National Weather Service forecasters said they expect 13 to 17 tropical storms, with seven to 10 of them becoming hurricanes.

The forecast follows that of two other leading storm experts in anticipating a busy season.

The likelihood of above normal hurricane activity is 75 percent, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.

"With expectations for an active season, it is critically important that people who live in East and Gulf coastal areas as well as the Caribbean be prepared," said Bill Proenza director of the national hurricane center in Miami.

After the battering by storms Katrina and Rita in 2005 there were widespread fears last summer of another powerful storm striking, but the unexpected development of the El Nino climate phenomenon helped dampen conditions.

The El Nino has ended, however, leaving the potential for more tropical storms threatening the Gulf and East coasts.

El Nino is a warming of the tropical Pacific Ocean that occurs every few years. The warm water affects wind patterns that guide weather movement and its effects can be seen worldwide. In El Nino years, there tend to be fewer summer hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean

bring it on

hopefully they all stay off the coasts

Things you can do now to prepare for Mother Nature

Make sure the family vehicles are in good condition.
Inspect and secure mobile home tie downs.
Store shielding materials for all window and door openings.
Create an evacuation plan that includes an out-of-state friend or relative as contact.
Check your supply of batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.
Download the Hurricane Watcher Widget for Mac OS X Dashboard to keep track of developing storms.
Tips for when you're in the path of a hurricane or tropical storm

Remember, when a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watch is issued it means severe weather conditions are likely to occur in that area within the next 36 hours. And, when a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Warning is issued, severe weather conditions are likely to occur in that area within the next 24 hours. Be sure to allow time to buy needed supplies and to prep your house.

Make sure the family car has a full tank of gas.
Ensure you have an extra supply of cash on hand.
Complete preparations. Storm shutters should be installed and all loose objects stored inside.
Stay tuned to WeatherBug, media outlets or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest information.
Be sure to check out the Hurricane Tracker in the Severe Weather section of your WeatherBug desktop application. It has a Tropical Weather Outlook, a list of 2007 storm names and more.
If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows. Leave mobile homes in all cases.
Be aware that the calm eye is deceptive; the storm is by no means over. The worst part of the storm will occur once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by winds before the eye passes can be broken or destroyed by winds that hit after the eye passes.
Be alert for tornadoes. They can occur during and immediately after a hurricane passes over.
Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.
What should you do if you are asked to evacuate?

Leave in daylight, if possible.
Stay with friends or relatives, at a low-rise inland hotel/motel, or go to a designated public shelter outside a flood zone.
Notify neighbors and a family member outside of the warned area of your evacuation plans.
If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way.
If waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.
Put food and water out for a pet. Public health regulations do not allow pets in public shelters, nor do most hotels.
What should you bring with you if you are evacuated?

first-aid kit
non-perishable food
baby food and diapers
medicine
cards, games, books
toiletries
battery-powered radio
flashlight (one per person) and extra batteries
blankets or sleeping bags
identification, valuable papers (insurance), and cash
Stay safe this hurricane season,

Mark Hoekzema
WeatherBugŪ Chief Meteorologist

1. Have a car in good condition with a full tank of gas.

2. Have the board in good working order with all cracks and dings repaired.


3. Have a raincoat, warm clothing, and a 5 mil wetsuit, booties, and gloves. Hoodie optional during the monsoon-like rainfall session.

4. Bring sandwiches and beverages to share with buds.


5. Have film for camera or digital camera in good working order.


6. Have cell phone charged to tell wife or girl firend that the surf is howling and you will be late getting home after dark.


7. Prepare to surf your brains out.