Expert Predicts 13 Named Storms, Seven Hurricanes

An active storm season with 13 named storms this year has been predicted by Colorado State University researcher William Gray. The hurricane expert, who has been making such forecasts for 22 years, said he expects seven hurricanes to develop this season.

According to Gray’s research, there is a 73 percent chance of a major hurricane making landfall in the U.S.

Last year, Gray predicted 14 named storms would occur — including eight hurricanes — with a 71 percent chance of an intense hurricane making landfall in the United States.

As Gray predicted, there were 14 named storms. Nine were hurricanes.

Four hurricanes made landfall in Florida last year, causing an estimated 100 deaths and $20 billion in damage.