Here's what NOAA is predicting for the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, has released the 2020 Hurricane Season Outlook, predicting a busy season for the Atlantic.
According to NOAA forecasters, there's a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season and only a 10% chance of a below-normal season.
They also predict the following:
- Named storms: 13-19 (winds of 39 mph or higher)
- Hurricanes: 6-10 (winds of 75 mph or higher)
- Major hurricanes: 3-6 (winds of 111 mph or higher)
An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which six become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.
There's already been one named storm so far. Tropical Storm Arthur became the first, forming off the coast of Florida on Saturday.
That makes it the sixth straight year for a named storm to develop before the official June 1 start of the Atlantic hurricane season.
Before the outlook, FEMA released its Hurricane 2020 Pandemic plan, and city and county leaders are studying it carefully to determine appropriate storm responses during these unprecedented times.
Instead of sending volunteers to assess damage, FEMA officials say they might do it virtually, looking at video, photos, and talking with emergency management teams.
If workers have to physically go to communities, there will be a lot fewer of them.
FEMA says if you evacuate or if you have to stay in a shelter, be sure to wear a mask.
RELATED: 1 Michigan dam breached, 1 at risk amid Midwest floods
People in Michigan are already struggling with pandemic response restraints as storms brought widespread flooding.
"I couldn't sleep at all last night wearing that face mask. I'm supposed to wear it." one Michiganian said. "They had a sign in there to wear it. But there's some in there that's still not wearing it."
Hurricane season lasts until Nov. 30.
