2005 HURRICANE SEASON TIED FOR BUSIEST ON RECORD
Wilma Exhausts List of Storm Names

Oct. 17, 2005 � Tropical Storm Wilma brewing over the northwestern Caribbean Sea takes the tally of named storms this year to 21, tying 1933 as the busiest hurricane season since records began in 1851. Wilma also is the final name on the 2005 list of storm names. Any additional tropical storms and hurricanes that form this season will be classified by the NOAA National Hurricane Center using the Greek alphabet, beginning with Alpha. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Wilma taken at 9:15 a.m. EDT on Oct. 17, 2005, as the storm churns in the northwestern Caribbean Sea. Click here for high resolution version. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Four storms—Stan, Tammy, Vince and Wilma—have formed this month and is double the October average of two storms. Six is the record, set in October 1950 and 1887.

"Although activity in the Atlantic Basin decreases as the hurricane season enters its final month of November, tropical storms and hurricanes are still possible," said Scott Kiser, Tropical Cyclone Program manager for the NOAA National Weather Service. NOAA records show that one storm forms in November, on average, once every three years. As many as two storms have formed in November, most recently in 2001.

Of the 21 named storms that have formed since the season began June 1st, 11 have become hurricanes, including five major hurricanes. This is far above the seasonal average of 10 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes. "With one additional hurricane, this season will tie 1969 for having the most hurricanes," added Kiser.

NOAA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of the nation's coastal and marine resources.

Relevant Web Sites
NOAA National Hurricane Center

2005 Atlantic Hurricanes Names

NOAA National Hurricane Center Archives (past seasons)

Media Contact:
Chris Vaccaro, NOAA National Weather Service, (301) 713-0622 ext. 134