NOAA Reflects on 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Notes Stretch of Above-Normal Seasons Continues

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has published a review of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially ended on November 30. NOAA observes that this was the fourth consecutive season of above-normal hurricane activity, with a total of 18 named storms, including six hurricanes of which three were major (strength of Category 3 and above). An average season has 12 named storms, six hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. With the hurricane season officially at an end, NOAA notes its forecast for 2019 proved to be accurate. In its updated forecast that was released in August (and discussed in the August 13, 2019 Security and Resilience Update), NOAA predicted 10-17 named storms, 5-9 hurricanes, and 2-4 major hurricanes. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1; WaterISAC will share with its members predictions from NOAA and other forecasting organizations in advance of the start of the season. As with NOAA, it encourages organizations to reflect on lessons learned from the past season and take the time now to prepare for the one ahead. Read the article at NOAA.