The first storm, Alberto, formed on June 19. The season was relatively inactive at first due to wind shear scattered across the Atlantic, then it exploded in late-August after wind shear diminished across the basin, beginning with the formation of Chris and lasting through October before activity finally calmed down. The strongest storm, Chris, strengthened to a peak of 165 mph/911 mbars due to very favorable conditions in the Gulf of Mexico during this time. Chris was also the costliest storm of the season, causing damages exceeding $50 billion (2018 USD) after striking the US Gulf Coast full-force as a borderline Cat.5. The deadliest storm of the season wasn't Chris, however. The other major in this season, Gordon, caused a death toll exceeding 5,000 after striking Haiti as a C4 and atta