NEW YORK, Dec 22 (bdnews24.com/Reuters) - Weather Service International on Tuesday forecast that the 2011 hurricane season will be more active than normal, with the US Gulf Coast energy region under "significant threat" for hurricanes to come ashore.
There will be 17 named storms, nine hurricanes and five intense hurricanes of category three or greater, the private forecaster based in Andover, Massachusetts, said in a release.
The forecast numbers are well above the long-term averages spanning 1950 to 2009 of 10 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 2 intense hurricanes, the company said.
In the more recent 1995-2000 period, there were an average of 15 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 4 intense hurricanes.
"We expect another very active season in 2011, with above-normal Atlantic ocean temperatures and favorable wind shear conditions," said WSI Chief Meteorologist Todd Crawford.
The Atlantic hurricane season begins in June and ends in November. Energy traders closely monitor forecasts for hurricanes, which can disrupt US oil and natural gas production facilities in the Gulf of Mexico and refinery operations along the Gulf Coast.
"Our hurricane landfall prediction model suggests increased chances of US landfall in 2011, with particularly enhanced probabilities in the western Gulf states," Crawford said.
"The forecast numbers are quite similar to those prior to the 2008 season, when Hurricanes Dolly, Gustav, and Ike impacted Louisiana and Texas."
The 2010 Atlantic hurricane season, which ended on Nov. 30 spawned 19 named storms, tied for the third most active season on record.
Despite the number, key US energy producing areas in the Gulf of Mexico escape unscathed from the storms this year.
Of the named storms this year, 12 became hurricanes, tying the second highest season in 1969. Five of the 12 were major hurricanes.
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