The most recent update from the Tropical Prediction Center in Miami, Fla., for the 2001 hurricane season warns of eight hurricanes, three of which are classified as major.
Hurricane Floyd, which struck the N.C. coast on Sept. 15, 1999 fell under the umbrella of major hurricanes -- storms that boast wind speeds of more than 110 miles per hour. Floyd caused $826 million in damage statewide, a financial burden which continues to strain the state budget.
Frank Lepore, the center's public affairs officer, said although more hurricanes increase the risk of damage, it only takes one hurricane to cause damage. "It's not so much numbers, it's where these storms go," Lepore said.
Some N.C. legislators are concerned North Carolina's depleted rainy day fund -- five percent of the state's budget earmarked for emergencies -- leaves the state vulnerable to natural disasters.
But the effect of Floyd and North Carolina's economic slowdown has prompted state officials to dip into the fund -- $252 million alone for Floyd -- and the fund has yet to recover.
Rep. Daniel McComas, D-New Hanover, said these concerns make him worry about the forecasts. "I am confident that we've had our share of hurricanes for the next 10 years, but I'm still nervous."
But Rep. Edward Redwine, D- Brunswick, said seasonal predictions do not worry him. "We live with the threat every year," he said. "Sometimes they're right and sometimes they're wrong."
Redwine said Floyd caused a rare amount of damage with an expensive price tag. "You don't need $826 million in the bank in preparation for another Hurricane Floyd," he said. "The state will have resources to respond, and the federal government always helps."
Redwine said in emergency situations, needed funds can be raised by a temporary tax, forced reversions from state agencies and the salary reserve fund.
