Even though the 2012 Atlantic basin hurricane season is off to a
fast start--with Tropical Storm Alberto last weekend and the
likelihood of a second system along the Southeast coast this
week--NOAA predicts a near-normal season overall. NOAA predicts
a 70% chance of nine to 15 named storms (tropical storms and
hurricanes), including four to eight hurricanes (sustained winds
of 74 mph or greater) and one to three major hurricane
(sustained winds of at least 111 mph). An average season, based
on statistics from 1980-2010, produces 12 named storms,
including six hurricanes and three major hurricanes. This
forecast would represent a decrease in the number of storms from
the past two years; however, NOAA is advising residents in
coastal areas along the Gulf of Mexico and the East Coast to
remain alert. The number of storms is much less important than
whether storms make a direct landfall. Hurricane Andrew, which
devastated South Florida 20 years ago, is a reminder of the
dangers during a season with a low number o