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Subject: E16) When did the earliest and latest hurricanes occur?

Contributed by Chris Landsea (NHC)

The hurricane season is defined as June 1 through November 30. An early hurricane can be defined as occurring in the three months prior to the start of the season, and a late hurricane can be defined as occurring in the three months after the season. With these criteria the earliest observed hurricane in the Atlantic was on March 7, 1908, while the latest observed hurricane was on December 31, 1954, the second 'Alice' of that year which persisted as a hurricane until January 5, 1955. The earliest hurricane to strike the United States was Alma which struck northwest Florida on June 9, 1966. The latest hurricane to strike the U. S. was Kate on November 22, 1985 near Mexico Beach, Florida. (Contribution from Sandy Delgado)

Last updated : June 3, 2016

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