Another Hurricane Season Approaches

Hurricane Epsilon (2005) from space. (NASA public domain photo)

Unbelievably, the beginning of the 2011 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season is only 45 days away.  This month, experts once again called for an above average season in terms of tropical activity, with a greater chance than last year of a US landfall.

 

HURRICANE SEASON for the Atlantic Basin:  June 1 - November 30

Peak activity is usually August - October 

Last year, Hurricane Alex didn't appear until almost the end of June.  And, in 2007, Subtropical Storm Andrea was named on May 6!  So, who knows when Arlene - the first name on this year's list - will arrive?  No one, really. 

The list of the names that will be used this year is the same list that was used for the hyperactive 2005 season, except for the FIVE names from that year that were retired. To see this years list, including the five new names, which ones they are replacing, and why, see  Atlantic Basin 2011 Hurricane Names.   Here's a hint:  Hurricane Katrina.

Pre-season reminders:

1 - Check your supply of betteries.

2 - Make sure your NOAA Weather Alert Radio is in good working condition.

3 - Where are your important papers and data?  Can you easily grab them for evacuation?

4 - Review your evacuation plans.  Don't forget to include your pets!

5 - Check seasonal cruise prices.  (It's often cheaper to cruise during peak hurricane season)

UPDATE on Carnival Ecstasy

Just received news that the Port of Galveston DID, indeed, close during the night... there are 5 ships that are waiting for the harbor to open so that they can enter. Presumably, the Carnival Ecstasy would be one of those five.

Hurricane Alex

 

Tiki bar at Cozumel on a beautiful day.

Some cruisers encountered less than ideal weather in Cozumel last week, courtesy of then Tropical Storm Alex.

Well the 2010 Hurricane Season is off to a rip-roaring start in the Atlantic Basin.  Alex was upgraded to a hurricane last night, and, while he's still a Category 1, he's a big boy in terms of size.  He also has a very low minimum central pressure, so additional strengthening is certainly possible before landfall on the western gulf coast.  He's slowed down, and that can make him even more dangerous for wherever he strikes... and for a wide surrounding area, given his size.

There was minimal disruption in cruise itineraries as TS Alex came near Cozumel. Just one ship headed east to Nasau in leiu of Cozumel, and two others simply  reversed their scheduled port calls. 

Today's  turn-around for the Ecstasy could have been be affected, but the storm was considerate enough to move in time for the port of Galveston to be out of the danger area for the ship to return.  (Passengers may well have experienced the effects of some higher than normal seas, though.)  Let's hope he's equally considerate to the residents of northern Mexico and lower Texas.

June hurricanes aren't common, but aren't unheard of, either.  The season has just begun, so aware that your cruise between now and late November  could be affected this year, which is predicted to be unusually active.    Check my previous blog entry, Cruising During Hurricane Season for some basic tips.

This blog entry sponsored by

Cruise Ready Store