Caribbean News
2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season over performs, record heat to blame
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
December 5, 2023 – On November 30th, we marked the close of yet another nail-biting, heart wrenching, roller coaster of an Atlantic Hurricane season and the National Hurricane Centre has ranked 2023 the season as fourth for ‘Most-named Storms in a Year.’
Initially predicted to be a lower than average season because of El Nino, the year smashed that early forecast and got active quickly crossing the finish line just short of earning a podium moment. In real life, finishing on top of the heap is a good thing, when it comes to Hurricane Seasons, not so much.
In early June alone there were two named storms in the basin. Specifically Brett and Cindy and while it is common to get a storm prior to the official June 1 start of the season, the Atlantic basin has never before recorded two named systems in the month of June, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Another crucial moment was the rapid formation of four storms back to back. Emily, Franklin, Gert, and Harold all materialized in a record-breaking 39 hours during the month of August.
Overall there were 22 tropical depressions in 2023 with 21 falling inside the parameters of the Hurricane season and
one in January. There were 20 named storms overall, seven of them becoming hurricanes (Don, Franklin, Idalia, Lee, Margot, Nigel and Tammy) and three major hurricanes: Category 4 hurricanes: Franklin and Idalia and Lee, which climbed to Cat 5 status.
Colorado State University had warned of a possible 18 named storms with as many as nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes in an updated forecast mid-season. In early 2023 they had previously predicted 15 named storms with seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. CSU came closest with its prediction, which still underestimated what June 1 to November 30 would bring this year.
The increased activity was blamed on warmer sea temperatures. These temperatures happened in what is now on record as the ‘hottest year’ ever.
“The Atlantic basin produced the most named storms of any El Nino-influenced year in the modern record,” said Matthew Rosencrans, lead hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center — a division of NOAA’s National Weather Service.
“The record-warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic provided a strong counterbalance to the traditional El Nino impacts,” the NHC said.
Countries that suffered direct impact/landfall included St Vincent & the Grenadines; Bermuda, the United States, Canada, Antigua & Barbuda and Nicaragua. Other countries reported damage from passing hurricanes and tropical storms including Haiti, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, USVI and the Turks and Caicos.
More than two dozen are confirmed dead across the Atlantic following flooding and other dangerous conditions resulting from tropical storm activity in the 2023 hurricane season, with property damage so far recorded at just over $3 billion.
In mid-November a surprising rainstorm (aka Tropical Depression 22) wreaked havoc in countries like the Dominican Republic where at least 30 people were killed in Santo Domingo due to shocking landslides.
Photo by Paul Dellegatto, Tampa Florida River Walk
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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