2013 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON ENDS TODAY

RICK SCOTT Governor	BRYAN W. KOON Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Saturday, November 30, 2013	CONTACT: (850) 921-0217 aaron.gallaher@em.myflorida.com www.FloridaDisaster.org
2013 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON ENDS TODAY ~Quietest Season in Recent Years Could Create Complacency~
TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) marks the end of the 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season today by reminding Floridians that emergency preparedness does not end with the hurricane season. The 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season was predicted to be an above average season with 13 to 20 named storms and three to six major hurricanes. However, the 2013 season was the sixth least active hurricane season since 1950 in terms of the collective strength and duration of named storms and hurricanes. “Complacency becomes the real threat with a slower than predicted season,” said Bryan Koon, FDEM director. “The last hurricane to make landfall in Florida was in 2005.  The last eight years have seen an influx of new residents, who may have experienced a tropical storm and believe that this event is the same in intensity as an actual hurricane. Memories also tend to fade with the passage of time between events, so even lifelong residents become complacent in their preparedness. We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to remain prepared and vigilant.” Two storms did impact Florida in 2013.  Tropical Storm Andrea made landfall on June 6 near Steinhatchee producing flooding and tornadoes. Remnants of Tropical Storm Karen crossed northern Florida on October 6. There were 13 named tropical systems, 2 of which were hurricanes. This is the fewest number of hurricanes in a season since 1982. Notably, there were no major hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin this year, an occurrence not seen since 1994. “Florida was fortunate to make it through another hurricane season without significant damage from a storm this year,” said Koon. “The models projected an active hurricane season this year. Many people believe all severe weather threats disappear at the end of hurricane season. Floridians and visitors must remember the other threats that exist, such as severe weather, flooding and wildfires.” The unusually low hurricane activity was linked to an unpredictable atmospheric pattern that produced more wind shear over the Atlantic Basin than originally forecast, along with several occurrences of Saharan dust from Africa that produced dry and stable air conditions in the eastern Atlantic, all of which prevented storms from forming or from becoming exceptionally strong. Several storm systems along the U.S. eastern seaboard also helped keep tropical systems in the Atlantic from making landfall. “It is difficult to predict when and where severe weather will occur this winter and spring, so the best course of action is to have a preparedness plan in place,” said FDEM State Meteorologist Amy Godsey. “It is important to ensure that your family knows in advance what actions to take in the event of severe weather and to respond quickly if a warning is issued for your area.” The end of hurricane season introduces the beginning of Florida’s severe weather and wildfire seasons, as strong cold fronts move through the state and typically drier conditions enhance wildfire potential through increasing soil dryness. Residents and visitors are encouraged to be prepared and to get a plan for all types of disasters. Information on emergency plans and disaster supply kits can be found  at www.FloridaDisaster.org, Follow FDEM on social media on Twitter at @FLSERT, Instagram @FloridaSERT, Vine @FloridaSERT, Pinterest FloridaSERT and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT and www.Facebook.com/KidsGetAPlan. ###

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