5m0k3: Weather

Just when you thought it was all over, Tropical Storm Zeta has formed in the Atlantic Ocean. In conjunction with a persistent upper-level low in the eastern Atlantic, this surface low developed today, and quickly became organized. This resulted in the development of the season's 27th named storm of the season, Zeta.

This is obviously a very rare occurance, as far as late storms are concerned, and Zeta may very well last into 2006.

We are likely done with the 2005 Hurricane Season, and it was indeed a remarkable one.

• There were 26 named storms in 2005.

• A total of 7 Major (category 3 or higher) storms occurred in 2005.

• Vince 2005 was the first tropical cyclone in recorded history to make landfall in Spain.

• Wilma 2005 marks the first time since record keeping began that 3 Category 5 hurricanes formed in the Atlantic basin in a single season.

• Hurricane Katrina is now the 6th most intense Atlantic Hurricane on record.
• Hurricane Rita is the 4th most intense Atlantic storm.
• Hurricane Wilma was the most intense Atlantic Hurricane in recorded history. (Pressure: 882 mb)
  
• It also underwent the most rapid deepening in a 24 hour period, ever. (98 millibars)
  

Hurricane Emily may be classified a Category 5 storm after post-season analysis. The following table shows how this season compares to a typical season.

Systems	Average	Previous Record	2005
Named Storms	10	21	26
Hurricanes	6	12	14
Category 3+ Hurricanes	2	8	7
Category 5 Hurricanes	0.3	2	3

From hurricane season to holday season. Enjoy!