Alex is actually a late bloomer from the 2015 season. Water temps in the Atlantic ITZ are considerably higher than average which allowed the convetion to build as the upper level eastward shear faded. Hopefully Alex will be it until June. Theoretically strong El Nino years produce relatively quiet Atlantic hurricane seasons but this one is expected to fade by late spring. The abnormal temps extend a good way north so winter storms coming off the east coast will probably produce stronger swell trains out of the north through March. Rainfall should be slightly below normal.

Can anyone report on the Christmas winds this year? Everything I see points to moderate to almost non-existant this year.