Atlantic to incur high hurricane season

An above-normal hurricane season is expected to supervene last year’s record season, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) hurricane forecasters. Predictions for the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season indicate 12 to 15 tropical storms, seven to nine of which are expected to escalate into hurricanes three to five of these may result in major hurricanes.This outlook reflects activity since 1995 that resulted in the continued incidence of all but two above-normal seasons. Max Mayfield, director of the NOAA National Hurricane Center said that recent destructive seasons might prompt residents to plan and prepare for the upcoming season. The Eastern and Central Pacific is expected to experience a below-normal hurricane season. NOAA anticipates only 11 to 15 tropical storms will hit with six to eight becoming hurricanes and only two to four of these boasting the potential of becoming major. Two or three tropical cyclones are projected for the Central Pacific. “Impacts from hurricanes, tropical storms and their remnants do not stop at the coast,” Brig. Gen. David L. Johnson, director of the NOAA National Weather Service, said. “Preparation plans should consider that these storms carry severe weather, such as tornadoes and flooding, while moving inland.”