Grenada: NaDMA predicts super active Atlantic Hurricane Season this year

Grenada: The National Disaster Management Agency of Grenada and other stakeholders are taking proactive measures for what is being described as a super-active hurricane season. The predictions from reputable meteorological organisations are for 20 named storms.

An average Atlantic Season has 14 named storms, including seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. The upcoming Atlantic Hurricane season, expected to have above normal activity, with between 17 to 25 storms.

Due to factors including high sea surface temperatures, a discussion was held on Wednesday hosted by the National Disaster Management Agency of Grenada along with other stakeholders hosted a meeting to mark the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season 2024.

During the meeting, Meteorological Forecaster Gerard Tamar, while sharing the 2024 outlook, said that all reputable agencies and bodies who do seasonal forecasts had predicted a super-active season. “The Colorado State University National Hurricane Center, Accuweather, just to name a few, all are going for above 20 name storms, and that’s a lot,” he stated.

Tamar further noted that while taking an average 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes, seven major hurricanes, there is a lot of cyclonic activity, bearing in mind the average for the last 30 years is 14.

He said that there is increased tropical wave activity, which further adds to the urgency of preparedness. What the experts are saying is that it is unusual to see so much convective activity with tropical waves at this time.

“But we have some really strong, a very strong tropical waves, which is unusual. So this so if this is a sign of things to come, we are in for quite, quite an active and a turbulent season,” added the forecaster.

Disaster coordinator Doctor Terrence Walters added to the conversation by urging the public to stay tuned to credible sources.

He stated that everyone depends on social media and on whatever is available to get the information out and people must watch social media to keep track of the weather changes taking places across the Caribbean.