'Near-normal' Atlantic storm season expected

[Miss Mia]

'Near-normal' Atlantic storm season expected
70 percent chance of 4-7 hurricanes, NOAA says in its outlook

WASHINGTON - The 2009 Atlantic hurricane season should be "near-normal" but that can still mean deadly and costly, the federal government said Thursday.

Forecasters estimated a 70 percent chance of having nine to 14 named storms, of which four to seven could become hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes — Category 3, 4 or 5.

The forecast also cited a 50 percent probability of a near-normal season, a 25 percent probability of an above-normal season and a 25 percent probability of a below-normal season.

The federal government said forecasts have become a bit more difficult given weather changes.

"Global weather patterns are imposing a greater uncertainty in the 2009 hurricane season outlook than in recent years," the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in a statement.

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Well, I can only hope that it's a  "near-normal season."  And I pray none hit Texas (well, or any other state). 

[JohnBrowdie]

odd.  they have been predicting doom ever since the katrina/rita year, and invariably had to go back and revise their prediction downward several times thoughout the year as the sun kept shining.

but this has me worried.