(WWL.com) - Forecasters are predicting a below average hurricane season this year, in the first forecast of 2019. Colorado State University expects 13 named storms, five hurricanes, and two major hurricanes for season starting June 1st. Graduate research assistant Jhordanne Jones says the cap on severe storms comes courtesy of this year’s El Nino.
“There will be a consistent and persistent El Nino throughout the course of the year, and that is one of our biggest predictors.”
Tropical Atlantic sea surfaces temperatures are also expected to be slightly below their long-term averages.
Jones says the predicted El Nino in the Pacific will likely tear apart most Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic based systems before they have a chance to develop into major storms.
“When we have strong temperatures within the Pacific, it tends to create winds that oppose hurricane activity. It creates shear in the Atlantic.”
CSU will update us on the season’s progress again on June 4th.
And if this prediction feels like deja vu, then no, you’re not crazy. Last year’s devastating season that crippled parts of the Panhandle and Carolinas was also a “below average” forecast. Jones says that should be a good reminder of just how dangerous any season can be.
“It only takes one storm to make it a really bad season for us. Always be prepared for at leastBelow one major hurricane that may come through.”
The 2018 season caused nearly 50 billion dollars worth of damage, and killed over a hundred people.