Environment and Climate Change Canada's Canadian Hurricane Centre is ready for the 2016 hurricane season

HALIFAX, May 27, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Hurricane Centre (CHC) is encouraging Canadians to prepare for the 2016 hurricane season. The season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, when the waters of the Atlantic Ocean are warm enough to produce tropical cyclones.

The United States' National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) outlook, released earlier today, predicts 10-16 named storms, 4-8 hurricanes and up to 1-4 major hurricanes for this season. Today, the CHC put this seasonal forecast into perspective for Canadians.

NOAA predicts that the level of hurricane activity in the North Atlantic Ocean this year to be near-normal. Regardless of the overall number of storms forecast for the entire Atlantic Basin, on average the CHC responds to four or five tropical cyclone events each year, with one or two of those affecting Canadian soil, and another two or three threatening our offshore waters.

Typically, hurricanes start to become more of a concern in Canadian waters a bit later in the season; however, the CHC monitors the Atlantic Ocean year‑round for any tropical or tropical‑like cyclone that could pose a threat to Canada or its waters.

Quote

"While it's predicted that this year will be near-normal, it's important to remember that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it a bad season. That's why we're reminding Canadians that it's time to start preparing for hurricane season."
- Bob Robichaud, Warning Preparedness Meteorologist

Quick facts

• Environment and Climate Change Canada's (ECCC) CHC encourages Canadians to prepare for the hurricane season by
• assembling emergency kits and readying their homes and properties (visit the Get Prepared website); and
• following ECCC's hurricane bulletins online or through local media.

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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 902-426-3500