NOAA Predicts 70% Likelihood of 13 to 20 Named Storms for 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Posted on May 23, 2013
NOAA is predicting a 70% chance of 13 to 20 named storms for the 2013 hurricane season. NOAA also forecasts 7 to 11 of the storms to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph+), and 3 to 6 to become major hurricanes, (Cat 3+ with winds of 111 mph or greater). The forecast is above the season average of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes. An image of Hurricane Sandy is pictured above.
NOAA says these three climate factors will come together to produce an active to extremely active season this year:
- A continuation of the atmospheric climate pattern, which includes a strong west African monsoon, that is responsible for the ongoing era of high activity for Atlantic hurricanes that began in 1995
- Warmer-than-average water temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea
- El Nino is not expected to develop and suppress hurricane formation.
Kathryn Sullivan, Ph.D., NOAA acting administrator, said in a statement, "With the devastation of Sandy fresh in our minds, and another active season predicted, everyone at NOAA is committed to providing life-saving forecasts in the face of these storms and ensuring that Americans are prepared and ready ahead of time. As we saw first-hand with Sandy, it's important to remember that tropical storm and hurricane impacts are not limited to the coastline. Strong winds, torrential rain, flooding, and tornadoes often threaten inland areas far from where the storm first makes landfall."