News

Robins prepares for hurricane season

  • Published
  • By 78th OSS
  • 78th Operations Support Squadron
Although not on the coastline, Robins is not immune from tropical weather and the staff in the Robins weather flight are once more preparing for hurricane season.

"Preparedness and situational awareness are crucial during the tropical season," said Roddy Nixon, senior meteorologist with the 78th Operational Support Squadron. "Our location here in middle Georgia does not shield us from the potential for serious consequences associated with tropical weather."

With the approaching start of the Atlantic hurricane season June 1, meteorologists and emergency managers across the southeastern United States are preparing for the chance of tropical activity in their areas of concern.

This season's forecast calls for 12 storms. Six of those are expected to become hurricanes, two of which are forecast to become major hurricanes. Though the total number of storms is down from previous years, meteorologists warn that it only takes one storm to create major problems for thousands.

Mr. Nixon, who attended last week's Florida Governor's Hurricane Conference, said there is still major concern on the part of emergency officials and meteorologists that too much complacency exists when it comes to tropical weather.

"The risk of high winds, tornadoes, heavy rains, and flooding are of primary concern to the weather flight team," Mr. Nixon said.

He said all personnel should assume the best but be also prepared for the worst.

"Resources, both fiscal and physical, are going to be tight for all concerned," he said. "Our need to be as self-sufficient as possible is high."

Capt. Kenneth Chilcoat, weather flight commander, agreed.

"The weather flight will be ready to provide senior Robins leadership and key decision makers with the information needed to ensure safety, resource protection, and response readiness," he said.

Given the many bouts of severe weather that middle Georgia has already seen this year, the weather flight encourages all assigned Robins-affiliated personnel, contractors, and their families to have emergency preparedness plans in place.