Get ready! Hurricane season is here

MIAMI (AP) - U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano wants to make sure Americans are prepared for the start of the Atlantic hurricane season.
    
The season begins Friday and Napolitano will join Federal Emergency Management Agency head Craig Fugate, as well as Florida Gov. Rick Scott to urge those likely to be affected by storms to prepare beforehand.
    
Officials will begin their public service campaign Friday at the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
    
While not officially beginning until Friday, the season has already seen two named storms. Tropical Storm Alberto formed off the coast of South Carolina on May 19 and dissipated a few days later. And on Memorial Day, Tropical Storm Beryl came ashore near Jacksonville, Fla., dumping 10 inches of rain in some areas of north Florida.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says the season should consist of nine to 15 tropical storms. Four to eight of those will strengthen into hurricanes. NOAA forecasts one to three of those will grow into major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.