The 2019 hurricane season is here. Early forecasts call for a near-average season with nine to 15 named storms, four to eight hurricanes with winds of 74+ miles per hour and two to four major hurricanes.
The average for an Atlantic hurricane season is 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes. Last year’s hurricane season was slightly above average.
A weak El Nino has been ongoing since April. For those unfamiliar with the term, an El Nino event tends to suppress hurricanes because it increases vertical wind shear and makes it harder for any hurricanes to form.
– Alexandra Cranford, WWL-TV