Tuesday, June 4th, 2002 — Weather forecasters have reduced their yearly estimate of the number of hurricanes that will be stirred up in the Atlantic, but say the probability of a major storm hitting the U.S. is still above average.
Atmospheric scientist William Gray and his team of hurricane forecasters at Colorado State University decreased by one the number of hurricane-related storms for the hurricane season running from June 1 to Nov. 30.
For the 2002 season, Mr. Gray and his team predict 11 named storms, six hurricanes, and two major hurricanes, which have sustained winds of 111 mph or more. This is a reduction from April's forecast of 12 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.
Cooler than expected sea surface temperatures through April and May led to the change in the forecast, researchers said.