Early Start to the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Did you know that on Friday, May 25th, Alberto became the first named storm of the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane season? Seems a little early to be talking about the tropics, doesn’t it? While it might seem a little early to see tropical systems develop at this time of the year, it isn’t unheard of. In fact, since 1950, NOAA says there have been 20 Atlantic based storms that have developed prior to June 1st or the official start date of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. However, since 2012, 4 named storms have developed before June 1st! Weather conditions early in the season aren’t typically favorable for tropical development, but Alberto found a way to intensify just enough. Alberto became a subtropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 45mph just before landfall near Laguna Beach, FL on Memorial Day Monday. Despite the lack of extremely high winds, flooding remained the biggest threat with the storm and several locations in the Southeast became inundated with heavy rains. Parts of Florida and Alabama tallied nearly 8″ to 10″ rain as the storm swirled through the region. Interestingly, according to Colorado State University meteorologist, Phil Klotzbach, Alberto was the longest-lived Atlantic named May storm on record! Go figure.
Subtropical Storm Alberto just before landfall on Monday, May 28th, 2018 with maximum sustained winds of 45mph. Courtesy: CIMSS SSEC UW-Madison
2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook
With Alberto under our belts as the 1st named storm of the 2018 season, we’re already off to an early start to what could be another active season ahead. In May, NOAA released their forecast for the upcoming season, which suggested a 75% chance of a near or above-normal season. More specifically, NOAA predicted a 70% chance of at least 10-16 named storms, 5-9 of which could become hurricanes, and 1-4 of which could become major hurricanes. Remember that it only takes one landfalling hurricane to bring major impacts to specific region, so prepare now! Having and practicing an emergency plan before a hurricane strikes may give you the best odds to survive a significant storm.
2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast. Image Courtesy: NOAA
Custom Weather Briefings
Is your business ready for the upcoming hurricane season? Praedictix is and could help you stay ahead of the game. On Tuesday, May 22nd, Praedictix starting sending out custom weather briefings to our list of Fortune 500 clients in advance of a developing storm located near the Yucatan Peninsula, which eventually became Alberto. As the storm gained strength, Praedictix was able to narrow down locations and likely impacts that company facilities would be faced with. This ample lead time helped facilities make preparations, if needed, to keep their company colleagues and customers safe.
Join Our List of Fortune 500 Companies
On the heels of what was a very active 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season and what is forecast to be a potentially active 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season, would your company benefit from custom weather briefings? Join our roster of Fortune 500 clients that rely on Praedictix Custom Briefings that go out days before a hurricane, blizzard, tornado outbreak or major flood. Adjust operations to lower risk and protect staff. No more unpleasant weather surprises. Check every box and make sure you’re doing everything in your power to keep colleagues and customers safe.
Todd Nelson
Praedictix Meteorologist
Email: TNelson@praedictix.com
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