US forecasters to predict slow Atlantic hurricane season; officials roll out storm surge maps

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Federal forecasters are expected to predict a slower than usual hurricane season this year.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will release on Thursday the agency’s outlook for the six-month storm season that begins June 1.

Forecasters got it wrong last year when they predicted an unusually busy hurricane season. There were just 13 named storms and two hurricanes — both of them a Category One — and no major hurricanes with winds over 110 mph.

Colorado State University researchers have forecast nine named storms, with just three expected to become hurricanes and one major storm.

Officials also will roll out high-resolution maps that will show people where to expect storm surge. New York City officials will announce a new hurricane preparedness initiative.