Fema chief tells staff he did not know US has hurricane season

Staff reportedly baffled after remark from David Richardson - but spokesperson says comment was a joke

Staff of the Federal Emergency Management Agency were left baffled on Monday after the head of the US disaster agency said during a briefing that he had not been aware the country has a hurricane season, according to four sources familiar with the situation.

The US hurricane season officially began on Sunday and lasts through November. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast last week that this year's season is expected to bring as many as 10 hurricanes.