If you’ve been paying attention to the predictions for an active 2024 hurricane season, you’ve probably heard some talk about La Niña. Don’t be fooled by the name: while technically called “The Girl,” this climate phenomenon has a big impact on hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean.

What is La Niña?

How does La Niña impact hurricane season?

• Reduced Wind Shear: Wind shear refers to the change in wind speed, direction, and height. During La Niña, wind shear is typically reduced in the Atlantic, which means that there are more favorable conditions for the formation and intensification of hurricanes.
  
  
• Enhanced Easterly Waves: La Niña conditions can also enhance the development of African easterly waves, which are atmospheric disturbances that travel from east to west across the tropical Atlantic. The increased convection and moisture can lead to more robust and frequent easterly waves, increasing the likelihood of cyclone development.
  
  
• Warmer Sea Waters: While La Niña is known for being the “cooling phase” in the Pacific, it often coincides with warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic. The combination of warm waters and reduced wind shear creates an optimal environment for hurricanes to form and strengthen.

What does history teach us about La Niña?

Historical data supports the connection between La Niña and active hurricane seasons. Some of the most active hurricane seasons on record occurred doing La Niña years, including 2005: the year that brought Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to devastate the Southeastern U.S. and Gulf of Mexico.

How do we prepare for an active August in the Atlantic?

There are always common-sense approaches to storm preparation for yourself, your family, and your business:

1. Develop an emergency plan, including evacuation routes and a safe destination.
   
   
2. Build an emergency kit including water, non-perishables, first aid, medications, hygiene items, clothes, and your important documents.
   
   
3. Secure your home and your place of business with features like storm shutters, sandbags, and reinforcement around doors and windows.
   
   
4. Communicate your plans to your employees, so they know you expect them to put themselves and their families before work. If your area or company attracts recent transplants, make sure they know how serious hurricane season is, especially in La Niña!

How can LDR help in hurricanes and related floods and tornadoes?

As the leading emergency services provider in the U.S., LDR is always ready to respond to a disaster zone. With 24/7 customer support and unparalleled delivery speed, we are always on hand to deliver critical equipment and services, like:

• Portable sanitation, including sinks, showers, and laundry facilities
  
  
• Waste management solutions, including dumpsters, contamination control, and clean-up crews
  
  
• Storage containers for weatherproof safe-keeping and temporary shelters
  
  
• Equipment for emergency response, including power generators, light towers, bulldozers, excavators, forklifts, and more
  
  
• Lifts and platforms for emergency rescues and floodwater mitigation
  
  
• Fencing and barricades to control traffic and block off disaster zones that feature contaminated water, dangerous debris, or displaced wildlife

Does LDR have experience in hurricane response?

With over a decade as an emergency services leader, we have significant experience sending weatherproof trucks and setup professionals to hurricane sites.

One of our proudest endeavors included partnering with a national retailer to set up relief zones in the wake of Hurricane Ian.

Just last month, we supported victims of Hurricane Beryl by delivering emergency equipment as the Texas government struggled to meet needs.

How do I learn more about LDR’s emergency services?

Easy! Visit our Emergency Services page, or reach out now! We are always happy to discuss all things shop, storms, and support.