Its that time again - hurricane season for the Atlantic extends from June 1, through November 30, sharply peaking from late August through September. Today we talk with the Branch Chief of the Hurricane Specialist Unit at NOAA�s National Hurricane Center in

Miami. We recount an event nearly 10 years ago, when Hurricane Irene hit NY on the east coast, and particularly recall how many trees were downed in the Hudson Valley of NY State. While wind is very dangerous, yet it is the water that is the most dangerous during a hurricane. During the hurricane season of this year, 2021, the National Hurricane Center expects a likely range of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher) is expected. NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. We discuss the difference between El Ni�o and La Ni�a and their effect on the Atlantic hurricane development. Hurricane safety starts well before the time of a hurricane. Preparedness should be a way of life. One danger while driving after a hurricane or during if you are caught in one, has to do with water on the road. Don't assume the water is shallow. There often are times when a road section is washed out, and the water level rises enough to look shallow but is really hiding the cavern below the surface of the water. We also touch upon what its like at the Hurricane Center and if they have to hunker down there during a bad storm. Participants: Dr. Michael Brennan, Dan Elmendorf