Flash N.1381 28 June UPDATED
After several above-normal seasons, the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season was near-normal in terms of the number of storms and accumulated cyclone energy. In total, there were 14 named storms, eight of which became hurricanes. Two of these storms reached Category 3 intensity, which classifies them as major hurricanes. These numbers are near their climatological averages (over the period 1991-2020) of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. The total accumulated cyclone energy in the Atlantic Basin was 95.1, which is about 80 percent of normal over the period 1991-2020. Though these numbers are close to their climatological averages, the 2022 season was one of the costliest on record with damage estimates exceeding $55 billion. Of the 14 named storms, six affected the Southeast region, including both major hurricanes. Potential Tropical Cyclone One dropped up to a foot (304.8 mm) of rain across parts of South Florida, resulting in significant flooding on the 3rd and 4th of June. Miami Beach, FL (1927-2022) recorded its all-time highest daily precipitation total of 11 inches (279.4 mm) on the 4th, breaking the previous record of 9.3 inches (236.2 mm) set on June 6, 2009. After crossing Florida, it became Tropical Storm Alex and produced high surf and dangerous rip currents off the Atlantic coast from Florida to Virginia. On July 2nd, Tropical Storm Colin formed near Charleston, SC and dropped between 2 and 7 inches (50.8 and 177.8 mm) of precipitation along coastal sections of the Carolinas. The storm also produced dangerous rip currents off the North Carolina coast. There were no named tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Basin during the month of August for the first time since 1997 and for the first time on record (since 1851) during a La Niña season. Tropical Storm Earl brought heavy rain, gusty winds, and dangerous rip currents to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on the 3rd and 4th of September. Landslides and flash flooding were reported across the islands. Later in the month, Hurricane Fiona made landfall on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico. Heavy rain contributed to numerous landslides and rockslides and washed away roads and bridges. High winds knocked out power to over one million residents and businesses, and nearly half of the island had no running water for several days after the storm. At least 25 deaths in Puerto Rico have been attributed to Fiona. Hurricane Ian made multiple landfalls in southwest Florida on the 28th of September. It tied for the fifth strongest landfalling hurricane on record in the United States with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph (67.1 m/s). Ian caused catastrophic damage in Fort Myers and Naples due to high winds and storm surge, which exceeded 20 feet (6 m) in places. Heavy rain was also recorded across central Florida, which set a few monthly precipitation records (e.g., Daytona Beach, FL; Orlando, FL). Over 100 fatalities have been attributed to Hurricane Ian in Florida, making it the deadliest hurricane in the state since 1935. After crossing Florida, Ian entered the Atlantic Ocean and made a third landfall on the South Carolina coast. As it moved inland, it dropped up to 5 inches (127 mm) of precipitation across the Carolinas and Virginia. Hurricane Nicole made landfall near Vero Beach, FL on November 10th, making it just the third hurricane on record (since 1851) to make landfall in Florida in the month of November. Nicole produced significant storm surge and high surf along the east coast of Florida, particularly in the Daytona Beach area. Heavy rain was also recorded across central Florida in many of the same areas that were affected by Hurricane Ian. At least five fatalities in Florida have been confirmed from Nicole and damage estimates in the state exceed $500 million. In addition, the subtropical low that would eventually become Hurricane Nicole dropped over 10 inches (254 mm) of precipitation across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, resulting in landslides and localized flooding.
Flash N.1381 28 June