William Gray and Philip Klotzbach, weather experts at Colorado State University, have updated their original April projections to include an increased number of named-storms for the Atlantic cyclone season.
As highlighted in this CNN report, Philip Klotzbach and William Gray, of Colorado State University’s Department of Atmospheric Science, have increased their forecast of 10 named tropical storms to 13. Importantly, they say five of those storms will be hurricanes (with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or above), an increase from four hurricanes in their April forecast.
Their prediction that two major hurricanes will form remains the same.
The probability of one major hurricane hitting any part of the U.S. coastline is 48%, they said. The average for the past century has been 52%.
The CSU forecasters note that the two May tropical storms, Alberto and Beryl, are included among the 13 predicted for the season. Interestingly, the experts stated the two early storms do not portend anything for the rest of the season. Nonetheless, it is important to prepare.
Visit the National Weather Service Hurricane Center (NHC) for information on what to do if a storm threatens your area. Information on how to assemble an emergency kit is also included.