NOAA Predicts Average Hurricane Season

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts the 2009 hurricane season will see nine to 14 tropical storms, of which four to seven will develop into full-fledged hurricanes, the Tampa Tribune reports. As many as three could become Category 3 storms, with winds above 111 mph. The prediction jibes with one from the respected Colorado State University team, which expects 12 storms, six hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. (More National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration stories.)