The list of Category 5 Atlantic hurricanes encompasses 35 tropical cyclones that reached Category 5 intensity on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale within the Atlantic Ocean (north of the equator), the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. They are the most catastrophic hurricanes that can form on planet Earth. They are relatively rare in the Atlantic Ocean, and generally occur only about once every three years on average in the Atlantic basin. In general, Category 5s form in clusters in single years. Landfalls by storms at Category 5 strength are rare due to the generally northeastward path of tropical cyclones in the Northern Hemisphere's mid-latitudes. This is caused by the westerlies, which recurve strong hurricanes towards colder waters in the open Atlantic Ocean. However, the easterly large-scale surface winds in the tropics may steer strong hurricanes in the Caribbean Sea towards land areas.
Only six times—in the 1932, 1933, 1960, 1961, 2005 and 2007 hurricane seasons—have multiple Category 5 hurricanes formed. Only in 2005 have more than two Category 5 storms formed, and only in 2007 has more than one made landfall at Category 5 strength.
Read more about List Of Category 5 Atlantic Hurricanes: Statistics, Category 5 Atlantic Hurricanes, Climatology, Landfalls
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