STATE COLLEGE, Pa., May 14 (UPI) -- U.S. private meteorologists say they expect fewer hurricanes this year, but warn the East Coast could still be at risk of a major storm landfall.
The weather scientists led by AccuWeather long-range forecaster Joe Bastardi released their latest estimates Thursday.
"As we predicted in our early season forecast, we're anticipating a major reduction in the number of overall storms compared to last year," Bastardi said. "Despite the reduced number of storms, we still have the possibility of a major event that could stick out like a sore thumb … which could cause a lot of pain for some people.
"After all, if you live or have a business in an area struck by a hurricane it will feel like an active season for you, no matter what the overall numbers say," he added.
"Our forecast last year emphasized a close congregation of tracks near the Bahamas. This year, we have the opposite of that classic development. The tracks are spread out, more in the Atlantic … roughly between Key West and the tip of Florida," Bastardi said. "Anywhere along the U.S. coast is susceptible to an impact, but the Texas coast early in the season and East Coast from Carolinas northward during the heart of the season are areas that have us worried."
