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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting an active year for the Atlantic Basin.

NOAA is forecasting between 14 to 23 named storms, winds of 39 miles per hour or higher. Of those storms, eight to 14 of them are predicted to be hurricane, winds of 74 mph or higher. The most striking portion of the forecast revolves around the number of major hurricanes. NOAA is forecasting three to seven major hurricanes, category three or higher.

"We're facing a season that may rank among the more active on record," says Dr. Jane Lubchenco, NOAA.

The reason NOAA is upping its numbers includes the forecasted development of the La Nina pattern. Other factors include warmer Atlantic Ocean waters, weaker upper level wind shear and the number of active seasons in the last two decades.

Climatologically, South Carolina doesn't have to be hit directly to be adversely affected. Numerous tropical remnants have produced flooding, damaging winds and tornadoes. A direct hit has been historically devastating. This season marks the 21st anniversary of the state's most destructive hurricane, Hugo.

"The keyword to take away from these earlt hurricane forecast is preparedness," says SkyWACH Weather Anchor Justin Kier. "Remember that these forecasts aren't an indication of specific landfalls, but rather a general forecast of hurricane occurances in the Atlantic," says Kier.

The best ways to be prepared include having a storm preparedness kit and a survival plan. Emergency managers remind residents that you may be without power and water for days or weeks if a hurricane were to strike. It's always helpful to have things like clothing, bottled water, non-perishable food, cash, batteries, flashlights, medication, boots, important tax documents and other critical items in your storm kit.

"Anyone in the United States that's in the eastern third of the country or the Carribean, needs to be prepared," says Dr. Jane Lubchenco, NOAA.

Remember that it's impossible to predict where hurricanes will make landfill this early. Hurricane season begins June 1st. Only time will tell if the predictions come true.