The season was the second-most active on record, surpassed by only the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season. Numerous records were either tied or shattered throughout the course of the year. The season had record numbers of hurricanes (16) as well as major hurricanes (10). In addition, a record-shattering seven became Category 4 hurricanes, while a record-tying four further intensified to Category 5 hurricanes. Among these was Hurricane Matthew, one of the most intense tropical cyclones ever recorded.