Thaindian News

May 27 (THAINDIAN NEWS) The 2010 Hurricane Season report from NOAA (The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is out, and it does not look good for the Gulf Coast. The prediction is for one of the strongest seasons ever on record, which only adds to the fears that the oil spill catastrophe in the Gulf will be compounded by the upcoming Hurricane Season’s severe weather.

In the Western Atlantic and Gulf Coast of Mexico, the hurricane season runs from June 1st until November 30. It is during this time that 90 percent of the storms will occur. NOAA is predicting at least 23 named storms for this area during to 2010 season, and fears that three to seven of those storms could reach major hurricane status. They also predict that as many as 14 of those storms could reach hurricane status, although not major, still damaging to an already devastated area.

Jane Lubchenco PhD, who is the under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator states: “If this outlook holds true, this season could be one of the more active on record, the greater likelihood of storms brings an increased risk of a landfall. In short, we urge everyone to be prepared.”

FEMA administrator Craig Fugate urges the public to get prepared. “FEMA is working across the administration and with our state and local partners to ensure we’re prepared for hurricane season, but we can only be as prepared as the public, so it’s important that families and businesses in coastal communities take steps now to be ready. These include developing a communications plan, putting together a kit, and staying informed of the latest forecasts and local emergency plans. You can’t control when a hurricane or other emergency may happen, but you can make sure you’re ready.”