As we enter the peak months (August – October) of the Atlantic’s hurricane season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has updated their outlook (http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/hurricane.shtml ) to predict a 60% chance of an above normal hurricane season, up from the 45% chance predicted in May. This updated outlook predicts a 70% chance of each of the following: 14 – 19 named storms ( including 6 named storms so far this season), 5 – 9 hurricanes, 2- 5 major hurricanes, Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) of 100%-170% of the median (including the ACE of the 6 named storms so far this season). With this update there is a 30% chance that the Atlantic will have a normal hurricane season, and only a 10% chance of a below normal season. There is no official outlook on landfalls of these storms as that will be dependent on daily weather patterns.
Up to date news, predictions and advisories regarding tropical storms can be seen on the National Hurricane Center site, http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/. Safety tips and resources to assist you in preparing for a hurricane can be found here: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/hurricane/index.shtml .