2024 Hurricane season is expected to be abnormally busy, NOAA predicts

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🗞️ Driving the news: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an abnormally busy Atlantic hurricane season in 2024, with 17 to 25 named storms
• This is the highest forecast ever issued by NOAA in May

🔭 The context: Historically, an average Atlantic hurricane season includes 14 named storms, with seven becoming hurricanes and three reaching major hurricane status
• NOAA's prediction aligns with other forecasts suggesting a particularly active season, with conditions favorable for storm formation

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Increased storm activity poses significant risks to communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure, potentially leading to devastating impacts on coastal regions and necessitating heightened preparedness for climate-related disasters

⏭️ What's next: NOAA forecasts 8 to 13 hurricanes, including 4 to 7 major hurricanes with winds of at least 111 mph
• This highlights the urgency for communities in hurricane-prone areas to strengthen resilience and emergency response plans

💬 One quote: "The agency’s forecasters believed eight to 13 of the named storms could become hurricanes," said Rick Spinrad, NOAA administrator

📈 One stat: There is an 85% chance of an above-normal hurricane season according to NOAA's forecast

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