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{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is a legitimate description when the title is already adequate; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
{{future}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2012}}
The '''2006 Atlantic hurricane season''' will be an ongoing event in the annual cycle of [[tropical cyclone]] formation. It will officially start [[June 1]], [[2006]], and last until [[November 30]], [[2006]]. However, any systems which form and receive a number from the NHC between [[January]] and [[May]] will count as part of the 2006 season. One storm, [[Tropical Storm Zeta]] (2005), persisted through the beginning of the year.
{{Infobox hurricane season
| Track=2006 Atlantic hurricane season summary map.png
| Basin=Atl
| Year=2006
| First storm formed=June 10, 2006
| Last storm dissipated=October 2, 2006
| Strongest storm name=[[Hurricane Gordon (2006)|Gordon]] and [[Hurricane Helene (2006)|Helene]]
| Strongest storm winds=105
| Strongest storm pressure=955
| Average wind speed=1
| Total depressions=10
| Total storms=10
| Total hurricanes=5
| Total intense=2
| Damages=504.42
| Fatalities=14 total
| five seasons=[[2004 Atlantic hurricane season|2004]], [[2005 Atlantic hurricane season|2005]], '''2006''', [[2007 Atlantic hurricane season|2007]], [[2008 Atlantic hurricane season|2008]]
| Season timeline=Timeline of the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season
| West Pacific season=2006 Pacific typhoon season
| East Pacific season=2006 Pacific hurricane season
| North Indian season=2006 North Indian Ocean cyclone season
}}
The '''2006 Atlantic hurricane season''' was the least active in the [[tropical cyclone basins|basin]] since [[1997 Atlantic hurricane season|1997]], with nine [[tropical cyclone naming|named storms]] as well as an additional [[List of unnamed tropical cyclones|unnamed]] tropical storm identified by the [[National Hurricane Center]]. 2006 was the first season since [[2001 Atlantic hurricane season|2001]] in which no [[tropical cyclone|hurricane]]s made [[landfall]] in the United States, and was the first since [[1994 Atlantic hurricane season|1994]] in which no tropical cyclones formed during October.<ref name="October inactivity">{{cite web|author=Mainelli, Michelle|author2=Beven, Jack |date=November 1, 2006|access-date=November 1, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/tws/MIATWSAT_oct.shtml?|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|title=Monthly Tropical Weather Summary for October 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106050215/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/tws/MIATWSAT_oct.shtml|archive-date=November 6, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the intense activity of [[2003 Atlantic hurricane season|2003]], [[2004 Atlantic hurricane season|2004]], and [[2005 Atlantic hurricane season|2005]], forecasters predicted that the 2006 [[Atlantic hurricane season|season]] would be only slightly less active. Instead, it turned out to be a below average season, as activity was slowed by a rapidly forming moderate [[El Niño]] event, the presence of the [[Saharan Air Layer]] over the tropical Atlantic, and the steady presence of a robust secondary high-pressure area to the [[Azores High]] centered on Bermuda. There were no tropical cyclones after October 2.<ref name="Gray Nov">{{cite web | date=November 17, 2006 | title=Summary of 2006 Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Activity and Verification of Authors' Seasonal and Monthly Forecasts | publisher=[[Colorado State University]] | access-date=November 17, 2006 | url=http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/Forecasts/2006/nov2006/ | last1=Klotzbach | first1=Philip J. | last2=Gray | first2=William M.| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205133712/http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/Forecasts/2006/nov2006/ | archive-date=February 5, 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref>


The season began on June&nbsp;10 with the formation of [[Tropical Storm Alberto (2006)|Tropical Storm Alberto]], which moved from the Caribbean Sea through the [[east coast of the United States]]. [[Hurricane Ernesto (2006)|Hurricane Ernesto]] caused heavy rainfall in [[Haiti]], and directly killed at least seven in Haiti and the United States. Four hurricanes formed after Ernesto, including the strongest storms of the season, Hurricanes Helene and [[Hurricane Gordon (2006)|Gordon]]. In total, the season was responsible for 14&nbsp;deaths and $500&nbsp;million in damage. The calendar year 2006 also saw [[Tropical Storm Zeta (2005)|Tropical Storm Zeta]], which arose in December 2005 and persisted until early January, only the second such event on record. The storm is considered a part of the 2005 season, as it developed in that calendar year.
<div class="toccolours" style="text-align:center; float:right; clear:right; margin-left:1.5em; margin-bottom:1em; font-size: 90%;"><big>'''[[List of Atlantic hurricane seasons|Atlantic hurricane seasons]]'''</big><br>
<big>[[2003 Atlantic hurricane season|2003]] [[2004 Atlantic hurricane season|2004]] [[2005 Atlantic hurricane season|2005]] '''2006''' [[2007 Atlantic hurricane season|2007]] [[2008 Atlantic hurricane season|2008]] [[2009 Atlantic hurricane season|2009]]</big></div>
<!-- {{wikinewscat|Hurricane season, 2006}} -->


== Seasonal forecasts ==
== Seasonal forecasts ==
[[Tropical cyclone seasonal forecasting|Forecasts of hurricane activity]] are issued before each hurricane season by Philip J. Klotzbach, Dr. [[William M. Gray]], and their associates at [[Colorado State University]]; and separately by [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]] forecasters.

Klotzbach's team (formerly led by Gray) has defined the average number of storms per season (1950–2000) as 9.6&nbsp;tropical storms, 5.9&nbsp;hurricanes, and 2.3&nbsp;major hurricanes (storms exceeding Category&nbsp;3 strength in the [[Saffir–Simpson scale]]). A normal season, as defined by NOAA, has&nbsp;6–14&nbsp;named storms, with 4–8&nbsp;of those reaching hurricane strength, and&nbsp;1–3&nbsp;major hurricanes.<ref name="Gray Dec">{{
cite web
|author1=Klotzbach, Philip J. |author2=Gray, William M. | date=December 6, 2005
| title=Extended Range Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity and U.S. Landfall Strike Probability for 2006
| publisher=Colorado State University
| access-date=May 22, 2006
| url=http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/forecasts/2005/dec2005/
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060613023105/http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/forecasts/2005/dec2005/| archive-date= 13 June 2006 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="AOML FAQ E10">{{
cite web
| author = Landsea, Christopher
| year = 2005
| url = http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/E10.html
| title = AOML Frequently Asked Questions, E10
| publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]]
| access-date =May 22, 2006
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060614205541/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/E10.html| archive-date= 14 June 2006 | url-status= live}}</ref>
{| class="toccolours" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=3 style="float:right; margin-left:1em; text-align:right;"
{| class="toccolours" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=3 style="float:right; margin-left:1em; text-align:right;"
|+'''Predictions of tropical activity in the 2006 season'''
|+ '''2006 Hurricane Season<br>vs.<br>Record and Average Hurricane Seasons'''
|- style="background:#ccccff"
|- style="background:#ccccff"
|align="center"|'''Source'''
!align=center| Systems !!align=center| Average !!align=center| Record !!align=center| 2006<br>(Predicted)
|align="center"|'''Date'''
|align="center"|'''<span style="font-size: 80%;">Named<br />storms</span>'''
|align="center"|'''<span style="font-size: 80%;">Hurricanes</span>'''
|align="center"|'''<span style="font-size: 80%;">Major<br />hurricanes</span>'''
|-
|-
|align=left| Named Storms || 10 || 27 || 17
|align="left"|[[Colorado State University|CSU]]
|align="left"|''Average <span style="font-size: 80%;">(1950–2000)</span>''<ref name="Gray Dec"/>
|9.6
|5.9
|2.3
|-
|-
|align=left| Hurricanes || 6 || 14 || 9
|align="left"|[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]]
|align="left"|''Average''<ref name="noaa-2005records">{{cite web| date=April 13, 2006| title=NOAA Reviews Record-Setting 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season| publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | access-date=April 26, 2006| url= http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2005/s2540.htm| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060423134422/http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2005/s2540.htm| archive-date=April 23, 2006 | url-status= live}}</ref>
|6–14
|4–8
|1–3
|-
|-
|align="center" colspan="2"|''Record high activity from 1950–2006''
|align=left| Category 3+ Hurricanes || 2 || 8 || 5
|[[2005 Atlantic hurricane season|28]]
|[[2005 Atlantic hurricane season|15]]
|[[2005 Atlantic hurricane season|7]]
|-
|-
|align="center" colspan="2"|''Record low activity from 1950–2006''
|align=left| Category 5 Hurricanes || 0.3 || 3 || -
|[[1983 Atlantic hurricane season|4]]
|[[1982 Atlantic hurricane season|2]]
|0
|-
|align="left"|CSU
|align="left"|December 5, 2005
|17
|9
|5
|-
|align="left"|CSU
|align="left"|April 4, 2006
|17
|9
|5
|-
|align="left"|NOAA
|align="left"|May 22, 2006
|13–16
|8–10
|4–6
|-
|align="left"|CSU
|align="left"|May 31, 2006
|17
|9
|5
|-
|align="left"|CSU
|align="left"|August 3, 2006
|15
|7
|3
|-
|align="left"|NOAA
|align="left"|August 8, 2006
|12–15
|7–9
|3–4
|-
|align="left"|CSU
|align="left"|September 1, 2006
|13
|5
|2
|-
|align="left"|CSU
|align="left"|October 3, 2006
|11
|6
|2
|-
|align="center" colspan="2"|'''Actual activity'''
| 10
| 5
| 2
|}
|}
Forecasts of hurricane activity are issued before each hurricane season by noted hurricane experts Dr. [[Philip J. Klotzbach]], Dr. [[William M. Gray]], and his associates at [[Colorado State University]], and separately by [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]] forecasters.

Dr. Gray's team defines the average number of storms per season (1950 to 2000) as 9.6 tropical storms, 5.9 hurricanes, and 2.3 hurricanes reaching or exceeding Category 3 strength. A normal season, as defined by NOAA, has 6 to 14 named storms, with 4 to 8 of those reaching hurricane strength, and 1 to 3 reaching or exceeding Category 3 strength on the [[Saffir-Simpson scale]].


=== Pre-season forecasts ===
=== Pre-season forecasts ===
On [[December 5]], [[2005]], Dr. Gray's team issued its first extended-range forecast for the 2006 season, predicting a well above-average season (17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, 5 of Category 3 or higher). [http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/forecasts/2005/nov2005/]
On December 5, 2005, Klotzbach's team issued its initial extended-range forecast for the 2006 season, predicting an above average of 17&nbsp;named storms, nine of them hurricanes, and five classified as Category&nbsp;3 intensity or higher.<ref name="Gray Dec"/>


Additionally, once again, the team predicted a high potential for at least one major hurricane to directly impact the [[United States]]: the forecast indicates an 81% chance of at least one major hurricane striking the U.S. mainland (including a 64% chance of at least one major hurricane strike on the [[East Coast of the United States]] including the [[Florida]] peninsula, and a 47% chance of at least one major hurricane strike on the [[Gulf Coast of the United States]] from the [[Florida Panhandle]] westward). In addition, the potential for major hurricane activity in the [[Caribbean]] is above average.
As in the [[2005 Atlantic hurricane season|2005 season]], the team predicted it was highly probable that at least one major hurricane would directly impact the United States. The forecast suggested an 81%&nbsp;probability that at least one major hurricane would strike the U.S. mainland, a 64%&nbsp;chance of at least one major hurricane striking the East Coast of the United States (including the Florida peninsula), and a 47%&nbsp;chance of at least one major hurricane striking the Gulf Coast of the United States from the [[Florida Panhandle]] westward. The team also predicted that the potential for major hurricane activity in the Caribbean was above average. A few months later, on April 4, 2006, CSU issued another forecast confirming its December predictions.<ref name="Gray Apr">{{
cite web
|author1=Klotzbach, Philip J. |author2=Gray, William M. | date=April 4, 2006
| title=Extended Range Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity and U.S. Landfall Strike Probability for 2006
| publisher=Colorado State University
| access-date=May 22, 2006
| url=http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/forecasts/2006/april2006/
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060614003359/http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/Forecasts/2006/april2006/| archive-date= 14 June 2006 | url-status= live}}</ref>


On May 22, 2006, [[NOAA]] released its pre-season forecast for the 2006 season. The prediction was for 13–16 named storms, 8–10 of those becoming hurricanes, and&nbsp;4–6 becoming major hurricanes.<ref name = "NOAA May"/>
==Storms==
===Tropical Storm Zeta===
{{current}}
{{hurricane main|Tropical Storm Zeta}}
On [[December 30]], [[2005]], Tropical Storm Zeta formed, part of the 2005 season. It lasted into early 2006. To see the storm's current status and it's history and more see: [[2005 Atlantic hurricane season]].


On May 31, 2006, Klotzbach's team released its final pre-season forecast for 2006, confirming its earlier prediction.<ref name="Gray May">{{
==Recent timeline of events==
cite web
===January===
|author1=Klotzbach, Philip J. |author2=Gray, William M. | date=May 31, 2006
{{hurricane main|Timeline of the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season}}
| title=Extended Range Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity and U.S. Landfall Strike Probability for 2006
;[[January 1]]
| publisher=Colorado State University
:*0000 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]) - The year 2006 begins with [[2005 Atlantic hurricane season#Tropical Storm Zeta|'''Tropical Storm Zeta''']] still active, making Zeta only the second cross-season [[Atlantic hurricane|North Atlantic storm]] ever recorded.
| access-date=May 31, 2006
| url=http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/Forecasts/2006/june2006/
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060612205422/http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/forecasts/2006/june2006/| archive-date= 12 June 2006 | url-status= live}}</ref>


==2006 storm names==
=== Midseason outlooks ===
On August 3, 2006, Klotzbach's team lowered its season estimate to&nbsp;15 named storms, with&nbsp;7 becoming hurricanes and 3&nbsp;becoming major hurricanes, noting that conditions had become less favorable for storms than they had been earlier in the year. The sea-level pressure and trade wind strength in the tropical Atlantic were reported to be above normal, while [[sea surface temperature]] anomalies were on a decreasing trend.<ref name="Gray Aug">{{
The following names will be used for named storms that form in the North Atlantic in 2006. The names not retired from this list will be used again in the 2012 season. The list is the same as the [[2000 Atlantic hurricane season|2000]] list except for Kirk, which replaced [[Hurricane Keith|Keith]].
cite web
|author1=Klotzbach, Philip J. |author2=Gray, William M. | date=August 3, 2006
| title=Extended Range Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity and U.S. Landfall Strike Probability for 2006
| publisher=Colorado State University
| access-date=August 3, 2006
| url=http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/Forecasts/2006/aug2006/
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060808044729/http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/Forecasts/2006/aug2006/| archive-date= 8 August 2006 | url-status= live}}</ref>


On August 8, 2006, [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]] revised its season estimate to 12–15 named storms, with 7–9 becoming hurricanes, and 3–4 becoming major hurricanes. The reduction was attributed to less favorable environmental conditions, a decrease in [[La Niña]] conditions, and the lack of a "very persistent upper-level ridge pattern over the eastern U.S. and western Atlantic"<ref name="NOAA August">{{
{| width="90%"
cite web
| date=August 8, 2006
| title=NOAA: August 2006 Update to Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook
| publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date=August 8, 2006
| url=http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2006/s2678.htm
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060811085915/http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2006/s2678.htm| archive-date= 11 August 2006 | url-status= live}}</ref>

On September 1, Klotzbach's team also revised its season estimate, to 13&nbsp;named storms, 5&nbsp;hurricanes, and 2&nbsp;major hurricanes, citing a larger volume of the [[Saharan Air Layer]] and an [[El Niño–Southern Oscillation|El Niño]] trend in the Pacific.<ref name="CSU Sept">{{
cite web
|author1=Klotzbach, Philip J.
|author2=Gray, William M.
|date=September 1, 2006
|title=Forecast of Atlantic hurricane activity for September and October 2006 and seasonal update through August
|publisher=Colorado State University
|access-date=September 1, 2006
|url=http://typhoon.atmos.colostate.edu/forecasts/2006/sep2006/
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060908142103/http://typhoon.atmos.colostate.edu/Forecasts/2006/sep2006/
|archive-date=September 8, 2006
|url-status=dead
}}</ref> The team again reduced the number of tropical storms expected for the season a month later, on October 3, with an updated forecast of 11&nbsp;named storms, 6&nbsp;hurricanes, and 2&nbsp;major hurricanes, citing the ongoing [[El Niño]].<ref name="CSU Oct">{{
cite web
|author1=Klotzbach, Philip J.
|author2=Gray, William M.
|date=October 3, 2006
|title=Forecast of Atlantic hurricane activity for October–November 2006 and seasonal update through September
|publisher=Colorado State University
|access-date=October 3, 2006
|url=http://typhoon.atmos.colostate.edu/forecasts/2006/oct2006/
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061031155002/http://typhoon.atmos.colostate.edu/Forecasts/2006/oct2006/
|archive-date=October 31, 2006
|url-status=dead
}}</ref>

==Seasonal summary==
{{For timeline}}
{{center|<timeline>
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[[File:Gordon and Helene 18 sept 2006.jpg|195px|thumb|Satellite image on September&nbsp;18 of Hurricane Gordon on the top, with Hurricane Helene to the bottom]]
[[Tropical Storm Zeta (2005)|Tropical Storm Zeta]] formed on December 30, 2005, and lasted until January 6, 2006. Although the majority of its existence occurred in 2006, it is officially a storm of the [[2005 Atlantic hurricane season]] as that is the year in which it formed. Zeta joined [[Hurricane Alice (December 1954)|Hurricane Alice]] as only the second [[North Atlantic tropical cyclone]] in recorded history to span two calendar years.<ref name="ZetaTCR">{{cite web|author1=Knabb, Richard D. |author2=Brown, Daniel P. |title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Zeta|date=March 17, 2006|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 3, 2011|format=[[PDF]]|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL312005_Zeta}}}}</ref>

The season started on June 1, 2006, and officially ended on November 30, 2006. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the [[Atlantic basin]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Hurricane Resreach Division |title=FAQ Subjest G3: When is hurricane season? |access-date=April 16, 2008 |url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/G1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416133407/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/G1.html |archive-date=April 16, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Ten days into the start of the season, [[Tropical Storm Alberto (2006)|Tropical Storm Alberto]] developed in the Caribbean,<ref name="Alberto TCR"/> and after four months of activity, [[Hurricane Isaac (2006)|Hurricane Isaac]] dissipated on October&nbsp;3 south of [[Newfoundland (island)|Newfoundland]].<ref name="Isaac TCR"/> Compared to the devastating [[2005 Atlantic hurricane season]], 2006 was not severe in terms of deaths and damage. Three tropical storms made landfall in the United States. The first of them, [[Tropical Storm Alberto (2006)|Tropical Storm Alberto]], made landfall in Florida with winds of {{convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, causing flooding and light damage.<ref name="Alberto TCR"/> [[Tropical Storm Beryl (2006)|Tropical Storm Beryl]] made landfall on [[Nantucket]], but left little impact.<ref name="Beryl TCR"/> The third and more significant storm was [[Hurricane Ernesto (2006)|Hurricane Ernesto]], which killed two people in [[Virginia]] and two in Florida, as well as causing $500&nbsp;million in damage (2006&nbsp;USD).<ref name="Ernesto TCR">{{cite web|author1=Knabb, Richard D.|author2=Mainelli, Michelle |title=Hurricane Ernesto Tropical Cyclone Report|date=December 15, 2006|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=January 27, 2008|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL062006_Ernesto}} |format=[[PDF]]}}</ref> During the season, only one tropical cyclone in the Atlantic – Alberto – affected Mexico.<ref name="smnalbe"/> Canada was affected by several tropical cyclones during 2006, including Alberto, the unnamed storm, Beryl, Florence, and Isaac.<ref name="chc"/>

On June 20, an upper-level disturbance formed east of the [[Bahamas]] and moved westward across the islands. Between June 24 and 26, areas of convection developed occasionally, and a low-level disturbance formed. The system turned northward and upon reaching the [[Gulf Stream]] on June 27, it began to mature. It made landfall near [[Morehead City, North Carolina]] and moved northeastward along the U.S. East Coast. The storm contributed to [[2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood|severe and deadly flooding]] in the [[Mid-Atlantic states]]. While the NHC did not operationally classify it, data from [[reconnaissance]] aircraft, [[NEXRAD]] [[weather radar]], and [[surface weather analysis|surface observations]] suggest it may have met the criteria for a tropical cyclone.<ref name="mwr">{{cite journal|volume=138|issue=1|author=Gruskin, Zachary|journal=[[Monthly Weather Review]]|publisher=[[American Meteorological Society]]|pages=265–278|date=January 2010|title=Structure and Evolution of a Possible U.S. Landfalling Tropical Storm in 2006|doi=10.1175/2009MWR3000.1|bibcode = 2010MWRv..138..265G |doi-access=free}}</ref>

[[File:Atlantic hurricane historical.png|left|thumb|A graph showing averages and statistics for Atlantic hurricane seasons]]
The [[National Hurricane Center]]'s pre-season activity outlook predicted 13–16&nbsp;named storms, 8–10&nbsp;hurricanes and 4–6&nbsp;major hurricanes.<ref name = "NOAA May"/>
They also predicted a high risk of at least one major hurricane strike to the Southeastern United States. In the event, only ten storms formed during the season, the lowest number since the [[1997 Atlantic hurricane season|1997 season]], when there were seven. Five of the ten storms developed into hurricanes— the lowest number since 2002– only two attained major hurricane status, tying with [[2002 Atlantic hurricane season|2002]] for the fewest since 1997. Only one named storm was observed during October, the lowest number since 1994, when none were seen during that month. Additionally, only three named storms made landfall in the United States, the fewest since 2001.<ref name="Gray Nov"/> Because of several factors, including a rapidly forming [[El Niño]] event, the [[Saharan Air Layer]] over the tropical Atlantic and the presence of a high-pressure area to the [[Azores High]] situated near Bermuda, it contributed to a below average season.<ref name="NOAA May">{{
cite web
| year=2006
| title=NOAA Predicts Very Active 2006 North Atlantic Hurricane Season
| publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date=May 22, 2006
| url=http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2006/s2634.htm
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060612004343/http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2006/s2634.htm| archive-date= 12 June 2006 | url-status= live}}</ref> Also, sea surface temperatures in the western Atlantic were just at or slightly below average. In contrast, sea surface temperatures during the 2005 season were well above average.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2006 Tropical Storm Season Now Below Average |date=August 21, 2006 |publisher=WeatherStreet |access-date=May 5, 2008 |url=http://www.weatherstreet.com/hurricane/2006/hurricane-atlantic-2006-below-normal-season.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512062156/http://www.weatherstreet.com/hurricane/2006/hurricane-atlantic-2006-below-normal-season.htm |archive-date=May 12, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Overall, the season's activity was reflected with a low cumulative [[accumulated cyclone energy]] (ACE) rating of 79.<ref>{{cite web|author=Hurricane Research Division |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |date=March 2011 |title=Atlantic basin Comparison of Original and Revised HURDAT |access-date=July 23, 2011 |url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/Comparison_of_Original_and_Revised_HURDAT_mar11.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129161149/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/Comparison_of_Original_and_Revised_HURDAT_mar11.html |archive-date=November 29, 2011 }}</ref> ACE is, broadly speaking, a measure of the power of the hurricane multiplied by the length of time it existed, so storms that last a long time, as well as particularly strong hurricanes, have high ACEs. ACE is only calculated for full advisories on tropical systems at or exceeding {{convert|34|kn|mph km/h}} or tropical storm strength. [[Subtropical cyclone]]s are excluded from the total.<ref>{{cite web|author=Levinson, David|date=August 20, 2008|title=2005 Atlantic Ocean Tropical Cyclones|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|access-date=July 23, 2011|url=http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/2005/2005-atlantic-trop-cyclones.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051201033336/https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/2005/2005-atlantic-trop-cyclones.html|archive-date=December 1, 2005|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{clear}}

==Systems ==
===Tropical Storm Alberto===
{{Infobox tropical cyclone small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=Alberto 2006-06-12 1830Z.jpg
|Track=Alberto 2006 track.png
|Formed=June 10
|Dissipated=June 14
|1-min winds=60
|Pressure=995
}}
{{Main|Tropical Storm Alberto (2006)}}
On June 10, an area of disturbed weather associated with a broad [[low-pressure area]] off the coast of [[Belize]] organized over the warm waters of the Caribbean into the first tropical depression of the season.<ref name="Alberto TCR"/> It dropped light rainfall in Mexico, with a 24-hour total peaking at {{convert|4|in|mm}} in [[Peto, Yucatán]].<ref name="smnalbe">{{cite web|author=Hernández Unzón, Alberto|year=2006|title=Resumen de la Tormenta Tropical "Alberto" del Océano Atlántico|publisher=Servicio Meteorológico Nacional|access-date=May 11, 2007|url=http://smn.cna.gob.mx/ciclones/tempo2006/atlantico/alberto/alberto.pdf| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070102114330/http://smn.cna.gob.mx/ciclones/tempo2006/atlantico/alberto/alberto.pdf| archive-date = January 2, 2007}}</ref> Southwesterly vertical wind shear initially prevented significant development, but as it moved closer to Florida, the depression strengthened into a tropical storm on June&nbsp;11. Passing over the warm, deep water of the [[Loop Current]] allowed accelerated development, and the cyclone reached its peak winds of {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, just shy of hurricane strength. Subsequent weakening occurred as it moved over the cooler waters of the [[continental shelf]], and Alberto made landfall near Adams Beach, Florida, on June 14 with winds of about {{convert|45|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name = "Alberto TCR"/> Losing its tropical characteristics, Alberto moved northeastward and produced heavy rainfall in [[South Carolina]] and [[North Carolina]]. The remnants tracked off the U.S. East Coast and transitioned into a powerful extratropical storm which affected [[Nova Scotia]] with high winds, heavy rain, and rough surf, leaving four fisherman missing offshore.<ref name="Alberto TCR">{{Cite web|author1=Avila, Lixion A.|author2=Brown, Daniel P. |title=Tropical Storm Alberto Tropical Cyclone Report|date=September 11, 2007|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=January 26, 2008|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL012006_Alberto}} |format=PDF}}</ref>

Alberto caused record rainfall in [[North Carolina]], peaking at {{convert|8|in|mm}}.<ref name="ncrainbroke">{{cite web|author=Blaes|year=2006|title=Remnants of Alberto Produced Record Rainfall Amounts Across Central North Carolina|publisher=Raleigh, North Carolina National Weather Service|access-date=May 20, 2007|url=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~nwsfo/storage/cases/20060614/20060615.RDUPNSRAH.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205052031/http://www4.ncsu.edu/~nwsfo/storage/cases/20060614/20060615.RDUPNSRAH.html|archive-date=February 5, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In Florida, two people died,<ref name="flncdc3">{{cite web|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|access-date=May 21, 2007 |year=2006 |title=Tropical Storm Alberto Event Report for Florida (3) |url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~607443 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719185234/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~607443 |archive-date=July 19, 2009 |df=mdy}}</ref> and damage was estimated at $250,000 (2006&nbsp;USD).<ref name="Alberto Damage">{{cite web|title=Storm event: Tropical Storm – Florida |year=2006 |publisher=National Climatic Data Center |access-date=January 27, 2008 |url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~607440 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308001615/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~607440 |archive-date=March 8, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> Later, the storm left four sailors missing about {{convert|230|mi|km}} south of Nova Scotia.<ref name="Alberto TCR"/>{{clear}}

===Unnamed tropical storm===
{{Infobox tropical cyclone small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=02L 2006-07-17 1730Z.jpg
|Track=2006 Atlantic tropical storm 2 track.png
|Formed=July 17
|Dissipated=July 18
|1-min winds=45
|Pressure=998
}}
A [[cold front]] exited the eastern United States on July 13 and subsequently stalled over the western Atlantic Ocean.<ref name="utcr">{{cite web|author=Blake, Eric|author2=Beven, John|name-list-style=amp|year=2006|title=Unnamed Tropical Storm Tropical Cyclone Report|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2012-03-28|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL022006_Unnamed}}}}</ref> It decayed and dissipated, leaving behind two areas of [[low-pressure area|low pressure]].<ref name="two2">{{cite web|author=Mainelli, Michelle|author2=Beven, Jack|name-list-style=amp|date=2006-07-16|title=July 16, 2006 Tropical Weather Outlook (2)|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-06-20|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2006/TWOAT.200607162114.txt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106034903/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2006/TWOAT.200607162114.txt|archive-date=November 6, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The southern area near North Carolina became [[Tropical Storm Beryl (2006)|Tropical Storm Beryl]],<ref name="btcr">{{cite web|author=Pasch, Richard|date=August 31, 2006|title=Tropical Storm Beryl Tropical Cyclone Report|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2012-03-28|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL032006_Beryl}}}}</ref> and the northern system became an [[extratropical cyclone|extratropical low]] on July 16, south-southeast of [[Cape Cod, Massachusetts]]. The system separated itself from the dissipating front later that day while moving northeastward over warm waters. Convection developed near the center, and the system transitioned into a tropical depression early on July 17, about {{convert|240|mi|km}} southeast of [[Nantucket, Massachusetts]].<ref name="utcr"/> Accelerating northeastward, the depression intensified into a tropical storm six hours later. [[tropical cyclone#Background|Banding features]] became prominent, and after continued strengthening, the storm attained peak winds of {{convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} late on July 17, while located about {{convert|245|mi|km}} south of [[Halifax, Nova Scotia]]. Shortly thereafter, the storm encountered much cooler water temperatures after leaving the [[Gulf Stream]]. The storm quickly weakened as the convection rapidly diminished, and on July 18, degenerated into a non-convective remnant low. The remnants crossed [[Newfoundland (island)|Newfoundland]], before turning to the east-northeast and dissipating on July 19.<ref name="utcr"/> The storm greatly weakened prior to moving across Newfoundland, and as a result, its impact was minimal.<ref name="chc"/>

Operationally, the storm was considered as a non-tropical gale, connected to a cold front. However, a post-season analysis provided enough evidence of [[tropical cyclogenesis|tropical characteristics]], indicating no frontal features and no cold air intrusion at the time of peak winds. Observations analyzed the storm as having a symmetric [[warm-core cyclone|warm core]], whereas in real time it was considered [[subtropical cyclone|subtropical]]. The [[National Hurricane Center]] officially re-classified the system as an unnamed tropical storm on December 15, 2006.<ref name="utcr"/>
{{clear}}

===Tropical Storm Beryl===
{{Infobox tropical cyclone small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=Beryl 2006-07-20 1800Z.jpg
|Track=Beryl 2006 track.png
|Formed=July 18
|Dissipated=July 21
|1-min winds=50
|Pressure=1000
}}
The same frontal system that developed the previous storm also produced another low-pressure area east of North Carolina.<ref name="Beryl TCR">{{Cite web|author=Pasch, Richard J. |title=Tropical Storm Beryl Tropical Cyclone Report|date=August 31, 2006|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=January 27, 2008|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL022006_Beryl}}|format=[[PDF]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Michelle Mainelli|author2=Jack Beven|date=July 16, 2006|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 22, 2024|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2006/TWOAT.200607162114.txt|format=TXT }}</ref> The system was broad and ill-defined at first,<ref>{{cite web|author=Richard Pasch|date=July 17, 2006|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 22, 2024|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2006/TWOAT.200607170900.txt|format=TXT }}</ref> although the low-level circulation became sufficiently organized to be designated a tropical depression on July&nbsp;18, about 290&nbsp;mi (465&nbsp;km) east-southeast of the coast of North Carolina. Later that day, the depression developed organized rainbands over the eastern periphery of the circulation, and as a result, the NHC upgraded it to Tropical Storm Beryl. The nascent storm moved generally northward at first along the western periphery of a subtropical ridge, parallel to the [[East Coast of the United States]]. With low wind shear and favorable outflow, Beryl intensified to reach a peak intensity of {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} early on July 20.<ref name="Beryl TCR"/> Around that time, the storm developed an [[eye (cyclone)|eye-like]] feature in the center of the convection.<ref name="chc720">{{cite web|author=Bowyer |year=2006 |title=Tropical Storm Beryl Information Statement on July 20, 2006 |publisher=Canadian Hurricane Centre |access-date=2007-05-24 |url=http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/bulletins/20060720175858.Beryl.txt.en |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061002070221/http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/bulletins/20060720175858.Beryl.txt.en |archive-date=October 2, 2006 }}</ref> Cooler waters caused Beryl to weaken, as it turned northeastward ahead of an approaching trough. Early on July&nbsp;21, the storm struck the island of [[Nantucket]] with winds of 50&nbsp;mph (85&nbsp;km/h). Shortly thereafter, Beryl transitioned into an extratropical cyclone, which moved through [[Nova Scotia]] before merging with another extratropical cyclone on July&nbsp;22 over Newfoundland.<ref name="Beryl TCR"/>

Due to the storm's path near the eastern United States, the NHC issued several tropical cyclone watches and warnings,<ref name="Beryl TCR"/> while the [[Canadian Hurricane Centre]] issued gale warnings for the coastal waters off [[Nova Scotia]] and Newfoundland.<ref name="chc720"/> Ferry service between Nantucket and Cape Cod was halted during the storm.<ref name="local">{{cite news|author1=Andrew Ryan |author2=Yuxing Zheng |author3=Peter Schworm |name-list-style=amp |newspaper=Boston Globe|date=2006-07-21|title=Tropical Storm Beryl fizzles as it passes over Nantucket|access-date=2011-06-23|url=http://www.boston.com/news/globe/city_region/breaking_news/2006/07/tropical_storm_2.html}}</ref> Waves along the southern coast of Nantucket reached {{convert|10|ft|m}} in height as the storm approached the island,<ref name="nasa">{{cite web|author=NASA/GOES Project Office|year=2006|title=Beryl's Effect on Nantucket Island, Mass|access-date=May 22, 2007|url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hurricanes/archives/2006/h2006_beryl.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926221718/http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hurricanes/archives/2006/h2006_beryl.html|archive-date=September 26, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> resulting in four people being rescued by lifeguards from rip currents.<ref name="bg721">{{cite news|author1=Johnson, Carolyn|author2=Zheng, Yuxing|title=Tropical Storm Beryl sweeps into region|work=Boston Globe|access-date=May 22, 2007|url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/07/21/tropical_storm_beryl_sweeps_into_region/|date=July 21, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150603142721/http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/07/21/tropical_storm_beryl_sweeps_into_region/|archive-date=June 3, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Light rainfall, reaching {{convert|0.97|in|mm}}, was recorded on Nantucket, and wind gusts reached {{convert|44|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima}}<ref name="Beryl TCR"/> Impacts in the area were limited to downed telephone poles and fallen tree branches.<ref name="boston">{{cite news|author=Boston Globe|title=Tropical Storm Beryl Pays Nantucket a Visit|access-date=2007-05-22|url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/07/22/tropical_storm_beryl_pays_nantucket_a_visit | work=The Boston Globe | date=2006-07-22}}</ref> The remnants of Tropical Storm Beryl dropped moderate precipitation in Atlantic Canada, with totals of up to {{convert|3.5|in|mm}}; in some locations {{convert|1|in|mm}} of rain fell in an hour. Moderate winds were reported along its path, which peaked at {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in southern Nova Scotia. The storm caused minor street flooding and power outages across Atlantic Canada.<ref name="chc">{{cite web|publisher=Canadian Hurricane Centre|year=2007 |title=2006 Atlantic Hurricane Season Review |access-date=May 24, 2007 |url=http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/storm06.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070726014055/http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/storm06.html |archive-date=July 26, 2007 |df=mdy}}</ref> {{clear}}

===Tropical Storm Chris===
{{Infobox tropical cyclone small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=03L Chris 2006.jpg
|Track=Chris 2006 track.png
|Formed=August 1
|Dissipated=August 4
|1-min winds=55
|Pressure=1001
}}
{{Main|Tropical Storm Chris (2006)}}
In late July, a [[tropical wave]] moved off the coast of Africa and traversed the Atlantic Ocean. The associated convection organized and became a tropical depression on August 1 about {{convert|160|mi|km}} east of [[Antigua]]. The depression tracked westward and soon intensified into Tropical Storm Chris before reaching peak winds of {{convert|65|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} northeast of the [[United States Virgin Islands]]. The storm was forecast to strengthen further and become a hurricane as it moved into the [[Bahamas]]. However, Chris began to be affected by wind shear and became disorganized. The storm weakened to a tropical depression on August 4, and dissipated as it approached the [[Cuba]]n coast on August&nbsp;5.<ref name="Chris TCR">{{cite web|author=Stewart, Stacy R.|title=Tropical Storm Chris Tropical Cyclone Report|date=December 14, 2006|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=January 27, 2008|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL042006_Chris}}|format=[[PDF]]}}</ref>

The storm's effects were limited to moderate rainfall in [[Hispaniola]] and Cuba. Cruise lines such as [[Royal Caribbean International|Royal Caribbean]] re-routed their ships to avoid the storm.<ref>{{cite web|author=Royal Caribbean|title=Tropical Weather Update for August 2, 2006|access-date=August 2, 2006|url=http://www.royalcaribbean.com/contentPage.do;jsessionid=0000ZpYZCuMqnhT6dS0NHdrM_pt:10ktdmlju?pagename=important_updates|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928010649/http://www.royalcaribbean.com/contentPage.do;jsessionid=0000ZpYZCuMqnhT6dS0NHdrM_pt:10ktdmlju?pagename=important_updates|archive-date=September 28, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[Puerto Rico]], rainfall from the storm caused the Fajardo River to overflow its banks. The floodwaters temporarily forced a closure of a highway in the northeastern portion of the island. Rainfall reached up to {{convert|2|in|mm}} across portions of Hispaniola, the [[Turks and Caicos]], the Bahamas, and eastern Cuba, and reached {{convert|4|in|mm}} in some mountainous areas.<ref name="Chris TCR"/>
{{clear}}

===Tropical Storm Debby===
{{Infobox tropical cyclone small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=TS debby 2006.jpg
|Track=Debby 2006 track.png
|Formed=August 21
|Dissipated=August 26
|1-min winds=45
|Pressure=999
}}
On August 20, a vigorous [[tropical wave]] exited the coast of [[Africa]], developing convective [[rainbands|banding]] and a broad circulation.<ref name="tcr">{{Cite web|author=James L. Franklin|date=2006-11-02|title=Tropical Storm Debby Tropical Cyclone Report|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2011-02-25|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL052006_Debby}}|format=PDF}}</ref> A broad area of low pressure formed within the wave the next day and despite convection weakening, the area of low pressure remained well-organized,<ref name="aug21two">{{cite web|author=Eric Blake & James Franklin|date=2006-08-21|title=August 21 Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2011-02-25|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Outlook-A/2006082115.ABNT20}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=no }}</ref> becoming Tropical Depression Four later that day with water temperatures and minimal upper-level shear conducive for further intensification.<ref name="td1disc">{{cite web|author=James L. Franklin|date=2006-08-21|title=Tropical Depression One Discussion One|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2011-02-25|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al04/al042006.discus.001.shtml?}}</ref> The next day, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Debby about 300&nbsp;mi (485&nbsp;km) southwest of Cape Verde.<ref name="tcr"/> Debby strengthened further, peaking with sustained winds of {{Convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} later that day. However, shortly after reaching its peak intensity, Debby encountered dry air and subsequently weakened with its low level circulation detaching from the weakening system which was tracking west-northwestward.<ref name="debbydisc9">{{cite web|author=James L. Franklin|date=2006-08-23|title=Tropical Storm Debby Discussion Nine|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2011-02-25|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al04/al042006.discus.009.shtml?}}</ref> Convection redeveloped over a portion of the center, while banding features redeveloped as well.<ref name="debbydisc10">{{cite web|author=Stacy Stewart|date=2006-08-24|title=Tropical Storm Debby Discussion Ten|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2011-02-25|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al04/al042006.discus.010.shtml?}}</ref> Organization continued, and Debby once again peaked with {{Convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} the next day.<ref name="debbydisc12">{{cite web|author=James L. Franklin|date=2006-08-24|title=Tropical Storm Debby Discussion Twelve|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2011-02-25|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al04/al042006.discus.012.shtml?}}</ref> Soon after, southerly [[wind shear]] displaced the convection to the north of the center,<ref name="debbydisc16">{{cite web|author=David Roberts & Jack Beven|date=2006-08-25|title=Tropical Storm Debby Discussion Sixteen|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2011-02-25|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al04/al042006.discus.016.shtml?}}</ref> causing Debby to weaken into a tropical depression the next day.<ref name="debbydisc19">{{cite web|author=Eric Blake & Lixion Avila|date=2006-08-26|title=Tropical Depression Debby Discussion Nineteen|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2011-02-25|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al04/al042006.discus.019.shtml?}}</ref> Soon after, Debby degenerated into a remnant low. The remnants of Debby persisted before dissipating on August 28.<ref name="tcr"/>

When Debby was first warned on, the government of [[Cape Verde]] issued a [[Tropical cyclone warnings and watches|tropical storm warning]]. The [[National Hurricane Center]] stated that heavy rainfall, potentially as high as 10&nbsp;in (250&nbsp;mm) in mountainous areas, was possible.<ref name="td1pubadv">{{cite web|author=James Franklin|date=2006-08-21|title=Tropical Depression Public Advisory One|publisher=National Hurricane|access-date=2011-02-25|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al04/al042006.public.001.shtml?}}</ref> However, all warnings were discontinued six hours later,<ref name="tddisc1">{{cite web |author=James L. Franklin |date=2006-08-22 |title=Tropical Depression Four Discussion Two |url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al04/al042006.discus.002.shtml? |access-date=2011-02-25 |publisher=National Hurricane Center}}</ref> the depression moved away from the islands.<ref name="td4pubadv4">{{cite web|author=James Franklin|date=2006-08-22|title=Tropical Depression Four Public Advisory Four|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2011-02-25|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al04/al042006.public.004.shtml?}}</ref> Despite that, the depression produced a gust of 35&nbsp;mph (55&nbsp;km/h) at [[Fogo, Cape Verde|Fogo]]<ref name="tcr"/> and some rainfall.<ref name="capeverdeap">{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Tropical Depression Reaches Cape Verde Islands|access-date=2011-02-25|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,209786,00.html?sPage=fnc.specialsections/naturaldisaster | publisher=Fox News | date=2006-08-22}}</ref> Despite Debby being forecast to remain far away from the [[Gulf of Mexico]], investors tracking the storm caused the price of crude oil to rise significantly due to its potential impact to oil installations.<ref name="oil">{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Star|date=2006-08-26|title=Oil prices higher in Asia|access-date=2006-09-05|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/2006/08/26/d60826051277.htm}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

===Hurricane Ernesto===
{{Infobox tropical cyclone small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=Ernesto 2006-08-27 0630Z.jpg
|Track=Ernesto 2006 track.png
|Formed=August 24
|Dissipated=September 1
|1-min winds=65
|Pressure=985
}}
{{Main|Hurricane Ernesto (2006)}}
Hurricane Ernesto originated from a tropical wave which moved off the coast of Africa on August 18. The wave progressed westward and reached the Western Atlantic, spawning a tropical depression on August 24 near the [[Windward Islands]]. It moved west-northwestward through the Caribbean Sea and intensified into Tropical Storm Ernesto on August&nbsp;25. The storm briefly attained hurricane status on August&nbsp;27 to the southwest of Haiti, before land interaction caused weakening. Ernesto made landfall near [[Guantánamo Bay]], Cuba, early in the morning on August&nbsp;28 as a tropical storm. At one point the storm was predicted to become a major hurricane in the [[Gulf of Mexico]] and threaten parts of the [[Gulf Coast]]. However, Ernesto moved much farther east than anticipated, and made landfall as a tropical storm on the southern tip of Florida on August&nbsp;29. Ernesto retained tropical storm strength as it crossed Florida and emerged from land near [[Cape Canaveral]], and was just below hurricane strength when it made landfall again in North Carolina on August 31. Ernesto transitioned into an extratropical cyclone over Virginia on September 1, which ultimately dissipated over Quebec on September&nbsp;4.<ref name = "Ernesto TCR"/>

Early in its duration, Ernesto killed five people in Haiti from rainfall. Later, two people died in Florida in traffic accidents due to slick roads. Damage was heaviest in Virginia, where heavy rains left severe flooding. Damage in the United States was estimated at $500&nbsp;million (2006&nbsp;USD).<ref name = "Ernesto TCR"/>
{{clear}}

===Hurricane Florence===
{{Infobox tropical cyclone small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=Florence 2006-09-10 1730Z.jpg
|Track=Florence 2006 track.png
|Formed=September 3
|Dissipated=September 12
|1-min winds=80
|Pressure=974
}}
{{Main|Hurricane Florence (2006)}}
Hurricane Florence originated on September 3 from the complex merging of two tropical waves, creating one large low-pressure area. The disturbance moved westward and became a tropical depression in the open waters of the Atlantic. On September 5, it organized further and was upgraded into Tropical Storm Florence. With a disorganized structure and multiple circulation centers, Florence remained a weak tropical storm for several days, even after external conditions became favorable for strengthening. Florence tracked west-northwest and intensified into a hurricane on September 10 while south of [[Bermuda]]. The storm passed just to the east of Bermuda as a Category&nbsp;1 hurricane on the [[Saffir–Simpson scale]] as it reached its peak intensity of {{convert|90|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. It moved north before losing its tropical characteristics and passing over the [[Canadian Maritimes]] as a strong extratropical storm.<ref name="Florence TCR">{{cite web|author=Beven, Jack|title=Hurricane Florence Tropical Cyclone Report |date=January 4, 2007 |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=January 27, 2008 |url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL072006_Florence}} |format=[[PDF]]}}</ref>

Large [[Swell (ocean)|swells]], [[Rip current|rip tide]], and [[undertow (wave action)|undertow]] were reported on Bermuda, the [[Leeward Islands]], the [[Virgin Islands]], and [[Hispaniola]].<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|publisher=CNN|title=Bermuda braces as Florence becomes hurricane|date=September 10, 2006|url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/WEATHER/09/10/bermuda.tropical.ap/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060926071243/http://www.cnn.com/2006/WEATHER/09/10/bermuda.tropical.ap/index.html|archive-date=September 26, 2006}}</ref> Florence affected Bermuda with wind gusts up to {{convert|115|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and heavy rain which left 23,000&nbsp;houses without electricity. In all, the storm caused $200,000 (2006&nbsp;USD; ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|200000|2006}}}} {{#time:Y}}&nbsp;USD) in damage. Florence then brought heavy rains across [[Newfoundland (island)|Newfoundland]] as an [[extratropical storm]], destroying one house and causing minor damage to several others. There were no fatalities as a result of the hurricane.<ref name="Florence Damage">{{Cite web|title=Florence deals Bermuda a blow, moves on|date=September 8, 2006|publisher=NBC News|access-date=January 27, 2008|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/14732170|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901150712/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/14732170/|archive-date=September 1, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Hurricane Gordon===
{{Infobox tropical cyclone small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=Hurricane Gordon 2006.jpg
|Track=Gordon 2006 track.png
|Formed=September 10
|Dissipated=September 20
|1-min winds=105
|Pressure=955
}}
{{Main|Hurricane Gordon (2006)}}
A tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on September 1. The wave tracked westward across the Atlantic for several days until it reached an area of relaxed [[wind shear]] and its associated low-pressure area organized into a tropical depression. It moved east-northeast and was upgraded to Tropical Storm Gordon on September 11, while located over the open waters of the Atlantic. Gordon turned north, and became a hurricane on September 13. It intensified to Category&nbsp;3 status on the [[Saffir–Simpson scale]] and reached its peak intensity of {{convert|120|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} on September 14. Tracking northward, it began to lose tropical characteristics. On September 20, the system affected Britain with high winds and heavy rain as an [[extratropical cyclone]].<ref name="Gordon TCR">{{cite web|author=Blake, Eric S.|title=Hurricane Gordon Tropical Cyclone Report|date=November 14, 2006|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=January 27, 2008|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL082006_Gordon}}|format=[[PDF]]}}</ref> During Gordon's passage through Britain, 120,000&nbsp;homes were left without power after winds of {{convert|80|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} affected the country.<ref name="Gordon Damage">{{cite news|title=Thousands of homes without power|date=September 23, 2006|publisher=BBC News|access-date=January 26, 2008|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/5371984.stm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102231226/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/5371984.stm|archive-date=January 2, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Hurricane Helene===
{{Infobox tropical cyclone small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=Hurricane Helene 18 sept 2006.jpg
|Track=Helene 2006 track.png
|Formed=September 12
|Dissipated=September 24
|1-min winds=105
|Pressure=955
}}
On September 11, a vigorous tropical wave moved off the west coast of Africa, which the NHC expected would develop into a tropical cyclone. The convection increased and organized further, leading to the development of a tropical depression on September&nbsp;12, located 270&nbsp;mi (370&nbsp;km) south-southeast of the Cape Verde Islands. While passing south of the islands, the depression struggled to intensify due to easterly wind shear and the cyclone's large size. Improved rainbands developed over the northern periphery, signaling that the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Helene on September&nbsp;14.<ref name="HeleneTCR">{{cite web|author=Brown, Daniel P.|title=Hurricane Helene Tropical Cyclone Report|date=November 15, 2006|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=January 27, 2008|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL092006_Helene}}|format=[[PDF]]}}</ref> A day later, as wind shear decreased, Helene began intensifying, reaching hurricane intensity on September&nbsp;16, as it developed a ragged eye in the center of the convection.<ref name="HeleneTCR"/><ref name="Helene13">{{cite web | date=September 15, 2006 | title=Tropical Storm Helene Discussion #13 | publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]] | access-date=2006-11-24 | url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al08/al082006.discus.013.shtml? }}</ref><ref name="Helene17">{{cite web | date=September 16, 2006 | title=Hurricane Helene Discussion #17 | publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]] | access-date=2006-11-24 | url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al08/al082006.discus.017.shtml? }}</ref> On September 17, the intensification became more rapid and Helene quickly became a Category&nbsp;2 hurricane that morning as the eye became clearer and surrounded by deep convection.<ref name="Helene21">{{cite web | date=September 17, 2006 | title=Hurricane Helene Discussion #21 | publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]] | access-date=2006-11-24 | url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al08/al082006.discus.021.shtml? }}</ref> Helene also turned more northward and slowed in the central Atlantic, which was in response to a weakness in the [[subtropical ridge]] farther north created by Gordon to the north. Early on September&nbsp;18, Helene peaked as a Category&nbsp;3 hurricane with winds of {{convert|120|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="HeleneTCR"/>

At the time of peak intensity, Helene and Gordon were at roughly the same longitude in the open ocean, although the latter moved eastward. This caused a ridge to move southward, forcing Helene westward.<ref name="HeleneTCR"/> Helene weakened slightly due to a lengthy [[eyewall replacement cycle]] and an elongated cloud pattern.<ref name="HeleneTCR"/><ref name="Helene31">{{cite web | date=September 19, 2006 | title=Hurricane Helene Discussion #31 | publisher=National Hurricane Center | access-date=2006-11-24 | url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al08/al082006.discus.031.shtml? }}</ref> Further weakening occurred on September&nbsp;20 as wind shear increased.<ref name="Helene33">{{cite web | date=September 20, 2006 | title=Hurricane Helene Discussion #33 | publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]] | access-date=2006-11-24 | url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al08/al082006.discus.033.shtml? }}</ref> A day later, Helene turned back to the north and later northeast ahead of a trough that exited the east coast of the United States.<ref name="HeleneTCR"/> The hurricane re-intensified slightly on September&nbsp;23, although the structure resembled a hybrid cyclone at that time, with an asymmetric frontal-like appearance.<ref>{{cite web | date=September 23, 2006 | title=Hurricane Helene Discussion #47 | publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]] | access-date=2006-11-24 | url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al08/al082006.discus.047.shtml? }}</ref> Helene remained a warm-core cyclone until September&nbsp;24, when it transitioned into an extratropical cyclone northwest of the Azores. Continuing northeast, the cyclone passed near Iceland on September&nbsp;27. Later that day, the remnants of Helene merged with another larger extratropical cyclone north of the British Isles.<ref name="HeleneTCR"/>

Helene produced high surf along the east coast of the United States.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Coen |first=Jon |date=23 September 2006 |title=Hurricane Helene helps make for good swells at Brave New World Pro-Am in Manasquan |volume=127 |pages=C1, C6 |work=[[Asbury Park Press]] |publisher=Gannett |issue=228 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103586524/hurricane-helene-surfing-conditions/ |access-date=11 June 2022 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> As a weakened extratropical system, strong wind gusts were reported in [[Ireland]] and northern [[Scotland]]. The strongest reported wind gust in Ireland was at the [[Valentia Observatory]], where {{convert|56|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} gusts were reported. In Scotland, the strongest gust was on [[South Uist]] Island in the [[Outer Hebrides]], where {{convert|74|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} gusts were reported.<ref name="HeleneTCR"/>
{{clear}}

===Hurricane Isaac===
{{Infobox tropical cyclone small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=Isaac 2006-09-30 1710Z.jpg
|Track=Isaac 2006 track.png
|Formed=September 27
|Dissipated=October 2
|1-min winds=75
|Pressure=985
}}
A tropical wave exited the west coast of Africa on September&nbsp;18. For several days, the system moved across the Atlantic, producing occasional pulses of convection. Wind shear limited development, until relaxing enough for a tropical depression to develop on September&nbsp;27, located about {{convert|930|mi|km|abbr=on}} southeast of Bermuda. On the next day, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Isaac. Initially, the storm was tracking towards the northwest, between another low pressure system to its west and a low- to mid-level [[ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] to its east. Throughout the day, thunderstorm activity remained unstable, possibly as a result of cooler waters churned up by previous storms. In addition, mid- to upper-level dry air had become entrained into the circulation, and the storm contained some [[subtropical cyclone|subtropical characteristics]] with a [[baroclinic]]-type cloud pattern. Slow intensification continued, and ISaac attained hurricane status on September&nbsp;30. Early the next day, Isaac reached peak winds of 85&nbsp;mph (140&nbsp;km/h).<ref name="Isaac TCR">{{Cite web|author=Mainelli, Michelle|title=Hurricane Isaac Tropical Cyclone Report|date=November 16, 2006|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=January 26, 2008|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL102006_Isaac}}|format=PDF}}</ref> Around that time, a ragged eye feature appeared on satellite imagery.<ref>{{cite web|author=Lindsea/Stewart|title=Hurricane Isaac Discussion Number 15|date=October 1, 2006|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2009-06-20|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al09/al092006.discus.015.shtml?}}</ref>

After reaching peak intensity, Isaac curved the periphery of the subtropical ridge, turning to the north-northeast. Stronger wind shear and cooler waters caused Isaac to weaken to a tropical storm on October&nbsp;2. That day, Isaac passed about {{convert|40|mi|km|abbr=on}} to the southeast of the [[Avalon Peninsula]] of Newfoundland. At [[Cape Race]], sustained winds peaked at {{convert|46|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, with gusts of up to {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Shortly after passing the island, Isaac transitioned into an extratropical cyclone, and on October&nbsp;3 the remnants merged with a larger extratropical storm.<ref name="Isaac TCR"/>
{{Clear}}

== Storm names ==
{{tropical cyclone naming}}
The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Atlantic in 2006.<ref name="NHOP 06">{{cite report|url=https://www.preventionweb.net/files/1533_entirenhop06.pdf|page=3{{hyphen}}8|publisher=[[NOAA]] Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research|location=Washington, D.C.|title=National Hurricane Operations Plan|date=May 2006|access-date=January 20, 2024}}</ref> This is the same list used for the [[2000 Atlantic hurricane season|2000 season]], except for ''Kirk'', which replaced ''[[Hurricane Keith|Keith]]''.<ref name="2002–07names">{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030411092257/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml|archive-date=April 11, 2003|title=Worldwide Tropical Cyclone Names|date=March 4, 2003|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=September 25, 2011}}</ref> No names were used for the first time in 2006. No [[List of retired Atlantic hurricane names|names were retired]] following the season,<ref>{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone Naming History and Retired Names|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames_history.shtml|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=January 20, 2024}}</ref> and the list was used again for the [[2012 Atlantic hurricane season|2012 season]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Hurricane names for 2012|date=April 30, 2012|url=https://www.wral.com/weather/hurricanes/story/11040133/|publisher=[[WRAL-TV]]|location=Raleigh, North Carolina|access-date=January 20, 2024}}</ref>

{| style="width:90%;"
|
|
* <div style="color: #888;">Alberto (unused)</div>
* [[Tropical Storm Alberto (2006)|Alberto]]
* Beryl
* <div style="color: #888;">Beryl (unused)</div>
* <div style="color: #888;">Chris (unused)</div>
* [[Tropical Storm Chris (2006)|Chris]]
* Debby
* <div style="color: #888;">Debby (unused)</div>
* <div style="color: #888;">Ernesto (unused)</div>
* [[Hurricane Ernesto (2006)|Ernesto]]
* <div style="color: #888;">Florence (unused)</div>
* [[Hurricane Florence (2006)|Florence]]
* <div style="color: #888;">Gordon (unused)</div>
* [[Hurricane Gordon (2006)|Gordon]]
|
|
* Helene
* <div style="color: #888;">Helene (unused)</div>
* Isaac
* <div style="color: #888;">Isaac (unused)</div>
* {{tcname unused|Joyce}}
* <div style="color: #888;">Joyce (unused)</div>
* {{tcname unused|Kirk}}
* <div style="color: #888;">Kirk (unused)</div>
* {{tcname unused|Leslie}}
* <div style="color: #888;">Leslie (unused)</div>
* {{tcname unused|Michael}}
* <div style="color: #888;">Michael (unused)</div>
* {{tcname unused|Nadine}}
* <div style="color: #888;">Nadine (unused)</div>
|
|
* {{tcname unused|Oscar}}
* <div style="color: #888;">Oscar (unused)</div>
* {{tcname unused|Patty}}
* <div style="color: #888;">Patty (unused)</div>
* {{tcname unused|Rafael}}
* <div style="color: #888;">Rafael (unused)</div>
* {{tcname unused|Sandy}}
* <div style="color: #888;">Sandy (unused)</div>
* {{tcname unused|Tony}}
* <div style="color: #888;">Tony (unused)</div>
* {{tcname unused|Valerie}}
* <div style="color: #888;">Valerie (unused)</div>
* {{tcname unused|William}}
* <div style="color: #888;">William (unused)</div>
|}
|}


== Season effects ==
One storm from the [[2005 Atlantic hurricane season|2005 season]], Tropical Storm Zeta, persisted into 2006. It was counted as part of the 2005 season.
This is a table of all of the storms that formed in the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season. It includes their name, duration, peak classification and intensities, areas affected, damage, and death totals. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but were still related to that storm. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical, a wave, or a low, and all of the damage figures are in 2006 USD.

{{Saffir–Simpson small|align=center}}<div class="center">
{{TC stats table start3|year=2006|basin=Atlantic hurricane}}
{{TC stats cyclone3|cat=storm|name=[[Tropical Storm Alberto (2006)|Alberto]]|dates=June&nbsp;10–14|max-winds=70 (110)|min-press=995|areas=Southeast United States, Atlantic Canada, [[Florida]]|damage=$420 thousand|deaths=3}}
{{TC stats cyclone3|cat=storm|name=Unnamed|dates=July&nbsp;17–18|max-winds=50 (85)|min-press=998|areas=East Coast of the United States, Atlantic Canada|damage=None|deaths=None}}
{{TC stats cyclone3|cat=storm|name=Beryl|dates=July&nbsp;18–21|max-winds=60 (95)|min-press=1000|areas=[[Long Island]], [[Massachusetts]], [[Atlantic Canada]]|damage=Minimal|deaths=None}}
{{TC stats cyclone3|cat=storm|name=[[Tropical Storm Chris (2006)|Chris]]|dates=August&nbsp;1–4|max-winds=65 (100)|min-press=1001|areas=[[Leeward Islands]], [[Puerto Rico]], [[Turks and Caicos Islands]], [[Hispaniola]], [[Bahamas]], Eastern [[Cuba]]|damage=Minimal|deaths=None}}
{{TC stats cyclone3|cat=storm|name=Debby|dates=August&nbsp;21–26|max-winds=50 (85)|min-press=999|areas=[[Cape Verde]]|damage=None|deaths=None}}
{{TC stats cyclone3|cat=cat1|name=[[Hurricane Ernesto (2006)|Ernesto]]|dates=August&nbsp;24&nbsp;– September 1|max-winds=75 (120)|min-press=985|areas=[[Lesser Antilles]], [[Greater Antilles]], East Coast of the United States, Eastern Canada|damage=$500 million|deaths=11}}
{{TC stats cyclone3|cat=cat1|name=[[Hurricane Florence (2006)|Florence]]|dates=September&nbsp;3–12|max-winds=90 (150)|min-press=974|areas=[[Bermuda]], [[Newfoundland (island)|Newfoundland]], East Coast of the United States, Atlantic Canada, [[Iceland]], [[Greenland]]|damage=$200 thousand|deaths=None}}
{{TC stats cyclone3|cat=cat3|name=[[Hurricane Gordon (2006)|Gordon]]|dates=September&nbsp;10–20|max-winds=120 (195)|min-press=955|areas=[[Azores]], [[Iberian Peninsula]], [[British Isles]]|damage=$3.8 million|deaths=None}}
{{TC stats cyclone3|cat=cat3|name=Helene|dates=September&nbsp;12–24|max-winds=120 (195)|min-press=955|areas=British Isles|damage=None|deaths=None}}
{{TC stats cyclone3|cat=cat1|name=Isaac|dates=September&nbsp;27&nbsp;– October 2|max-winds=85 (140)|min-press=985|areas=[[Newfoundland (island)|Newfoundland]]|damage=Minimal|deaths=None}}
{{TC stats table end3|num-cyclones=10|dates=June&nbsp;10&nbsp;– October&nbsp;2&nbsp;|max-winds=120 (190)|min-press=955|tot-areas=|tot-damage=$504.42 million|tot-deaths=7 (7)}}</div>
{{clear}}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
* [[Tropical cyclones in 2006]]
* [[2006 Pacific hurricane season]]
* [[2006 Pacific typhoon season]]
* [[2006 North Indian Ocean cyclone season]]
* South-West Indian Ocean cyclone seasons: [[2005–06 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season|2005–06]], [[2006–07 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season|2006–07]]
* Australian region cyclone seasons: [[2005–06 Australian region cyclone season|2005–06]], [[2006–07 Australian region cyclone season|2006–07]]
* South Pacific cyclone seasons: [[2005–06 South Pacific cyclone season|2005–06]], [[2006–07 South Pacific cyclone season|2006–07]]
* [[South Atlantic tropical cyclone]]
* [[Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone]]


== References ==
Names to be retired, if any<!--although there likely will be-->, will be announced by the [[World Meteorological Organization]] in the spring of [[2007]].
{{Reflist|30em}}


==See also==
== External links ==
* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/ National Hurricane Center 2006 Advisory Archive]
{{tcportal}}
* [http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/2006.html HPC's Rainfall Page] for tropical cyclones which affected the United States in 2006
*[[List of notable tropical cyclones]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060819011611/http://weather.unisys.com/hurricane/atlantic/2006/ Unisys' 2006 Season Page]&nbsp;– includes map of paths of all storms
*[[List of Atlantic hurricane seasons]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050922160419/http://images.ibsys.com/sh/hurricanetracker/hurtracker.swf Flash Hurricane Tracker]&nbsp;– track active and archived hurricanes.
*[[2006 Pacific hurricane season]]
* [http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/tc_pages/tc_home.html NRL hurricane page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225201201/http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/tc_pages/tc_home.html |date=December 25, 2013 }}&nbsp;– [[Naval Research Laboratory]] page with extensive archives on individual storms
*[[2006 Pacific typhoon season]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081203165105/http://www.ambiental.co.uk/downloads/2006.html 2006 Hurricanes&nbsp;– Free Google Earth Hurricane tracker]
*[[2006-07 Southern Hemisphere Cyclone Seasons]]


{{2006 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}}
==External links==
{{Commons|2006 Atlantic hurricane season}}
{{TC Decades|Year=2000|basin=Atlantic|type=hurricane}}
{{Tropical cyclone season|2006}}
* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/MIATWOAT.shtml National Hurricane Center's Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook] - updated four times daily beginning June 1, 2006
{{Sister bar|auto=1}}
* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ National Hurricane Center]
{{Featured article}}
* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/ National Hurricane Center's 2006 Archive] - link disabled until first storm of 2006 forms
* [http://images.ibsys.com/sh/hurricanetracker/hurtracker.swf Flash Hurricane Tracker] - track active and archived hurricanes.


{{Atlantic hurricane season categories|2006}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:2006 Atlantic Hurricane Season}}
[[Category:2006 Atlantic hurricane season| ]]
[[Category:Atlantic hurricane seasons]]
[[Category:Articles which contain graphical timelines]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in 2006]]

Latest revision as of 02:31, 21 May 2024

2006 Atlantic hurricane season
Season summary map
Seasonal boundaries
First system formedJune 10, 2006
Last system dissipatedOctober 2, 2006
Strongest storm
NameGordon and Helene
 • Maximum winds120 mph (195 km/h)
(1-minute sustained)
 • Lowest pressure955 mbar (hPa; 28.2 inHg)
Seasonal statistics
Total depressions10
Total storms10
Hurricanes5
Major hurricanes
(Cat. 3+)
2
Total fatalities14 total
Total damage$504.42 million (2006 USD)
Related articles
Atlantic hurricane seasons
2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

The 2006 Atlantic hurricane season was the least active in the basin since 1997, with nine named storms as well as an additional unnamed tropical storm identified by the National Hurricane Center. 2006 was the first season since 2001 in which no hurricanes made landfall in the United States, and was the first since 1994 in which no tropical cyclones formed during October.[1] Following the intense activity of 2003, 2004, and 2005, forecasters predicted that the 2006 season would be only slightly less active. Instead, it turned out to be a below average season, as activity was slowed by a rapidly forming moderate El Niño event, the presence of the Saharan Air Layer over the tropical Atlantic, and the steady presence of a robust secondary high-pressure area to the Azores High centered on Bermuda. There were no tropical cyclones after October 2.[2]

The season began on June 10 with the formation of Tropical Storm Alberto, which moved from the Caribbean Sea through the east coast of the United States. Hurricane Ernesto caused heavy rainfall in Haiti, and directly killed at least seven in Haiti and the United States. Four hurricanes formed after Ernesto, including the strongest storms of the season, Hurricanes Helene and Gordon. In total, the season was responsible for 14 deaths and $500 million in damage. The calendar year 2006 also saw Tropical Storm Zeta, which arose in December 2005 and persisted until early January, only the second such event on record. The storm is considered a part of the 2005 season, as it developed in that calendar year.

Seasonal forecasts[edit]

Forecasts of hurricane activity are issued before each hurricane season by Philip J. Klotzbach, Dr. William M. Gray, and their associates at Colorado State University; and separately by NOAA forecasters.

Klotzbach's team (formerly led by Gray) has defined the average number of storms per season (1950–2000) as 9.6 tropical storms, 5.9 hurricanes, and 2.3 major hurricanes (storms exceeding Category 3 strength in the Saffir–Simpson scale). A normal season, as defined by NOAA, has 6–14 named storms, with 4–8 of those reaching hurricane strength, and 1–3 major hurricanes.[3][4]

Predictions of tropical activity in the 2006 season
Source Date Named
storms
Hurricanes Major
hurricanes
CSU Average (1950–2000)[3] 9.6 5.9 2.3
NOAA Average[5] 6–14 4–8 1–3
Record high activity from 1950–2006 28 15 7
Record low activity from 1950–2006 4 2 0
CSU December 5, 2005 17 9 5
CSU April 4, 2006 17 9 5
NOAA May 22, 2006 13–16 8–10 4–6
CSU May 31, 2006 17 9 5
CSU August 3, 2006 15 7 3
NOAA August 8, 2006 12–15 7–9 3–4
CSU September 1, 2006 13 5 2
CSU October 3, 2006 11 6 2
Actual activity 10 5 2

Pre-season forecasts[edit]

On December 5, 2005, Klotzbach's team issued its initial extended-range forecast for the 2006 season, predicting an above average of 17 named storms, nine of them hurricanes, and five classified as Category 3 intensity or higher.[3]

As in the 2005 season, the team predicted it was highly probable that at least one major hurricane would directly impact the United States. The forecast suggested an 81% probability that at least one major hurricane would strike the U.S. mainland, a 64% chance of at least one major hurricane striking the East Coast of the United States (including the Florida peninsula), and a 47% chance of at least one major hurricane striking the Gulf Coast of the United States from the Florida Panhandle westward. The team also predicted that the potential for major hurricane activity in the Caribbean was above average. A few months later, on April 4, 2006, CSU issued another forecast confirming its December predictions.[6]

On May 22, 2006, NOAA released its pre-season forecast for the 2006 season. The prediction was for 13–16 named storms, 8–10 of those becoming hurricanes, and 4–6 becoming major hurricanes.[7]

On May 31, 2006, Klotzbach's team released its final pre-season forecast for 2006, confirming its earlier prediction.[8]

Midseason outlooks[edit]

On August 3, 2006, Klotzbach's team lowered its season estimate to 15 named storms, with 7 becoming hurricanes and 3 becoming major hurricanes, noting that conditions had become less favorable for storms than they had been earlier in the year. The sea-level pressure and trade wind strength in the tropical Atlantic were reported to be above normal, while sea surface temperature anomalies were on a decreasing trend.[9]

On August 8, 2006, NOAA revised its season estimate to 12–15 named storms, with 7–9 becoming hurricanes, and 3–4 becoming major hurricanes. The reduction was attributed to less favorable environmental conditions, a decrease in La Niña conditions, and the lack of a "very persistent upper-level ridge pattern over the eastern U.S. and western Atlantic"[10]

On September 1, Klotzbach's team also revised its season estimate, to 13 named storms, 5 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes, citing a larger volume of the Saharan Air Layer and an El Niño trend in the Pacific.[11] The team again reduced the number of tropical storms expected for the season a month later, on October 3, with an updated forecast of 11 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes, citing the ongoing El Niño.[12]

Seasonal summary[edit]

Hurricane Gordon (2006)Hurricane Florence (2006)Hurricane Ernesto (2006)Tropical Storm Chris (2006)Tropical Storm Alberto (2006)Tropical Storm Zeta (2005)Saffir–Simpson scale
Satellite image on September 18 of Hurricane Gordon on the top, with Hurricane Helene to the bottom

Tropical Storm Zeta formed on December 30, 2005, and lasted until January 6, 2006. Although the majority of its existence occurred in 2006, it is officially a storm of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season as that is the year in which it formed. Zeta joined Hurricane Alice as only the second North Atlantic tropical cyclone in recorded history to span two calendar years.[13]

The season started on June 1, 2006, and officially ended on November 30, 2006. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin.[14] Ten days into the start of the season, Tropical Storm Alberto developed in the Caribbean,[15] and after four months of activity, Hurricane Isaac dissipated on October 3 south of Newfoundland.[16] Compared to the devastating 2005 Atlantic hurricane season, 2006 was not severe in terms of deaths and damage. Three tropical storms made landfall in the United States. The first of them, Tropical Storm Alberto, made landfall in Florida with winds of 50 mph (80 km/h), causing flooding and light damage.[15] Tropical Storm Beryl made landfall on Nantucket, but left little impact.[17] The third and more significant storm was Hurricane Ernesto, which killed two people in Virginia and two in Florida, as well as causing $500 million in damage (2006 USD).[18] During the season, only one tropical cyclone in the Atlantic – Alberto – affected Mexico.[19] Canada was affected by several tropical cyclones during 2006, including Alberto, the unnamed storm, Beryl, Florence, and Isaac.[20]

On June 20, an upper-level disturbance formed east of the Bahamas and moved westward across the islands. Between June 24 and 26, areas of convection developed occasionally, and a low-level disturbance formed. The system turned northward and upon reaching the Gulf Stream on June 27, it began to mature. It made landfall near Morehead City, North Carolina and moved northeastward along the U.S. East Coast. The storm contributed to severe and deadly flooding in the Mid-Atlantic states. While the NHC did not operationally classify it, data from reconnaissance aircraft, NEXRAD weather radar, and surface observations suggest it may have met the criteria for a tropical cyclone.[21]

A graph showing averages and statistics for Atlantic hurricane seasons

The National Hurricane Center's pre-season activity outlook predicted 13–16 named storms, 8–10 hurricanes and 4–6 major hurricanes.[7] They also predicted a high risk of at least one major hurricane strike to the Southeastern United States. In the event, only ten storms formed during the season, the lowest number since the 1997 season, when there were seven. Five of the ten storms developed into hurricanes— the lowest number since 2002– only two attained major hurricane status, tying with 2002 for the fewest since 1997. Only one named storm was observed during October, the lowest number since 1994, when none were seen during that month. Additionally, only three named storms made landfall in the United States, the fewest since 2001.[2] Because of several factors, including a rapidly forming El Niño event, the Saharan Air Layer over the tropical Atlantic and the presence of a high-pressure area to the Azores High situated near Bermuda, it contributed to a below average season.[7] Also, sea surface temperatures in the western Atlantic were just at or slightly below average. In contrast, sea surface temperatures during the 2005 season were well above average.[22]

Overall, the season's activity was reflected with a low cumulative accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) rating of 79.[23] ACE is, broadly speaking, a measure of the power of the hurricane multiplied by the length of time it existed, so storms that last a long time, as well as particularly strong hurricanes, have high ACEs. ACE is only calculated for full advisories on tropical systems at or exceeding 34 knots (39 mph; 63 km/h) or tropical storm strength. Subtropical cyclones are excluded from the total.[24]

Systems[edit]

Tropical Storm Alberto[edit]

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationJune 10 – June 14
Peak intensity70 mph (110 km/h) (1-min);
995 mbar (hPa)

On June 10, an area of disturbed weather associated with a broad low-pressure area off the coast of Belize organized over the warm waters of the Caribbean into the first tropical depression of the season.[15] It dropped light rainfall in Mexico, with a 24-hour total peaking at 4 inches (100 mm) in Peto, Yucatán.[19] Southwesterly vertical wind shear initially prevented significant development, but as it moved closer to Florida, the depression strengthened into a tropical storm on June 11. Passing over the warm, deep water of the Loop Current allowed accelerated development, and the cyclone reached its peak winds of 70 mph (110 km/h), just shy of hurricane strength. Subsequent weakening occurred as it moved over the cooler waters of the continental shelf, and Alberto made landfall near Adams Beach, Florida, on June 14 with winds of about 45 mph (72 km/h).[15] Losing its tropical characteristics, Alberto moved northeastward and produced heavy rainfall in South Carolina and North Carolina. The remnants tracked off the U.S. East Coast and transitioned into a powerful extratropical storm which affected Nova Scotia with high winds, heavy rain, and rough surf, leaving four fisherman missing offshore.[15]

Alberto caused record rainfall in North Carolina, peaking at 8 inches (200 mm).[25] In Florida, two people died,[26] and damage was estimated at $250,000 (2006 USD).[27] Later, the storm left four sailors missing about 230 miles (370 km) south of Nova Scotia.[15]

Unnamed tropical storm[edit]

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationJuly 17 – July 18
Peak intensity50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min);
998 mbar (hPa)

A cold front exited the eastern United States on July 13 and subsequently stalled over the western Atlantic Ocean.[28] It decayed and dissipated, leaving behind two areas of low pressure.[29] The southern area near North Carolina became Tropical Storm Beryl,[30] and the northern system became an extratropical low on July 16, south-southeast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The system separated itself from the dissipating front later that day while moving northeastward over warm waters. Convection developed near the center, and the system transitioned into a tropical depression early on July 17, about 240 miles (390 km) southeast of Nantucket, Massachusetts.[28] Accelerating northeastward, the depression intensified into a tropical storm six hours later. Banding features became prominent, and after continued strengthening, the storm attained peak winds of 50 mph (80 km/h) late on July 17, while located about 245 miles (394 km) south of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Shortly thereafter, the storm encountered much cooler water temperatures after leaving the Gulf Stream. The storm quickly weakened as the convection rapidly diminished, and on July 18, degenerated into a non-convective remnant low. The remnants crossed Newfoundland, before turning to the east-northeast and dissipating on July 19.[28] The storm greatly weakened prior to moving across Newfoundland, and as a result, its impact was minimal.[20]

Operationally, the storm was considered as a non-tropical gale, connected to a cold front. However, a post-season analysis provided enough evidence of tropical characteristics, indicating no frontal features and no cold air intrusion at the time of peak winds. Observations analyzed the storm as having a symmetric warm core, whereas in real time it was considered subtropical. The National Hurricane Center officially re-classified the system as an unnamed tropical storm on December 15, 2006.[28]

Tropical Storm Beryl[edit]

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationJuly 18 – July 21
Peak intensity60 mph (95 km/h) (1-min);
1000 mbar (hPa)

The same frontal system that developed the previous storm also produced another low-pressure area east of North Carolina.[17][31] The system was broad and ill-defined at first,[32] although the low-level circulation became sufficiently organized to be designated a tropical depression on July 18, about 290 mi (465 km) east-southeast of the coast of North Carolina. Later that day, the depression developed organized rainbands over the eastern periphery of the circulation, and as a result, the NHC upgraded it to Tropical Storm Beryl. The nascent storm moved generally northward at first along the western periphery of a subtropical ridge, parallel to the East Coast of the United States. With low wind shear and favorable outflow, Beryl intensified to reach a peak intensity of 60 mph (97 km/h) early on July 20.[17] Around that time, the storm developed an eye-like feature in the center of the convection.[33] Cooler waters caused Beryl to weaken, as it turned northeastward ahead of an approaching trough. Early on July 21, the storm struck the island of Nantucket with winds of 50 mph (85 km/h). Shortly thereafter, Beryl transitioned into an extratropical cyclone, which moved through Nova Scotia before merging with another extratropical cyclone on July 22 over Newfoundland.[17]

Due to the storm's path near the eastern United States, the NHC issued several tropical cyclone watches and warnings,[17] while the Canadian Hurricane Centre issued gale warnings for the coastal waters off Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.[33] Ferry service between Nantucket and Cape Cod was halted during the storm.[34] Waves along the southern coast of Nantucket reached 10 feet (3.0 m) in height as the storm approached the island,[35] resulting in four people being rescued by lifeguards from rip currents.[36] Light rainfall, reaching 0.97 inches (25 mm), was recorded on Nantucket, and wind gusts reached 44 mph (71 km/h).[37][17] Impacts in the area were limited to downed telephone poles and fallen tree branches.[38] The remnants of Tropical Storm Beryl dropped moderate precipitation in Atlantic Canada, with totals of up to 3.5 inches (89 mm); in some locations 1 inch (25 mm) of rain fell in an hour. Moderate winds were reported along its path, which peaked at 60 mph (97 km/h) in southern Nova Scotia. The storm caused minor street flooding and power outages across Atlantic Canada.[20]

Tropical Storm Chris[edit]

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 1 – August 4
Peak intensity65 mph (100 km/h) (1-min);
1001 mbar (hPa)

In late July, a tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa and traversed the Atlantic Ocean. The associated convection organized and became a tropical depression on August 1 about 160 miles (260 km) east of Antigua. The depression tracked westward and soon intensified into Tropical Storm Chris before reaching peak winds of 65 mph (105 km/h) northeast of the United States Virgin Islands. The storm was forecast to strengthen further and become a hurricane as it moved into the Bahamas. However, Chris began to be affected by wind shear and became disorganized. The storm weakened to a tropical depression on August 4, and dissipated as it approached the Cuban coast on August 5.[39]

The storm's effects were limited to moderate rainfall in Hispaniola and Cuba. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean re-routed their ships to avoid the storm.[40] In Puerto Rico, rainfall from the storm caused the Fajardo River to overflow its banks. The floodwaters temporarily forced a closure of a highway in the northeastern portion of the island. Rainfall reached up to 2 inches (51 mm) across portions of Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, and eastern Cuba, and reached 4 inches (100 mm) in some mountainous areas.[39]

Tropical Storm Debby[edit]

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 21 – August 26
Peak intensity50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min);
999 mbar (hPa)

On August 20, a vigorous tropical wave exited the coast of Africa, developing convective banding and a broad circulation.[41] A broad area of low pressure formed within the wave the next day and despite convection weakening, the area of low pressure remained well-organized,[42] becoming Tropical Depression Four later that day with water temperatures and minimal upper-level shear conducive for further intensification.[43] The next day, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Debby about 300 mi (485 km) southwest of Cape Verde.[41] Debby strengthened further, peaking with sustained winds of 50 mph (80 km/h) later that day. However, shortly after reaching its peak intensity, Debby encountered dry air and subsequently weakened with its low level circulation detaching from the weakening system which was tracking west-northwestward.[44] Convection redeveloped over a portion of the center, while banding features redeveloped as well.[45] Organization continued, and Debby once again peaked with 50 mph (80 km/h) the next day.[46] Soon after, southerly wind shear displaced the convection to the north of the center,[47] causing Debby to weaken into a tropical depression the next day.[48] Soon after, Debby degenerated into a remnant low. The remnants of Debby persisted before dissipating on August 28.[41]

When Debby was first warned on, the government of Cape Verde issued a tropical storm warning. The National Hurricane Center stated that heavy rainfall, potentially as high as 10 in (250 mm) in mountainous areas, was possible.[49] However, all warnings were discontinued six hours later,[50] the depression moved away from the islands.[51] Despite that, the depression produced a gust of 35 mph (55 km/h) at Fogo[41] and some rainfall.[52] Despite Debby being forecast to remain far away from the Gulf of Mexico, investors tracking the storm caused the price of crude oil to rise significantly due to its potential impact to oil installations.[53]

Hurricane Ernesto[edit]

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 24 – September 1
Peak intensity75 mph (120 km/h) (1-min);
985 mbar (hPa)

Hurricane Ernesto originated from a tropical wave which moved off the coast of Africa on August 18. The wave progressed westward and reached the Western Atlantic, spawning a tropical depression on August 24 near the Windward Islands. It moved west-northwestward through the Caribbean Sea and intensified into Tropical Storm Ernesto on August 25. The storm briefly attained hurricane status on August 27 to the southwest of Haiti, before land interaction caused weakening. Ernesto made landfall near Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, early in the morning on August 28 as a tropical storm. At one point the storm was predicted to become a major hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico and threaten parts of the Gulf Coast. However, Ernesto moved much farther east than anticipated, and made landfall as a tropical storm on the southern tip of Florida on August 29. Ernesto retained tropical storm strength as it crossed Florida and emerged from land near Cape Canaveral, and was just below hurricane strength when it made landfall again in North Carolina on August 31. Ernesto transitioned into an extratropical cyclone over Virginia on September 1, which ultimately dissipated over Quebec on September 4.[18]

Early in its duration, Ernesto killed five people in Haiti from rainfall. Later, two people died in Florida in traffic accidents due to slick roads. Damage was heaviest in Virginia, where heavy rains left severe flooding. Damage in the United States was estimated at $500 million (2006 USD).[18]

Hurricane Florence[edit]

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 3 – September 12
Peak intensity90 mph (150 km/h) (1-min);
974 mbar (hPa)

Hurricane Florence originated on September 3 from the complex merging of two tropical waves, creating one large low-pressure area. The disturbance moved westward and became a tropical depression in the open waters of the Atlantic. On September 5, it organized further and was upgraded into Tropical Storm Florence. With a disorganized structure and multiple circulation centers, Florence remained a weak tropical storm for several days, even after external conditions became favorable for strengthening. Florence tracked west-northwest and intensified into a hurricane on September 10 while south of Bermuda. The storm passed just to the east of Bermuda as a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale as it reached its peak intensity of 90 mph (140 km/h). It moved north before losing its tropical characteristics and passing over the Canadian Maritimes as a strong extratropical storm.[54]

Large swells, rip tide, and undertow were reported on Bermuda, the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Hispaniola.[55] Florence affected Bermuda with wind gusts up to 115 mph (185 km/h) and heavy rain which left 23,000 houses without electricity. In all, the storm caused $200,000 (2006 USD; $302,278 2024 USD) in damage. Florence then brought heavy rains across Newfoundland as an extratropical storm, destroying one house and causing minor damage to several others. There were no fatalities as a result of the hurricane.[56]

Hurricane Gordon[edit]

Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 10 – September 20
Peak intensity120 mph (195 km/h) (1-min);
955 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on September 1. The wave tracked westward across the Atlantic for several days until it reached an area of relaxed wind shear and its associated low-pressure area organized into a tropical depression. It moved east-northeast and was upgraded to Tropical Storm Gordon on September 11, while located over the open waters of the Atlantic. Gordon turned north, and became a hurricane on September 13. It intensified to Category 3 status on the Saffir–Simpson scale and reached its peak intensity of 120 mph (190 km/h) on September 14. Tracking northward, it began to lose tropical characteristics. On September 20, the system affected Britain with high winds and heavy rain as an extratropical cyclone.[57] During Gordon's passage through Britain, 120,000 homes were left without power after winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) affected the country.[58]

Hurricane Helene[edit]

Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 12 – September 24
Peak intensity120 mph (195 km/h) (1-min);
955 mbar (hPa)

On September 11, a vigorous tropical wave moved off the west coast of Africa, which the NHC expected would develop into a tropical cyclone. The convection increased and organized further, leading to the development of a tropical depression on September 12, located 270 mi (370 km) south-southeast of the Cape Verde Islands. While passing south of the islands, the depression struggled to intensify due to easterly wind shear and the cyclone's large size. Improved rainbands developed over the northern periphery, signaling that the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Helene on September 14.[59] A day later, as wind shear decreased, Helene began intensifying, reaching hurricane intensity on September 16, as it developed a ragged eye in the center of the convection.[59][60][61] On September 17, the intensification became more rapid and Helene quickly became a Category 2 hurricane that morning as the eye became clearer and surrounded by deep convection.[62] Helene also turned more northward and slowed in the central Atlantic, which was in response to a weakness in the subtropical ridge farther north created by Gordon to the north. Early on September 18, Helene peaked as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 120 mph (190 km/h).[59]

At the time of peak intensity, Helene and Gordon were at roughly the same longitude in the open ocean, although the latter moved eastward. This caused a ridge to move southward, forcing Helene westward.[59] Helene weakened slightly due to a lengthy eyewall replacement cycle and an elongated cloud pattern.[59][63] Further weakening occurred on September 20 as wind shear increased.[64] A day later, Helene turned back to the north and later northeast ahead of a trough that exited the east coast of the United States.[59] The hurricane re-intensified slightly on September 23, although the structure resembled a hybrid cyclone at that time, with an asymmetric frontal-like appearance.[65] Helene remained a warm-core cyclone until September 24, when it transitioned into an extratropical cyclone northwest of the Azores. Continuing northeast, the cyclone passed near Iceland on September 27. Later that day, the remnants of Helene merged with another larger extratropical cyclone north of the British Isles.[59]

Helene produced high surf along the east coast of the United States.[66] As a weakened extratropical system, strong wind gusts were reported in Ireland and northern Scotland. The strongest reported wind gust in Ireland was at the Valentia Observatory, where 56 mph (90 km/h) gusts were reported. In Scotland, the strongest gust was on South Uist Island in the Outer Hebrides, where 74 mph (119 km/h) gusts were reported.[59]

Hurricane Isaac[edit]

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 27 – October 2
Peak intensity85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min);
985 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave exited the west coast of Africa on September 18. For several days, the system moved across the Atlantic, producing occasional pulses of convection. Wind shear limited development, until relaxing enough for a tropical depression to develop on September 27, located about 930 mi (1,500 km) southeast of Bermuda. On the next day, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Isaac. Initially, the storm was tracking towards the northwest, between another low pressure system to its west and a low- to mid-level ridge to its east. Throughout the day, thunderstorm activity remained unstable, possibly as a result of cooler waters churned up by previous storms. In addition, mid- to upper-level dry air had become entrained into the circulation, and the storm contained some subtropical characteristics with a baroclinic-type cloud pattern. Slow intensification continued, and ISaac attained hurricane status on September 30. Early the next day, Isaac reached peak winds of 85 mph (140 km/h).[16] Around that time, a ragged eye feature appeared on satellite imagery.[67]

After reaching peak intensity, Isaac curved the periphery of the subtropical ridge, turning to the north-northeast. Stronger wind shear and cooler waters caused Isaac to weaken to a tropical storm on October 2. That day, Isaac passed about 40 mi (64 km) to the southeast of the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland. At Cape Race, sustained winds peaked at 46 mph (74 km/h), with gusts of up to 60 mph (97 km/h). Shortly after passing the island, Isaac transitioned into an extratropical cyclone, and on October 3 the remnants merged with a larger extratropical storm.[16]

Storm names[edit]

The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Atlantic in 2006.[68] This is the same list used for the 2000 season, except for Kirk, which replaced Keith.[69] No names were used for the first time in 2006. No names were retired following the season,[70] and the list was used again for the 2012 season.[71]

  • Helene
  • Isaac
  • Joyce (unused)
  • Kirk (unused)
  • Leslie (unused)
  • Michael (unused)
  • Nadine (unused)
  • Oscar (unused)
  • Patty (unused)
  • Rafael (unused)
  • Sandy (unused)
  • Tony (unused)
  • Valerie (unused)
  • William (unused)

Season effects[edit]

This is a table of all of the storms that formed in the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season. It includes their name, duration, peak classification and intensities, areas affected, damage, and death totals. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but were still related to that storm. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical, a wave, or a low, and all of the damage figures are in 2006 USD.

Saffir–Simpson scale
TD TS C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
2006 Atlantic hurricane season statistics
Storm
name
Dates active Storm category
at peak intensity
Max 1-min
wind
mph (km/h)
Min.
press.
(mbar)
Areas affected Damage
(USD)
Deaths Ref(s)
Alberto June 10–14 Tropical storm 70 (110) 995 Southeast United States, Atlantic Canada, Florida $420 thousand 3
Unnamed July 17–18 Tropical storm 50 (85) 998 East Coast of the United States, Atlantic Canada None None
Beryl July 18–21 Tropical storm 60 (95) 1000 Long Island, Massachusetts, Atlantic Canada Minimal None
Chris August 1–4 Tropical storm 65 (100) 1001 Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos Islands, Hispaniola, Bahamas, Eastern Cuba Minimal None
Debby August 21–26 Tropical storm 50 (85) 999 Cape Verde None None
Ernesto August 24 – September 1 Category 1 hurricane 75 (120) 985 Lesser Antilles, Greater Antilles, East Coast of the United States, Eastern Canada $500 million 11
Florence September 3–12 Category 1 hurricane 90 (150) 974 Bermuda, Newfoundland, East Coast of the United States, Atlantic Canada, Iceland, Greenland $200 thousand None
Gordon September 10–20 Category 3 hurricane 120 (195) 955 Azores, Iberian Peninsula, British Isles $3.8 million None
Helene September 12–24 Category 3 hurricane 120 (195) 955 British Isles None None
Isaac September 27 – October 2 Category 1 hurricane 85 (140) 985 Newfoundland Minimal None
Season aggregates
10 systems June 10 – October 2    120 (190) 955 $504.42 million 7 (7)  

See also[edit]

References[edit]

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