June 1st marks the beginning of the 2011 Hurricane Season for Florida. Ending on November 30th, this hurricane season has 21 names to be used as each hurricane forms and passes. With the catastrophic weather that has been occurring throughout the United States this year, many are wondering if the 2011 hurricane season in Tampa will be just as severe.
The past 10 years have had more Category 5 hurricanes than the entire recorded history of Cat 5’s. The country’s weather the past few months has caused concern in many citizens of Tampa that the 2011 hurricane season will bring another Category 5 hurricane, but what do the experts say? Predictions have been made that the end of August until the beginning October will provide the most severe hurricanes. The Colorado State University Forecasters have predicted 16 named storms, 9 hurricanes and 5 of those hurricanes developing into “major hurricanes with sustained winds of 111 mph or greater” (Gray & Klotzbach; colostate.edu). These 2011 hurricane season predictions are well above average in comparison to previous hurricane seasons.
Tampa citizens and all in coastal Florida should prepare for the 2011 hurricane season as they have in previous years. Having a family plan, food, water and energy supply along with knowing evacuation routes are vital. Don’t forget to plan ahead for the 2011 hurricane season in Tampa and stock up on all the necessities for emergency weather. Those who plan always have a higher rate of not only saving what they own, but saving themselves and others.
