September 10 has traditionally been the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. Historically, more hurricanes existed in the Atlantic tropics by this day than any other day of the season.
Since 1851, 88 hurricanes and tropical storms occurred by September 10 as this date falls in the middle of the best time period for hurricanes to form. After this date, the Atlantic water begins to slowly cool off and upper-level winds become a bit more hostile. By early October, tropical waves are less likely to develop off the African coast.
Although the Atlantic is most primed for tropical development during this part of the season, it doesn’t necessarily mean September 10 is when hurricanes are most likely to strike land. Category 4 Hurricane Donna was an exception, as it struck the Florida Keys on September 10, 1960, killing 12 people and causing more than $2 billion damage!
In an average Atlantic hurricane season, 6 named storms, including 3 hurricanes, form by September 10. This season has been more active than average with eight named storms, including the current one, Tropical Storm Gabrielle, but way below average with zero hurricanes by September 10. Tropical storm Humberto became a hurricane on September 11. For the latest on Gabrielle and Humberto, click here.
In the last 18 years, there have only been six occasions where a hurricane or tropical storm was not swirling in the Atlantic on September 10. Last year, Hurricane Leslie was in the Atlantic and the year before that, Hurricane Katia was trolling the oceans.
However, hurricane season is not over yet as it continues through November 30th. Make sure you are prepared by having non-perishable food on hand and an emergency evacuation route planned out in advance of any storm.
Stay Safe. Know Before™.
-The WeatherBug – Earth Networks Team
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