Hurricane Arthur
July 4, 2014
Hurricane Arthur is the first hurricane of the 2014 season-a period that runs from June 1 through November 30 for the Atlantic Ocean region. As Arthur moved up to North Carolina last night, it strengthened into a Category 2 storm as classified by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Inland off the coast of Maryland, there were some strong thunderstorms and periodic heavy rain.
This link provides an overview of the methodology by which NOAA bases its predictions for a given hurricane season, the 2014 season in this case. The NOAA website is a useful resource, especially for those in areas prone to severe weather. The areas at risk certainly seem to be expanding.
Those thunderstorms from yesterday led to much cooler temperatures and much less humidity for the 4th of July in central Maryland, which makes for a very pleasant holiday here. However, even though it weakened (Category 1), Arthur did leave some damage behind in North Carolina before moving on. Fortunately, that damage was not as bad as it could have been (which is always easy for someone who did not experience the problems to say). Unfortunately, there is a long hurricane season ahead and time will tell if NOAA’s predictions come to fruition.
Take care.