Climate
This New Orleans dad flies into storms as a Hurricane Hunter
John "Jaxxx" Gharbi is a member of the Hurricane Hunters, a weather reconnaissance team based of out Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. He lives in New Orleans. Photo: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios
John "Jaxxx" Gharbi is a New Orleans dad who flies into storms for a living as a member of the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters.
Why it matters: The Hurricane Hunters investigate tropical systems and gather data that the National Hurricane Center uses to make more accurate forecasts and models.
New Orleans preps levees, power grid for hurricane season
Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios
As another hurricane season begins, infrastructure remains the biggest concern in New Orleans — drains, levees and the power grid, especially.
Here's what the various agencies are saying:
What to expect this hurricane season in New Orleans
Satellite image from NOAA as Hurricane Isaac moved toward the Gulf Coast in 2012. Photo: NOAA via Getty Images
New Orleanians' most dreaded time of year — hurricane season — starts June 1.
What's happening: NOAA predicts a near-normal Atlantic season with 12-17 named storms in total with winds of 39 mph or higher.
What's in our hurricane emergency kits
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Hurricane season is back (again). We hate it. You hate it. Everyone hates it. But that’s no excuse not to make sure you’re ready, should A Big One head our way this year.
Why it matters: Seasonal storms are becoming stronger and more frequent, in part because of climate change. So even if southeast Louisiana stays out of the cone of uncertainty this year, your emergency prep kit may still come in handy for unnamed events.
New Orleans mayor heads to South Korea for conference
Photo illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios. Photo: Kaitlyn Morris/Getty Images
Mayor LaToya Cantrell is heading to South Korea this week to participate in the 2023 World Climate Industry Expo.
Driving the news: Cantrell's international travel in the past has sparked criticism that eventually led to her repaying nearly $29,000 for upgrades, such as first-class airfare to France.
Extra hot summer ahead for New Orleans
Map shows seasonal temperature trends likely during summer 2023 across the U.S. Image: NOAA
Grab an extra snoball because summer in New Orleans could be even more miserable than usual this year.
The big picture: The climate outlook for June through August shows Louisiana and a broad swath of the country are likely to see a hotter-than-average summer, Axios' Andrew Freedman writes.
Atlantic hurricane season is fast approaching
Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios
The National Hurricane Center starts issuing regular updates today for the Atlantic hurricane season, even though the season doesn’t officially start until June 1.
Why it matters: Storms have been forming earlier in recent years, and a committee at the National Hurricane Center is looking at extending the official dates for hurricane season.
New Orleans' grossest time of year is here: Termite season
Formosan termites fly toward lights and swarm around streetlights in New Orleans. Photo: Edward Freytag/New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board.
Termites are swarming again in New Orleans, and the most active part of the season is about to begin.
Why it matters: Formosan subterranean termites can cause millions in damage annually and are the most destructive structural pest in Louisiana. They are expensive to treat, and they are gross when they get in your home during a swarm.
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