predicted for the Atlantic area.

Experts also predicted a total of 11 tropical storms -- compared to 12 last year, when eight developed into hurricanes.

US National Hurricane Center director Max Mayfield told a New Orleans conference that statistics showed the 1990s was a near-century high for major storms.

And he warned: "After the last five years, it would be very, very foolish to expect we're not going to have a high number of storms.'' He was backed by the director of Florida's Division of Emergency Management, Joe Myers.

Mr. Myers said: "Based on new long-range forecasts, we're entering a new era in increased hurricane activity.

Storms must generate winds of at least 74 m.p.h. before being classed as hurricane force.

The two were speaking at the National Hurricane Conference, which brings together forecasts and disaster management teams from all over the US to discuss using high technology to better predict the formation and movement of hurricanes, as well as ways to cut down on damage and death caused by huge storms.

The National Hurricane Center, based in Florida, covers the east coast of the US, the Caribbean and Bermuda, issuing warnings to the Island's weather watchers, who take over issuing warnings if hurricanes look set to head in the direction of Bermuda.

The hurricane season runs throughout the summer and officially ends in November.

Bermuda escaped storms which brought catastrophe to the Caribbean and North Carolina last year.