On Thursday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its predictions about the 2009 hurricane season.

The Valley may be 200 miles inland, but hurricanes do affect the area. Just last year, Hurricane Hanna brought rain to much of the Commonwealth and forecasters are now warning about the upcoming storm season.

The weather may be nice right now, but hurricane season starts in less than two weeks on June 1.

Forecasters predict this year will be a near normal Atlantic hurricane season. They say they expect nine to 14 named hurricanes with one to three of those being major hurricanes of Category 3, 4 or 5 strength.

A conference was also held that emphasized having people able to help themselves and their neighbors.

Gary Locke, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, says, "Hurricanes will make landfall in the United States. Hurricanes will destroy homes. People need to heed the preparedness message and be ready to act."

In September, Hanna brushed brushed the Valley, even though most of her effects were were felt on the coast. Still, the conference also showed inland areas should be prepared for the after effects of such storms.