Experts Predict Less Active Hurricane Season

Experts Predict Less Active Hurricane SeasonHavana, May 11. -The 2011 hurricane season in the North Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico is expected to be less active than last years, said Jose Rubiera, director of the National Forecasting Center of the Cuban Meteorology Institute.

During the June 1-Nov. 30 season, 13 cyclonic organisms are expected to form, given that the conditions in the upper atmosphere are a little less propitious, Rubiera told the Cuban News Agency.

"We are still in a dynamic stage that began in 1995 and will last a few more years, but neutral conditions are expected to prevail, given that no phenomena like La Niña or El Niño will occur," Rubiera said.

The 2010 season was very active, with 19 storms, 12 of which were hurricanes, and five of them powerful.

For 2011, hurricanes would receive the following names: Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Don, Emily, Franklin, Gert, Harvey, Irene, Jose, Katia, Lee, Maria, Nate, Ophelia, Philippe, Rina, Sean, Tammy, Vince, Whitney. (Prensa Latina)