Expect Up to 3 Major Hurricanes This Year

Forecast calls for normal year, less severe than recent years

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted May 24, 2012 11:41 AM CDT
Updated May 24, 2012 11:54 AM CDT

Copied

Expect Up to 3 Major Hurricanes This Year — The surf pounds the Oceana Pier as Hurricane Earl heads toward the eastern coast in Atlantic Beach in September 2010. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Hurricane forecasters say this looks to be a pretty standard year for the Atlantic, with one to three major hurricanes expected in the six-month season that begins June 1. Some specifics from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:

Expect nine to 15 named storms, meaning winds reach at least 39mph

Four to eight will strengthen into hurricanes, with winds at least 74mph
Of those, one to three will turn into major hurricanes, reaching categories 3, 4, or 5
If El Niño forms by late summer, it would help keep down the number of hurricanes and big storms
Agency quote: “NOAA’s outlook predicts a less active season compared to recent years. But regardless of the outlook, it’s vital for anyone living or vacationing in hurricane-prone locations to be prepared. We have a stark reminder this year with the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew.”

(Read more hurricanes stories.)