These dates, adopted by convention, historically describe the period in each year when most tropical systems form.

[3] Although two tropical depressions formed in June, the first named storm, Alberto, did not arise until August 4.

The two most significant storms of the season, in terms of loss of life and damage, were Hurricanes Gordon and Keith.

[2] Following the 2000 season, the name Keith was retired from reuse in the North Atlantic by the World Meteorological Organization.

[5] This timeline documents tropical cyclone formations, strengthening, weakening, landfalls, extratropical transitions, and dissipations during the season.