Today at 5p.m. the National Hurricane Center announced the ninth storm of 2012, Tropical Storm Isaac.

Last week U.S. Senator Kay Hagan encouraged North Carolina families to be prepared in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm given the recent uptick in storm activity. Agencies are keeping pace with an updated seasonal forecast from the National Hurricane Center in Miami as of last week and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) increased the chance of an above-normal season to 35 percent from the initial outlook issued in May.

“As we enter the second half of hurricane season, I encourage families to take action now to prepare for storms that could affect our state in the coming weeks and months,” said Hagan. “Last year, Hurricane Irene caused extreme flooding and destruction that affected about 1.3 million North Carolinians, including families living hundreds of miles inland. We must ensure that we're as prepared as possible by creating an emergency plan, preparing a disaster kit, and learning evacuation routes before another major storm hits.”

The storm could bring severe weather to the Tampa area during the GOP next week.

For information on how to best prepare your family in the event of a storm, including how to make an emergency plan and prepare a disaster kit, visit www.ready.gov.