U.S. Hurricane season likely a bit busier

[weatherbud]

Forecast update comes as survey finds many reluctant to evacuate.

TAMPA, Fla. - The 2008 Atlantic hurricane season could be slightly busier than average, with a good chance of six to nine hurricanes forming, federal forecasters said Thursday in a new way of making predictions.

The national Climate Prediction Center also said 12 to 16 named storms and two to five major hurricanes could form.

The center predicted a 65 percent probability of an above normal season and a 25 percent probability of a near normal season. "This means there is a 90 percent chance of a near or above normal season," the center stated.

It also said there is only a 60 to 70 percent chance for the predictions to come true, the first time officials gave a probability.

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