Unusual Hurricanes Aren't Like Those of Old Days!
Hurricane season: Better brace yourself, Gulf Coast residents, and here's why
Prepare yourself, my fellow Gulf Coast inhabitants, as hurricane season stretches from June 1st to November 30th every year. But with global warming playing a part, the storms these days aren't what they once were - they're bigger, badder, and a whole lot more frequent.
We're not just talking about a little extra rain, folks. Global warming, through a number of mechanisms, is making our hurricanes supercharged and scary. Research from NASA climate scientists indicates that it's all linked to warmer ocean temperatures and rising sea levels, which somehow makes the storms more intense and chaotic.
But don't let your guard down just yet! There are common misconceptions about hurricanes and how to prepare for them.
Don't say I don't know nothing 'bout hurricanes!
Sure, living in hurricane country gives you some insight, but global warming is bringing a new storm into town - stronger storms with heavier rainfall, increasing the flood risk for all of us in a way we've never seen before. In fact, recorded history tells us that only a few years have had as many hurricanes as the 2024 season, and storms are expected to increase by a whopping 150% in the next 50 years. So yeah, hurricane preparation is gonna look different than it did a decade ago.
It's just rain, for Pete's sake!
Well, it ain't really just rain, buddy. Hurricanes come with more than just a drizzle - they also bring high winds, intense flooding, and the potential for power outages lasting weeks. With hurricanes, it's not just about getting wet; it's about keeping yourself, your family, and your home out of harm's way.
I'll know days before the hurricane, so why prepare now?
Think again! Increasing global temperatures have led to storms that can intensify right before making landfall, and they can catch forecasters and community members alike off guard. The storms of Helene, Harvey, and Milton are perfect examples of this, and they remind us that the best we can do to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe is to stay informed and be prepared for Mother Nature's unexpected wrath.
So, what's a coastal dweller to do?
Alright, I'm on board. How can I stay prepared?
First things first: Stay informed! Our website has a really nifty emergency preparedness page with links and resources that'll help you figure out the flood risk in your area, along with your evacuation routes.
Second, make a plan! The most valuable thing you can have during an emergency is a well-thought-out plan. Check out Ready.gov to help you lay one out that'll keep the panic at bay when the time comes.
Third, keep updated! Knowing the latest weather updates will help you make the best decision for your family. Bookmark weather.gov and make sure you have emergency alerts on your cellphone turned on.
Lastly, remember: your mama's hurricanes were nothing like today's storms! Global warming has made the hurricanes in the Gulf Coast region stronger every year, and ignoring this fact means you're playing a dangerous game with nature.
On behalf of our community, we send our thoughts to those who have been affected by hurricanes this season. If you wish to aid those affected by Milton and Helene, consider learning about and supporting local aid organizations listed on the Volunteer Florida webpage. Don't forget to stay safe and dry out there, folks!
For more information, here's a list of must-read books about hurricane preparedness:
Books for hurricane preparedness handpicked by our experts at our website_Reads
Hurricane Season in Texas officially starts June 1st and ends November 30th. Here are some essential reads to help you feel comfortable, secure, and fully prepared.
The Weather of Hurricanes
Leatherman, Stephen P.### The Homeowner's Hurricane HandbookThe Homeowner's Hurricane HandbookStearns, Bob### The Disaster-ready HomeThe Disaster-ready HomeStewart, Creek,Stewart, Creek,### The Ultimate Storm Survival HandbookThe Ultimate Storm Survival HandbookFaidley, WarrenFaidley, Warren### Prepper's Food StoragePrepper's Food StorageLanguille, JulieLanguille, JulieView Full List
- Reference(s):
- Hurricane Research Division, NOAA, The increasing intensity, frequency, and longest durations of Atlantic basin hurricane-force winds.
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA: Global warming spurs hurricane rise.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Gulf hurricanes get bigger, stronger, and wetter because of climate change
- In addition to the physical threat of hurricanes, the increasing intensity of these storms poses a significant risk to coastal libraries and the valuable books they contain, highlighting the need for environmental-science and disaster-preparedness volunteers during hurricane season.
- To cope with the challenges of a more unpredictable hurricane season, consider investing in education-and-self-development materials focused on health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and stress-management techniques for staying mentally and physically fit during and after a hurricane.
- While personal preparedness is essential, citizens can also contribute to the overall recovery efforts by volunteering their time and resources through organizations like Volunteer Florida that focus on environmental-science and climate-change initiatives, promoting long-term sustainability and pollution prevention.
- With the devastating impacts of hurricanes on coastal habitats and ecosystems, learning about marine life and the importance of environmental-awareness may help individuals make more informed decisions when it comes to conservation efforts and restoring the affected areas.
- In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint and mitigate the effects of global warming, homeowners can take steps to make their homes more energy-efficient and implement sustainable practices in their daily lives, thereby lessening the overall severity of future hurricanes and contributing to a healthier ecosystem for all Gulf Coast residents.
