‘Extremely Active’ Atlantic Hurricane Season Expected
The city of Charleston faces a potentially turbulent disaster as forecasters at Colorado State University predict an ‘extremely active’ Atlantic hurricane season. Expectations have targeted 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes to occur once the hurricane season begins in June.
Unusually High Predictions Prompt Early Warning
Hurricane experts announced their annual warning ahead of the usual timeline, in early April, based on these unusual forecasts. These expectations surpass the average numbers released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association which are 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. During the 2023 season, there were 20 named storms out of which seven developed into hurricanes and three became major hurricanes, authorities have revealed.
South Carolina Prepares for Hurricane Season
Emergency management offices across South Carolina are proactively circulating vital safety guidelines to encourage residents to prepare ahead of potential storms. The Atlantic hurricane season, spanning from June 1st through November 30th, may sometimes manifest tropical cyclone activity before and after these dates.
City Paper Shares Crucial Hurricane Preparedness Tools
The City Paper has provided valuable resources to aid in hurricane preparedness such as an emergency kit checklist and Charleston County’s Hurricane Guide. These resources provide detailed advice on how to stay prepared and safe during the hurricane season.<
City Paper Takes on Local and Environmental Topics
In other news, the City Paper continues to cover a range of topics. On environmental issues, it recently focused on Charleston’s rain garden program and its importance in flood mitigation, alongside reports on Mount Pleasant’s environmental plan extension to include homes.
Local Happenings and City Paper’s Take
It has also covered cultural and community events such as the upcoming 51st Flowertown Festival in Summerville, and the return of the Lowcountry Strawberry Festival at Boone Hall Plantation. In addition, it presented tips for the April 8 eclipse and featured the release of seasonal beers from Charleston breweries.
Recent Environmental Concerns in Charleston
Recent concerns include a wastewater spillage into Charleston harbor, blamed on a broken valve, spurring much-needed discussions on infrastructure maintenance in the city. Charleston Water System acknowledged that almost 10,000 gallons of wastewater was dumped into Charleston Harbor due to this issue.
New Initiatives for Flood Mitigation Amid Zoning Issues
The city is also in the process of overhauling its zoning code in an attempt to combat rising sea levels by instating new guidelines. However, the process has not been without controversy.
A local law firm has warned against the potential misuse of political donations influencing rezoning decisions, specifically regarding the former Baker Hospital site.
In this challenging time, it is important for residents and authorities to stay alert and keep abreast of the upcoming weather patterns. With the community’s cooperation and timely preparedness, the city of Charleston will be better equipped to handle the upcoming hurricane season.
