Hurricane Season Begins June 1

As hurricane season begins June 1, North Carolina is still feeling the after-effects of Tropical Storm Bonnie, which is expected to bring a smattering of rain and thunderstorms to parts of the state through Thursday.

Read More

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a near-normal Atlantic hurricane season this year, with a 70-percent likelihood of 10 to 16 named storms, four to eight of which could become hurricanes.

However, there is uncertainty around climate conditions that could influence hurricane activity this season; cooler Atlantic Ocean temperatures and a weaker West African wind system call for a weaker hurricane season, but the potential presence of La Niña, or unusually cold ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific, favors more hurricane activity.

The last time North Carolina was directly impacted by a major hurricane (category 3 or more) was Hurricane Fran in 1996, which made landfall on the North Carolina coast.

“Regardless of whether the hurricane season forecast is above, below or normal, people need to know it only takes one storm,” said Nick Petro, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Raleigh. “Folks need to take the opportunity now when the weather’s good rather than waiting for when a storm’s bearing down on us. It’s better to get prepared ahead of time.”

Due to the variability of weather systems, Duke staff and faculty are encouraged to review Duke’s severe weather policies and stay informed during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30.

Here’s how Duke and some schools and departments monitor forecasts in case a tropical storm or hurricane threatens North Carolina:

Monitoring forecasts from Durham

As part of its severe weather preparedness plan, Duke constantly monitors local forecasts and has access to a meteorologist in the event of a severe weather system. If a forecast calls for the potential for approaching severe weather, Duke's emergency management team convenes to discuss how to best prepare and respond to a storm to ensure the community’s safety. “We have a history of hurricanes impacting both the Duke Marine Lab on the coast and on the main campus in Durham,” said Kyle Cavanaugh, Duke’s vice president for administration and emergency coordinator. “We work closely with the National Weather Service during such events to monitor the projected paths of hurricanes. We also have a well-coordinated emergency management team that helps prepare for such storms and respond quickly as needs arise.”

Employees across Duke are encouraged to learn their service designation ahead of a weather emergency: Employees in essential service positions are required to report to or remain at work; those in reserve service positions will be assigned at the time of the event; and employees in delayed service positions do not report to or remain at work. Managers and supervisors can help employees figure out their designation.

Throughout a weather event, employees should visit emergency.duke.edu for updates and tips specific to hurricane preparedness and safety.

Staying cautious on the coast

Since the Duke University Marine Lab is located inside the Beaufort Channel, an impending hurricane means staff may need to board up windows, move computer servers to the second floor, relocate kayaks and canoes, and pull boats out of the water and anchor them to the ground.

If the island is evacuated, Dominick Brugnolotti, the Marine Lab’s director of Campus Services, helps relocate undergraduate students to campus in Durham. The last time the Marine Lab was impacted by a storm was Hurricane Arthur in 2014, when wind damage caused broken tree limbs and missing shingles. At home, Brugnolotti and his wife, Lynn, who live in Morehead City, keep a generator on hand, unplug appliances from power, and stockpile water and canned food. “Follow government guidelines and be prepared,” he said.  “We’d rather be safe than sorry.”

Preparing Duke’s main campus

When strong winds are projected to impact Durham, employees from Facilities Management spread across campus to tie down bins and trashcans, among other tasks. Crews ensure their work vehicles are fully fueled; wood chippers, loaders and trucks stand at the ready in case of downed trees and other debris.

Bryan Hooks, Duke’s director of Landscape Services, said employees and students should not venture out into a tropical storm or hurricane. Downed trees on campus can pose a safety risk and also bring down power lines. 

“Our team will hunker down and take shelter if the winds are 45 miles per hour or more,” Hooks said. “Take weather forecasts seriously and just be alert to what’s happening.”

Hospital preparations before a storm

At Duke University Hospital, the Emergency Management Committee of 30 people reviews its severe weather plans every year. Plans include helping evacuated patients from hospitals on the North Carolina coast and ensuring generators work at Duke Hospital, said Jason Zivica, emergency manager for Duke University Hospital.

Zivica recommends that Duke employees and their families visit Ready.gov to create a family emergency communication plan before severe weather hits.

“Any planning that individuals can do ahead of time will strengthen their ability to balance both their home lives and their work responsibilities,” he said.