The current Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be more intense than previously thought, with a greater number of tropical storms and strong cyclones, according to projections updated Thursday by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), dpa reported. According to the latest forecast, there is an 85-per-cent chance that the current season - which runs from June to November and peaks between August and October - is "above-normal." The NOAA now expects 14-19 named storms - storms with sustained winds of over 60 kilometres per hour - compared with the 12-14 it predicted earlier this year. The number of expected hurricanes has also increased, from 6-10 to 7-10, of which 3-5 could become major hurricanes. The latest forecast includes the five tropical storms that have formed since June, including Emily, which is currently affecting Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and the Bahamas. US authorities warned against complacency. -- SPA
