http://www.boston.com/dailynews/158/nation/Hurricane_forecaster_revises_p:.shtml

Hurricane forecaster revises prediction upward

By Associated Press, 6/7/2001 06:33

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) A leading forecaster said the current Atlantic hurricane season will be more intense than he predicted in April, thanks to cool Pacific temperatures and heavy rains in West Africa.

Colorado State University professor William Gray released his updated predictions Thursday, boosting the number of named storms to 12 from 10, the number of hurricanes to seven from six and the number of intense hurricanes to three from two.

Gray, a professor of atmospheric science, said he also believes there is a greater possibility hurricanes will hit land on the East Coast this year.

''It just seems to us that things are looking more conducive for hurricanes than they did at the end of March,'' Gray said.

Cooler-than-expected temperatures off the west coast of North America and around Hawaii are weakening El Nino, a warm body of water in the Pacific. El Nino produces strong upper winds that move across the Atlantic and rip the tops off forming storms, Gray said.

Gray said above-average rainfall in Africa will fuel Atlantic storms.

Another factor is the buildup of warm, salty water flowing to the northern Atlantic. Gray said the saltier water sinks and redistributes energy, which can intensify a hurricane.

The season's first named tropical storm was reported this week off southeast Texas. Allison dumped up to 12 inches of rain before winding down Wednesday.

Last year there were 14 tropical storms, including eight hurricanes, but most stayed well offshore.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.

-- Anonymous, June 07, 2001