2012 Atlantic
Hurricane Season
Above Average
November 30 marks the end of the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane season, one
that produced 19 named storms, of which 10 became hurricanes and one
became a major hurricane. The number of named storms is well above the
average of 12. The number of hurricanes is also above the average of
six, but the number of major hurricanes is below the average of three.
Disrupted Cruises
Hurricane Isaac and Superstorm Sandy were the most disruptive to the travel industry causing flight cancellations and altering the courses and even cancelling cruises. Typically one expects itinerary changes during hurricane season, but usually the ships are able to sail to more peaceful waters away from the approaching storm.
In the case of Superstorm Sandy, which was a hurricane on steroids, ports were closed preventing people from getting to the pier and ships from getting back to the port, thus cancelling the cruise completly.
Cruise lines take the safety of passengers, crew, and ships very seriously, so decisions that were made, to alter courses or even cancel the cruises, were done in the interest of safety.
Mid-Atlantic & Northeast Hit Hard
According to a press release issued by NOAA, This season marks the second consecutive year that the mid-Atlantic
and Northeast suffered devastating impacts from a named storm. Sandy,
and Irene last year, caused fatalities, injuries, and tremendous
destruction from coastal storm surge, heavy rainfall, inland flooding,
and wind. Storms struck many parts of the country this year, including
tropical storms Beryl and Debby in Florida, Hurricane Isaac in
Louisiana, and Post-tropical Cyclone Sandy in New Jersey.
“This year proved that it’s wrong to think that only major
hurricanes can ruin lives and impact local economies,” said Laura
Furgione, acting director of NOAA’s National Weather Service. “We are
hopeful that after the 2012 hurricane season, more families and
businesses all along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts become more “weather
ready” by understanding the risks associated with living near the
coastline. Each storm carries a unique set of threats that can be
deadly and destructive. Mother Nature reminded us again this year of
how important it is to be prepared and vigilant.”
Early Start but Ends on Time
The Atlantic Hurricane Season got off to an early start with two named storms, Alberto and Beryl, developing prior to the June 1st official start. The season ended prior to November 30th with Sandy impacting the East Coast of the United States.
Read More:
Busy 2012 hurricane season continues decades-long high activity era in the Atlantic (NOAA)
Season in Review
SUMMARY TABLE
NAME DATES MAX WIND (MPH)
---------------------------------------------------
TS ALBERTO 19-22 MAY 60
TS BERYL 26-30 MAY 70
H CHRIS 19-22 JUN 75
TS DEBBY 23-27 JUN 60
H ERNESTO 1-10 AUG 85
TS FLORENCE* 3-6 AUG 60
H GORDON 15-20 AUG 110
TS HELENE 9-18 AUG 45
H ISAAC 21 AUG-1 SEP 80
TS JOYCE 22-24 AUG 40
H KIRK 28 AUG-2 SEP 105
H LESLIE 30 AUG-11 SEP 75
MH MICHAEL 3-11 SEP 115
H NADINE 11 SEP-4 OCT 90
TS OSCAR 3-5 OCT 50
TS PATTY 11-13 OCT 45
H RAFAEL 12-17 OCT 90
H SANDY 22-29 OCT 110
TS TONY 22-25 OCT 50
