"Raising its forecast, the U.S. government's weather agency on Thursday predicted the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season will produce 14 to 19 named storms, 7 to 10 of them becoming hurricanes.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said three to five of the storms could turn into major Category 3 or above hurricanes, with winds of more than 110 miles per hour (177 km per hour).

In May, NOAA projected 12 to 18 tropical storms, with 6 to 10 growing into hurricanes and 3 to 6 strengthening into big ones.

The season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, has already brought five tropical storms."

Jane Sutton reports for Reuters August 5, 2011. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Hurricane Forecasters Stand Pat on Season" (Cox) [3]

"Hurricane Forecast Team at Colorado State University Continues to Call for Active Season" (Colo. State Press Release) [4]

"Colorado State Sticks To Forecast for Active Hurricane Season" (Insurance ERM) [5]

"Stormier Atlantic Hurricane Season Now Predicted" (ENS) [6]