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SCREENSHOT - Fleet blessing honors New Orleans first responders ahead of 2025 hurricane season

Video. Rescue vehicles in New Orleans blessed ahead of hurricane season

Updated:

New Orleans honoured its first responders on Tuesday with a “Blessing of the Fleet,” marking the beginning of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season in a unique ceremony.

Rather than blessing fishing boats, as is traditional, Archbishop Gregory Aymond sprinkled holy water over emergency vehicles, symbolically preparing them for the season ahead.

“A lot of times we take for granted that… our first responders stay,” said the Archbishop, mentioning their commitment during storms and evacuations.

The event came weeks after US forecasters predicted an above-normal season, with a 60% chance of increased activity.

Officials expect 13 to 19 named storms, up to 10 hurricanes, and possibly five major ones with winds exceeding 110 mph.

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