#15,382
While originally expected to top out as a strong tropical storm, Hanna this morning was upgraded to a minimal hurricane just hours before its expected landfall in southern Texas, making this the first hurricane of 2020.
Practically speaking, there's very little difference between a high-end tropical storm and a minimal hurricane, except for making the record books.
Residents in the affected area should be finishing their preparations for the storm. And those who live outside of Hanna's path should be preparing for what the Atlantic and Caribbean will undoubtedly produce over the next 90-120 days.
As we discussed back in May, in Why Preparing For This Year's Hurricane Season Will Be `Different', our concurrent COVID-19 pandemic will complicate nearly every aspect of hurricane season, including evacuations, staying in shelters, and the time it will take to restore utilities and provide disaster relief after the storm.
With the official forecast calling for an unusually active season (see NOAA's Busy 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook), it makes sense to make your plans and lay in your supplies now, before a tangible threat appears on the horizon.
So, if you haven't already done so, plan a visit to NOAA's Weather-Ready Nation 2019's Hurricane Preparedness week web page, and decide what you need to do now to keep you, your family, and your property safe during the coming tropical season.
