An Active vs. Destructive Hurricane Season

Hurricane Nate nearing landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast  (Source: NOAA)

As Hurricane Nate continues its track toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, it’s important to highlight the relationship between a busier than average hurricane season and one that’s destructive and/or deadly.  They’re not always the same thing.  This season has been active, as well as deadly and destructive.  

Nate is rapidly approaching landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast as a strong Category 1 hurricane, just under Category 2 intensity.  It will be the fourth hurricane to make landfall in the United States (including Puerto Rico) this season.  None have made landfall on the Gulf Coast since Isaac in 2012.  Prior to Nate, were Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria that brought unspeakable devastation to parts of contiguous United States, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.  Never before had there been three Category 4/+ hurricanes that made landfall in the United States for the first time on record.

Although not as strong as Harvey, Irma or Maria, Nate will still have significant impacts well inland with heavy rain, gusty winds and a risk of severe weather.  Some good news is that the remnants of Nate will help end a dry streak in the Nation’s Capital.  No measurable rainfall has occurred in Washington, D.C. since September 13 but that’s poised to change tomorrow afternoon and Monday.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 – with September being the busiest month.  So far this season, there have been 14 tropical storms and 9 hurricanes, 5 of which became “major” Category 3/+ hurricanes.  That’s already surpassed NOAA’s seasonal average of 12, 6 and 3.  This season has had five major hurricanes for the first time since 2010 and two Category 5 hurricanes for the first time since 2007.

There have been active hurricane seasons, though, where the United States largely avoided serious consequences.  Such was the case in 2010, when a total of 19 tropical storms, 12 hurricanes and 5 major hurricanes developed.  By comparison, the 1992 hurricane season was quieter than average with only one major hurricane.  However, that major hurricane was Andrew, which was only the third Category 5 hurricane to make landfall in the United States.  

This illustrates that storm track is more important than the overall number of tropical storms and hurricanes in a given season.  A variety of factors influence storm track and they vary on a storm-by-storm basis.  That’s why listening to your favorite meteorologists whenever a tropical storm or hurricane develops is important.  

With the expansion of social media, there is increased exposure to sensationalized content that can be misleading and confusing.  It’s vital to understand the basics and rely only on reputable sources.