"Near normal" activity expected as hurricane season begins

Hurricane season started Thursday, and NOAA forecasters with the Climate Prediction Center predict what they describe as near-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year. 

Their outlook for the period from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season and a 30% chance of a below-normal season.

NOAA is forecasting a range of 12 to 17 total named storms with winds of 39 mph or higher. Of those, 5 to 9 could become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher, including 1 to 4 major hurricanes of category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher.

The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be less active than recent years, due to competing factors — some that suppress storm development and some that fuel it — driving this year's overall forecast for a near-normal season. 

The first storms of the season will be named Arlene, Bret, Cindy and Don.

 The Climate Prediction Center will update the outlook in early August, just prior to the historical peak of the season.




(AP Photo)