Autumn storms, on the other hand, tend to form much further west. The decaying remnants of cold fronts are a common seed that gives rise to the development of tropical systems in October and November. These storms can intensify very quickly, and their proximity to land shortens the lead time for residents to prepare and stay out of harm’s way.

Dozens of severe storms raged in the fall

Some of the worst recent hurricanes occurred in October.

Parts of Florida are still grappling with the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael when it churned ashore in mid-October 2018. The storm reached Category 5 intensity before hitting the state’s Panhandle region with winds of 160 mph.

SIGHTSEEING ATTRACTIONS: How a huge hurricane rapidly strengthens within a few hours

When Hurricane Sandy hit the US East Coast in late October 2012, it became one of the largest storms ever recorded. When it made landfall, the storm developed into a severe northeasterly gale. More than 100 people died as a result of Sandy’s flooding and winds, and the storm left tens of billions of dollars in damage.

The most powerful hurricane ever observed in the Atlantic occurred in mid-October during the historic 2005 hurricane season. Hurricane Wilma strengthened to a maximum Category 5 storm on October 19 and recorded a historic minimum central pressure of 882 mb.

Autumn is particularly dangerous in Central America

Fall hurricanes are particularly dangerous for vacationers who look south to escape Canada’s cool temperatures.