As the June 1 Atlantic Hurricane season approaches, AccuWeather.com echoes earlier predictions by saying Atlantic basin residents can expect an active hurricane season.

AccuWeather.com predicts a total of 16 named storms–eight of which will become hurricanes–with three hitting the U.S. during the hurricane season June 1-November 30.

The assessment, subject to change as the season progresses, also calls for four major hurricanes this year. A major storm is a Category 3 or higher storm with winds in excess of 111 mph. Last year, there were 19 named storms, 10 of which became hurricanes. One became a major storm and four made landfall.

AccuWeather says the season may begin quickly with development in the Caribbean in June, but it will otherwise be normal in development compared to last year. Last year two named storms, Alberto and Beryl, developed in May.

AccuWeather Expert Senior Meteorologist Dan Kottlowski says last year's early storms were an anomaly and this year's development should be “more in line with a typical active season.”

The combination of warm water across the Atlantic and Caribbean, paired with less frequent wind shear will result in above-normal numbers, says AccuWeather. NOAA puts the average figure of tropical storms in a year at 12.

AccuWeather says that the storms might be stronger than last year because of a reduction in Saharan dust that can stifle storm development. The winds that form Atlantic basin storms generate from Africa.

Analyzing specific regions, Kottlowski notes that Florida has not had a direct hit from a hurricane since Hurricane Wilma in 2005, and is long overdue. He also says that while “It would be very difficult for a storm to hit right where Sandy hit,” the possibility of adverse weather developments in the Northeast still remain.

The New York and New Jersey areas impacted by Superstorm Sandy are more vulnerable now because the storm weakened the protective dune system along the coast.

The renowned Colorado State University forecasters Philp J. Klotzbach and William M. Gray released their early season prediction last month, with a forecast of 18 named storms, nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes.

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