Welcome to the 2011 Hurricane Season Steve Weagle, Chief Meteorologist, WPTV News Channel 5

After the memorable storms of 2004 and 2005, weather conditions have been considerably quieter across south Florida the last few years. And we like it that way. But this is Florida, and eventually we will experience another hurricane, likely sooner rather than later. Most people would consider last year a quiet hurricane season, but it tied as the third busiest hurricane season on record with an amazing 19 named storms. We were very lucky as the storms skirted us to the north and south, causing damage in many hurricane prone areas but remaining wonderfully quiet here.

Seasonal hurricane forecasters are again calling for a very busy year, with storm activity increasing as ocean temperatures remain above normal and the lack of El Nino around to suppress storm formation. Add to that the fact we are in a 20-30 year cycle of increased hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin. No one can say for sure if a storm will impact this area this year, but preparation is essential. Get a hurricane plan. Understand if you’re in an evacuation area, get your supplies, and protect your family. In other words, continue to prepare your home and family as you’ve done in the past. We’ll help you along the way, with Live VIPIR5 HD radar, WPTV.COM, and the experience of the WPTV Storm Team. We’ve also partnered with every major newspaper in the viewing area and our Clear Channel radio partners. It’s an exciting time for us, since we have the ability to bring you life-saving information in many different ways. Stay safe and should a storm threaten, the Storm Team will keep you up-to-date minute-by-minute.