NOAA officials predict below-average Atlantic hurricane season for first time since 2015

The NOAA's National Hurricane Center is set to implement an improved version of the tropical cyclone graphic to include watches and warnings for inland areas, officials said. The center will also begin testing an experimental version of the tropical cyclone graphics to include a greater range of possibilities for tracking the direction and timing of a storm.

NOAA has also been working on flood inundation mapping, which provides a visualization of streets likely to go underwater, officials said. The map currently covers about 60% of the population and will expand to nearly 100% by late September.

Houston is also one of more than 60 U.S. cities that are part of an experimental urban rain rate dashboard, which provides a real-time look at the probability of extreme rainfall a week in advance.

Staying prepared

Although the season is predicted to be below average, National Weather Service Director Ken Graham said it's important to remember it only takes one storm to make it a bad season.

“Although El Nino’s impact in the Atlantic Basin can often suppress hurricane development, there is still uncertainty in how each season will unfold,” Graham said. “Preparing now for hurricane season—and not waiting for a storm to threaten—is essential for staying ahead of any storm."

According to its website, NOAA recommends residents prepare by:

• Developing an evacuation plan
• Assembling disaster supplies, including food, water, batteries, chargers, a radio and cash
• Checking on insurance—including flood insurance—and documenting their possessions
• Creating a communication plan with a handwritten list of contacts
• Strengthening homes by trimming trees, installing storm shutters and sealing outside wall openings