2012 Hurricane Forecast and Home Preparedness

By Robert Robillard on Uncategorized

2012 Hurricane Forecast: Homeowners Should Prepare for Eight Named Tropical Storms

According to the Weather Research Center, Tropical Storm Helen should be the eighth and final named storm of the 2012 Hurricane Season.  Five of those named tropical storms — including Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon and Helene — are predicted to intensify into hurricanes.

 According to Jill Hasling, CCM and president of the Weather Research Center in Houston, there is a 46 percent chance of a Category 3 or stronger hurricane to form this year in the Atlantic. There’s also a high chance that three additional tropic storms or hurricanes will make landfall somewhere along the United States coast.

“We’re forecasting a 60 percent chance of a tropical storm or hurricane making landfall along the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Key West, Florida and along the Georgia to North Carolina coast during the 2012 Hurricane Season,” says Hasling. “We believe there will be eight named storms with five of them intensifying into hurricanes.

The non-profit Weather Research Center, which is also home to the national Weather Museum, has an 89 percent forecast accuracy rate and has been making forecasts since 1985. The meteorologists at the Weather Research Center use a model called Orbital Cyclone Strike Index (OCSI) which uses the solar cycle to predict the risk for coastal residents each hurricane season.

Home or Business Preparedness:

Like many coastal homes, the Weather Research Center and the Weather Museum have impact-resistant Simonton StormBreaker Plus® windows to help protect against high winds and flying debris. “There’s an intense peace-of-mind that we have because we know there’s never a reason to ‘board up’ or ‘shutter up’ in advance of severe weather,” says Hasling. “Our StormBreaker Plus windows are working to help protect our structure 24/7 so that we can keep our focus on storm predictions and monitoring.

“Even when Hurricane Ike knocked hard on Houston in 2008 we relied on these windows. That storm hit right on top of us and was an eye-opener. 90-mph winds knocked out power in our area and severely damaged homes, but not our structure.”

Storm Windows Constructed to Last

The 70 StormBreaker Plus windows in the Weather Research Center and Weather Museum all feature insulating glass units with impact-resistant laminated glass. This unit consists of a durable interlayer sandwiched between two pieces of glass, along with an outer layer of tempered glass to help resist strong winds and penetration of wind-borne debris. Even if the outer layer of tempered glass is shattered during a severe weather event, the tough interlayer is extremely resistant to breaking — reducing the possibility of injury or damage.

 “If you live in or near a coastal area, especially in the southeast, now is definitely the time to evaluate the products on your home’s exterior — especially your windows, roof, doors and garage doors — to make certain they can stand up to severe weather,” says Ken Kubus, coastal products manager for Simonton Windows. “These windows and patio doors are constructed especially for the severe weather anticipated during hurricane season each year. While homeowners should always heed the advice of officials regarding evacuations, they can do so while knowing the StormBreaker Plus products are helping keep their homes and valuables safe during storms.”

 In addition to enhanced protection from severe weather, StormBreaker Plus windows and doors offer superior energy efficiency benefits to homeowners, helping reduce energy bills. The windows and doors also reduce outside noise infiltration; and help prevent the sun’s harmful UV rays from damaging furnishings. Burglary attempts are also deterred by the impact-resistance of these durable windows and doors.

Approved to the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) certification standards through the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Florida Building Commission (FBC) StormBreaker Plus windows and doors are tested in compliance with the windborne debris standards adopted in the International Residential Building Code, and the Florida Building code. This ensures that they can be used in all regions of the country that have building code requirements for impact-resistant products. This includes the Florida coast, the Gulf of Mexico coast and the east coast, and is recognized by the Texas Department of Insurance windstorm inspection program.

Founded in 1987, the non-profit Weather Research Center manages a worldwide forecasting operation and provides groundbreaking research to scientists around the globe. Meteorologists work on severe weather advisories, marine forecasts, long-range outlooks, environmental studies and forensic meteorology services. The Weather Museum is located at 5104 Caroline in Houston, Texas, within the Houston Museum District. For more information, call 713-529-3076 or visit www.wxresearch.org.

 

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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