Fingers are crossed in Central America and the Caribbean following a forecast for above-average storm activity during this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Prompting the concern is a May 24 estimate by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that the chance of an above-normal season is 65%, with the chances of a near-normal or below-normal season at 25% and 10%, respectively. The forecast, by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, calls for a likely range of 14 to 21 named Atlantic storms, whose wind speeds measure at least 39 miles per hour (mph). Of these, six to 10 could grow to hurricane force, meaning winds of at least 74 mph, and three to six could become category 3, 4 or 5 hurricanes, whose winds reach or exceed 111 mph, the Center says. Atlantic hurricanes, of course, can strike well... [Log in to read more]