As we are currently seeing - the 2017 Hurricane Season has turned out to be a "deadly" season and it's not over yet.  What started out to be an early season with some activity in May, June and July indicating a possible high number storm count much of the beginning of August was active but the tropical zones were not primed for intense activity.  Much of this was due to Saharan dust and hostile winds.  As we have seen, the climate in these tropical regions can change rapidly!

We have already set some tropical season records with Harvey as a land falling category 4 hurricane in Texas and now Irma as a land falling category 4 hurricane in Florida.  In addition, as of this blog date, hurricane Jose is also a category 4 in the Atlantic.  We are only half way through the season but now at its peak.

For anyone living along the Gulf and East Coast of the United States, it is vital that you make a "hurricane plan" and have one in place by June 1st of each year - the hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.  Every family, especially those who reside along the immediate coast, should have a "emergency disaster kit" ready.

You can buy one from the American Red Cross reasonably priced at this link:

American Red Cross emergency kit

NOAA weather radios are something every family has to have no matter where you live in the United States.  Severe weather can occur anywhere.  Here is the link to the Skywarn weather store:

Skywarn weather store

Living in an age where most everyone now has a cell phone -- instant weather alerts can be received immediately so that you can take the proper steps to protect yourself from harm and your property from damage.  As we continue to see and hear, many people still DO NOT take nature's power seriously.  People continue to go into dangerous flood and storm surge zones to capture photos of the waves and wind.  People continue to believe that their cars can turn into boats with the flick of a switch and end up being sweep away by flash flooding or submerged in a road -- TURN AROUND - DON'T DROWN!!!!

People wait too long to evacuate their residences and head into shelters or leave for a region that would provide more safety.  People don't think it will happen to them.  People don't listen, understand or take seriously the National Hurricane Center's projected hurricane path and its CONE.  If you are living in an area that is within the 5-day cone of projection, you need to be preparing for the worst and have a plan in place to get out.  How many lives have been and will be lost between Harvey and Irma due to reasons that are within our control.  

Be sure you check your homeowner's insurance policy and that it is paid and up to date.  Have a copy of this policy in your emergency kit.  Most important, if you live in a coastal region or an inland region that is subject to flooding not only from storm surge but inland river flooding or seepage, you MUST have FLOOD INSURANCE.  It is worth every penny!  I know from experience.  My research indicates that FEMA also pays out $30,000 to cover damage to residential home owners and pays out NOTHING to businesses.  

Below are some valuable links to help aid you during the hurricane season:

National Hurricane Center

Weather Underground

Facebook Atlantic Hurricane Season

Weather.com

Accuweather hurricane page