Could the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season be a dud? Or are storms just taking a brief break before a late-season surge?
The official U.S. forecasting agency, the National Hurricane Center, hasn't altered its outlook that anticipates an above-average year for tropical storms and hurricanes affecting the U.S., but some meteorologists, including those at the privately owned AccuWeather, are revising their forecast for lower numbers.
On Sept. 3, AccuWeather said it now is predicting 16-20 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes and up to six hurricanes with direct impacts on the U.S. In May, it predicted 20-25 named storms, eight to 12 hurricanes and the same number of hurricanes with direct affects in the U.S. as the revised forecast.
But that doesn't mean an easy storm season. The lower number still is higher than a typical year with 14 named storms.
"We don't want anyone to let their guard down even though we are now forecasting fewer storms in total. We expect two to four more direct impacts to the United States this season. It only takes one powerful hurricane or slow-moving tropical storm to threaten lives and cause devastation," Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter warned.
Hurricane Beryl, which made landfall in Texas in July, caused disruptions at resin production facilities along the Gulf of Mexico, leading to price increases.
The National Hurricane Center reports there are three tropical disturbances in the Atlantic Ocean currently, although there is little expectation of them will develop into a hurricane.
