The 2012 Atlantic hurricane season was an extremely active and devastating season, the 2nd most active in history (behind 2005), and the costliest and deadliest season of all time. The season began on June 1, 2012, and it ended on November 30, 2012, dates of which conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. However, the season exceeded these bounds when Alberto formed on May 20 and William formed in December. Overall, the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season produced 22 tropical cyclones, of which 21 developed into tropical storms; 14 storms attained hurricane intensity, and eight hurricanes further reached major hurricane status. The activity in this season was hyperactive, with 21 storms. The strongest and most devastating storm of the