The 2011 hurricane season is expected to be well above average. The NOAA Climate Prediction Center is predicting 12-18 tropical cyclones, 6-10 hurricanes, and 3-6 major hurricanes of Category-3 strength or higher (111 mph or higher). An average season has
just 11 tropical storms, six hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. NOAA is predicting the overall season to be 105-200% of average according to the Accumulated Cyclone Energy index (a method used to account for the intensity and duration of named storms and hurricanes).
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