Hurricane Predictions Are Out

It may be another tough hurricane season for residents of the Gulf Coast, particularly New Orleans. The National Hurricane Center said that there could be as many as 16 named storms this season, with up to six major hurricanes. A major hurricane is one that is Category 3 or higher. New Orleans is the city predicted to be the most at risk this season as well, in part due to the weakness of the levees and in part due to the predicted paths of the storms. The predictions came as an independent report criticized agencies responsible for the levees at all levels, saying that they have been poorly funded and improperly maintained.

On the positive side, 2006 should not be as destructive as last season's record year. Last year saw 28 named storms, 15 of which were hurricanes, seven of them Category 3 or higher. FEMA is not taking any chances though, with new director David Paulison saying that some Gulf Coast families living in FEMA trailers will have to evacuate if winds reach 39 mph.

New Orleans must brace for this hurricane season and do the best it can to make it through. Any action now on significantly upgrading the levees is not likely to do much good. However, after this season, a major program of strengthening and upgrading the levees must be undertaken to restore public faith in the viability of New Orleans as a place to live and work.