By PATRICK GILLESPIE
For most Floridians, June 1 marks a date of importance on the calendar as the Atlantic hurricane season officially begins. And while thoughts of disastrous storms may linger in the memories of coastal residents, hurricanes in recent years have taught the world that inland areas are also vulnerable.
While understanding the exact likelihood of storms occurring is impossible, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a lighter-than-normal season. But that still means NOAA is predicting 8-14 named storms, with a 35 percent chance of a normal season and a 10 percent chance of an above average season. Still, the agency predicts 1-3 major hurricanes.
Officials are asking residents to be prepared.
“Early action drives tangible results, and Florida residents should begin their preparations now,” said Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “Though last season produced minimal activity in Florida, we remain extremely vulnerable to hurricanes and their associated hazards. By taking small steps now to prepare, residents can make a significant difference in protecting lives and property.”
A reason for the potentially lighter-than-normal hurricane season is El Niño. According to Yale Climate Connections, a publication of the Yale Center for Environmental Communication, when a positive phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation occurs, the tropical Pacific has warmer-than-average temperatures.
Although the oceanic warming is centered in the eastern tropical Pacific, El Niño has impacts worldwide. The phenomenon can occur at any time of the year, but when it is present in the summer, it directly affects the number of tropical systems likely to develop in the Atlantic by increasing wind shear, which disrupts storm development.
Regardless of the predictions, Florida lawmakers continue to attempt to find ways to help the state prepare for the natural destruction that comes with hurricanes. In March, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law SB 302, which, among other provisions, requires the Florida Department of Environmental Protection by January to develop rules that establish guidelines for nature-based methods to address coastal resiliency and create a statewide permitting process.
“Senate Bill 302 also underscores our commitment to building stronger communities by directing the department to develop guidelines for using nature-based methods to make our coastal communities more resilient to the impacts of storms and flooding,” said DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert at the bill signing ceremony. “I want to thank the Governor and the Legislature for supporting this legislation.”
The state also funds several programs designed to help residents with mitigation, which can ultimately prevent harmful debris from polluting the state. The My Safe Florida Home Program through the Florida Department of Financial Services provides inspection services and grants for residential upgrades and Elevate Florida through the Division of Emergency Management is a federal and state program that makes home improvements to prevent flooding and damage.
The state also annually funds programs to restore beaches that have suffered from erosion, which can mitigate the effects on natural and created structures further inland. Mitigation and preparation are still necessary to help Florida weather what could still be an impactful hurricane season.
