Hurricane season began Sunday in the East Pacific

Hurricane season in the eastern Pacific began on May 15th. This year is projected to be much more active than last year with as many as 15 named storms. Fifteen storms would equal the average for this region of the Pacific basin and would be double the number from last year.

Hurricane Season Starts Today in Eastern Pacific (AccuWeather)

Today (Sunday) marks the official start of the 2011 hurricane season in the Eastern Pacific, a season which is expected to exceed the amount of named tropical systems from last year by twofold.

AccuWeather.com meteorologists are predicting an average number of tropical systems to develop in the Eastern Pacific this year.

The basin averages 15 tropical storms each season. Out of those, nine become hurricanes, with four reaching major hurricane status.

Fifteen named storms would more than double the total from last year. Only seven named storms formed in the Eastern Pacific in 2010, with three reaching hurricane status.

AccuWeather meteorologist explain that last year's low number of hurricanes in the Eastern Pacific was due primarily to the strengthening La Nina cnditions. This year we have a weakening La Nina which will bring lower prossures and warmer sea surface temperatures - conditions conducive for tropical storm formation.

Eastern Pacific Eyes Hurricane Season (Epoch Times)

2011 Eastern Pacific Names
Adrian
Beatriz
Calvin
Dora
Eugene
Fernanda
Greg
Hilary
Irwin
Jova
Kenneth
Lidia
Max
Norma
Otis
Pilar
Ramon
Selma
Todd
Veronica
Wiley
Xina
York
Zelda