It's the East Coast's turn, forecaster predicts; Warm Atlantic waters could be a red carpet for mid-season storms.(A SECTION)

Byline: CATHY ZOLLO cathy.zollo@heraldtribune.com

The 2005 hurricane season is far from over in the Gulf of Mexico, but at least one long-range forecaster says the Atlantic coastline will be the focus of storm activity during the season's busiest months.

AccuWeather's Joe Bastardi is calling for 18 named storms this season, with the United States being hit another six times in the months to come.

He says much of his call for more East Coast action has to do with water temperatures in the Atlantic.

Bastardi leads a parade of long-range hurricane forecast revisions due out at this time each year.

Next week, Colorado State …