HURRICANE FORECASTS

As of early April, the Colorado State University hurricane forecasting team led by William Gray has upped the numbers for 2001 just slightly, suggesting a normal season. For the June 1-Nov. 30, 2001 season, the scientists are calling for 10 named storms, six hurricanes and two intense hurricanes.

A professor of atmospheric science at Colorado State, Gray said that despite expected near “normalcy” for the 2001 season, activity will exceed the average storm activity in the quiet period of 1970-94, when population and property grew at a rapid pace along the southeast U.S. coast and the Florida Peninsula.