Up to 4 major Atlantic hurricanes in 2019 season, NOAA predicts

May 23-- May 23--Brace yourself.

The Atlantic may see two to four major hurricanes during the 2019 season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday.

Predictions come as part of NOAA's estimates for the 2019 hurricane season.

In a "near-normal Atlantic hurricane season," the agency said a persisting El Niño -- which will suppress the season's intensity -- and above-average Atlantic temperatures help predict the likelihoods at a 70% confidence.

The hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Predictions will be updated in August right before the seasons peak, the forecasters said.

An average hurricane season produces 12 storms with a name, NOAA said. Half of those named storms become hurricanes, with three of those escalating to major hurricanes.

This year, the agency predicts nine to 15 named storms with winds at least 39 mph. Between four to eight could become hurricanes, with sustained winds at least 74 mph.

Of the four to eight predicted hurricanes, NOAA predicts two to four will become major hurricanes, with winds of 111 mph or higher. These hurricanes would fall into a category 3, 4 or 5.

The "near normal" season is predicted at a 40% likelihood, with an above-average and below-average season each predicted at a 30% likelihood.

The eastern Pacific has a 70% probability of an above-normal season, with 15 to 22 named storms, eight to 13 hurricanes, and four to eight major hurricanes. In the central Pacific, the NOAA estimates five to eight tropical cyclones -- including tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes.

"It only takes one event to devastate a community so now is the time to prepare," Daniel Kaniewski, FEMA deputy administrator for resilience said in a statement. "Do you have cash on hand? Do you have adequate insurance, including flood insurance? Does your family have communication and evacuation plans?"

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