NOAA Releases 2007 Hurricane Forecast

The 2006 seasonal hurricane predictions proved to be too high when an unexpected El Niño rapidly developed and created an environment unfavorable for tropical development. This year, El Niño is no more, and the hurricane forecasters at NOAA are once again predicting a 75% chance that we'll see an above normal season. Here are their numbers released this morning at a press conference.



Appropriately enough, this is Hurricance Preparedness Week in Virginia, and across the Nation. Southwest Virginia has been impacted by hurricanes throughout history with devasting results. Hurricane Camille, Hugo, tornado outbreaks with Ivan and major flooding with Jeane. It's not wind and storm surge, rather Inland flooding that is our main concern here. As heavy, tropical rain falls, the mountains funnel it all into the valleys where flooding is a common occurence. Now is the time to prepare, as it will eventually happen again.

-Find out if you're in a flood-prone area
-Purchase flood insurance if necessary
-Put together a disaster kit and evacuation plan
-Obey ALL watches and warnings issued
-NEVER drive through flooded roads.

Severe weather can be scary no matter how much warning time you have, but by preparing early, you might just end up saving property and lives.

--Brent