We are now just weeks away from the start of the 2021Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 until November 30, and while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) won't release its initial outlook until May, some hurricane experts have already predicted we could be in for some rough weather this year.

Forecasters with Colorado State University announced last month said they believed there could be as many as seventeen named storms for the season, which would make it the sixth consecutive "above normal" season. That would still be significantly less than last year, however, which had a record thirty named storms including thirteen hurricanes.

The first named storm, Tropical Storm Arthur, formed on May 17 – weeks before the official season even began.

An average Atlantic hurricane season generates a dozen tropical storms, six of which are classified as a hurricane.

"As is the case with all hurricane seasons, coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them," warned CSU Meteorologist Phil Klotzbach, WFTV reported. "They should prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted."

Klotzbach explained that the lack of El Nino and a warmer than normal subtropical Atlantic could contribute to the above-average forecast.

The Weather Channel's leading hurricane expert, Dr. Rick Knabb, also suggested it is well within the realm of possibility that we could have more than one major hurricane come ashore this year, even if the year is not quite as busy overall.

"Don't let the fact that this year might not be as busy as last year overall make you think we get the year off from a bad hurricane season," Knabb said in a statement. "People should prepare for hurricane season regardless of what early forecasts suggest. Even below-average seasons in the past have produced historic hurricanes that have caused massive devastation. The more we prepare far in advance, the safer we will all be."

Experts have recommended those in hurricane-prone areas be proactive in maintenance to prepare. That can include simple tasks such as repairing loose or missing roof shingles; trimming trees and even removing anything that could potentially turn into flying debris; clearing gutters and soffits; having the garage door reinforced; and having any outdoor AC units elevated to avoid damage in case of floods.

Federal forecasters from the NOOA will issue their prediction for the season on May 17, while CSU forecasters are expected to update their predictions at least three times over the next several months. The peak months of the hurricane season between August and October.

The first named storms of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season will be Ana, followed by Bill, Claudette, Danny, Elsa, Fred and Grace.

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers and websites. He regularly writes about military small arms, and is the author of several books on military headgear including A Gallery of Military Headdress, which is available on Amazon.com.