NOAA updates Atlantic hurricane outlook

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the United States has updated its outlook for this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, slightly reducing its initial forecast, but still predicting an above-normal number of storms. There have been four named storms since the season began in June, including Andrea, Barry, Chantal, and Dorian. “Significant activity is expected for the remainder of the season, with an additional 9-15 named storms likely, of which 6-9 are expected to become hurricanes with 3-5 reaching major hurricane status,” the NOAA said in early August. Major hurricanes are those classified as Category 3, 4 or 5.