the 2004 atlantic hurricane season officially began on june 1, 2004. it lasted until november 30. these dates usually mark the beginning an the end of the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the atlantic basin. however, the 2004 season went past these actual limits slightly. for example, tropical storm otto formed on the last day of the season and lasted two days into december. the season was above average in activity. it had fifteen named storms and one of the highest accumulated cyclone energy totals ever recorded. the most season included storms called: hurricane charley, frances, ivan, and jeanne.