AccuWeather predicts above-normal Atlantic hurricane season

Meteorologists with AccuWeather are predicting an above-normal hurricane season for the Atlantic basin in 2020.

The AccuWeather hurricane team, led by meteorologist Dan Kottlowksi, said 14 to 18 tropical storms are expected during the 2020 season, which starts June 1 and ends Nov. 30.

Seven to nine of those storms are expected to become hurricanes, and two to four could strengthen into major hurricanes.

“It’s going to be an above-normal season,” Kottlowski said in a statement.

A normal year consists of about 12 storms and six hurricanes, Kottlowski said.

Last year was the fourth consecutive season with above-average activity, with 18 tropical storms and Hurricanes Dorian, Lorenzo and Humberto.

This year, parts of the Caribbean Sea and eastern Bahamas already have warm water, which could fuel storm development.

“Warm water is actually what drives a lot of seasons,” Kottlowski said. “So those will be areas to keep an eye on for early-season development.”

Kottlowski said people who live on or near the coast should prepare their hurricane plans now.

“Forecasts will give you an idea of how active it might be, but all it takes is one storm to make landfall in your area to cause serious and life-threatening problems,” Kottlowski said.