Since the 2005 hurricane season, tropical storm activity in the Atlantic Ocean has severely decreased. Some believe that meteorologists have overestimated the number of hurricanes that will form in a given season.

The National Hurricane Center predicted 12 to 15 named storms, seven to nine hurricanes, and three to four major hurricanes for the 2006 hurricane season. That year, just 10 named storms formed; five reached hurricane status and two reached major hurricane status.

Some are concerned that meteorologists’ inaccurate predictions can cause the public  to underestimate the severity of hurricanes. However, others are not as concerned with meteorologists’ predictions.

“I don’t watch the news that much, so I don’t care what the meteorologists predict,” sophomore Kevin Vergara said.

A hurricane, or tropical cyclone, is a storm characterized by a large, low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Hurricanes feed on heat released when moist air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor contained in the moist air.

Meteorologists classify tropical storms and hurricanes depending on the storm’s wind speed. A Category One hurricane’s wind speed tops 74 miles per hour, whereas a Category Five hurricane is classified with winds of over 155 miles per hour.

“I probably would only leave if a Category 5 was coming,” freshman Jared Cohen said. “That’s really when it becomes a dangerous situation.”

Hurricanes have several meteorological requirements in order to form. Because of these requirements, the official hurricane season lasts from June 1 until November 30. However, meteorological phenomena, such as El Nino and La Nina, can affect hurricane development.

El Nino occurs across the Pacific Ocean every five years and is associated with warmer water temperatures, and can inhibit hurricane formation in the Atlantic Ocean. El Nino affected last year’s hurricane season, which saw the least number of named storms since 1997.

Regardless of the number of named storms, South Florida is still prone to hurricane activity. Many residents face a difficult decision when a hurricane approaches the area in deciding whether they should evacuate the area or stay put.

“I’d put shutters or plywood on the windows and stay through any hurricane-even a direct hit from a Category 5,” Vergara said. “Where am I going to go? It makes more sense just to stay home and let the storm pass by.”