The 2001 Atlantic hurricane season was a fairly active Atlantic hurricane season that produced 17 tropical cyclones, 15 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. The season officially lasted from June 1, 2001, to November 30, 2001, dates which by convention limit the period of each year when tropical cyclones tend to form in the Atlantic Ocean basin. The season began with Tropical Storm Allison on June 4, and ended with Hurricane Olga, which dissipated on December6.
The most damaging storms of the season were: Allison, which caused extensive flooding in Texas; Hurricane Iris, which struck Belize; and Hurricane Michelle, which left a trail of destruction across Cuba. Three tropical cyclones made landfall in the United States, three directly affected Canada, and three directly affected Mexico and Central America. Overall, the season caused 153 fatalities, and $11.44 billion (2001 USD) in damage. Due to their severe damage, the names Allison, Iris, and Michelle were retired by the World Meteorological Organization.
Seasonal forecasts
Predictions of tropical activity in the 2001 season
Gray's team defined the average number of storms per season (1950 to 2000) as 9.6tropical storms, 5.9hurricanes, 2.3major hurricanes (storms reaching at least Category3 strength in the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale) and ACE Index 96.1.[8] The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines a season as above-normal, near-normal or below-normal by a combination of the number of named storms, the number reaching hurricane strength, the number reaching major hurricane strength and ACE Index.[9]
Pre-season forecasts
On December 7, 2000, Gray's team issued its first extended-range forecast for the 2001 season, predicting above-average activity (13 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and about 4 of Category 3 or higher). It listed a 63 percent chance of at least one major hurricane striking the U.S. mainland. This included a 43 percent chance of at least one major hurricane strike on the East Coast, including the Florida peninsula, and a 36 percent chance of at least one such strike on the Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle westward. The potential for major hurricane activity in the Caribbean was forecast to near average.[1]
On April 5, 2001, a new forecast was issued, calling for 12 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes. The increase in the forecast was attributed to the warm sea surface temperatures, although the agency noted that the season would likely not be as active as previous ones due to the effect of a weak to moderate El Nino. The estimated potential for at least one major hurricane to affect the U.S. was upped slightly to 65 percent; the East Coast potential also went up slightly, and from the Florida Panhandle westward to Brownsville, Texas, the probability remained nearly the same.[4]
Mid-season forecasts
On August 7, 2001, Gray's team issued their first mid-season forecast for the 2001 season, keeping the forecast number at 12 named storms, with 7 becoming hurricanes and 3 becoming a major hurricane, noting that sea surface temperatures and sea level pressures continued to be favorable for above-average hurricane activity. The estimated potential for at least one major hurricane to affect the U.S. was upped slightly once again to 69 percent; the East Coast potential also went up slightly to 50%, and from the Florida Panhandle westward to Brownsville, Texas, the probability was also upped slightly.[6]
On August 8, 2001, NOAA revised its season estimate slightly upwards to nine to twelve named storms, of which 6 to 8 were to be hurricanes, and 2 to 4 major hurricanes. The agency noted that sea surface temperatures continued to be favorable for above-average hurricane activity, and due to the likelihood that El Nino would not develop during the peak of the season, there was a reduced likelihood of a below-average year.[7]
The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June1, 2001.[10] It was an above-average season in which 17tropical cyclones formed. Fifteen depressions attained tropical storm status, and nine of these reached hurricane status. Four hurricanes further intensified into major hurricanes.[11] Favorable sea surface temperatures and sea-level pressures were the main factors in the season being above-average.[6] The season would mark the end of a streak of four consecutive above-average seasons, beginning in 1998. This remained a record until six consecutive seasons featured above-average activity from 2016 to 2021.[12] Four tropical cyclones during the season would degenerate in the deep tropics but later re-develop. Four other systems were classified as subtropical cyclones at some point in their duration, though each later became fully tropical systems.[13] Overall, the Atlantic tropical cyclones of 2001 collectively resulted in 153deaths and around $11.94billion in damage.[14] The season ended on November30, 2001.[10]
Tropical cyclogenesis began in June, with Tropical Storm Allison forming just offshore Texas on June5. After Allison transitioned into an extratropical cyclone on June17, no further activity occurred until Tropical Depression Two developed on July11. However, the depression dissipated the following day. Another break in activity ensued, which ended on August2, when Tropical Storm Barry formed in the Gulf of Mexico. August featured two other tropical storms, Chantal and Dean.
Five systems formed in September, of which four become a hurricane, while one remained a tropical depression. October featured an equal number of systems, of which all five attained at least tropical storm intensity. One, Hurricane Iris, attained the highest sustained winds of any storm in 2001, at 145mph (230km/h), and devastated southern Belize on October9. Another, Hurricane Michelle, attained the lowest barometric pressure of any storm that year, at 933mbar (27.55inHg), and cut a path of destruction across Cuba on November4. Two additional systems developed in November, Hurricane Noel and Hurricane Olga. Olga dissipated on December4, ending seasonal activity.[11]
The season's activity was reflected with an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) rating of 110,[15] above the 1950–2000 average of 96.1.[8] 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. It is only calculated for full advisories on tropical systems at or exceeding 39mph (63km/h), which is the threshold for tropical storm status.[15]
A tropical wave over the northwestern Gulf of Mexico developed into Tropical Storm Allison at 12:00UTC on June5 about 140mi (225km) south of Galveston, Texas. The cyclone strengthened and peaked with winds of 60mph (97km/h) six hours later. At 21:00UTC on June5, Allison made landfall near Freeport, Texas. It drifted northward through the state, turned to the south, and re-entered the Gulf of Mexico as a tropical depression on June10. Allison then transitioned into a subtropical depression. The storm continued towards the east-northeast, made landfall on Louisiana early on June11, and briefly became a subtropical storm despite being inland. Crossing the southeast United States and Mid-Atlantic, Allison emerged into the Atlantic at the Delmarva Peninsula on June17. After temporarily re-attaining subtropical storm status, Allison interacted with a cold front offshore New England and became extratropical. Early on June19, the remnant extratropical low dissipated near Nova Scotia.[16]
Allison was the first storm since Tropical Storm Frances in 1998 to affect the northern Texas coastline.[17] A major flood disaster occurred throughout its path from Texas to the Mid-Atlantic. Houston, Texas, and its vicinity suffered the brunt of the impact, as over 35in (890mm) of rain fell there when Allison stalled over southeastern Texas.[16] In this area, flooding related to Allison destroyed or severely damaged more than 14,000homes,[16] while at least 51,430others experienced some degree of damage. Floodwaters also entered over 95,000vehicles and 1,700businesses.[18] The storm killed 41people, including 27 who drowned. Overall, Allison caused about $8.5billion in damage (2001USD), making it the costliest and second-deadliest tropical storm on record in the United States.[16][19]
A tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa on July7. Moving westward, the system displayed signs of a weak low-level circulation beginning on July10, and after deep convection formed on the following day, a tropical depression developed around 18:00UTC about 1,150mi (1,850km) east of the Windward Islands. A subtropical ridge north of the depression caused it to move west-northwestward at roughly 17mph (27km/h). Vertical wind shear prevented the cyclone from intensifying beyond sustained winds of 30mph (48km/h) and an atmospheric pressure of 1,010mbar (30inHg), with dissipation occurring late on July12 approximately 690mi (1,110km) east of the Windward Islands. The remnant tropical wave reached the Lesser Antilles on July13 and July14.[20]
On July 24, a tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa and tracked westward. The wave entered the Caribbean Sea on July 29 and gained in organization and convection, before reaching the Gulf of Mexico on August1. By the following day, a tropical depression developed about 200mi (320km) west-northwest of Key West, Florida, and soon strengthened into Tropical Storm Barry. After fluctuations in intensity, including when it weakened to a tropical depression on August4, the system attained peak winds of 70mph (110km/h) in the Gulf of Mexico late on August5. Around 05:00UTC on the next day, Barry made landfall near Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, at the same intensity. The storm weakened to a tropical depression over southern Alabama about seven hours later, before degenerating into a remnant low over Mississippi early on August7. The remnant low continued north-northwestward until dissipating over Missouri on August8.[21]
The storm affected Florida; rainfall peaked at 8.9in (230mm) at Tallahassee, and winds gusts topped out at 79mph (127km/h). Three people in Florida were killed by the storm, and total damage is estimated at $30million (2001USD).[21]
On August11, a tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa. Moving generally westward, the wave organized into a tropical depression about 1,500mi (2,400km) east of the Windward Islands on August14. The depression moved rapidly westward and degenerated into an open wave sometime on August16 while still well east of the Windward Islands. However, after reaching the southeast Caribbean, a circulation re-developed while the system was situated 290mi (470km) south of Saint Croix on August17. With tropical storm-force winds, the system was reclassified as Tropical Storm Chantal. The cyclone strengthened to reach sustained winds of 70mph (110km/h) twice in the Caribbean. Early on August21, Chantal made landfall near the Belize–Mexico border at that intensity. The cyclone weakened to a tropical depression over Campeche on August22, before dissipating over Tabasco several hours later.[22]
The tropical wave associated with Chantal caused two deaths in Trinidad due to a lightning strike. In Belize, abnormally high tides along the coast damaged piers and seawalls. The storm produced a wind gust of 71mph (114km/h) in Caye Caulker, although stronger winds were possible in a convective band to the north. Winds and flooding due to heavy rainfall left damage to agricultural and infrastructural sectors. Overall, Belize suffered nearly $4million in damage.[22] Heavy rain fell in parts of Mexico, particularly in Quintana Roo, with up to 20.03in (509mm) observed at Othón P. Blanco.[23] This led to mudslides, leaving some areas isolated.[24]
Between August14 and August15, a large tropical wave passed over Dakar, Senegal. The wave gradually acquired convection as it moved westward across the Atlantic. While crossing the Leeward Islands on August22, a reconnaissance aircraft observed tropical storm-force winds and a surface circulation. Thus, Tropical Storm Dean developed at 12:00UTC near Saint Croix. After crossing the Virgin Islands and entering the Atlantic, strong wind shear caused Dean to degenerate into an open tropical wave near the Bahamas on August23. The remnants turned northward, and redeveloped on August26 to the north of Bermuda. Located over warm waters and in an area of favorable conditions, Dean steadily strengthened while moving to the northeast and peaked just below hurricane status on August 28. The storm subsequently weakened over cooler waters, and became extratropical southeast of Newfoundland later that day. A frontal low absorbed the extratropical system on August29.[25]
The precursor wave associated with Dean dropped heavy rainfall in the Lesser Antilles, particularly in Puerto Rico. There, up to 12.7in (320mm) of precipitation fell in Salinas, causing widespread flooding in the eastern and southern portions of the main island. Floodwaters inundated many highways and entered 1,320homes.[25] Damage in Puerto Rico totaled about $7.7million.[26] In the U.S. Virgin Islands, winds downed some trees, caused power outages, and damaged a few roads.[25] Later, Dean produced tropical storm-force wind gusts and light to moderate rainfall in Bermuda and Newfoundland.[27][28]
A westward-moving tropical wave quickly organized into a tropical depression about 690mi (1,110km) of the Cape Verde Islands around 18:00UTC on September1. By early the next day, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Erin and reached an initial peak with winds of 60mph (97km/h) on September3. However, two days later, wind shear caused Erin to degenerate into a remnant low-pressure area. Erin re-generated into a tropical depression by 18:00UTC on September6 and re-intensified into a tropical storm about 24hours later around 635mi (1,020km) north-northeast of the northernmost Leeward Islands. The cyclone strengthened into a hurricane on September 9 while moving northwestward. The hurricane quickly intensified and reached peak winds of 120mph (190km/h) later that day. Short-wave troughs turned Erin to the northeast by September11. After passing just east of Cape Race, Newfoundland, Erin became extratropical on September15. The extratropical remnant continued northeastward and lost its identity near Greenland on September 17.[29]
Tropical cyclone warnings and watches were issued for Bermuda beginning on September8, which were discontinued two days later after the storm bypassed the island. Wind gusts on Bermuda reached 41mph (66km/h),[29] felling several trees onto power lines. The storm produced large waves along the East Coast of the United States.[30] Later, Erin brushed Newfoundland, producing sustained wind speeds of 53mph (85km/h), with a gust of 67mph (108km/h) at Cape Race, while rainfall in the province peaked at 5.1in (130mm) on Sagona Island.[29] Along the coast, the passage of the storm led to wave heights of up to 30ft (9.1m).[31]
A tropical wave spawned a tropical depression on September7 near the Cape Verde islands, which degenerated back into a tropical wave the next day due to strong shear. It redeveloped back into a tropical depression on September10, and intensified into Tropical Storm Felix the next day while tracking generally northward. By September13, it intensified into a hurricane, and subsequently it underwent rapid deepening, becoming a major hurricane on September14 with peak winds of 115mph (185km/h). By that time, Felix had turned to the northeast, and subsequently entered an area of unfavorable conditions. The hurricane gradually weakened, deteriorating to a tropical storm on September17. Cool waters and higher wind shear caused additional weakening while Felix nearly stalled to the southwest of the Azores. Late on September18, the storm weakened to a tropical depression, and early the next day Felix dissipated.[32]
A weak low- to mid-level trough remained nearly stationary offshore the Southeastern United States in early September. A cut-off low developed over Florida on September9, while an associated surface low formed by late on September11. The system became a tropical depression around 18:00UTC about 145mi (235km) west-southwest of Naples, Florida. The depression drifted west-southwest and slowly intensified, before doubling-back to the east-northeast and strengthening into Tropical Storm Gabrielle on September13. Gabrielle curved northeastward and reached sustained winds of 70mph (110km/h) before making landfall near Venice, Florida, on the following day. After weakening slightly, Gabrielle emerged into the Atlantic near Titusville on September15, accelerated to the northeast, and strengthened, becoming a Category1 hurricane two days later. Colder water temperatures then weakened Gabrielle to a tropical storm on September18, followed by an extratropical transition on September19 well south of Newfoundland. The extratropical low was absorbed by a larger extratropical low over the far north Atlantic on September21.[33]
Hurricane Gabrielle produced moderate winds along coastal areas of western Florida, reaching 58mph (93km/h) at Venice.[33] The tide flooded the northern shoreline of Charlotte Harbor and at the entrance to the Peace River, while further to the south a surge of greater than 3ft (0.91m) inundated the barrier island at Fort Myers Beach and flooded some cars.[34] Gabrielle brushed the eastern coast of Newfoundland; the rainfall set the all time six-hour precipitation record at St. John's, with a total of 3.54in (90mm).[35] Hundreds of homes and buildings were damaged by the passage of Gabrielle, totaling several million Canadian dollars in damage.[36]
A tropical depression formed from a tropical wave in the Caribbean on September 19, north-northwest of San Andres Island. It attained a maximum strength of 35mph (56km/h), and made landfall near Puerto Cabezas on September 20. After losing its closed circulation over land, it reformed into Hurricane Juliette in the East Pacific.[37]
In El Salvador, heavy rains from the depression helped alleviate drought conditions; however, flooding also inundated 200homes in San Salvador along the Acelhuate River.[38] Fifteen farms were inundated by flooding, five of which were destroyed. Seventy people evacuated to shelters set up after the storm by the local Red Cross and armed forces. Military crews were quickly deployed to help clean up the damages on September22.[39]
Hurricane Humberto formed from an area of low pressure generated by Hurricane Gabrielle. The low formed into a tropical depression on September 21 while south of Bermuda, tracking northwest, and was named Tropical Storm Humberto the next day. It began moving north, and then northeast as it passed Bermuda and strengthened into a hurricane. Humberto headed over the colder waters of the far north Atlantic Ocean, and dissipated quickly on September 27.[40]
A tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa in late September. The wave moved generally westward across the Atlantic and organized into Tropical Depression Eleven approximately 90mi (145km) southeast of Barbados on October4. It traveled across the Windward Islands, and intensified into Tropical Storm Iris while over the eastern Caribbean on October5. Iris continued to the west and intensified. After passing just south of Jamaica, Iris reached Category4 hurricane strength on October8 to the north of Honduras. Around 02:00UTC on October9, the hurricane made landfall near Monkey River Town, Belize, with peak winds of 145mph (233km/h). Iris rapidly weakened and dissipated over extreme southeastern Mexico several hours later.[41] Although Iris's circulation dissipated, its remnants contributed to the development of Tropical Storm Manuel in the eastern Pacific Ocean on October10.[42]
Rainfall from the outerbands of Iris caused flooding in the Dominican Republic, resulting in the evacuation of 35families after rivers exceeded their banks. Three people died when a landslide destroyed a home in Santo Domingo.[43] Iris destroyed two homes and deroofed two others in Jamaica. The storm produced an 8 to 15ft (2.4 to 4.6m)storm surge along the coast of Belize.[41] A total of 3,718homes were either damaged or destroyed, mostly in the Stann Creek and Toledodistricts, rendering about 15,000people homeless.[44] Severe losses to agriculture was also reported, including the destruction of 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) of bananas, 3,500 acres (1,400 hectares) of rice, and 3,000 acres (1,200 hectares) of corn.[45] Iris caused 24deaths in Belize – with 20occurring when the dive boat Wave Dancer capsized near Big Creek – and at least $250million in damage.[46][44] Flash floods and mudslides in Guatemala damaged 2,500homes and 26schools and killed 8people.[41] In Mexico, flooding due to heavy rains from Iris damaged 120homes in Oaxaca and caused 2deaths.[47]
A tropical wave exited Africa on October1, moving westward. Rainbands and convection gradually increased, and the NHC designated the system as Tropical Depression Twelve. The depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Jerry early on October7, aided by low wind shear. Continuing westward due to a ridge to it north, Jerry strengthened further as it approached the Lesser Antilles, reaching peak winds of around 50mph (80km/h). Forecast models indicated the system could reach hurricane status within two to three days under favorable conditions. Jerry passed just south of Barbados at its peak intensity, before its structure began to degrade. Reconnaissance aircraft indicated a possible reformation of the center, as data indicated multiple low-level rotations on a northeast to southwest axis. As Jerry entered the eastern Caribbean Sea early on October 8 after bypassing St. Vincent, its forward speed increased to 25mph (40km/h). Moderate vertical wind shear from the northwest developed, disrupting the upper-level outflow. Jerry continued to deteriorate, and later on October 8, aircraft data indicated the system had weakened into a broad area of low pressure with scattered squalls mainly to the east of the remnant center. Jerry then dissipated shortly afterward approximately 230miles south of Puerto Rico, with the remnants moving westward.[48][49][50][51]
The threat of the storm prompted tropical storm warnings and watches in the Lesser Antilles. Jerry caused minimal damage as it moved through the Windward Islands and Lesser Antilles. A station at Martinique reported sustained ten-minute winds of 44mph (71km/h) on October 8.[48] Some downpours and high winds were reported.[52] No ships reported tropical storm-force winds, though Barbados reported a minimum pressure of 1007 mb.[48]
A cold front and an upper level trough interacted on October 10 to the south of Bermuda, and formed an extratropical storm. The storm passed near Bermuda on October 12, producing hurricane-force winds on the island. It then organized, becoming a subtropical cyclone on October 12 and a tropical cyclone on October 13. Karen strengthened to reach 80mph (130km/h) winds as a Category1 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale, and after weakening over cooler waters, it made landfall on Nova Scotia as a tropical storm. It quickly became extratropical.[53]
An upper-level tropospheric trough persisted in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, developing a circulation by October 26 which quickly organized. On October 27, it developed into Tropical Depression Fourteen about 865mi (1,392km) south-southwest of the western Azores.[55] Moving westward, the depression was forecast to attain winds of at least 60mph (97km/h),[56][57] although it failed to reach that intensity.[55] Banding features developed over the storm,[57] and on October 30 it was upgraded to Tropical Storm Lorenzo.[55] By early on October 31, convection had begun to separate from the circulation,[58][59] and later in the day Lorenzo became extratropical. The remnants of Lorenzo merged with a frontal system about 690mi (1,110km) west of the Azores.[55]
A tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa on October16. The wave moved westward across the Atlantic and the Caribbean, before developing into a tropical depression along the east coast of Nicaragua on October29. Convection increased after the depression entered the Caribbean, and the system intensified into Tropical Storm Michelle on November1. It strengthened further, becoming a hurricane on November2 and reaching Category 4 status on November4, becoming one of only four tropical cyclones on record to reach that intensity in the month of November. Michelle made landfall in Cuba twice, first on Cayo Largo del Sur with peak winds of 140mph (230km/h) and then on the mainland near the Bay of Pigs at a slightly weaker intensity. Michelle was the strongest tropical cyclone to strike Cuba since Hurricane Fox in 1952. The storm rapidly weakened and fell to Category1 intensity as it emerged into the Atlantic early on November5. Michelle then moved quickly northeastward through the Bahamas and struck Andros and Eleuthera before transitioning into an extratropical cyclone. A frontal system absorbed the remnants of Michelle to the south of Bermuda by early on November7.[60]
The system that eventually became Michelle dropped torrential rains in several countries, causing at least six deaths in Honduras and four deaths in Nicaragua. An additional 26people were reported missing in Central America.[60] Torrential precipitation was also reported in Jamaica, with 41.7in (1,058mm) of rainfall observed at one location.[61] Flooding and mudslides damaged about 500homes beyond repairs, while 561others were impacted to some degree.[62] The storm caused five deaths and $18million in damage in Jamaica.[62][63] Michelle went on to affect Cuba, where the storm produced 4 to 5ft (1.2 to 1.5m) waves. Rainfall amounts up to 29.69in (754mm) were recorded across the island.[64] Sustained winds peaked at 124mph (200km/h) at Cayo Largo del Sur, while wind gusts reached at 130mph (210km/h) at the same location and in Jagüey Grande.[60] The hurricane demolished 12,579homes and damaged 166,515others.[13] Overall, Michelle caused five deaths and about $2billion in damage in Cuba.[13][65] Major damage also occurred in the Bahamas, totaling about $300million.[66]
A non-tropical frontal low developed from a cold front on November 1 to the west of the Azores. It intensified while moving west-northwestward and gradually dissipated its frontal structure.[67] It became a subtropical storm on November 4 about 890mi (1,430km) south of Cape Race, Newfoundland. Operationally, the storm was considered a non-tropical low, and the National Hurricane Center did not begin issuing advisories until it became a tropical cyclone. It moved slowly northward as convection organized into a ring around the center. As a result of a ship reporting hurricane-force winds near the center, and due to the development of a weak mid-level warm core, the subtropical cyclone was reclassified as Hurricane Noel on November 5. Increasing westerly wind shear limited convection near the center, and Noel weakened to a tropical storm early on November 6.[68] Progressively cooler water temperatures contributed to weakening,[69] and Noel became extratropical later on November 6 about 330mi (530km) southeast of Newfoundland. The extratropical remnant continued to the northeast and was absorbed by a larger extratropical storm later that day.[68]
Hurricane Olga formed as a subtropical cyclone on November 24 and meandered westward where it reached hurricane status on November 26. The storm attained peak winds of 90mph (140km/h) before turning southeastward and weakening back into a tropical storm. Olga dissipated as a tropical cyclone on December 6 east of the Bahamas.[70]
The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the north Atlantic in 2001.[71] This is the same list used for the 1995 season,[72] except for Lorenzo, Michelle, Olga, and Rebekah, which replaced Luis, Marilyn, Opal, and Roxanne, respectively.[73] Each new name except for Rebekah was used for the first time in 2001.
The World Meteorological Organization retired the names Allison, Iris, and Michelle from the Atlantic hurricane name lists after the 2001 season on account of their destructiveness. They were replaced with Andrea, Ingrid, and Melissa, respectively, for the 2007 season.[74]Allison became the first Atlantic tropical storm to have its name retired.[75]
Season effects
This is a table of all of the storms that formed in the 2001 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 2001 USD.
The 1995 Atlantic hurricane season was a very active Atlantic hurricane season, and is considered to be the start of an ongoing era of high-activity tropical cyclone formation. The season produced twenty-one tropical cyclones, nineteen named storms, as well as eleven hurricanes and five major hurricanes. The season officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30, dates which conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones develop in the Atlantic basin. The first tropical cyclone, Hurricane Allison, developed on June 2, while the season's final storm, Hurricane Tanya, transitioned into an extratropical cyclone on November 1. The very active Atlantic hurricane activity in 1995 was caused by La Niña conditions, which also influenced an inactive Pacific hurricane season. It was tied with 1887 Atlantic hurricane season with 19 named storms, which was later equalled by the 2010, 2011, and 2012 seasons.
The 2003 Atlantic hurricane season was a very active season with tropical cyclogenesis occurring before and after the official bounds of the season—the first such occurrence since the 1970 season. The season produced 21 tropical cyclones, of which 16 developed into named storms; seven of those attained hurricane status, of which three reached major hurricane status. The strongest hurricane of the season was Hurricane Isabel, which reached Category 5 status on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale northeast of the Lesser Antilles; Isabel later struck North Carolina as a Category 2 hurricane, causing $3.6 billion in damage and a total of 51 deaths across the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.
The 2002 Atlantic hurricane season was a near-average Atlantic hurricane season. It officially started on June 1, 2002, and ended on November 30, dates which conventionally limit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones develop in the Atlantic Ocean. The season produced fourteen tropical cyclones, of which twelve developed into named storms; four became hurricanes, and two attained major hurricane status. While the season's first cyclone did not develop until July 14, activity quickly picked up: eight storms developed in the month of September. It ended early however, with no tropical storms forming after October 6—a rare occurrence caused partly by El Niño conditions. The most intense hurricane of the season was Hurricane Isidore with a minimum central pressure of 934 mbar, although Hurricane Lili attained higher winds and peaked at Category 4 whereas Isidore only reached Category 3. However, Lili had a minimum central pressure of 938 mbar.
The 2000 Atlantic hurricane season was a fairly active hurricane season, but featured the latest first named storm in a hurricane season since 1992. The hurricane season officially began on June 1, and ended on November 30. It was slightly above average due to a La Niña weather pattern although most of the storms were weak. It was also the only season to have two of the storms affect Ireland. The first cyclone, Tropical Depression One, developed in the southern Gulf of Mexico on June 7 and dissipated after an uneventful duration. However, it would be almost two months before the first named storm, Alberto, formed near Cape Verde; Alberto also dissipated with no effects on land. Several other tropical cyclones—Tropical Depression Two, Tropical Depression Four, Chris, Ernesto, Nadine, and an unnamed subtropical storm—did not impact land. Five additional storms—Tropical Depression Nine, Florence, Isaac, Joyce, and Leslie—minimally affected land areas.
The 1998 Atlantic hurricane season was a catastrophic and deadly Atlantic hurricane season, featuring 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 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 seven 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, 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 1963 Atlantic hurricane season was a slightly below average season in terms of tropical cyclone formation, with a total of ten nameable storms. Even so, it was also a notoriously deadly and destructive season. The season officially began on June 15, 1963, and lasted until November 15, 1963. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. The first system, an unnamed tropical storm, developed over the Bahamas on June 1.
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 1966 Atlantic hurricane season saw the Weather Bureau office in Miami, Florida, be designated as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and assume responsibility of tropical cyclone forecasting in the basin. 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 an above-average season in terms of tropical storms, with a total of 15. The first system, Hurricane Alma, developed over eastern Nicaragua on June 4 and became the most recent major hurricane in the month of June. Alma brought severe flooding to Honduras and later to Cuba, but caused relatively minor impact in the Southeastern United States. Alma resulted in 90 deaths and about $210.1 million (1966 USD) in damage.
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 1968 Atlantic hurricane season was a below average hurricane season during which only nine nameable storms developed. The season officially began on June 1 and lasted until November 30, dates which conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. Of the named storms, five strengthened into hurricanes; none however intensified into a major hurricane. Only four other seasons since the start of the satellite era—1972, 1986, 1994, and 2013—did not feature a major hurricane. The first system, Hurricane Abby, developed in the northwestern Caribbean on June 1. Abby moved northward and struck Cuba, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding to western portions of the island. Making landfall in Florida on June 4, Abby caused flooding and spawned four tornadoes, but left behind little damage. Overall, the hurricane resulted in six deaths and about $450,000 (1968 USD) in damage. In late June, Tropical Storm Candy brought minor flooding and spawned several tornadoes across portions of the Southern United States. Overall damage from the cyclone reached approximately $2.7 million. 1968 featured two simultaneously active tropical storms during the month of June, a phenomenon that would not occur again until 2023.
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 1973 Atlantic hurricane season was a below average tropical cyclone season overall. Of the 24 tropical or subtropical cyclones which developed, only 8 became named storms, and of those, only 4 became hurricanes, with 1 reaching major hurricane status on the newly implemented Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale. This continued the pattern of storm activity from the previous season, as hostile El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions again hindered tropical cyclogenesis and intensification in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
The 1975 Atlantic hurricane season was a near average hurricane season with nine named storms forming, of which six became hurricanes. Three of those six became major hurricanes, which are Category 3 or higher systems on the Saffir–Simpson scale. 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 Ocean.
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.
Hurricane Iris was the first of three tropical cyclones to affect the Lesser Antilles in a three-week period, preceding the more destructive hurricanes Luis and Marilyn. The ninth named storm and fifth hurricane of the 1995 Atlantic hurricane season, Iris developed from a tropical wave to the east of the Lesser Antilles on August 22 and attained hurricane status within 30 hours. The hurricane weakened to a tropical storm before crossing the islands of the eastern Caribbean from August 26 through August 28. During that time, Iris became one of four active tropical storms in the Atlantic basin. Earlier it had interacted with Hurricane Humberto, and beginning on August 30, Iris interacted with Tropical Storm Karen. Iris re-intensified into a hurricane and attained peak sustained winds of 110 mph (175 km/h) while moving slowly across the central Atlantic. The hurricane accelerated to the north and absorbed a dissipating Karen on September 3. Iris weakened to a tropical storm and became extratropical on September 4, though its remnants re-attained hurricane-force winds, before affecting western Europe on September 7. The storm dissipated soon afterward.
The 1995 Atlantic hurricane season was an event in the annual tropical cyclone season in the north Atlantic Ocean. This Atlantic hurricane season saw a near-record number of named tropical storms. This extremely active season followed four consecutive years in which there was below normal activity. The season officially began on June 1, 1995 and ended on November 30, 1995. These dates, adopted by convention, historically describe the period in each year when most tropical systems form. The season's first system, Hurricane Allison, developed on June 3; its last, Hurricane Tanya, became extratropical on November 2.
The 2001 Atlantic hurricane season was an above-average Atlantic hurricane season in which fifteen named storms formed. The season officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30, dates that conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. The season's first tropical cyclone, Tropical Storm Allison, formed on June 5 while the season's final system, Hurricane Olga, dissipated on December 6.
The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season was the third in a consecutive series of above-average and damaging Atlantic hurricane seasons, featuring 15 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes, which caused a total of over $50 billion in damages and at least 172 deaths. More than 98% of the total damage was caused by two hurricanes. The season officially began on June 1, 2018, and ended on November 30, 2018. These dates historically describe the period in each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin and are adopted by convention. However, subtropical or tropical cyclogenesis is possible at any time of the year, as demonstrated by the formation of Tropical Storm Alberto on May 25, making this the fourth consecutive year in which a storm developed before the official start of the season. The season concluded with Oscar transitioning into an extratropical cyclone on October 31, almost a month before the official end.
The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season was the third-most active Atlantic hurricane season on record in terms of number of tropical cyclones, although many of them were weak and short-lived. With 21 named storms forming, it became the second season in a row and third overall in which the designated 21-name list of storm names was exhausted. Seven of those storms strengthened into a hurricane, four of which reached major hurricane intensity, which is slightly above-average. The season officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30. These dates historically describe the period in each year when most Atlantic tropical cyclones form. However, subtropical or tropical cyclogenesis is possible at any time of the year, as demonstrated by the development of Tropical Storm Ana on May 22, making this the seventh consecutive year in which a storm developed outside of the official season.
Darmouth Flood Observatory (January 25, 2002). "2001 Global Register of Extreme Flood Events". Dartmouth Flood Observatory's Active Archive of Large Floods. Dartmouth College. Archived from the original on January 16, 2017. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
C. Justin Robinson; Prosper Bangwayo-Skeete (March 16, 2016). "The Financial Impact of Natural Disasters: Assessing the Effect of Hurricanes & Tropical Storms On Stock Markets in the Caribbean". p.7. SSRN2845429.
1 2 Atlantic basin Comparison of Original and Revised HURDAT. Hurricane Research Division; Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (Report). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June 2019. Retrieved September 7, 2021.
↑ Darmouth Flood Observatory (January 25, 2002). "2001 Global Register of Extreme Flood Events". Dartmouth Flood Observatory's Active Archive of Large Floods. Dartmouth College. Archived from the original on January 16, 2017. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
↑ C. Justin Robinson; Prosper Bangwayo-Skeete (March 16, 2016). "The Financial Impact of Natural Disasters: Assessing the Effect of Hurricanes & Tropical Storms On Stock Markets in the Caribbean". p.7. SSRN2845429.
↑ National Hurricane Operations Plan(PDF) (Report). Washington, D.C.: NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research. May 2001. p.3-7. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
↑ National Hurricane Operations Plan(PDF) (Report). Washington, D.C.: NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research. May 1995. p.3-7. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
↑ National Hurricane Operations Plan(PDF) (Report). Washington, D.C.: NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research. May 2002. p.3-7. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
↑ "Desastres naturales" (in Spanish). Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo. February 14, 2002. Archived from the original on August 10, 2014. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
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