Above-average hurricane season predicted

Brace yourself for an "above average" hurricane season.

Government forecasters are expecting about a dozen named storms.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's climate prediction center is forecasting an above average hurricane season this year.

There is a likelihood of 11 to 17 named storms- 5 to 9 of them are predicted to become hurricanes-with two to four of them becoming major hurricanes.

According to Dr. Rick Knabb of the National Hurricane Center, we shouldn't get caught up in a large number of predicted storms.

"We've had above average years and not one hurricane has hit the U.S. like in 2010. We've had way below average years where we've had a major hurricane disaster somewhere in the U.S.  So, any given year, just one storm can make it a bad year for you. And if that happens, you won't care how many there were and where they went," said Dr. Knabb.

A weak El Niño, weak wind shear, and above average sea surface temperatures are to blame for the active upcoming season.

"Storm surge is when hurricane force winds lush ocean waters inland across land areas. As we learned from hurricane Irene and superstorm Sandy, this is a real threat for us in the tristate area. This year, the national hurricane center is addressing this growing concern."

"People think of hurricanes as a big wind machine, and the wind can be damaging and deadly, but water is taking most of the lives. In order to address that, we have a new storm surge warning coming out this year, separate from and in addition to the hurricane warning," said Dr. Knabb.

Leslie Chapman-Henderson is the president of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes and she said there are five things everyone should do to be completely prepared for the upcoming hurricane season.

First, know your evacuation zone, have your supplies, have a plan, and build a safety kit. Check to see if you have flood insurance- it's not always covered in a homeowner’s policy. Strengthen your home with hurricane shutters if you live along the coast and lastly, help your neighbor. “Once you're ready, you can get out of the way so that the first responders and the others, who need to help those that can't help themselves, can take care of them."