Hurricane Season Fast Facts - CNN

Hurricane Season Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research

Updated 2006 GMT (0406 HKT) May 24, 2023

Historically, the worst part of the Atlantic hurricane season stretches from the last part of August through September and October, according to the National Weather Service. In late October 2012, Superstorm Sandy crashed into the northeastern United States, creating extensive damage to parts of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Click through the gallery to see more photos of disasterous U.S. hurricanes, and<a href="http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/outreach/history/" target="_blank"> facts from the National Hurricane Center</a>.
Photos: Killer hurricanes 1900-2012
Killer hurricanes 1900-2012 – Historically, the worst part of the Atlantic hurricane season stretches from the last part of August through September and October, according to the National Weather Service. In late October 2012, Superstorm Sandy crashed into the northeastern United States, creating extensive damage to parts of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Click through the gallery to see more photos of disasterous U.S. hurricanes, and facts from the National Hurricane Center.
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On September 13, 2008, Ike hit Galveston Island, Texas, as a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph. Little was left standing where this photo was taken in Gilchrist, Texas. Ike was blamed for scores of deaths in the Caribbean and in the United States. Property damage was estimated at $19.3 billion.
Photos: Killer hurricanes 1900-2012
Ike – On September 13, 2008, Ike hit Galveston Island, Texas, as a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph. Little was left standing where this photo was taken in Gilchrist, Texas. Ike was blamed for scores of deaths in the Caribbean and in the United States. Property damage was estimated at $19.3 billion.
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Unforgettable Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast in 2005, making landfall near Buras, Louisiana, on August 29 as a Category 3 storm with maximum winds estimated at 125 mph. Katrina was blamed for more than 1,200 reported deaths in Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida. Estimated property damage: $75 billion, the costliest U.S. hurricane on record.
Photos: Killer hurricanes 1900-2012
Katrina – Unforgettable Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast in 2005, making landfall near Buras, Louisiana, on August 29 as a Category 3 storm with maximum winds estimated at 125 mph. Katrina was blamed for more than 1,200 reported deaths in Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida. Estimated property damage: $75 billion, the costliest U.S. hurricane on record.
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Just weeks after the horror of Katrina, Hurricane Rita collided with the Louisiana coast on September 24, 2005, as a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph. Rita's massive damage included this washed out road in Cocodrie, Louisiana.
Photos: Killer hurricanes 1900-2012
Rita – Just weeks after the horror of Katrina, Hurricane Rita collided with the Louisiana coast on September 24, 2005, as a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph. Rita's massive damage included this washed out road in Cocodrie, Louisiana.
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August 13, 2004, Hurricane Charley pushed ashore near Captiva Island, Florida, as a Category 4 storm with maximum winds near 150 mph. It devastated Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, where a recreational vehicle was found resting against a tree. Charley then moved into the Carolinas to do more damage there. Overall, at least 15 people were killed. Estimated damage: $15 billion.
Photos: Killer hurricanes 1900-2012
Charley – August 13, 2004, Hurricane Charley pushed ashore near Captiva Island, Florida, as a Category 4 storm with maximum winds near 150 mph. It devastated Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, where a recreational vehicle was found resting against a tree. Charley then moved into the Carolinas to do more damage there. Overall, at least 15 people were killed. Estimated damage: $15 billion.
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On September 6, 2004, Frances made landfall in the Florida Big Bend region as a tropical storm, after peaking in the Caribbean as a Category 4 hurricane with 145 mph winds. The storm spawned more than 100 tornadoes throughout the southeastern and mid-Atlantic states. Frances was blamed for eight deaths -- seven in the United States and one in the Bahamas. U.S. damage was estimated around $8.9 billion.
Photos: Killer hurricanes 1900-2012
Frances – On September 6, 2004, Frances made landfall in the Florida Big Bend region as a tropical storm, after peaking in the Caribbean as a Category 4 hurricane with 145 mph winds. The storm spawned more than 100 tornadoes throughout the southeastern and mid-Atlantic states. Frances was blamed for eight deaths -- seven in the United States and one in the Bahamas. U.S. damage was estimated around $8.9 billion.
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Just three weeks after Frances, on September 26, 2004, Hurricane Jeanne's 60-mile-wide eye crossed the Florida coast near Stuart, at virtually the same place Frances made landfall. Maximum winds were estimated at 120 mph. The storm tore apart this auto shop in Sebastian, Florida. Jeanne was blamed for three deaths in Florida, and one each in Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Virginia.
Photos: Killer hurricanes 1900-2012
Jeanne – Just three weeks after Frances, on September 26, 2004, Hurricane Jeanne's 60-mile-wide eye crossed the Florida coast near Stuart, at virtually the same place Frances made landfall. Maximum winds were estimated at 120 mph. The storm tore apart this auto shop in Sebastian, Florida. Jeanne was blamed for three deaths in Florida, and one each in Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Virginia.
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On September 16, 2004, Hurricane Ivan's maximum sustained winds of 120 mph crashed into Alabama, just west of Gulf Shores, with damage spreading across the region to Milton, Florida, seen here. When it was all said and done, Ivan was blamed for 92 deaths across the United States, Grenada, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Cayman Islands, Tobago and Barbados. U.S. damage was estimated at $14.2 billion, the third largest total on record.
Photos: Killer hurricanes 1900-2012
Ivan – On September 16, 2004, Hurricane Ivan's maximum sustained winds of 120 mph crashed into Alabama, just west of Gulf Shores, with damage spreading across the region to Milton, Florida, seen here. When it was all said and done, Ivan was blamed for 92 deaths across the United States, Grenada, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Cayman Islands, Tobago and Barbados. U.S. damage was estimated at $14.2 billion, the third largest total on record.
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Hurricane Andrew blasted its way across south Florida on August 24, 1992, as a Category 4 with peak gusts measured at 164 mph. After raking entire neighborhoods in and around Homestead, Florida, Andrew moved across the Gulf to hit Louisiana as a Category 3 hurricane. Andrew is responsible for 23 deaths in the United States and three in the Bahamas. Estimated U.S. damage: $26.5 billion.
Photos: Killer hurricanes 1900-2012
Andrew – Hurricane Andrew blasted its way across south Florida on August 24, 1992, as a Category 4 with peak gusts measured at 164 mph. After raking entire neighborhoods in and around Homestead, Florida, Andrew moved across the Gulf to hit Louisiana as a Category 3 hurricane. Andrew is responsible for 23 deaths in the United States and three in the Bahamas. Estimated U.S. damage: $26.5 billion.
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On August 17, 1969, Camille -- a Category 5 hurricane -- rushed ashore along the Mississippi coast. The storm made trouble even for large ships in Gulfport. Camille's winds, surges and rainfalls caused 256 deaths, including 143 on the Gulf Coast and 113 in related Virginia floods. Three deaths were reported in Cuba. Estimated damage: $1.421 billion.
Photos: Killer hurricanes 1900-2012
Camille – On August 17, 1969, Camille -- a Category 5 hurricane -- rushed ashore along the Mississippi coast. The storm made trouble even for large ships in Gulfport. Camille's winds, surges and rainfalls caused 256 deaths, including 143 on the Gulf Coast and 113 in related Virginia floods. Three deaths were reported in Cuba. Estimated damage: $1.421 billion.
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Donna is the only hurricane of record to produce hurricane-force winds in Florida, the Mid-Atlantic states and New England. It crossed Florida on September 11, 1960, as seen in this photo taken in Islamorada Key. Then the hurricane blew into eastern North Carolina as a Category 3 on the 12th, and New England as a Category 3. Donna is blamed for 50 deaths in the United States and hundreds more in the Caribbean. Estimated damage: $387 million in the United States and $13 million elsewhere.
Photos: Killer hurricanes 1900-2012
Donna – Donna is the only hurricane of record to produce hurricane-force winds in Florida, the Mid-Atlantic states and New England. It crossed Florida on September 11, 1960, as seen in this photo taken in Islamorada Key. Then the hurricane blew into eastern North Carolina as a Category 3 on the 12th, and New England as a Category 3. Donna is blamed for 50 deaths in the United States and hundreds more in the Caribbean. Estimated damage: $387 million in the United States and $13 million elsewhere.
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"The Great Miami Hurricane" of 1926 was a Category 4 when it raced across Miami Beach and downtown Miami during the morning hours of September 18. Although its death toll is uncertain, more than 800 people were reported missing, and a Red Cross report lists 373 deaths. If the disaster had occurred in modern times, its estimated cost would be $90 billion.
Photos: Killer hurricanes 1900-2012
The Great Miami Hurricane – "The Great Miami Hurricane" of 1926 was a Category 4 when it raced across Miami Beach and downtown Miami during the morning hours of September 18. Although its death toll is uncertain, more than 800 people were reported missing, and a Red Cross report lists 373 deaths. If the disaster had occurred in modern times, its estimated cost would be $90 billion.
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The nation's deadliest hurricane was a September storm. On September 8 the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 slammed into Texas. Storm tides of 8-15 feet are largely blamed for the hurricane's estimated 6,000 to 12,000 deaths. Property damage has been estimated at $30 million.
Photos: Killer hurricanes 1900-2012
Galveston, 1900 – The nation's deadliest hurricane was a September storm. On September 8 the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 slammed into Texas. Storm tides of 8-15 feet are largely blamed for the hurricane's estimated 6,000 to 12,000 deaths. Property damage has been estimated at $30 million.
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(CNN)Here's a look at the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.

Facts

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines a hurricane as "an intense tropical weather system with well-defined circulation and sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher." In the western North Pacific Ocean, hurricanes are called typhoons while similar storms in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific Ocean are called cyclones.
    The peak of the Atlantic season is from mid-August to late October.
      Hurricanes are rated according to intensity on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
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      The 1-5 scale estimates potential property damage due to maximum sustained wind speed.
      A Category 3 or higher is considered a major hurricane.
        A hurricane watch indicates the possibility that a region could experience hurricane conditions within 48 hours.
        A hurricane warning indicates that tropical-storm-force winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 36 hours.

        Hurricane Development

        There are four stages of development: tropical disturbance, tropical depression, tropical storm and hurricane (tropical cyclone).
        Tropical disturbance: Cloud columns develop into a cluster of thunderstorms.
        Tropical depression: Thunderstorms intensify, with maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less.
        Tropical storm: Maximum sustained winds are between 39-73 mph. During this time, the storm becomes more circular in shape, with winds swirling around a calm center, known as the eye. This is when the storm is named.
        Hurricane: Wind speeds reach maximum sustained winds of 74 mph.

        Hurricane categories

        Category 1: Minimal hurricane

        Winds 74-95 mph.
        Storm surge 3-5 feet.
        No significant damage to buildings. Damage primarily to unanchored homes, shrubbery and trees.
        Some damage to poorly constructed signs and coastal road flooding.
        Damage to power lines and poles could result in power outages lasting a few to several days.

        Category 2: Moderate hurricane

        Winds 96-110 mph.
        Storm surge 6-8 feet.
        Some damage to buildings, mainly roofs, doors and windows. Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees. Major damage to mobile homes. Extensive damage to poorly constructed signs and considerable damage to piers.
        Small crafts in unprotected anchorages may break moorings.
        Power outages could last from several days to weeks.

        Category 3: Extensive hurricane

        Winds 111-130 mph.
        Storm surge 9-12 feet.
        Some structural damage to small buildings. Many large trees blown down. Rampant destruction of mobile homes in storms ranked category 3 or higher. Serious coastal flooding, damaging or destroying structures along the water.
        Evacuation of low-lying residences within several blocks of the shoreline may be required.
        Electricity and water may be unavailable for several days to weeks.

        Category 4: Extreme hurricane

        Winds 131-155 mph.
        Storm surge 13-18 feet.
        Extensive building damage. Shrubs, trees and signs are blown down. Major damage to lower floors of buildings near coastline due to flooding, battering waves and floating debris. Major beach erosion.
        Power outages could last from weeks to possibly months. Areas may be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

        Category 5: Catastrophic hurricane

        Winds greater than 155 mph.
        Storm surge higher than 18 feet.
        Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Widespread destruction of structures less than 15 feet above sea level within 500 yards of shore. Low-lying evacuation routes cut off by rising water 3 to 5 hours before hurricane center arrives.
        Advance evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5-10 miles of the shoreline may be required.
        Power outages could last for months. Area may remain uninhabitable for months.

        Names

        There are 10 regional lists of names worldwide: Atlantic, Eastern North Pacific, Central North Pacific, Western North Pacific/South China Sea, Australian Region, Nadi, Port Moresby, Jakarta, Southwest Indian Ocean and Northern Indian Ocean.
        Using women's names for Atlantic storms was the practice until 1979, when male names were added to the mix.
          The World Meteorological Organization's Hurricane Committee creates lists of hurricane names that are recycled every six years.
          Names associated with storms that have caused significant death and/or damage are retired from the list. After the 2021 season, the name Ida was retired. Some other names that have been removed include Camille (1969), Andrew (1992), Floyd (1999), Katrina (2005), Ike (2008), Sandy (2012), Maria (2017) and Ian (2022). Once a name is removed, another name replaces it.