The 2013 Atlantic hurricane season looks like it will be a doozy. The season is projected to be above-average, with a total of 18 named storms.

Of the 18 storms, nine are predicted to become hurricanes, with four of those classified as major hurricanes—category 3 or above with sustained winds of 111 mph or higher.

According to experts, there’s also a 72 percent chance one major storm will make landfall along the Eastern seaboard. The average for the last century is just 52 percent. That’s scary news, considering how fresh Hurricane Sandy is in our memories. Probabilities for landfall of a major hurricane in other areas include 48 percent for the East Coast Florida peninsula, 47 percent for the Gulf Coast Florida panhandle, and 61 percent for the Caribbean.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 and runs through November 30. Last year, two named storms pre-empted the official start of the season. Tropical Storms Alberto and Beryl both developed before June 1, which hadn’t happened since 1908.

To all Virginians: It’s time to check your policies and review them with your Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance agent to make sure you know exactly how your coverage, and your deductible, works.