After Katrina there were predictions that 2006 would be one of the worst ever for strong hurricanes hitting the U.S., with global warming as the cause. During the Atlantic hurricane season (June 1, 2006 through November 30, 2006) NO hurricane made landfall in the United States. It was a season welcomed by insurance companies that had taken such a big hit the previous year. A rapidly forming El Nino event smiled upon us.