It all started on April 19th, 2017 with Tropical Storm Arlene becoming the first named storm of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season. With this formation, this year became the third consecutive year with a named pre-season storm. After a few weeks with little activity, conditions changed and there were perfect weather conditions for major storms to form and flourish.

This hurricane season was not just active, it was historic. This was the first season in history that the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Season permitted the use of their forecasting tools before a storm reached the strength of Tropical Depression. Potential Tropical Cyclone is any disturbance that has the potential to bring tropical storm or hurricane conditions to land within 48 hours. In addition to this new designation, according to Popular Science, the 2017 season broke these records:

  • Harvey “produced the most rain ever seen from one tropical cyclone in the United States”
  • Irma “was the strongest hurricane on record outside of the Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico”
  • Irma “was one of the longest-lived category fives we’ve ever seen”
  • Ophelia “was the farthest northeast we’ve ever recorded a major hurricane.”

And these were just the record-breaking facts. We also saw major devastation in Islands across the Caribbean including Puerto Rico, Barbuda, The Virgin Islands, Antigua and others. Franklin and Katia both made landfall on Mexico’s Gulf Coast. This was a season of another caliber, the likes of which haven’t been since 2005.

Pre-season predictions thought that this season would be average in intensity, but that quickly changed when Pacific conditions did not form as predicted. This goes to show that even with advanced computer models and forecasting technology, the best way to get through a hurricane season is with planning and preparation.

Our Hurricane Guide is a free resource that details how to prepare your family and your home for any hurricane season. If you are considering making the change to Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors before the 2018 Hurricane Season, call Window & Door Replacement Company today at 561.623.8466.

Source - Pop Sci: https://www.popsci.com/2017-hurricane-season#page-3