NOAA is forecasting as many as 19 tropical storms this year, including six to 10 hurricanes. Half of those hurricanes could reach “major” strength.

A tenth-consecutive above-average hurricane season is forecast in the Atlantic basin this year, with warm waters and potentially storm-friendly climate patterns expected to produce as many as 19 tropical storms,

This year, the United States is facing the upcoming hurricane season with an understaffed National Weather Service — including more than a dozen vacancies in Florida meteorology offices — and confusion within the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has moved to cut pre- and post-storm aid to local governments.