2021 Hurricane Season: NOAA Unveils Predictions For Atlantic

NORTH CAROLINA —This year's Atlantic hurricane season will be above normal with up to nearly two dozen named storms including up to five major hurricanes, according to forecasters.

Tuesday, June 1 is the start of Atlantic hurricane season, which runs until Nov. 30.

"For 2021, a likely range of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher) is expected," the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said recently in releasing the agency's outlook for the 2021 hurricane season in the Atlantic.

An average season produces 14 named storms, including seven hurricanes, of which three become major Category 3 storms or above with top winds of at least 111 mph, NOAA said.

"Although NOAA scientists don’t expect this season to be as busy as last year, it only takes one storm to devastate a community,” said Ben Friedman, acting NOAA administrator.

NOAA's forecast of an above-average hurricane season this year in the Atlantic mirrors a similar prediction made in early April by Colorado State University forecasters.

The Colorado forecast calls for 17 named storms, including eight hurricanes and four that will reach major hurricane strength.

More information about the Colorado State University 2021 hurricane forecast may be found here.