Hurricane Forecasters Take a Bow: 2008 Predictions Were Right

Colorado-based weather researchers say eight hurricanes formed in the Atlantic this year, the same number they predicted before the season but one less than their August update called for.

Colorado State University researchers William Gray and Phil Klotzbach said Wednesday their preseason forecasts in April and June called for 15 named storms, including eight hurricanes, four major of them major.

Their Aug. 5 update called for 17 named storms, including nine hurricanes, five of them major.

They say the final numbers were 16 named storms, eight hurricanes and five major hurricanes. The Atlantic season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.

Gray has been forecasting hurricanes for more than two decades. His predictions are watched closely by emergency responders and others.