2012 Hurricane Season Begins Friday

What are the odds a hurricane will interfere with your summer vacation?

You might be surprised. 

"Hurricane hazards come in many forms, including storm surge, heavy rainfall, inland flooding, high winds, tornadoes and rip currents," according to National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration website. "The National Weather Service works to save lives and livelihoods through issuance of timely watches and warnings, but it is essential that your family be ready before a storm approaches."

What's this season look like?

"Given the current and expected conditions, combined with model forecasts and possible competing factors, (NOAA estimates a 70 percent) probability for each of the following ranges of activity during 2012:

• 9-15 Named Storms,
• 4-8 Hurricanes
• 1-3 Major Hurricanes
• An Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) range of 65%-140% of the median.

These ranges do not represent the total possible ranges of activity seen in past similar years."

Download the National Hurricane Center's Tropical Cyclone Preparedness Guide.

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