For the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico hurricane season begins on June 1st and ends on the 30th of November each year. During these months coastal inhabitants from Maine to Mexico run the risk of being in the path of destruction of one of these meteorological mammoths.

The 2008 hurricane season was the second most destructive season on records, with 16 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 5 major hurricanes (Category 3+). Experts estimate that damages will exceed $42 billion before all is said and done.

The 2008 season began with a tropical storm Aurthur already brewing off the coast of Belize and did not let up from there. The early part of the 2008 season was one of the most active ever recorded. There were four named storms before August, including one major hurricane, making 2008 one of only nine seasons to ever record a major hurricane during this time.

The most destructive storm of 2008 was Hurricane Ike. At its strongest point Hurricane Ike was a massive Category 4 hurricane packing sustained winds of 145 mph. Fortunately the storm weakened to a category 2 before making landfall near Galveston, Texas in the early morning hours of September 13th.

Hurricane Ike ravaged the Texas coast line, having the greatest impact on Galveston, Houston and the surrounding communities. Ike's wrath was felt as far north as Canada as the powerful storm made its way north across the United States.

The damage from Hurricane Ike has been estimated to be as high as $42 billion, making it the third most destructive hurricane in history, behind only Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Andrew.

At least 82 deaths have been attributed to Hurricane Ike in the United States alone.

Hurricane activity has increased in recent years, and according to some experts will only continue to do so in the coming years. It is important to understand the dangers associated with these natural disasters and how maximize saftey, while minimizing damage.

When it comes to hurricanes there is no substitute for preparation. Preparing for the worst, will usually end up being the best form of preparation. For tips on how to prepare for a hurricane, what to do in the aftermath of a hurricane, and how to file your insurance claim explore the other sections of this site.