End of Active Hurricane Season in Sight

As the calendar turns to November, the final days of hurricane season are in sight. NOAA defines hurricane season from June 1 through November 30. Though storms have formed outside of those dates, this is typically the time that activity in the tropical Atlantic and Eastern Pacific begins to wind down. So far, 2018 has been an active season, with above average activity in both basins surrounding the United States. As of November 1, there have been a total of 15 named storms in the tropical Atlantic basin and 21 in the eastern Pacific.   The numbers above account for named storms, which means winds in each storm reached a threshold of tropical storm force of 39 mph or greater. When a system becomes stronger and winds reach a threshold of 74 mph or greater, it is deemed a hurricane. At 111 mph mph sustained winds or higher, a system is considered a major hurricane. Here's how each basin breaks down into further categories. In the Eastern Pacific, there were 12 hurricanes of the 21 named storms, and 9 of those became major hurricanes. All of these numbers are considered above average. In the Atlantic, 8 hurricanes formed of the 15 named systems, and 2 of those became major hurricanes. Florence and Michael were the 2 major hurricanes that formed in the Atlantic this season. All numbers in the Atlantic are also considered above average.   Read the National Hurricane Center season summary (released on November 1) for both the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific with specifics of each tropical cyclone. The Eastern Pacific tropical observed activity overview. Credit: US Dept. of Commerce, NWS The Atlantic tropical observed activity overview. Credit: US Dept. of Commerce, NWS