Tropical Weather Watch - 2006

Well....it's that time of year again.
The tropical storm season for the Atlantic and Gulf begins on June 1st.

Last year was truley phenomenal with a record 28 storms including a record 7 storms before August, a record 15 hurricanes, a record four cat 5 storms including the strongest July hurricane on record - Emily - and the strongest (lowest pressure) hurricane ever in the Atlantic - Wilma. Unfortunately we also had a record 4 major (cat 3 or higher) hurricanes making landfall in the US, unfortunately the deadliest hurricane to hit the US since 1928 - Katrina, and unfortunately the costliest hurricane ever - again Katrina.

This season is not expected to be nearly as active, but they're still calling for an above average season. The good news....maybe only 9 more years in this cycle of above average tropical activity...
Predictions for this season -
NOAA:
13-16 named storms
8-10 hurricanes
4-6 becoming major hurricanes

Dr. William Gray and his team:
17 named storms
9 hurricanes
5 major hurricanes


2006 Storm Names:
Alberto
Beryl
Chris
Debby
Ernesto
Florence
Gordon
Helene
Isaac
Joyce
Kirk
Leslie
Michael
Nadine
Oscar
Patty
Rafael
Sandy
Tony
Valerie
William

So, what's going on out there right now? Any early birds?
Fortunately no. There's a cluster of showers and storms in the Gulf, if that sits there a while, we'll have to watch it, but for now all is well.