June 1, 2011
Today Kicks Off Busy 2011 Hurricane Season
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Atlantic hurricane season will feature 12 to 18 tropical storms, of which six to 10 could become hurricanes.
NOAA said between three and six major hurricanes of Category 3 intensity or higher will take place during the season, which officially begins June 1 and November 30.According to NOAA, the historical average of the season is 11 tropical storms and six hurricanes, including two major Category 3 hurricanes with sustained winds of 111 miles per hour.
Along the southeastern U.S., about 37 million people are at risk from powerful hurricanes.
According to an April study by experts at Colorado State University, chances of a major hurricane pounding U.S. shores this year is at 72 percent, which is above the average of 52 percent.
Experts said there is a 61-percent chance that a major hurricane makes landfall in the Caribbean.
The 2010 season totaled 12 hurricanes, which left hundreds dead in floods and mudslides in Central America and the Caribbean.
According to NOAA, the first tropical storm of the 2011 season will be named Arlene.
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