NOAA predicts 'near-normal' Atlantic hurricane season, 2-4 major storms

摘要

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts fourto eight hurricanes will develop during this year's Atlantic hurricaneseason, including two to four major storms with winds above 111 mph.Tropical storms and hurricanes pose an annual threat to energyand shipping infrastructure along the US Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Asthe US becomes a larger oil and gas exporter, the storms pose newrisks to global flows, on top of the usual risks to domestic US powerdemand and fuel supplies.NOAA sees a 40% probability of "near-normal" tropical stormactivity during the season, which runs June 1 to November 30. Theoutlook found a 30% chance of "above-normal" activity and 30%chance of "below-normal" activity.The outlook predicts nine to 15 named storms will develop,including four to eight hurricanes, of which two to four will be Category3 or stronger.