x
Breaking News
More () »

NOAA predicts a more below-normal hurricane season but 'don't let your guard down'

Although forecasters predict a more below-normal hurricane season, it only takes one land-falling storm to be one for the history books.
Credit: 10Weather
NOAA has updated its outlook for the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters predict a more below-normal normal season with 9-13 named storms, 4-7 hurricanes and 0-4 major hurricanes.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Coastal residents, take note: Hurricane season is far from over, but it's looking more likely this will be a much slower period.

Forecasters at NOAA's Climate Prediction Center increased the likelihood of a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season to 60 percent -- up from 25 percent predicted in May -- and the chance of an above-normal season has dropped from 35 percent to 10 percent.

NOAA is predicting a total of nine to 13 named storms, which are at least of tropical storm strength (winds of 39 mph or greater). Of those, four to seven will become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater) and zero to two major hurricanes (111 mph winds or greater).

Forecasters stress the outlook is for overall tropical activity and not storms that make landfall.

"Today’s updated outlook is a reminder that we are entering the height of hurricane season and everyone needs to know their true vulnerabilities to storms and storm surge," FEMA Administrator Brock Long said in a release, in part.

"Don’t let down your guard, late season storms are always a possibility, always keep your plans updated."

More: Download the 10News app for breaking news and weather alerts

Hurricane preparedness: Check your supplies, evacuation zone and more

Remember, it only takes one storm in a below-average year to bring about devastation. The year 1992, for example, was a slower year with four hurricanes but one most memorable: Hurricane Andrew.

The season so far has had four named storms, including two hurricanes. An average season produces 12 named storms, including six hurricanes and three major hurricanes.

"There are still more storms to come – the hurricane season is far from being over. We urge continued preparedness and vigilance," Gerry Bell, Ph.D., the lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at the Climate Prediction Center, said in the release.

Credit: 10Weather
This is the 2018 list of Atlantic hurricane names.

►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10News app now.

Have a news tip? Email desk@wtsp.com, or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.

Before You Leave, Check This Out