2021 Hurricane Season Summary

The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season began June 1st and ended November 30th, leaving behind a very active year. With 21 named storms, 7 hurricanes and 4 major hurricanes, it was the third most active season on record, only behind 2005 and 2020's record shattering year of 30 named storms. The May prediction called for 13 to 20 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes and 3 to 5 Major Hurricanes. This prediction was revised in August calling for 15 to 21 named storms, 7 to 10 hurricanes and 3 to 5 Major Hurricanes. Both predictions had a 60 and 65 percent chance, respectively, of an above normal season. In the now revised normal season numbers for the years 1991 to 2020, for a normal season, the expectation is now for 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.
 
Despite the season being above normal, it was a relatively good year for us in Dominica as we continue to combat the covid-19 pandemic. We did have a few storms threaten us and also Hurricane Elsa which developed near Barbados on 2nd July. Dominica was placed under a Tropical Storm warning during that time and the center of Elsa passed about 140 miles south of Dominica. We were also affected by tropical waves and trough systems which resulted in flooding across parts of the island in August and October. Generally, we were spared this season but we have to maintain our vigilance and preparedness as it only takes one. Know your vulnerability and make it your responsibility to reduce your vulnerability from weather hazards such as flooding, landslides, rock falls, high winds and rough seas and to be mindful that weather events can impact us even outside of the hurricane season.