The 2016 Atlantic hurricane season begins today, continuing through November 30.
This year the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expects a 70 percent likelihood of 10 to 16 named storms.
Even though the season is just starting today, there have already been two named storms this year.
Hurricane Alex developed off of the eastern Atlantic in January. Last week, tropical storm Bonnie which was later downgraded to a tropical depression moved toward the east coast.
Despite the early start to the season, NOAA expects a near-normal hurricane season. The government agency expects between 10-16 named storms. As many as 4-8 of those storms could be hurricanes. Scientists expect that 1-4 storms this season may develop into major hurricanes. NOAA will issue an updated outlook for the Atlantic hurricane season in early August.
Here’s a look at the tropical cyclone names for the 2016 season.
Names used by the National Hurricane Center are used in rotation and are recycled every six years. The only time the list of names changes is if a storm is so deadly or costly and the future use of is name would be inappropriate due to sensitivity.
