Six storms that shook America last year

Hurricane Erin slammed into the so-called panhandle area of northern Florida in early August with 85mph winds, killing 11 people.

Hurricane Felix terrorised Bermuda in mid-August before slamming into the barrier islands off the US eastern seaboard, killing nine people and badly eroding beaches.

Hurricane Iris killed three people in the eastern Caribbean in late August.

Hurricane Luis carried winds of up to 140mph in early September, causing widespread destruction on Puerto Rico and the rest of the Caribbean.

Hurricane Marilyn Devastated the US Virgin Islands in September, flattening 80 per cent of homes on St Thomas.

Hurricane Opal battered Mexico in early October, killing 12 people. Then it suddenly veered north to kill dozens more along the US Gulf coast.