This hurricane season is expected to be one of the most active since 2012, when Superstorm Sandy caused massive flooding and damage in the Northeast, the federal government said Thursday.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it is raising the number of severe hurricanes expected this season, which runs from June 1-Nov. 30, from its May forecast. Mid-August to mid-September is the most active hurricane period for the East Coast and Caribbean.