Jacksonville, Fla. -- NOAA National Weather Service forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center predict above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30, predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season, a 10% chance of a near-normal season and a 5% chance of a below-normal season.
NOAA is forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 8 to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 4 to 7 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). Forecasters have a 70% confidence in these ranges.
The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to have above-normal activity due to a confluence of factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favor tropical storm formation.
Remember, it only takes one storm to make it a bad year so now is the time to get prepared at work and at home.
Below are some links to information to help you get prepared for hurricane season.
Duval County Emergency Preparedness Guide: https://www.jaxready.com/
Ready Marines: https://www.ready.marines.mil
MCSF BI Website: https://www.bic.marines.mil
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It is important to remember that destructive weather can happen very quickly, especially in Florida.
****Please ensure that all equipment that can be damaged or turned into a missile hazard during strong winds be secured before leaving work each day.
Lastly, the Disaster Preparedness 2024 Sales Tax Holiday is from 1 June – 14 June and 24 August – 6 September. Visit floridarevenue.com/disasterprep.
Be Prepared and Be Safe.