After three back-to-back La Nina years, the presumed return of El Nino is playing a factor in NOAA forecasters predicting a near normal Atlantic hurricane season, which begins one week from today.
Administrator Dr. Rick Spinrad believes with the unveiling of a new hurricane model next month, the track and intensity of forecasts will be improved by up to 15%. It especially focuses on improving forecasts for rapid intensification.
In July, NOAA's supercomputing capacity will be expanded by 20% allowing for more complex forecast models.
With a long holiday weekend upon us, Miami-Dade County's mayor says this is the perfect opportunity to make a safety plan, trim trees and check to make sure storm shutters, if you have them, work.
Daniella Levine Cava also recommends checking your storm kit for enough food, water and supplies for 72 hours after the storm.
She says the county is already preparing for flooding in hotspots with temporary dams up and vacuum trucks ready to be dispatched.
She adds the county's Emergency Management Department will join Miami Beach officials next month for a tabletop exercise simulating an emergency response.