For the first time in more than a century, hurricane season is keeping it slow.

When it comes to peak hurricane season, Louisiana residents know the importance of being prepared better than most. However, this hurricane season has surprised many with its lack of activity. In fact, this is the first time we’ve seen just a single hurricane since 1914.

Associate Professor Paul Miller from the Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences explains the cause of this phenomenon.

“The main development region, it gets that name for a reason, has been very quiet during peak hurricane season,” said Miller. “So it really hasn’t lived up to its name this year. And so some of the storms that have come off of Africa have kind of struggled to materialize. 
But if they make it into the Gulf of America or the Caribbean Sea, then they’ll find lots of fuel once they get there.”

With hurricanes bringing mass destruction and leaving many communities to rebuild, the people of Louisiana are grateful for a quiet season. LSU student and lifelong Shreveport resident Keagen Simone is one of the many who have experienced these disasters firsthand.

“What I can say now, this year being as calm as it is, no major hurricanes to the gulf, I mean it’s a blessing,” said Simone. “Even when I see memories of people posting memories on Facebook, news, broadcast stations, posting anniversaries of hurricane Laura. 
I mean, this year,  when August road around Hurricane Laura came in, I was, it pulled some heart strings because I seen the damage firsthand.”

While hurricane season isn’t over yet, we’re reaching the end of the season’s peak, with many feeling relieved, relaxed and grateful.

You can keep track of activity in the gulf by visiting www.hhc.noaa.gov.