As of May 21, 2009

According to the NOAA forecasters at the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, there is a 50 percent probability of a near-normal season, a 25 percent probability of a normal season, and a 25 percent probability of a below-normal season. There is much uncertainty this early in the season, however forecasters say there is a 70 percent chance of having 9 to 14 named storms, of which four to seven could become hurricanes, inlcuding 1 to 3 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5).

When does hurricane season officially start and end?

Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, however, hurricanes have occured outside of these dates. According to the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), the dates were selected to encompass 97% of tropical activity.

When is peak hurricane season?

AOML describes the very peak season to be from August to October, with:
78% of the tropical storm days
87% of the "minor" hurricane days
96% of the "major" hurricane days

**Note: Remeber Hurricane Agnes?? The first named storm in 1972, a rare June hurricane,  inflicted more damage than any other hurricane ever recorded at that time.

Where can I monitor active storms?

The  National Hurricane Center, a division of the National Weather Service's Tropical Prediction Center.

Where should I go to find out what is happening locally? 

When severe weather is forecasted, it is important for residents and business owners to monitor the situation and act proactively to protect themselves, their family and their property. Local officials have a variety of ways to get information to the public. Emergency Information Sources.

Surviving The Storm: Anne Arundel County's Official Guide to Emergency Preparedness has information on emergency preparedness kits, local shelters and evacuation routes, creating a plan including one for your pet, as well as a list of important phone numbers and websites that you should keep handy in the event of an emergency. Open/Print a Guide.