‘Extremely active’ Atlantic hurricane season expected, forecasters say
(Gray News) - People who live on the coast need to be prepared for an ‘extremely active’ hurricane season in the Atlantic basin, forecasters warned.
Forecasters at Colorado State University predict 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes, they said in their hurricane season forecast Thursday.
The probability of a landfalling major hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 111 mph or more, is well above average, experts said.
The climatic phenomenon known as El Nino is expected to transition to a La Nina this fall, which will increase tropical development by lowering vertical wind shear, forecasters said. A tropical Atlantic that’s experiencing record warmth is also expected to help fuel development of tropical systems.
Forecasters decided to issue the warning in early April based on how favorable the conditions are and the agreement of four different statistical models from the UK, Japan and Europe.
The hurricane experts reminded coastal residents that “it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them. Thorough preparations should be made for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted.”
Last hurricane season was very active, with 20 named storms, the fourth most since 1950, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said. Seven storms became hurricanes, and three became major hurricanes.
Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall in Florida, was the only hurricane to make landfall in the U.S.
NOAA said on average, a hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.
Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.
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