In an annual briefing, federal forecasters have expressed concerns about the potential for an active hurricane season along the East Coast of the United States. With near-record ocean temperatures and a strengthening La Niña, the National Weather Service has predicted an 85% chance of above-normal Atlantic hurricane activity this year, with up to 25 named storms.

Ken Graham, the director of the National Weather Service, has emphasized the need to be prepared for the upcoming hurricane season. While the forecast is cause for concern, Graham advises not to be alarmed, but rather to use this time effectively to ensure readiness.

However, the situation appears to be more favorable for California and the West Coast this year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has indicated a 60% chance of below-normal storm activity in the eastern Pacific hurricane season. It is expected that there will be 11 to 17 named storms, with four to nine of them developing into hurricanes. Of those, one to four could potentially become major hurricanes, reaching category 3, 4, or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher.

This outlook for a calmer season in the eastern Pacific basin is primarily due to the anticipated development of La Niña. This climate pattern brings cooler and drier conditions to Southern California and influences weather patterns worldwide. Last year, the presence of its counterpart, El Niño, contributed to the rare storm known as Hurricane Hilary, which caused significant damage in Mexico and prompted tropical storm watches and warnings in Southern California.

Fortunately, El Niño is weakening, and there is a high likelihood (between 49% and 69%) that La Niña will develop later this year. The transition to neutral conditions is expected in the coming weeks, which reduces the odds of eastern Pacific storms.

While Southern California may experience a calmer hurricane season, the East Coast faces a different situation. The forecast suggests that up to 13 of the anticipated 25 named storms could develop into hurricanes, with winds exceeding 74 mph. Moreover, four to seven of these hurricanes could become major hurricanes.

The federal agencies are urging individuals and communities to take necessary precautions and develop preparedness plans. Rick Spinrad, the administrator of NOAA, emphasizes the importance of being prepared in the face of an extraordinary hurricane season influenced by climate patterns such as El Niño and La Niña.

Ocean temperatures, which have been consistently rising, play a crucial role in storm intensification. The warm sea surface temperatures observed recently provide more energy for tropical cyclones, aiding their rapid intensification into major hurricanes.

Last year, Atlantic tropical cyclones caused approximately $4 billion in damages, with the addition of Hurricane Hilary raising the total to nearly $5 billion. The impacts of these storms can extend far beyond their immediate path, affecting residents and local economies for months or even years.

Erik A. Hooks, the deputy director of FEMA, warns about the significant impacts that hurricanes like Ida and Hilary can have, extending hundreds of miles inland. He advises individuals to understand their unique risks and develop comprehensive plans, considering factors such as medication requiring refrigeration or medical devices dependent on electricity.

As hurricane season approaches, it is crucial for all regions, particularly the East Coast, to prioritize preparedness and take necessary precautions to minimize the potential impacts of these powerful storms.