The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1, and the U.S. Geological Survey is prepared to provide science that can help guide efforts to protect lives and property if a major storm makes landfall this season.Already there have been two tropical storms before the official start of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to Nov. 30. This year there is a 60% chance of an above average season and a 30% chance of a near-normal season according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center’s 2020 hurricane season forecast.
An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms with winds of 39 miles per hour or higher, and includes six hurricanes, three of which are major hurricanes with winds of 111 miles per hour or higher. This year the NOAA forecast calls for 13 to 19 named storms, of which six to 10 could become hurricanes with three to six of those being major hurricanes.
You can track storm-tide sensor and RDG deployments and view past storms on the USGS Flood Event Viewer and see USGS streamgage readings in real time on both the viewer and the USGS National Water Information System.
During a disaster like a hurricane, first responders often rely on the USGS National Geospatial Program, which collects, archives and shares digital records of the nation’s topography, natural landscape and human-made environment. The program’s Geospatial Information Response Team (GIRT) works within the USGS and with partner agencies to provide key information to federal, state and local agencies, emergency managers and first responders. The information is shown on multi-layered digital maps or on printed maps that can provide a big-picture view of a storm’s impacts or a close-up of a specific community. READ MORE>>>
