7 U.S. hurricanes predicted for ’08

The Colorado State University hurricane research team predicted Friday that 13 tropical storms would develop in the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season and that seven would strengthen to hurricanes.

The team, formed by forecasting pioneer William Gray, said the figures would make next year’s hurricane season “somewhat above average.” The long-term average is for 10 tropical storms and six hurricanes during the six-month season, which starts June 1. The team’s long-range forecasts have been wrong the last three years.

Gray’s team, now led by Philip Klotzbach, said three of next year’s hurricanes would be the most dangerous types -- Category 3 or above -- with winds of at least 111 mph.