WEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - As hurricane season is set to officially start on Saturday, experts have been predicting that it will be an above-normal season. To prepare for these potential storms, experts are cautioning people to stock up on supplies sooner rather than later.
“We would like to take a moment to remind you now is the time to prepare and stay prepared,” said Rick Spinrad with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. ” Remember, it only takes one storm to devastate a community,”
According to NOAA’s prediction, up to 25 storms could form this year, eight to 13 of those could be hurricanes and four to seven of those could become major one, which are Category 3 hurricanes or larger.
“This season is looking to be extraordinary one in a number of ways,” Spinrad said.
On Friday, officials with the National Hurricane Center showed 7News their facility in West Miami-Dade, where they monitor these systems.
“That only accounts for the number of hurricanes or tropical cyclones, it does not tell you where hurricanes will actually go or track,” Cody Fritz, storm surge specialist.
Fritz also offered some tips to make sure people are not struggling when a storm hits.
“Well, any time it gets close to hurricane season, you should always be prepared prior to season, whether it’s above-average, low-average or even normal,” he said. And by doing that, you just kind of need to just prepare, you know, have all your necessary plans in what you would do, even an evacuation is required. Make sure you have non-perishable items such as food, water. Things like that that you can use in the event that you may get stuck in an area or in your home for an extended period of time.”
South Florida officials are also urging residents to not get complacent and to always be ready.
“One, stay informed; two, be storm ready, and three, make a plan,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Trim your trees now, don’t wait. Prepare your storm shutters. Make sure they work now, don’t wait. Have enough food and supplies on hand to keep your family safe for 72 hours after a storm has passed.”
To help get ready from June 1 through June 14, people can stock up on hurricane supplies for themselves and their families without paying sales taxes.
It’s part of the annual Florida Disaster Preparedness tax holiday, which includes the following:
- Candles
- Flashlights
- Lanterns
- Portable self-powered radios
- Gas tanks
- Batteries
- Portable generators of a certain price
“This is the time to get your preparations and plans in place to get ready for a potential storm,” said Mike Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center.
At Florida International University, their famous wall of wind helps study the impacts of strong wind and storm surge.
“We have to catch up with nature,” said Richard Olson, director of the Extreme Events Institute. “Nature is throwing harder events at us.”
Hurricane season ends on Nov. 30.
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