Heart Of Hurricane Season Starts Now

Most experts predicted an active Atlantic hurricane season in 2007, and those forecasts will now be tested. While the hurricane season officially begins June 1, most tropical storms have historically formed in the August to October timeframe. Here's a quick look at the statistics about this window of time, from the National Hurricane Center:

• 78% of tropical storm days occur
• 87% of Categories 1 and 2 hurricanes form
• 96% of the Category 3-5 hurricanes form

The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center predicted an above-average storm season this year. There is a 75% chance, according to those experts, that there will be more storms than normal. Here's a look at the prediction, which was similar to those of independent experts outside the government, though some independent outfits have downgraded their expectations slightly as the season has progressed:

• 13-17 named storms
• 7-10 hurricanes
• 3-5 Category 3 or stronger hurricanes

So far, there have been three named storms - Andrea, Barry and Chantal.

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