Experts Predict Active Atlantic Hurricane Season
BOSTON (CBS) - Last year was third most active hurricane season on record, with 19 named storms, but none made landfall.
Experts feel this year could be much different.
"We do feel there will be four major hurricanes; a very active season, but also a very strong season for storms," says Accuweather Meteorologist Paul Pastelock.
Accuweather's hurricane forecast calls for 15 named storms, eight to become hurricanes and four to become major hurricanes, with winds over 100 mph; an above average season compared to a typical season which produces 10 named storms, six hurricanes and two major storms.
WBZ-TV's Joe Joyce reports.
The placement of high pressure in the Atlantic is critical in determining the path these storms will take. Last year, the high pressure was further out, which helped to direct many storms out to sea. This year, the high is expected to be closer to Bermuda which will direct storms further west.
"Right now there is a possibility, especially the gulf states. Primarily Texas through Louisiana are a bit more vulnerable than the east coast," says Dan Leonard of Weather Services International, based out of Andover.
La Nina has weakened to a neutral phase which should help to keep Hurricane development slightly less than last year. Still, officials say now is the time to prepare if you live along the coast.
Director of the Eastern Region National Weather Service Chris Strager says, "We'd like to see three to seven days of non-perishable goods and water; have an escape plan and evacuation plan ready. If you see a Category Three… come onshore packing winds around 100 mph, with trees and power lines coming down, people will be stranded without electricity or supplies for weeks."
The chance of a hurricane hitting New England remains low, but the risk increases later in the season as water temperatures warm. Historically, September and October are our hurricane prone months.
