American forecasters predicted a big hurricane season this year saying it would match that of the 2005 season which produced a record number of hurricanes and produced some of the biggest Atlantic hurricanes on record – including Katrina.

But with the 16th named storm now about to hit Cuba (Hurricane Paula) is the season proving to be a bit of a non-event compared to 2005?

While 16 named storms is certainly quite a lot – it’s hardly been a dramatic season.

Of the 16 storms 9 have been hurricanes.   Alex was the first – the earliest on record forming in June.

Danielle made Cat 4 – as did Earl and Igor.

All of these hurricanes were mostly out in the Atlantic well away from land.

Earl did impact the eastern United States and Canada causing widespread flooding and wind damage but nothing catastrophic.

So far there hasn’t been one Category 5 hurricane this season – hardly a repeat of 2005 – and the hurricane season is now starting to wind up.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz with data thanks to AccuWeather.com