The 2014 Hurricane season could prove to be a quiet one if early forecasts hold true. Normally, the Gulf Coast and the nearby states often experience wet and active hurricane seasons, with enormous storms breezing in almost every month. This year, however, things could be different, as El Niño maybe on the way.

Climatologists say El Niño, a large-scale weather phenomenon that suppresses storm formations, may fully form in August. This, along with the cooling of the tropical Atlantic over the past few months, can be good news for many homeowners living near the coast.

What does this exactly mean for the storm-vulnerable state of Florida? Here’s a report/explanation from the Sun Sentinel:

A strong El Niño could mean the upcoming season will have “about one less major hurricane and one to two fewer hurricanes,” said Gerry Bell, lead hurricane forecaster for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration…

…If strong enough, El Niño could slow the upcoming hurricane season by 20 to 30 percent and reduce the average number of U.S. landfalls per season from two to one, Bell said…

If a strong El Niño forms, the odds of a Florida strike would drop from 44 percent during a neutral year to 35 percent, (Phil) Klotzbach [of Colorado State University] said. The odds of a major hurricane hitting the U.S. coastline would decrease from 52 to 35 percent, he said.

Homeowners, however, are still warned not to be complacent, as El Niño and cooler sea surface temperatures don’t always guarantee a storm-free season.

While the sun’s still out, homeowners are encouraged to do small home improvement projects to protect themselves against future inclement weather conditions. If you live in Florida, it’s best to contact a local company offering roofing in Clearwater FL for proper inspection.

When preparing your Florida home, your best bet is to get the help of Arry’s Roofing Services, Inc., a trusted contractor for Clearwater roofing. You can also get information from your local building department, Ready.gov and FEMA. Hurricane season this year starts on June 1 and will run until November 30; use this time now to prepare.

(Article excerpt from El Niño would cut odds of a Florida hurricane hit, articles.sun-sentinel.com, April 14, 2014)