Hurricane forecasters predict 14 named storms in 2009

Hurricane forecasters at Colorado State University today predicted above-average activity in the Atlantic next year: 14 named storms, including seven hurricanes — three major.

The 50-year average is 9.6 named storms, 5.9 hurricanes and 2.3 major hurricanes.

Researchers William Gray and Phil Klotzbach said in their extended-range forecast there is a 63 percent chance that at least one major hurricane will make landfall on the U.S. coastline.

The long-term average probability is 52 percent.