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Florida hasn’t been hit by a hurricane since Wilma in 2005.  As Matt Galka tells us, the forecast for hurricane season is slightly below average, but the National Hurricane Center says that doesn’t mean the state isn’t at risk.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration showed off some of their storm tracking technology Thursday.

NOAA’s hurricane preparedness tour stopped in Florida on the same day they released their hurricane season forecast. They’re predicting 8 to 13 named storms including three to six hurricanes, possibly two major ones.  The prediction is slightly below normal for hurricane season, but experts say Floridians shouldn’t relax.

“Take 1992 for example, only had 7 named storms, 4 hurricanes, 1 major, but that major was Category 5 hurricane Andrew that devastated South Florida,” said Daniel Brown with the National Hurricane Center.

For the first time, storm surge graphics will be available to help the public. Storm surge is typically the most deadly and destructive force during a hurricane.

“The graphic will have two primary things we’re trying to communicate: how deep the water will be above land, and how far inland the water will go,” said the NHC’s storm surge specialist Jamie Rhome.

Commander Peter Siegel flies into the storms to collect information for NOAA. He flew into category five hurricane Katrina twice.

“Every hurricane is unique, every hurricane is different, sometimes they’re really, rough, and sometimes it’s like driving over a speed bump in your car,” said Siegel.

The state’s Emergency Response Team has been running mock hurricane exercises all week…just in case

Floridians can purchase items like flashlights, first aid kits, and other hurricane supplies tax free for 8 days starting May 31^st. Hurricane season starts June 1^st.