Above-Average Hurricane Season Expected

04/08/2010

A typical hurricane season is often enough to cause billions of dollars in insured losses.

This year's season, however, is expected to be anything but ordinary, according to a recent report by the Colorado State University hurricane forecast team. The extended-range forecast shows that four major hurricanes may strike the Atlantic basin between June 1 and November 30. Another four normal hurricanes are expected to sweep through the region.

There's a 69 percent chance that a major hurricane will make landfall on the U.S. coast, according to the report, compared to the 52 percent average likelihood reported during the past century. Probability of such a storm striking the Caribbean is 58 percent.

"The predicted weakening of El Niño conditions combined with a very strong anomalous warming of the tropical Atlantic are the primary reasons why we are increasing our forecast," the report said. "We believe that these two features will lead to favorable dynamic and thermodynamic conditions for hurricane formation and intensification."

Those living within a coastal region may want to review their home insurance policies to ensure all their property is covered. Flood insurance coverage purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program can be helpful in the event of water damage.

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