Dr. William Gray and his team of storm researchers at the University of Colorado have revised their hurricane predictions for the 2002 season. Initially, Gray forecast 12 named storms and 11 hurricanes to hit the Atlantic seaboard. Three of those storms, Gray believed, would be substantial. Now that forecast has been revised to indicate a far less active season. They are predicting below-average storm activity, with just nine named storms and four hurricanes, only one of which is forecast to be substantial.
Gray attributes the downgraded predictions to cooler Atlantic Basin sea temperatures, higher Atlantic sea-surface pressures and strengthening winds.
In spite of his downgraded predictions, Gray cautions sailors and coastal residents to remain prepared. Another revised forecast is due out in September.
