Read CNN’s 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season Fast Facts to learn more about tropical storm systems that develop during the summer and autumn.
Hurricanes are rated according to intensity on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The 1-5 scale estimates potential property damage.
A Category 3 or higher is considered a major hurricane.
The National Hurricane Center advises preparedness:
A hurricane watch indicates the possibility that a region could experience hurricane conditions within 48 hours.
A hurricane warning indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 36 hours.
Hurricane names are pulled from six rotating lists originated by the National Hurricane Center and maintained and updated by the World Meteorological Organization. Storm names are retired only when those storms are particularly deadly and costly.
Predictions: April 5,2018 — The Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project team predicts a slightly above average Atlantic hurricane season, saying they «do not anticipate a significant El Niño event this summer/fall.» The team forecasts seven Atlantic hurricanes and three major Atlantic hurricanes.
May 24,2018 — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a 45% chance for an above-normal season, predicting that there is a 70% chance of having 10 to 16 named storms, of which five to nine could develop into hurricanes, including one to four major hurricanes (Categories 3-5).
August 9,2018 — NOAA lowers its 2018 forecast to a 30% chance for an above-normal season, with a total of nine to 13 named storms, including zero to two major hurricanes.
2018 Atlantic Storm Names: Pronunciation Guide
Sub-Tropical Storm Alberto May 25,2018 — Subtropical Storm Alberto forms off the Yucatan Peninsula. May 28,2018 — Makes landfall near Laguna Beach, Florida. Alberto weakens to a depression later in the day. May 28-31,2018 — In Polk County, North Carolina, news anchor Mike McCormick and photojournalist Aaron Smeltzer, of Greenville, South Carolina-based CNN affiliate WYFF, are killed when a tree falls on their SUV as they cover the hazardous weather, the station says. In total, five people are reported dead after Alberto makes landfall, with another person missing in north-central Virginia.
Hurricane Beryl July 5,2018 — Tropical Storm Beryl forms. July 6,2018 — Beryl becomes a Category 1 hurricane. July 7,2018 — Weakens to a tropical storm. July 8,2018 — Downgraded to a remnant low pressure system as it moves over the northeastern Caribbean Sea.
Hurricane Chris July 8,2018 — Tropical Storm Chris forms about 150 miles south of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. July 10,2018 — Chris becomes a hurricane. July 12,2018 — Weakens to a tropical storm and then a post-tropical cyclone.
Tropical Storm Debby August 7,2018 — Subtropical Storm Debby forms. August 8,2018 — Strengthens to a tropical storm. August 9,2018 — Weakens to a post-tropical cyclone.
Tropical Storm Ernesto August 16,2018 — Tropical Storm Ernesto forms over the central Atlantic. August 18,2018 — Weakens to a post-tropical cyclone.
Hurricane Florence September 1,2018 — Tropical Storm Florence forms about 155 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands. September 4,2018 — Florence becomes a Category 1 hurricane. September 5,2018 — Strengthens into a Category 4 hurricane. September 6,2018 — Weakens to a tropical storm. September 9,2018 — Strengthens back into a Category 1 hurricane about 750 miles southeast of Bermuda.
Tropical Storm Gordon September 3,2018 — Tropical Storm Gordon forms about 10 miles west of Key Largo, Florida. September 4,2018 — Makes landfall near the Alabama-Mississippi border. September 5,2018 — Weakens to a tropical depression.
Hurricane Helene September 7,2018 — Tropical Storm Helene forms about 405 miles east of the Cabo Verde Islands. September 9,2018 — Helene strengthens to a Category 1 hurricane.
Tropical Storm Isaac September 8,2018 — Tropical Storm Isaac forms about 1,640 miles east of the Windward Islands.
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