This week is Hurricane Preparedness Week. With hurricane season starting June 1, there are some things we need to keep in mind.
You may think that since we live far inland that we don't need to worry about tropical systems. But hurricanes and tropical storms can do damage to life -- even in North Georgia. These cyclones can tap into rich tropical moisture out of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean and bring with it flooding and severe weather.
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Some of the costliest events in north Georgia from hurricanes and tropical storms involve flooding.
Hurricane Dennis brought in flooding rains that sent Sweetwater Creek over its banks in 2005 costing the state $25 million.
That same year, Hurricane Cindy caused a tornado to develop that was a half-mile wide path through the Atlanta Motor Speedway causing almost $72 million in damage.
Also in 2005, Hurricane Katrina spawned more tornadoes in Georgia and than in any other state.
When Hurricane Opal blew through in 1995, it took out 5,000 trees, knocking down power lines and keeping many in the dark for days.
Colorado State University has issued their latest forecast and is predicting that we will be close to average in terms of the number of hurricanes and major hurricanes this season. The National Hurricane Center will be updating their forecast for the season on May 27, right before the onset of Atlantic Hurricane season.
Stay tuned and be prepared for the season ahead.
