2022 Hurricane Season closes with no major impacts to VI – DDM’s Jasen Penn
“We are very grateful that the Virgin Islands did not experience major impacts this hurricane season, but even more grateful that the community was able to work together to Be Ready,” Director Penn said according to information coming our of the DDM.
He added that the 2022 hurricane season was, however, an unusual one, “Forecasters initially observed several factors that would typically point toward a more active season. However, with the lingering Sahara Dust in the area, we actually saw lower than average activity in the early part of the season.”
According to the DDM, no tropical systems formed during the month of August 2022, which has only been observed during two prior seasons since 1950 in addition to an unexpected rare formation of two storms during November 2022, a month that would usually see only one system form.
14 named storms with 8 hurricanes
Reports from the National Hurricane Centre indicated that the season produced 14 named storms, including eight hurricanes. Two systems – Fiona and Ian – which strengthened to major hurricanes before dissipating.
“Even though the hurricane season has concluded, we know that storms can continue to form outside of the season. We also know that we are vulnerable to other hazards like earthquakes, so it continues to be very important for individuals and businesses to stay prepared,” Penn added.
He said such surprises are likely to be the norm as global climate change impacts continue, which should remind all residents to stay vigilant when it comes to being prepared for hazards like tropical storms.
3 Responses to “2022 Hurricane Season closes with no major impacts to VI – DDM’s Jasen Penn”