Menu

Topics

Connect

Comments

Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.

2019 to be ‘above normal’ Atlantic hurricane season, NOAA predicts

This Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019 satellite photo made availalble by NOAA shows cloud patterns over the Western Hemisphere. (NOAA via AP

NEW YORK — U.S. weather forecasters expect “above normal” activity in the current Atlantic hurricane season, revising an earlier forecast of “near normal” activity, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said on Thursday.

Story continues below advertisement

The earlier forecast in May reflected the presence of El Nino, the climate phenomenon that warms the Pacific Ocean and tends to prevent storms from developing in the Atlantic.

WATCH: 2018 Year in Review — Is wild weather proof of climate change?

Since then, El Nino has abated, making for conditions that increase the likelihood of hurricanes forming, forecasters at the NOOA’s Climate Prediction Center said in a statement issued as the hurricane season enters its peak months.

Story continues below advertisement

NOAA forecasters now expect 10 to 17 named storms, up from the previous estimate of 9 to 15. Of those, about half will become hurricanes. To be classified as a hurricane, a storm must carry winds of at least 74 mph (119 kph).

The daily email you need for 's top news stories.

Two to four major storms in the June-to-November season are expected to pack Category 3 winds of 111 mph (179km) or greater.

So far this year there have been two named storms in the Atlantic. Subtropical storm Andrea dissipated shortly after forming in May. Barry made landfall in Louisiana on July 13 as a Category 1 hurricane.

Last year brought 15 named storms, including Michael, which struck the Florida Panhandle in October with winds of 110 mph, killing at least 29.

Florence made landfall in September as a relatively weak Category 1 hurricane but brought devastating flooding to North and South Carolina. At least 51 people were killed.

Advertisement
Advertisement

You are viewing an Accelerated Mobile Webpage.

View Original Article