What Happened the Last Time the Atlantic Hurricane Season Got Started in April

In 2003, besides a pre-season tropical storm, there were two post-season tropical storms.

The 2003 season began early when Ana was designated a subtropical storm on April 20 and then became a tropical storm on April 21. Ana, the first April tropical storm on record, brought rain to Bermuda and high surf caused two deaths in Florida when a boat capsized.

Then after the official end of hurricane season Nov. 30, Tropical Storm Odette became the first tropical storm to form in December since 1984. Odette made landfall in the Dominican Republic causing flooding and mudslides, which led to eight deaths.

Hurricane season still wasn't over. Tropical Storm Peter formed as a subtropical storm on Dec. 7 before becoming fully tropical on Dec. 9 southwest of the Azores and remained over the open Atlantic not impacting land.

Given that the season began in April and went into December, it is no surprise that it was an active year. A total of 21 tropical cyclones formed, of which 16 became named storms with 7 reaching hurricane status and 3 strengthening into major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). 

(MORE: Tropical Storm Arlene Recap | Tropical Storm Ana)

A Few Notable 2003 Hurricanes: Fabian, Isabel and Juan

One notable storm in 2003 was Hurricane Fabian, which reached Category 4 status with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph. Fabian tracked west of Bermuda, bringing strong winds and damaging storm surge. Waves estimated 20 to 30 feet high battered the south shore of the island, with a reported storm surge of near 10 feet.

Fabian damaged several buildings and 25,000 people lost power. The storm was responsible for eight deaths, including a surfer in North Carolina and three people on a fishing vessel near Newfoundland.

(MORE: Hurricane Central)

Hurricane Isabel also was a major hurricane, attaining Category 5 status with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph. Isabel fortunately weakened before making landfall in North Carolina with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph.

Strong winds combined resulted in downed trees and power lines. Damage from the strong winds and storm surge was also reported. Impacts from Isabel extended as far north as Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Isabel caused over $5 billion in damage and 17 deaths.

What Can We Take Away For 2017?

Does this mean that 2017 will be an above-average year? Overall, there is no correlation with an early start to hurricane season and an active year.

For example in 2015, Tropical Storm Ana developed in early May and made landfall near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, becoming the earliest U.S. landfalling system on record. The 2015 Atlantic hurricane season ended up slightly below average, with 11 named storms, 4 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes.

(MORE: When Hurricane Season Starts Early)

Current forecasts for the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season from both the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project and The Weather Company call for a near-average year and less active than last year.

The forecast from The Weather Company expects 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes, while the forecast from Colorado State University is slightly lower with 11 named storms, 4 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes. 

(MORE: 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast)

One last note: Before satellites in the 1960s, other tropical storms like Arlene could have developed in April, but would have been almost impossible to detect, according to the National Hurricane Center.

MORE ON WEATHER.COM: Atlantic Basin Retired Hurricanes and Tropical Storms (PHOTOS)