Hurricanes:Are You Ready?

Gene NormanChief Meteorologist

KHOU-TV

The Record 2008 Season

Video

Pictures

Lessons Learned

2008 SeasonAverage Forecast Actual

Storms

Hurricanes

Major

10 12-16 16

6 6-9 8

2 2-5 5

Source: NOAA

2008 Season Recap

2008 Season Records

6 Landfalling Storms In A Row

3 Major Hurricanes Hit Cuba

Major Hurricane Formed In 5 Consecutive Months

Source: NOAA

MON, SEP 8MON, SEP 8

Serving As A Public UtilityServing As A Public Utility

Began Continuous 24-Hour Began Continuous 24-Hour Coverage Coverage

5 AM Thursday, Sept. 115 AM Thursday, Sept. 11

Serving As A Public UtilityServing As A Public Utility

Began Continuous 24-Hour Began Continuous 24-Hour Coverage Coverage

5 AM Thursday, Sept. 115 AM Thursday, Sept. 11

Simultaneous Web StreamingSimultaneous Web Streaming

Serving As A Public UtilityServing As A Public Utility

Began Continuous 24-Hour Began Continuous 24-Hour Coverage Coverage

5 AM Thursday, Sept. 115 AM Thursday, Sept. 11

Simultaneous Web StreamingSimultaneous Web Streaming

Updates On Mobile WebUpdates On Mobile Web

Serving As A Public UtilityServing As A Public Utility

Began Continuous 24-Hour Began Continuous 24-Hour Coverage Coverage

5 AM Thursday, Sept. 115 AM Thursday, Sept. 11

Simultaneous Web StreamingSimultaneous Web Streaming

Updates On Mobile WebUpdates On Mobile Web

Simulcast: 4 Local FM Stations, Simulcast: 4 Local FM Stations, TX Cable Network, XM, Direct TVTX Cable Network, XM, Direct TV

Exploring New Technology

Reporters Used SKYPEReporters Used SKYPE

Viewer Reports From TwitterViewer Reports From Twitter

Weather Call SubscriptionsWeather Call Subscriptions

Hidefromthewind.orgHidefromthewind.org

Coverage Highlights

On The Air For 91 Consecutive On The Air For 91 Consecutive HoursHours

19 Hours/Day The Next Week19 Hours/Day The Next Week

3-Hour Live Town Hall Show, A 3-Hour Live Town Hall Show, A Week After The StormWeek After The Storm

Spirit Of Texas Relief DriveSpirit Of Texas Relief Drive

Lessons Learned

Storm Surge Threat Is PoorlyStorm Surge Threat Is PoorlyCommunicated And ExplainedCommunicated And Explained

Saffir-Simpson Scale Should BeSaffir-Simpson Scale Should BeRe-EvaluatedRe-Evaluated

Stay Alert, Even After The StormStay Alert, Even After The Storm

Lessons Learned

The Public And Businesses Are The Public And Businesses Are Not Prepared For Extended Not Prepared For Extended

Power OutagesPower Outages

Each Hurricane Poses A DifferentEach Hurricane Poses A DifferentThreatThreat

Houstonians Know How To PullHoustonians Know How To PullTogether In A CrisisTogether In A Crisis

La NiñaLa Niña

El NiñoEl Niño

2009 Forecast

Average Forecast

Storms

Hurricanes

Major

10 12 6 6 2 2

Source: Dr. Bill Gray, Col. State. Univ.

Are You Ready?

Make A PlanMake A Plan

Build A KitBuild A Kit

Stay InformedStay Informed

Living Without Power

Stockpile Unrefrigerated FoodStockpile Unrefrigerated Food

Have Plenty of Bottled And Potable Have Plenty of Bottled And Potable Water On Hand Water On Hand

Buy A Generator – Practice Before Buy A Generator – Practice Before Any Storm ArrivesAny Storm Arrives

Living Without Power

Consider The Needs Of Your Consider The Needs Of Your Family Based On AgeFamily Based On Age

Will You Have Necessary MedicineWill You Have Necessary MedicineAnd Cash?And Cash?

How Well Do You Know Your How Well Do You Know Your Neighbors?Neighbors?

If You Leave

Document Valuables AndDocument Valuables AndNecessary PaperworkNecessary Paperwork

Be Prepared To Be Away FromBe Prepared To Be Away FromHome For 3-5 DaysHome For 3-5 Days

What Is Your Plan For Your Pet?What Is Your Plan For Your Pet?