- NC's cost for Hurricane Helene damage is nearly $60 billion, state says
- State to develop drone program to better respond to disasters like Helene, Florence
- South Carolina residents face deadline to get storm debris out to the curb after Hurricane Helene
- SCDOT to pick up Hurricane Helene debris for a final day in South Carolina
- Hurricane Helene destroyed this county's only hospital. Now, an urgent care facility is caring for the community.
Saturday marks the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season
SAN ANTONIO – The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season kicked off Saturday, and will last through Nov. 30.
For six months out of the year, meteorologists and oceanographers watch the Atlantic Basin for tropical storm development.
This year, forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Colorado State University predict a slightly below average season with only a 40% chance of a typical year. In a typical year, 12 storms will reach wind speeds of 39 mph or greater, receiving a name. Six of these storms strengthen to become hurricanes with sustained winds of 74 mph or greater. And of these six hurricanes, three will usually become major category 3 or higher storms with wind speeds of at least 111 mph. Although a slightly less average season is forecast, please remember that it only takes one storm to devastate a region.
So far, we’ve already seen one cyclone develop, which was given the name “Andrea” in mid-May. But as if right on cue, there is currently a disturbance near the Bay of Campeche that has a 40-50% chance of developing into a tropical depression. If it strengthens further to a tropical storm, it would be given the name “Barry.” However, it’s important to note that this system would NOT impact the Texas coastline- just bringing heavy rains to southern and southeastern Mexico.
Check out the rest of the names set aside for the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season. Did your name make the list?
Your Weather Authority will remain your trustworthy source for hurricane preparedness this season. In fact, download our Hurricane Tracker app!
With the KSAT12 HURRICANE APP, you can:
- See KSAT12’s Live Radar
- Monitor the projected hurricane path
- Get late-breaking storm information from Adam Caskey, Justin Horne, Mike Osterhage, Kaiti Blake and Sarah Spivey
- Receive the latest Watches and Warnings once a hurricane is being tracked
- Learn how to plan and prepare if a storm does come our way
- See the latest emergency information
KSAT12 is Your Weather Authority, tracking hurricanes with Live Radar, projected hurricane paths, and watches and warnings to keep you safe.
Our Hurricane App is FREE and available now — just search your app store for the keyword “KSAT.”
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