NOAA to update 2017 Atlantic hurricane season outlook

Last year produced 5 land-falling storms, including Matthew that caused $10 billion in damage and killed 34 people in the U.S. and 551 in the Caribbean. It was one of the deadliest Atlantic hurricanes on record.

Last year produced 5 land-falling storms, including Matthew that caused $10 billion in damage and killed 34 people in the U.S. and 551 in the Caribbean. It was one of the deadliest Atlantic hurricanes on record. (Image credit: NOAA)

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This Wednesday, NOAA will issue its routine update to the Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook as the season enters its historical peak period of mid August through October.

In just the first nine weeks of this season there have already been six named storms—that’s nearly half the number of storms during an average six-month season and is double the number of storms that would typically form by early August. NOAA’s initial outlook in May predicted an above-normal season with 11 to 17 named storms, of which 5-9 could become hurricanes - including 2-4 major hurricanes.

Scientists monitoring the evolving summer conditions and latest model forecasts will discuss what is expected during the remainder of the season, which ends November 30. The updated outlook is based on the most recent model predictions, evolving oceanic-atmospheric conditions, pre-and early season storm activity and the latest El Nino/La Nina forecasts.

WHAT:      Atlantic hurricane season outlook media teleconference and Q&A

WHEN:      Wed., August 9, 11:00 AM EDT

WHO:        Gerry Bell, Ph.D, NOAA’s lead hurricane season forecaster

HOW:        Dial-in: 1-800-369-1619, International: 517-319-9306 
                  Password: HURRICANE

 

Media contact:
Susan Buchanan, 301-427-9000

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