The 1980 Atlantic hurricane season featured nine hurricanes, the most since 1969. This hurricane season was fairly active, with sixteen tropical cyclones forming, eleven of which strengthened into named tropical storms. The season officially began on June1, 1980, and lasted until November30, 1980. It was the first time since the 1971 season that there were no active tropical cyclones in the Atlantic basin during the month of June. The season occurred during an ENSO-neutral phase, having neither an El Niño nor a La Niña.
The three most notable storms of the season were Hurricane Allen, Tropical Storm Hermine and Hurricane Jeanne. Allen was the then-earliest Category5 hurricane in the calendar year on record, reaching that intensity on August5. The storm devastated portions of the Caribbean, Mexico, and the United States. Overall, Allen caused about $2.57billion and at least 269deaths. Hermine caused significant flooding in southern Mexico, which resulted in at least 38fatalities. Jeanne was one of only a few tropical cyclones to enter the Gulf of Mexico at hurricane intensity and not make landfall.
Seasonal summary
Hurricanes Earl, Frances, and Georges on September 8, 1980; the remnants of Tropical Storm Danielle are also visible over Texas
The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June1,[1] though the first tropical depression did not develop until July17. During the season, 16tropical depressions formed. Eleven of the depressions attained tropical storm status, and nine of these attained hurricane status. Two of the hurricanes further strengthened to become major hurricanes.[2] Only Allen made landfall at hurricane strength during the season, although Hurricane Charley[3] and tropical storms Danielle and Hermine also caused damage and fatalities.[4][5] Those three cyclones collectively caused 316deaths and $1.57billion (1980USD) in damage.[3][5][6][7][8][9][10] The last storm of the season, Hurricane Karl, merged with an extratropical cyclone on November27,[4] three days before the official end date of November30.[11]
The 1980Atlantic hurricane season had a rather slow beginning, with only one tropical depression developing prior to the month of August. In contrast, August was an active month, with five tropical cyclones forming,[2] three of which became hurricanes.[4] During that month, Hurricane Allen became the earliest known Category5 hurricane on August5, a record later broken by only Hurricane Emily on July16, 2005.[12] September also had five tropical cyclones, all of which became named storms. In a 48-hour period between September 4–6, four storms (Georges, Danielle, Earl, and Frances) were named. This tied the record set in 1893 for the fastest time four storms were named within the Atlantic basin; the record was broken in 2023.[13]Tropical cyclogenesis abruptly halted in October, with only Hurricane Ivan and a tropical depression developing in that month.[2] However, the month of November was considered to be very active, with three storms forming during that month.[4]
The season's activity was reflected with an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) rating of 149,[14] which is classified as "above normal".[15] ACE is, broadly speaking, a measure of the power of the hurricane multiplied by the length of time it existed, so storms that last a long time, as well as particularly strong hurricanes, have high ACEs. Its only calculated for full advisories on tropical systems at or exceeding 39mph (63km/h), which is the threshold for tropical storm intensity.[14]
A decaying cold front entered into Gulf of Mexico, and developed a low-pressure area of July17. Later that day, the low-pressure area developed into Tropical Depression One almost halfway between Louisiana and the Yucatán Peninsula. The depression moved northwestward, and minimal intensification occurred, as it approached the Gulf Coast of the United States. The depression made landfall in Texas near the Galveston area, and dissipated by July21. Minimal impact was recorded from the depression, and light rainfall was reported in Texas and western Louisiana, peaking at 3.77in (96mm) in Refugio, Texas.[16]
A tropical wave emerged off the west coast of Africa on July30 and quickly developed into Tropical Depression Two about two days later. By August2, the depression had strengthened and was upgraded to Tropical Storm Allen. The storm steadily intensified and became a hurricane on August3. Thereafter, Allen rapidly deepened, and was a major hurricane only 24hours later. As Allen passed through the Windward Islands, it strengthened into a Category4. Upon entering the Caribbean Sea, Allen continued to strengthen and became a Category5 hurricane on August5, while about halfway between Puerto Rico and Venezuela. Allen briefly curved northwestward and approached the Tiburon Peninsula of Haiti. Shortly thereafter, Allen weakened significantly on August6, but was still a Category4 when it bypassed Jamaica. While paralleling the south coast of Cuba, Allen re-strengthened into a Category5 hurricane. Later that day, the storm attained its peak intensity with winds of 190mph (305km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 899mbar (26.5inHg). Immediately following peak intensity, Allen entered the Gulf of Mexico and weakened back to a Category4 hurricane on August8. On the day next, Allen re-intensified into a Category5 hurricane while approaching Texas.[17] However, just offshore, Allen abruptly weakened to a low-end Category3 hurricane prior to landfall near Brownsville, Texas, on August10. The storm quickly weakened inland and dissipated about 36hours after striking land.[4]
Although 500houses were either damaged or destroyed on Barbados, losses totaled to only $1.5million.[6] Having passed only 8mi (15km) south of St. Lucia,[17] Allen produced sustained winds as high as 104mph (167km/h) on the island. The storm caused 27fatalities and $88million in damage on that island. In addition, one death was reported in Guadeloupe.[6] High winds and flooding in Haiti left 836,200people homeless. In addition, 220deaths were reported and damage exceeded $400million. To the east in Dominican Republic, effects were less severe, though seven deaths were reported and damage was estimated at $47million. On the island of Cuba, three fatalities occurred and losses were unknown. In northeastern Mexico, heavy rainfall occurred, though damage was minimal and no fatalities were reported.[7] Damage was most significant in the United States, especially in the state of Texas. In Corpus Christi, gravel blew off the roofs, which broke windows throughout the city. Several tornadoes were spawned in Texas, one of which caused at least $50million in damage in Austin.[18] Rainfall in the state of Texas exceeded 20in (510mm) in some locations.[19] A total of 24fatalities occurred in the United States– seven in Texas and seventeen in Louisiana– most resulting from the crash of a helicopter evacuating workers from an offshore platform. Damage in United States totaled to $860million.[7][8] Overall, Hurricane Allen caused $1.57billion in losses and caused 290deaths.[7][8]
The third tropical depression of the season developed east of Cape Verde on August13.[2] However, the National Hurricane Center did not initiate advisories until August16. As a result, the system was classified as Tropical Depression Four.[20] After forming on August13, the depression crossed through the Cape Verde Islands. The depression tracked northwestward and strengthened minimally, with winds never exceeding 35mph (55km/h). Thereafter, the depression curved and approached the eastern portion of the Azores. Tropical Depression Four moved through the islands shortly later. By early on August17, the depression dissipated near Santa Maria Island in the Azores.[2]
Starting on August13, a tropical wave in the vicinity of the Cape Verde began organizing into a tropical cyclone. Early on the following day, the system had developed into Tropical Depression Three while nearly halfway between the west coast of Africa and the Windward Islands.[21] However, in post-analysis, it was revealed that the previous tropical depression had actually developed before Bonnie. Thus, those two depressions were operationally numbered incorrectly.[2] Two reports of gale-force winds were received from ships later that day. As a result, the depression was re-classified as Tropical Storm Bonnie about twelve hours after developing. Bonnie turned in a general northward direction, possibly due to interaction with nearby Tropical Depression Four.[21]
Based on satellite estimates, Bonnie strengthened into a hurricane at 00:00UTC on August16.[21] The storm strengthened slightly further and attained its peak intensity with winds of 100mph (155km/h) and a minimum pressure of 975mbar (28.8inHg).[2] After attaining peak intensity on August16, Bonnie slowly weakened as it continued in an unusual northward direction. On the following day, Bonnie weakened slightly to a minimal Category1 hurricane.[22] The storm remained at that intensity for 72hours as it accelerated northward across the open Atlantic. By 18:00UTC on August19, Bonnie transitioned into an extratropical cyclone while almost halfway between the southern tip of Greenland and the Azores.[2]
An extratropical low pressure system was centered over the Mid-Atlantic United States, though it tracked southeastward and emerged into the Atlantic on August20. Later that day, satellite imagery indicated that a well-defined low-level circulation. As a result, it was determine that the system developed into a subtropical depression at 12:00UTC, while located about 150mi (240km) east-northeast of Hatteras, North Carolina. Initially, the depression tracked east-southeastward, though it curved east-northeastward by August21. Shortly thereafter, the depression strengthened into a subtropical storm. By early on August23, the storm had intensified and acquired enough tropical characteristics to be re-classified as Hurricane Charley.[23]
At 12:00UTC on August23, Charley attained its peak intensity with winds of 80mph (130km/h) and a minimum pressure of 989mbar (29.2inHg). Following peak intensity, Charley completed a cyclonic loop and began weakening as it headed almost due-east. Charley was downgraded to a tropical storm early on August24. The storm continued eastward and by August26, Charley became unidentifiable as it merged with an intense extratropical cyclone, while located about 790mi (1,270km) southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland.[23] While a tropical cyclone, Charley produced rip currents along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, which drowned seven people.[3]
A tropical wave exited the west coast of Africa and emerged into the Atlantic Ocean on August22. The system developed into Tropical Depression Six, while centered to the west of Cape Verde at 00:00UTC on August25.[2][24] The depression tracked westward with minimal intensification. By 18:00UTC on August26, the depression reached 35mph (55km/h) and did not strengthen further. On the following day, the depression curved northwestward and slowly began to weaken. The depression degenerated into a tropical wave while well northeast of Puerto Rico on August29.[2] The remnants of Tropical Depression Six continued westward and interacted with a low-pressure system over Florida. Eventually, the system developed into Tropical Depression Eight on September4, which later became Tropical Storm Danielle.[24]
On August28, a tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic off the west coast of Africa. At 00:00UTC on September1, the system developed into Tropical Depression Seven, while centered roughly midway between the Lesser Antilles and the west coast of Africa.[25] Sixteen hours later, the National Hurricane Center initiated advisories on the depression.[26] The depression tracked westward in the trade winds during the following three days, without any intensification. After curving northwestward an Air Forcereconnaissance flight found little evidence of a closed circulation, while satellite imagery also showed a disorganized and elongated cloud pattern on September4.[25] As a result, it was determined that the depression degenerated into a tropical disturbance at 06:00UTC on that day.[27] However, the National Hurricane Center did not discontinue advisories until 22:00UTC.[28]
On September5, satellite imagery suggested a surface circulation had developed, possibly due to interaction with a cold low. As a result, the system regenerated into a subtropical depression at 12:00UTC on that day, while centered about 360mi (580km) southwest of Bermuda.[25][27] Ten hours later, the National Hurricane Center resumed advisories on the subtropical depression.[29] While the subtropical depression was curved northeastward, it strengthened and acquired tropical characteristics. At 00:00UTC on September7, the subtropical depression became Tropical Storm Georges.[30] The storm continued to intensify while tracking northeastward and was upgraded to a hurricane about 24hours after becoming a tropical storm. Simultaneously, Georges attained its peak intensity with winds of 80mph (130km/h) and a minimum pressure of 993mbar (29.3inHg). However, later on September8, Georges transitioned into an extratropical cyclone near Cape Race, Newfoundland.[30] While bypassing Newfoundland, Georges dropped light rainfall, with amounts under 1in (25mm) of precipitation.[31]
A tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic Ocean from the west coast of Africa on August22. The system developed into Tropical Depression Six on August25. However, the depression did not strengthen further, and about four days later, it degenerated back into a tropical wave.[2][24] Tracking westward, the system crossed Florida and entered into the Gulf of Mexico on September2. Two days later, the system developed into Tropical Depression Eight while offshore of Louisiana. The depression gradually strengthened and became Tropical Storm Danielle late on September5. After peaking with winds of 60mph (95km/h), further intensification was halted, as Danielle soon made landfall in eastern Texas. Danielle steadily weakened inland and dissipated two days later.[24]
A barge in the Gulf of Mexico capsized due to rough seas, sending 11of the crewmen overboard; one person drowned as a result.[10] Danielle produced widespread rainfall in Louisiana, though few areas reported more than 5in (130mm) of precipitation.[32] Damage in that state was minimal.[33] Rainfall was heavier in Texas, peaking at 18.29in (465mm).[32] Much of the damage caused by the storm was as a result of flooding. In Port Arthur, twelve homes were damaged, while Interstate 10 was inundated by flood waters. One fatality occurred in Texas due to an automobile accident in Beaumont.[33] Danielle also spawned five tornadoes in Texas, three of which collectively caused $277,500 in damage.[9] Outside of Texas and Louisiana, the storm also dropped light rainfall in Oklahoma and Mississippi, though minimal damage occurred in either state. Overall, Danielle caused two fatalities and $277,500 in losses.[10][33][9]
Between September2 and September3, a tropical wave exited the west coast of Africa and entered the Atlantic Ocean. Satellite imagery indicated that the system had rapidly organized and was classified as a tropical depression on September4. The depression quickly strengthened and was upgraded to Tropical Storm Earl later that day. Because convection associated with the storm waxed and waned significantly, Earl was operationally considered a tropical depression until September6. On the following day, Earl curved north-northwestward and accelerated due to an upper-level low pressure trough in the central Atlantic Ocean.[34]
After evidence of an eye feature appeared, Earl was upgraded to a hurricane on September8. Six hours later, the storm attained its peak intensity with winds of 75mph (120km/h) and a minimum pressure of 985mbar (29.1inHg). Under the influence of an upper cold low, Earl began re-curving and accelerated to the northeast. By 12:00UTC on September10, Earl weakened to a tropical storm. Six hours later, Earl transitioned into an extratropical cyclone, while centered about halfway between the Azores and Greenland.[34]
A strong low pressure system moved off the African coast on September5. By the following day, it developed into Tropical Depression Ten while a short distance off the west coast of Africa. About 18hours later, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Frances.[35] The National Hurricane Center did not issue advisories until 16:00UTC on September7, at which time the system was already a tropical storm.[36] By early on September8, Frances had reached hurricane status,[35] though it was not operationally upgraded until about 16hours later.[37] After becoming a hurricane, Frances began to rapidly strengthen, and became a Category2 hurricane later that day. Early on September9, the storm further intensified to a Category3 hurricane.[38] At 06:00UTC on that day, Frances attained its peak intensity with winds of 115mph (185km/h) and a minimum pressure of 958mbar (28.3inHg).[2]
After peak intensity, Frances began to weaken and was downgraded to a Category2 hurricane later on September9. Following day, the storm fluctuated between Category2 and Category1 hurricane strengthen. While curving northwestward on September13, Frances remained steady in intensity as a Category2 hurricane. Eventually, Frances re-curved northward, thereby avoiding any land. After minimal change in intensity, Frances weakened to a Category1 hurricane while tracking northeastward on September17. After briefly heading northward, the storm re-curved back to the northeast.[38] Early on September20, Frances weakened to a tropical storm,[39] before merging with a frontal low while centered about halfway between Greenland and Iceland. Several ships reported tropical storm-force winds, but no impacts occurred on land except for minor squalls in Cape Verde.[35]
A tropical wave exited the west coast of Africa on September11 and tracked westward with minimal development until reaching the Caribbean Sea. By September20, a low-level circulation had developed and the system was then classified as Tropical Depression Eleven, while located almost midway between Panama and Jamaica. While heading almost due westward, the depression steadily intensified, becoming Tropical Storm Hermine on September21, 18hours after forming. Later on September21, the storm passed only 5mi (10km) offshore of Honduras. Hermine curved west-northwestward and nearly strengthened into a hurricane before landfall in northern British Honduras (present-day Belize) on September22. After crossing the Yucatán Peninsula, Hermine emerged into the Bay of Campeche on the following day.[40]
Once again, the storm intensified to near hurricane strength, though Hermine made landfall in Mexico near Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, on September24. After moving inland, the storm steadily weakened while tracking south-southwestward toward the Pacific Ocean. However, by early on September26, Hermine dissipated near the southwestern coast of Mexico.[40] In Mexico, many areas reported at least 10in (250mm) of precipitation, while a few locations experienced more than 30in (760mm) of rain.[41] As a result of torrential rainfall, at least 30fatalities occurred, with dozens more missing,[5] and leaving 25,000homeless.[42] Additionally, landslides triggered by Hermine in Guatemala killed at least eight people.[5]
In late September, a cold-core low persisted off the coast of Portugal, moving southwestward. The system gradually developed tropical characteristics as it turned northwestward and executed a loop near the Azores. Eventually, the system organized enough to be designated as a tropical depression on October4, while just east of the Azores. Shortly thereafter, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Ivan.[43] However, the National Hurricane Center did not initiate advisories on Ivan until late on October5.[44] Ivan moved largely in tandem with the upper-level low above it, while its southwest movement was caused by a building ridge to its north.[43] Late on October5, an eye developed,[45] and Ivan was upgraded to a hurricane on the following day.[43]
It de-accelerated as the ridge to its north weakened, and 18hours after becoming a hurricane, Ivan peaked with winds of 105mph (165km/h).[43] Between October6 and October7, Ivan executed a tight loop, followed by a motion to the west-northwest. Ultimately, the intensity did not change for about 90hours.[43] During that time, the eye fluctuated occasionally as the convection waxed and waned.[46] On October9, Ivan turned to the north in advance of an approaching cold front and extratropical storm, while slowly weakening as it accelerated over cooler waters of the far northern Atlantic Ocean. By October12, the cold front absorbed Ivan, which was about 665mi (1,070km) west of Ireland.[43]
Early on October16, a tropical depression developed over the northwestern Caribbean about 30mi (50km) northeast of Limón, Honduras. The depression moved westward and remained just offshore. By 00:00UTC on October18, the depression dissipated approximately 40mi (65km) east of Placencia, Belize.[2]
An area of disturbed weather organized into a tropical depression late on November8. The depression slowly intensified as it tracked north-northwestward into the northwestern Caribbean Sea. Shortly before entering the Yucatán Channel, the depression had strengthened enough to be upgraded to Tropical Storm Jeanne on November9. Further intensification was still gradual in the Gulf of Mexico, though the rate of deepening accelerated as the storm began to curve westward. By November11, Jeanne was upgraded to a hurricane while paralleling the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. Early on the following day, Jeanne peaked as a 100mph (155km/h) Category2 hurricane. Thereafter, Jeanne began to weaken due to dry air and was downgraded to a tropical storm 24hours after peak intensity. The storm briefly tracked west-northwestward and then westward, before becoming nearly stationary in the western Gulf of Mexico.[47]
Moving slowly and erratically, Jeanne weakened further and was downgraded to a tropical depression on November15. The storm curved southward and completed a cyclonic loop, before being absorbed by a cold front on November16.[48] Fringe effects of Hurricane Jeanne triggered a record-breaking 23.28in (591mm) of rain at Key West, Florida, within a 24-hour period.[49] As a result of heavy precipitation, schools and numerous businesses closed, flights at Key West International Airport were grounded, and power outages and disruptions in telephone service occurred in Key West.[50] In Texas, high tides caused flooding along much of the coast of the state, especially in Galveston. Offshore, several ships were caught off guard by the late season storm.[47]
Tropical Depression Fourteen developed north of Panama on November12. Steered northward by deep southerly flow southeast of Jeanne, the depression oscillated in organization while tracking west-northwestward. The cloud pattern between Jeanne and the depression briefly merged, with a line of thunderstorms moving across the Florida peninsula between the two systems. Westerly vertical wind shear increased on the depression in the process. By November15, the depression reorganized its convective organization while making landfall in western Cuba early on November16. Once again, vertical wind shear increased, causing convection to detach from the center of the depression.[51]
Late on November17, the depression was absorbed by an intense "winter type storm" that was moving across the Southeastern United States.[52] Shortly thereafter, the remnants of the depression crossed Central and North Florida.[2][51] While crossing Cuba, the depression dumped heavy rainfall. No other impact is known to have occurred on the island.[53] The depression impact from both while tropical and a remnant system. In Key West, sustained winds of 30mph (45km/h) and gusts to 40mph (65km/h) were reported.[54] Across much of Florida, light rainfall was reported, peaking at 4.81in (122mm) in Brooksville.[51]
On November21, a low-pressure area formed along a frontal boundary near the southeastern United States.[55] The system slowly strengthened and developed into a separate cyclone, aided by light wind shear.[56] Following the development of circular convective mass close to the center of the low, it became a subtropical storm early on November25 while centered about 825mi (1,330km) southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland. Shortly thereafter, the storm executed a tight counterclockwise loop as it rotated within a larger, extratropical cyclone. Around 18:00UTC, the subtropical storm intensified and acquired enough tropical characteristics to be designated as Hurricane Karl. The NHC noted that at the time, Karl was the easternmost hurricane during the last 10days of the month of November.[55]
The hurricane tracked eastward due to a strong trough moving eastward over the Atlantic and gradually strengthened, eventually attaining its peak intensity with winds of 85mph (140km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 985mbar (hPa; 29.09inHg). Thereafter, Karl curved northeastward because of the aforementioned trough and weakened slightly on November27, with the eye becoming ragged and showing signs of deterioration while passing within 230mi (370km) of the Azores. Later that day, Karl turned north-northeastward around the periphery of the trough and merged with an approaching extratropical cyclone roughly halfway between Cape Race, Newfoundland and Spain.[55]
The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Atlantic in 1980.[57] Most names were used for the first (and only in the case of Allen) time, except for Frances, which was previously used under the old naming convention.[58]
In the spring of 1981, the World Meteorological Organization retired the name Allen from its rotating name lists due to its destructive impacts, and it will not be used again for another Atlantic hurricane.[59] It was replaced with Andrew for the 1986 season.[60]
Season effects
This is a table of all of the storms that formed in the 1980 Atlantic hurricane season. It includes their name, duration, peak classification and intensities, areas affected, damage, and death totals. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but were still related to that storm. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical, a wave, or a low, and all of the damage figures are in 1980 USD.
Hurricane Danielle was a long-lived Cape Verde hurricane in late August and early September 1998. The fourth named storm and second hurricane of the annual hurricane season, Danielle originated from a tropical wave that emerged off the western coast of Africa on August 21. Tracking generally west-northwestward, the disturbance was initially disorganized; under favorable atmospheric conditions, shower and thunderstorm activity began to consolidate around a low-pressure center. Following a series of satellite intensity estimates, the system was upgraded to Tropical Depression Four during the pre-dawn hours of August 24, and further to Tropical Storm Danielle that afternoon. Moving around the southern periphery of the Azores High located in the northeastern Atlantic, quick intensification to hurricane status occurred early on August 25. By 0600 UTC the following day, Danielle reached an initial peak intensity of 105 mph (169 km/h), a Category 2 hurricane. Increased wind shear from a nearby trough encroached on further development later that day, and subsequently led to slight weakening. By 1200 UTC on August 27, despite continued unfavorable conditions, Danielle reached a second peak intensity equal to the first. Weakening once ensued late on August 27 in addition to the days following, and Danielle was a low-end Category 1 hurricane by August 31 as its forward speed slowed.
The 2004 Atlantic hurricane season was a very deadly, destructive, and active Atlantic hurricane season, with over 3,200 deaths and more than $61 billion in damage. More than half of the 16 tropical cyclones brushed or struck the United States. Due to the development of a Modoki El Niño – a rare type of El Niño in which unfavorable conditions are produced over the eastern Pacific instead of the Atlantic basin due to warmer sea surface temperatures farther west along the equatorial Pacific – activity was above average. The season officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30, though the season's last storm, Otto, dissipated on December 3, extending the season beyond its traditional boundaries. The first storm, Alex, developed offshore of the Southeastern United States on July 31, one of the latest dates on record to see the formation of the first system in an Atlantic hurricane season. It brushed the Carolinas and the Mid-Atlantic, causing one death and $7.5 million (2004 USD) in damage. Several storms caused only minor damage, including tropical storms Bonnie, Earl, Hermine, and Matthew. In addition, hurricanes Danielle, Karl, and Lisa, Tropical Depression Ten, Subtropical Storm Nicole and Tropical Storm Otto had no effect on land while tropical cyclones. The season was the first to exceed 200 units in accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) since 1995, mostly from Hurricane Ivan, which produced the highest ACE out of any storm this season. Ivan generated the second-highest ACE in the Atlantic, only behind the 1899 San Ciriaco Hurricane.
The 1998 Atlantic hurricane season was a catastrophic and deadly Atlantic hurricane season, which had the highest number of storm-related fatalities in over 218 years and some of the costliest ever at the time. The season had above average activity, due to the dissipation of an El Niño event and transition to La Niña conditions. It officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30, dates which conventionally delimit the period during which most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic Ocean. The season had a rather slow start, with no tropical cyclones forming in June. The first tropical cyclone, Tropical Storm Alex, developed on July 27, and the season's final storm, Hurricane Nicole, became extratropical on December 1.
The 1961 Atlantic hurricane season was a very active Atlantic hurricane season, with an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) total of 189, the highest since 1950 and until being surpassed by 1995. The season, however, was an average one in terms of named storms. The season featured eight hurricanes and a well above average number of five major hurricanes. It was previously thought that the season had a record-tying seven major hurricanes, before the Atlantic hurricane reanalysis project downgraded two storms in 2019. Two Category 5 hurricanes were seen in 1961, making it one of only eight Atlantic hurricane seasons to feature multiple Category 5 hurricanes in one season. The season started on June 15, and ended on November 15. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. The first system, an operationally unclassified tropical depression, formed offshore east Central Florida on June 10, but dissipated a few days later. Next, Hurricane Anna developed in the eastern Caribbean Sea near the Windward Islands on July 20. It brought minor damage to the islands in, as well as wind and flood impacts to Central America after striking Belize as a hurricane. Anna caused one death and about $300,000 (1961 USD) in damage. Activity went dormant for nearly a month and a half, until Hurricane Betsy developed on September 2. Betsy peaked as a Category 4 hurricane, but remained at sea and caused no impact.
The 1964 Atlantic hurricane season featured the highest number of U.S.-landfalling hurricanes since 1933. The season officially began on June 15, and lasted until November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. The season was above average, with thirteen named storms, seven hurricanes, and five major hurricanes. The first system, an unnamed tropical storm, developed on June 2, almost two weeks before the official start of the season. Striking Florida on June 6, the storm brought localized flooding to portions of Cuba and the Southeastern United States, leaving about $1 million in damage. The next storm, also unnamed, developed near the end of July; it did not impact land.
The 1965 Atlantic hurricane season was the first to use the modern-day bounds for an Atlantic hurricane season, which are June 1 to November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. It was a slightly below average season, with 10 tropical cyclones developing and reaching tropical storm intensity. Four of the storms strengthened into hurricanes. One system reached major hurricane intensity – Category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale. The first system, an unnamed tropical storm, developed during the month of June in the southern Gulf of Mexico. The storm moved northward across Central America, but caused no known impact in the region. It struck the Florida Panhandle and caused minor impact across much of the Southern United States. Tropical cyclogenesis halted for over two months, until Anna formed on August 21. The storm remained well away from land in the far North Atlantic Ocean and caused no impact.
The 1967 Atlantic hurricane season was an active Atlantic hurricane season overall, producing 13 nameable storms, of which 6 strengthened into hurricanes. The season officially began on June 1, 1967, and lasted until November 30, 1967. These dates, adopted by convention, historically describe the period in each year when most tropical cyclogenesis occurs in the Atlantic Ocean. The season's first system, Tropical Depression One, formed on June 10, and the last, Tropical Storm Heidi, lost tropical characteristics on November 2.
The 1992 Atlantic hurricane season was a significantly below average season for overall tropical or subtropical cyclones as only ten formed. Six of them became named tropical storms, and four of those became hurricanes; one hurricane became a major hurricane. The season was, however, near-average in terms of accumulated cyclone energy. The season officially started on June 1 and officially ended on November 30. However, tropical cyclogenesis is possible at any time of the year, as demonstrated by formation in April of an unnamed subtropical storm in the central Atlantic.
The 1970 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 and lasted until November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. The season was fairly average, with 14 named storms forming, of which seven were hurricanes. Two of those seven became major hurricanes, which are Category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson scale. Also, this was the first season in which reconnaissance aircraft flew into all four quadrants of a tropical cyclone.
The 1977 Atlantic hurricane season was a very inactive Atlantic hurricane season, with only six named storms. The season officially began on Wednesday, June 1, 1977 and lasted until Wednesday, November 30, 1977. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclogenesis occurs in the Atlantic basin. The first tropical cyclone of the season developed over the western Caribbean Sea on June 13, 12 days after the start of the season. Three more organized during July and early August. Then, on August 29, the first named storm, Hurricane Anita formed and rapidly intensified to a Category 5 hurricane on September 1, before weakening slightly and striking Mexico as a high-end Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall, causing 11 fatalities and leaving at least 25,000 people homeless.
The 1978 Atlantic hurricane season was a slightly above average hurricane season in terms of number of named storms. Eleven tropical cyclones were named in all, and five of these became hurricanes; two of the five became a major hurricane. This was also the last Atlantic hurricane season to use an all-female naming list. The season officially began on June 1, 1978, and ended on November 30, 1978. These dates, adopted by convention, denote the period in each year when most tropical cyclogenesis occurs in the Atlantic basin. However, the formation of subtropical or tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year, as shown by the formation of an unnamed subtropical storm on January 18.
The 1979 Atlantic hurricane season was the first Atlantic hurricane season to include both male and female names on its list of tropical cyclone names. The season officially began on June 1, and lasted until November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. It was slightly below average, with nine systems reaching tropical storm intensity. The first system, an unnumbered tropical depression, developed north of Puerto Rico on June 9. Two days later, Tropical Depression One formed and produced severe flooding in Jamaica, with 41 deaths and about $27 million (1979 USD) in damage. Tropical Storm Ana caused minimal impact in the Lesser Antilles. Hurricane Bob spawned tornadoes and produced minor wind damage along the Gulf Coast of the United States, primarily in Louisiana, while the remnants caused flooding, especially in Indiana. Tropical Storm Claudette caused extensive flooding in Texas due to torrential rainfall, resulting in two deaths and about $750 million in damage.
The 1981 Atlantic hurricane season featured direct or indirect impacts from nearly all of its 12 tropical or subtropical storms. Overall, the season was fairly active, with 22 tropical depressions, 12 of which became named storms. 7 of those reached hurricane status and a further 3 intensified into major hurricanes. The season officially began on June 1, 1981, and lasted until November 30, 1981. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. However, tropical cyclogenesis can occur before these dates, as demonstrated with the development of two tropical depressions in April and Tropical Storm Arlene in May. At least one tropical cyclone formed in each month between April and November, with the final system, Subtropical Storm Three, becoming extratropical on November 17, 1981.
The 1989 Atlantic hurricane season was an average hurricane season with 11 named storms. The season officially began on June 1, and ended on November 30. The first tropical cyclone, Tropical Depression One, developed on June 15, and dissipated two days later without any effects on land. Later that month, Tropical Storm Allison caused severe flooding, especially in Texas and Louisiana. Tropical Storm Barry, Tropical Depressions Six, Nine, and Thirteen, and Hurricanes Erin and Felix caused negligible impact. Hurricane Gabrielle and Tropical Storm Iris caused light effects on land, with the former resulting in nine fatalities from rip currents offshore the East Coast of the United States and Atlantic Canada, while the latter produced minor flooding in the United States Virgin Islands.
The 1919 Atlantic hurricane season was among the least active hurricane seasons in the Atlantic on record, featuring only five tropical storms. Of those five tropical cyclones, two of them intensified into a hurricane, with one strengthening into a major hurricane Two tropical depressions developed in the month of June, both of which caused negligible damage. A tropical storm in July brought minor damage to Pensacola, Florida, but devastated a fleet of ships. Another two tropical depressions formed in August, the first of which brought rainfall to the Lesser Antilles.
The 1918 Atlantic hurricane season was inactive, with a total of six tropical storms developing, four of which intensified into hurricanes. Two of the season's hurricanes made Landfall in the United States, and one became a major hurricane, which is Category 3 or higher on the modern-day Saffir–Simpson scale. Additionally, there were four suspected tropical depressions, including one that began the season on June 19 and one that ended the season when it dissipated on October 19. The early 20th century lacked modern forecasting and documentation, and thus, the hurricane database from these years may be incomplete. Four previously unknown tropical cyclones were identified using records, including historical weather maps and ship reports, while information on the known storms was amended.
The 1999 Pacific hurricane season was one of the least active Pacific hurricane seasons on record. The season officially began on May 15 in the Eastern Pacific, and on June 1 in the Central Pacific; in both basins, it ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period during which most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. The first tropical cyclone of the season, Hurricane Adrian, developed on June 18, while the final storm of the season, Tropical Storm Irwin, dissipated on October 11. No storms developed in the Central Pacific during the season. However, two storms from the Eastern Pacific, Dora and Eugene, entered the basin, with the former entering as a hurricane and becoming the second farthest travelling Pacific hurricane on record.
Tropical Storm Hermine caused significant flooding in Mexico during September 1980. The eleventh tropical cyclone and eight named storm of the 1980 Atlantic hurricane season, Hermine developed from a tropical wave that emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa on September 11. After uneventfully crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the system developed a well-defined circulation while in the Caribbean Sea on September 20 and was then classified as a tropical depression. After becoming a tropical cyclone, the depression steadily strengthened as it tracked nearly due westward. By September 21, it strengthened into Tropical Storm Hermine and brushed the northern coast of Honduras shortly thereafter. It nearly became a hurricane before it made landfall in Belize on September 22. After weakening over the Yucatan Peninsula, Hermine restrengthened to near-hurricane status again over the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall in the Mexican state of Veracruz. Hermine steadily weakened inland and eventually dissipated on September 26.
The 1990 Atlantic hurricane season featured the most named storms of any hurricane season at the time. During the season, 14 tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean became named storms. The season officially started on June 1, 1990, and ended on November 30. These dates, adopted by the convention, historically delimit the period each year when most Atlantic tropical systems form. However, storm formation is possible at any time of the year, as was the case this season, when Tropical Depression One formed on May 24; Hurricane Nana, the season's final storm, dissipated on October 21.
The 1980 Atlantic hurricane season was an event in the annual tropical cyclone season in the north Atlantic Ocean. It was an average Atlantic hurricane season in which eleven named storms formed. The season officially began on June 1, 1980 and ended November 30, 1980. These dates, adopted by convention, historically describe the period in each year when most Atlantic systems form. Even so, Tropical Depression One did not form until July 17. The season's final storm, Hurricane Karl, dissipated on November 28.
↑ "Record rains pelt Key West". The Gazette. Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Associated Press. November 12, 1980. p.3A. Retrieved September 14, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
↑ National Hurricane Operations Plan(PDF) (Report). Washington, D.C.: NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research. May 1980. p.14. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
↑ National Hurricane Operations Plan(PDF) (Report). Washington, D.C.: NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research. May 1986. p.3-7. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
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