It’s Mid-July: Where are the Hurricanes?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through December 1st, but that doesn't mean hurricanes start up right away.  June 1st marks the onset of warmer Atlantic and Caribbean temperatures that can lead to tropical disturbances.  Full blown hurricanes typically don't start until well into the season.

Storm forecasters are predicting an active hurricane season this year, calling for at least 15 named storms.  That’s about 40 to 50 percent more activity than during a typical season.

So with just one named storm, Arlene, in the books after six weeks, is the forecast a bust?   Not yet. Not by a long shot.

The Atlantic hurricane season typically doesn't start hopping until early August, two to four weeks from now.

Forecasters still expect this season to be pretty active despite the slow start.  In fact, they say the most similar season in recent memory, the year most like this year, was 2008, which was a very active season.  2008 had 16 named storms, including eight that became average hurricanes and five that became major hurricanes.

You can get more information, including an informational video, at:

via It’s mid-July: Where are all the hurricanes? | SciGuy | a Chron.com blog.

East Texas isn't immune to hurricanes or their effects. In recent years hurricanes have reached far inland into east Texas and caused catastrophic damage to property and forests. Thousands of people evacuating coastal areas to get away from storms come to east Texas to find shelter.

BTW:  2008 was such a busy year for hurricanes the National Hurricane Center made it all the way to the letter "P" in naming all of them.  The last named storm that year was Hurricane Paloma.  That's Spanish for "dove".  Odd name for a hurricane.