Forecasters predicting 12-15 tropical storms, 6-8 to become hurricanes and 3-5 of them major.

AccuWeather reports after a devastating hurricane season for the United States in 2017, forecasters are predicting a near normal to slightly above-normal year with between 12 to 15 tropical storms.

Of those storms, 6 to 8 are forecast to become hurricanes and 3 to 5 are forecast to become major hurricanes.

"Last year we had 17 tropical storms. This year may not be quite as active, but still probably normal to slightly above normal," AccuWeather Atlantic Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski said.

Similar to last year, sea surface temperatures are expected to remain warmer than normal across most of the basin and normal to above normal over the main developmental region, where more than 85 percent of all tropical storms form.

"Right now, we are in a weakening La Niña pattern, but the climate pattern is expected to go into what's called a neutral pattern, which promotes near-normal wind shear," Kottlowski said.

This should limit tropical development.

"The thing that's causing the balance to tip in one direction [this year] is that sea surface temperatures are warmer than normal," he said.

Warm water creates more favorable conditions for tropical development.

While last year brought six impacts to the United States, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, this year is more likely to result in three or four.

"This season may not [bring] as many impacts, but I'm almost afraid to tell people this because it only takes one big storm to hit you to cause massive damage," Kottlowski said.

"We saw that from Harvey, Irma and Maria last year. If all we had was just another Irma or Harvey, that would be more than enough to cause catastrophic damage for any coastal community."



"Anywhere else along the coast, everybody should still be vigilant and prepare for a possible direct impact," Kottlowski said.


"You want to prepare for the worst case scenario - that's called having a hurricane plan. And the government and local officials do have guidelines on how to create such a plan depending on where you live."