Hurricane researchers at North Carolina State University predict 4 to 5 major (Category III or higher) Hurricanes in the 2007 Season, out of 8 to 9 total Hurricanes and 12 to 14 named storms. The NC State model used for such predictions is based on 100 years of data. Last year in 2006, the NC State researchers were the only ones to accurately predict 5 Hurricanes, NC State announced: NC State News Release on April 19, 2007.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ("NOAA") is making changes due to its poor track record for Hurricane predictions last year in 2006. NOAA recently issued its own prediction of 3 to 5 Category III or higher storms, 7 to 10 Hurricanes, and 13 to 17 named storms in the 2007 season, which begins June 1, 2007 and runs through November 30, 2007: NOAA.05.22.07.
A satellite used to track severe storms by the Hurricane Center, a division of NOAA, is working on a backup transmitter, it is reported. The backup transmitter presents problems leading to a possible breakdown. No replacement satellite is planned, it is also reported. See, for example, Brian Skoloff, "Hurricane Chief: NOAA Wasted Millions," Washington Post Online, Thursday, May 17, 2007.
"Hurricane Hunters" is the nickname for aircraft which are flown into potentially catastrophic storms to provide data on the strength and severity of such storms. NOAA describes these flights as integral to the assessment of Hurricanes and other potentially catastrophic storms in this 2003 description on the NOAA web site of Hurricane Hunter Aircraft. Hurricane Hunter flights have recently been reported to be cut back and budgeted for fewer flights in 2007.
NOAA's budget provides $4,000,000.00 in publicity, alone, for a celebration of its 200th anniversary in 2007, it is reported: Brian Skoloff, "Hurricane Chief: NOAA Wasted Millions," Washington Post Online, Thursday, May 17, 2007.
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