With record-breaking storms and hurricanes leaving forecasters in shock, the 2020 hurricane season has been incredibly large. 

Still in the mid-stages of the season, there have already been 17 named storms, whereas the average for an entire season is typically 12. Forecasters predicted an extremely active season, so the excess storms do not come as much of a surprise, but the number of storms and hurricanes this season has still broken many records. For the first time in recorded history, two major tropical storms, Laura and Marco, resided near the Gulf Coast simultaneously. Additionally, storms Cristobal and Hannah formed so fast that they broke records for fastest-named storms starting with the letter “C” and “H”.

This busy hurricane season does not seem to be slowing down either, even as the statistical peak of the season, Sept. 10, has passed. Seven storm systems are currently in the Atlantic — all at the same time. Two in specific are raising questions for Floridian forecasters and residents: Paulette and Rene, currently classified as systems and located over the central Atlantic Ocean, are expected to gain strength and turn into tropical storms, and even have the small possibility of becoming a hurricane. While it is not likely to hit the Sunshine State, graphs show a potential collision between Florida and the storms. 

After Hurricane Irma cut through Miami-Dade County in 2017, some residents still think about those weeks without power and property damage that cost the county millions. The thought of these issues potentially returning gives people more to worry about during an already stressful time. 

Miami Palmetto Senior High senior Hanan Levis worries about the possibility of multiple storms hitting South Florida. 

“The possible threat of two hurricanes hitting Miami at the same time is definitely something to worry about and something that has caused more stress to an already stressful time,” Levis said.

Additionally, on Sept. 23, La Nina was announced to be officially on the way by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Previously given a 40% chance of landfall, the presence of La Nina weakens winds and makes it easier for hurricanes to form, which could potentially cause stronger and more frequent storms over the Atlantic and Gulf coast further into the hurricane season.