Chris said we had thirty named storms last year, the most since 2005 when we had twenty-eight. This was the most active Atlantic hurricane season on record and the fifth costliest. There were thirteen storms that became hurricanes (top winds of 74 mph or more) including six major hurricanes (top winds of 111 mph or more). The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season got off to an early and rapid pace with a record nine named storms from May through July, and then quickly exhausted the 21-name Atlantic list when Tropical Storm Wilfred formed on September 18. For only the second time in history, the Greek alphabet was used for the remainder of the season, extending through the 9th name on the list, Iota. Mr. Hebert indicated that the Greek alphabet will not be used again in the future. Instead, a list of supplemental names is available if we surpass 21 storms again this year.

Many of the storms last year formed in the Caribbean as opposed to forming far to the east in the Atlantic near Africa. The storms that form near Africa tend to head west and then veer north into the Atlantic. Those that form in the Caribbean are much more likely to visit us.

Most hurricanes form after June 1st. Twelve of the storms last year hit the U.S. coastline, with five of those hitting Louisiana.

This was the fifth consecutive year with an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, with 18 above-normal seasons out of the past 26. The increased hurricane activity is attributed to the warm phase of the Atlantic Multi-Decadal Oscillation (AMO) – which began in 1995 – and has favored more, stronger, and longer-lasting storms since that time. Such active eras for Atlantic hurricanes have historically lasted 25 to 40 years. An average season has 12 named storms, six hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.

Mr. Hebert then said the forecast for this year is 19 named storms, 9 hurricanes and 5 major storms, which means another above -normal hurricane season is expected.