Wrapping up the busy 2010 hurricane season
Posted By RichC on December 1, 2010
Hurricanes Karl, Igor and Julia (from left to right on Sept. 16) were part of
the onslaught of Atlantic storms this season. Download here (Credit: NOAA)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) closes the book on one of the was busiest hurricane seasons on record which is in contrast to the eastern North Pacific season which had the fewest storms on record.
According to NOAANews, the United States was spared impact by the majority of the storms, although Mexico and Central America were not as fortunate and suffered heavy rain, mudslides and deadly flooding.
In the Atlantic Basin a total of 19 named storms formed – tied with 1887 and 1995 for third highest on record. Of those, 12 became hurricanes – tied with 1969 for second highest on record. Five of those reached major hurricane status of Category 3 or higher.
These totals are within the ranges predicted in NOAA’s seasonal outlooks issued on May 27 (14-23 named storms; 8-14 hurricanes; 3-7 major hurricanes) and August 5 (14-20 named storms; 8-12 hurricanes; 4-6 major hurricanes). An average Atlantic season produces 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.
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