May 24, 2007

Active Atlantic Hurricane Season PredictedSource: Various

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an active 2007 Atlantic hurricane season due to warmer ocean waters. It foresees as many as 10 hurricanes occurring, and 3-5 of them could be severe.

The NOAA predicts 13-17 tropical storms this season, with 7-10 developing into hurricanes. This is significant because an average Atlantic hurricane season sees about 11 tropical storms with only two major hurricanes, according to the NOAA. The hurricane season officially starts June 1 and peaks between Aug. 1 and late October.

Some forecasts for the season have predicted an active pattern this year. A year ago, 10 storms formed but no major hurricanes occurred in the United States. According to AccuWeather.com, 13-14 tropical storms or hurricanes may form in the Atlantic this year with six or seven hitting the United States.

Gerry Bell, an NOAA forecaster, said it is not possible to predict how many hurricanes will form but similar seasons have seen 2-4 storms hit the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. La Nina conditions may develop in the eastern Pacific region during the next few months, which could add to the above-average hurricane activity, Bell added.

Look for updated hurricane outlooks at www.noaa.gov in early August.