The Atlantic basin is expected to see an above-normal hurricane season this year, according to the seasonal outlook issued by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center-a division of the National Weather Service.

Across the entire Atlantic Basin for the six-month season, which began June 1, NOAA is predicting the following ranges this year:
  • 12 to 18 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which:
    • 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including: 
      • 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher)
Each of these ranges has a 70 percent likelihood and indicate that activity will exceed the seasonal average of 11 named storms, six hurricanes, and two major hurricanes.