01 May 2017 | 01:07 PM UTC
Caribbean region: Near-average 2017 hurricane season expected
Researches forecast 11-12 named storms in 2017 Atlantic hurricane season; below average probability of hurricanes hitting US and Caribbean countries
Event
Researchers
at the US-based Colorado State University and the Weather Channel have issued
their storm forecasts for the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season. They predict 11
to 12 named storms (annual median is 12.0), four to six hurricanes (median is
6.5), and two major hurricanes - i.e. category 3, 4, or 5 - (median is 2.0),
with a below-average probability of hurricanes making landfall in the US and in
Caribbean countries.
The
US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the US Air Force have
begun holding events to assist communities in Mexico and the Caribbean in
preparing for upcoming storms. Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Otto caused
severe damages in multiple Caribbean countries in 2016.
Context
The
Atlantic Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30; however,
the short-lived Tropical Storm Arlene formed on April 20. The Pacific Hurricane
season runs from May 15 to November 30.
Advice
Individuals
traveling in hurricane-prone regions are advised to keep updated on storm
forecasts via the NOAA website. In the event of a storm, follow all
instructions issued by local authorities.
