This year’s Atlantic hurricane season will be “above normal”, spawning six to ten hurricanes of which half could become major, according to a US government forecast.In its first predictions for the season, which begins on June 1, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA] anticipated 12 to 18 named storms, which is a lower level than last year.Six to ten of those storms are predicted to develop into hurricanes, of which three to six could become major, at Category 3 or above, with winds of more than 110mph.The forecast made no predictions as to when and where the hurricanes could make landfall.The hurricane season typically peaks between late August and mid-October. An average season brings 11 tropical storms with six hurricanes, including two major hurricanes, according to NOAA.Last year’s season produced 19 named storms, tying for the third most active season with 1887 and 1995, according to the US National Hurricane Center. Twelve storms grew into hurricanes, tying with 1969 for the second most active season in that category.Despite several near misses, only one of the storms, Hurricane Igor, made a direct impact on Bermuda. The Category 1 storm hit the Island on September 19, with the Bermuda Weather Service recording winds of 91 miles per hour and gusts up to 117 miles per hour.Igor had been forecast to impact as a Category 3 storm, the same as the devastating Hurricane Fabian in 2003. However, it weakened to Category 1 before hitting Bermuda.The storm cost electricity company Belco $1.2 million in lost sales and restoration costs after knocking out power to 28,700 homes. A handful of homes were left without power for up to six days. Several other storms either brushed by the Island causing large waves, such as Danielle, or fizzled out before arriving, such as Colin, Fiona and Shary.Mark Guishard, director of Bermuda Weather Service, said statistics show Bermuda has historically been impacted by equal numbers of tropical systems in seasons with below-average activity, as in seasons with above-average activity.“One good example of how we can be ‘caught out’ in a weak season was Category 1 Hurricane Emily which hit Bermuda in 1987, a season with only seven named storms for the entire Atlantic,” he said.Emily produced gusts up to 125mph and caused $35-million worth of damage. More than 100 people suffered broken bones from flying debris.Mr Guishard said: “The point is that preparation is essential for all, regardless of the seasonal prediction. In light of the success of Igor’s passage [no injuries reported, relatively minor damage], we should take note that planning in advance does make a difference to lessening the overall impact. The protection of life, livelihoods and property requires vigilance and preparedness throughout the hurricane season.”Useful websites: www.nhc.noaa.gov, www.weather.bm, www.emobermuda.com.