With the official Atlantic hurricane season just passing about the midway point -- the season spans from June 1 to Nov. 30 -- heres a recap of whats expected, according to noted hurricane expert at Colorado State University William Grays latest prediction:
Grays revised prediction, which he made Sept. 2, is calling for 20 named storms and 10 hurricanes, six of which are expected to be Category 3 or higher, with wind speeds of 111 mph or more.
On the name front, so far this year weve seen Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Dennis, Emily, Franklin, Gert, Harvey, Irene, Jose, Katrina, Lee, Maria and Nate. Still to come are Ophelia (just on the horizon), Philippe, Rita, Stan, Tammy, Vince and Wilma.
By comparison, at the same time last year, Hurricane Ivan was wreaking havoc on the Caribbean before heading for the Gulf Coast. Tropical Storm Otto -- the last storm of the 2004 season -- didnt form until Nov. 30.