The Atlantic hurricane seasons of 1998-2001 have each been characterized by extraordinarily intense late-season activity. Mitch (1998), Lenny (1999), Keith (2000), and Michelle (2001) were all some of the most intense storms seen in their respective years, yet all formed well beyond the climatological peak of the season. Lenny and Michelle are the two strongest hurricanes ever measured in the Caribbean during November, while Mitch, which formed in late October, is among the five strongest EVER measured in any month.

This paper will examine the synoptic conditions which lead to the formation of each storm as well as look at the unique challenges that each presented in terms of forecasting their track and intensity. It will also suggest possible links between the occurance of late-season Caribbean hurricanes and the La Nina/El Nino cycle in the Pacific over the past 50 years.