June 1st marked the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season. This year's extended-range forecast published in April by Colorado State University research scientist Dr. Philip Klotzbach anticipates above-average activity. His forecast for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season predicts 17 named storms including 8 hurricanes with 4 classified as major hurricanes (Category 3-5). In addition, this forecast estimates the probability of a major hurricane landfall on the entire U.S. coastline as 69 percent, the U.S. East Coast (including the Florida peninsula) as 45 percent, and the Gulf Coast as 44 percent.
Dr. Klotzbach also addresses the concern that the population may have become complacent about heeding hurricane preparedness advice by reminding property owners that "it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them." This is important advice to keep in mind considering the added challenges business owners are facing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
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