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WHAT ARE EXPERTS SAYING ABOUT THIS YEAR'S HURRICANE SEASON?

Up to eight more hurricanes could strike the US this season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is now warning.

This would represent a greater-than-normal level of activity, with six hurricanes being typical of an average six-month hurricane season.

To date there have been two named storms this season — Subtropical Storm Andrea, which lasted from May 20–21, and Hurricane Barry of July 11–15, which hit Louisiana. 

A spike in storms is set to follow the recent end of El Niño, the abnormal weather patterns which typically acts to suppress hurricane activity by increasing wind shear.

The peak of the hurricane season is expected to run from August—October but the six-month hurricane season will end on November 30.

NOAA forecasters now believe the likelihood of above-normal activity in this year's hurricane season stands at 45 per cent — an increase from the 30 per cent they had predicted back in May. 

The predicted chance of near-normal activity this season has been estimated at 35 per cent, while the odds of below-normal activity has fallen to 20 per cent.

Experts anticipate 10–17 named storms with winds over 39 mph across the season. 

Of these, 5–9 will be hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher, with 2–4 reaching major hurricane level and winds of 111 mph or more. 

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