Page 4 - LifeInNaples_57

How bad could the upcoming hurricane season be?
Perhaps, the busiest ever. This is largely due to the
near record-high temperatures in the Atlantic
Ocean, along with reduced Atlantic trade winds, less
wind shear, and a stronger than average African
monsoon season. The La Niña conditions in the
Pacific Ocean are also linked to a more active
Atlantic season.

All these factors combined (warmer water, wind
shear, active African monsoon season, and La
Niña) are the “perfect storm” of conditions required
for producing many, many hurricanes.
NOAA has predicted that there will likely be between
17 and 25 named storms forming this year. Up to 13
of those storms are expected to become hurricanes
and 7 of that number are expected to be major
Category 3 or higher storms.
This season has the markings to perhaps be the
most destructive on record. Even as I write this
column, Hurricane BERYL- the largest, early
hurricane ever has just finished wreaking havoc
from the southern Caribbean all the way to Texas.
Now is the time to be and get prepared by doing
the following:

Get your supplies
Go over your plans if you shelter in place
Know your evacuation routes
Have copies of all important papers, medical
records, and prescriptions

All it takes is one storm to destroy a community.
Over the course of my life, I have been through
51 storms in Florida, the Caribbean, and Asia and
had two vessels sunk under me from storms. I have
the greatest respect for the power of Mother Nature,
please, this storm season, you do the same.

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LIFE IN NAPLES