The 2009 Season - Off to a late start, but not a record yet!

With Tropical Disturbance #32 showing signs of intensification, we could have tropical storm Ana within 24 hours. However, this late start to the season is by no means a record. According to the National Hurricane Center, records dating back to 1851 show the latest start with a tropical storm was September 15th back in 1914. The latest in the season for the first hurricane was October 8th, 1905.

However, since there were no satellites back in those days, it's entirely possible that there were storms that occurred without being observed. Since 1966, when reliable observation via satellite began, the latest tropical storm was August 30, 1967 and the latest hurricane was Gustav on September 11th, 2002.

2009 Hurricane Season Update

Well, the 2009 hurricane season is off to one of the slowest starts on record. We've yet to have our first named storm in the Atlantic (though Tropical Depression 29 has a slight potential for mischief in the next few days). As a matter of fact, you have to go back to 1992 to find a season that matches the level of inactivity we've seen so far. However, here's an important fact you need to keep in mind: The first storm in 1992 didn't arrive until August 16th, but it was a Category 5 storm named Andrew that slammed into south Florida with 165 MPH winds, then veered into Louisiana. Andrew left 65 people dead and was responsible for $38 billion (in 2006 dollars) in damages. So we're fortunate that a combination of factors has led to a quieter than normal season, but it's still important that we don't become complacent. Remember, it only takes one good storm to make it a bad hurricane season for you!

And speaking of planning, I've noticed that there are several good sales under way at local retailers. I've seen bottled water on sale for under four bucks a case. Remember that a case of 24 one-liter bottles is approximately three gallons, and you need at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and food preparation. Also, I've seen "AA" batteries on sale at Radio Shack for just over $10 a pack of 40, which is roughly 50% off. For those who wish to take the plunge and purchase a generator, Mayberry's (http://www.mayberrys.com/indexnew.htm) has the EU2000i on sale for $899 and the EU3000i is on sale for $1,899 (that's about $100 off for each). Shipping is free and there is no tax for Texas residents. If the slow season continues, you should be able to buy weather radios, flashlights and other hurricane preparedness supplies at a discount throughout the summer. Now would be a great time to get prepared for the rest of the year, and for whatever nature has in store for us in 2010. Remember that you can access a wealth of information, as well as download a very comprehensive checklist at http://www.hidefromthewind.com/.

As always, my advice stays the same: Hope for the best, but plan for the worst!