Some of the folks I’ve spoken in Houston regarding their 2009 hurricane preparedness have told me they think it’s safe to let their guard down this year. Most of the predictions are coming in at either an average or below-average hurricane season. And given that we just had our “big one” in the form of Hurricane Ike, many people believe this is the season where we can relax—that it would be a long shot to get another big storm this year. Well, for those who think that because it’s a statistical long shot they have nothing to worry about, I would remind them that the winner of this year’s Kentucky derby was a 50-to-1 long shot!
The forecasters are predicting that we may see two major hurricanes this year somewhere in the United States. Whether or not one ends up coming to your region is impossible to say at this point. But if it does, the consequences of getting caught unprepared are the same whether it’s a busy hurricane season or a light one. As the folks in the weather business often say, “it only takes one storm to make it a bad hurricane year for you!”
This time last year, none of us knew 2008 would be the year when Hurricane Ike would wreak havoc on the Houston-Galveston vicinity. And just like last year, we have no way of knowing what the months ahead hold in store. So I would strongly advise folks against getting complacent this year. Which means that my advice for this year is the same as in years past: Hope for the best, but plan for the worst!
Here’s hoping it’s a nice, quiet season in the Gulf of Mexico and along the US coasts!
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1 comment:
Let's hope for quiet and peaceful season. But to be frank, hurricanes are quite beautiful. I know they are more destructive than being beautiful however.
Unknown Flower
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