US forecasters predict up to 15 storms during hurricane season

US forecasters predict there will be about nine to 15 storms during this year's Atlantic hurricane season.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its initial outlook Thursday for the six-month storm season that officially begins June 1.

The season got an early start when Tropical Storm Alberto formed Saturday off South Carolina's coast.

The agency predicts that this year's total will include four to eight hurricanes. One to three could become major hurricanes.

Last year marked the sixth consecutive year without the US landfall of a major hurricane, classified as Category 3 storms with sustained winds of 111 mph (178 kph) or higher.