Forecasters predict 5 to 8 tropical cyclones for 2019 Central Pacific hurricane season
Central Pacific Hurricane Center officials predict that the region will see 5 to 8 tropical cyclones during the hurricane season that starts June 1.
They forecast 5 to 8 tropical cyclones for the Central Pacific, which is above the average of 4 to 5 storms.
Current El Nino conditions mean the water around Hawaii and along the equator is warmer than usual and wind shear is diminished, meaning a better environment for tropical cyclones to form, forecasters said.
CPHC officials said there is a 70% chance of an above-normal hurricane season, 20% chance for a normal season, and 10% chance for a below-normal season.
In their annual outlook news conference, forecasters cautioned Hawaii residents to get prepared now for the upcoming season, which goes through Nov. 30.
In the 2018 season, six tropical cyclones either formed or moved into the Central Pacific, including the powerful Hurricane Lane which dumped more than 50 inches of rain on parts of the Big Island and passed just south of Oahu.
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced its outlook for the 2019 Central Pacific hurricane season today.
