The 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season came to a close on November 30th. In what was forecasted to be an above average season the 2013 season resulted in only 13 named systems; 10 Tropical Storms, 1 subtropical storm, and 2 Hurricanes. Additionally, there was one tropical depression bringing the total number number of systems to 14 in 2013.

Overall, the 2013 Hurricane Season fell below NOAA’s higher end estimates and Colorado State University annual forecast, but did rank above the long term average. Thankfully, there were only 2 hurricanes this year and neither surpassed a category 1 status. The notable difference this year was the number of tropical storms, which was above all predictions.

2013 Tropical Depressions

• Tropical Depression Eight 9/6 – 9/7

2013 Tropical & Subtropical Storms

Tropical storms were the big story this year with few impacting the fleet. TS Chantal set an early course through the Bahamas with here sights set on Castaway Cay, but ended up moving further to the west before dissipating south of Jamaica. The Disney Fantasy was the lone ship to see an itinerary change due to the on and off again TS Dorian.  TS Karen developed as the Fantasy was in Cozumel and the Wonder was sailing back to Galveston, both ships managed to set courses away from the brunt of the system.

• Andrea 6/5 – 6/8
• Barry 6/17 – 6/20
• Chantal 7/7 – 7/10
• Dorian 7/24 – 8/3
• Erin 8/14 – 8/18
• Fernand 8/25 – 8/26
• Gabrielle 9/4 – 9/13
• Jerry 9/28 – 10/3
• Karen 10/3 – 10/6
• Lorenzo 10/21 – 10/24
• Melissa 11/18 – 11/21 (Subtropical)

2013 Atlantic Hurricanes

Hurricane Ingrid was the lone hurricane to affect land. However, Hurricane Ingrid weakened to a tropical storm before making landfall on the Gulf Coast of Mexico. Hurricane Humberto developed early off the coast of Africa and fizzled out over the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

• Humberto 9/8 – 9/19
• Ingrid 9/12 – 9/17

The Off Season | December – May

Hurricane season may be over, but by no means does this mean it will be smooth sailing from now until June 1st. Tropical systems can develop at anytime but the atmospheric conditions are not as favorable between December and May.