The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season was a very destructive and deadly Atlantic hurricane season, which had an average number of named storms.[nb 1] Despite this, it became the third-costliest Atlantic hurricane season on record, behind only 2017 and 2005, mostly due to Hurricane Ian. The season officially began on June1, and ended on November30. These dates, adopted by convention, historically describe the period in each year when most subtropical or tropical cyclogenesis occurs in the Atlantic Ocean.[3] This year's first Atlantic named storm, Tropical Storm Alex, developed five days after the start of the season, making this the first season since 2014 not to have a pre-season named storm.
Two systems developed on July1. Tropical Storm Bonnie formed and made landfall near the Costa Rica–Nicaragua border. It then crossed over into the Pacific basin, becoming the first to survive the crossover from the Atlantic to the Pacific since Hurricane Otto in 2016. Also, Tropical Storm Colin formed abruptly and made landfall in South Carolina, before quickly weakening and dissipating the next day. Following this activity, tropical cyclogenesis was suppressed across the basin for several weeks by a combination of high wind shear, drier air, and the presence of the Saharan Air Layer. This stopped all tropical cyclogenesis in August, the first season to do so since 1997, and the first during a La Niña. After an almost 60-day lull in tropical cyclone activity, hurricanes Danielle and Earl formed on September1 and3 respectively, with Danielle becoming the season's first hurricane. The last season to have its first hurricane develop this late was 2013.
Activity then increased tremendously towards the end of September as four named storms formed in quick succession. Among them, Hurricane Fiona became the season's first major hurricane on September20, which is about three weeks later than when the first one typically forms.[4] As an extratropical cyclone it became the strongest storm in Canadian history, as measured by atmospheric pressure, and caused significant damage in Atlantic Canada. Hurricane Ian then became the second major hurricane of the season on September27 and the only Category5 of the season on September28, before inflicting an estimated $113.1billion in damage to western Cuba, Southwestern and Central Florida, and the Carolinas. Hurricane Julia formed in early October and became the second storm of the season to cross over into the Pacific basin intact after traversing Nicaragua, making this season the first to have more than one crossover system since 1996. The last storm in the season, Hurricane Nicole, made landfall on the coasts of the Bahamas and Florida. It was the first November hurricane to make landfall in Florida since Kate in 1985, and caused about $1billion in damage in areas devastated by Ian six weeks earlier. Tropical cyclones during this season collectively caused at least 304deaths and more than $118.29billion in damage, making it one of the costliest seasons on record.
Most forecasting agencies anticipated a well-above average season due to warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures and a favorable El Niño–Southern Oscillation pattern, limiting the chances of El Niño developing. While conducive conditions such as warmer sea surface temperatures and a La Niña came to fruition, the unfavorable wind shear pattern with drier air and Saharan Air Layer suppressed tropical cyclogenesis through most of July and the entirety of August, with the latter typically being among the most active climatologically.
Seasonal forecasts
Predictions of tropical activity in the 2022 season
* June–November only † Most recent of several such occurrences. (See all)
In advance of, and during, each hurricane season, several forecasts of hurricane activity are issued by national meteorological services, scientific agencies, and noted hurricane experts. These include forecasters from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Climate Prediction Center, Tropical Storm Risk (TSR), the United Kingdom's Met Office (UKMO), and Philip J. Klotzbach and their associates at Colorado State University (CSU). The forecasts include weekly and monthly changes in significant factors that help determine the number of tropical storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes within a particular year. According to NOAA and CSU, the average Atlantic hurricane season between 1991 and 2020contained roughly 14tropical storms, seven hurricanes, three major hurricanes, and an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index of 74–126units.[26] Broadly speaking, ACE is a measure of the power of a tropical or subtropical storm multiplied by the length of time it existed. It is only calculated for full advisories on specific tropical and subtropical systems reaching or exceeding wind speeds of 39mph (63km/h).[5] NOAA typically categorizes a season as above-average, average, or below-average based on the cumulative ACE index, but the number of tropical storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes within a hurricane season is sometimes also considered.[5]
Pre-season forecasts
On December9, 2021, CSU issued an extended-range forecast for the 2022 hurricane season, giving a 40% chance of near-average activity with 13–16named storms, 6–8hurricanes, 2–3major hurricanes, and an ACE index of about 130 units. The forecast also gave a 25% chance that the ACE Index would end up being around 170 units, and a 25% likelihood the likelihood that the index would end up around 80.[7] TSR also issued an extended-range forecast on December10, 2021.[8] It predicted overall near-average tropical activity with its ACE index, anticipating 18tropical storms, 8hurricanes, and 3intense hurricanes to form during the season. One of their factors was the expectation of a neutral El Niño-Southern Oscillation condition by the third quarter of 2022. This outlook had "large uncertainties".[8]
In their April6, 2022, forecast, TSR's number of named storms remained unchanged, while they slightly increased the number of major hurricane from three to four.[9] On the following day, CSU issued their first extended-range seasonal forecast for the 2022Atlantic hurricane season, predicting well-above-average activity, with 19named storms, 9hurricanes, 4major hurricanes, and an ACE index of 160units. Their factors supporting an active hurricane season included above average-sea surface temperatures in the subtropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and a cool neutral ENSO or weak La Niña pattern, corresponding to a low chance of an El Niño.[10]The Weather Channel (TWC) issued their first seasonal forecast on April14, calling for 20named storms, 8hurricanes, and 4major hurricanes.[11] On the same day, the University of Arizona (UA) issued its seasonal prediction for a slightly above-average hurricane season, with 14named storms, 7hurricanes, 3major hurricanes, and an ACE index of 129units.[12]North Carolina State University (NCSU) made its prediction for the season on April20, calling for an above-average season with 17 to 21named storms, 7 to 9hurricanes, and 3 to 5major hurricanes.[13]
On May9, Pennsylvania State University predicted 14.9 +/- 3.8tropical storms, or a range of 11 to 19named storms.[14] On May23, UKMO issued their own forecast for the 2022 season, predicting an above-average season with 18named storms, 9hurricanes, and 4major hurricanes, with a 70% chance that each of these statistics will fall between 13 and 23, 6 and 12, and 2 and 6, respectively.[15] The following day, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center issued their forecasts for the season, predicting a 65% chance of above-average activity and 25% chance for below-average activity, with 14–21named storms, 6–10hurricanes, and 3–6major hurricanes.[16] TSR released another prediction on May31 that was unchanged from its April6 forecast: 18named storms, 8hurricanes, and 4major hurricanes.[17]
Mid-season forecasts
On June2, CSU updated their extended-range seasonal forecast, increasing the amount of tropical cyclones to 20named storms, 10hurricanes, 5major hurricanes, and an overall ACE index of 180units. This was done after a later analysis of the lower chances of an El Niño during the season, as well as a warmer-than-average tropical Atlantic.[18] TWC's second outlook, released on June17, slightly increased the number of named storms to 21 and hurricanes to 9, but left the number of major hurricanes at 4.[19] On June20, 2022, UA updated its seasonal prediction, which is very similar to its April prediction, with 15named storms, 7hurricanes, 3major hurricanes, and an ACE index of 131units.[20] On July5, TSR released their third forecast for the season, slightly increasing their numbers to 18named storms, 9hurricanes, and 4major hurricanes. This prediction was largely based on the persistence of the weak La Niña into the third quarter of the year.[21] On July7, CSU did not make changes to their updated prediction of 20named storms, 10hurricanes, and 5major hurricanes.[22] UKMO's updated forecast on August2 called for 16named storms, 6hurricanes, and 4major hurricanes.[23] Two days later, NOAA and CSU each revised their activity outlook slightly downward, though both still predicted that the season would end up being busier than the 30-year average. The revisions were made in part because of the relative slow start to the season (as compared to the past few years), with only three short-lived named storms as of the start of August.[24] The third and final TWC seasonal forecast, issued on August18, decreased the number of named storms to 17, hurricanes to 7, and major hurricanes to 3.[25]
Tropical Storm Earl (bottom left) and Hurricane Danielle (top right) on September5
Officially, the 2022Atlantic hurricane season ran from June1 to November30.[14] A total of 16tropical cyclones developed, 14of which intensified into named storms. Of those, eight strengthened into a hurricane, while two systems reached major hurricane intensity. Thus, the season was near-average compared to NOAA's 1991–2020mean of 14named storms, 7hurricanes, and 3major hurricanes.[2] The near-average number of named storms ended the record six-year streak of above-average activity in the Atlantic.[27] A strong La Niña and slightly above-normal West African Monsoon season led to the mostly average activity. However, intense wind shear and the suppression of moisture in the atmosphere by the Saharan Air Layer led to an unusual mid-season cessation in tropical cyclogenesis that lasted nearly two months,[28][29] with no named storms in the Atlantic between July3 and August31 for the first time since 1941.[27]
Hurricanes Fiona and Ian inflicted historically significant impacts on certain areas. After Fiona caused a few billion dollars in damage in Puerto Rico, its remnants struck Nova Scotia as a powerful extratropical cyclone, becoming the costliest weather disaster on record in Atlantic Canada.[30] Ian became both the costliest Florida hurricane and the third-costliest on record in the United States, behind only Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Additionally, 150fatalities occurred in Florida,[31] making Ian the deadliest tropical cyclone in the state since the 1935 Labor Day hurricane.[27] Collectively, the tropical cyclones of the 2022Atlantic hurricane season caused at least 304fatalities and more than $118.29billion in damage,[32] making it one of the costliest seasons of all time.[33]
This season's ACE index, as calculated by Colorado State University using data from the NHC, was approximately 95.1 units,[34] which was 77% of the long-term (30-year) average of 123.[2] This was the first season since 2007 to have an ACE value that is near-average. All seasons from 2008 to 2021 were either below or above-average.[10]
Four tropical cyclones active simultaneously on September 23: Hurricane Fiona (top-left), Tropical Storm Gaston (top-right), Tropical Storm Hermine (bottom-right), and Tropical Depression Nine (bottom-left, which ultimately became Hurricane Ian). The wave that would later spawn Tropical Depression Eleven can be seen to the left of Hermine.
Overall, NOAA Hurricane Hunters logged more than 582flight hours while conducting 65eyewall passages and deploying more than 1,700scientific instruments, including dropsondes. Additionally, the Gulfstream IV-SP took off from the Cabo Verde Islands in August, becoming the easternmost hurricane hunter flight. NOAA also launched an Altius 600 for the first time, which recorded wind speed data on Hurricane Ian as it approached landfall in Florida. Crews of flights conducted by the National Ocean Service took thousands of aerial images of the destruction caused by Ian, which especially assisted with identifying pollutants and areas requiring extensive marine debris cleanup. NOAA's King Air and Twin Otter aircraft were also involved in a similar mission in the aftermath of Ian and Hurricane Nicole, logging more than 41flight hours.[28]
Early season activity
The 2022 season was the first since 2014 to not have a pre-season named storm. Activity began with the formation of Tropical Storm Alex on June5, after several days of slow development while traversing the Gulf of Mexico and then moving over Central Florida.[35] The storm peaked at near-hurricane strength before becoming extratropical on the following day over the Central North Atlantic. On July1, Tropical Storm Bonnie formed in the Southern Caribbean Sea and made landfall shortly thereafter near the Costa Rica–Nicaragua border. It then crossed over into the Pacific basin a day later, the first storm to do so since Hurricane Otto in 2016,[36] where it would become a Category 3 hurricane.[37] Also on July1, a low-pressure system off the U.S. Atlantic coast near Savannah, Georgia, abruptly organized into Tropical Storm Colin, a short-lived storm that dissipated the next day inland over northeastern South Carolina.[38] Tropical cyclogenesis then ceased for almost two months, with 2022 becoming the first season since 1997 in which no tropical cyclones formed in August.[39] A disturbance over the Gulf of Mexico was briefly designated as a potential tropical cyclone during the month, but it did not organize into a tropical cyclone before moving inland over Northeastern Mexico.[40]
Peak to late season activity
List of costliest Atlantic hurricane seasons (as of 2023)
Tropical activity ultimately resumed with the formation of Tropical Storm Danielle over the central Atlantic on September1. The storm intensified into a hurricane the following day, the latest first hurricane since 2013.[41] It remained nearly stationary far to the west of the Azores for several days before moving northeastward and becoming extratropical on September8 without affecting any land areas.[42] Additionally, a slow-developing disturbance east of the Lesser Antilles became organized and developed into Tropical Storm Earl late on September2. It strengthened into a hurricane, tracked east of Bermuda, fluctuating between Category 1 and 2 intensity, and then became extratropical near Newfoundland on September10.[43] Four days later, Tropical Storm Fiona formed in the Central Atlantic. Fiona eventually became a hurricane, striking both Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic before becoming the season's first major hurricane as it passed by the Turks and Caicos Islands on September 20. That same day, Tropical Storm Gaston formed over the Central Atlantic and moved through the Western Azores. Fiona strengthened into a Category4 hurricane as it passed west of Bermuda and transitioned into a powerful extratropical cyclone on September 23, just before striking Nova Scotia.[30] That same day, Tropical Depression Nine formed in the Caribbean Sea and Tropical Depression Ten formed in the eastern tropical Atlantic, marking the first time since 2020 that four tropical cyclones were active simultaneously in the Atlantic basin.[44]
Tropical Depression Nine became Hurricane Ian, the deadliest and most destructive storm of the season. Ian made landfall with winds of 150mph, the strongest in terms of winds. Ian made landfall in western Cuba and crossed the Florida Keys as a Category 3 hurricane, before briefly becoming a Category 5 hurricane. It then made landfall in southwestern Florida as a high-end Category 4 hurricane, and later in South Carolina as a Category 1.[31] Tropical Depression Ten attained tropical storm strength first, becoming Tropical Storm Hermine.[45] It was one of the easternmost Atlantic tropical storms on record,[46] and brought heavy rainfall to the Canary Islands.[45] Next, Tropical Depression Eleven formed during the last week in September, and then Tropical Depression Twelve formed one week later. Ultimately, neither cyclone strengthened into a tropical storm.[47][48] Soon thereafter, Hurricane Julia formed just off the coast of Venezuela on October7. After traversing Nicaragua intact, Julia entered the Pacific basin.[49] Not since 1996 has more than one storm crossed between the Atlantic and Pacific basins intact during a single season.[50] On October11, Tropical Storm Karl formed in the Bay of Campeche, moved erratically over open waters, before degenerating into a remnant low offshore of Mexico three days later.[51] Two systems were at hurricane strength on November2: Lisa, in the Caribbean, and Martin, in the central Atlantic. Thus, for the first time since Michelle and Noel in 2001, two Atlantic hurricanes were at hurricane strength simultaneously during November.[52] Soon thereafter, Hurricane Nicole formed on November7, also tying 2001 for the most hurricanes in November, with three.[27] Nicole impacted the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, and the Eastern United States, becoming the first hurricane to strike Florida in the month of November since Hurricane Kate in 1985.[33] The storm was absorbed by a trough over North Carolina on November11, ending activity for the season.[53]
In late May, the mid-level remnants of Hurricane Agatha in the Pacific basin interacted with a Central American Gyre. Consequently, a gradual increase in deep convection occurred over the Yucatán Peninsula and the northwestern Caribbean Sea, which led to the development of a low-pressure area just north of the Belize-Mexico border on June2. After emerging into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico early the next day, the disturbance made multiple attempts at organizing into a tropical cyclone and attained tropical storm-force winds. However, strong wind shear kept the system disorganized before it struck Southwest Florida on June4. Several hours later, the disturbance emerged into the Atlantic, where it to develop into Tropical Storm Alex at 00:00UTC on June5 about 85mi (135km) north of Grand Bahama. Additional intensification occurred as Alex moved east-northeastward due to mid-latitude westerly flow, reaching sustained winds of 70mph (110km/h) around 18:00UTC. However, drier air caused Alex to weaken on the following day, with the storm transitioning into an extratropical cyclone at 12:00UTC roughly 105mi (170km) north-northwest of Bermuda. The remnants of Alex were absorbed by a baroclinic zone early on June7.[54]
Due to the threat the developing system posed to Cuba, the Florida Keys, and South Florida, the National Hurricane Center initiated advisories on it, designating it as Potential Tropical Cyclone One. The precursor to Alex dropped heavy precipitation in these regions.[54] During a 30-hour period on June 2–3, Paso Real de San Diego in the province of Pinar del Río recorded about 12 inches (301mm) of rain, and Playa Girón in Matanzas received over 8 inches (193mm).[55] There were four storm-related deaths in Cuba, while about 750homes, 7,900 acres (3,200ha) of crops,[54] and numerous bridges suffered flood damage.[56] In Florida, several locations in the Upper Keys and the Miami metropolitan area observed between 10 and 15in (250 and 380mm) of rainfall, with a peak total of 15.28in (388mm) near Hollywood. Extensive street flooding occurred in the Miami area, but water entered only a few properties. Across Broward and Miami-Dade counties combined, there were about 3,500power outages.[54] Damage from the precursor to Alex in Florida totaled $104,000.[57]
A low-altitude tropical wave entered the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa on June22, producing a large but disorganized area of showers and thunderstorms. Thunderstorm activity increased by June27, while a NOAA Hurricane Hunters mission reported tropical-storm-force winds but no well-defined closed circulation. However, due to the threat the system posed to the Lesser Antilles, the NHC initiated advisories on it as Potential Tropical Cyclone Two later that same day. Later, after crossing the southern Windward Islands on June28 and passing near the coast of Venezuela on the following day, the disturbance encountered more favorable conditions but failed to develop a distinct low-level circulation due to its fast forward speed and interaction with land. As the disturbance moved toward Central America on the morning of July1, it became sufficiently organized to be classified as Tropical Storm Bonnie.[37] Embedded in an environment of low wind shear and warm seas, Bonnie started to steadily intensify.[58] At 03:00UTC on July2, Bonnie made landfall near the Costa Rica–Nicaragua border at its peak intensity within the Atlantic with sustained winds of 60mph (95km/h). Bonnie then crossed Central America and exited into the Eastern Pacific basin around 12:00UTC on July2.[37]
Bonnie and its precursor disturbance produced gusty winds and heavy rainfall as it tracked through the southern Caribbean.[59] On Trinidad, floodwaters damaged at least 40homes in one village and left approximately 200,000people without potable water.[37] Heavy rainfall and landslides in Panama led to the evacuation of several families in Chiriquí Province.[60] In Costa Rica, over 3,000people evacuated as a result of flooding and mudslides,[37] while 8,593households lost electricity.[61] Over 10,000people lost power during the storm in Nicaragua. Four deaths occurred in the country, three after being swept away in rising rivers and one while attempting to rescue other people from a bus being carried away. Overall, Bonnie caused about $25million in damage throughout the impacted regions.[37]
A low-pressure area formed along a surface trough offshore Savannah, Georgia, on July1. The system then unexpectedly organized into a tropical depression around 18:00UTC that day, and strengthened into Tropical Storm Colin at 23:30UTC as it made landfall near Hunting Island, South Carolina. Simultaneously, Colin peaked with maximum sustained winds of 40mph (65km/h). The center of the storm remained just inland over coastal South Carolina on July2, though most of its heavy rains and strong winds remained out over the Atlantic due to its proximity to the coast and wind shear.[38] Colin became increasingly disorganized later that day, with its circulation becoming elongated due to the wind shear and continued land interaction.[62] By 18:00UTC on July2, Colin had fallen to tropical depression intensity. The storm continued to weaken rapidly, and its low-level circulation dissipated over northeastern South Carolina by the end of that day.[38]
A few locations from northeast Florida to southeastern North Carolina observed 3 to 4in (76 to 102mm) of precipitation. In South Carolina, rainfall amounts ranged from 1–3in (25–76mm) in parts of the Midlands region to a peak total of 7.59in (193mm) near Wadmalaw Island.[38] A Fourth of July weekend event in Charleston was cancelled because of flooding at the event site, as was a festival in Southport, North Carolina.[63] However, only minor damage occurred overall. One person drowned at Oak Island, North Carolina, due to rip currents generated by Colin.[38]
On August31, an area of low pressure formed along a decaying frontal zone over the central subtropical Atlantic. The disturbance quickly developed into Tropical Depression Five early on September1 roughly 715mi (1,150km) southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland, before strengthening into Tropical Storm Danielle by 12:00UTC. Favorable conditions such as abnormally warm seas and light wind shear allowed Danielle to become a hurricane around 24hours later. The hurricane stalled on September2, caught south of a blocking high, and weakened back to a tropical storm the next day due to upwelling of cooler waters. Later, the storm drifted westward, where it again strengthened into a hurricane early on September4. After turning northwestward, Danielle reached its peak intensity with sustained winds of 85mph (140km/h) late the following day.[42] It then moved over a relatively cool part of the Gulf Stream and weakened to a low-end Category 1 hurricane.[64] The hurricane briefly re-intensified when it moved over marginally warm waters on September7, but resumed a weakening trend shortly thereafter.[65] Danielle weakened to a tropical storm early on September8, before transitioning into an extratropical cyclone later that day. The remnant extratropical system meandered over the northeastern Atlantic before dissipating offshore Portugal on September15.[42]
The remnants of Danielle dissipated offshore Portugal as an extratropical cyclone, bringing heavy rain to the country, including 3.3in (84mm) of precipitation in Guarda in 24hours.[42] Between September 12–13, 644accidents were reported throughout the country, along with many instances of downed trees and flash floods.[66] One man was hosiptalized after he was swept away by floodwaters.[67] In Manteigas, which had been ravaged by intense summer forest fires in nearby areas of the Serra da Estrela mountain range, floods and landslides caused major damage and at least four vehicles were dragged into the Zêzere River. Portuguese authorities also reported minor wind and flood damage in Lisbon and Setúbal.[68] Much of Spain was put on yellow alert as wind, rain and thunderstorms triggered by the cyclone moved inland.[69]
On August25, a tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa. Convective activity remained sporadic and disorganized for several days as the wave moved generally west-northwestward through an environment of dry air and unfavorable wind shear. However, convection markedly increased on September1 as the system approached warm waters near the Lesser Antilles. Late on the following day, the system organized into Tropical Storm Earl approximately 205mi (330km) east of Barbuda. Continuously unconducive wind shear prevented significant intensification before Earl turned northward on September5 through a break in a subtropical ridge over the central Atlantic. Possibly due to a diffluent environment and favorable thermodynamic conditions, Earl intensified into a hurricane late on September6. The storm briefly strengthened into a Category2 hurricane early on September8 but then weakened later that day, likely due to dry air.[43]
Around 12:00UTC on September9, Earl re-strengthened into a Category2 hurricane. About 12hours later, the hurricane peaked with sustained winds of 110mph (175km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 948mbar (28.0inHg) as it accelerated northeastward in advance of a mid-latitude trough. However, Earl soon began losing tropical characteristics and transitioned into an extratropical cyclone around 18:00UTC on September10, about 230mi (370km) south of Cape Race, Newfoundland. The extratropical remnants executed a cyclonic loop south of Newfoundland before moving generally eastward across the Atlantic before dissipating late on September15.[43]
The outerbands of Earl produced rainfall amounts generally ranging from 3 to 5in (76 to 127mm) in eastern Puerto Rico, while a weather station near Finca La Loma recorded a peak total of 7.7in (200mm) of precipitation. Two people died near Salinas after being struck by lightning while riding a jet ski. Bermuda was buffeted with sustained winds of 35mph (60km/h) as Hurricane Earl passed within about 90mi (145km) of the island's eastern coast; higher gusts were reported, including one of 67mph (108km/h) at the National Museum of Bermuda.[43] There were localized power outages across the archipelago but no large-scale damage was observed.[70] During a 36-hour period September 10–12,7–8in (175–200mm) of rain fell in the St. Johns area of Newfoundland and Labrador,[71] causing the Waterford River to overflow, which led to urban flooding. Similar rainfall amounts were also reported in communities throughout the Avalon Peninsula. Additionally, the cyclone generated rough surf which damaged the breakwater on the coast in the area of Trepassey, causing localized flooding.[43]
A tropical wave exited the west coast of Africa and entered the Atlantic on September7. Although shower and thunderstorm activity was initially organized, dry air significantly limited convection as the wave trekked westward for several days. However, convection began increasing on September12 and consolidating late on September13. A well-defined circulation formed early the following day, leading to the development of a tropical depression approximately 1,035mi (1,665km) east of the Lesser Antilles. Although the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Fiona later on September14, wind shear prevented further significant intensification for a few days as the storm continued to move generally westward. Late on September16, Fiona struck Guadeloupe with winds of 60mph (95km/h). After entering the Caribbean, the cyclone encountered decreasing wind shear, allowing it to intensify into a hurricane on September18. At 19:20UTC, Fiona made landfall in the Lajas municipality of Puerto Rico near Punta Tocon with winds of 85mph (140km/h). The storm quickly emerged into the Mona Passage and moved west-northwestward until striking the Dominican Republic near Boca de Yuma with winds of 90mph (150km/h) around 07:30UTC on September19.[30]
Fiona emerged into the Atlantic from the north coast of the Dominican Republic later on September19 and soon intensified into a Category2 hurricane. The storm then reached Category3 intensity early on the following day, prior to striking Grand Turk Island around 11:00UTC. Thereafter, Fiona moved north-northeastward due to a weakness in the subtropical ridge and strengthened into a Category4 hurricane early on September21. At that time, the cyclone peaked with sustained winds of 140mph (220km/h). Although sustained winds then decreased slightly, the storm's minimum pressure fell to 931mbar (27.5inHg) early on September23. Fiona also expanded significantly that day while passing about 115mi (185km) northwest of Bermuda around 10:00UTC. The storm accelerated northeastward and then north-northeastward while merging with a cold front several hours later, with Fiona becoming extratropical by 00:00UTC on September24 approximately 220mi (355km) southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The remnants of Fiona remained intense and struck Nova Scotia around 07:00UTC that day and then extreme eastern Quebec on September25, several hours before reaching the Labrador Sea. The extratropical cyclone dissipated just offshore Nuuk, Greenland, late on September27.[30]
Several of the Leeward Islands recorded tropical storm-force winds and heavy rainfall, with up to 22.22in (564mm) of precipitation on Guadeloupe, leading to one death after the overflowing Rivière des Pères swept away a house.[30] Still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Maria in 2017 and saturated from precipitation produced by Earl,[72] torrential rains fell island-wide on Puerto Rico on September 18–19, exceeding 30in (760mm) in some regions, causing destructive flash flooding, landslides, and rockfalls that washed out or blocked numerous roads and bridges. In addition, the effects of the storm resulted in an island-wide power grid failure. A loss of approximately 90% of commercial crops also occurred. Overall, Fiona caused 23deaths and about $2.5billion in damage in Puerto Rico, making Fiona the island's third costliest tropical cyclone on record. In the Dominican Republic, heavy rainfall and hurricane-force winds destroyed more than 2,000homes and damaged about 8,500others, displacing over 43,000people. More than 400,000people lost electricity and 1.2million people experienced a disruption of water services. Two deaths occurred in the country,[30] while damage totaled approximately $375million.[73] In the Turks and Caicos Islands, strong winds downed many trees and power poles and damaged some homes. Similar impacts were reported in Bermuda, along with approximately 29,000customers losing electricity. In Atlantic Canada, strong winds felled thousands of power lines and trees across the region, leaving over 500,000customers without electricity and causing significant damage to roofs and windows in Nova Scotia. Large waves and storm surge demolished more than 100homes in southwestern Newfoundland and flooded many dwellings and businesses on the Magdalen Islands. Eight deaths were reported in Atlantic Canada, while insured losses alone reached $800million, making the remnants of Fiona the costliest weather disaster in the region's history.[30]
A tropical wave moved off the west coast of Africa and entered the Atlantic on September12, initially producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. After the wave moved generally westward to about midway between Africa and the Lesser Antilles, deep convection began consolidating along its northern side between September16 and September17. Although a surface low developed on September19, convection remained disorganized. However, upon acquiring a well-defined center and persistent deep convection on September20, the system became Tropical Depression Eight about 1,100mi (1,770km) east of Bermuda. The depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Gaston six hours later while moving north-northeastward along the western edge of a high-pressure area. Despite only marginally warm water temperatures and moderate to strong wind shear, Gaston strengthened to peak with sustained winds of 65mph (100km/h) early on September21.[74]
However, additional strengthening was prevented as dry air intruded into Gaston. A blocking mid-level high pressure caused the storm to turn southeastward and then southwestward on September23 and later to the west on the following day.[74] Passing between the Azores late on September23 and early on September24, Gaston generated heavy rainfall across the archipelago, especially in the western and central islands.[75] A weather station at Horta on Faial Island measured a wind gust of 41mph (66km/h) as Gaston passed through. Convection diminished significantly as the storm continued westward and by 00:00UTC on September26, Gaston became extratropical about 345mi (555km) west-southwest of Flores Island. The remnant low moved west-southwestward until dissipating about 48hours later.[74]
Between September14 and September15, a tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa and moved westward for several days with disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Although the system gained additional convection upon reaching the southeastern Caribbean on September21, wind shear prevented further development. By 06:00UTC on September23, however, Tropical Depression Nine formed around 150mi (240km) east-northeast of Aruba. The depression moved west-northwestward due to a building mid-level ridge and strengthened into Tropical Storm Ian early the next day. Ian then turned westward and initially failed to intensify further in an environment with moderate to strong wind shear. After curving to the northwest, the storm strengthened into a hurricane early on September26. Thereafter, Ian rapidly intensified, becoming a major hurricane about 24hours later. Around 08:30UTC on September27, the hurricane made landfall in Cuba near La Coloma, Pinar del Río Province, with winds of 125mph (205km/h). The cyclone hardly weakened while crossing Cuba and emerged into the Gulf of Mexico around 14:00UTC.[31]
Early on September28, Ian struck Dry Tortugas, Florida, with winds of 125mph (205km/h) as the storm headed north-northeastward along a broad trough and the western periphery of a subtropical ridge. Favorable conditions in the Gulf of Mexico then allowed another period of rapid deepening to commence. At 12:00UTC on September28, Ian briefly attained Category5 status and peaked with maximum sustained winds of 160mph (260km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 937mbar (27.7inHg).[31][76] Less favorable conditions caused Ian to weaken to a Category4 hurricane prior to its landfall on Cayo Costa Island, Florida, with winds of 150mph (240km/h), at 19:05UTC. About an hour and a half later,[31] the storm struck near Punta Gorda with winds of 145mph (230km/h).[31][76] The hurricane weakened while slowly traversing the Florida peninsula, falling to tropical storm status while emerging into the Atlantic near Cape Canaveral at 12:00UTC on September29. Although most of its convection was displaced north of the center, Ian quickly re-intensified into a hurricane six hours later. Early on September30, the storm accelerated after turning northward. Ian made its final landfall at 18:05UTC near Georgetown, South Carolina, with winds of 80mph (130km/h). The storm soon merged with a cold front and transitioned into an extratropical cyclone by 00:00UTC on October1. Several hours later, the remnants of Ian dissipated over North Carolina.[31]
While in the early stages of developing, the system brought gusty winds and heavy rain to Trinidad and Tobago,[77][78] the ABC islands, and the northern coast of South America on September 21–22.[46] Ian also caused five deaths in Cuba.[31] Much of western portions of the country experienced hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall, which exceeded 20in (510mm) in some areas.[31] Consequently, Ian left extensive impacts to factories, hospitals, roads, tobacco farms, and homes,[79] with more than 100,000dwellings damaged or destroyed in Pinar del Río Province alone.[31] Three provinces initially lost power, but later the nation's entire electrical grid collapsed.[80] Significant storm surge inundation occurred along the coasts of the Gulf of Guanahacabibes and Isla de la Juventud.[81] Damage in Cuba totaled about $200million.[82] Storm surge and high winds led to extreme damage in Southwest Florida. Lee County, where Ian made its first landfall in Florida at Category4 intensity and produced a storm surge which peaked at 7.25ft (2.21m) in Fort Myers,[31] reported some degree of impact to 52,514structures, with 5,369of those demolished and 14,245others extensively damaged.[76] Bridges and roadways, especially along the coast or on the barrier islands, also suffered major impacts. In neighboring Collier County, strong winds and storm surge inflicted major damage to more than 3,500buildings and destroyed 33others. The outerbands of Ian spawned 14tornadoes in Florida, including an EF-2 tornado that caused significant damage to some condominiums and injured two people in Kings Point.[83] Ian also produced historic flooding across Central Florida due to a wide swath of rainfall totals generally ranging from 10–20in (250–510mm),[76] with Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties reporting damage or destruction to thousands of buildings and homes. More than 3.28million customers across the state lost electricity.[31] An estimated 150fatalities occurred in Florida, with 36of the direct deaths reported in Lee County.[84] Later, heavy rainfall and storm surge caused damage from the Carolinas to Maryland, but to a much lesser extent than in Florida. Ian also left five fatalities in North Carolina and one in Virginia, all due to indirect causes.[31] Overall, Ian caused approximately $112.9billion in damage in the United States, making it the nation's third costliest tropical cyclone.[84]
On September 22, a tropical wave being monitored by the NHC emerged off the coast of West Africa into the tropical Atlantic east of Cabo Verde.[46] It quickly organized, becoming Tropical Depression Ten at 12:00UTC on September23, and then strengthened into Tropical Storm Hermine six hours later.[45] It is one of few tropical cyclones on record to form and track between the Cabo Verde Islands and the coast of Africa.[46] Development beyond a weak, 40mph (65km/h)-tropical storm was stymied by southwesterly shear into the next day as the system moved northward. On account of the shear, Hermine weakened into a tropical depression at 12:00UTC on September24, and degenerated into a post-tropical low within 12hours, while situated about 240mi (385km) northwest of Nouadhibou, Mauritania. The remnant low moved northeastward until degenerating into a surface trough early on September26 to the southwest of the Canary Islands.[45]
Hermine brought heavy rainfall to the Canary Islands, peaking at 20.87in (530mm) on La Palma, while Gran Canaria Airport observed 4.96in (126mm), approximately 83% of its average annual precipitation total. The subsequent floods damaged many structures and some roadways, caused power outages impacting several thousands of people,[45] and downed trees. A total of 216schools experienced some degree of damage, with 24suffering extensive damage.[85] Landslides blocked roads in about 690locations. Floodwaters entered four homes in the capital city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.[86] Additionally, more than 140flights were cancelled across the archipelago.[87] Damage in the Canary Islands exceeded 10million euro (US$9.8million).[88]
On September17, a tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa. After producing disorganized convective activity for the next few days as the wave headed westward, showers and thunderstorms consolidated enough on September20 that a low-pressure area formed. The system then moved northward due to a break in a mid-level ridge and eastward by September27 due to a nearby broad trough. Around 00:00UTC on September28, the low organized into Tropical Depression Eleven approximately 600mi (965km) west of the Cabo Verde Islands. The depression resumed a general northward motion due to the aforementioned ridge. Despite periodic bursts in deep convection, the depression remained poorly organized due to increasing wind shear. Centered about 800mi (1,285km) west of the Cabo Verde Islands, the system degenerated into a remnant low by 12:00UTC on September29, which soon transitioned into a trough of low pressure.[47]
On September29, a tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa. Showers and thunderstorms associated with the wave waned during the next few days as it tracked westward. However, a nearby Kelvin wave enhanced the wave's convective activity beginning on October3. By early the following day, the convection became more concentrated and organized around the center, resulting in the formation of Tropical Depression Twelve around 12:00UTC about 450mi (720km) west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. Moving generally northwestward due to a weakness in a mid-level ridge, the depression encountered strong wind shear, with the center of the cyclone becoming completely exposed from its convection by early the following day. Throughout the day on October5, the depression's circulation became more elongated. A further increase in wind shear on October6 caused the depression to degenerate into a surface trough approximately 750mi (1,205km) west-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. The trough associated with the remnants of the depression became indistinguishable within a few days.[48]
A tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa on September26. While moving westward, the wave remained weak and consisted of little convection for the next few days. Convection became more concentrated as the wave reached the Caribbean, with the system organizing into a tropical depression early on October7 near Curaçao. A strong burst of deep convection developed near the center of the depression as it moved across the Guajira Peninsula in the early morning of October7, and soon afterward, it strengthened into Tropical Storm Julia over the adjacent southwestern Caribbean. Thereafter, Julia began moving in a more westward direction along the southern periphery of a building ridge. Low wind shear, high humidity at the mid-levels, and very warm seas caused the storm to intensify into a hurricane at 00:00UTC on October9. About six hours later, Julia peaked with maximum sustained winds of 85mph (140km/h). The storm then made landfall near Laguna de Perlas, Nicaragua, at 07:15UTC. Julia's relatively quick movement, as well as its passage across areas comparatively less rugged than to the north, caused the cyclone to only gradually weaken, falling to tropical storm intensity late on October9. Early the following day, Julia emerged into the Pacific Ocean but quickly dissipated after striking El Salvador several hours later.[49]
On October5, the disturbance brought heavy thunderstorms to several of the Windward Islands and the Caribbean coast of South America. More than 2in (51mm) of rain fell in Trinidad and Tobago in less than a half hour, causing significant flash flooding.[89][90] A few days later, heavy rainfall occurred in northern areas of Venezuela and Colombia, causing widespread flooding. There were 54indirect flood fatalities in Venezuela. In Central America, flash flooding and associated mudslides caused widespread damage. Nicaragua suffered extensive flood damage totaling about $400million. Over 1million people across the country lost electricity during the storm. Additionally, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Panama reported damage to thousands of homes and significant crop losses.[49] Damage in Panama alone totaled at least $6million.[91] Altogether, there were at least 89Julia-related fatalities: 54in Venezuela, 14in Guatemala, 10in El Salvador, 5in Nicaragua, 4in Honduras, and 2in Panama.[49]
A disturbance associated with the remnants of Julia formed over the Yucatán Peninsula on October10 and reached the Bay of Campeche on October11. The system rapidly acquired a well-defined circulation and organized sufficiently to become a tropical depression by 12:00UTC on October11, while about 70mi (110km) north-northeast of Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, and strengthened into Tropical Storm Karl six hours later. A Hurricane Hunters mission into the storm on October12 found that Karl's sustained winds had increased to 60mph (95km/h) as it moved slowly northward. However, increasing wind shear began to weaken the storm early on October13 as it stalled over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Nonetheless, Karl's central pressure began to fall slightly after it began moving south-southeastward as the day progressed. Moderate northwesterly shear and drier mid-level air continued to inhibit Karl from strengthening on October14.[51] Although satellite images that morning showed that the dense overcast around the storm's low-level center had become more symmetric overnight, with its heavy thunderstorms concentrated to the southeast of the center,[92] dry air and wind shear snuffed out all of Karl's deep convection several hours later. Around 00:00UTC on October15, Karl degenerated into a remnant low. The remnants of Karl moved towards Tabasco before dissipating about 24hours later.[51]
Karl caused significant flooding in southern Mexico, which damaged homes, businesses, and bridges throughout the region. The heaviest rainfall occurred in Tabasco and neighboring Chiapas; Camoapa, Tabasco, recorded 15.3in (387.9mm) of rain in 24 hours on October 14–15, while Río de Janeiro, Chiapas, recorded 13.5in (342.4mm) during that same period.[51] Numerous families had to be evacuated from their homes because of the flooding,[93] which also forced the evacuation of more than a thousand people attending a religious event in Pichucalco, Chiapas. Additionally, three storm-related fatalities were reported in Chiapas: one in Pichucalco and two in Juárez.[51]
On October17, a tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa. After crossing the Lesser Antilles and entering the Caribbean on October25, the wave decelerated. Interaction between the wave and a large mid-level trough spawned a broad low-pressure area on October28. After convection consolidated and a well-defined center formed, the system developed into Tropical Storm Lisa at 12:00UTC on October31 about 175mi (280km) south of Kingston, Jamaica. Dry air and wind shear allowed for only gradual intensification, although Lisa reached hurricane status on November2. The storm strengthened slightly further that day, peaking with winds of 90mph (150km/h) and a minimum pressure of 985mbar (29.1inHg) while making landfall in Belize near the mouth of the Sibun River at 21:30UTC. Lisa initially weakened quickly over the Yucatán Peninsula, falling to tropical storm intensity around 06:00UTC on November3 and then to tropical depression status six hours later. Despite Lisa emerging into the Gulf of Mexico early the following day, unfavorable conditions caused the storm to degenerate into a trough of low-pressure by 12:00UTC on November5 about 100mi (160km) northeast of Veracruz.[94]
Passing over Belize City as it made landfall on November2, Lisa generated high winds that knocked down trees and electric poles, and damaged several homes; some structures collapsed completely.[95] Additionally, storm surge and heavy precipitation inundated many areas of the city.[96] Altogether, the 12shelters set up in Belize City housed 1,221people.[95] Throughout Belize, the hurricane destroyed about 500homes and damaged around 5,000others. Damage in the country totaled roughly $100million.[94] In Guatemala, Lisa caused flooding and a landslide, which damaged homes and property. About 143people in the municipalities of Melchor de Mencos and San José were evacuated to shelters.[97] Lisa also brought heavy rains to southern Mexico.[96]
A surface trough formed on October25 about halfway between the Bahamas and Bermuda, partially due to a nearby upper-level shortwave trough. Three days later, a non-tropical low-pressure area formed along the surface trough. Although the low merged with a frontal boundary early on October30, its remnants caused the development of an extratropical cyclone several hours later. By November1, the extratropical system had shed its frontal characteristics and developed more deep convection. Consequently, Tropical Storm Martin formed about 550mi (885km) east-northeast of Bermuda around 12:00UTC on November1. Despite only marginally favorable sea temperatures and mid-level moisture, cold upper-level temperatures allowed the storm to strengthen gradually, becoming a Category1 hurricane about 24hours later as a ragged eye appeared on satellite imagery. At 06:00UTC on November3, Martin peaked with sustained winds of 85mph (140km/h) and a minimum pressure of 965mbar (28.5inHg). However, the storm became extratropical just six hours later approximately 730mi (1,175km) east of Cape Race, Newfoundland, due to its interaction with an approaching cold front. The remnants of Martin moved rapidly northward until being absorbed by a larger extratropical system southeast of Greenland early on November5.[98]
A mid to upper-level trough crossed into western Atlantic from northeastern United States on November3. After the trough interacted with the Intertropical Convergence Zone on the following day, a large area of convection formed between the eastern Caribbean to just north of the Lesser Antilles. On November5, a broad low developed just south of Hispaniola, before re-forming north of Puerto Rico on the next day. A further increase in convection led to the formation of Subtropical Storm Nicole early on November7, roughly 540mi (870km) south-southwest of Bermuda. The system initially moved northwestward due to a low to mid-level ridge, before a cold front caused it to move westward to west-southwestward beginning on November8. Convection consolidated further around the center, resulting in Nicole transitioning into a tropical storm around 18:00UTC. At 17:00UTC on November9, Nicole struck Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco Island, Bahamas, with winds of 70mph (110km/h). Several hours later, the storm strengthened into a Category1 hurricane while simultaneously striking Grand Bahama with winds of 75mph (120km/h). At 07:45UTC on November10, Nicole made landfall near Vero Beach, Florida, at the same intensity. Nicole quickly weakened to a tropical storm while crossing Central Florida. Later on November10, the storm briefly emerged into the Gulf of Mexico near Crystal River, before striking Cedar Key and then the mouth of the Aucilla River early the next day. Crossing into southwestern Georgia, the cyclone fell to tropical depression status. By 18:00UTC on November11, a mid-latitude trough absorbed Nicole over eastern North Carolina.[53]
Nicole and its precursor produced heavy rainfall over the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and the Bahamas.[53] In the Dominican Republic, flooding resulted in six deaths, damaged several hundred homes, and caused extensive agricultural losses.[99] Precipitation totals in Florida generally ranged from 3 to 6in (76 to 152mm), leading to only minor flooding. With few observations of hurricane-force winds, mostly light wind damage occurred, although more than 300,000businesses and households lost electricity due to the storm. However, days of strong on-shore wind flow onto the east coast of Florida produced storm surge that caused severe beach erosion,[53] especially in Brevard, Flagler, St. Johns, and Volusia counties. At least 107structures suffered damage in Brevard County, with 10deemed unsafe for occupancy.[100] In Volusia County, almost 50condominiums collapsed or were at risk of collapsing.[101] Flagler County reported coastal flood damage, along with a loss of about 1,000,000 cubic yards (760,000m3) of beach sand and sand dunes. A total of 299structures experienced some degree of impact in St. Johns County, mostly due to erosion.[102] Five indirect deaths occurred in Florida. Nicole and its remnants produced widespread, but mostly light precipitation across the Southeastern United States before being absorbed by the frontal system, although 7.88in (200mm) of rain fell near Foscoe, North Carolina. Storm surge caused coastal flooding as far north as Charleston, South Carolina.[33] Damage throughout the United States totaled approximately $1billion.[53]
Other system
Potential Tropical Cyclone Four off the northeastern coast of Mexico on August20
On August 15, the NHC first noted the potential for tropical cyclone development in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico from a tropical wave that was located over the central Caribbean.[103] The low emerged over the Gulf early on August19 producing disorganized showers.[104] Due to the threat the developing system posed to northeastern Mexico and South Texas, the NHC initiated advisories on it as Potential Tropical Cyclone Four at 21:00UTC that same day.[40] As the disturbance moved northwestward toward the Gulf coast of Mexico on August20, a Hurricane Hunters mission found that it was still a surface trough.[105] Later that day, it moved inland, crossing the coast about 60mi (95km) southwest of the mouth of the Rio Grande.[106] With that, the window of opportunity for tropical development closed, and the NHC issued its last advisory on the system at 03:00UTC on August21.[40] The disturbance brought heavy rain to coastal Tamaulipas and coastal South Texas,[106] but left no significant impacts.[40]
The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Atlantic in 2022.[107] This is the same list used in the 2016 season, with the exceptions of Martin and Owen, which replaced Matthew and Otto, respectively.[108] The name Martin was used for the first time this season.
On March 29, 2023, during the 45th Session of the RA IV Hurricane Committee, the World Meteorological Organization retired the names Fiona and Ian from its rotating name lists due to the severity of the damage and number of deaths the two storms caused, and they will not be used again in the North Atlantic basin. They were replaced with Farrah and Idris, respectively, and will first appear on the 2028 season list.[109]
Season effects
This is a table of all of the tropical cyclones that formed in the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season. It includes their name, duration, peak classification and intensities, areas affected, damage, and death totals. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but were still related to that storm. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical, a wave, or a low, and all of the damage figures are in 2022 USD.
The 1995 Atlantic hurricane season was a very active Atlantic hurricane season, and is considered to be the start of an ongoing era of high-activity tropical cyclone formation. The season produced twenty-one tropical cyclones, nineteen named storms, as well as eleven hurricanes and five major hurricanes. The season officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30, dates which conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones develop in the Atlantic basin. The first tropical cyclone, Hurricane Allison, developed on June 2, while the season's final storm, Hurricane Tanya, transitioned into an extratropical cyclone on November 1. The very active Atlantic hurricane activity in 1995 was caused by La Niña conditions, which also influenced an inactive Pacific hurricane season. It was tied with 1887 Atlantic hurricane season with 19 named storms, which was later equalled by the 2010, 2011, and 2012 seasons.
The 2004 Atlantic hurricane season was a very deadly, destructive, and active Atlantic hurricane season, with over 3,200 deaths and more than $61 billion in damage. More than half of the 16 tropical cyclones brushed or struck the United States. Due to the development of a Modoki El Niño – a rare type of El Niño in which unfavorable conditions are produced over the eastern Pacific instead of the Atlantic basin due to warmer sea surface temperatures farther west along the equatorial Pacific – activity was above average. The season officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30, though the season's last storm, Otto, dissipated on December 3, extending the season beyond its traditional boundaries. The first storm, Alex, developed offshore of the Southeastern United States on July 31, one of the latest dates on record to see the formation of the first system in an Atlantic hurricane season. It brushed the Carolinas and the Mid-Atlantic, causing one death and $7.5 million (2004 USD) in damage. Several storms caused only minor damage, including tropical storms Bonnie, Earl, Hermine, and Matthew. In addition, hurricanes Danielle, Karl, and Lisa, Tropical Depression Ten, Subtropical Storm Nicole and Tropical Storm Otto had no effect on land while tropical cyclones. The season was the first to exceed 200 units in accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) since 1995, mostly from Hurricane Ivan, the storm produced the highest ACE. Ivan generated the second-highest ACE in the Atlantic, only behind 1899 San Ciriaco Hurricane.
The 2001 Atlantic hurricane season was a fairly active Atlantic hurricane season that produced 17 tropical cyclones, 15 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. The season officially lasted from June 1, 2001, to November 30, 2001, dates which by convention limit the period of each year when tropical cyclones tend to form in the Atlantic Ocean basin. The season began with Tropical Storm Allison on June 4, and ended with Hurricane Olga, which dissipated on December 6.
The 1999 Atlantic hurricane season was a fairly active season, mostly due to a persistent La Niña that developed in the latter half of 1998. It had five Category 4 hurricanes – the highest number recorded in a single season in the Atlantic basin, previously tied in 1933 and 1961, and later tied in 2005 and 2020. The season officially began on June 1, and ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. The first storm, Arlene, formed on June 11 to the southeast of Bermuda. It meandered slowly for a week and caused no impact on land. Other tropical cyclones that did not affect land were Hurricane Cindy, Tropical Storm Emily, and Tropical Depression Twelve. Localized or otherwise minor damage occurred from Hurricanes Bret, Gert, and Jose, and tropical storms Harvey and Katrina.
The 1998 Atlantic hurricane season was a catastrophic and deadly Atlantic hurricane season, featuring the highest number of storm-related fatalities in over 218 years and some of the costliest ever at the time. The season had above average activity, due to the dissipation of an El Niño event and transition to La Niña conditions. It officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30, dates which conventionally delimit the period during which most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic Ocean. The season had a rather slow start, with no tropical cyclones forming in June. The first tropical cyclone, Tropical Storm Alex, developed on July 27, and the season's final storm, Hurricane Nicole, became extratropical on December 1.
The 1966 Atlantic hurricane season saw the Weather Bureau office in Miami, Florida, be designated as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and assume responsibility of tropical cyclone forecasting in the basin. The season officially began on June 1, and lasted until November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. It was an above-average season in terms of tropical storms, with a total of 15. The first system, Hurricane Alma, developed over eastern Nicaragua on June 4 and became the most recent major hurricane in the month of June. Alma brought severe flooding to Honduras and later to Cuba, but caused relatively minor impact in the Southeastern United States. Alma resulted in 90 deaths and about $210.1 million (1966 USD) in damage.
The 1968 Atlantic hurricane season was a below average hurricane season during which only nine nameable storms developed. The season officially began on June 1 and lasted until November 30, dates which conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. Of the named storms, five strengthened into hurricanes; none however intensified into a major hurricane. Only four other seasons since the start of the satellite era—1972, 1986, 1994, and 2013—did not feature a major hurricane. The first system, Hurricane Abby, developed in the northwestern Caribbean on June 1. Abby moved northward and struck Cuba, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding to western portions of the island. Making landfall in Florida on June 4, Abby caused flooding and spawned four tornadoes, but left behind little damage. Overall, the hurricane resulted in six deaths and about $450,000 (1968 USD) in damage. In late June, Tropical Storm Candy brought minor flooding and spawned several tornadoes across portions of the Southern United States. Overall damage from the cyclone reached approximately $2.7 million. 1968 featured two simultaneously active tropical storms during the month of June, a phenomenon that would not occur again until 2023.
The 1937 Atlantic hurricane season was a below-average hurricane season, featuring eleven tropical storms; of these, four became hurricanes. One hurricane reached major hurricane intensity, equivalent to a Category 3 or higher on the modern Saffir–Simpson scale. The United States Weather Bureau defined the season as officially lasting from June 16 to October 16. Tropical cyclones that did not approach populated areas or shipping lanes, especially if they were relatively weak and of short duration, may have remained undetected. Because technologies such as satellite monitoring were not available until the 1960s, historical data on tropical cyclones from this period are often not reliable. As a result of a reanalysis project which analyzed the season in 2012, a tropical storm and a hurricane were added to the Atlantic hurricane database (HURDAT). The official intensities and tracks of all storms were also revised by the reanalysis. The year's first storm formed on July 29 in the Gulf of Mexico, and the final system, a hurricane, dissipated over open ocean on October 21.
The 2008 Atlantic hurricane season was the most destructive Atlantic hurricane season since 2005, causing over 1,000 deaths and nearly $50 billion in damage. The season ranked as the third costliest ever at the time, but has since fallen to ninth costliest. It was an above-average season, featuring sixteen named storms, eight of which became hurricanes, and five which further became major hurricanes. It officially started on June 1 and ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. However, the formation of Tropical Storm Arthur caused the season to start one day early. It was the only year on record in which a major hurricane existed in every month from July through November in the North Atlantic. Bertha became the longest-lived July tropical cyclone on record for the basin, the first of several long-lived systems during 2008.
The 2010 Atlantic hurricane season was the first of three consecutive very active Atlantic hurricane seasons, each with 19 named storms. This above average activity included 12 hurricanes, equaling the number that formed in 1969. Only the 2020 and 2005 seasons have had more, at 14 and 15 hurricanes respectively. Despite the high number of hurricanes, not one hurricane hit the United States making the season the only season with 10 or more hurricanes without a United States landfall. The overall tropical cyclone count in the Atlantic exceeded that in the West Pacific for only the second time on record. The season officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30, dates that conventionally delimit the period during each year when tropical cyclone formation is most likely. The first cyclone, Alex intensified into the first June hurricane since Allison in 1995. The month of September featured eight named storms. October featured five hurricanes, including Tomas, which became the latest on record in a calendar year to move through the Windward Islands. Activity was represented with an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) value of 165 units, which was the eleventh highest value on record at the time. The activity in 2010 was heightened due to a very strong La Niña, which also led to an inactive Pacific hurricane season.
The 2012 Atlantic hurricane season was the final year in a string of three consecutive very active seasons since 2010, with 19 tropical storms. The 2012 season was also a costly one in terms of property damage, mostly due to Hurricane Sandy. The season officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30, dates that conventionally delimit the period during each year in which most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic Ocean. However, Alberto, the first named system of the year, developed on May 19 – the earliest date of formation since Subtropical Storm Andrea in 2007. A second tropical cyclone, Beryl, developed later that month. This was the first occurrence of two pre-season named storms in the Atlantic basin since 1951. It moved ashore in North Florida on May 29 with winds of 65 mph (105 km/h), making it the strongest pre-season storm to make landfall in the Atlantic basin. This season marked the first time since 2009 where no tropical cyclones formed in July. Another record was set by Hurricane Nadine later in the season; the system became the fourth-longest-lived tropical cyclone ever recorded in the Atlantic, with a total duration of 22.25 days. The final storm to form, Tony, dissipated on October 25 – however, Hurricane Sandy, which formed before Tony, became extratropical on October 29.
The 2015 Atlantic hurricane season was the last of three consecutive below average Atlantic hurricane seasons. It produced twelve tropical cyclones, eleven named storms, four hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. The Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) for the season was 68% of the long-term median value. The hurricane season officially began on June 1, 2015, and ended on November 30, 2015. These dates historically describe the period each year when most tropical cyclones form in the North Atlantic basin. However, the first named storm, Ana, developed on May 8, nearly a month before the official start of the season, the first pre-season cyclone since Beryl in 2012 and the earliest since Ana in 2003. The formation of Ana marked the start of a series of seven consecutive seasons with pre-season activity, spanning from 2015 to 2021. The season concluded with Kate transitioning into an extratropical cyclone on November 11, almost three weeks before the official end.
The 2013 Atlantic hurricane season was a well below average Atlantic hurricane season in terms of the number of hurricanes. It was the first since 1994 with no major hurricanes, Category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson scale, and the first in the satellite era where no hurricanes reached Category 2 strength. Altogether, the season produced 15 tropical cyclones, of which all but one became a named storm. The season officially began on June 1, 2013, and ended on November 30, 2013. These dates historically describe the period in each year when most tropical cyclogenesis occurs in the North Atlantic and are adopted by convention. The first storm of the season, Andrea, developed on June 5, while the last, an unnamed subtropical storm, dissipated on December 7. Throughout the year, only two storms, Humberto and Ingrid, reached hurricane strength; this was the lowest seasonal total since 1982.
The 2014 Atlantic hurricane season was a below-average hurricane season in terms of named storms and major hurricanes, though average in terms of number of hurricanes overall. It produced nine tropical cyclones, eight of which became named storms; six storms became hurricanes and two intensified further into major hurricanes. The season officially began on June 1, and ended on November 30. These dates historically describe the period each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. The first storm of the season, Arthur, developed on July 1, while the final storm, Hanna, dissipated on October 28, about a month prior to the end of the season.
The 2016 Atlantic hurricane season was the first above-average hurricane season since 2012, producing 15 named storms, 7 hurricanes and 4 major hurricanes. The season officially started on June 1 and ended on November 30, though the first storm, Hurricane Alex which formed in the Northeastern Atlantic, developed on January 12, being the first hurricane to develop in January since 1938. The final storm, Otto, crossed into the Eastern Pacific on November 25, a few days before the official end. Following Alex, Tropical Storm Bonnie brought flooding to South Carolina and portions of North Carolina. Tropical Storm Colin in early June brought minor flooding and wind damage to parts of the Southeastern United States, especially Florida. Hurricane Earl left 94 fatalities in the Dominican Republic and Mexico, 81 of which occurred in the latter. In early September, Hurricane Hermine, the first hurricane to make landfall in Florida since Hurricane Wilma in 2005, brought extensive coastal flooding damage especially to the Forgotten and Nature coasts of Florida. Hermine was responsible for five fatalities and about $550 million (2016 USD) in damage.
The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season was a devastating and extremely active Atlantic hurricane season, and the costliest on record, with a damage total of at least $294.92 billion (USD). The season featured 17 named storms, 10 hurricanes, and 6 major hurricanes. Most of the season's damage was due to hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Another notable hurricane, Nate, was the worst natural disaster in Costa Rican history. These four storm names were retired following the season due to the number of deaths and amount of damage they caused.
The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season was the third in a consecutive series of above-average and damaging Atlantic hurricane seasons, featuring 15 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes, which caused a total of over $50 billion in damages and at least 172 deaths. More than 98% of the total damage was caused by two hurricanes. The season officially began on June 1, 2018, and ended on November 30, 2018. These dates historically describe the period in each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin and are adopted by convention. However, subtropical or tropical cyclogenesis is possible at any time of the year, as demonstrated by the formation of Tropical Storm Alberto on May 25, making this the fourth consecutive year in which a storm developed before the official start of the season. The season concluded with Oscar transitioning into an extratropical cyclone on October 31, almost a month before the official end.
The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season was the fourth consecutive above-average and damaging season dating back to 2016. The season featured eighteen named storms, however, many storms were weak and short-lived, especially towards the end of the season. Six of those named storms achieved hurricane status, while three intensified into major hurricanes. Two storms became Category 5 hurricanes, marking the fourth consecutive season with at least one Category 5 hurricane, the third consecutive season to feature at least one storm making landfall at Category 5 intensity, and the seventh on record to have multiple tropical cyclones reaching Category 5 strength. The season officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30. These dates historically describe the period each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin and are adopted by convention. However, tropical cyclogenesis is possible at any time of the year, as demonstrated by the formation of Subtropical Storm Andrea on May 20, making this the fifth consecutive year in which a tropical or subtropical cyclone developed outside of the official season.
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active Atlantic hurricane season on record, in terms of number of systems. It featured a total of 31 tropical or subtropical cyclones, with all but one cyclone becoming a named storm. Of the 30 named storms, 14 developed into hurricanes, and a record-tying seven further intensified into major hurricanes. It was the second and final season to use the Greek letter storm naming system, the first being 2005, the previous record. Of the 30 named storms, 11 of them made landfall in the contiguous United States, breaking the record of nine set in 1916. During the season, 27 tropical storms established a new record for earliest formation date by storm number. This season also featured a record ten tropical cyclones that underwent rapid intensification, tying it with 1995, as well as tying the record for most Category 4 hurricanes in a singular season in the Atlantic Basin. This unprecedented activity was fueled by a La Niña that developed in the summer months of 2020, continuing a stretch of above-average seasonal activity that began in 2016. Despite the record-high activity, this was the first season since 2015 in which no Category 5 hurricanes formed.
The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season was the third-most active Atlantic hurricane season on record in terms of number of tropical cyclones, although many of them were weak and short-lived. With 21 named storms forming, it became the second season in a row and third overall in which the designated 21-name list of storm names was exhausted. Seven of those storms strengthened into a hurricane, four of which reached major hurricane intensity, which is slightly above-average. The season officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30. These dates historically describe the period in each year when most Atlantic tropical cyclones form. However, subtropical or tropical cyclogenesis is possible at any time of the year, as demonstrated by the development of Tropical Storm Ana on May 22, making this the seventh consecutive year in which a storm developed outside of the official season.
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↑ Reinhart, Brad (October 14, 2022). Tropical Storm Karl Discussion 13 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
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