Forecasters Warn of New El Niño

Ana is the season's first named system; Bill could morph into a hurricane

(NEWSER) - Ana and Bill are on the move, but meteorologists aren't worried just yet, the Miami Herald reports. Both tropical storms formed in the Atlantic today and are moving westward, but a possible US landing is 5 or more days away. The National Hurricane Center says they could strike anywhere from South Carolina to Cuba. “We want people to watch the tropics, but we don't want them to push the panic button,” said one official. More»

(NEWSER) - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts the 2009 hurricane season will see nine to 14 tropical storms, of which four to seven will develop into full-fledged hurricanes, the Tampa Tribune reports. As many as three could become Category 3 storms, with winds above 111 mph. The prediction jibes with one from the respected Colorado State University team, which expects 12 storms, six hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. More»

Center director ousted only 6 months into controversial stint

(NEWSER) - National Hurricane Center director Bill Proenza is out as of today, the Miami Herald reports, less than a week after half his staff demanded his resignation. The head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the "disruption" caused by the controversial leader "threatens the center's ability to protect the American people." More»

Nate expected to hit Mexico, while Maria churns in Caribbean

(NEWSER) - Irene, Katia, and Lee all made not-so-nice headlines, and unfortunately there’s more where they came from: Tropical Storms Nate and Maria are currently taking shape in the Caribbean and Atlantic. Nate, formed in the southern Gulf of Mexico, is expected to drop anywhere from 2 to 8 inches of rain on parts of Mexico, and could start moving north by tomorrow—by which point it could also strengthen into a hurricane. More»

Outer Banks empties out as East Coast readies

(AP) - A hurricane warning has been issued for the North Carolina coast as powerful Hurricane Earl bears down on the East Coast, while a hurricane watch now extends into Delaware. Visitors have been evacuating Ocracoke Island in ferries and told to leave neighboring Cape Hatteras in North Carolina's Outer Banks, and federal authorities are warning people all along the Eastern seaboard to be prepared to evacuate. More»