The U.S. can expect up to seven major hurricanes this year, rivaling 2005 when Hurricane Katrina destroyed New Orleans. A major hurricane is any storm rated Category 3 or higher, and carrying winds of at least 111 miles per hour.

"If this outlook holds true, this season could be one of the more active on record," National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration official Jane Lubchenco said in a statement Thursday.

The forecast calls for between eight and 14 hurricanes total, and 14 to 23 tropical storms.