Overall, this year's hurricane and tropical storm numbers were in the long term average category. Wind shear was increased during this El Nino year. This lead to a lesser number of named storms and diminished intensity.


2009 hurricane season
Tropical Storms: 10
Hurricanes: 3
Major hurricanes: 2

Long term average
Tropical Storms: 10
Hurricanes: 6
Major hurricanes: 3

15 year average:
Tropical Storms: 15
Hurricanes: 8
Major hurricanes: 4