A below-average 2018 Atlantic hurricane season is expected by researchers at Colorado State's Department of Atmospheric Science, according to an updated forecast released Thursday.
Researchers are predicting three more hurricanes and nine more named storms before the 2018 season ends in November. There have already been three named storms this year including two hurricanes, Beryl and Chris.
The probability of at least one major hurricane making landfall on the East Coast at 20 percent, below the full-season average for the last century of 31 percent.
Forecasters say the below-average prediction is based on the tropical Atlantic staying cooler than normal and a potential that a weak El Nino develops in the next several months.
"Coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them, and they need to prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted," researchers said.
Last year was an extremely active and destructive season, which saw six major hurricanes including Harvey, Irma and Maria.
