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Budget Cuts Could Make This The Most Dangerous Hurricane Season Ever
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on Saturday and despite warnings of an above-average season and increasingly intense storms driven by climate change, key agencies are facing mandatory cuts that threaten their ability to prepare and protect at-risk communities.
In releasing its annual hurricane season outlook last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted an “active or extremely active” season, with 13 to 20 named storms — 7 to 11 of which could become hurricanes, including 3 to 6 major hurricanes.
These ranges are well above the seasonal average of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.
In addition, climate change is fueling more intense and destructive storms. As Kerry Emanuel, professor of atmospheric science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, explains, “Climate change is causing a greater number of intense storms. The total number of storms has remained constant, but the proportion of high-intensity events has gone steadily upward in most parts of the world. Scientific models and real-world observations both suggest that the frequency of intense storms is going up.”
As climate change warms the oceans, water evaporates faster — driving stronger winds, more rain, and more powerful hurricanes. And as sea levels rise, the storm surges from hurricanes will be more destructive, posing a serious threat to coastal communities.
These impacts were brought to bear last fall when Superstorm Sandy struck New York and New Jersey. Unusually warm water temperatures fueled the late-season storm and sea-level rise enabled the most devastating aspect of the storm — unprecedented storm surges. Sandy’s tremendous size and catastrophic surges left 147 people dead and caused an estimated $72 billion in damages.
As coastal communities are increasingly vulnerable to more severe storms, across-the-board cuts mandated by the sequester could undermine the ability of federal agencies to keep communities informed and prepared for severe weather.
The National Weather Service, already cash-strapped and under scrutiny for sub-par computer modeling, will be grappling with a hiring freeze and mandatory furloughs as it heads into a potentially daunting hurricane season. The NWS office in Tallahassee, which typically has 18 meteorologists on staff, is down to 14 due to the cuts.
READ MORE
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/05/31/2082911/climate-change-and-budget-cuts-dangerous-hurricane-season/
In releasing its annual hurricane season outlook last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted an “active or extremely active” season, with 13 to 20 named storms — 7 to 11 of which could become hurricanes, including 3 to 6 major hurricanes.
These ranges are well above the seasonal average of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.
In addition, climate change is fueling more intense and destructive storms. As Kerry Emanuel, professor of atmospheric science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, explains, “Climate change is causing a greater number of intense storms. The total number of storms has remained constant, but the proportion of high-intensity events has gone steadily upward in most parts of the world. Scientific models and real-world observations both suggest that the frequency of intense storms is going up.”
As climate change warms the oceans, water evaporates faster — driving stronger winds, more rain, and more powerful hurricanes. And as sea levels rise, the storm surges from hurricanes will be more destructive, posing a serious threat to coastal communities.
These impacts were brought to bear last fall when Superstorm Sandy struck New York and New Jersey. Unusually warm water temperatures fueled the late-season storm and sea-level rise enabled the most devastating aspect of the storm — unprecedented storm surges. Sandy’s tremendous size and catastrophic surges left 147 people dead and caused an estimated $72 billion in damages.
As coastal communities are increasingly vulnerable to more severe storms, across-the-board cuts mandated by the sequester could undermine the ability of federal agencies to keep communities informed and prepared for severe weather.
The National Weather Service, already cash-strapped and under scrutiny for sub-par computer modeling, will be grappling with a hiring freeze and mandatory furloughs as it heads into a potentially daunting hurricane season. The NWS office in Tallahassee, which typically has 18 meteorologists on staff, is down to 14 due to the cuts.
READ MORE
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/05/31/2082911/climate-change-and-budget-cuts-dangerous-hurricane-season/
It's true that we can't control the weather and atmospheric conditions will determine what type of hurricane season we have; however, without the personnel to watch the weather, make the predictions, then notify the people, there could/would be many lives at stake, along with more property damage.
Just knowing one can hit a specific area, prompts people to make preparation to protect lives and property.
Just knowing one can hit a specific area, prompts people to make preparation to protect lives and property.
I understand what you are saying teko and I am glad they aren't making those cuts. But, if you doubled the staff at NOAA and FEMA, you can't control the weather and that is what will dictate what kind of a hurricane season the nation has.
When is something not going to be blammed on climate change? Thought that because of climate change that ice sheets were melting dumping cold water into the oceans. Well don't these storms form because of warm water? I hear contradiction time and time again with climate change.
But if you look at average temps they really have not risen.
But if you look at average temps they really have not risen.
Good news! I heard just this am, they will not be cutting anyone at NOAA due to the hurricane season. Whoever thought this was a good idea to begin with should have they head examined. Cut personnell thru november? November ends the hurricane season. Numnuts
Yet being the key word here, altho they are watching a low out in the gulf as we speak for possible development. Point being, cuts of this nature at this time of the year, are pure stupidity and reckless endangerment.
I'm with you on that.
Would it really be the cuts that make this the worst hurricane season ever, or would it actually be the weather?
Nothings touched the shore yet....
Would it really be the cuts that make this the worst hurricane season ever, or would it actually be the weather?
Nothings touched the shore yet....
I bet you are right!
I wish they would allow us to decide where the Cuts should be made. I bet we could find enough waste to make a huge difference.
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