NOAA forecasts near-normal Atlantic hurricane season

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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted a near-normal Atlantic hurricane season on Thursday. 

In its outlook, NOAA is forecasting a range of 12 to 17 total named storms. 

The 2023 Atlantic tropical cyclone names, as selected by the World Meteorological Organization, include Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Don, Emily, Franklin, Gert, Harold, Idalia, Jose, Katia, Lee, Margot, Nigel, Ophelia, Philippe, Rina, Sean, Tammy, Vince and Whitney.

Of those, five to nine could become hurricanes, and one to four of those could become major hurricanes. 

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The agency said it has a 70% confidence in these ranges.

Hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and runs through November 30.

The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be less active than in recent years due to multiple factors, including some that suppress storm development and some that fuel it.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell speaks at a press briefing at the White House in Washington, Friday, Jan. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

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After three hurricane seasons with La Niña present, scientists predict a high potential for El Niño to develop this summer. That can suppress Atlantic hurricane activity. 

NOAA noted that El Niño’s potential influence on storm development could be offset by favorable conditions local to the tropical Atlantic Basin. 

Damaged boats lie on the land and water in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in Fort Myers, Florida. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

"As we saw with Hurricane Ian, it only takes one hurricane to cause widespread devastation and upend lives. So regardless of the number of storms predicted this season, it is critical that everyone understand their risk and heed the warnings of state and local officials. Whether you live on the coast or further inland, hurricanes can cause serious impacts to everybody in their path," FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said in a statement. 

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She stressed that now is the time to prepare. 

NOAA said it would implement upgrades and improvements over the summer, including expanding the capacity of its operational supercomputing system by 20% and new small aircraft drone systems.