Hurricane season forecast to be worse than expected

MIAMI, Florida (CNN) -- Hurricane experts released modified forecasts Friday for the 2001 Atlantic Hurricane Season, warning of a stronger season than initially predicted.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Hurricane Research Division and the National Hurricane Center in South Florida, in addition to the Climate Prediction Center in Washington, D.C., are calling for as many as 12 named storms this season. Up to one-third of these could be intense hurricanes, experts said.

Chris Landsea, meteorologist at NOAA's Hurricane Research Division, noted his team was calling for a "slightly above average" hurricane season. In May, the same researchers suggested an average season.

Landsea said a warmer Atlantic Ocean and easterly winds that tend to promote more tropical storm formation were responsible for the change .

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"The Atlantic Ocean has warmed up compared to what it was," Landsea explained .

According to NOAA, an average season could see anywhere from eight to 11 storms, five to seven hurricanes, and two to three major hurricanes. An above average season would bring nine to 12 storms, six to eight hurricanes, and two to four intense hurricanes.

Hurricane expert William Gray also increased his forecast in June, predicting 12 storms and seven hurricanes.

National Hurricane Center meteorologist Miles Lawrence cautions residents to be prepared -- regardless of predictions.

"It doesn't really matter how many hurricanes there are, what matters is if one hits you," Lawrence said. "Whether the forecast is for ... a busy season or a quiet season, it only takes one hurricane to cause a disaster."

CNN's Joanna Massee contributed to this report.