The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is warning residents in the national capital region to be prepared for an active hurricane season.
It is impossible to tell whether any storms will make it far enough north to affect the region, but a busy storm season is predicted, said Dennis Feltgen, a meteorologist and public affairs specialist with the administration. Forecasters expect 13 to 16 named storms, of which eight to 10 are likely to be hurricanes — and four to six of those may become major storms. A typical year has 11 named storms, including six hurricanes and two major storms.
Predictions of increased storm activity come a year after New Orleans and the Gulf Coast were devastated by Hurricane Katrina, suffering mass casualties and billions of dollars in property loss. Local, state and federal authorities are working to ensure that the public is better prepared for another storm.
“The message is be prepared, not just aware,” Feltgen said. He added that, while storms like the ones that occur along the Southern Atlantic seaboard of the United States are uncommon, the region is susceptible to flooding and storm surges caused by the storms that do occur.
“There is a misperception out there that hurricanes are only a coastal problem. Storm surges are the most deadly aspects of a hurricane,” he said.
Public safety agencies in Alexandria have conducted drills to practice hurricane response, said Alexandria police spokeswoman Amy Bertsch. Hurricane preparedness for the city is managed by Mark Penn, emergency management coordinator.
“The Police Department will plan and adjust officer schedules and require additional officers for patrol work” during a hurricane or storm surge, Bertsch said.
The Washington region was most recently affected by Hurricane Isabel in September 2003. The storm, which made landfall in North Carolina, worked its way north, causing strong winds and heavy flooding in the capital region.
In 1999, the region was stuck by Hurricane Floyd, which also caused strong winds and flooding.
Stocking up
» Meteorologist Dennis Feltgen said residents should have enough food, water and medicine to supply three people for three days.
» He also recommended having a plan for what to do with pets. He said many of the people who were victims of Katrina stayed behind to be with their animals.
