NOAA: Atlantic Hurricane Season Was A 'Gentle Giant'

This past Atlantic hurricane season was one of the busiest on record. However, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is quick to point out that although a total of 19 named storms formed, the extremely active season was a 'gentle giant' for the U.S. That is because none of the 12 storms that developed into hurricanes–including five that reached “major hurricane” status of a Category 3 or higher–in the Atlantic actually struck the U.S. In fact, no major Category 3 or stronger hurricanes have hit the U.S. since Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

The storm activity unfolded somewhat predictably, as the ranges NOAA specified in its seasonal outlooks were on target: On May 27, 2010, NOAA forecasted 14 to 23 named storms; 8 to 14 hurricanes; and 3 to 7 major hurricanes. On August 5, 2010, the federal agency slightly revised its projections to 14 to 20 named storms; 8 to 12 hurricanes; and 4 to 6 major hurricanes. According to NOAA, an average Atlantic season produces 11 named storms, six hurricanes, and two major hurricanes.

In a press release, NOAA explained that large-scale climate features strongly influenced the year's hurricane activity, noting that the record warm Atlantic waters, combined with the favorable winds coming off Africa and weak wind shear aided by La Ni?a fueled developing storms. By contrast, the eastern North Pacific season had the fewest storms on record since the 1960s.

“Though La Ni?a helped to enhance the Atlantic hurricane season, it also suppressed storms from forming and strengthening in the eastern North Pacific,” said Jack Hayes, Ph.D., director of NOAA's National Weather Service. “Of that region's seven named storms this year, three grew into hurricanes and two of those became major hurricanes. This is the fewest named storms (the previous record low was eight in 1977) and the fewest hurricanes (previous record low was four in 1969, 1970, 1977, and 2007) on record since the satellite era began in the mid-1960s. An average eastern North Pacific season produces 15 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes.”

Other parts of the Atlantic basin were not able to dodge severe weather conditions as easily. Hurricane Tomas brought heavy rain to earthquake-ravaged Haiti, and several storms brought heavy rain, mudslides, and fatal flooding to eastern Mexico and Central America.