As hurricane chance drops, locals should still stay prepared
Published 10:46 am Friday, August 7, 2015
It’s starting to look like 2015 won’t be the year another Katrina-sized hurricane slams into the Coast. NOAA revised its hurricane prediction down on Thursday, saying there’s a 90 percent chance of a below-normal hurricane season.
The 90 percent probability of a below-normal season is the highest confidence level given by NOAA since seasonal hurricane outlooks began in 1998.
The outlook now includes a 70 percent chance of 6 to 10 named storms, of which 1 to 4 will become hurricanes, and 0 to 1 will become major hurricanes.
But that doesn’t mean Coast residents, or Lincoln County residents, should write off the chance of a hurricane. NOAA has been wrong before, so the experts are still advising residents to be prepared.
Locally, that simply means having an emergency kit and a family communications plan.
Don’t miss out on fair
The Exchange Club Fair continues today and Saturday, with gates open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Like any good fair, there are plenty of greasy foods and fun rides.
The fair will also have a firework show Saturday night beginning at 10 p.m.
The rides many locals remember as a child are still there — Ferris wheel, Tilt-a-Whirl, Scrambler and others.
According to the Chamber of Commerce, most of the rides initially were handmade by club members. Today, operation and improvements continue through volunteer efforts.
Proceeds go toward the upkeep of the fairgrounds, the ballpark and the playground as well as various groups such as Relay for Life, Make-A-Wish and prevention of child abuse. The Exchange Club also awards an annual scholarship.