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Going Greek: Subtropical storm Alpha forms off Portugal

First Greek-lettered storm in 15 years

Tropical Storm Alpha

The National Hurricane Center this morning announced Subtropical Storm Alpha has formed in the Atlantic ocean off the coast of Portugal. Meteorologists use the letters of the Greek alphabet if a season runs out of names, and the final name for the 2020 season, Wilfred, was taken by a storm that formed in the central Atlantic Friday morning. The last time Greek letters were used was in the record-setting 2005 hurricane season.

Alpha is forecast to make landfall in Portugal, cross into Spain, then emerge over the Bay of Biscay between Spain and France.


Tropical Depression 22 in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico could become Tropical Storm Beta, possibly as soon as today.

In 2005, Alpha didn't form until October 22. The 2020 season has consistently set records for the earliest in the season that a particular storm has developed. The 2005 season made it all the way to Zeta, the sixth letter of the Greek alphabet, which formed in late December and lasted into January 2006.

First Greek-lettered storm in 15 years