Friday, June 03, 2005

2005 Atlantic Tropical Season Kicks Off

The 2004 Atlantic hurricane season was very busy and ended with fifteen tropical or subtropical storms by the time the season came to a close. Nine of the storms became hurricanes with six becoming major hurricanes, category three or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.

Looking ahead, the 2005 season is forecast to be very active, as well. Dr. Bill Gray has released an updated forecast calling for 15 named storms. His forecast also predicts that 8 of the 15 named storms will become hurricanes with 4 of the 8 expected to become major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Scale).

Currently, the Atlantic Basin and Eastern Pacific are quiet and tropical development is not likely in the near future. The first tropical storm of the Atlantic season will receive the name Arlene, while the next storm in the Eastern Pacific will be given the name Beatriz.

In the Western Pacific there is Typhoon "Nesat". Nesat is currently over the open waters halfway between Guam and the Philippines. It is forecast to curve well to the east of the Philippines but intensify to 125 mph as it churns through the waters of the Western Pacific. The eastern facing beaches of the Philippines should prepare for very rough surf this weekend and early next week. After its recurve, Nesat will pass close to the east coast of Japan as a minimal typhoon with a big concern for waves, winds, and gusty rains to the east of Tokyo, Japan. You'll want to keep an eye on this system as it spins toward Japan in the next few days if you have friends there or plan to travel to the east coast of Japan.

6:28 a.m. ET ET Fri.,Jun.3,105
James Wilson, Meteorologist, The Weather Channel

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