HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

Forecasters at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, have just released their official hurricane forecast, predicting an above-average 2022 season. This would make it the seventh consecutive hurricane season we’ve seen with higher than normal activity.

With the start of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season less than two weeks ago, the city of Brownsville and its partners will hold a Hurricane Preparedness/Prevention Fair at the Brownsville Sports Park. The event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, at 1000 Sports Park Blvd. and will have plenty of information to help residents prepare for what some forecasters have said will be an above normal season. Agencies at the fair include the Cameron County Judge’s Division of Emergency Management & Fire Marshal Service, Brownsville’s Office of Emergency Management, and local, state and federal emergency management officials who will be there to answer your questions. Attendance to the Hurricane Preparedness Fair is free and open to the public.

With any major storm, winds and heavy rainfall have the power to create massive power outages.

But it’s quite another to ready yourself for a severe weather situation when you have a new baby in tow. Maybe the baby naps or hangs out in some type of rocker that you usually plug in to a wall. You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of batteries, in case your home loses power. Obviously, whether you’re a new parent or not, you’d want to make sure you have a way to charge your phone. -- And if you’re formula feeding, that’s great, too.

HOUSTON – Governor Greg Abbott is urging Texans to be vigilant over the next few days as he and his office closely monitor a potential tropical development brewing in the Gulf. RELATED: What to know about the two Tropical systems brewing right nowAbbott said the state is preparing its resources to assist communities with potential flooding and heavy rainfall. “I urge Texans across the state to monitor the weather in their area and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from possible flash flooding and heavy rainfall,” Abbott said. “As this Tropical Depression approaches the Lone Star State, we are taking the necessary precautions to keep Texans safe,” Abbott said. “These resources I have rostered will help our communities respond to the severe weather and possible flash floods caused by this Tropical Depression.

To help prepare for the start of hurricane season, take this quiz on how to best prepare, should a hurricane draw near.

Hurricane season is upon us, and make no mistake: There’s not much that can be done when a hurricane strikes, considering how powerful they can be. But preparing for a hurricane is a different story. Readiness is in our control, so the damage can be minimized as much as possible. To help prepare for the start of hurricane season, take this quiz, below. Even if you don’t nail a good score, the knowledge gained will help you pass with flying colors and lessen the damage, should the real thing strike.