Hurricane season 2008 is upon us! Arthur is leading us off, headed for Belize. Not to worry, it’s barely a strong breeze.

But the hurricane geniuses at Colorado State University – shouldn’t they be studying earthquakes or avalanches? – predict an above average probability of a major hurricane striking the United States in 2008. Right now, they are guessing 15 named storms, 8 of them hurricane, and 4 of them intense. They also predict a 44% chance of a major hurricane (Cat 3 or higher) hitting somewhere along the Gulf Coast from Brownsville to the Florida pandhandle. (UPDATE: AP questions utility of pre-season hurricane forecasts.)

Of course, they may amend their predictions down the line, like they usually do. But if they’re right, we need to hunker down you guys. Hunker down one more time.