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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 NASSAU, The Bahamas – The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA is advising the public to remain in a state of readiness as the peak period of the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season approaches.
The hurricane season is June 1 to November 30; with the peak period from September through the end of October, according to Met experts. The Atlantic basin includes the entire Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.
It is almost one year since the Category 4 Hurricane Joaquin caused massive damage as it passed through the islands in the Central and Southeast Bahamas.
Director of NEMA Captain Stephen Russell is advising residents to remain in a state of readiness, particularly during the months of September to October – peak season for storms.
"At this time, weather experts are monitoring a number of systems in the Atlantic, and one is anticipated to pass very close toour chain of islands bythis weekend. Although not a named system at this time, we saw where Hurricane Joaquin last year rapidly intensified while almost stationary off theCentral and Southeastern Bahamas. Therefore, we are urging all to continue to monitor the movement of all of the systems, and to finalize plans for the remainderof the hurricane season in order to safeguard lives andprotect properties,” Captain Russell said.
On Sunday, August 21, 2016, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, has revised its predictions for the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season, saying the year could be the most active since 2012.
Those predictions are a 70 percent chance of 12 to 17 named storms forming. The potential for two to four major hurricanes. The initial prediction called for 10 to 16 named storms, four to eight hurricanes, and one to four major hurricanes. The seasonal averages are 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes.
As of Monday, August 22, 2016 there have been seven named storms - Alex, Bonnie, Colin, Danielle, Earl, Fiona and Gaston.
Meanwhile, as 2016 season nears its peak, NEMA is urging residents to remain in a state of readiness through the following tips:
- Check the weather forecast regularly for alerts;
- Make sure your home meets building codes for withstanding hurricanes, and they have storm shutters
- Have proper tools, supplies, and a first aid kit.
- Have plenty of batteries and flashlights
- Always have plenty of non-perishable foods on hand. Leave low lying areas.
- Protect windows with plywood boards, or storm shutters.
- Make sure you have plenty of fuel and water.
- Have several days supply of food and water for each family member.
- If called to evacuate, do so immediately.
The 2016 named storms are: Alex, Bonnie, Colin, Danielle, Earl, Fiona, Gaston, Hermine, Ian, Julia, Karl, Lisa, Matthew, Nicole, Otto, Paula, Richard, Shary, Tobias, Virginie, and Walter.
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
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