NOAA predicts busy Atlantic hurricane season

May 27th, 2010 - 10:27 pm ICT by BNO News  

MIAMI, FLORIDA (BNO NEWS) — An “active to extremely active” hurricane season is expected for the Atlantic Basin in 2010 according to the seasonal outlook issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Thursday.

Across the entire Atlantic Basin for the six-month season, which begins June 1, NOAA is projecting 14 to 23 named storms including 8 to 14 hurricanes, of which 3 to 7 could be major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5).

“If this outlook holds true, this season could be one of the more active on record,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “The greater likelihood of storms brings an increased risk of a landfall. In short, we urge everyone to be prepared.”

Expected factors are supporting this outlook. Wind shear, which can tear apart storms, will be weaker since El Niño in the eastern Pacific has dissipated.

Sea surface temperatures are expected to remain above average where storms often develop and move across the Atlantic. Record warm temperatures – up to four degrees Fahrenheit above average – are now present in this region.

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