KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Prime Minister Andrew Holness is reminding Jamaicans of the importance of preparing for what is expected to be an active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which begins on Saturday.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States has forecast an above-average season, with projections of 17 to 25 named storms, eight to 13 hurricanes, and four to seven significant hurricanes of category three or higher.
Holness pointed out that this is among the highest forecasts issued by NOAA while addressing the National Disaster Risk Management Council (NDRMC) meeting earlier this week.
The Prime Minister, who is also Chairman of the NDRMC, said now is an appropriate time to assess the exposure of homes, infrastructure, services, productive activities, and workplaces as hurricane season approaches.
“So, I take this opportunity to encourage all Jamaicans as we enter the hurricane season. First of all, prepare your household. Put aside food stock and water as much as possible and make provisions to protect your important documents or valuables,” Holness explained.
“Look at your home and see what is likely to be destroyed in a hurricane, such as roof, windows, doors, and even trees in proximity to your home. Start making preparations to cut some of those branches that might become projectiles,” he added.
Community cooperation is another crucial point in preparedness, the Prime Minister underscored.
He urged citizens to speak with neighbors and family members, especially those who may be alone or unable to help themselves, to develop contingency plans.
He pointed out that emergency shelters play a crucial role in disaster response and called on entities managing these shelters to ensure they are ready and operational.
Holness said individuals must prepare personal items to evacuate to a shelter.
“Jamaica must live with our reality of being one of the most exposed countries in the world to multiple hazards, including hurricanes, floods, droughts, earthquakes, storm surges, and landslides. Models have predicted the increased impact of catastrophic natural events arising from heightened surface temperatures and global sea-level rise,” Mr. Holness outlined.
However, he noted that the government is creating safer and more resilient spaces through efficient land-use planning, urban renewal, and building code regulation.
NOAA’s outlook for the season, which ends on November 30, predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season, a 10% chance of a near-normal season, and a 5% chance of a below-normal season.
NOAA is forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms with winds of 39 mph or higher. Of those, 8 to 13 are predicted to become hurricanes with 74 mph or higher winds, including 4 to 7 major hurricanes classified as category 3, 4, or 5, with winds of 111 mph or higher. Forecasters have a 70% confidence in these ranges.
These early predictions indicate an active season due to the combination of La Niña and record warm water temperatures in the Atlantic basin, which includes the northern Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico.
The names for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which were last used in 2018, are Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Francine, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Milton, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie, and William.
They will be used again in 2030 unless any are retired and replaced.
and then 