Hurricane season officially kicked off earlier this summer, and researchers at Colorado State University are predicting at least 18 named storms in 2023. Researchers expect nine of the storms to become hurricanes and four to reach major hurricane strength with sustained winds of 111 miles per hour or greater.
Warmer than normal waters are contributing to the rise of hurricanes. According to a press release, the team predicts that 2023 hurricane activity will be about 130 percent of the average season, compared to 2022 when it was at 75 percent.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is urging facilities managers to best prevent, minimize and report chemical releases during hazardous weather events. Facility operators are already obligated to maintain safety, minimize releases that do occur and report any chemical releases or spills in a timely manner. The EPA is already working with officials from Texas and Louisiana to ensure Gulf Coast communities are prepared for hazardous weather before, during and after a storm.
Unlike other natural disasters, hurricanes and tropical storms are predictable, which allows managers to best prepare for any impacts at their facilities. The EPA reminds managers to take the following basic steps to prepare for hazardous weather:
Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor for the facilities market.
