2005 set the record with 28 named storms — 15 became full hurricanes and four major hurricanes hit the U.S. Katrina set the record for the costliest, with $80 billion in damage and for the deadliest, with over 1,300 people killed. However, Katrina was only the sixth strongest hurricane on record. The 2006 hurricane season begins June 1. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
predicts 2006 to remain well above normal activity.