2024 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1

Cleco is preparing and encourages customers to prepare as experts are predicting above-normal hurricane activity for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season which officially begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30. 

NOAA National Weather Service forecasters are predicting 17-25 named storms in total.  Of these, they expect 8-13 to become hurricanes and 4-7 to become major hurricanes, which are Category 3 or higher with sustained winds of 111 miles per hour or more. In a typical season, there are 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. 

“We know from experience that hurricanes can cause loss of property and life, so we have to take the predictions seriously and prepare,” said Clint Robichaux, director of distribution operations and reliability. “Cleco prepares for storms year-round by regularly checking our inventory, identifying staging areas to house equipment and supplies, securing contractors to help with restoration, if needed, reviewing employee storm assignments, conducting storm exercises and more.”

According to the National Weather Service, the above-normal activity is due to near-record warm temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and other conditions that promote storm development. 
Below are steps customers can take to prepare for the 2024 hurricane season:

• Prepare a storm kit by gathering supplies you might need during a power outage, including flashlights, batteries, canned food, manual can opener, bottled water, medication and a first aid kit.
• Develop an evacuation plan in case you have to evacuate.
• Have a battery-powered radio to receive updates from the media.
• Review your insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage.
• Take pictures or video of the inside and outside areas of your home or business for potential insurance needs.
• Plan ahead for medical or special needs, including your pets.
• If you have a generator, test to ensure it works.

More storm preparedness tips can be found online at cleco.com.