The US National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted a very active hurricane season for the north Atlantic region.
The NOAA urged people in those potential hurricane affected areas to begin preparations for such a catastrophe, in an announcement during National Hurricane Preparedness Week.
"For the 2006 north Atlantic hurricane season, NOAA is predicting 13 to 16 named storms, with eight to 10 becoming hurricanes, of which four to six could become major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher," said Conrad Lautenbacher, undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator, during a news conference at the National Hurricane Center.
The deputy secretary of commerce, David Sampson, added: "The impact from these storms extends well beyond coastal areas, so it is vital that residents in hurricane prone areas get ready in advance of the hurricane season."
