Hurricane Otto seen by satellite.
It seemed that the day was not going to come, but fortunately everything arrives: the National Meteorological Office (ONAMET), of the Dominican Republic, ends the hurricane season in the Atlantic. While this doesn't mean new ones can't form in the coming days or weeks, the likelihood of that happening is very low. In this regard, we advise you to learn more about the 2016 hurricane season according to NOAA to better understand the situation, as well as NASA's microsatellites and its impact on the prediction of these phenomena.
It has been a time of very intense hurricanes, which has caused significant damage as a result of the floods and strong winds that have hit several towns and cities in America. Let's review the hurricanes that have formed during what will undoubtedly be a hurricane season that is hard to forget. In addition, you can find out about NOAA hurricane forecasts and worst natural disasters of 2016 to gain a broader perspective.
Hurricane Alex, between January 12 and 15
It all started in January, about five months before the official start of the season. It was the first hurricane since 1955 that formed in the first month of the year. On January 14, 2016, Hurricane Alex was formed that ended up affecting the Azores Islands and Bermuda with winds of up to 140km / h, that is, those that have category 1 hurricanes. It caused the death of one person in Portugal and is a reminder of the most devastating natural disasters in history and its impact on various regions. This event, more than just a hurricane, is a clear example of the importance of understand the benefits of hurricanes and how they can affect the environment.
Hurricane Earl, August 2-6
In August, with the warmer waters, a new hurricane formed, affecting Yucatán, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola. Its maximum wind gusts reached the speed of 140km / h, thus becoming a category 1 hurricane. Caused damages valued at more than $ 100 million, and left 64 fatalities, 52 in Mexico alone, which highlights the severity of the most destructive hurricanesThis hurricane also underscores the need to heed NOAA's forecasts for the Hurricane season onwards.
Hurricane Gastón, between August 22 and September 3
Gastón was the first really powerful hurricane of the season with winds of up to 195km / h, reaching Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale in the Azores. Despite all this, there were no damages or losses, which shows that hurricanes don't always have devastating consequences like other weather events. For more information on the effects of these phenomena, you can consult how they can affect the climate, as well as the Differences between hurricane, cyclone and typhoon.
Hurricane Hermine, between August 28 and September 3
As Gastón dissolved, Hermine was formed in the Caribbean Sea, a hurricane that reached category 1. The maximum wind gusts blew at 130km / h, affecting Cuba, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic and the southwestern United States. Caused damages valued at more than $ 300 million, and left 5 fatalities in the United States. This event is a reminder of the destructive power of these phenomena, as seen in , which included several hurricanes, and underscores the importance of weather monitoring.
Hurricane Matthew, between September 28 and October 10
Image - NASA
Towards the end of September and mid-October the world fixed its eyes on the Atlantic Ocean. There, Hurricane Matthew was formed, the most powerful of the season, reaching category 5 due to sustained winds of up to 260km / h. It affected Venezuela, Florida, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, the Lesser Antilles, and especially Haiti. It caused material damage valued at $10.58 billion, and left 1710 fatalities, 1655 in Haiti alone. This highlights the need to prepare and understand more about the hurricanes and their patterns to minimize the impact in the future.
Hurricane Nicole, between October 4 and 18
In October we had to talk about Nicole, a Category 4 hurricane that formed in the North Atlantic near Bermuda. The maximum wind speed recorded was 215km / h, but fortunately, there were no damages or losses. Still, this hurricane reminds us that weather events can be unforeseen and devastating. For more information on hurricane names, see Who decides the names of hurricanes? and its impact on the population, in addition to learning more about curiosities about hurricanes that you may not have known.
Hurricane Otto, between November 20 and 27
Image - Screenshot
Towards the end of November Otto was formed in Central America. With winds of up to 180km / h, it reached category 3, and affected Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Caused property damage valued at more than $ 8 million, and left 17 fatalities. This is another example of how hurricanes can impact different regions throughout the year, so it is important to be informed about the Hurricane season and their possible consequences, as well as those that affect different geographical areas.
Thus, a total of 7 hurricanes have formed this year.
