September Storms Batter the Southeast: A Harbinger of Hurricane Season's Fury

According to the news article, the Atlantic Hurricane Season is about to enter its most active period, with September historically being the busiest month. In the past seven years, at least six September storms have formed each year, and the last eight Septembers have each delivered 3 or 4 hurricanes, including a record 10 storms in the frenetic 2020 season.

Looking at the broader picture, September tops all other months for U.S. hurricane landfalls since the mid-19th century. The list of recent September landfalls includes some of the most devastating hurricanes to hit the country this century, such as Ian, Ike, Irma, Ivan, and Maria.

Experts explain that September is the peak of hurricane season due to the ideal overlap of low wind shear and warm ocean temperatures, creating a favorable environment for storm development. On average, four to five storms form each September, with two to three becoming hurricanes, and one reaching at least Category 3 intensity.

In fact, September accounts for a staggering 45% of a hurricane season's total activity, according to data compiled by Colorado State University tropical scientist Phil Klotzbach. No other month comes close to matching September's prolific hurricane production, with just under half of all Category 3 or stronger hurricanes since the mid-19th century occurring during this period.