Summary of Atlantic Hurricane Season now finished
This is worth a post because a general review of the Atlantic Hurricane Season 2008 has recently been prepared. I found this review on CNN (Prepared by the National Climatic Data Centre - USA) and it highlights a disturbing picture of the 2008 Hurricane Season.
Facts:
The 2008 Hurricane season was one of the busiest and costliest on record with damage to infrastructure amounting to $54 Billion.
It is second to 2005 that cost $128 Billion which was the year when Hurricane Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast. However when adjusted to inflation and population changes, it is admitted that some years back in the 20th Century could have inflicted a heavier toll in terms of infrastructure losses.
It was the 4th busiest year since 1944.
The most destructive was Ike that battered Galveston then Houston.
Texas had Hurricane Dolly that battered South Padre Island with 100 mph (162 km/h) winds. That was the worst storm to strike the island in around 30 years.
Gustav was responsible for damage from Haiti to Louisiana while Hanna devastated Haiti with flooding.
There were 16 named storms since June 1 and 8 were hurricanes. Of that, 5 were classified as "Major" meaning they reached Category 3 at some point during their life span.
Of the 8 hurricanes, 3 made landfall in the USA being Dolly, Gustav and Ike but they were not major hurricanes at the point of landfall.
Summing up, the 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season is seen to be a busy season.
Harley Pearman
