How active was the 2008 hurricane season?
The Climate Prediction Center predicted much above normal hurricane activity for 2008: • 14-18 named tropical storms • 7-10 hurricanes • 3-6 major hurricanes (category 3 or higher) December 5 update: There were 18 named tropical storms so far this year. With the traditional hurricane season now officially over (see below), the number of storms to date has met or exceeded the predictions listed above. 2008 storms to date: • 18 named storms • 8 hurricanes • 5 major hurricanes (Bertha-category 3, Gustav-cat. 4, Ike-cat. 4; Omar-cat.3; Paloma-cat.4) There have also been a large number of landfalling tropical storms in the Atlantic this year, with ten storms making landfall overall. According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center: “For the first time on record, six consecutive tropical cyclones made landfall on the U.S. mainland and a record three major hurricanes struck Cuba. This is also the first Atlantic season to have a major hurricane (Category 3) form in five consecutive months [July-N
