Heavy rainfall and strong winds caused by Tropical Storm Henri have hit the US Northeast, while Hurricane Grace has caused damage in Mexico as an active Atlantic season continues.

Henri was upgraded to hurricane status before reaching the Northeast coast but had weakened back to a tropical storm yesterday as it approached the eastern tip of Long Island and the Connecticut/Rhode Island shore, Insurance Information Institute Non Resident Scholar Phil Klotzbach said.

Henri’s arrival follows heavy rainfall in the eastern US caused by Tropical Storm Fred, while Hurricane Grace on the weekend became one of the strongest storms in recent years to hit Mexico’s Gulf Coast.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said earlier this month that atmospheric and oceanic conditions remained conducive for an above-average hurricane season.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Centre has forecast 15-21 named storms this season, including 7-10 hurricanes with winds of 74 miles per hour (119 kilometres per hour) or greater.

Scientists predict the likelihood of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season is 65%, while there is a 25% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.