Tropical Storm Andrea Forms: First Named Storm of the 2013 Hurricane Season

Hurricane season 2013 started June 1 and it took just days for the first official tropical storm—Andrea—to develop in the Gulf of Mexico.

Tropical Storm Andrea is the first named storm of the 2013 hurricane season and is already pummeling Florida's west coast with rain and wind, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. 

Northern Virginia will see some rain and thunderstorms Thursday night and Friday associated with this tropical storm system, but it is highly unlikely that the storm will actually hit this area. (See our local weather forecast here.)

Hurricane Season 2013 Predictions

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in late May predicted an "active" hurricane season with the Atlantic seeing three to six "major hurricanes" before the season ends in November.

• See: 

NOAA predicts: 

• Thirteen to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher)
• Of those 13 to 20 storms, the outlook says seven to 11 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher).

"These ranges are well above the seasonal average of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes," according to NOAA's advisory staff.

Hurricane Preparedness and Tips

It's rare for Northern Virginia to get a direct hit, but not unheard of. Both the Virginia Emergency Management Agency and Dominion Virginia Power have a variety of emergency resources and advice.

In addition, residents should consult Fairfax County's hurricane preparedness tips and sign up for emergency alerts from Fairfax County. 

The Fairfax County emergency information blog is here.

More on the 2013 Hurricane Season

• Hurricane Names for 2013 Season