NOAA Predicts a Busy 2011 Hurricane Season
Thursday, May 19, 2011
By: WMFE News Staff

May 19, 2011 | WMFE - US government forecasters are expecting three to six major hurricanes from an above average Atlantic storm season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its forecast for the 2011 season Thursday.

Scientists are expecting as many as 18 named tropical storms. Between six and ten of those could strengthen into hurricanes with top winds of at least 74 miles per hour, with three to six possibly becoming major hurricanes. That means they could reach wind speeds of 111 miles per hour and up.

Last year's hurricane season was one of the busiest on record, with 19 named storms. Twelve were hurricanes. No major hurricane has made US landfall in the last five years, but scientists say coastal residents – including Floridians – can't expect their luck to hold.

The six-month Atlantic hurricane season stretches from June 1st to November 30th.