The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is underway. And residents in coastal towns in Delaware are being asked to prepare now.
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season officially started Monday and runs through the end of November.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts the number of storms this year will be above average. There's already been 3 named storms.
“So if that’s any indication - then we may have an active year,” said Joe Thomas - the director of the Sussex County Emergency Operations Centerin Georgetown.
He has some advice for Sussex County residents - particularly residents who live at the beach.
“Now is the time to prepare - any preparations," said Thomas. "What we’d like our folks to do is just be cognizant of the weather. You know - keep an eye on any storms that may pop up. Prepare that disaster kit. That’s probably the biggest thing that can be done - is have a disaster kit on hand.”
NOAA is predicting 13 to 19 named systems possible. Weather officials say of those, six to 10 could become hurricanes, with three to six of the storms reaching Category 3 strength or higher.
Thomas says Sussex County escaped the 2019 hurricane season, but warns against being complacent. He suggests having a plan in place.
“Know what you’re going to do in the event that we get impacted by some sort of tropical system, whether it be a coastal event, tropical storm, hurricane or whatever the case may be," said Thomas. "So now is the time to get all those preparations together so that hopefully we don’t ever have to deal with it. But in the event we do - you’re ready.”
Thomas says one way residents can prepare is to create a safety profile for their household. That can be done at SMART911.com by entering property details, any medical conditions and emergency contact information for individuals or families.
