2008 Hurricane Predictions Released by NOAA

Wendy Alli
Wendy Alli, Yahoo! Contributor Network
May 23, 2008 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
Hurricane season begins June 1 for the Atlantic and May 15 for the Eastern Pacific. What does the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center predict?

The NOAA predicts a near normal to above average season for the Atlantic with an outlook of 12-16 named storms which include 6-9 hurricanes and 2-5 major hurricanes. This is based on the projected climate conditions in the Atlantic Basin.

For the eastern Pacific, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center announced a below-normal season. The prediction, based on a 60%-70% probability forecasts 11-16 named storms which would include 5-8 hurricanes and 1-3 major hurricanes.

How are hurricanes categorized? The Saffir-Simpson Scale is used to classify the intensity of the sustained winds in hurricanes. The Saffir-Simpson Scale is as follows:

Tropical Depression: 0-38 MPH Winds

Tropical Storm: 39-73 MPH Winds

Category 1: 74-95 MPH Winds

Category 2: 96-110 MPH Winds

Category 3: 111-130 MPH Winds

Category 4: 131-155 MPH Winds

Category 5: Greater or equal to 156 MPH Winds

"Hurricane Hunters" from the Air Force Reserve's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron use WC-130J aircraft with six crew members. The members use special testing equipment to measure the temperature, wind speed, humidity and pressure inside the storm and relay weather information back to the National Hurricane Center via satellite.

Residents who live in states that could be affected by hurricanes or tropical storms should begin preparing in advance. Stock up on canned goods, nonperishable foods, flashlights, candles, batteries and other essential items. With tough economic times it will be hard for some to buy the needed supplies to be prepared. Those residents may want to consider just throwing in a few extra canned goods during their grocery shopping and stash it away. Keep an eye out for sales. On occasion, some stores have buy one get one free sales.

The Atlantic hurricane names for 2008 are:

Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay,
Gustav, Hanna, Ike, Josephine, Kyle, Laura,
Marco, Nana, Omar, Paloma, Rene, Sally,
Teddy, Vicky, and Wilfred.

Published by Wendy Alli

I have enjoyed writing my whole life. It gives me an escape from the common day stresses. I have written stories based on my life experiences, which were published. I am a proud military spouse. I enjoy ri...  View profile

  • NOAA predicts a near normal to above average season for the Atlantic.
  • For the eastern Pacific, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center announced a below-normal season.
"Hurricane Hunters" from the Air Force Reserve's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron use WC-130 aircraft with six crew members.

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