NOAA predicts 14-21 named storms this hurricane season

May 31—RALEIGH — The 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins Wednesdayand the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expects it to be another active one.

For the seventh consecutive year, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center is predicting above-average Atlantic hurricane activity, continuing the trend of more frequent and intense climate-driven disasters. The forecast calls for 14 to 21 named storms, of which six to 10 could become hurricanes, including three to six major hurricanes with winds of 111 miles per hour or higher. NOAA provides these ranges with 70% confidence.

"While this hurricane season is expected to be very active, all it takes is one storm to define a hurricane season," said Steven Pfaff, a Warning Coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service. "In 1992 there were only seven named storms but Hurricane Andrew was a category 5 storm that caused catastrophic conditions for south Florida. Thus regardless of the forecast — all it takes is one."

It only took one in 2016 and 2018 when hurricanes Matthew and Florence devastated areas throughout Robeson County with record flooding.

Pfaff warned people residing in areas with a history of flooding to be prepared to evacuate if heavy rainfall is expected, and to "Turn Around Don't Drown" when coming upon flooded roads.

"While we have had hurricanes that have resulted in significant flash and river flooding it has been a while since we have had a hurricane produce destructive winds across Robeson County but we have a history of these types of storms including Hurricanes Hazel, Fran, and Hugo," Pfaff said. "Remember storms pose a variety of threats including strong wind, tornadoes, and flooding that we need to be prepared for."

Lumberton Fire Chief Chris West told The Robesonian the department is working to expand emergency response capabilities through training and equipment upgrades.

"We're making sure everything is where it needs to be," he said.

The department held its annual swim test for Water Rescue personnel May 25-27 at Luther Britt Park, he said.

The department has been given $80,000 in state funding and is in the process of purchasing new equipment like boats for emergency response situations such as those brought on by hurricanes, he said.

The purchases must be approved first by Lumberton City Council members, West said.

He encourages residents to "be prepared" by stocking up on food and supplies and keeping an updated contact list in case their cell phones are not working in the event of an emergency.

West plans to incorporate more resources to help protect Lumberton residents in the event of a disaster situation such as a hurricane. He also said such resources and equipment can be used to help others in their times of need.

How to get ready

The American Red Cross Eastern North Carolina and National Weather Service are urging everyone who lives in hurricane-prone areas to make their preparations now and is issuing a call for more people to volunteer to respond to these emergencies.

"We need to prepare every year given our unfortunate history with tropical storms and hurricanes," Pfaff said. "Preparations include putting together a family plan which includes supplies to get through a significant weather event. Ready.gov and ReadyNC.org have a lot of excellent information to consider when preparing for hurricanes."

The American Red Cross has released steps to help make sure individuals are ready to either evacuate or hunker down if a storm threatens their community.

— First, create an evacuation plan. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency or if you need to evacuate.

— Build an emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.

— Stay informed. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.

— Download the free Red Cross Emergency app to have severe weather safety information right at your fingertips. The Emergency app provides real-time weather alerts and tips on how to stay safe during severe weather and countless other emergencies. Search "American Red Cross" in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.

Volunteers needed

The relentless pace of severe disasters has created additional and ongoing emergency needs, especially for families who have been displaced year after year by extreme weather events, according to the American Red Cross. As the growing number of climate disasters threatens lives on a near-constant basis, the Red Cross is growing its volunteer capacity to respond to these emergencies.

Visit redcross.org to sign up now.

The most-needed disaster volunteer positions are:

— Shelter support: Help at a shelter during a large disaster by welcoming and registering residents, serving meals, setting up cots, distributing blankets and personal hygiene kits, and providing information and other assistance to people in need.

— Health services: Use your professional skills as a licensed health care provider to deliver hands-on support, including care and education to people staying at a shelter during a large disaster. Qualified licenses include RN, LPN, LVN, EMT, Paramedic, MD, DO, PA, NP and APRN.

— Disaster action team: While big hurricanes get the most news coverage, smaller disasters such as home fires are no less devastating to those affected. Join your local Disaster Action Team to help families in need by providing food, lodging, comfort, recovery assistance and other support.

Red cross getting ready

As hurricane season begins, the Red Cross is also getting prepared to make sure help is available to anyone left in need by a disaster. These efforts include updating response plans in coordination with local partners, refreshing our stock of relief supplies including cots, blankets and cleaning supplies, and recruiting and training new volunteers.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. However, 2021 was the seventh consecutive year that a storm formed before the designated start of the season, so it's vital for people who could be affected by these storms get ready now.

Tomeka Sinclair can be reached at tsinclair@robesonian.com or 910-416-5865.