As the start of the 2024 hurricane season approaches, U.S. officials are urging Floridians to prepare for what is predicted to be a busier than average season. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a warning, emphasizing that it's not a matter of if a hurricane will hit, but rather when.

In an effort to ensure that residents throughout the state are adequately prepared, officials recently visited the landlocked city of Sanford, located in the heart of Florida. Despite being away from the coast, officials stressed that everyone in Florida is at risk and must recognize the potential dangers posed by hurricanes, including flooding. It is crucial for all residents to create an emergency plan and gather essential supplies through an emergency kit.

Highlighting Florida's vulnerability to damaging weather events, early Friday morning saw wind gusts of 71 mph (114 kph), just shy of hurricane force, sweeping through Tallahassee. The aftermath of the strong winds resulted in mangled metal and debris scattered across parts of the state's capital city.

Accompanying the officials were two specialized "hurricane hunter" planes equipped to fly directly into the eye of the storms. These aircraft, the WP-3D operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the WC-130J flown by the U.S. Air Force Reserve, brave the dangerous conditions to gather vital data regarding the intensity and direction of hurricanes. Typically making three passes through the eye wall during a flight, these daring missions provide critical information to aid officials on the ground, enabling more informed decisions on evacuation orders.

The NOAA's propeller plane, with a crew of 11 to 17 people, including scientists, embarks on approximately eight-hour flights through hurricanes. To sustain themselves during these lengthy journeys, the crew brings ample snack food, and on-board facilities such as a microwave, refrigerator, and hot plate cater to their meal requirements. While turbulence is to be expected, flight engineer William Wysinger revealed that there are instances where the ride is less turbulent than anticipated, leaving the crew unaware of being in the eye of the hurricane until later.

The NHC is forecasting an above-average season for the upcoming Atlantic and Gulf period, spanning from June 1 to November 30. It is projected that there will be more than the yearly average of seven tropical storms and seven hurricanes, with three of them potentially reaching major hurricane status. It is important to note that not all hurricanes make landfall.

As officials emphasize the necessity of preparation, memories of past hurricane devastation resurface. Meteorologist-in-charge at the National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida, David Sharp, reminded Floridians of the severe impacts caused by the consecutive landfalls of Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne two decades ago. These storms left a lasting mark on the land and the psyche of the people, with blue tarps and pink insulation becoming symbols of the hardships endured during that time.

With the 2024 hurricane season looming, residents are urged to heed these warnings, remain vigilant, and take necessary precautions to protect their lives and property from the potential wrath of these natural disasters.