By the end of July in 2005, four tropical storms (Arlene, Bret, Franklin, and Gert) and three hurricanes (Cindy, Dennis, and Emily) already had formed in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. So far in 2006, however, just two tropical storms have formed and both failed to develop into major storms or hurricanes.

Because of this, atmospheric physicist Steve Smith is claiming that the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season is shaping up as "average," despite many predictions that it would be a very active season this year.

The most recent storm, Tropical Storm Beryl, formed July 19 off the coast of North Carolina but caused no significant damage and did not reach hurricane status.

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