NOAA Predicts Above-Average 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season

NOAA has predicted an “above-average” 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season and we have already seen a noticeable increase in activity.  Just last month Tropical Storm Arlene became the first named storm of the 2017 season and is the only other named tropical storm ever recorded for the month of April.  Florida residents can take advantage of Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday (June 2-4, 2017) and purchase tax-free hurricane supplies such as flashlights, batteries, generators, and more.  For a full list of tax-exempt items see the Florida Revenue website.

“The outlook reflects our expectation of a weak or non-existent El Nino, near- or above-average sea-surface temperatures across the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and average or weaker-than-average vertical wind shear in that same region,” said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.