Forecasting the storm: Expert tips for hurricane preparedness

June marks the start of hurricane season in Georgia — and there’s no better time to prepare than on a sunny day. In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we’re joined by Pam Knox, agricultural climatologist and director of the UGA Weather Network, to unpack what hurricane season means for Georgia residents. Pam breaks down the terms residents often hear but may not fully grasp, explaining the difference between weather and climate, how the El Niño–Southern Oscillation impacts hurricane activity, and how Georgia’s farmers rely on real-time data from UGA’s 90 weather stations across the state. We also discuss NOAA’s predictions for an above-average 2025 Atlantic hurricane season and what that could mean in practical terms. Whether you're managing a farm or prepping your household, Pam shares her top three tips to stay safe and minimize damage. And if you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry — we’ve included links to several helpful UGA Extension resources in the show notes.

Resources:

• Find your UGA Cooperative Extension office
• UGA Cooperative Extension Weather Emergency Resources
• UGA Weather Network
• UGA Climate Blog
• Resident’s Handbook To Prepare for Natural Hazards in Georgia
• Georgia Hurricane Evacuation Zones
• USDA Hurricane Preparation and Recovery Guides for Georgia Producers
  
  

Content from CAES:

• Weathering change: How can we achieve agricultural resilience in a changing climate?
• What the warmest year on record means for agriculture in 2025

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Produced by Jordan Powers and Emily Cabrera
Edited by Jordan Powers
Music and sound effects by Mason McClintock, an Athens-based singer, songwriter and storyteller. Listen to his music on Spotify. 

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