Fragile Haiti remains a top hurricane season worry

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The director of the National Hurricane Center says whether or not Haiti has the ability to respond to a storm is his greatest concern for hurricane season.

Bill Read said Friday that he wasn't sure Haiti would have enough shelters if the earthquake-stricken country took a direct hit from a hurricane.

Read joined emergency managers, meteorologists and other officials in Fort Lauderdale this week to prepare for the six-month hurricane season that begins June 1.

Last year was one of the busiest hurricane seasons on record. Haiti, Mexico and some Caribbean islands suffered the worst storm damage.

No major hurricane has made a U.S. landfall since 2005. Read says he is also worried that U.S. coastal residents have grown complacent about hurricane risks.

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Online: National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov