the event of an evacuation, many residents may want to stay in their homes. But condominium residents should be mindful that that a state law allows associations to shut off power, elevators, water and sewer service once an evacuation order has been issued.
Residents who stay could put themselves at risk, because fire-rescue and police might not respond in deteriorating weather conditions.
Palm Beach County has largely been spared from major hurricanes since the 2004 season.
But storms can quickly change directions — or intensify. There have been close calls. And that’s why everyone must have a hurricane plan and watch the weather forecast when a storm appears headed Palm Beach’s way.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Everyone must make essential plans for hurricane season | Editorial
Reporting by Palm Beach Daily News Editorial Board, Palm Beach Daily News / Palm Beach Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
