NOAA forecasts above-average hurricane season

The Atlantic hurricane season could be above normal, according to a season outlook issued today by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with as many as 18 named storms. Of those storms, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center forecasts between six and 10 hurricanes, with wind speeds of 74 mph or higher; of those hurricanes, between three and six could become major, with wind speeds of 111 mph or higher. Each of these ranges has a likelihood of 70%, and collectively they indicate that activity will exceed the seasonal average of 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes. “The United States was fortunate last year. Winds steered most of the season’s tropical storms and all hurricanes away from our coastlines,” said Jane Lubchenco, under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “However, we can’t count on luck to get us through this season. We need to be prepared, especially with this above-normal outlook.” The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.