Robert W. Burpee, director of the National Hurricane Center in Miami, part of NOAA's National Weather Service, told hurricane specialists, emergency managers and news media gathered for a seasonal preview that while the nation's forecast capability continues to improve with the introduction of new technology and observing systems, rising population in our coastal areas is putting more people at risk. NOAA Administrator D. James Baker said that modernization of the National Weather Service continues to receive priority attention as the federal budget tightens. Baker warned, however, that continued funding for the operational and research components of NOAA is critical, if the agency is to maintain a leading edge in accurately forecasting hurricane track and intensity. But the biggest payoff, of course, has been lives saved, despite the substantial increases in population along the coasts. It is difficult to evacuate people from these areas because roadways and bridges cannot handle the traffic.
Major hurricanes cause most fatalities and damage.
Safeguarding an increasing, vulnerable population is a team effort, Burpee noted. Preparation and coordination between the National Weather Service, FEMA, state and local governments, universities and the private sector are critical to mitigating the impact of hurricanes.