(CNN) — Here is a look at the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season.
Facts: The 2015 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The areas covered include the North Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.
The National Weather Service defines a hurricane as “an intense tropical weather system with well-defined circulation and sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher.”
Hurricanes are rated according to intensity on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
The 1-5 scale estimates potential property damage.
A Category 3 or higher is considered a major hurricane.
The National Hurricane Center advises preparedness:
A hurricane watch indicates the possibility that a region could experience hurricane conditions within 48 hours.
A hurricane warning indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 36 hours.
Predictions: April 9, 2015 – The Tropical Meteorology Project from Colorado State University predicts that the “2015 Atlantic basin hurricane season will be one of the least active seasons since the middle of the 20th century.” They predict seven named storms and three hurricanes.
May 27, 2015 – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts a below-normal hurricane season, predicting that there is a 70 percent chance of having six to 11 named storms, of which three to six could develop into hurricanes, including zero to two major hurricanes (categories 3-5).
2015 Atlantic Storm Names: Tropical Storm Ana May 9, 2015 – Tropical Storm Ana develops off the coast of South Carolina. May 10, 2015 – Makes landfall at 6:00 a.m. ET just north of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and later is downgraded to a tropical depression.
Tropical Storm Bill June 15, 2015 – Tropical Storm Bill forms in the northwest Gulf of Mexico. June 16, 2015 – Makes landfall on Matagorda Island, Texas. June 17, 2015 – Is downgraded to a tropical depression.
Tropical Storm Claudette July 13, 2015 – Tropical Storm Claudette forms in the Atlantic. July 14, 2015 – Weakens to a post-tropical cyclone.
Tropical Storm Danny August 18, 2015 – Tropical Storm Danny forms about 1,595 miles east of the Windward Islands.
August 20, 2015 – Tropical Storm Danny becomes a Category 1 hurricane with 75 mph winds and continues to move west.
Erika Fred Grace Henri Ida Joaquin Kate Larry Mindy Nicholas Odette Peter Rose Sam Teresa Victor Wanda
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