Georgia readies for busy hurricane season

The 2007 hurricane season is underway amid predictions of an active summer and fall that could spawn as many as 17 named storms, including 10 hurricanes.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center says there is a 75 percent chance of an above-average season with 13-17 named storms, including 7-10 hurricanes. Forecasters say 3-5 of the hurricanes could be major storms ranked as Category 3 or higher. The Atlantic Basin hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.

The predictions are based on a number of variables including above-normal seas surface temperatures and what forecasters call the multi-decadal signal, which indicates a 15 to 25 year period of above normal activity.

This season could also be affected by the La Nina phenomenon which could encourage hurricane development.

An average season generates 11 named storms including six hurricanes.

Weather experts cannot accurately forecast where hurricanes can make landfall. Therefore, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency cautions that Georgians should be well prepared for the hurricane season regardless of the number of storms predicted.

Georgians should develop a family disaster plan beginning with an awareness of the threats posed by hurricanes, including storm surge near the coast, and high winds, flooding, thunderstorms and tornadoes hundreds of miles inland.

Residents of the coast and flood-prone areas should be ready to evacuate immediately when told to do so, know where they would evacuate to and have plans to reunify if they become separated. Families with pets should make plans in advance for their animals in the event of an evacuation.

It is also essential to maintain a disaster kit, including 3-7 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food for each family member, extra clothing and bedding, personal hygiene items, medicines, a flashlight, portable radio and batteries. Most importantly, have a battery-powered, tone-activated NOAA Weather Radio to monitor severe weather forecasts and warnings.

Now is the time to check insurance coverage. Regular homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, but special policies are available.

They do not take effect, however, until 30 days after they are purchased.

While Georgia's coast has not experienced a direct hit by a major hurricane since 1898, the state has been heavily impacted by tropical weather events over the years.

Most have been Gulf storms, such as Tropical Storm Alberto in 1994, which dumped 21 inches of rain on Americus in one 24-hour period and left more than 30 people dead. But according to NOAA records, a total of four Category 2 hurricanes slammed the Georgia coast between 1911 and 1979 near Savannah, resulting in 68 deaths.

Approximately 175,000 coastal Georgia residents fled their homes in 1989 in the face of Hurricane Hugo, which ultimately hit Charleston. Hurricane Floyd, which made landfall in North Carolina, threatened Georgia in 1999, triggering the evacuation of 3.5 million residents of the Atlantic coast, including 350,000 Georgians. It was the largest evacuation in American History.

For more information on the hurricane season and on severe weather preparedness, visit GEMA's web site at http:// www.gema.state.ga.us/. Other resources include the National Weather Service at http:// www.nws.noaa.gov/ and the National Hurricane Center at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.