Forecasters predict 'near-normal' Atlantic hurricane season

TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 13) - Meteorologists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are forecasting a "near normal" 2019 Atlantic hurricane season.

NOAA made their hurricane outlook announcement Thursday morning, saying they predict 9 to 15 named storms and 4 to 8 hurricanes.

Of those hurricanes, 2 to 4 are expected to be major storms, which are Category 3 or higher.

"An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which 6 become hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes," NOAA said.

Hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts until November 30.