NOAA increases prediction for number of named storms

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center has increased the number of named storms it believes will form during this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30.

NOAA said Thursday that it expects 12 to 17 named storms to form this season, up from the nine to 15 it predicted in May.

Five to eight of those storms will grow to hurricane strength, according to NOAA. NOAA had previously predicted that four to eight hurricanes would form. NOAA said that two to three of those hurricanes would grow into major hurricanes packing winds of at least 111 miles per hour, compared to one to three predicted in May. NOAA said that based on a 30-year average, a normal Atlantic hurricane season produces 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes.