The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season officially ended on November 30, 2023, after an above-normal season produced 20 named storms—the fourth-most named storms in a season since 1950, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Of these, seven became hurricanes, and three reached major hurricane strength with winds exceeding 111 miles per hour (mph). Only one storm, Hurricane Idalia, made landfall in the United States (US).
The 20 named storms and seven hurricanes of 2023. Hurricanes are marked by stars: NOAA
While NOAA forecasters initially predicted a near-normal season, record-warm sea surface temperatures and a strengthening El Niño prompted an updated forecast in August. In fact, this year saw more named storms during an El Niño-influenced season than ever before in modern recorded history. Hagerty’s Lee Mayfield emphasizes that a more “active” season does not automatically translate to widespread land impacts.
“This does not minimize the experience of residents in some areas,” he says. “In the case of areas like Big Bend of Florida, this Hurricane season was most likely the most active season they have ever seen, highlighting that one storm in your backyard makes it an active hurricane season.”
Mayfield also stressed that hurricanes often have impacts far away from a storm’s landfall point. While attention is typically focused near the storm’s center, wind, water, and flooding can affect communities hundreds of miles away. Hurricane Idalia, for example, caused major flooding in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area of Florida, even though the storm passed well offshore. These events underscore the importance of insurance policies that cover both wind and water damage from hurricanes.
2023 Hurricanes and Storms
On August 30, Hurricane Idalia made landfall as a Category (Cat) 3 hurricane near Keaton Beach, Florida. Hurricane Idalia was the only hurricane that made landfall in the US this year. This was the first major hurricane to make landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida. Hurricane Idalia brought sustained winds of around 125 mph and caused extensive tree and structure damage. Hurricane Idalia made landfall during low tide, which tempered the amount of storm surge; however, Taylor and Dixie counties in the area still saw seven to 12 feet of storm surge.
Making landfall as a post-tropical cyclone in Nova Scotia, Canada, on September 16, Hurricane Lee brought flooding, structural damage, and power outages to residents. After it originated, Lee intensified rapidly from a tropical storm to a hurricane in approximately 24 hours. Two days later, Lee had sustained winds of around 165 mph, making it a Category 5 hurricane. This rapid increase in wind speed made Lee one of the fastest intensifying storms ever to occur in the Atlantic basin. Fortunately, the storm lost strength due to a sudden rush of upper-level winds. Parts of the Northeastern US were impacted as Lee passed by, causing flooding and power outages, primarily in Maine.
Hurricane Tammy, the last hurricane of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season, impacted the northeast Caribbean islands, including the British and US Virgin Islands, in late October. Hurricane Tammy brought heavy rain and winds to the region but was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone shortly after.
Despite being classified as a tropical storm, Tropical Storm Ophelia still brought widespread heavy rainfall, winds, and significant river and storm surge flooding primarily to eastern portions of North Carolina on September 23.
Lessons Learned: Rapid Intensification
Mayfield emphasizes that the 2023 hurricane season highlighted the growing need to prepare for storms that can rapidly intensify before landfall. Increasingly, tropical storms are strengthening into major hurricanes within just 24 hours, leaving emergency managers with shorter evacuation windows and giving the public less time to prepare. Each storm offers an opportunity to refine emergency plans and best practices, helping communities respond, recover, and build resilience more effectively.
For guidance on preparing for storms and protecting your household, visit Ready.gov. For additional insights, see The NY Times opinion piece: Those Hurricane Maps Don’t Mean What You Think They Mean.
