What The 2022 Hurricane Season Means For Georgia

GEORGIA — Georgians should get ready for another busy hurricane season. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration is predicting 14-21 named storms, making it the seventh consecutive 'above-average' hurricane season. Half of those could be major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher.

Wednesday marks the official start of 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30. Georgia is vulnerable to storms and hurricanes that form in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, state emergency officials warn.

Between 1950 and 2019, there have been 26 named storms to cross within 100 miles of Atlanta, WXIA-TV reported last year. In 2020, North Georgia sustained damage as a result of the remnants of Sally, Delta and Zeta.

However, the last big storm to strike Georgia was Hurricane Michael in 2018. It was the first major hurricane to directly impact Georgia since the 1890s.

SEE ALSO:

• Hurricane Season 2022 Predicted To Be 'Above Normal': NOAA

The Sea Island Hurricane of 1893 was the fifth deadliest hurricane in U.S. history. An estimated 1,000 to 2,000 people died, mostly by drowning. Downtown Brunswick was under 6 feet of water for 12 hours.

Prior to Hurricane Michael, it had been almost 40 years since Georgia experienced a direct hit from a tropical system.

According to this year's forecast, the ongoing La Niña, in addition to above-average ocean temperatures, means there's a 65 percent chance the 2022 hurricane season will be above normal.

If the state's past history with mother nature is any indication, Georgians should be prepared for going into hurricane season.

The American Red Cross offers these tips to make sure your family is ready to either evacuate or hunker down if a storm threatens your community.

• First, create an evacuation plan. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency or if you need to evacuate.
• Build an emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.
• Stay informed. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.
• Download the free Red Cross Emergency app to have severe weather safety information right at your fingertips. The Emergency app provides real-time weather alerts and tips on how to stay safe during severe weather and countless other emergencies. Search "American Red Cross" in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.