Atlantic hurricane season begins: Get prepared

June 1 marks the start of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and officials from the National Hurricane Center strongly recommend all Americans create a hurricane response plan.

Some of the steps you can take:

  • Determine your risk 
  • Develop an evacuation plan
  • Assemble disaster supplies
  • Secure an insurance check-up
  • Strengthen your home
  • Check on your neighbor
  • Complete your written hurricane plan

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's climate prediction center is forecasting an above-average hurricane season this year.

There is a likelihood of 11 to 17 named storms; 5 to 9 of them are predicted to become hurricanes with two to four of them becoming major hurricanes.

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On Thursday, a tropical depression began soaking southern Mexico as it headed for landfall in an area of touristy beach communities.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center says the storm was centered about 45 miles (70 kilometers) west-southwest of Puerto Angel.

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It was expected to dump 8 to 12 inches (200 to 300 millimeters) of rain across Oaxaca state with higher local accumulations, threatening dangerous floods and mudslides.

The depression had maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (55 kph) and was moving north-northeast at 6 mph (10 kph). The hurricane center said it was possible it would become a tropical storm before crossing over land and losing strength.

A tropical storm warning remained in effect Thursday for the coast between Puerto Escondido and Salina Cruz.

With the Associated Press