Prepare for a stormy hurricane season with the ‘Be Ready for a Hurricane’ guide from the city of Corpus Christi. Courtesy image
NOAA predicts above-normal hurricane season for 2022
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2022, which began June 1 and runs through the end of November. NOAA studies and reports the state of the oceans and the atmosphere and provides weather warnings and forecasts via the National Weather Service.
Preparation is critical, especially with a 65-percent probability of more hurricanes in 2022. The city of Corpus Christi offers a helpful online guide, Be Ready for a Hurricane, to answer questions and help residents prepare.
The increased hurricane risk stems from continuing La Niña conditions, reported NOAA weather experts. La Niña is a natural, cyclical cooling of parts of the Pacific Ocean along the equator that changes weather patterns worldwide. The current La Niña began in late 2020. That year's hurricane season had the most named storms ever.
For 2022, NOAA forecasts a likely range of 14-21 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher) of which six to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including three to six major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher).
“Early preparation and understanding your risk is key to being hurricane-resilient and climate-ready,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo said in a media release. “Throughout the hurricane season, NOAA experts will work around-the-clock to provide early and accurate forecasts and warnings that communities in the path of storms can depend on to stay informed.”
The Corpus Christi guide notes how to ready a home, boat, and business for a great storm as well as what to do with pets and where to meet if your family is separated.
Residents might also find it helpful to check insurance coverage. The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association Board of Directors approved a $500 million line of credit to enhance the association's liquidity if a catastrophic storm impacts the Texas coast this year. Total funding of $4.236 billion for this year’s storm season was also board-approved.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed and check the National Weather Service for Corpus Christi and local media sources regularly and follow guidelines
For information on creating a hurricane plan, visit the City of Corpus Christi webpage.
