El Nino's Perfect Storm of Suppression The Atlantic Ocean has been unusually calm so far this hurricane season, thanks in large part to a powerful El Nino event that's suppressing storm development.
Experts caution against complacency because, despite the record slow storm season, it's not time to relax. One key factor behind this quiet season is the unprecedented level of wind shear in the Atlantic.
Wind shear occurs when strong easterly winds clash with westerly winds at different altitudes, essentially tearing apart any would be storms before they can develop.