The Gazette of Really Small News

A party boat on sparkling waters behind the ruins of Ocean Grove's North End Pavilion symbolizes the happy-but-sad nature of this year's Memorial Day Weekend. The unofficial start of summer kicks off today with sunny skies, temperatures in the low 70s, but also with the absence of both the North End pavilion and Nagle's Apothecary Cafe,  which for nearly two decades was a popular eatery at the northeast corner of Main and Central avenues. The pavilion, which was home to several boutiques, the Dunes Boardwalk Cafe food court, and the Crooked Snook restaurant, was destroyed by fire in April. Nagle's has been closed since January because of the illness of one of the owners, according to published reports. (Gev Sweeney/The Gazette of Really Small News)

Is your name on the list? The list of names for this season's hurricanes, that is. Here's the 2019 list released by the World Meteorological Organization, an agency of the United Nations: Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dorian, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, and Wendy. "Andrea" has already been used. The first named storm of the season developed earlier this week as a subtropical storm in the Atlantic but weakened fewer than 24 hours later without affecting land.

Gev Sweeney/The Gazette of Really Small News

This year's Atlantic hurricane season could be near-normal, according to the Climate Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The chances are 40 percent for a near-normal season, 30 percent for an above-normal season,  and 30 percent for a below-normal season, NOAA said today in a statement. Near-normal activity means between 9 and 15 named storms with winds of 39 mph or higher, of which 4 to 8 could become hurricanes, with winds of 74 mph or higher, NOAA said. Of those storms, 2 to 4 could become major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher. An average hurricane season can produce 12 named storms, with 6 becoming hurricanes, and at least 3 of those becoming major hurricanes, NOAA said. The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and will run through Nov. 30.

Gev Sweeney/The Gazette of Really Small News

Gev Sweeney/The Gazette of Really Small News

A female wild turkey strolls around Founders Park in Ocean Grove Thursday, May 16. Some residents said they had never before seen wild turkeys in this area. (Gev Sweeney/The Gazette of Really Small News)

Godzilla invaded Asbury Park Tuesday afternoon in the shape of a cloud. (Gev Sweeney/The Gazette of Really Small News)

Hurricane season doesn't start until June 1, but it's not too early to prepare for a hurricane, especially now that we're in National Hurricane Preparedness Week. The National Hurricane Center recommends a basic disaster supplies kit that includes the following items: --One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. The water is for drinking and sanitation --At least three-days worth of non-perishable food --Manual can opener --A battery-operated or hand-cranked radio, as well as a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio with tone alert --Flashlight --First aid kit --Batteries --Whistle (to signal for help) --Moist towelettes and garbage bags with ties in case you're sheltering in place. The items are useful for purposes of hygiene and sanitation if you end up sheltering in place. --Feminine supplies --Baby supplies and baby food --Dust masks, plastic sheeting, and duct tape are also recommended if ...