The graph shows the hurricane and tropical storm activity by month. September and October are normally the most active times during the year.
Hydrologists from NOAA’s Southeast River Forecast Center released their most recent Water Resources Outlook last week.
Though the content can be somewhat dry, this summer was not.
All three sub-basins cruised past their August rainfall averages earlier this month.
Jeff Dobur and Todd Hamill note in the video that precipitation has been well above normal in the past month for the region, which has resulted in higher than average stream flows that are not normally seen until the spring.
In addition, the hydrologists have dialed back their original predictions on the current hurricane season.
However, although the potential activity like last year’s season is less likely, the combination of above average precipitation and the resulting ground saturation raises the potential for flooding should a tropical system or hurricane visit the Southeast.
Dobur and Hamill suggested that residents remain vigilant and prepared for hurricane season, which is normally most active in September and October.
Visit ready.gov hurricane, flooding and natural disaster preparation tips.
For the long-term outlook, research still points to a warmer than average winter and spring.
~ Jeremy S. Buddemeier, Corporate Communications Office
