The 2009 Hurricane Season for the Atlantic Basin (North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico) will start officially this Monday, June 1 and end on November 30.
Tropical cyclone activity during the 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season was above average. Sixteen tropical storms occurred, of which eight became hurricanes and five strengthened into major hurricanes, category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. These numbers are well above the long-term averages of 11, 6, and 2 respectively.
Hurricane Omar was the system that had the greatest effect on Antigua & Barbuda and the Leeward islands. Intense flooding was the main feature accompanying the passage of Omar although tropical storm force winds also affected parts of the Virgin and Northern Leeward islands.
Antigua & Barbuda, mostly Antigua, suffered from torrential rainfall activity associated with Hurricane Omar. The peak average hourly rainfall rate was 56.4 mm or 2.22 inches measured at 7.00 AM local time. The islands were also affected by the wave activity of Hurricane Omar. No causalities were reported in Antigua & Barbuda, the Leeward Islands nor the British Virgin Islands
Other Caribbean countries were not as fortunate, as hurricanes like Gustav, Ike, Hanna, Paloma as well as Tropical Storm Fay, caused catastrophic damage across parts of the Greater Antilles, the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas Islands and Belize. In addition, six consecutive named systems hit the United States, including Hurricanes Dolly, Gustav, and Ike. The estimated death toll from the 2008 Atlantic tropical cyclones is approximately 750.
The names of three systems have been retired from the Atlantic list because of the significant damages and loss of life they caused. The names, “Gustav”, “Ike” and “Paloma” were retired and replaced by “Gonzalo”, “Isaias” and “Paulette” respectively on the 2014 list.
A near normal Hurricane Season is predicted with 9 to 15 named storms, 4 to 8 Hurricanes and 1 to 4 major Hurricannes being predicted. The near normal projection is mainly due to the possibility of an El Nino episode occurring and or cooler than normal temperatures in the Eastern Tropical Atlantic. The predictions from the Colorado State University(CSU), Tropical Storm Risk(TSR), the U.S National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA), and others are updated at various stages throughout the Hurricane Season. The forecasts by no means indicate exact locations where systems will develop, how they will move or where they will strike. Local authorities and the general public are therefore urged to prepare in advance and to take the necessary precautions incase watches and warnings are issued.
As usual, Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services will monitor the development of all systems and other inclement weather situations which threaten the Leeward and British Virgin Islands and if necessary, issue watches or warnings. We will also coordinate with disaster management authorities in Antigua and Barbuda, other Leeward Islands and the British Virgin Islands to sensitize the general public to the threats and hazards likely, with the passage of storm systems and the need to monitor and prepare as necessary.
The names prepared for this Hurricane Season are: Ana, Bill, Claudette, Danny, Erika, Fred, Grace, Henri, Ida, Joaquin, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor and Wanda.
Remember, awareness and good preparedness are essential to limiting loss of life and property.
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