Gear up for the 2024 Hurricane Season

Hurricane Season spans from June to November (marked as the timespan during which most tropical storms and hurricanes appear), peaking in August to October when affected areas are on high alert. There are around 14 tropical storms that form each season, with about half developing into a hurricane.

The development into a hurricane is as follows:

• Named Storm: Wind speed >39 mph
• Hurricane: Wind speed > 74 mph

According to industry experts the 2024 hurricane season is expected to be one of the most active on record. In the 2023 hurricane season, we experienced 20 storms, seven of which became hurricanes. It's important to prepare for the upcoming season and respond swiftly to emergencies, given the rise in storms.

The 2023 hurricane season was one of the most powerful on record since 1950. Experts predict that this year could be the most potent hurricane season ever recorded.

• Active and Explosive: According to Alex DaSilva, Lead Hurricane Forecaster for AccuWeather, “All indications are pointing toward a very active and potentially explosive Atlantic hurricane season in 2024.”
• Warm North Atlantic Waters: “Insanely warm North Atlantic Sea surface temperatures to drive hyperactive season as La Niña develops again, with enhanced risk of Gulf of Mexico and Florida landfalls,” says Todd Crawford, Vice President of Meteorology at Atmospheric G2 and author of the outlook.
• Record Predictions: Pennsylvania State University predicts between 27 to 39 named storms for 2024, breaking the previous record of 30 storms held in 2020. Colorado State University also predicts a new record with 11 predicted hurricanes, with a likelihood of category 3, 4, or 5 storms.
• High Landfall Risks:
  • 62% chance of landfall along the entire U.S. coastline (compared to the historical average of 43%).
  • 34% chance for the U.S. East Coast, including the Florida Peninsula (average: 21%).
  • 42% chance for the Gulf Coast from the Florida panhandle to Brownsville (average: 27%).
  • 66% chance for the Caribbean (average: 47%).

Reasons Behind the Storm Surge:

• Warm Ocean Waters: The North Atlantic has experienced record-high temperatures for 417 consecutive days, with high ocean surface temperatures possibly creating an unstable atmosphere.
• Marine Heat Waves: Projected heat waves will continue to grow at least until September, further leading to an increased number of hurricanes.
• El Niño to La Niña Transition: The shift from El Niño to La Niña taking place in the summer, favors storm activity. While El Nino helps calm the atmosphere and even suppresses storm development, La Nina is associated with an increased likelihood of storms.

As hurricanes are most frequently associated with power outages and flooding, due to high winds and heavy rainfalls, the equipment most needed is pumps and generators.

Damage prevention through pumps

With hurricanes causing heavy rainfalls, flooding is a common occurrence in affected areas. Heavy rainfalls during hurricane Katrina led 80% of New Orleans, LA being under water. Seeing that the flooding of cities and municipalities causes damage both on a financial as well as mental level for a lot of people, pumps can be used to prevent damage to buildings and infrastructure. Smaller submersible pumps can be utilized for flooding within residential homes, whereas larger surface pumps can move larger amounts of water at greater speeds to protect important landmarks and infrastructure. Important for people living in areas commonly affected by flooding or hurricanes is to see if you’re in a flood zone. Placing equipment in areas that commonly flood will help minimize or even prevent damage to buildings and monuments. Seeing that pumps are more of a preventative measure in case of a hurricane, planning for your pumping needs before a hurricane hit is essential.

Power restoration through generators

Heavy storms can often damage power lines, causing widespread outages and long wait times for power to be restored. Recent storms in Texas left over 1 million homes and businesses without power, and during Hurricane Katrina, 82% of customers along the US Gulf Coast lost power, with some having to wait up to 12 days for their power to be restored. Power outages due to extreme weather have increased by 64% in the last decade, partly due to aging and outdated power lines. Estimates conclude that 70% of the US transmission lines are over 25 years old, which creates a major risk for communities affected by extreme weather. To restore power quickly to critical infrastructure like hospitals, generators are commonly relied upon. Different sizes cater to varying power needs, from smaller generators powering basic utilities and homes, to bigger generators powering hospitals, emergency shelters, communication centers, etc. The key in emergencies is swift response and being able to get the equipment where it is needed the most, while also keeping your workers safe.

While hurricanes and sever weather can catch us off guard, there are steps you can take to prepare your company and equipment for any type of emergency response:

1. Acquire necessary equipment and resources.

• Hire seasonal workers if needed
• Acquire additional equipment as required

2. Prepare your equipment and employees.

• Train employees on machinery for quick responses
• Make sure equipment is up to date and ready to be used

3. Advertise your ability to aid in an emergency.

• Make sure local authorities and municipalities know they can count on you

4. Expect the unexpected.

• Low risk areas can also be affected
• Quick preparation is key as storms can develop quickly

5. Stay informed and stay safe.

• Keep up to date via:
  • Map | National Risk Index (fema.gov) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa.gov)
  • Hurricane Preparedness and Response - Introduction | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)
  • Track latest weather developments: National Hurricane Center (noaa.gov)
  • Flood Zones and Maps: | Flood Zones | FloodSmart
• Follow safety guidelines and alerts during emergencies to protect yourself and your colleagues

As Hurricane Season quickly approaches, making sure your equipment and rental fleet plans are finalized ensures resources can be delivered on time. Whether you need equipment, service, or maintenance, your local Atlas Copco representatives are here to help. Contact us via phone at 1-800-732-6762, and let’s work together to prepare you for any type of emergency response.