NOAA announces hurricane predictions

Meteorologists issued a 2011 hurricane-season forecast that is above average but not as severe as last year.

The National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration predicts 12 to 18 named storms, with winds 39 mph or greater. Of those, NOAA expects six to 10 hurricanes with winds of at least 75 mph. And of those, the meteorologists expect three to six storms could be severe, with winds of 110 mph or greater.

The outlook does not forecast when or where the storms will hit.

Hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts through Nov. 30.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].