Forecasters are predicting a near-normal to slightly above
normal 2018 Atlantic hurricane season, with between 12 to 15 named tropical
storms.
Of those storms, between six to eight are forecast to become
hurricanes and three to five to become major hurricanes, according to
AccuWeather Global Weather Center.
The devastating and costly 2017 season, one of the most
intense on record, spawned 17 tropical storms with Harvey, Irma and Maria as
catastrophic standouts.
"This year may not be quite as active, but conditions
are ripe for early season development in the Gulf of Mexico due to warmer than
normal sea temperatures," said Dan Kottlowski, AccuWeather Atlantic
hurricane expert.
The six-month Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and
runs through Nov. 30. As the starting date nears, weather experts will update
predictions and forecasts.
Alberto, Beryl and Chris are the first three names on the
tropical storm list for 2018.