Ophelia 10th consecutive named system to reach hurricane status in the Atlantic

As of 5:00pm AST today, October 11th, Hurricane Ophelia became the 10th consecutive named system in the Atlantic Basin to reach hurricane strength. According to research meteorologists at the Colorado State University, this ties the all-time record previously set in 1995 for the second most on record through October 11th (it also ties records set in the late 1800s, according to historical data). The record for most hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin through October 11th was twelve hurricanes, which was set during the 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Infrared satellite image of Hurricane Ophelia on Wednesday, October 11th, 2017. Image credit: NOAA National Hurricane Center

Ophelia is currently located in the far eastern Atlantic Ocean, and is a Category-1 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale with sustained winds of 75mph. Hurricane Ophelia is expected to maintain hurricane status as it moves east-northeast towards the Azores Islands over the next 72-96 hour period. Thereafter, it will transition into an extra-tropical cyclone as it recurves to the north-northeast towards Ireland. 

The 5:00pm AST forecast track for Hurricane Ophelia. Note: The cone of uncertainty is derived from the average NHC forecast error over the previous five years, and is not generated by numerical guidance. Image credit: NOAA National Hurricane Center

The 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season has been quite active, with 15 named storms that have occurred so far this season. All of the hurricanes this season have occurred in consecutive order, beginning with Hurricane Franklin in early August. Five tropical storms occurred beforehand with the names of Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Don, and Emily.

A time scale of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Note the 49-day long streak of tropical cyclone activity that occurred in the Atlantic Basin from Hurricane Gert through Hurricane Maria.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season is from June 1st through November 30th. Currently, there are no other tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Basin besides Hurricane Ophelia. However, information regarding potential tropical cyclones can always be found at the National Hurricane Center‘s website.

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