Some climatologists are pointing to “La Nina” for what has been one of the most deadly and devastating spring-weather seasons in recorded history.
La Nina, whose literal translation is “the girl”, is a weather phenomenon that can be traced to the waters of the Pacific Ocean. The waters in the Pacific experience cooler-than-normal sea-surface temperatures, which in turn cause a chain reaction that alters weather patterns around the world.
The result has been eight separate billion-dollar weather events in the form of tornadoes, massive flooding, and wildfires the size of New York. For example, the recent tornado in Joplin, Mo. is expected to be the most costly tornado in U.S. history.
What La Nina essentially does is create a pattern of drier-than-average conditions across the southern part of the United States. The result is a very dry, stronger jet stream that mixes with warm, humid air at lover levels of the atmosphere and cooler air at the upper levels. This concoction is the perfect recipe for supercell thunder storms, which have the ability to spawn some of the most violent and destructive tornadoes. To date, 525 people have been killed by tornadoes this spring, which is the most in recorded history.
So while La Nina is responsible for very wet conditions in some parts of the country, it is also responsible for creating widespread drought across the states. For example, West Palm Beach has recorded its driest water-year since 1850 going from 33.09 inches on average during this season to a depressing 10.39 inches.
The good news? According to climatologist, the effects of La Nina seem to be waning down. This is great news for us in South Florida because La Nina tends to amplify the number and ferocity of Atlantic hurricanes. However, only time will tell whether this “wild and weird” weather season is done wreaking havoc on our nation.
But it should be noted that atmospheric pressures are likely to pull in more hurricanes this season. Such unusual weather patterns are the reasons behind recent predictions calling for a very active hurricane season. As such, now is the time to be get prepared for hurricane season.
That is particularly true since history suggests that South Florida is due for a hurricane strike. Therefore, this is certainly not the season to take lightly. We’ve been spared the last few years, but this could be the year where we are hit by another hurricane. Hurricanes are a fact of life living in South Florida. Although inevitable, they are not surprises like earthquakes or tsunamis. You can prepare and be ready for a hurricane.
Considering the increased odds of South Florida getting hit by a storm you should take the necessary steps to safeguard your property and family. One exercise that is a must is a review of your insurance policy to determine what is covered, and excluded, from your policy. Most importantly, review what you’re supposed to do in the event your property is damaged in a windstorm. You should also check the financial strength of your insurance company, and stock up on food supplies.