Sept. 10 The ‘peak Date For Hurricanes, But With Slow Season At Hand Can Residents ...

Hurricane season has statistically at least peaked.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, meteorologists call September 10 the time of year when the Atlantic basin sees the most activity in the tropics. As a rule, mid-August to mid-October is the best time for tropical storms and hurricane formation, but the tenth is when most activity occurs.

The National Hurricane Center is currently monitoring four systems, including Hurricane Earl, which was once predicted to be the first major hurricane of the season but has been hampered by wind shear and low pressure depressions. Earl is now on track to become an extratropical hurricane.

Why is he usually busy at this time? The Atlantic is a mix of tropical activity due to prolonged warming of ocean waters in the summer to temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is conducive to storms. According to Spectrum News 13 Meteorologist Maureen McCann, warm sea surface temperatures along with a lack of wind activity in the atmosphere are contributing to the storm.

“Historically it is most active around September 10, when the water warms up. Water temperature thresholds are generally in the 1980s. It's one of the components of tropical system production," he said.

So far, the 2022 season has started later than average. Typically, there are nine named storms in the Atlantic on September 9. As of September 10, scientists have named five hurricanes. Additionally, records show that the Atlantic typically sees an average of three hurricanes through September 7, with two hurricanes this year, including Daniela and Earl.

The lower tropical count is interesting compared to NOAA's pre-season forecast of 14-21 tropical storms. NOAA confirmed its prediction in early August.

Despite the low turnout, McCann said now is not the time for complacency.

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"We still have a long way to go until Nov. 30 (the end of hurricane season)," McCann said. "One big storm is enough."

This season can feel very slow to residents who are suddenly noticing the hyperactivity seen in the previous two years, both record and insane. By comparison, the 2020 season, the most intense on record, recorded 17 nominal storms on September 10. The 2021 season, the third year on record, saw a season-high 13 named storms.

Although activity in the tropics has not been as high as the previous two seasons, residents should be on the lookout for Florida's worst hurricanes since 2005, 2016, including Wilma, during or after 2005, 2016. Matteo and Michele 2018

Five years ago there was also Hurricane Irma, which hit Florida on September 10. The storm hit the Florida Keys as a major Category 4 hurricane, devastating the area with flooding. It made landfall a second time along the Gulf Coast in Tampa and eventually Orlando as a Category 1 hurricane.

Florida suffered seven direct deaths from Hurricane Irma, but NOAA recorded 80 indirect deaths from falls, traffic accidents, carbon monoxide poisoning from generators, chainsaw accidents and electrocution in preparation for Irma's approach. There were also 14 veterans who died of overheating when the air conditioner broke after the power went out. However, although this death is being considered an "indirect death," it is the only hurricane-related death that Florida calls a "homicide," state records show.

In addition, Irma was responsible for severe damage in Florida. At the height of the blackout, 6.7 million people reported a blackout that was the largest blackout ever recorded in the state, including five Florida counties experiencing 100% blackouts, McCann wrote in an article for the L'Orlando Sentinel. About 4,000 structures were damaged in Osceola County, with a total repair cost of $100 million, according to NOAA.

The report also claims that Irma caused $760 million in damage to citrus groves in southwest and central Florida. In unincorporated Orange County, Irma produced more than 1 million cubic yards of tree, palm frond and other plant debris. Hurricane Debris Manager Mike Carroll told the Orlando Sentinel that Orlando estimated the cost of disposing of the waste facility at 274,000 cubic feet to $13 million.

Although five years have passed, the memory of Irma serves as a reminder of what the tropics can offer during the high season until November 30.

"You can't let your guard down," McCann said, referring to the year and its slow pace. “We always want people to be prepared. When the time comes this year, you must be ready to put your plans into action, not just when the storm is approaching. We are still a long way to November 30."

Jpedersen@orlandosentinel.com

Hurricane Sam and Tropical Storm Victor, September 30, 2021 update