The National Hurricane Center has issued the first north Atlantic tropical outlook of 2022 for a cluster of showers and storms in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
The environment the area is in not favorable any further development and only a 10% chance of development is possible as it meanders towards the Gulf Coast over the next day or so. The system will bring the threat of heavy rain and storms over the central Gulf Coast, but it is not a threat to South Florida.
This is a great reminder that hurricane season is right around the corner, officially starting June 1. The national hurricane center started issuing tropical outlooks on May 15. The outlooks are issued 4 times daily at 2 a.m., 8 a.m., 2 p.m., and 8 p.m. through November 30th.
Since 2015, we've had at least one system form before the official June 1 start date each season. You can learn more about pre-season development here. The 2021 season was another active year, with a total of twenty-one named storms, including seven hurricanes and four major hurricanes. Eight of these storms hit the U.S. coastline, including three in Florida. Fortunately for us here in South Florida, we were spared by any major threats, with Tropical Storms Elsa and Fred producing limited impacts here.
Here is a look at the names for the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season:
- Alex
- Bonnie
- Colin
- Danielle
- Earl
- Fiona
- Gaston
- Hermine
- Ian
- Julia
- Karl
- Lisa
- Martin
- Nicole
- Owen
- Paula
- Richard
- Shary
- Tobias
- Virginie
- Walter
Now is the time to look to prepare for the upcoming season. Remember that it only takes one storm to affect our area with long-lasting impacts!
What can you do now to prepare? Develop a plan and know if you live in an evacuation zone and where you might go if you need to evacuate. Create a hurricane kit with essential supplies such as bottled water, a first aid kit, canned food, and batteries. Food and water should last a minimum of three to five days. Get an insurance check-up and consider hurricane shutter and flood insurance for your home. Flood insurance is a separate policy from homeowner’s insurance.