Eat spaghetti for hurricane season

Posted On: May 21, 2021

Antipasto. Ragù. Spaghetti. Hurricanes? This year, to prepare for the start of hurricane season, Volusia County Emergency Management wants you to eat an Italian meal.

You’re probably asking yourself what hurricanes and delicious pasta dishes have in common. Floridians are no stranger to hurricanes, but they might not be as familiar with the food-centric nickname for the tried and true method of plotting the potential path of storms—“spaghetti models”.

“Spaghetti models" refer to the set of complex computer hurricane forecast models that predict a storm’s path and intensity and, when laid out on a map, resemble strings of spaghetti. Different hurricane forecast models take into account many variables and when evaluated by the experts at the National Hurricane Center provide valuable forecasting information. While the accuracy of the forecast track has improved greatly in recent year, there is still uncertainty in any prediction which is why planning and preparedness is vital.

“While forecasters have many tools at their disposal, it’s difficult to accurately predict where a storm will go. Everyone should have a plan in advance of hurricane season,” said Emergency Management Director Helene Wetherington. “We’re encouraging residents to start a fun new tradition that will also ensure they’re prepared for a storm. From securing your home to putting together a hurricane kit to knowing where you will go if an evacuation order is issued, planning in advance will ensure that a storm doesn’t catch you off guard, even if it veers from the predicted path.”

So this June 1, sit down as a family, enjoy a plate of spaghetti and discuss your emergency preparedness plans. Look for a post on the Volusia County Emergency Management Facebook page where you can share a photo for a chance to win a weather radio.

For information and resources to get you started on your preparedness, visit Volusia.org/emergency. And when a storm does threaten our coast, be sure you know where to get the most up-to-date information. Residents can stay informed by:

• Downloading the Volusia County emergency preparedness app at volusia.org/emergency-app. The app features social media posts, push notifications and news blogs. The app’s map feature contains information like weather radar, emergency shelter information, evacuation zones and evacuation routes for Volusia County.
• Following Volusia County Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter.
• Calling the Citizens Information Hotline, which is activated only during emergencies, at 866-345-0345.
• Monitoring local news media.
• Sign up with CodeRed to receive emergency telephone or email notifications by visiting Volusia.org/emergency and clicking on the "get connected" button in the right menu.