Each storm is different and unpredictable, which means business and property owners shouldn't become complacent; it's extremely important to prepare in advance for major hurricanes. (Photo: Shutterstock)
The first hurricane prediction for 2019 was less alarming than many prior years, with only two major hurricanes forecast to hit the U.S. coast. Hurricane researchers at Colorado State University announced in April that they foresee a slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane season, citing a weak El Niño and a slightly cooler tropical Atlantic ocean as major contributors. Their second, often more accurate forecast is due June 4, and NOAA announced its first forecast of the hurricane season on May 23 and predicted 9 to 15 named storms.
But don't be fooled. Early predictions in 2017 also pointed to a slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane season, but in that year hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria slammed into the Atlantic and Gulf coasts as well as Puerto Rico, and became three of the five costliest hurricanes in U.S. history.
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