The 2010 Atlantic hurricane season was a busy one. As of early November there were 19 named storms of which 12 officially became hurricanes. Four of those hurricanes became major hurricanes. A major hurricane is denoted by achieving a category three or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Historically, long term averages over the past century suggest that about ten named storms will form in the Atlantic basin, of which six will become hurricanes. An upswing in Atlantic hurricanes has been noted since the mid 1990's. Threre is no conclusive evidence that this is linked to Climate Change. An increase in tropical cyclone activity was anticipated in the 1980's when it was relatively calm.
The United States fared well this past hurricane season. There were no direct hits from hurricanes. Hurricane Earl passed about 75 miles east of Cape Hatteras. During its closest approach, the Outer Banks of North Carolina received tropical storm force winds with a couple of gusts to near minimal hurricane strength. Hurricane Alex made landfall in northeastern Mexico, but was a small tropical cyclone. Because of this, wind damage was confined to Mexico south of Browsnville, Texas. Some gusts to tropical storm force were seen in extreme south Texas with some the the squall bands that passed through. The greatest impact to the United States came from Tropical Storm Hernine. It brought soaking rains to south and central Texas. Rainfall totals were five to ten inches with isolated spots of ten inches plus. The only other tropical cyclone to affect the United States was Tropical Storm Bonnie which moved into south Florida early in the season. It was a weak system which brought some rain squalls.
Other parts of the Atlantic basin did not fare as well. Several tropical cyclones threatened parts of Central America and Mexico. Mexico was hit by several tropical cyclones. Hurricane Alex made landfall in northeastern Mexico as a category two hurricane. Hurricane Karl was the strongest hurricane that made landfall in Mexico near Veracruz. it was a category three hurricane at officially 120 mph.
Bermuda was threatened by tropical cyclones several times, but each time the storm veered away. Nothing more than some gusty winds and rain squalls were seen on Bermuda. The strongest hurricane of the season was Hurricane Igor in the open Atllantic Ocean. It topped out at 155 mph, which is just below category five strength. Earl was the next strongest with winds to 135 mph.
This season did live up to the number of expected named storms and hurricanes. The true number of hurricanes is up to debate since a number of named storms may not have really reached hurricane strength. Minimal hurricanes such as Lisa, Otto, and Shary are all up to debate on their actual strength. As with many hurricane seasons, the 2010 season saw several tropical cyclones travel around the Bermuda high harmlessly out to sea. As this year bears out, a landfall in the U.S. is not guaranteed even with a very active season. It is always wise to stay vigilent regardless of the preseason predictions.
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