June 1 marks the official beginning of the Hurricane season which runs until November 30. Authorities are predicting a very active Hurricane season with Tropical Storm Arthur and Bertha forming in May 12 and 25 respectively. And it looks like Cristobal will form in a day or two in the southern Gulf of Mexico—threatening Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana with winds and heavy rainfall.

Senior Meteorological Officer(Ag), Marshall Alexander said, “The prediction this year is for an above normal season. There is a 70% chance of 13-19 named storms, 6-10 Hurricanes and 3-6 major Hurricanes of category 3,4 or 5 with winds of 111 MPH or higher.

Alexander said that an average Hurricane season produces 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.

This season’s hurricane activity is as a result of favorable winds over West Africa, warmer than average sea surface temperatures and the absence of the El nino which usually suppresses hurricane intensity.

Residents must continue to follow established protocols for COVID-19 while making preparations for the Hurricane season and hazards which may likely affect your area such as flooding, landslides, falling rocks or high sea swells.