NOAA's hurricane outlook predicts 4-8 hurricanes

TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 13) – Meteorologists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are forecasting a “near normal” 2019 Atlantic hurricane season.

NOAA made their hurricane outlook announcement Thursday morning, saying they predict 9 to 15 named storms and 4 to 8 hurricanes.

Of those hurricanes, 2 to 4 are expected to be major storms, which are Category 3 or higher.

“An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which 6 become hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes,” NOAA said.

Hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts until November 30.

Just in: NOAA’s Atlantic #HurricaneSeason Outlook 2019 predicts 70% likelihood of 9-15 named storms of which 4-8 could become hurricanes, including 2-4 major hurricanes. More at https://t.co/18Jafmlnsv @NWS pic.twitter.com/BtW1fv6jIC

— NOAA (@NOAA) May 23, 2019