"Above-normal" hurricane season predicted

Scientists at Colorado State University are predicting an “above-normal” Atlantic hurricane season in 2020.

Their models are indicating as many as 16 named storms this season, with the potential for eight hurricanes. CSU also “anticipate(s) an above-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean.”

The cause is a weak La Niña system, or strong winds from the east that push warm Atlantic waters toward the U.S., while weaker winds from the west are less able to disrupt storms.

The announcement comes as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt life around the world and adds an additional level of planning for hurricane response plans.

“We are monitoring both the pandemic and the approach of storm season, and will adjust plans as needed,” Shared Services Manager Scott Cashwell said. “As far as mutual assistance, we are having weekly calls with SEE to maintain situational awareness.”

As a member of the Southeastern Electric Exchange’s Mutual Assistance Program, Mississippi Power is part of a network that shares resources following a natural disaster. Guidelines have been developed to cover work practices and logistics to maintain social distancing during a major storm response.

“Each of the Southern Company operating companies are updating their local storm plans to accommodate these guidelines,” Cashwell said.

Just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Emergency Operations Center directors from Forrest, Jones and Lauderdale counties toured the Operations Center and discussed the company’s storm planning and response.

“We depend on these Emergency Management Agencies to assist us. We call on them to support our local employees in the field,” Northern Division Manager Michael Harvey said. “We rely on these relationships to support us.”

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and environmentally responsible energy for more than 188,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. With nearly 160 megawatts of approved solar energy capacity, Mississippi Power is the largest partner in providing renewable energy in the state of Mississippi. Visit our website at mississippipower.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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