Autumn has started, and even though October typically isn’t linked with major hurricane impacts like during summertime, it’s recognized as the height of hurricane activity. Historically, this month has seen hazardous and deadly storms, particularly affecting one state: Florida.

After the landfall of Helene and the start of recovery efforts, meteorologists shifted their focus to the Caribbean Sea, where another tropical disturbance emerged in a similar area to Hurricane Helene. This new disturbance may turn into the 12th named storm of the season.

Since 2013, 16 hurricanes have occurred in October, with five hitting the U.S.

Where have named storms made landfall in October?

Since 1950, 19 hurricanes have made landfall in the U.S. during October (not counting Sandy, as it didn’t officially land as a tropical cyclone) 10 of these impacted Florida.

Typical storm formation areas in October

In October, tropical storms and hurricanes begin to form more frequently in the western Caribbean Sea, eastern Gulf of Mexico, and far western Atlantic Ocean. The warm waters of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico are conducive to storm development. During early winter, low-pressure troughs in the Gulf can draw these storms and drive them toward Florida.

The impact of the jet stream on hurricanes in October

With the changing seasons, the currents that guide storms also shift. Cool air moves southward, creating the mid-latitude westerly flow—a phenomenon known as the jet stream. This flow can direct weather systems from west to east. Consequently, storms formed in the Caribbean and entering the Gulf are often influenced by this westerly flow, which can redirect them eastward. This situation places Louisiana and Florida at higher risk since Florida dips further south than the jet stream during this season.

How many storms have occurred this season?

Currently, there have been 11 named storms, including the formation of Tropical Storm Kirk on September 30.

Closing in on the end of hurricane season

Typically, hurricane activity begins to wane as November approaches, especially in the U.S. Since 1861, there have been only seven recognized hurricanes that have made landfall in the U.S. in November.

• 1861-Unnamed: Landed near Marco Island as a Tropical storm, Nov. 1
• 1935-Unnamed: Landed near Everglades City as a Category 1, Nov. 5
• 1985-Kate: Landed near Panama City as Category 2, Nov. 21
• 1994-Gordon: Landed near Cape Coral as a tropical storm, Nov. 16
• 1998-Mitch: Landed near Naples as a tropical storm, Nov. 5
• 2020-Eta: Landed near Cedar Key as a tropical storm, Nov. 12
• 2022-Nicole: Landed near Fort Pierce as a Category 1, Nov. 10