The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be more active than usual, according to private forecasting service AccuWeather.
The past five hurricane seasons have been particularly active, and a record 30 named storms formed last year.
The weakening of the Bermuda High is causing an increased risk for Florida.
Florida faces a heightened risk this year because of the weakening of the Bermuda high. The high-pressure zone pushed many storms south of Florida, postponing their northern until they were past the peninsula and reaching Mexico’s southern Gulf.
“The pattern that’s setting up is that we could see more of these early-curving storms,” said AccuWeather lead hurricane forecaster Dan Kottlowski. “That could threaten the east coast a little more this year than previous years.
AccuWeather projects, the Atlantic will generate 16 to 20 named storms this year. (bold)
Those numbers are slightly above the 30-year average of 14 named storms per season.
Three to five of the storms are expected to become major hurricanes generating wind speeds exceeding 111 mph. An expected Category 3 storm according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
“Current indications are this will be another above-normal season,” said Dan Kottlowski, AccuWeather’s lead hurricane forecaster.
Storms can form earlier than the established start date of hurricane season, June 1st. The storms will form due to is because the La Niña cycle — a Pacific phenomenon that influences Atlantic weather — will still be active in June and July. What does that mean? Less Atlantic wind shear to disrupt storm formations.
The start date of hurricane season may change to May as the past few years have generated storms a month earlier than expected.
Hurricanes are strong storms that can be life-threatening and cause serious hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds, and tornadoes.
Early preparation and planning will help to ensure you and your family are protected.
