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To: PatiBob who wrote (6587)	5/23/2006 8:02:58 AM
From: goldworldnet	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 14758

Forcasters Predict 4 to 6 Major Hurricanes By LAURA WIDES-MUNOZ, Associated Press Writer Tue May 23, 4:34 AM ET news.yahoo.com With visible reminders from last year's Atlantic hurricane season — blue tarps and broken signs — still dotting parts of Florida and the Gulf Coast, forecasters warned storm-weary residents to prepare for as many as six major hurricanes this year. There could be up to 16 named storms, the National Hurricane Center announced Monday. But 2006 should not be as destructive as last season's record year, which had 28 named storms, 15 of which were hurricanes, seven of them Category 3 or higher. This year the Atlantic has less warm water, which fuels potential storms, meteorologists said. Officials warn residents they still need to take action. "One hurricane hitting where you live is enough to make it a bad season," Max Mayfield, the center's director, said. The predictions came on the same day an independent report showed the New Orleans levee system was routinely underfunded and inadequate to protect against hurricanes. It also called for an overhaul of the agencies that oversee flood protection. Last year, forecasters initially predicted 12 to 15 tropical storms, with seven to nine of them becoming hurricanes, and three to five of those hurricanes being major, with winds of at least 111 mph. The season was much busier, breaking records that had stood since 1851. David Paulison, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's acting director, said more than 100,000 families still living in government trailers along the Gulf Coast will have to evacuate if a tropical storm threatens, even with winds of just 39 mph. Paulison said those who do not need to evacuate must still have an emergency plan. "We have to be able to take care of ourselves for the first 72 hours," he said. "What it does when we don't take care of ourselves is stop our first responders in the street from helping those really in need." Atlantic hurricane seasons were relatively mild from the 1970s through 1994. Since then, all but two years have been above normal. Experts say the ocean is in the midst of a 20-year-cycle that will continue to bring strong storms. Between 1995 and 2005, the Atlantic season has averaged 15 named storms, slightly more than eight named hurricanes and four major hurricanes, according to the hurricane center. From 1971 to 1994, there were an average of 8.5 named storms, five hurricanes and just over one major hurricane. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. * * *