No La Nina or El Nino means neutral weather conditions for Louisiana. The La Nina weather phenomenon that increases Atlantic hurricane activity is no longer a threat to the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says an El Nino is less threatening than its counterpart.
“There’s also this very decent chance that we’ll actually move into an El Nino which would then further reduce the number and intensity of the hurricanes for this up and coming season,” said Keim.
El Nino is warmer in the northern U.S. and cooler than normal in the south. A trend in weather forecasts suggests a 60% chance of an El Nino taking charge this fall.
“And once an El Nino gets in place they tend to hang around for a year or two,” said Keim.
Over the last three years, the U.S. has been hit by 14 hurricanes and tropical storms that caused a billion dollars or more in damage, totaling $252 billion in costs.
“Keep in mind this does not mean we can’t get hit. In fact, a great example, Hurricane Andrews spun itself up during an El Nino year and wreaked havoc here in Louisiana,” said Keim.
Neutral weather conditions are expected to continue through spring and early summer.
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