The Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be close to "normal" this year after a record-breaking season in 2017, government forecasters announced Thursday. An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which 6 become hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes, according to NOAA. Forecasters this year predict a 35 percent chance of an above-normal season, a 40 percent chance of a near-normal season, and a 25 percent chance of a below-normal season for the upcoming hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. This year the hurricane season includes the names: Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie, and William. NOAA will update the 2018 Atlantic seasonal outlook in early August, just ahead of the peak of the season.

Source: Fox News May 24, 2018 15:52 UTC