What to Expect from the 2022 Hurricane Season

The 2022 Hurricane Season is about to start and forecasters at Colorado State University are anticipating a higher than average year. Right now there is an estimate of 19 named storms and 9 hurricanes in the pipeline. But that could easily be higher with the Loop Current currently happening in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Loop Current Outlook

Warm tropical waters play a major part in the formation of a hurricane, which is what is so worrying about the Loop Current. The Loop Current is a current of warm tropical water looping deeper into the Gulf of Mexico than normal. This means that storms passing through the Gulf of Mexico and going towards Texas and Florida have the chance to be strengthened just before they make landfall. Which can turn a tropical storm into a devastating hurricane just before it hits shore. This same current played a part in strengthening Hurricane Katrina in 2005 just before it devastated New Orleans.

As we get closer to the summer and the water continues to warm in general, the Loop Current will have an even bigger effect as the hotter temperatures will go deeper down into the ocean, giving storms more and more warm water to pull from and gain strength. Storms can change very fast when they go over the Gulf of Mexico and it’s concentrated warm water. Hurricane Ida in 2021 went over a similar area of warm water and almost overnight it exploded into a Category 4 Hurricane. Which goes to show that people along the coast need to be ready for sudden changes in the size and direction of a storm.

How to Prepare

In normal conditions storms have a mind of their own, but with the Loop Current playing a part this year calls for people to take extra precautions. A storm may looking like it is moving one direction, but as warm water and winds add to it, it can quickly change direction. So even if it looks like you may be in a safe zone, you still need to be prepared for the worst.

Taking care of your basic necessities is always at the top of the list, water and food being the most important. Every person should have 1 gallon of water per day, with a minimum of 3 days worth of water. But the more, the better. Your pantry should also be stocked with non-perishable food, preferably things that do not need to be cooked should the power go out. But having a propane cooking stove can come in handy and allows you to eat mostly normal should you be stuck at home for multiple days without power.

Your shelter is also one of the most important factors to consider. Even if you plan to leave the area during a storm you still need to take precautions to make sure you come back to a home and not the remnants of one.

First Coast Hurricane Shutters

First Coast Hurricane Shutters focuses on helping you provide the adequate protection for your home should a hurricane make its way to you. Hurricane Shutters help provide protection for the most vulnerable areas of your home, the windows and doors. While also giving your home curb appeal, so not only are they functional but they make your home look good too! First Coast Hurricane Shutters also has a a variety of colors and styles to choose from as well as different protection levels. Once you have hurricane shutters installed you can rest easy whether you are at home or away during a storm.