Dear Members,
As the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season begins, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released the annual hurricane outlook. This year's forecast predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season, with an expected range of 17 to 25 named storms. Of these, 8 to 13 could become hurricanes, and 4 to 7 are projected to reach major hurricane status (Category 3 or higher).
These predictions are crucial for communities and industries across the Atlantic basin, particularly electric utilities, which must be prepared to face the devastating impacts of these powerful storms.
As we all know, a forecast is simply an output from a model that will give us a prediction or best guess of what may happen. I had a professor at N.C. State University tell me during a class that all models are wrong, but some are useful. It is with this understanding of usefulness of the forecast that your cooperative implements robust plans to minimize disruption of service delivery and ensure the rapid restoration of service if our system is impacted.
Hurricanes and tropical storms receive names from six lists established by the National Hurricane Center and maintained by the World Meteorological Organization. Each list includes 21 names arranged alphabetically, alternating between male and female names.
As I write this article at the beginning of July, we are already at our second named storm and the first hurricane of the season, a category 4 named Beryl, tracking into the Caribbean. Beryl’s projected path currently does not present a threat to Florida, but is a major threat to the Caribbean.
Even though the current path is not a threat to our system, our team will track the storm and any others that may form by the time you read this article and will make necessary preparations if any storm is projected to impact our service area.
Randolph EMC has a detailed storm response plan that we activate when a significant weather event threatens to impact our system. Our dedicated and experienced team works together to clear trees, repair lines, provide materials and supplies, coordinate crew locations, take calls and keep crews fed. Preparation is key to an effective and efficient storm response.
Major storms can result in power outages lasting several days. Don't wait for disaster to strike before acting. I urge you to plan now and prepare an emergency kit before a storm hits. You can follow the tips here and learn more on our website.
Randolph EMC is committed to being as prepared as possible in the event of a tropical storm this year. By following these recommendations, you can help ensure the safety of you and your loved ones during a storm.
Cooperatively yours,
Dennis Mabe, Chief Executive Officer
Remember the “3 Bs.”
1BASICS Make sure you have enough bottled water to last up to three days in case you experience an outage. Stock your car and house with weather appropriate gear, clothes and blankets. Store food that your family can consume in case you do not have the ability to cook. Make accommodations for pets and livestock.
2BATTERIES Keep your phones charged and make sure your flashlights have fresh batteries. Place batteries in an accessible location that is easy to find in the dark, should you lose power.
3BACK-UP PLAN Communicate with loved ones and those with vulnerable health now. Tell them what time to expect you to check in on them in-person or on the phone during the storm. Make plans now about how and where this loved one will go in case he or she loses power.
