The 2009 hurricane season is off to a slow start.  2009 has seen relatively low activity when compared to previous years.  Generally, a named storm forms sometime in early July; yet mid-August is approaching and the season is without it’s “A” storm.  Mother Nature seems to be shining on the Atlantic hurricane basin.

Experts believe that the effects of the El Nino conditions, which formed in the past two months over the Pacific Ocean, are dampening the hurricane season.  At the beginning of hurricane season (June 1), experts were calling for 12 named storms; predictions have now been scaled back to 10. 

However, in the Northern Atlantic Ocean, a distinct hurricane season occurs from June 1 to November 30, sharply peaking from late August through September.

Is the first named storm on the horizon?  There is currently a tropical depression (TD2) forming off the coast of Africa that is showing signs of strengthening with a 57% chance of reaching tropical storm force winds in the next 48 hours.

Hopefully Mother Nature will continue her favorable ways, however she has proven to be a fickle force to reckon with; it’s always worth considering vacation insurance. 

Check here for updates as storms develop.