Atlantic Hurricane Season: Less Active, But Still Dangerous

0:00It's March 26th. Welcome in. This is Hartford News Today, where local news meets AI. Meteorologists at AccuWeather have issued their forecast for the Atlantic hurricane season, predicting a slightly less active year overall. They expect between 11 and 16-name storms, 4-7 hurricanes, and 2-4 major ones of Category 3, or higher. The season officially kicks off June 1st and runs through the end of November, with 3-5 possible direct hits on the U.S. mainland. A developing El Nino pattern is expected to bring stronger winds that disrupt storm formation, especially later in the season. There's even a 15% chance of a super El Nino forming by the second half. Still, warmer than average ocean temperatures across the Atlantic, extending deep down, could fuel rapid intensification and powerful storms. Much like last year's record 23-name storms. In New England, direct hurricane landfalls are rare, with the last one in Connecticut being Hurricane Bob back in 1991.

1:02Storms like Irene in 2011 and Sandy in 2012 caused big damage as tropical storms or after landfall elsewhere. Local geography, including high pressure, near Bermuda and the Long Island Sound Barrier, often steers threats away or weakens them. Even with fewer storms forecast, experts warn the risk remains high for impacts anywhere along the coast. Water temperatures are prime for trouble, and early season activity can't be ruled out. So while the outlook is a bit calmer, it only takes one storm to change everything. Now's the time to check your insurance. Stock emergency kits with water, food, radios, and meds. Know your evacuation routes and sign up for local. Alerts to stay safe.