when did the season begin?
June 1, 1996
1996 Atlantic hurricane season
 The season officially began on June 1, 1996 a
what is the 1996 atlantic hurricane season? The season that had the most major hurricanes since 1950, which are Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
wiki:24531921
1996 Atlantic hurricane season [SEP] Introduction
Hurricane Cesar developed in the east Caribbean during late-July and crossed Nicaragua into the east Pacific as a strong tropical storm several days later, at which time it earned the name Douglas. The system produced strong winds and flooding, leading to 113 deaths and $202.96 million in damage. Finally, Hurricane Hortense formed in the east Atlantic during the month of September and crossed Hispaniola and Puerto Rico, causing 39 direct deaths and $158 million in damage. Collectively, the tropical cyclones of the 1996 Atlantic hurricane season caused $6.52 billion in damage and 256 deaths.