MIAMI, Dec. 10 (Reuters) - A prominent team of U.S. researchers predicted 14 tropical storms in the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season, with seven seen developing into hurricanes.

The Colorado State University team, formed by forecasting pioneer William Gray, said on Wednesday that 2009 would be a "somewhat above-average" hurricane season.

The long-term average during the six-month season, which begins on June 1, is for 10 or 11 tropical storms and six hurricanes. (Reporting by Tom Brown; Editing by John Picinich)

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