VIDEO: Hurricane Season 2017, Be Prepared
June 07, 2017
For the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season, which started June 1 and runs through Nov. 30, forecasters are mostly predicting above average storm activity.
Ray Toll, director of coastal resilience research at Old Dominion University, said while it's difficult to accurately predict this season's intensity so early, east coast sea surface temperatures are warmer than normal this year, and that is a key component for hurricane development.
"We don't know for sure what kind of season it will be or if we will have a strong La Nina or El Nino. La Nina is when we're very active in the Western Atlantic. El Nino is when it's very active in the Pacific Ocean," he said. Watch the video for hurricane preparation tips.
In May 2017, Old Dominion University was designated a StormReady University by the National Weather Service. This voluntary certification program recognizes communities that make a concerted effort to prepare for all types of severe weather hazards through the implementation of planning, public information and warning systems, as well as outreach programs. ODU is the third university in Virginia and one of 200 universities nationwide to receive StormReady certification.
For more information on storm readiness, visit theVirginia Department of Emergency Management website that includes new "Know Your Zone" maps of flood prone areas and evacuation routes.
