2011 Hurricane Forecast

The 2010 season was one of the most active on record with the most significant impact occurring across the Caribbean and Latin America. The 2010 season actually tied the 1995 and 1887 Atlantic Hurricane Seasons as third largest number of named storms. The 2010 season also ties the 1969 Atlantic Hurricane Season for second largest amount of hurricanes. In addition, the activity in the north Atlantic in 2010 exceeded the activity in the northwest Pacific Typhoon season. The only other known time this event happened was in 2005. Much of this hurricane activity is attributed to the effects of La Nina.

To summarize the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season:

Total Depressions: 21
Total Storms: 19
Total Hurricanes: 12 of which 5 were considered Major (category 3 or higher)
Total Damage: At least $11.424 billion USD
Total Fatalities: 259 direct, 23 indirect

The five hurricanes that reached major hurricane status were Danielle, Earl, Igor, Julia and Karl respectively.

To read the list of named 2010 storms & hurricanes, please visit: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2010atlan.shtml

The names set forth for 2011 tropical cyclones are:

Arlene
Bret
Cindy
Don
Emily
Franklin
Gert
Harvey
Irene
Jose
Katia
Lee
Maria
Nate
Ophelia
Philippe
Rina
Sean
Tammy
Vince
Whitney

As for the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Colorado State University meteorologists anticipate 17 tropical storms, with nine of those strengthening into hurricanes during the season that runs from June 1 to November 30. Still under the influence of La Nina with warmer surface water temperatures, the team predicts that there will be at least 5 storms that grow into major hurricanes of a category 3 or higher.

"This could mean a more active hurricane season," said Philip Klotzbach, who heads the Colorado State University team with pioneering forecaster William Gray. "The U.S. was extremely lucky in 2010 in that none of the 12 Atlantic basin hurricanes that formed crossed the U.S. coastline. On average, about one in four Atlantic basin hurricanes makes U.S. landfall, and therefore, we would expect to see more landfalling hurricanes in 2011," Klotzbach said.

Dr. William Gray has worked in the observational and theoretical aspects of tropical meteorological research for more than 40 years. Professor Gray heads the Tropical Meteorology Project and works with Dr. Phil Klotzbach on seasonal hurricane forecasts.

To view Dr. Gray's Atlantic Basin Hurricane Forecast for 2011, please visit: http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/Forecasts/

So the forecast indicates we should expect a busy Atlantic hurricane season and brace ourselves for the possibility of more land falling hurricanes. With this information in mind, it is a good idea to start taking precautions now, whether for your home or business, especially if there are pets, children, seniors involved. Make sure you have a hurricane emergency kit prepared as well as a hurricane disaster preparedness plan. In addition, look at this checklist put out by the National Hurricane Center:

* Determine safe evacuation routes inland.
* Learn locations of official shelters.
* Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and battery-powered
equipment such as cell phones and your NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards receiver.
* Buy food that will keep and store drinking water.
* Buy plywood or other material to protect your home if you don't already have it.
* Trim trees and shrubbery so branches don't fly into your home.
* Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
* Decide where to move your boat.
* Review your insurance policy.
* Find pet-friendly hotels on your evacuation route.

When it comes to hurricanes, it's never too soon to plan for the hurricane safety of yourself, and your loved ones.