Hurricane Season Prediction

The NWS just released their 2008 Atlantic hurricane season prediction. With a 90% chance, scientists believe this year's season will be near normal or even above normal. The outlook indicates a 60-70 percent chance of 12 to 16 named storms, including 6 to 9 hurricanes, and 2 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5). An average season has 11 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major storms. Scientists still urge everyone to be ready. The outlook is just a guide to the overall season, but officials warn that it does not predict where any of these storm may hit.

The outlook will be updated on August 7, just prior to the peak of hurricane activity. Tropical storms acquire names when they have sustained winds of at least 39 mph. Tropical storms become hurricanes when winds reach 74 mph, and become major hurricanes when winds reach 111 mph. The first named storm will be Arthur. Here's a complete list of names for the 2008 season.

2008
Arthur Bertha Cristobal Dolly Edouard Fay Gustav Hanna Ike Josephine Kyle Laura Marco Nana Omar Paloma Rene Sally Teddy Vicky Wilfred