The 2009 Atlantic storm season will be a normal one, with as many as seven hurricanes, U.S. government forecasters predicted on Thursday. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted nine to 14 named storms this season, with four to seven developing into hurricanes. One to three could be major hurricanes of Categoory3 or higher, with winds above 177 kilometers per hour (110 miles per hour), the agency said in its annual forecast. Last year had one of the most active Atlantic seasons on record, with 16 tropical storms and eight hurricanes. The hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and usually peaks between late August and mid-October. An average season has 11 tropical storms and six hurricanes, including two or three major hurricanes, NOAA said. Hurricane forecasts are closely watched by energy, insurance, and commodities markets. Interest soared following damaging hurricane seasons in 2004 and 2005 that hit Florida, the U.S. gulf coast, and the Gulf of Mexico oil and natural-gas fields.
