US forecasters predict 17 to 25 named storms during the six-month Atlantic hurricane season that starts June 1, with 8 to 13 becoming hurricanes and 4 to 7 major systems with winds of 111 mph or more, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.
- Near-record warm waters in the Atlantic will fuel the systems, while La Nina conditions in the Pacific will limit storm-stopping wind shear across the Caribbean
- An average Atlantic season produces 14 named storms, which have winds of 39 mph (63 kilometers) or more