Atlantic Canadians can expect a near-normal hurricane season this year, according to the Canadian Hurricane Centre.
Meteorologist Bob Robichaud says 10 to 16 named storms are predicted for the Atlantic Basin, with one to four of them expected to reach hurricane status — two are expected to be major hurricanes.
READ MORE: NOAA predicts near-normal 2016 Atlantic hurricane season
Robichaud says that’s because the warmer waters caused by El Nino in the Pacific are beginning to cool.
“So in that respect, we could have a few more storms and those storms could be a little bit stronger than what we saw last year.”
Regardless of the forecast, emergency officials say it’s important to get prepared now, because it only takes one storm to have a severe impact.
“We encourage folks at this time of year when the forecast is coming out, to go back and revisit their plans and check their kits and make sure anything that is expired is replaced and that they’re just current,” said EMO Emergency Programs director Andy Lathem.
Homeowners are also being reminded to check things like shingles and loose furniture that can be blown around in high winds and potentially cause damage to homes.
Last year the Atlantic region saw 11 tropical storms and four hurricanes — two of those reached major hurricane status.
The NOAA is also calling for a near-normal season.
With files from The Canadian Press and Rebecca Lau
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