Finally, the 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season closed officially on Sunday Nov 30th. This season produces a record number of consecutive storms to strike the United States and ranks as one of the more active seasons in the 64 years since comprehensive records began, reports NOAA.

For the first time on record, six consecutive tropical cyclones (Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike) made landfall on the U.S. mainland and a record three major hurricanes (Gustav, Ike and Paloma) struck Cuba. This is also the first Atlantic season to have a major hurricane (Category 3) form in five consecutive months (July: Bertha, August: Gustav, September: Ike, October: Omar, November: Paloma). (Click here to read the whole story)

In the month of May NOAA will issue its initial 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Outlook. The official hurricane season starts on June 1.