2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season Speech

Mike Clerveaux, Acting Director, DDME

2021 was an active hurricane season. The Atlantic region had 21 named storms, nine hurricanes with sustained winds of 75 mph and greater and four major hurricanes of category 3-5. Last year’s hurricane season was the third-most active Atlantic hurricane season on record. It became the second season in a row and the third overall in which the designated 21-name list of storm names was exhausted.

The forecasters at NOAA are predicting another well above-average hurricane activity this year, with 19 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. This year is the first in seven years straight that the Atlantic Hurricane Season has not produced a named storm before June 1^stseason’s official start.

On Sunday 5^th June, Tropical Storm Alex became the first named storm of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season, initially formed in the Gulf of Mexico. The trend of the early development of storms before the traditional start of June 1^st has official stirred the conversation on officially changing the commencement of the hurricane season from June 1st to May 1st. While the jury is still out on this decision, we do not need to wait to begin our preparations.

This hurricane season, more than any other season, early preparation is key. As we watch in shock the Ukraine and Russian War, we are also aware of the implications it is having on not just the food supply chain but other materials as well.

In some cases, we are experiencing shortages of items, and in other cases, we are experiencing transportation issues. What does this mean for us in the context of preparation for the hurricane season? It simply means prices are likely to go up due to demand, and some items are likely to be in short supply.  A cliche that many of us are familiar with and which is most fitting in this context is “early birds catch the most worms.” Therefore, starting your preparation now will allow you to get ahead of the game.

Early preparation is critical at all levels of society. From the government leading by example to the private sector, Non-Profit/Government Organizations (NPO/NGOs), Civic Groups, Community Groups and YOU! Today is the day you should begin your preparation. Not next week or next month or when DDME announce a storm is projected to pass in the vicinity of the TCI. Start your preparation TODAY!

In conclusion, while the scientists have predicted an active hurricane season, of 19 named storms, 9 hurricanes with sustained winds of 74 mph and 4 major hurricanes with sustained winds of 111mph or higher in other words categories 3-5.  It is also true that NO scientists, NO meteorologists NO department including the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) nor I can tell you exactly when a storm will impact the Turks and Caicos Islands. But, what we can tell you is that it is only a matter of time.

This year the scientists are also predicting that the Caribbean region is likely to experience a major hurricane. Let us remember the devastation and suffering that was caused by Hanna, Ike, Irma and Maria in the TCI. Let us recall Hurricane Dorian that sat over the Bahamas moving less than 5 miles per hour and producing over 20 ft of storm surge and leaving a trail of devastation behind. Let us remember that it Only takes ONE storm to wreak havoc on our lives, destroy our infrastructure, to erode our economic prosperity. Let us all be on a mission; to always be READY for this year’s hurricane season and beyond.