Curry explained that the Modoki version of El Nino had been looked at in general by Japanese and Korean researchers, but not in relation to hurricanes. Joining in the project was research scientist Hye-Mi Kim who came to Georgia Text from Korea, she said.

The discovery of a different mode of El Nino that led to increased storms "was quite startling," she said.

In 2004 an El Nino was developing, causing forecasters to expect fewer Atlantic hurricanes.

But instead it turned out to be one of the Modoki years. There were 15 named storms, including six major hurricanes. Overall activity was nearly 2 1/2 times the long-term average, resulting in more than 3,100 deaths in the region including 60 in the United States. There was record property damage in the United States.

The American Meteorological Society's Monthly Weather Review reported that in 2004 "Florida, the 'Sunshine State,' became known as the Plywood State after being battered by Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne."

The National Weather Service is predicting nine to 14 named tropical storms this year, of which four to seven are likely to be hurricanes.

Commerce Secretary Gary Locke has pointed out that "more than 35 million Americans live in regions most threatened by Atlantic hurricanes."