NOAA Predicts 9 to 14 Tropical Storms, 4 to 7 Hurricanes

Scientists with NOAA said they expect the coming hurricane season to produce fewer storms than last year.

The forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration calls for nine to 14 tropical storms with four to seven becoming hurricanes. Of those hurricanes, one to three could mushroom into a major hurricane with winds topping 111 mph.

NOAA kept its hurricane season estimate under tight wraps until the today’s release because it can have a major effect on financial markets, especially commodities such as oil and citrus futures.

NOAA’s forecast gives a range, unlike William Gray and Phil Klotzbach of Colorado State University, who predict a specific number of storms.

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