The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has advised Virgin Islands residents “to brace for another busy hurricane season.” The DDM says that this is based on the expert forecast from Colorado State University’s Tropical Meteorology Project issued this morning.
According to an official release, Mr. Jasen Penn, Acting Director at the DDM, “said that this latest forecast is consistent with other professional forecasts issued this year, which have also called for above average levels of storm activity.”
Penn urged residents to prepare early for the possibility of seasonal storms.
“A pattern we have observed in recent years is systems developing before the June 1 start of the hurricane season,” Mr. Penn said. “This means that residents would be wise to review their hurricane plans and begin seasonal preparations early.”
More specifically, The Colorado State University forecast has predicted 19 named storms, compared to the typical average of 14. The forecast also calls for “the formation of nine hurricanes, including four major hurricanes, compared to the average seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.”
The reason for this increase in numbers is reportedly due to several factors cited by forecasters. The release makes note of “contributors to elevated storm activity, including above-average sea surface temperatures in the subtropical Atlantic paired with a low likelihood of storm-inhibiting El Nino this year.”
This marks the seventh consecutive “above average” hurricane season, which Penn says “underscores the importance of ongoing emergency preparedness.”
“We encourage residents to Be Ready and Stay Ready, no matter the forecast, but these more frequent busy seasons should remind us all that it only takes one storm on our shores to have a very serious impact,” he said.
The Government continues to advise that residents monitor local weather reports, create or update existing emergency plans, inspect roofs, shutters and drainage paths; assemble a well-stocked emergency supply kit with food, water medications and personal protective equipment and review any insurance policies.