Above Average Season Predicted, 19 Named Storms

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – We are now one month away from the official start of the hurricane season but officials are urging residents to act now as meteorologists predict another above-average hurricane season.

Officials are predicting an above-average hurricane season with 19 named storms, nine hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.

As a result, the month of May has been named National Disaster Preparedness Month.

According to the minister responsible Myles Laroda, a comprehensive disaster mitigation strategy was developed.

The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1st and ends November 31st.

However, Acting Director of Meteorology Jeffrey Simmons says like years before, it’s likely systems will form outside of the hurricane season.

In 2019, Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 hurricane packing winds over 157 mph winds, battered Abaco and Grand Bahama.

Following the devastating hurricane, officials have been working to better prepare themselves in the event another monster hurricane hit Bahamian shores.

For instance, National Emergency Management Agency Director Captain Stephen Russell says plans are finalized to more efficiently and effectively care for the dead in the aftermath of a disaster.

He said other disaster mechanisms are in place.

He said NEMA also received a mobile shelter system that can accommodate 400 individuals with field kitchens able to prepare up to 600 meals per day.