FIRST ALERT: Hurricane season begins, Colorado State updates outlook

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - With hurricane season beginning today, homeowners, renters and business owners are encouraged to be prepared.

Ian, Hugo, Matthew and Florence are just a few names of hurricanes that ravaged the Carolinas in previous years. With each storm, survivors learned firsthand about the dangers of flooding, heavy rainfall and storm surge.

Out of the last ten years, we had at least one named storm bring impacts nine years. It's a... — Out of the last ten years, we had at least one named storm bring impacts nine years. It's a good reminder that we often see at least one system.(WMBF)

When looking at the past ten years, we’ve had AT LEAST one named storm impact the Grand Strand nine out of the past 10 years. It’s just one of the many reasons we tell you to prepare now.

Colorado State calls for an average hurricane season in total number of hurricanes.(WMBF)

The latest outlook from both NOAA and Colorado State calls for an average season in terms of named storms, hurricanes and major hurricanes.

The latest outlook from NOAA is calling for a slightly below/near normal hurricane season.(WMBF)

It’s important to note that this is just an outlook. As we go throughout the hurricane season, forecasters at Colorado State and NOAA will make changes as needed. For us, it’s critical to be prepared as it only takes one hurricane to cause issues.

Here's a look at the list of names you might hear this hurricane season.(WMBF)

Here’s a look at the names you may hear this season. Arlene is the first named storm of the season.

Our WMBF First Alert Weather team wants the community to be as prepared as possible before, during and after the storm hits. Be sure to visit our First Alert Hurricane Center for tips on what you can do to be ready before, during & after the storm.

Here are ways you can take action now:

Stay informed. Download the WMBF Weather app to get emergency alerts and updates on your phone. Also purchase a weather radio.
Plan to evacuate. Know your community’s evacuation plan, evacuation routes and how to receive alerts.
Build an emergency kit. Keep it ready at home, at work and in the car.
Buy flood insurance. Most home insurance policies do not cover flooding. National Flood Insurance Program policies take 30 days from the date of purchase to go into effect. Visit FloodSmart.gov to learn more about protecting your home.
Protect your documents. Keep computers and important documents in a waterproof container and create digital copies.
Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels.

The First Alert Weather App is just one of the ways you can stay updated with any storm or potential storm that could form in the Atlantic. You can also watch First Alert Live on the WMBF News Facebook page or on WMBFNews.com daily as the First Alert Weather Team monitors any disturbances for the upcoming season.

Be sure to tune into our hurricane special on Friday, June 16th at 7 PM for a look at the past hurricanes in our area and how you can prepare for the 2023 season.