Subtropical Storm Nicole

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Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
ArrowUp.svg Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

An upper-level trough and a decaying cold front persisted across the western Atlantic Ocean in early October. The interaction between the two led to the formation of an area of low pressure on October 8 to the southwest of Bermuda. The system lacked a single well-defined circulation, though it possessed gale-force winds as it moved northwestward. [1] The system gradually became better organized. [2] Around 00:00 UTC on October 10, an extratropical cyclone formed with a well-defined low-level circulation. By six hours later, a curved rainband formed, signaling that the cyclone transitioned into Subtropical Storm Nicole about 140 miles (230 km) southwest of Bermuda. There was a broad wind field, with the strongest winds more than 115 miles (185 km) from the center. [1] A mid-level trough turned the storm northeastward, and early on October 11, it passed about 60 miles (97 km) northwest of Bermuda. [1] Shortly after passing Bermuda, Nicole developed persistent deep convection near the center, while Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit overpasses indicated the potential of a warm core within the system. [3] It intensified to reach peak winds of 50 mph (80 km/h), but strong wind shear prevented Nicole from transitioning into a tropical cyclone. Late on October 11, Nicole was absorbed by a larger extratropical cyclone to its north. [1]

Preparations and impact

The Bermuda Weather Service issued a gale warning, and later a tropical storm watch. Wind gusts on the island peaked at 60 mph (97 km/h) during Nicole's formative stage. [1] Nicole and the precursor extratropical storm dropped heavy precipitation, amounting to 5.86 inches (149 mm) over a three-day period at the Bermuda International Airport. [4] Poor weather conditions forced the cancellation of several events at the Bermuda Music Festival. Strong winds knocked down power lines, leaving over 1,800 homes and businesses without power. Unsettled conditions also resulted in airport delays. [5] High winds delayed or altered the courses of four cruise ships, and a seasick passenger had to be taken to the hospital. [6] [7] Due to moisture from Nicole combined with the extratropical storm, the Atlantic Storm Prediction Centre issued heavy rainfall and wind warnings for large portions of the Canadian Maritimes. [8] The remnants of Nicole combined with a powerful extratropical cyclone to produce strong winds across the Maritimes, reaching 80 mph (130 km/h) on western Cape Breton. The strong winds knocked down trees and power lines, while heavy rainfall over 2 inches (51 mm) caused flooding in eastern Nova Scotia. Travel by ferry and across the Confederation Bridge was restricted. [9] Wind gusts reached 65 mph (105 km/h) across Maine. The winds downed trees and power lines, causing power outages in coastal portions of Washington and Hancock Counties. [10]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Pasch & Roberts (2004). "Subtropical Storm Nicole Tropical Cyclone Report" (PDF). National Hurricane Center . Retrieved May 22, 2015.
  2. ↑ Avila (2004). "October 8, 2004 Tropical Weather Outlook". NHC (FTP). Retrieved 2006-10-11.[dead ftp link](To view documents see Help:FTP)
  3. ↑ Beven (2004). "Subtropical Storm Nicole Discussion Five". NHC. Retrieved 2006-10-11.
  4. ↑ Bermuda Weather Service (2004). "Weather Summary for October 2004". Archived from the original on 2011-07-18. Retrieved 2006-10-11.
  5. ↑ Sarah Titterton and Eloisa Mayers (2004-10-11). "Nicole drowns out the music". The Royal Gazette. Archived from the original on 2016-03-06. Retrieved 2011-03-31.
  6. ↑ The Royal Gazette (2004-10-12). "Nicole thwarts cruise ship" . Retrieved 2011-03-31.
  7. ↑ The Royal Gazette (2004-10-13). "Passengers roughed up" . Retrieved 2011-03-31.
  8. ↑ Bowyer (2004). "Subtropical Storm Nicole Information Statement". Canadian Hurricane Centre. Archived from the original on 2011-06-11. Retrieved 2006-10-11.
  9. ↑ Ottawa Start (2004). "Top Ten Canadian weather stories for 2004". Archived from the original on 2012-02-04. Retrieved 2006-10-11.
  10. ↑ "High Wind Event Report for Maine". National Climatic Data Center. 2004. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
Subtropical Storm Nicole
Nicole 2004-10-11 1445Z.jpg
Subtropical Storm Nicole at peak intensity south of Nova Scotia on October 11
Tropical cyclones of the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season
2004 Atlantic hurricane season summary.png

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