As the 2024 hurricane season intensifies, it’s crucial for business leaders to stay informed and prepared. Colorado State University recently updated its forecast, predicting an even more active season than initially expected. With the National Hurricane Center’s forecasts and warnings readily available, there’s no better time than now to ensure your business is storm-ready.
Updated Hurricane Season Forecast
Colorado State University’s latest predictions highlight a significant increase in storm activity:
- Named storms: Increased from 23 to 25 (1991-2020 average is 14.4)
- Total hurricanes: Increased from 11 to 12 (1991-2020 average is 7.2)
- Major hurricanes: Increased from five to six (1991-2020 average is 3.2)
- Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE): Increased from 210 to 230 (1991-2020 average is 123)
Philip Klotzbach, an expert in Atlantic basin hurricane forecasts, attributes this heightened activity to the potential development of La Niña. La Niña typically leads to increased hurricane activity by reducing vertical wind shear in the Caribbean and tropical Atlantic. Additionally, the North Atlantic’s above-average warmth further fuels this active forecast.
Learnings from Hurricane Beryl
Hurricane Beryl’s impact earlier this season serves as a stark reminder of the potential devastation. Affecting Jamaica, Mexico, and Texas, Beryl left around 2.7 million Texans without power and posed significant tornado risks, even after being downgraded to a tropical storm.
Steps to Protect Your Business
Given these predictions, it’s imperative for business leaders to act swiftly. Here are some steps to safeguard your operations:
- Create a Comprehensive Plan: Develop a detailed hurricane preparedness plan that includes communication protocols, emergency contacts, and clear roles and responsibilities for your team.
- Migrate to the Cloud: Ensure your critical data is secure by migrating to cloud-based solutions. This not only protects against data loss but also allows for seamless access and recovery.
- Leverage Free Resources: Utilize free resources available on WheelHouse IT’s storm page to guide your preparedness efforts. From disaster recovery plans to cybersecurity measures, these tools can help fortify your business against storm-related disruptions.
- Stay Informed: Regularly monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center for the latest forecasts and warnings. Timely information can be crucial in making informed decisions during a storm.
- Invest in Backup Power Solutions: To mitigate the risk of power outages, consider investing in backup generators or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) to keep essential operations running.
Final Thoughts
It’s never too late to start preparing for the hurricane season. By taking proactive steps now, you can ensure your business is resilient and ready to weather the storms ahead. For more detailed guidance and resources, visit our storm page.
Stay safe and prepared, and don’t hesitate to reach out to WheelHouse IT for assistance in protecting your business.
For official storm forecasts and warnings, visit the National Hurricane Center.
By preparing today, you can protect your business tomorrow. Let’s face the hurricane season together, with confidence and resilience.
