As the central Pacific hurricane season approaches, Hawaii officials are urging residents to prioritize preparedness despite forecasts predicting a below-normal year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipates between one to four tropical cyclones this season, compared to the near-normal expectation of four to five systems.
Last year's strong El Nino conditions contributed to four tropical cyclones entering the central Pacific. This year, a swift transition to La Nina conditions has led scientists to expect fewer storms in the Pacific, while the Atlantic may see an uptick.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green has declared hurricane preparedness week, emphasizing the importance of readiness regardless of seasonal predictions. \"It's important to prepare for that threat this season and not wait for a season where we expect it to be more active,\" stated Christopher Brenchley, director of NOAA's Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
The vulnerability of Hawaii's housing infrastructure adds to the urgency. Many homes, especially on Oahu, feature single-wall construction without adequate hurricane protections. Daniel Gilford, a climate scientist with Climate Central, warns that warmer sea-surface temperatures driven by climate change can intensify storms, making even a single cyclone impactful.
With the hurricane season running from June 1 to November 30, officials stress that proactive measures are essential to safeguard lives and properties against the unpredictable nature of tropical storms.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
