Alamance, NC

... This week has been declared North Carolina's hurricane
preparedness week for 2012...

Today Marks the first day of the 2012 hurricane preparedness week.
This is the time for everybody who lives in hurricane prone coastal
states to make weather-readiness a priority and examine how each of
US in the coastlines across the United States can be a force of
nature. All week long the National Weather Service will issue
informative messages to help you prepare for hurricane season.
Topics covered this week will include storm surge... winds... inland
flooding... forecast process... and planning and action.

Last week NOAA issued its 2012 seasonal forecast for tropical
cyclone activity in the Atlantic Basin. This forecast stated that
conditions in the atmosphere and the ocean favor a near-normal
hurricane season in the Atlantic Basin this season. For the entire
six-month season... which begins June 1... noaa's climate prediction
center says there is a 70 percent chance of nine to 15 named
storms (with top winds of 39 mph or higher)... of which four to
eight will strengthen to a hurricane (with top winds of 74 mph or
higher) and of those one to three will become major hurricanes
(with top winds of 111 mph or higher... ranking category 3... 4 or
5). Based on the period 1981-2010... an average season produces 12
named storms with six hurricanes... including three major
hurricanes.

"Noaa's outlook predicts a less active season compared to recent
years" said NOAA administrator Jane lubchenco. "But regardless of
the outlook... its vital for anyone living or vacationing in
hurricane-prone locations to be prepared. We have a Stark reminder
this year with the 20th anniversary of hurricane andrew" said
lubchenco. Andrew... the category 5 hurricane that devastated
South Florida on August 24... 1992... was the first storm in a
late- starting season that produced only six named storms.

So how does this seasonal forecast relate to what we can expect here
in north carolina? Unfortunately there is really no way to know for
sure. Realize that no matter what the long range outlook calls
for... just one storm can spell disaster and preparing for these
storms and their threats is the key to safety. North Carolina is
one of the most hurricane ravaged states in the country. A look
back at our hurricane history tells the story.

Nearly 20 percent of all Atlantic tropical systems pass within at
least 300 miles of North Carolina. In any given year there is a
one in three chance that our state will experience a hurricane
landfall. A major hurricane threatens North Carolina at least once
every 11 years. The last storm to make landfall as a hurricane in
North Carolina was Hurricane Irene just last year. The last major
hurricane to threaten and impact the state was hurricane fran in
1996.

Since records have been kept dating back to 1806... over 70 tropical
systems have made direct landfall on the North Carolina coast.
Even more disturbing is the fact that around 100 tropical systems
have moved through the area impacting the state without actually
making landfall along our coast. North Carolinas unique geography
with respect to its protruding coastline makes the state a
favorable target for hurricanes. Residents living in the eastern
half of North Carolina from Raleigh to the coast protrude out into
the Atlantic Ocean along the same longitude as the Florida coast
and Bahamas. This geographical fact makes the coast from
Wilmington to Cape Hatteras the most favorable location for
hurricane and tropical storm landfalls.

The most active months for tropical systems in North Carolina are
August and September. However... hurricanes have wreaked havoc as
early as late June and as late as mid-November. The peak tropical
activity usually occurs in a six week period from mid-August to
late September. During active cycles in hurricane activity North
Carolina can experience multiple hurricanes and tropical storms
within weeks of each other.

When it comes to this hurricane season... beginning June 1st... being
"a force of nature" means taking appropriate actions and inspiring
others to do the same. An informed and motivated public will
transform the way the United States responds to hurricane seasons
and... ultimately... save more lives and livelihoods. Make a pledge
to prepare for this hurricane season... complete an emergency
preparedness plan... make or update your emergency kit... and be an
example by sharing your preparedness story with
family... friends... neighbors... and co-workers.

For more information about hurricane preparedness... please visit
the following web sites:
-http://www.NHC.NOAA.Gov/prepare
-http://www.Ready.Gov/hurricanes