75°
Connecticut has been hit by two hurricanes in the past two years: Irene in 2011 and Sandy in 2012, causing devastating coastal and interior damage and massive power outages.
Last year, the East Coast saw 19 tropical storms and 10 hurricanes, one of which was a major hurricane. For 2013, AccuWeather.com is forecasting 16 tropical storms, eight hurricanes and four major hurricanes, with three making landfall.
But last year's early storms were an "anomaly," AccuWeather.com expert senior meteorologist Dan Kottlowski said. "We think that this year will be more in line with a typical active season."
Superstorm Sandy last October paralyzed much of the East Coast and caused massive widespread damage along the coasts of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. According to the AccuWeather.com report, the 2013 this season may begin quickly this year with development in the Caribbean in June.
The weather service is predicting strong storms this year with a strength of category 2 or higher, and areas along the East Coast to the Gulf of Mexico are at risk for impact from a tropical system. This year could also set the stage for stronger storms than those that occurred in 2012.
Concern is high along the East Coast because of the remaining devastation as a result of Superstorm Sandy.
"It would be very difficult for a storm to hit right where Sandy hit," Kottlowski said. However, the areas impacted by Sandy remain vulnerable because a powerful storm surge wreaked havoc on the East Coast's dune systems. Without dunes, there is increased potential for severe inland flooding in another storm.
Read the complete report from AccuWeather.com online.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
