Hurricane season ends with 'above-normal' activity in the Atlantic

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- With the end of hurricane season Wednesday, scientists say the Atlantic experienced its first above-normal hurricane season since 2012.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the Atlantic saw 15 named storms this year, including seven hurricanes -- three of which were considered "major."

Hurricane Matthew was the longest-lived and strongest of the season. The category five hurricane reached maximum sustained winds of 160 mph and was a major hurricane for eight days.

The Eastern and Central Pacific also experienced above-normal hurricane seasons this year.