"CSU Forecasts Five Major Hurricanes In 2011 Season"

"Colorado State University forecasters predicted the Atlantic hurricane season that began on Wednesday would be a busy one with 16 tropical storms and nine of those growing into hurricanes.

The CSU team predicted five of the storms would become 'major' hurricanes of Category 3 or stronger on the Saffir-Simpson intensity scale, with winds of 111 miles per hour or higher.

The forecast for the six-month hurricane season was unchanged from the CSU team's April forecast. But that would still be busier than an average season, which brings 11 storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

Sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic-Caribbean basin are warmer than normal and the El Nino oscillation had moved into a near-neutral phase, conditions that contribute to storm development, the forecasters said."

Jane Sutton reports for Reuters June 2, 2011.

SEE ALSO:

"The Illustrated 2011 Hurricane Forecast" (Mother Jones)

"2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook" (NOAA)

"2011 Hurricane Names" (Huffington Post)