Mid-season hurricane forecast is issued

MIAMI, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. hurricane experts Tuesday reiterated their prediction for an above-normal number of storms as the peak hurricane period nears.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns this year's relatively quiet start is not an indication of what the remainder of the season might be like.

"This year's three named storms may pale in comparison to the record nine storms that formed through early August 2005, but conditions will be favorable for above-normal activity for the rest of this season -- so we are not off the hook by any means," said NOAA Administrator Conrad Lautenbacher.

For the entire 2006 season, which ends Nov. 30, NOAA is projecting 12 to 15 named storms, of which seven to nine are expected to become hurricanes, including three or four becoming major hurricanes.

The mid-season storm forecast calls for slightly fewer hurricanes than did the outlook issued in May, but remains above the seasonal average of 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

"As we approach the peak of the hurricane season, our message remains the same: be informed and be prepared," said Max Mayfield, director of the National Hurricane Center.