Marines

Lejeune starts preparations for "above-normal" hurricane season

25 May 2017 | Major Lori E. Miller Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

"It only takes one.  If it hits us right in the nose, it could be catastrophic," John Reeve, Operations Officer said today referencing the upcoming hurricane season.

According to a statement released today by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center, this year's Atlantic hurricane season activity is anticipated to have "a 45 percent chance of an above-normal season...including two to four major hurricanes."  In anticipation of hurricane season beginning June 1 and ending November 30, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is focused on preparing its units, military members and their families for potential landfall.

Today, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune key staff members gathered to hear the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Seasonal Forecast and begin preparations for the annual Destructive Weather Exercise to be held June 26-30 here at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and other East Coast installations across the command.  During the exercise, simulated full-scale "Hurricane Frank" will hit the region bringing with it 100 mile per hour winds, coastal storm surge flooding of five to seven feet and rainfall amounts ranging four to ten inches.

The purpose of the exercise is to prepare those responsible for the relocation of personnel in flood prone areas, the establishment of shelters, the safety and security of personnel, and equipment distribution in anticipation of a potential hurricane.  Although a storm may strike prior to the exercise being conducted, the dates were chosen so that all key participants would be present for the training.

While Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune will do their best to ensure the safety of the base community, individual responsibility must be taken to prepare as well by putting together a disaster supply kit and discussing an emergency plan with family members.

If only one hurricane hits East Coast installations this year, the impact on those in its path could be disastrous.