2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season (Hitman)

The 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season was a costly and hyperactive Atlantic hurricane season that broke dozens of records, including the most damage done with $3.45 trillion, the most disturbances with 94, the most depressions with 45, storms with 43, hurricanes with 36, and major hurricanes with 28. The season saw the most named storms, beating out the 2005 season. In addition, the ACE value was above average. This is likely due to the overall power of most of the storms this year. However, it remained an active and notable season. While a typical hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, Tropical Storm Alberto formed on January 2nd, the earliest formation known to occur, and also proving tropical cyclone formation is possible at any time of the year. It ended on January 16, 2019, which is a record ending date. Florida, along with Texas and Louisiana took the brunt of this season, with over a dozen tropical cyclones making landfall at those locations.

There were several notable storms in 2018. In January, Tropical Storm Alberto formed and caused floods in Hispaniola. In August, Florence caused widespread impact across Cuba and U.S, and Hurricane Tony was the strongest storm of the year, and paralleled the U.S. East Coast before striking the NYC area as a Category 5 hurricane. In October, Hurricane Rafael made landfall in Florida as a Category 4, and Hurricane Sara caused catastrophic across North America, Puerto Rico, and Dominica. In December and January 2019, Category 5 Hurricane Sigma caused devastating damage across the Americas and the Caribbean.

And in December, especially the end of the month, saw multiple Category 4 and Category 5 hurricanes struck the Caribbean and United States.

2018 was the most active and catastrophic tropical cyclone season until 2031.

Seasonal Forecasts
Ahead of and during the season, several national meteorological services and scientific agencies forecast how many named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson scale) will form during a season, and/or how many tropical cyclones will affect a particular country. These agencies include the Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) Consortium of the University College London, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),the Olo Storm Meteorological Center (OSMC) and Colorado State University (CSUC). The forecasts include weekly and monthly changes in significant factors that help determine the number of tropical storms, hurricanes,and major hurricanes within a particular year. On average, an Atlantic hurricane season between 1981 and 2010 contained twelve tropical storms, six hurricanes, and two major hurricanes, with an Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) index of between 66 and 103 units.

Tropical Storm Alberto
Main Article: Tropical Storm Alberto At the end of 2017, there was a 70% chance of a depression to form as a tropical wave pushed off of Western Africa. On January 2, Tropical Storm Alberto formed as Tropical Depression One. In the late-evening hours of the 2nd, the system became a tropical storm. Heading towards the Greater Antilles, a Hurricane Warning was issued for the Caribbean.

With 70 mph (110 km/h) winds, flash flooding along with moderate storm surges occurred on the island of Hispaniola.

As the storm hit the Greater Antilles, the system drastically, sustaining tropical depression status. The system dissipated on the 7th while approaching Honduras.

In all, 17 people were killed, another 1,248 were injured, and $500 million (2018 USD) in damages was done from the earliest known system to form in the Atlantic. Due to the amount of damage done in the Greater Antilles, the name Alberto was retired and replaced with Austin for the 2024 season.

Tropical Storm Beryl
Main Article: Tropical Storm Beryl                                                                                                  On March 26, the NHC gave a 60% chance for a tropical depression to develop in the basin within a week after a tidal wave formed from isolated storms. In the mid-morning hours of March 31, Tropical Depression Two formed near Panama. Flash flooding along with mudslides caused 4 deaths in Costa Rica and the system strengthened.

Winds peaked near the Greater Antilles at 60 mph (95 km/h). On April 2, the system weakened into a depression and the whole system then dissipated the following day. In all, 4 people died, 188 more were injured, and $43 million (2018 USD) in damages was done.

Hurricane Chris
Main Article: Hurricane Chris  On May 16, a tropical wave moved off the coast and formed into Tropical Storm Chris. As a Category 1 with wind speeds up to 95 mph, wind shear caused the storm to weaken to tropical storm.

A hurricane warning was issued for Bermuda as the storm re-intensified into a hurricane, being classified as a Category 2. With 105 mph winds, the hurricane transitioned from a Category 2 to a Category 4 in the warm water in Atlantic.

Bermuda was hit head on as the Category 4 gradually weakened when it reached Bermuda  on May 29, and the storm became extratropical of May 31 and dissipated the following day.

As the first major hurricane of the year, Chris was responsible for 23 deaths, over 2,000 injuries, and $3.89 billion (2018 USD) in damages. Due to it's devastating damage and record formation, Chris was retired and replaced with Carly for the 2024 season''. The name Chris'' will never again be used for another Atlantic hurricane.

Hurricane Debby
Main Article: Hurricane Debby Tropical Storm Debby formed on July 14th as remnants from Chris and thunderstorms collided, causing a system to form.

On July 15, Debby became a hurricane, the 2nd of the season. The storm gradually weakened as a eye replacement cycle caused Debby to become a tropical storm. Guadeloupe was hit as Debby then weakened into a depression on July 17.

The system then dissipated on July 18 while causing heavy rain and 1 death in Guadeloupe, and 6 injuries.

An estimated $2 million (2018 USD) in damages was done.

Tropical Storm Ernesto
A high possibility for a tropical depression to form occurred when warm moisture, along with other disturbances, formed Tropical Depression 5.

Tropical Storm Ernesto formed when the system briefly strengthened. The following day, the storm weakened before coming a remnant low.

The system dissipated on July 25 after causing no fatalities or injuries, and minimal damage.

Hurricane Florence
Main Article: Hurricane Florence'''

A tidal wave moved off the coast of Africa, quickly forming Tropical Storm Florence. While over warm waters, the system quickly intensified into a Category 4 hurricane, making it the strongest hurricane of the season at the time, the second Category 4 hurricane of the season, and the second major hurricane of the season.

While tracking towards Puerto Rico, an eyewall replacement caused the system to briefly weaken to a Category 3. The system regained it's strength, hitting Puerto Rico as a Category 5.

Catastrophic damage was done to the island, with an estimated $5 billion on the island itself.

As the system was causing destruction in Puerto Rico, it weakened to a low-end Category 2 before striking Cuba as a Category 3 as the system regained strength. Another $2.12 billion was done in damages in Cuba as flash-flooding and high straight-line winds caused destruction.

The system was expected to head out into the Gulf of Mexico and dissipate, however, the storm regained Category 4 strength and hit Florida at Category 5 strength, causing another $8 billion in damages in the state. On September 8, the system dissipated after killing 167, injuring over 4,300, and causing $15.12 billion (2018 USD) in damages.

Due to extensive flooding and economic losses, Florence was retired and replaced with the name Frank for the 2024 season''. The name Florence'' will never again be used for another Atlantic hurricane.

Hurricane Gordon
On the 19th, a tropical wave with an 85% chance to form into a depression pushed off of Morocco. On August 21, the system began to strengthen and on the 23rd, achieved tropical storm status.

Minor rapid intensification occurred and Gordon achieved Category 2 strength on August 28. Gordon then weakened into a high-end tropical storm when an eye replacement cycle occurred.

Gordon then re-intensified into a Category 1 before dissipating on August 31, one day before the peak of hurricane season. No damage was done along with no deaths and no injuries.

Hurricane Helen
Main Article: Hurricane Helen'''

Remnants from Florence and Gordon, along with a very violent tropical wave formed Helene on August 26. Gaining strength, Helene struck Azores at Category 3 strength.

Flash flooding and high winds caused devastating damage on the island. As the system exited Azores, wind shear caused Helene to weaken to a Category 1 storm before reaching peak intensity 160 miles northeast of Morocco.

An eyewall replacement cycle took place, weakening Helene momentarily to a Category 2 before coming a Category 3 for a final time before hitting Algeria as a Category 2. Algiers suffered heavy rainfall, and in some areas, the rainfall that was accumulated was up to 9.76 inches.

However, the system gradually weakened in Africa after causing heavy rainfall on the continent after killing 16, injuring over 12,000 due to high populations in Africa and $328 million in damages.

Hurricane Isaac
Main Article: Hurricane Isaac'''

The second Category 5 of the year and strongest since Maria last year, Isaac formed from a tropical wave that formed near Chad and moved off the coast of Africa on September 1. The system then gained tropical depression status on September 3 before coming Tropical Storm Isaac on September 5.

Intensifying from a tropical storm to a Category 4 in just over 22 hours, Isaac brought heavy flooding near the Caribbean before gaining Category 5 strength on September 9.

Isaac was expected to keep going towards Mexico, however, the system made a sharp right turn an headed towards Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and the rest of the Greater Antilles.

Peak winds of 185 mph and a barometric pressure of 889 mbar, Isaac brought heavy flooding and catastrophic to the Greater Antilles, causing an estimated $24 billion in damages beffore making another right turn towards Miami. The U.S. states of Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina declared states of emergencies as Isaac was expected to move along the coastline and brought damage to those states.

On the night of September 13, Isaac made a Category 5 landfall with 165 mph winds in the Keys. Flash-flooding occurred in Key West and Miami faced some of the worst damage. Hard Rock Stadium was severely damaged along with flooding, dozens of cranes were toppled over, and flooding up to 34 feet in Miami killed 1,238. Isaac continued up the coast, causing severe damage in Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach at Category 3 strength. Orlando was hit at Category 2 intensity and then Isaac pushed east into the Atlantic.

Isaac than rapidly re-intensified into a Category 5 before hitting Jacksonville, causing more catastrophic damage. As Isaac went inland, he weakened becoming a Category 1 when striking Atlanta, causing flash flooding. Isaac then became extratropical on September 19 when Nashville, along with Memphis suffered flash flooding. Isaac then dissipated on September 21.

In all, Isaac killed 2,356, injured over 29,000, and causing $263 billion (2018 USD) in damages, more than the previous record holders, Harvey and Katrina. Due to record damage, flooding, and economic losses, Isaac was retired and replaced with Isaiah for the 2024 season.

Tropical Depression Ten
Two systems that developed in the open Atlantic had 65% chances to form into Tropical storms Joyce and Kirk. The first system, classified as Tropical Depression Ten, quickly intensified and, within a few days, dissipated out of nowhere.

Depression Ten nearly became Joyce, but dissipated before it was able to achieve the status. No one was killed or injured and no damage was done.

Tropical Depression Eleven
Just like Tropical Depression Ten, Eleven formed in the middle of the Atlantic and had a very good chance of become a tropical storm.

However the following day, Eleven dissipated as high wind shear drastically weakened. Like Ten, Eleven caused no deaths or injuries and no damage.

Hurricane Joyce
Main Article: Hurricane Joyce On September 8, a tropical wave emerged on radar before strengthening into Tropical Storm Joyce on September 10.

Rapid intensification occurred and Joyce became a Category 3 by September 12. Then the following day, Joyce became a Category 4 with peak winds near 140 mph. The system temporarily weakened when the system had an eyewall replacement cycle before regaining strength when striking Belize, killing 542. An estimated $360 million in damage was done before the system dissipated on September 22.

542 were killed, thousands more were killed, and $360 million in damages was done. Due to the high count of fatalities and damage, the name Joyce was retired from hurricane naming usage and replaced with Jackson for the 2024 season.

Hurricane Kirk
Main Article: Hurricane Kirk A tropical wave along with remnants from Joyce and other disturbances formed Tropical Depression Thirteen on September 13. Over the warm water of the Atlantic, Thirteen underwent extreme intensification into a Category 4 hurricane that was named Kirk.

Kirk hit Bermuda as a Category 5 before weakening and moving south towards Florida. Kirk hit Northern Florida as a Category 5 with 160 mph winds before the system weakened into a Category 2. As Kirk was in the Gulf of Mexico, an impact of Louisiana and Texas was the most probable.

Kirk reached a peak strength of 175 mph and a barometric pressure reading of 904 mbar. Kirk then slightly weakened before regaining it's peak strength before making landfall in Texas. Flooding up to 31 inches and high winds caused catastrophic damage. Kirk weakened into a Category 1 when Dallas was struck, causing severe flooding. Kirk then weakened to a subtropical storm and dissipating on October 5.

Due to the heavy rainfall and flooding, 969 people were killed, over 6,700 people were injured, and $84.63 billion (2018 USD) in damages was done. Due to record economic losses and damage, Kirk was retired from usage and replaced with Kevin for the 2024 season.

Hurricane Leslie
A tropical wave with a 45% chance to become a tropical storm moved off the coast of Africa and became quickly Tropical Storm Leslie.

Leslie then strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane on September 16. Expected to become a Category 3, Leslie drastically weakened on the 17th before dissipating on the 18th after leaving no one dead or injured, and no damage.

Hurricane Michael
Main Article: Hurricane Michael'''

A tropical disturbance formed from areas of low pressure and high moisture on September 15. On September 17, the disturbance became Tropical Depression Fifteen on September 17.

Then on the 18th, Fifteen became Tropical Storm Michael. The system underwent drastic intensification and became a major hurricane with 125 mph winds.

Cuba was hit hard by Michael, causing $13.2 billion in damages on the island. In the Gulf of Mexico, in a span of 14 hours, Michael went from a Category 1 with 75 mph winds to a Category 4 with 150 mph winds and a barometric pressure drop of 80 mbar.

The U.S. states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma declared states of emergencies on the 20th, followed by Alabama on the 21st. Michael slammed into New Orleans and Corpus Christi at low-end Category 4 strength. Over the next 3 days, devastating flooding in the cities of Mobile, Jackson, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Little Rock, Corpus Christi, Houston, Dallas, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City caused catastrophic damage.

Michael dissipated over Lake Michigan on September 27 after killing 4,871, injuring over 20,000, and causing $207 billion (2018 USD). Due to record damage, Michael was retired from usage and replaced with Micah for the 2024 season.

Hurricane Nadine
On September 15th, the NHC began to monitor a disturbance in the open Atlantic. On the 18th, the system became Tropical Storm Nadine after minor rapid intensification.

Nadine then underwent a second period of rapid intensification, becoming a major hurricane on September 20.

However, Nadine lost strength and quickly dissipated 2 days. later. The remnants of the system helped Oscar gain Category 5 strength.

In all, no one was killed or injured, and no damage was done.

Hurricane Oscar
On September 17, a tropical wave emerged off the coast of Mali. On September 20, the disturbance strengthened into a depression. Then, on September 24, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Oscar.

While staying at the same strength for 3 days, Oscar rapidly intensified into a Category 4 with 135 mph winds. Oscar struck the Caribbean at Category 4 strength, causing an estimated $60 billion to the islands, and 5,821 were killed, along with over 29,000 injuries. Slowing speeds, Oscar regained strength, striking Cuba at a Category 4 with 150 mph winds and a barometric pressure of 929 mbar.

Slowing speed, Oscar entered the Gulf of Mexico on September 27 with a forward speed of 6 mph. Oscar then re-intensified into a Category 5 with 165 mph wind and a barometric pressure of 923 mbar. The U.S. states of Florida, Alabama, and Georgia declared states of emergencies before Oscar regained strength, packing 180 mph winds and a barometric pressure 919 mbar.

20 miles from the Florida coastline, Oscar gained a little strength, still packing the same wind speeds, but had a barometric pressure of 916 mbar. Hitting Panama City, Atlanta, Greensville, and Charlotte, high winds, heavy rainfall, and large storm surges. Heading out into the Atlantic, Oscar, a tropical storm, regained hurricane status before slamming into Richmond as a Category 2 before moving inland and dissipating over Lake Ontario. 1,234 were killed in the U.S. and over 50,000 were injured.

In all, 7,055 were killed, over 79,000 more were injured, and $157 billion (2018 USD) in damages was done. Due to record flooding and damage, Oscar was retired from use and replaced with Olivia for the 2024 season.

Hurricane Patty
The NHC began to monitor a disturbance on September 25 as the disturbance moved off of Africa. On September 28, the disturbance intensified into Tropical Storm Patty.

On October 1, Patty underwent rapid intensification, becoming a Category 3 major hurricane. Impacting Trinidad and Tobago, winds up to 110 mph and surges up to 9 ft caused 27 deaths.

Patty gradually weakened before regaining strength on October 5. Patty then encountered heavy wind shear, causing the system to lose it's structure and becoming a depression on October 7 and dissipating the following day.

In all, Patty killed 27, injured 125, and caused $293 million in damages.

Hurricane Quinn
A tropical wave that formed from isolated thunderstorms over Africa created Tropical Storm Quinn quickly on September 30.

On October 2, Quinn started to shift to the north. By October 9, Quinn became a Category 4 with 130 mph winds. On the 14th, Quinn restrengthened, harboring wind speeds of 145 mph winds and a barometric pressure of 944 mbar.

While pushing to the south, Quinn started to shift to the west towards the Carolinas.

The states of Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida declared states of emergencies by the 19th. Quinn made landfall on the 20th just south of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on the 21st with 145 mph winds and a barometric pressure reading of 941 mbar. Rainfall up to 45 inches were recorded in a few places.

Charleston faced devastating flooding and 36 people died in the vicinity of the city. Charleston Airport and the North Charleston Coliseum faced severe damage and flooding. Economic losses totaled $37 billion in the city. Greensboro faced severe flooding, and 2 people died from an EF2 tornado near the city.

Quinn dissipated over Georgia on October 25 after killing 38, injuring over 600, and causing $46 billion in damages. Due to record economic losses, Quinn was retired and replaced with Qunita for the 2024 season.

Hurricane Rafael
The NHC started to monitor a disturbance near the Gulf of Mexico that quickly became Tropical Storm Rafael on October 3.

Undergoing a period of rapid intensification, Rafael became a Category 4 with 150 mph winds when the system slammed into Haiti, causing 6,789 deaths and $75 billion in damages on the island.

Briefly weakening, Rafael emerged into the Gulf, regaining a little strength, slamming into Naples, Florida as a high-end Category 4 with wind speeds at 155 mph and a barometric pressure reading of 925 mbar.

Strong straight-line winds, heavy rainfall, and huge storm surges caused another $45 billion in damages in South Florida before hitting Bermuda as a low-end Category 4 with 130 mph winds and a barometric pressure reading of 937 mbar. More flooding caused another $5.3 billion in damages was done in damages.

In all, 6,903 deaths occurred, another estimated 24,300 injuries occurred, and $125.3 billion (2018 USD) in damages. Due to record damage, flooding, and economic losses, Rafael was replaced with Roman for the 2024 season.

Hurricane Sara
A tropical disturbance formed in the open Atlantic from remnants of other storms formed on October 2. Two days later, the disturbance became Tropical Storm Sara.

Between the 5th and 8th, Sara underwent rapid intensification, becoming a Category 4 on a final approach to Dominica. Slowing up, Sara became a Category 5 with 160 mph as the system was gaining strength. Sara slammed into Puerto Rico and Dominica with 170 mph winds. On the islands, $90 billion in damages was done and 2,875 were killed.

Sara made a sharp right turn before heading north before turning west towards Florida. Sara gained strength, reaching a once peak intensity of 175 mph and a barometric pressure of 908 mbar.

Impacting Florida, Sara weakened to a Category 2 before re-intensifying into a Category 5 with wind speeds up to 180 mph and a new barometric pressure of 904 mbar. Before a third impact on the U.S., the pressure dropped 2 mbar, reaching 902 mbar. All gulf coast states declared states of emergencies, and the Florida Panhandle was hit at peak strength, causing devastating flash-flooding. Another $26 billion was done in Florida and Georgia before Sara weakened into a tropical depression, still causing heavy rainfall, and another $17 billion in damages was done, along with 17 deaths.

In all, 2,892 deaths occurred, over 15,000 injuries was done, and $133 billion (2018 USD) in damages was done. Due to record economic losses, Sara was replaced with Sophia for the 2024 season.

Hurricane Tony
On October 7, the NHC began to monitor a tropical wave that moved off off of Senegal, and the next day, the system became Tropical Storm Tony.

On October 11, rapid intensification occurred, and Tony became a Category 4 when the system hit Northern South America. The Greater Antilles, along with the Caribbean, were hit head on, causing catastrophic damage. 6,347 were killed and $85 billion in damages. Tony slowed down before a final approach to Cuba.

Cuba was hit as Tony was a Category 5 with wind speeds of 175 mph and a barometric pressure of 905 mbar. Starting to head north, Tony began to towards the northeast. Texas was hit as a Catgeory 5 with 190 mph winds and a new barometric pressure of 892 mbar.

Catastrophic damage was done in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas and $92 billion in damages was done in those states, along with 988 deaths. Tony then turned towards the Gulf of Mexico once again and the system regained Category 5 strength. Crossing South Florida as a Category 5 with 200 mph winds and a new barometric pressure of 877 mbar. Bermuda was then hit as Tony slightly weakened. 180 mph winds were recorded with pressure recorded at 899 mbar.

Paralleling the East Coast of the U.S., a brief landfall of the Carolinas caused heavy rainfall, and an estimated $7 billion in those 2 states. Tony then rapidly re-intensified, reaching peak strength of 225 mph and a barometric pressure of 846 mbar.

States of emergencies were declared from Virginia to Massachusetts. Hitting the East Coast head on, catastrophic damage was done on the East Coast as heavily populated cities such as Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, Hartford, and Boston each got at least 25 inches of rain with wind speeds up to 200 mph. On the East Coast, an estimated $188 billion in damages was done, along with 1,244 deaths. Making a 180 degree turn, Tony re-intensified with 215 mph winds speeds and a barometric pressure of 851 mbar when the system slammed into Virginia on November 10.

Barely weakening, Tony slammed into Ohio and actually re-intensified over Lake Ontario. Slamming into Canada, Tony brought strong straight-line winds, heavy rains and huge storm surges. After causing $22 billion after making another landfall on the U.S. East Coast, Tony caused another $64 billion in damages and killing 3,759 after another landfall.

Tony then pushed out over the Atlantic and fully dissipated on November 19. In all, Tony caused 12,338 deaths, over 100,000 injuries, and a record $458 billion (2018 USD) in damages, making it the costliest natural disaster in world history, until Sigma later in the season. Due to record intensity, flooding, and damage, Tony was retired from hurricane usage, being replaced with Taylor for the 2024 season.

Tropical Storm Ulysses
On October 8, a tropical disturbance quickly became Tropical Storm Ulysses near Belize. With 55 mph winds, Ulysses hit Cuba, causing moderate rainfall, killing 3 in the process. As a subtropical storm, Ulysses regained tropical storm status before slamming Florida as a tropical storm with 65 mph winds.

An estimated $50 million in damages was done in the state before Ulysses became a depression and becoming a remnant low by October 17.

On October 18, Ulysses completely dissipated after killing 3, injuring 36, and causing $75 million in damages.

Hurricane Valerie
A disturbance popped up on radar and quickly intensified into Hurricane Valerie.

With 85 mph winds, Valerie slammed into Mexico, causing devastation around Cancún, causing $400 million in damages.

On October 14, Valerie dissipated before re-organizing in the Pacific as Tropical Storm Zeke.

In all, Valerie caused 45 injuries and $400 million in damages.

Due to the economic losses, Valerie was retired and replaced with Vonnie for the 2024 season.

Hurricane William
On October 21, a disturbance intensified into Tropical Depression Twenty-Five near Cape Verde. Then on the 23rd, Twenty-Five intensified into Tropical Storm William at 4:00 AM UTC.

William then underwent a rapid period of intensification, becoming a Category 3 major hurricane with 115 mph winds.

The countries of Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda were hit at Category 3 strength on the 27th, causing $9.6 billion in damages and killing 54.

On November 1, William weakened into a remnant low and some remnants of the storm would shift out into the Atlantic and help form Hurricane Xenia.

William completely dissipated on November 4th after killing 54 and causing $9.6 billion in damages. Due to high economic losses, William was replaced with Wade for the 2024 season.

Hurricane Xenia
On November 12, a disturbance became Tropical Depression Twenty-Six near Cuba. In under 24 hours, the most rapid intensification and pressure drop ever occurred.

From a disturbance with 25 mph winds, the system became a Category 5 Hurricane Xenia with 185 mph winds, a record increase of 160 mph. The pressure drop of 273 mbar from 1158 mbar to 885 mbar is also a new record.

The U.S. state of Florida declared a state of emergency, and by November 18, Xenia was 20 miles off the coast of Florida before an eyewall replacement cycle took place, causing the system to weaken to 160 mph winds before impacting Florida just north of Naples. Hertz Arena was severely damaged and flooded. In South Florida alone, $145 billion in damages and 82 deaths occurred.

Exiting the U.S., Xenia further weakened into a Category 4 before striking Bermuda with 130 mph winds. Xenia made a hard left turn and moved up the U.S. east coast, striking Virginia with 175 mph winds. Another $60 billion in damages was done in the state, along with 60 deaths, before an impact of Pennsylvania at a low-end Category 3 strength occurred.

The Pennsylvania capital city of Harrisburg, along with Erie and Pittsburgh suffered severe flooding, causing another $165 billion in damages and 42 deaths.

Xenia finally dissipated over Indiana after killing 184 and causing a then secondly-record of $370 billion in damages made Xenia the second costliest Atlantic hurricane on record, along with the second costliest in world history, until multiple Category 5 hurricanes passed Xenia. Due to record damage, Xenia was retired and replaced with Ximen for the 2024 season.

Hurricane Yvette
A disturbance formed from 5 isolated thunderstorms became Tropical Depression Twenty-Seven near Portugal on November 13.

Then on November 14, the system became Tropical Storm Yvette before becoming a Category 2 hurricane with 110 mph winds.

Within 100 miles from Portugal, Yvette became a Category 3 major hurricane before a landfall as a Category 2 in Portugal.

$100 million was done in damages on the island and no one was killed before Yvette dissipated over Europe on November 17.

Hurricane Zachary
On November 16, Tropical Depression Twenty-Eight formed from a disturbance that formed from a tropical wave from Africa.

On November 19, the depression became Tropical Storm Zachary. Zachary quickly became a Category 3 with 120 mph winds by November 22. On the 23rd, Zachary became a Category 4 with 140 mph winds.

By November 29, Zachary became a Category 5 with 185 mph winds with a barometric pressure reading of 879 mbar, only behind Tony as the the most intense hurricane on record at the time.

On December 4, Zachary made landfall on Puerto Rico with 180 wind speeds and a barometric pressure reading of 892 mbar. Causing 5,496 deaths and $92 billion in damages on the island, Zachary circled around Bermuda before slamming into the Florida-Georgia border as a Category 5 with 190 mph wind speeds with a barometric pressure reading of 867 mbar.

Causing $57 billion in damages to both states, Zachary moved inland, striking Kentucky and Tennessee at Category 4 strength, causing another $125 billion in damages with heavy rainfall and strong winds.

As a Category 1, Zachary caused severe flooding in Chicago, killing 267 and another $40 billion in damages. Zachary dissipated in Montana on December 10 after killing 5,663 and $318 billion in damages. Due to record intensity and damage, Zachary was retired and replaced with Zahn for the 2024 season.

Hurricane Alpha
On December 2, a tropical wave emerged off of Morocco, and achieved disturbance status.

By the 5th, the disturbance became Tropical Depression Twenty-Nine, and then became Tropical Storm Alpha the following day. Undergoing rapid intensification, Alpha became a Category 3 with 125 mph winds.

Impacting Suriname, heavy flash-flooding killed 65 and caused $5 billion in damages. Gaining strength, Alpha became a high-end Category 4 when Cuba was hit.

$40 billion in damages was done in damages on Cuba before Alpha emerged in the Gulf at Category 1 strength. Alpha then re-intensified into a Category 4 with 155 mph winds before slamming into Mississippi, causing catastrophic damage, killing 17 and causing another $69 billion in damages.

Alpha dissipated over Oklahoma on Christmas Eve after killing 82 and causing $114 billion (2018 USD) in damages. Due to record damage, Alpha was retired, but however, was not replaced as the names on the list go in Greek alphabet order.

Tropical Storm Gamma
On the 6th, a disturbance had a 70% chance to form after areas of low-pressure caused an eye begin to form. By the 7th, Tropical Storm Gamma formed causing no damage.

By the 9th, Gamma gained little intensity and started to weaken after very strong wind shear. Dissipating quickly the same day, no damage, injuries, or deaths occurred.

Remnants from Gamma would later help strength Hurricane Delta.

Hurricane Delta
On December 13th, a tropical wave was being monitored since tropical characteristics were present and an eyewall was beginning to form.

By the 15th, the system strengthened into Tropical Storm Delta. By the 17th, Delta became a Category 2 hurricane before slamming into the Azores, causing 16 deaths and $1.2 billion in damages on the island.

Strengthening into a Category 4 major hurricane, Delta slammed into France, causing another 45 deaths and $35.9 billion in damages before dissipating over Estonia on Christmas day.

In all, 61 people died and $38.1 billion (2018 USD) in damages occurred as of a result. Due to record flooding, Delta was retired, but however, was not replaced as the names on the list go in Greek alphabet order.

Tropical Storm Beta
Brewing in the Atlantic for 3 days, a disturbance quickly strengthened into Tropical Storm Beta, with 45 mph winds.

From December 16th to the 21st, Beta stayed at 55 mph winds with a barometric pressure reading of 1013 mbar. By the 23rd, Beta gained strength, having 60 mph winds and a pressure reading of 1007 mbar.

Within 24 hours, Beta became disorganized and weakened into a tropical depression and dissipating the following day after causing no damage and no deaths.

Hurricane Epsilon
On December 16th, a disturbance formed from low circulation, along with low pressure near Cape Verde. By the 18th, the disturbance became Hurricane Epsilon. A Category 1, Esilon brought heavy rains to Bermuda, causing 6 deaths and $12 million in damages.

However, by the 22nd, Epsilon weakened and dissipated in the open Atlantic after killing 6 and causing $12 million in damages.

Hurricane Eta
On December 19th, a disturbance began to strengthen as warm ocean water, along with low pressure, made the storm bigger.

The following day, the system quickly intensified into Tropical Storm Eta with 65 mph winds. Continuing to intensify, Eta strengthened into a Category 2 with 105 mph winds before making a landfall in the Florida Keys on the 23rd.

Killing 2 and causing $40 million in damages, Eta quickly weakened and dissipated on Christmas Eve.

In all only 2 were killed and $40 million in damages was done.

Hurricane Theta
On the 19th, a potential disturbance formed as many scattered, isolated thunderstorms, along with low pressure, formed the system. By the 21st, the system strengthened into a depression and then 5 hours later, became Tropical Storm Theta.

On the 23rd, Theta became a Category 3 hurricane and made landfall in Barbados. Killing 74 and causing $2.16 billion in damages, before becoming a remnant low on the 27th. The storm fully dissipated on the 29th after killing 76, the 2 extra coming from mudslides in Mexico, and $2.2 billion in damages.

Due to extensive damage in the Caribbean, Theta was retired from hurricane name usage, but was not replaced due to being a Greek name.

Tropical Storm Iota
On the 24th, remnants from Eta formed Iota in the middle of the Atlantic. Gaining a small feat of intensity, Iota had 60 mph wind speeds by the 26th.

The system then drastically weakened as wind shear disorganized before dissipating the following day after causing no damage to humans or land whatsoever.

Hurricane Kappa
A tropical wave originating from Africa pushed out into the Atlantic, achieving depression status on December 24. By the 26th, the system was Category 2 Hurricane Kappa.

Impacting Cape Verde, 27 deaths occurred, along with $80 million in damages before Kapa weakened due to cold water.

By the 29th, Kappa dissipated after killing 32 and causing $96 million in damages.

Hurricane Lambda
Remnants from multiple storms caused a depression to quickly form in the Gulf. By the 27th, the depression became a Category 2 Lambda.

Intensifying further, Lambda became a Category 4 major hurricane with 150 mph when Southern Texas and Northern Mexico was hit.

Due to large storm surges and flooding, 236 died and $56 billion in damages. Quickly weakening inland, Lambda became a remnant low on December 29th and dissipated 2 hours before 2019.

Lambda killed 236 and caused $56 billion in damages. Due to it's intensity, fatality rate, and economic losses, Lambda was retired from hurricane name usage, but was not replaced with a name due to being a Greek origin name.

Hurricane Mu
On December 23, a disturbance formed of the Gulf's warm water. By the 25th, the system became a depression. Becoming Tropical Storm Mu on the 27th, Mu intensified into a Category 1 hurricane with 75 mph winds.

Staying a hurricane for less than an hour, Mu quickly started to weaken due unstableness in the system. Mu dissipated in the open Atlantic after causing no damage and no fatalities on January 2nd.

Hurricane Nu
On December 23, a tropical wave emerged off the coast of Africa and quickly became a disturbance. By the 25th, the disturbance strengthened, quickly, into Tropical Storm Nu.

Undergoing rapid intensification, Nu became a Category 3 before slightly weakening to a Category 2 due to a eye replacement. By the 29th, Nu strengthened into a Category 4 storm with 140 mph winds.

Making a landfall in Cuba, 46 were killed and $30 billion in damages was done on the island. Emerging in the Gulf as a tropical storm, Nu quickly gained hurricane strength once again.

And by the January 5th, Nu was a Category 4 with 145 mph winds before striking Alabama. Causing another 13 deaths, Nu drastically weakened once inland and became a extratropical cyclone by the 6th after causing another $46 billion in damages to the U.S. and $1 billion in Canada.

Nu fully dissipated on the 7th after killing 59 and causing $77 billion in damages. The name Nu was retired from the hurricane naming rotation.

Hurricane Xi
On December 27th, a disturbance in the open Atlantic rapidly intensified into Category 3 Hurricane Xi. By the 29th, Xi became a Category 5 with 160 mph winds.

Impacting the Azores, 27 were killed, along with $6 billion in damages before Xi minorly weakened on the 30th. By the 2nd of January, Xi was once again a Category 5 with 175 mph winds with a pressure reading of 912 mbar.

Strengthening even further, Xi impacted Bermuda with 180 mph winds and a pressure reading of 909 mbar. Slightly weakening after killing 49 on Bermuda and $65 billion in damages, Xi made landfall near Brunswick, Georgia on the 10th with 180 mph winds and a pressure reading of 908 mbar, it's peak intensity.

Causing 17 more deaths and $23 billion more in Georgia, Xi weakened into a tropical storm by the 14th and a remnant low on the 15th. Another 2 were killed in Greenville, South Carolina as Xi caused another $600 million in damages.

Xi completely dissipated over Indiana the next day after killing 95 and causing $94.6 billion in damages. Xi was retired due to it's destruction. But due to being a Greek name, Xi was not replaced with a different name.

Hurricane Omicron
By the 26th, a disturbance with low pressure began to strengthen. By the following day, the disturbance became Tropical Storm Omicron. With 65 mph winds, Omicron underwent rapid intensification, becoming a Category 4 with 155 mph winds.

Still keeping it's strength by the 5th of January, Omicron slammed into Western Africa, becoming the Southernmost landfalling major hurricane in the Atlantic basin. Ravaging Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau, 7,809 people were killed, along with $117 billion in damages.

By the 9th, Omicron drastically weakened and dissipated over Egypt. Omicron was retired from hurricane usage, but was not replaced due to being a Greek name.

Hurricane Pi
On December 28th, a disturbance intensified into Tropical Storm Pi. Intensifying quickly, Pi became a Category 4 storm with 130 mph winds.

Intensifying into a Category 5 with 185 mph winds and a center pressure of 888 mbar. Impacting Dominica on the 7th, 235 people were killed, along with $84.7 billion in damages on the island.

Weakening into a Category 1, Pi impacted Barbados, killing 11 more and causing $4 billion in damages after major flooding.

Pi dissipated after killing 246 and causing $88.7 billion in damages. The name Pi was retired from hurricane naming rotation due to the serious damage the system inflicted. Due to being a Greek name, Pi wasn't replaced with a new name.

Hurricane Rho
On the 27th, an area of low pressure & circulation formed a disturbance near the Yucatán Peninsula. Undergoing rapid intensification, the disturbance became Category 4 hurricane Rho.

Anticipating for a Northern Texas landfall, a state of emergency was issued for Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. 100 miles from landfall, Rho strengthened even further, still as a Category 4, but had 145 mph winds and a barometric pressure reading of 938 mbar.

Making landfall 150 miles north of Houston on the 8th, heavy rains, along with strong straight-line winds and storm surges caused 164 deaths and $150 billion. Quickly weakening to a remnant low on the 9th. Rho fully dissipated over Minnesota on the 10th.

In all, Rho killed 164 and caused $150 billion in damages. The name Rho was retired, but not replaced due to being a Greek name.

Hurricane Sigma
On December 27, a tropical wave emerged off of Senegal, quickly becoming a depression. Undergoing record explosive intensification, the depression went from 30 mph winds to Category 5 Hurricane Sigma with 195 mph winds in just under 31 hours.

Impacting Panama and Costa Rica, 6,783 were killed before another 2,805 were killed in El Salvador, causing $130 billion in damages in those countries. Sigma briefly weakened to a Category 4, before strengthening into a Category 5 with 200 mph winds.

Impacting Cuba, Havana suffered heavy winds and devastating flooding, causing another $80 billion in damages. Emerging as a Category 5 with 160 mph winds, Sigma intensified even further, impacting Tampa and St. Petersburg at it's peak, 205 mph winds and a barometric pressure reading of 865 mbar.

Causing $165 billion in damages in the Tampa Bay Area, Orlando was hit, causing severe damage to the Amway Center, and severely damaging Daytona International Speedway, causing another $3.4 billion in damages.

Impacting Jacksonville, catastrophic damage occurred, causing another $191 billion in damages. In the state of Florida, 2,387 were killed. Making a second landfall in South Carolina on the 11th, Sigma caused another 38 deaths and $47 billion in damages before becoming a remnants low on the 13th.

Sigma dissipated over the Appalachian Mountains after killing 12,013 and causing a then record $616.4 billion in damages, beating out the stronger Category 5 Hurricane Tony by $158.4 billion. Since then, Hurricane Paul of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season has caused more economic losses than Sigma, with a record $859 billion in damages done by Paul. In addition, Hurricane Kevin of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season caused $875 billion in economic losses, beating out both Sigma and Paul in economic losses.

Storm names
The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Atlantic in 2018. The names not retired from this list will be used again in the 2024 season. This was the same list used in the 2012 season. The name Sara was first used this year (in place of Sandy). After the predetermined list of names for the 2018 season was exhausted, additional storms were named using letters from the Greek Alphabet. The 2018 season is one of only two seasons to exhaust its name list, with the other being the 2005 season.

Retirement
On April 26, 2019, at the 40th session of the RA IV hurricane committee, the World Meteorological Organization retired the names Alberto, Chris, Florence, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Michael, Oscar, Quinn, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie, William, Xenia, and Zachary from its rotating name lists due to the amount of deaths and damage they caused, and they will not be used again for another Atlantic hurricane. They were replaced with Austin, Carly, Frank, Isaiah, Jackson, Kevin, Micah, Olivia, Qunita, Roman, Sophia, Taylor, Vonnie, Wade, Xolo, and Zahn for the 2024 season. With fourteen names retired, the 2018 season broke the record for the most retired hurricane names, beating out the 2005 season. With the 10 Greek names Alpha, Delta, Theta, Lambda, Nu, Xi, Omicron, Pi, Rho, and Sigma also being retired, no name replaced them as the Greek list goes in order of the alphabet.

Season Effects
This is a table of all of the storms that have formed during the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season. It includes their names, duration, peak strength, 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 2018 USD.