2019 Hurricane Season Predictions

The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season officially kicked off on June 1, 2019 and will run through the end of November.

Forecastors at the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project (CSU), a leading authority on the topic are predicting the 2019 hurricane season to be slightly below historical averages. Here are the numbers:

The average number of hurricanes each season (averaged out over 30 years):

• 12 named storms
• 6 hurricanes
• 2 major hurricanes.

CSU is predicting the 2019 hurricane season to have:

• 13 named storms
• 5 hurricanes
• 2 major hurricanes.

How the upcoming (2019) Hurricane Season Compares to the previous season (2018):

CSU is predicting less activity than the previous year.

Here are the numbers from 2018:

• 15 named storms
• 8 hurricanes
• 3 major hurricanes

Tips for Preparing for the 2019 Hurricane Season

Even though the 2019 hurricane season is predicted to be slightly below historical averages, it only takes one hurricane or tropical storm to cause damage, destruction, and/or devastation. Proper preparedness upfront can be the difference between minimal damage and outright devastation.

The following tips can help you prepare:

Establish an Emergency Plan for Your Family

Family members may not all be in the same location when a tropical storm or hurricane threatens your community. Create an emergency plan and discuss it with all family members to ensure they know exactly what to do in case of an emergency.

Key components of your family/household emergency plan should include:

Determine how to stay updated on the latest emergency alerts and warnings.

Prepare a shelter plan – Create an in-home shelter plan and an off-site shelter plan.

Map out the best evacuation route so you can leave quickly should you need to.

Make a family/household communication plan.

Prepare Your Home and Property for Hurricane Season

Earlier this month, Senator Rick Scott urged Florida residents to “prepare for the worst.”

“I cannot stress this enough: preparedness saves lives,” he said. “Hurricane season begins June 1, and I am asking every family and business in Florida to get a plan and a disaster preparedness kit today.”

In addition to a plan and a kit, here are a few more things you can do to prepare:

• Review and/or update your Florida Homeowners Insurance Policy
• Check to see if your policy covers flood insurance. If not, you may want to invest in a flood insurance policy, sooner rather than later, as many policies take 30 days to go into effect.
• Create a checklist of all the things you should do as the storm approaches. The list should include everything from what to bring inside, to what to tie down, to tasks to be completed, such as filling your vehicle(s) fuel tank.
• Make a plan for your pets as many shelters do not allow them.
• Have a plan for and the materials needed to board up your home.
• Have a plan and/or storage place to keep larger, valuable purchases, such as vehicles and boats protected.
• If you have an existing seawall, have it professionally inspected and/or repaired to ensure it is in the best condition to hold up against a hurricane and better protect your property. And if you live on the waterfront and don’t have a seawall, you may want to consider having one installed.

Gibson Marine Construction Can Help You Be Better Prepared for Hurricane Season

If you have an existing seawall or are interested in learning more about adding a seawall to your waterfront property, Gibson Marine Construction can help you check that last bullet point off of your list. The experts at Gibson Marine Construction have over 30 years of experience building, inspecting, and repairing seawalls. They use high quality materials and advanced technology in order to prevent erosion and to withstand strong winds and high waves.