NOAA Predicts Active Hurricane Season

NOAA predicts a 65 percent probability of an above normal hurricane season and a 25 percent probability of a near normal season.

The Climate Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, issued the prediction at a news conference called to urge residents in vulnerable areas to be fully prepared for the onset of hurricane season, which begins June 1.

Living in a coastal state means having a plan for every single hurricane season. Review or complete emergency plans now - before a storm threatens," said NOAA Administrator Conrad Lautenbacher, undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere. Planning and preparation is the key to storm survival and recovery."

The Climate Prediction Center outlook calls for considerable activity with a 65 percent probability of an above normal season and a 25 percent probability of a near normal season. This means there is a 90 percent chance of a near or above normal season.

For 2008, the outlook clearly indicates a 60 to 70 percent chance of 12 to 16 named storms.

The forecast includes six to nine hurricanes and two to five major hurricanes - classed as category 3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

An average season has 11 named storms, including six hurricanes for which two reach major status.

Most of the 2008 activity is expected to take place during August through October, the peak months of the Atlantic hurricane season.

The first named storm in 2008 will be Arthur. Tropical systems get a name upon reaching tropical storm strength with sustained winds of at least 39 miles per hour. Tropical storms become hurricanes when winds reach 74 mph, and become major hurricanes when winds reach 111 mph.