U.S. hurricane experts say this summer's unusually wet conditions might result in excess hurricane damage this year. AccuWeather.com chief forecaster Joe Bastardi said this summer's above-average level of precipitation has caused many trees in northeastern states to become waterlogged and top heavy.

U.S.

One of the first 2009 Atlantic hurricane season forecasts is calling for fewer named storms than during recent years, as well as fewer U.S. landfalls. AccuWeather Inc.

By Tom Incantalupo, Newsday, Melville, N.Y. Nov.

By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID WASHINGTON - Government forecasters called for a busier than normal hurricane season Tuesday. National Weather Service forecasters said they expect 13 to 17 tropical storms, with seven to 10 of them becoming hurricanes.