Central Pacific Hurricane Center Predicts 3-4 Cyclones

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center is predicting slightly fewer than normal tropical cyclones to develop in the Central Pacific basin during the upcoming season.

Forecasters at National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s hurricane center expect three to four tropical cyclones, while during a typical year four or five form or cross into the area, with two reaching hurricane intensity.

Jim Weyman, the center’s director, said La Nina conditions have weakened since February and may become neutral by summer’s end.

“We typically see less tropical cyclone activity in the central Pacific when La Nina is active or neutral and more activity during an El Nino cycle,” he said.

Hurricane season in Hawaii runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.

The center is introducing new products and technology this season, including an experimental graphical tropical weather outlook will provide a visual representation of the current text-based product.

Also, new video teleconferencing equipment provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency will facilitate collaboration between local, state and federal officials.

There were two tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific last year. Hurricane Flossie generated hurricane force winds and just missed the Big Island.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Hurricane