The 2016 Atlantic Hurricane forecast has been released and federal officials say it will be a “near-normal” hurricane season.
The 2016 Atlantic Hurricane forecast has been released and federal officials say it will be a “near-normal” hurricane season.
Kathryn Sullivan, administrator for NOAA, said this year’s forecast calls for 10 to 16 tropical storms, 4 to 8 hurricanes, with 1 to 4 major hurricanes.
Her announcement was made this morning during a NOAA press conference in which officials released the forecast for the season.
Over the past few years a strong El Nino has prevented the development of hurricanes in the Atlantic since an El Nino tends to push storms away. However, officials said it appears the current El Nino is winding down and that there is a 70 percent chance that an La Nina could develop at the peak of hurricane season which could favor more tropical storm activity.
The peak of hurricane season occurs during the months of August, September and October.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.
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