It is only a week into hurricane season and the first named storm in the Atlantic has already come and gone.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an above average hurricane season this year (which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30), with an average of 14-21 storms, and about six to 10 becoming hurricanes. Three to six of them are expected to be considered “high category” hurricanes. The first named storm of the year, Tropical Storm Alex, dumped about 15 inches of rain on parts of South Florida on Saturday.In preparation for this more active hurricane season, local officials are doing their best to ensure that residents are prepared.

Gloucester’s Community Engagement and Public Information Department discussed this hurricane season in a recent podcast, Current Conversations. On their May podcast, host Quinton Sheppard was joined by Gloucester’s Acting Emergency Management Coordinator Jane Wenner. They spoke about how the community always comes together in times ...