WASHINGTON, D.C. — Forecasters are now predicting a higher likelihood of an above-normal Atlantic ********* season, saying the season has the potential to be “extremely active” and could be the most active since 2010 when there were 19 tropical storms including 12 hurricanes.

The U.S.-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) re-issued its scheduled update for its 2017 ********* season outlook with a jump in the predicted number of named storms and major hurricanes.

Forecasters now say there is a 60% chance of an above-normal season compared to the May prediction of 45% chance. The NOAA is now predicting 14-19 named storms, up from the May predicted range of 11-17, and 2-5 major hurricanes, up from the May predicted range of 2-4. A prediction for 5-9 hurricanes remains unchanged from the initial May outlook.

The updated outlook is based on the current and evolving atmospheric and oceanic conditions, the most recent model predictions, and pre-and early-season storm activity. The numbers announced today include the season activity to-date.

The Atlantic basin has seen six named storms, including Arlene in April; Bret and Cindy in June; Don and Emily in July; and Franklin in August.

Franklin took aim at Mexico’s central Gulf coast last week after a run across the Yucatan Peninsula.

Two of the storms, Cindy and Emily, struck the U.S. Cindy made landfall on June 22 at the Louisiana-Texas border and caused heavy rain, inland flooding and multiple ******* outbreaks. Emily made landfall on July 31 in Anna Maria Island, *******.

The NOAA’s update also decreases the chance of a near-normal season from 35% to 30 % and a below-normal season from 20% to only 10% from the initial outlook issued in May.

“As we move into the peak of ********* season, when hurricanes are most frequent and at their strongest, NOAA urges coastal residents to make sure they have their ********* preparedness plans in place and to monitor the latest forecasts.”