The National Weather Service presented their outlook for the 2024 hurricane season to local officials from throughout the parish at The Delta Grand in Opelousas on Tuesday.
Doug Cramer, warning coordination meteorologist, says it’ll be an above normal year for tropical activity.
“The National Weather Service is 85% confident that we’re going to have an active hurricane season,” Cramer said.
Comparing the 2020 hurricane season versus this year, Cramer says ocean temperatures are much warmer.
“Whenever you have warm ocean temperatures, that typically means you’re going to have a higher frequency than of tropical cyclone activity. You combine that with us going into La Niña, and we predict we’ll be in La Niña by mid August this year,” Cramer explains.
Regardless of forecast for the season, St. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard said he will be prepared.
“As we anticipate an active hurricane season, St. Landry Parish is taking every necessary step to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents. We’ve strengthened our emergency response plans, coordinated with local agencies, and are fully stocked with essential supplies. Our community can rest assured that we are prepared and vigilant,” Bellard said.
Cramer encourages the public to be vigilant when as hurricane season approaches.
“If you’re in a storm surge zone, you need to get out, you need to be prepared and make sure you’re monitoring the storm surge forecast and if you’re in that zone, you just need to get out.”.
