NOAA forecasters are calling for a below normal Atlantic hurricane season.
"8 to 14 named storms with winds at or above 39 miles an hour. Of these, three to six hurricanes with winds at or above 74 miles an hour, and one to three major hurricanes," predicts Administrator Dr. Neil Jacobs.
Dr. Jacobs credits a moderate to strong El Nino for keeping development down in the Atlantic.
National Weather Service Director Ken Graham tempering the good news, "Don't let words like below average. Don't let all those words change the way you prepare," he said.
The six-month hurricane season begins on June 1st.