Ayinde O. Chase - AHN News Editor
Miami, FL, United States (AHN) - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced its forecast for the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season Thursday morning. Experts say it is unlikely the U.S. will escape a direct hurricane hit during this busy Atlantic season.
Arlene, Bret, Cindy and Don are just a few of a long list of North Atlantic storms that could deluge the country and Caribbean this season.
Experts are predicting three to six major hurricanes, six to 10 hurricanes and 12 to 18 named storms. A major hurricane is defined as any Category 3 to Category 5 storm, or sustained winds of 111 mph and up.
NOAA's predictions were similar to those of a prominent group of forecasters from the University of Colorado, who said they expect 16 named storms, nine hurricanes and five major hurricanes.
The National Hurricane Center said the average hurricane season has 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.
This season, however, has a 65 percent chance of being above normal, a 25 percent chance of being near normal and a 10 percent chance of being below normal.
Colorado State University scientist Phil Klotzbach, who issues seasonal predictions, said warm sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean, which favor storm formation, combined with sea level pressures that likely will be lower than normal, could spawn more activity.
"The United States was fortunate last year," said Jane Lubchenco, administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in a Houston Chronicle report. "We can't count on luck to get us through this season."
Hurricane season begins June 1.
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