June 1 is the official start of hurricane season and the National Oceanic and Atmo-spheric Administration has said the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season will be fairly average. Reuters reported that NOAA is forecasting nine to 14 named storms, with four to seven developing into hurricanes. One to three could be major – Category 3 or higher with winds above 110 miles per hour.
Last year was one of the most active seasons on record, with 16 tropical storms and eight hurricanes. The season typically peaks between late August and mid-October. An average Atlantic hurricane season brings 11 tropical storms with six hurricanes, including two to three major hurricanes. NOAA makes preseason forecasts in a range rather than a specific number. Seasonal probabilities include: 50 percent chance of near-normal, 25 percent chance of above-normal and a 25 percent chance of a below-normal season.
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