Hurricane watch: by the numbers.

• Position: TRENDS & TRANSITIONS - Brief article

June 1-Nov. 30 is the official hurricane season in the North Atlantic. Experts predict a quiet year, but that doesn't mean residents of Atlantic Basin states shouldn't prepare to batten down the hatches and keep emergency stocks well-supplied.

9 Tropical storms expected this year; 12 is average

3 Tropical storms predicted to develop into Category 3 or higher hurricanes; six is average

14 Number of storms last year

26.3% Portion of U.S. population that lives in the areas most threatened by Atlantic hurricanes

77 Retired names of especially deadly hurricanes

2005 One of the busiest Atlantic hurricane...