The 2006 Atlantic Hurricane Season was slightly below average with only 10 named tropical cyclones, of which 5 became hurricanes. The normal for a year (based on 1950-2000 averages) is 10 tropical cyclones, of which 6 become hurricanes. 2006 had about one third of the total activity experienced in 2005, which had 27 named tropical cyclones of which 15 became hurricanes. The reduced activity is partially blamed on an El Niņo that rapidly developed across the Equatorial Pacific Ocean during the summer months. 

Only three tropical storms affected the United States in 2006, all before Labor Day. Thankfully, no hurricanes affected the United States this season. By the time the four September hurricanes (Florence, Gordon, Helene, & Issac) developed over the Central Atlantic, a large semi-permanent upper level trough of low pressure covered most of the Central and Eastern United States. This large trough re-curved every storm away from the United States, a thankful contrast from the season before. 

Here are the details on the three tropical storms that did affect the United States.  Alberto made landfall as a tropical storm near Adams Beach, Florida at 12:30 PM EDT on June 13th, and affected southern Georgia with tropical storm conditions. Beryl passed over Nantucket Island, Massachusetts around 2:45 AM EDT July 21st as a minimum tropical storm. Ernesto made landfall as a tropical storm near Plantation Key, Florida at 11:00 PM EDT on August 29^th, and a couple of hours later across southwestern Miami-Dade County, Florida. Ernesto re-emerged into the Atlantic to make a final landfall as a strong tropical storm near Oak Island, North Carolina at 11:40 PM EDT on August 31^st.

The following illustrates the tracks of all 10 tropical cyclones to affect the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico during 2006, along with detailed storm statistics. Also, if anyone is interested in obtaining radar and satellite imagery of the 2006 Atlantic Hurricane Season on DVD, click here. 

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