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MIAMI: The federal government is predicting another "very active" hurricane season starting June first. Forecasters are predicting that there will be 13 to 16 tropical storms or hurricanes, and that eight to ten could become "major" hurricanes of category-three strength or better.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chief Conrad Lautenbacher says while a repeat of last year's devastating season is not expected, he says forecasters expect that a combination of enviornmental factors will lead to another busy season.

National Hurricane Center director Max Mayfield says if there's anything good that can come out of last year's storms, it would be a "culture of preparedness" -- because long-term forecasts indicate busy seasons are likely to be the norm for the next decade.

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