That kind of threat remains with each passing storm. The NOAA prediction correlates with prognostications from noted hurricane expert Dr. William Gray, a Colorado State University professor, who predicts that seven hurricanes will form in the Atlantic in 2001, three of which will become intense hurricanes with sustained winds exceeding 110 mph. Gray, predicts 12 named storms will make waves in 2001. Should the predictions hold true, that would mean fewer tropical storms than in 2000, when 14 tropical storms formed in the Atlantic. Eight of those reached hurricane strength, and three, Alberto, Isaac, and Keith, were categorized as major hurricanes.
Storm surges from hurricanes bring the greatest potential for loss of life.
Officials are concerned that the number of people living in vulnerable coastal areas has swelled, leaving millions along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts in the way of potentially devastating hurricanes.