Storm chaser talks staying prepared amid peak hurricane season

JACKSON, Tenn. — We’re currently in the middle of hurricane season, and preparedness is always an important factor.

September is the peak month for destructive hurricanes in our country. The season mainly runs through the end of November.

We spoke with a professional storm chaser, Josh Morgerman, about this current season.

“And now, all of a sudden, it’s like waking up,” Morgerman said. “So I’d say we need to keep a really close watch especially on the southeast coast over the next few days because that thing that is near the Bahamas could become Imelda.”

Here in West Tennessee, we are certainly not immune to the effects that hurricanes can bring. Morgerman tells us what we should be thinking about.

“Where you guys are, there’s inland flooding, there’s river flooding and stuff like that,” Morgerman said. “I think one of the most important things is to know your elevation. Are you in a flood plain? Can you experience inundation from a sudden rain event?”

Morgerman also talked to us about the importance of the way your home is built and how important that can be.

“One is making sure your roof is properly attached. This applies to not just folks on the coast, but also folks in Tennessee. Violent windstorms are violent windstorms. If the roof comes off, it is game over. If it stays on, you are going to be okay. Next thing is your windows. Are they impact glass or do you have shutters for them?” Morgerman said.

He also tells us that the siding on our houses should be something we are making sure is strong.

A weather radio is always a must have. You never know when your cellphone service or power will go out.

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