2023 Atlantic hurricane season ends as the fourth most active season since 1950
The Atlantic saw 20 total storms in 2023, beginning with an unnamed storm in January. This season is the fourth-highest-named storm season since 1950 according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.
Seven storms this season strengthened into hurricanes while three became major hurricanes. A major hurricane is a category 3 or higher with winds greater than 110 mph.
An average hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. NOAA says the 2023 season was characterized by a strong El Eiño and record-warm sea surface temperatures.
Only three storms made landfall in the U.S. this season; Tropical Storm Harold in southern Texas, Tropical Storm Ophelia in North Carolina, and Hurricane Idalia along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Florida took a direct hit from Hurricane Idalia in September. The storm was a category three when it made landfall near Keaton Beach on August 31, 2023. Idalia caused a major storm surge on Florida’s Big Bend and spread heavy rainfall and flooding across north Florida and southern Georgia.
The 2024 hurricane season officially begins on June 1st. NOAA will release its seasonal hurricane outlook in May.
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