Hurricane season is just weeks away, but this year, we're nearing an even bigger milestone: 10 years since the 2004 hurricane season, one of the worst Florida has ever seen.
The Atlantic hurricane season begins Sunday, June 1, and lasts through Nov. 30, but it can be easy to forget that it lasts for half the year, especially after one of the quietest hurricane seasons on record in 2013.
Hurricane experts say this season could be even quieter. Colorado State University's 2014 hurricane season forecast calls for just nine named tropical storms this year, including three hurricanes, and only one major hurricane.
But emergency managers warn Floridians not to fall victim to "hurricane amnesia." It was 10 years ago, when Hurricane Charley made a sudden turn toward Central Florida, that showed us that a storm's projected path can change at a moment's notice, and how important it is to make sure you're prepared in case of a real disaster.
Charley was the first of four major hurricanes that hit Florida in 2004. Hurricanes Frances, Ivan and Jeanne would each hit the Sunshine State in a historic storm season.
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Surviving the Storm: Then and Now
Now, a decade later, News 13 wants you to make sure you're ready for a hurricane with our special, Surviving the Storm: Then and Now, airing at the following dates and times leading up to the start of hurricane season:
- Friday, May 30, 2014 at 8 p.m.
- Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 8 p.m.
- Sunday, June 1, 2014 at 4 p.m.
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Share Your Photos: #4in2004
If you lived through the 2004 hurricane season, we want to see your memories. Here's how you can share them with the rest of Central Florida:
- Post your pictures and video to Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #4in2004.
- Email your pictures and video to phonecam13@mynews13.com.
- Be sure to include your name, location of your pictures, and during which hurricane the photos were taken.