Tropical Storm Andrea Forms: First Named Storm of the 2013 Hurricane Season

Hurricane season 2013 started June 1 and it took just days for the first official tropical storm to develop in the Gulf of Mexico.

Tropical Storm Andrea is the first named storm of the 2013 hurricane season and tropical storm warnings are posted along Florida's west coast for Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. 

Northern Virginia may see some rain from this tropical storm system Friday and this weekend, but it is highly unlikely that the storm will actually hit this area.

Hurricane Season 2013 Predictions

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in late May predicted an "active" hurricane season with the Atlantic seeing three to six "major hurricanes" before the season ends in November.

NOAA predicts: 

• Thirteen to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher)
• Of those 13 to 20 storms, the outlook says seven to 11 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher).

"These ranges are well above the seasonal average of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes," according to NOAA's advisory staff.

It's rare for Northern Virginia to get a direct hit, but not unheard of. Fairfax County and Dominion Virginia Power have variety of emergency resources and advice.

• See: 

Hurricane Preparedness and Tips

Last year ahead of Hurricane-turned-Superstorm Sandy, officials throughout the county said people should:

• Buy extra water. One gallon of water per person (and pet) per day is recommended for drinking and sanitation.
• Buy an extra bag (or cans) of food for your pet.
• Withdraw some extra cash from your bank or ask for cash back at a grocery store so you can make purchases in case there are power outages.
• Review your infant and young children supplies essential to you as a parent or someone who may be taking care of a young child.
• Pickup an extra package or two of the most commonly used batteries in your home.
• Purchase extra over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin or children's medications you frequently use.
• Clear leaves from storm drain
• Charge your cell phone, tablet, or laptop

In addition, residents should consult Fairfax County's hurricane preparedness tips and sign up for alerts from Fairfax County. 

The Fairfax County emergency information blog is here.