MIAMI (AP) -- Federal government scientists are predicting there will be 14 to 23 tropical storms in the Atlantic basin during the coming season, including eight to 14 hurricanes.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted Thursday that three to seven of the hurricanes will be major storms that reach Category 3 or higher - meaning they bring sustained winds of at least 111 mph.
The forecast is based on the weakening of El Nino. The Pacific Ocean phenomenon creates strong wind shear that weakens Atlantic storms.
The Atlantic hurricane season begins Tuesday and runs through Nov. 30.
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