In a major development highlighting the urgency of hurricane preparedness, senior government officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) held a joint press briefing today to issue the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season outlook. With forecasts predicting up to 25 named storms, including as many as 13 hurricanes, the officials underscored the need for communities to take proactive steps to safeguard against potential devastation.
“As more communities experience the devastation from powerful and destructive storms, now is the time for everyone to take steps to prepare for hurricane season,” emphasized Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas, stressing the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to supporting state, local, tribal, and territorial partners.
Ramping Up Resources
Key Points:
- Forecasts predict up to 25 named storms, with 4-7 potentially reaching “major hurricane” status (winds of 111 mph or higher)
- FEMA has opened a new, larger distribution center in Pennsylvania to ensure quicker deployment of critical supplies
- The agency is also updating contingency contracts to support rapid disaster response and recovery operations
Building Community Resilience
In the face of increasingly severe weather patterns, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell urged individuals and communities to take a proactive approach. “Building resilience can be as simple as making an emergency plan, talking about it with family and neighbors, and staying informed,” she stated.
Interagency Collaboration
While NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad acknowledged the heightened storm activity projected for the season, he emphasized the agency’s close collaboration with FEMA.
“NOAA has been working closely with FEMA to prepare for the storms we will face this season, enabling quick response and recovery in the aftermath of storms,” Spinrad said.
FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik A. Hooks echoed the call for public preparedness, stressing the importance of understanding unique risks and evacuation plans.
“Right now, before hurricane season officially begins, is the time to make sure people have a clear understanding of their unique needs,” Hooks urged.
“We’re working with communities to understand their risks and Be in the Know when it comes to their evacuation plans, including where to go, what to bring, and where to get good information.”
Coordinated Response Efforts
Additionally, NOAA’s National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan highlighted the agency’s close coordination with FEMA through frequent decision support briefings throughout the hurricane season, allowing for better response and recovery efforts.
Next Steps
Moving forward, officials from both agencies emphasized the need for continued vigilance and preparedness as hurricane season approaches. While the outlook is concerning, the proactive measures being taken aim to enhance community resilience and minimize the potential impacts of severe storms.
Visit Ready.gov for up-to-date information and resources on hurricane preparedness.
Sources: THX News & US Department of Homeland Security.
