Tropical Storm Hanna Forms: Eighth Storm of 2026 Season

As of Monday afternoon Azores Summer Time, Hanna had formed as a tropical storm in the North Atlantic Ocean. This marks the eighth named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which commenced on June 1 and concludes on November 30. Earlier forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted an active season with 13 to 19 named storms, later revised to an estimated 18, with up to nine potentially becoming hurricanes. Last year's season saw 13 named storms, including four major hurricanes and one Category 5 storm, Hurricane Melissa, which caused significant devastation in Jamaica. Experts warn that climate change is a factor in the increased likelihood of rapid storm intensification and heavier rainfall. The article also notes a shift in federal disaster response planning in recent years. Researchers have also observed that storms are slowing down, leading to prolonged periods of impact.