The 2018 Alaska hurricane season had 20 named storms, 12 hurricanes and 6 major hurricanes. The most notable of these were Hurricane Joseph, which was the costliest and deadliest Alaskan hurricane ever recorded.
An area of disorganized thunderstorms developed a circulation on October 23, 8 days before the start of the season. The tropical depression strengthened rapidly into Tropical Storm Arlene. Hurricane Warnings were then issued along the Gulf of Alaska coast. On October 31, Arlene strengthened into a Category 1 and 6 hours later attained its peak intensity of 90 mph. As it made landfall near Kodiak, Alaska, the hurricane weakened and dissipated on November 2.
A subtropical storm developed in the Chukchi Sea, a rare area for any subtropical or tropical development. The system gradually moved south and entered the tropical Bering Sea and transitioned into a tropical storm. Initial forecasts said Beryl would become a hurricane, but due to wind shear, peaked at 50 mph. Beryl was later absorbed by a large extratropical cyclone.
The remnants of Typhoon Sandy regenerated in the Gulf of Alaska, but due to immediate land interaction, the depression dissipated. The remnants of Tropical Depression Three caused major flooding in the Pacific Northwest. Three people died and the depression caused $320 million in damage.
A small tropical storm formed in the Bering Sea on November 16, but was unnoticed by the Alaska Hurricane Center until November 18. Rapid strengthening occurred and Chantal became a Category 2 hurricane on November 19, and just hours later, became a Category 3 major hurricane. Later on November 24, Chantal became a Category 4 hurricane and simultaneously attained peak intensity with winds of 135 mph. It made landfall the next day as a Category 3 hurricane on Nuka Island.
