Forecasters predicted up to 9 hurricanes and 4 major ones last year. Then North Carolina and Florida were hit hard but South Carolina was spared. This year the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a near-normal Atlantic hurricane season most likely. NOAA predicts up to 15 named storms with winds of 39 mph or higher. Up to 8 could become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher including up to 4 major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher. An average Atlantic hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which 6 become hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes. The hurricane season runs through Nov. 30. For updates visit the National Hurricane Center website: www.nhc.noaa.gov .