Forecast: Lighter hurricane season expected

July 27--VALDOSTA -- The hurricane season is underway, but 2018 is expected to be less active than 2017, said Kerri Copello, Fox 41 meteorologist.

Copello spoke to residents Thursday at the Lowndes County Emergency Management open house where she shared information on the projected forecast for the 2018 hurricane season. The season began June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.

The 2017 hurricane season was one of the busiest and most destructive hurricane seasons on record, according to the Weather Channel. With 17 named storms, 10 hurricanes and six major Category 3 or stronger hurricanes, 2017 is among the top 10 most active Atlantic seasons on record.

Copello said an active hurricane season is about 10 hurricanes. For 2018, meteorologists only expect about five, she said.

Still, Copello warned residents to stay vigilant and take precautions in case of an emergency.

"It only takes one bad storm," she said. "It doesn't necessarily have to be a hurricane to cause a lot of damage. The best bet is for people to educate themselves on what they need to do in case of an emergency and be prepared."

The Emergency Operation Center, 250 Douglas St., opened for tours to the public at 6 p.m., and first responders with the Valdosta Fire Department and Lowndes County Fire and Rescue were present to answer questions.

Ashley Tye, emergency management director, urged people to prepare an emergency supply kit. The kit should include water bottles, canned goods, flash lights, batteries and a first aid kit.

Tye said most post-storm emergencies are caused by people not having access to clean water or basic essentials. Residents being prepared ahead of time means emergency management personnel can focus on harder hit areas.

"It's not going to be as comfortable as we're used to, but you will be able to make it," Tye said. "You won't need to call 911. You won't need emergency services because you took precautions."

In addition to preparedness information, the event was held to give residents a behind the scenes look into what emergency management does during an emergency and what the facility offers county and city officials.

Valdosta Fire Chief Freddie Broome said during a crisis situation, there is no separation between city and county.

"At that point, it is a community situation, and we come together as a community," Broome said. "Today, we are showing the community that we support one another."

Lowndes County Commission Chairman Bill Slaughter agreed with Broome.

He said the open house showed residents that if a situation were to occur in the county or city, a central location is available with everything needed to weather any storm.

"All the resources are here at this facility," Slaughter said. "This is an opportunity for the citizens to look at an investment they made with their SPLOST pennies that has built this facility to be able to better handle a major event and help everyone through that situation."

For residents looking to stay informed on weather situations, officials encourage everyone sign up for the CodeRED, an integrated public alert and warning system.

Thomas Lynn is a government and education reporter for The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be reached at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256

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