The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season is the busiest on record and extends the active hurricane cycle that began in 1995— - a trend likely to continue for years to come. The season included 26 named storms, including 13 hurricanes in which seven were major (Category 3 or higher).

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This hurricane season shattered records that have stood for decades— - most named storms, most hurricanes and most category five storms. Arguably, it was the most devastating hurricane season the country has experienced in modern times,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “I'd like to foretell that next year will be calmer, but I can't. Historical trends say the atmosphere patterns and water temperatures are likely to force another active season upon us.”

The Atlantic Basin is in the active phase of a multi-decadal cycle in which optimal conditions in the ocean and atmosphere, including warmer-than-average sea-surface temperatures and low wind shear, enhance hurricane activity. This increase in the number and intensity of tropical storms and hurricanes can span multiple decades (approximately 20 to 30 years). NOAA will make its official 2006 season forecast in May, prior to the June 1st start to the season.

"Evidence of this active cycle was demonstrated this year as the Atlantic Basin produced the equivalent of more than two entire hurricane seasons over the course of one. Because we are in an active hurricane era, it's important to recognize that with a greater number of hurricanes comes increasing odds of one striking land," said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. David L. Johnson, director of the NOAA National Weather Service.

NOAA scientists predicted this would be an extremely active hurricane season, forecasting near-record activity in early August. The 28 named storms topped the forecast range of 18 to 21, the 15 hurricanes inched above the forecast of nine to 11 and the seven major hurricanes fell within NOAA's forecast range of five to seven. Six hurricanes (Cindy, Dennis, Katrina, Ophelia, Rita and Wilma) and two tropical storms (Arlene and Tammy) directly impacted the U.S.