Atlantic hurricane season 2021 begins today

THE 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins today June 1 and runs up to November 30 and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) based in the United States of America (USA), is predicting another “above-normal” year, with 13 to 20 total named storms.

NOAA predicts that six to 10 of the 13 to 20 total named storms could develop into hurricanes, including three to five major hurricanes (Categories 3-5). On April 8, 2021, the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project team also predicted an above-average Atlantic hurricane season, but forecasts 17 named storms, including eight hurricanes.

Today, Director of the National Emergency Organisation (NEMO) Michelle Forbes and Deputy Prime Minister Montgomery Daniel, will hold a news briefing to discuss the start of the 2021 season.

Weather forecasters are predicting 13 to 20 total named storms while persons are bracing for severe challenges if heavy rains are to hit St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) this year.

The country is currently in the throes of a volcanic eruption that has dumped tonnes of ash on mountain sides. This ash, pushed by heavy rains, can create

lahars and mudflows that can cause serious and life threatening damage in valleys.

Heavy rains on April 28/29, more than a month prior to the start of the Atlantic hurricane season,Vincentians were hit by heavy rains which destroyed two houses in Rockies, flooded out a third and triggered landslides and flooding in numerous communities. This can be an indication of what’s possible during the hurricane season.

NEMO advised then that communities located in the volcano red zone can be impacted by mudflows as ash deposits are thickest in these areas, and the absence of trees means that a lot of material will find its way down the valleys.

NOAA says that hurricanes largely form in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico as temperatures continue to warm, then move west.

Among the names being used this year are Ana, Bill, Claudette and Danny.