| 2003 Atlantic hurricane season | |
|---|---|
 Season summary map | |
| Seasonal boundaries | |
| First system formed | April 20, 2003 |
| Last system dissipated | December 11, 2003 |
| Strongest storm | |
| Name | Isabel |
| • Maximum winds | 165 mph (270 km/h) (1-minute sustained) |
| • Lowest pressure | 915mbar (hPa; 27.02inHg) |
| Seasonal statistics | |
| Total depressions | 21 |
| Total storms | 16 |
| Hurricanes | 7 |
| Major hurricanes (Cat. 3+) | 3 |
| ACE | 176 |
| Total fatalities | 95 total |
| Total damage | $6.262 billion (2003USD) |
| Related articles | |
| Atlantic hurricane seasons 2001,2002,2003,2004,2005 | |
The2003 Atlantic hurricane season was a very active season withtropical cyclogenesis occurring before and after the official bounds of the season—the first such occurrence since the1970 season. The season produced 21tropical cyclones, of which 16 developed into named storms; seven of those attained hurricane status, of which three reachedmajor hurricane status. The strongest hurricane of the season wasHurricane Isabel, which reachedCategory 5 status on theSaffir–Simpson hurricane scale northeast of theLesser Antilles; Isabel later struckNorth Carolina as a Category 2 hurricane, causing $5.5 billion in damage (2003 USD) and a total of 51 deaths across theMid-Atlantic region of the United States.
Although the bounds of the season are typically from June 1 to November 30, the season began early with the formation of Subtropical Storm Ana on April 20, and it ended relatively late on December 11 with the dissipation of Tropical Storm Peter. In early September,Hurricane Fabian struckBermuda as aCategory 3 hurricane, where it was the worst hurricane since1926; on the island it caused four deaths and $300 million in damage (2003 USD).Hurricane Juan caused considerable destruction toNova Scotia, particularlyHalifax, as a Category 2 hurricane, the first hurricane of significant strength to hit the province since1893. Additionally, HurricanesClaudette andErika struck Texas and Mexico, respectively, as minimal hurricanes. In December,Tropical Storm Odette struck theDominican Republic, and Tropical Storm Peter formed in the eastern portion of the basin.
| Source | Date | Tropical storms | Hurricanes | Major hurricanes |
| CSU | Average(1950–2000) | 9.6 | 5.9 | 2.3 |
| NOAA | Average[1] | 11 | 6 | 2 |
| NOAA | May 19, 2003 | 11–15 | 6–9 | 2–4 |
| CSU | April 4, 2003 | 12 | 8 | 3 |
| CSU | May 30, 2003 | 14 | 8 | 3 |
| CSU | August 6, 2003 | 14 | 8 | 3 |
| Actual activity | 16 | 7 | 3 | |
On May 19, prior to the start of the season,NOAA forecasters issued a 55% probability of above normal activity. The forecasters predicted 11–15 tropical storms, 6–9 of those becoming hurricanes, and 2–4 of those hurricanes reaching at least Category 3 strength on theSaffir–Simpson hurricane scale. The above normal activity predicted was due to the likelihood ofLa Niña developing in the season.[2]
Noted hurricane expert Dr.William M. Gray on April 4 predicted twelve named storms, with eight reaching hurricane strength and three of the eight reaching Category 3 strength.[3] The prediction issued on May 30 was similar, increasing the named storms to fourteen. The synoptic pattern of the season prior to June 1 resembled other previous seasons, with the1952,1954,1964,1966, and1998 seasons considered the best analogs for the season. The prediction also included a 68% probability for a hurricane landfall along the United States.[4]
On August 6, Dr. Gray announced he had maintained his previous prediction; with an active start of the season, the rest of the season was forecast to have been only slightly above average, due to an anticipated overall less favorable environment across the Atlantic Ocean.[5] A day later, NOAA released an updated prediction as well, with a 60% probability of above normal activity, with 12–15 named storms, 7–9 hurricanes, and 3–4 major hurricanes expected.[6]
A normal season, as defined by NOAA, has 6–14 tropical storms, 4–8 of which reach hurricane strength, and 1–3 of those reaching Category 3 strength.[7]
The official beginning of the season was on June 1, 2003,[8] though Subtropical Storm Ana formed on April 20, well before the start to the season.[9] Starting at the official start of the season, theNational Hurricane Center began issuing five-day forecasts, extending from the three-day forecasts issued since 1964. Officials conducted tests during the previous two seasons, indicating the new five-day forecasts would be as accurate as the three-day forecasts were 15 years earlier.[10] The tropics were active and well ahead of climatology in the early portion of the season, with the seventh tropical depression forming by the end of July.[11] The season officially ended on November 30, 2003,[8] although tropical stormsOdette and Peter developed in early December.[12][13]
The season is one of only six with a storm before and after the official bounds of the season; the others are1887,1951,1953,1954,1970 and2007. When Tropical Storm Peter formed on December 7, the season became the second on record with two December storms. The 235 days between the development of the first storm, Tropical Storm Ana, and the dissipation of the last storm, Peter, made the 2003 season the longest season since1952.
Overall, the season's activity was reflected with a high cumulativeaccumulated cyclone energy (ACE) rating of 176.[14] 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, likeFabian andIsabel, have high ACEs. ACE is only calculated for full advisories on tropical systems at or exceeding 34 knots (39 mph (63 km/h) or tropical storm strength.Subtropical cyclones are excluded from the total.[15]
No cyclones in the season had a significant impact on South America or Central America. However, a total of eight tropical cyclones madelandfall on Mexico from either the Atlantic or the Pacific Ocean, which was the greatest total since the record of nine in1971. A total of seven deaths occurred in Mexico from Atlantic hurricanes. Much of the Caribbean did not receive significant impact from tropical cyclones during the season.[16]
Six tropical cyclones made landfall along the coast of the United States during the season, including two hurricanes. The first,Claudette, caused locally heavy damage in southeastern Texas in July; two deaths were reported in the state, while earlier in its duration it caused an indirect death from rough waves in Florida.[17] In September,Hurricane Isabel caused deaths and damage from North Carolina through southern Canada.[18] The worst damage from the hurricane occurred in Virginia, where it was the costliest disaster in the history of the state;[19] there, damage totaled over $1.85 billion (2003 USD), and there were 32 fatalities, ten of which were caused directly by the hurricane.[18] Hurricane Isabel caused deaths in seven states and one Canadian province, and about 6 million people were left without power as a result of the storm.[20]
Several cyclones impactedBermuda during the season, most significantlyHurricane Fabian. On the island, its passage proved to be the costliest and resulted in the first death since a hurricane in1926.[21] The hurricane killed four on the island when its strong waves and storm surge washed two cars offthe causeway betweenSt. George's Parish andSt. David's Island.[22] Damage from the hurricane totaled $300 million (2003 USD).[23] Elsewhere,Hurricane Juan was considered among the most damaging in the history ofHalifax, Nova Scotia, where strong winds downed thousands of trees and left low-lying areas flooded from a record storm surge to the city. The hurricane caused a total of eight deaths and damage estimated at $200 million (2003CAD, $150 million 2003 USD).[24]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | April 20 – April 24 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 60 mph (95 km/h)(1-min); 994 mbar (hPa) |
The origins of Ana were from a non-tropicallow pressure area that formed about 240 miles (390 km) south-southwest ofBermuda on April 18, from the interaction of an upper-leveltrough and a surfacefront.[9] The trough drew moisture from theCaribbean Sea, which caused heavy rainfall inPuerto Rico.[25] On April 19, the non-tropical low began producing sporadicconvection, or thunderstorms, as a small inner core formed. The system executed a loop and gradually became dissociated from the front. Early on April 20, the system developed into Subtropical Storm Ana while located about 250 miles (400 km) west of Bermuda.[9] Ana was the earliestsubtropical ortropical storm to form in an Atlantic hurricane season since1978.[26] By the time of its formation, Ana was moving generally eastward while continuing to organize and become more tropical. At 00:00 UTC on April 21, the NHC estimated that Ana transitioned into a tropical storm, with peak winds of 60 mph (95 km/h). This was based on estimates from theHebert-Poteat technique and data fromQuikSCAT. This made Ana the first recorded Atlantic tropical storm in April.[9] Shortly thereafter, it made its closest point of approach to Bermuda, when it passed about 130 miles (210 km) southwest of the island.[9] The storm developed aneye feature, despite the presence of strongwind shear, although the thunderstorms diminished on April 22, and a day later the circulation lost organization.[27][28][29] On April 24, Ana merged with an approachingcold front and became anextratropical cyclone. The extratropical storm accelerated east-northeastward before losing its identity within the frontal zone on April 27 southeast of theAzores.[9]
Bermuda issued gale warnings, and later a tropical storm warning.[30][31] The storm dropped 2.63 inches (67 mm) of precipitation in a six-day period at theBermuda International Airport.[32] Swells from the storm impacted the coast ofFlorida.[9] The combination of the swells and an outgoing tide caused a boat to capsize inJupiter Inlet on April 20; two of its occupants drowned, and the other two were rescued.[33] As an extratropical storm, the remnants of Ana dropped 0.87 inches (22 mm) of precipitation in the city ofPonta Delgada in theAzores. Moisture from the remnants of Ana also produced beneficial rainfall in theUnited Kingdom.[34]
| Tropical depression (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | June 11 – June 11 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 35 mph (55 km/h)(1-min); 1008 mbar (hPa) |
Atropical wave moved off the west coast of Africa on June 6.[35] Tracking westward at a low latitude, a disturbance along the wave axis became better organized on June 9,[36] with reasonable favorable environmental conditions for that time of year. Initially lacking a well-defined low-level circulation,[37] convection increased markedly on June 10.[38] The system was declared Tropical Depression Two early on June 11 about 830 mi (1,335 km) east-northeast ofFrench Guiana,[35] becoming the third known cyclone to develop in the month of June to the east of theLesser Antilles;[39] the others wereTropical Depression Two in 2000,[40]Ana in 1979, and astorm in 1933.[39] The next such system to accomplish this would beBret in 2017.[41]
The depression initially maintained goodoutflow and somebanding features around its center and was forecast to become a tropical storm.[38] Around 09:00UTC on June 11, satellite-based intensity estimates indicated the depression was near tropical storm status.[42] However, the convection subsequently diminished and became displaced to the northeast of the center, and late on June 11 the depression degenerated into an open tropical wave about 950 mi (1,530 km) east-southeast ofBarbados.[35] A low-level vorticity persisted, though strong wind shear prevented redevelopment.[43] On June 13 its remnants passed through theWindward Islands and subsequently entered the Caribbean.[44]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | June 29 – July 2 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 60 mph (95 km/h)(1-min); 997 mbar (hPa) |
Tropical Storm Bill developed from a tropical wave on June 29 to the north of theYucatán Peninsula. It slowly organized as it moved northward, and reached a peak of 60 mph (97 km/h) shortly before making landfall 20 mi (30 km) west ofCocodrie, Louisiana. Bill quickly weakened over land, and as it accelerated to the northeast, moisture from the storm, combined with cold air from an approaching cold front, produced an outbreak of 34tornadoes. Bill became extratropical on July 2, and was absorbed by the cold front later that day.[45]
Upon making landfall on Louisiana, the storm produced a moderatestorm surge, causingtidal flooding.[46] In a city in the northeastern portion of the state, the surge breached alevee, which flooded many homes in the town.[47] Moderate winds combined with wetsoil knocked down trees, which then hit a few houses and power lines,[48] and left hundreds of thousands withoutelectric power.[49] Further inland, tornadoes from the storm produced localized moderate damage. Throughout its path, Tropical Storm Bill caused around $50 million in damage (2003 USD) and four deaths.[45]
| Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | July 8 – July 17 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 90 mph (150 km/h)(1-min); 979 mbar (hPa) |
A well-organized tropical wave tracked quickly through the Lesser Antilles on July 7, producing tropical storm force winds but failing to attain a low-level circulation. After organizing in the Caribbean, it developed into Tropical Storm Claudette to the south of theDominican Republic on July 8. Its intensity fluctuated over the subsequent days, attaining hurricane status briefly on July 10 before weakening and hittingPuerto Morelos on the Yucatán Peninsula on July 11 as a tropical storm. The storm remained disorganized due to moderate wind shear, though after turning west-northwestward into an area of lighter shear, it re-attained hurricane status on July 15 off the coast ofTexas; it intensified quickly and made landfall onMatagorda Island with peak winds of 90 mph (140 km/h). It slowly weakened after moving ashore, tracking across northernTamaulipas before dissipating in northwesternChihuahua.[17]
The precursor cyclone caused light damage in the Lesser Antilles, and waves from the hurricane caused an indirect death off of Florida.[17] Widespread flooding and gusty winds destroyed or severely damaged 412 buildings in southeast Texas, with a further 1,346 buildings suffering lighter impact. The hurricane caused locally severebeach erosion along the coast.[50] High winds downed many trees along the coast, causing one direct and one indirect death. Damage was estimated at $180 million (2003 USD).[17]
| Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | July 16 – July 21 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 75 mph (120 km/h)(1-min); 1000 mbar (hPa) |
A large and well-organizedtropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on July 9. However, due to coolerwaters, the wave weakened as it tracked northwestward, and by the next day it was devoid of deep convection. On July 13, deep convection developed near a mid-level circulation along the wave axis, and the convection slowly organized and markedly increased over the following days.Dvorak classifications were initiated by theNational Hurricane Center (NHC) late on July 15, and based on satellite imagery and ship reports of a closed surface circulation, the disturbance was designated as a tropical depression on July 16, while centered roughly 630 miles (1,015 km) east ofBermuda.[51] The tropical depression that became Danny was not originally anticipated to strengthen into a tropical storm.[52] However, it quickly developed outerbanding features as the convection organized, and the system strengthened into Tropical Storm Danny early on July 17. The storm moved around the western periphery of thesubtropical ridge, through a narrow region of unusually high sea-surface temperatures (27 °C – 27.5 °C, 80.6 °F – 81.5 °F). This allowed for significant intensification despite Danny being located at an unusually high latitude.[51] Based on the formation of a 17 mile (27 km) wideeye,[53] it is estimated the storm attained hurricane status late on July 18, while located approximately 525 miles (850 km) south ofSt. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. Because the system formed at such a high latitude, Danny was embedded within a higher than average surrounding pressure field, and as a result the minimum central pressure was an unusually high 1000 mbar.[51]
Despite moving over cooler waters and into an area of higher verticalwind shear, Danny maintained minimal hurricane status for nearly 24 hours[54] until late on July 19, when it weakened to a tropical storm. Continuing around the northern periphery of the subtropical ridge, Danny turned to the east and east-southeast into an area of even cooler waters, resulting in rapid weakening. The storm weakened into a tropical depression on July 20, and the following day, Danny degenerated into a remnant area of low pressure.[51] The low ultimately turned southward and southwestward into an area of warmer water temperatures, and after executing a small loop on July 24, Danny developed deep convection over the center. However, a large area of dry air prevented re-development of the storm. On July 27, the remnant low dissipated about 1,240 miles (2,000 km) east ofBermuda, or about 630 miles (1,015 km) east of wheretropical cyclogenesis originally took place.[51]
| Tropical depression (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | July 19 – July 21 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 35 mph (55 km/h)(1-min); 1010 mbar (hPa) |
A tropical wave moved westward off the coast of Africa on July 14.[55] After tracking steadily westward, an area of thunderstorms became more concentrated as its upper-level environment became more favorable,[56] and late on July 19 the National Hurricane Center classified it as Tropical Depression Six while it was located about 1,035 mi (1,665 km) east of the Lesser Antilles.[55] Upon being classified as a tropical cyclone, the depression maintained two ill-defined hooking bands to its north and south, and was originally forecast to attain hurricane status before passing through the Lesser Antilles. With warm waters and very light wind shear forecast, its environmental conditions met four out of five parameters forrapid intensification.[57] Subsequently, convection diminished as the result of cold airinflow and instability from a disturbance to its southeast.[58]
With a fast forward speed, confirmation of a low-level circulation on July 20 became difficult.[59] Convection increased in curvature on July 21,[60] and several islands in the Lesser Antilles issuedtropical storm warnings and watches. After it passed north of Barbados, aHurricane hunters flight failed to report a closed low-level circulation, and it is estimated the depression degenerated into an open tropical wave late on July 21. The remnants brought a few showers to the Lesser Antilles,[55] and after tracking into the Caribbean redevelopment was prevented by increased wind shear.[61] The northern portion of the wave axis split and developed into Tropical Depression Seven.[55]
| Tropical depression (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | July 25 – July 27 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 35 mph (55 km/h)(1-min); 1016 mbar (hPa) |
A tropical wave interacted with an upper-level low to develop an area of deep convection nearHispaniola on July 23.[62] A mid- to lower-level circulation developed within the system at it tracked generally north-northwestward, and based on surface and satellite observations, it is estimated the system developed into Tropical Depression Seven at 1200 UTC on July 25 about 60 mi (95 km) east ofDaytona Beach, Florida. The system was embedded in an environment characterized by high surface pressures. Tracking through an area of cool water temperatures,[62] as well as unfavorable upper-level winds, the depression failed to achieve winds greater than 35 mph (56 km/h).[63] Early on July 26 it moved ashore onSt. Catherines Island,Georgia, and after steadily weakening over land it dissipated on July 27.[62] Flood watches were posted for much of Georgia andSouth Carolina.[64] The depression dropped light to moderate rainfall from Florida to the coast ofNorth Carolina, peaking at 5.17 in (131 mm) inSavannah, Georgia.[65]
| Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | August 14 – August 17 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 75 mph (120 km/h)(1-min); 986 mbar (hPa) |
On August 8, a non-tropical low detached from a frontal zone well east of Bermuda. It tracked quickly southwestward then westward in tandem with an upper-level low, which prevented tropical development. On August 13, convection increased as the low passed throughthe Bahamas. After crossing Florida, the system developed into Tropical Storm Erika on August 14 about 85 mi (135 km) west-southwest ofFort Myers. A strong ridge caused the storm to continue quickly westward, and the system gradually strengthened and organized. Further organization occurred after Erika decelerated, witheye feature developing late on August 15. Erika attained hurricane status at around 1030 UTC on August 16, peaking with winds of 75 mph (120 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 986 mbar (29.1 inHg) while striking northeastern Tamaulipas. The winds rapidly decreased as it tracked across the mountainous terrain of northeastern Mexico, and early on August 17 the cyclone dissipated.[66]
Erika's precursor dropped rainfall in the Bahamas and Florida.[67][68] South Texas reported sustained tropical storm-fore winds and gusts up to 60 mph (95 km/h),[66][69] causing scattered and minor wind damage.[69] Abnormally high tides also led to some erosion, especially onSouth Padre Island.[66] Damage inCameron County, Texas, totaled about $10,000.[69] Rainfall in Mexico peaked at 9.72 in (247 mm) inHidalgo.[70] Mudslides in the northeastern portion of the country blocked several highways. InNuevo León, two people died after being swept away by floodwaters inMontemorelos.[66] Approximately 20,000 people in Mexico lost electricity during the storm.[71]
| Tropical depression (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | August 21 – August 22 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 35 mph (55 km/h)(1-min); 1007 mbar (hPa) |
A strongtropical wave exited the coast ofAfrica on August 14,[72] moved westward as a disorganized system, and passed through theCape Verde islands on August 15.[73] On August 17, a weakarea of low pressure developed in the system about 750 miles (1,200 km) west-southwest of the Cape Verde islands.[74] Convection increased over the western portion of the wave axis,[75] and the system began to become better organized on August 18 while located about 1,250 miles (2,000 km) east of theLesser Antilles.[76] However, convection around the system diminished on August 19,[77] and later that day it began to move through the Lesser Antilles. Despite favorable upper-level winds and fallingatmospheric pressures, there were initially no signs of a circulation at the surface.[78] Convection again increased early on August 20,[79] and it gradually became better organized.[80] Based on a ship's wind report of the system, it is estimated the wave developed into Tropical Depression Nine on August 21 while located about 260 miles (415 km) south ofSan Juan,Puerto Rico.[81] The depression quickly showed signs of organization with the development ofbanding features around its blossoming convection. Due to a favorable upper level environment, forecasters predicted the depression to intensify to a 70 mph (110 km/h) tropical storm after making landfall onHaiti and easternCuba.[81] Upper-level outflow remained well-defined, though convection waned near the center early on August 22.[82] The depression appeared to continue organizing, with a well-defined cloud band to its north and east.[83] However, strong southwesterlywind shear unexpectedly increased over the system, and the depression degenerated into a tropical wave late on August 22, south of the eastern tip of theDominican Republic.[72] The system retained a well-defined cloud pattern with a vigorous mid-level circulation, and forecasters at theNational Hurricane Center indicated regeneration could have occurred at any time.[84] The wave axis moved over the Dominican Republic early on August 23,[85] and became disorganized over the mountainous terrain ofHispaniola.[86] There existed the potential for redevelopment as it moved into a potentially more favorable area,[87] though the National Hurricane Center ceased monitoring the system on August 25 when redevelopment appeared unlikely.[88]
The depression dropped 2 to 3 in (51 to 76 mm) of precipitation on Puerto Rico,[89] leading to floodwaters that entered 10 houses and prohibited passage of some streets.[90] Additionally, a mudslide occurred atCaguas,[91] while a river overflowed inRío Grande but returned to normal levels within hours.[92] Damage in Puerto Rico totaled $20,000.[90] The remnants of the depression dropped light to moderate precipitation in the Dominican Republic, which caused flooding and overflowing rivers that damaged more than 100 homes and some crops.[16] However, the rainfall was otherwise beneficial due to dry conditions in the preceding months.[93] Flooding was also reported in easternJamaica.[16]
| Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | August 27 – September 8 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 145 mph (230 km/h)(1-min); 939 mbar (hPa) |
On August 25, a tropical wave exited the west coast of Africa, and two days later developed enough organized convection to become Tropical Depression Ten approximately 420 mi (675 km) west of the Cabo Verde Islands. Tracking through warm waters and low vertical shear, the depression was named Tropical Storm Fabian on August 28. On August 30, the storm intensified into a hurricane, and it quickly strengthened to attain major hurricane status late that day. Fabian reached maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (230 km/h) on September 1, a Category 4 hurricane. The hurricane turned to the north and gradually weakened, although its barometric pressure fell to 939 mbar (27.7 inHg) early on September 4. Fabian then passed about 15 mi (25 km) west of Bermuda late on the next day with winds of 120 mph (190 km/h). The cyclone accelerated northeastward into an environment of unfavorable conditions, becoming extratropical on September 8 roughly 805 mi (1,295 km) east-northeast ofCape Race, Newfoundland. Two days later, the remnants of Fabian merged with another extratropical storm between southernGreenland andIceland.[23]
Waves generated by Fabian slightly damaged some boats inAntigua and Barbuda,[94] while Puerto Rico reported eroded beaches and part of a construction site being carried away, inflicting about $30,000 in damage.[95] One person drowned at the beach ofIsla Verde.[96] In the Dominican Republic, several families evacuated fromNagua after rough seas flooded some homes.[94] Strong waves caused extensive damage to the Bermuda coastline,[16] destroying 10 nests of the endangeredBermuda petrel.[97] The storm surge from the hurricane stranded one vehicle with three police officers and another with a resident onthe causeway betweenSt. George's Parish andSt. David's Island, later washing both vehicles intoCastle Harbour;[98] all four were killed.[23] Strong winds left about 25,000 people without power on the island, and also caused severe damage to vegetation.[16] The strong winds damaged or destroyed the roofs of numerous buildings on Bermuda,[99] Damage on the island totaled $300 million. Elsewhere, strong waves from the hurricane killed a surfer in North Carolina and caused three deaths off of Newfoundland when a fishing vessel sank.[23]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | August 30 – September 2 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 40 mph (65 km/h)(1-min); 1007 mbar (hPa) |
A strong tropical wave accompanied with a low-pressure system moved off the coast of Africa on August 19. It moved quickly westward, failing to organize significantly, and developed a surface low-pressure area on August 29 in theGulf of Mexico. Convection continued to organize, and the tropical wave developed into Tropical Depression Eleven on August 30 while located 335 mi (540 km) east-southeast ofCorpus Christi, Texas. The depression quickly intensified to become Tropical Storm Grace, but did not strengthen beyond winds of 40 mph (65 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 1,007 mbar (29.7 inHg) due to a nearby upper-level low. On August 31, Grace moved ashore onGalveston Island, Texas, and it quickly weakened over land. The storm turned northeastward and was absorbed by a cold front over extreme easternOklahoma on September 2.[100]
In Mexico, Grace's outerbands brought rainfall to the Yucatán Peninsula and Tamaulipas.[101] The storm produced light to moderate precipitation from Texas through the eastern United States, peaking at 10.4 in (260 mm) atSpindletop Bayou.[102] Near where it made landfall, Grace produced flooding of low-lying areas and light beach erosion.[103] Damage in Texas totaled approximately $313,000.[104] In Oklahoma and southernMissouri, the remnants of the storm caused localized flooding.[105][106] Several other states observed rainfall from Grace and its remnants,[102] includingIndiana, which recorded a one-day total of 7 in (180 mm) of precipitation inIndianapolis and isolated amounts up to 9 in (230 mm). Consequently, floodwaters covered many streets and entered more than 700 homes in central Indiana.[107]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | September 3 – September 8 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 60 mph (95 km/h)(1-min); 997 mbar (hPa) |
On August 22, a tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa, and it remained disorganized until reaching the eastern Gulf of Mexico on September 1. A tropical disturbance developed into Tropical Depression Twelve on September 3 about 300 mi (485 km) west ofTampa, Florida. It moved eastward and strengthened into Tropical Storm Henri on September 5, and despite strong wind shear it intensified to reach peak winds of 60 mph (97 km/h) later that day. Subsequently, it quickly weakened, and it struck the western Florida coast as a tropical depression. On September 8 it degenerated into a remnant low-pressure area off the coast of North Carolina,[108] and after moving ashore nearCape Hatteras,[109] it crossed the Mid-Atlantic states and dissipated on September 17 overNew England.[110]
Henri was responsible for locally heavy rainfall across Florida, but damage was minimal.[108] The remnants of Henri caused heavy precipitation inDelaware andPennsylvania, causing $19.6 million in damage (2003 USD).[111][112] In Delaware, the rainfall caused record-breaking river flooding, with part of theRed Clay Creek experiencing a500-year flood,[113] and the system left 109,000 residents without power in Pennsylvania.[112] The impacts of the storm were severely compounded the following week byHurricane Isabel across the region.[18]
| Category 5 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | September 6 – September 19 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 165 mph (270 km/h)(1-min); 915 mbar (hPa) |
A tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on September 1 and developed into Tropical Depression Thirteen early on September 6 about 470 mi (755 km) west-southwest of theCabo Verde Islands. It quickly intensified into Tropical Storm Isabel,[18] and it continued to gradually strengthen because of light wind shear and warm waters.[114] Isabel strengthened to a hurricane on September 7, and the following day it attainedmajor hurricane status. Its intensity fluctuated over the subsequent days as it passed north of the Lesser Antilles, and peaked with winds of 165 mph (270 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 915 mbar (27.0 inHg) on September 11, aCategory 5 hurricane on theSaffir–Simpson scale. The hurricane oscillated between Category 4 and Category 5 status over the following four days before weakening due to wind shear. On September 18, Isabel made landfall betweenCape Lookout andOcracoke Island in North Carolina with winds of 105 mph (165 km/h). It continued northwestward, becoming extratropical over western Pennsylvania before being absorbed by a larger storm overOntario on September 19.[18]
Strong winds from Isabel extended from North Carolina to New England and westward toWest Virginia.[18] The winds, combined with previous rainfall which moistened the soil, downed many trees and power lines across its path, leaving about 6 million electricity customers without power at some point.[20] Coastal areas suffered from waves and its powerful storm surge, with areas in eastern North Carolina and southeastVirginia reporting severe damage from both winds and the storm surge.[18] In the former, Isabel damaged thousands of homes inDare County alone.[115] Virginia reported that Isabel destroyed more than 1,186 homes and 77 businesses, severely damaged 9,110 homes and 333 businesses, and left 107,908 homes and over 1,000 businesses with minor damage.[116] Several other states reported flooding and strong winds, particularly in centralMaryland, where the storm destroyed 472 buildings and dwellings while substantially damaging 3,260 others. Across the United States, Isabel resulted in $5.5 billion in damage and 51 deaths, of which 17 were directly related to the storm's effects.[18][20][117][118] In Canada, the remnants of Isabel left slick roads in Ontario, leading to one indirect death after a truck driver lost control of the vehicle.[119]
| Tropical depression (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | September 8 – September 10 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 35 mph (55 km/h)(1-min); 1007 mbar (hPa) |
A strong tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on September 6, and almost immediately it became associated with a broad surface circulation.[120] Favorable upper-level winds allowed the system to quickly organize into Tropical Depression Fourteen while located about 290 mi (465 km) southeast of the southernmost Cape Verde islands on September 8.[120] Despite nearby dry air, the depression was forecast to intensify to hurricane status due to anticipated favorable conditions.[121] However, convection soon decreased and the banding features dissipated.[122] On September 9, the system was not forecast to intensify past minimal tropical storm status,[123] but instead peaked with winds of 35 mph (55 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 1,007 mbar (29.7 inHg).[120] Later that day, an upper-level low to the west of the system increased wind shear and caused a steady north-northwest motion for the depression. The circulation became elongated and separated from the convection as it passed just west of the Cape Verde Islands,[120] where it brought heavy rainfall,[124] and on September 10 the depression dissipated.[120]
| Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
.jpg)  | |
| Duration | September 24 – September 29 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 105 mph (165 km/h)(1-min); 969 mbar (hPa) |
A large tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on September 14,[125] and due to unfavorable wind shear it initially remained disorganized.[126] An area of convection increased in association with an upper-level low, and it developed into Tropical Depression Fifteen on September 24 to the southeast of Bermuda. It steadily organized as it tracked northward, intensifying into Tropical Storm Juan on September 25 and attaining hurricane status on September 26.[125] With warm waters and light wind shear, Juan reached peak winds of 105 mph (165 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 969 mbar (28.6 inHg) on September 27 about 635 mi (1,020 km) south ofHalifax, Nova Scotia.[127] It accelerated northward, weakening only slightly before moving ashore near Halifax on September 29 with winds of 100 mph (160 km/h). It quickly weakened while crossing the southern CanadianMaritimes before being absorbed by a large extratropical cyclone over theGulf of St. Lawrence.[125]
The eyewall of Juan was the first to directly cross over Halifax since the1893 San Roque hurricane; the cyclone became one of the most devastating cyclones in modern history for the city,[128] with the local government estimating that approximately 31% of homes suffered damage to some extent.[129] The hurricane produced a record storm surge of 4.9 ft (1.5 m), which resulted in extensive flooding of the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfront properties. Strong winds caused widespread occurrences of falling trees, downed power lines, and damaged houses.[125] High winds also impacted areas around Gulf of St. Lawrence, causing some damage onPrince Edward Island. Between 800,000 and 900,000 people were left without power in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Overall, Juan was responsible for four direct deaths and four indirect deaths and approximately $200 million (2003CAD; $150 million 2003 USD) in damage.[24]
| Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | September 25 – October 7 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 125 mph (205 km/h)(1-min); 952 mbar (hPa) |
On September 21, a tropical wave exited the west coast of Africa and organized into Tropical Depression Sixteen on September 25 about 920 mi (1,480 km) west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands.[130] Although the NHC anticipated steady strengthening,[131] the depression failed to intensify due to wind shear. However, on September 27, the depression acquired more convection near its center and strengthened into Tropical Storm Kate.[130] The storm turned to the northeast, steered by a trough to its north.[132] Despite the wind shear, Kate developed an eye and attained hurricane status for about 12 hours on September 29.[130][133] Later that day, Kate weakened, became disorganized, and slowed, curving westward around a mid-level circulation. By October 1, the storm was moving west-southwestward in an area of warmer waters and lighter wind shear and regained hurricane status that day. A well-defined eye developed by October 2.[130] On October 3, Kate became a major hurricane, and on October 4, peaked with winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 952 mbar (28.1 inHg).[130] Around that time, Kate had a nearly-solid ring of convection around a well-defined eye.[134] Kate then started weakening as it slowed and turned northward along the western periphery of the subtropical ridge. An approaching trough accelerated the northward movement, while also increasing wind shear.[130][135] The eye re-appeared occasionally on satellite imagery until early on October 7, when Kate moved over cooler waters and weakened to a tropical storm. After passing east of Newfoundland, Kate became extratropical early on October 8. The extratropical remnants reattained hurricane-force winds while passing southeast of Greenland on October 9 and then turned eastward, moving a short distance south of Iceland and later merging with another extratropical storm nearScandinavia on October 10.[130]
The interaction between Kate and a high pressure area to its north produced 3–4 ft (0.91–1.22 m) waves along the coast of North Carolina and New England.[136] InAtlantic Canada, which was hit byHurricane Juan weeks prior, officials advised residents to prepare by cleaning debris and securing loose objects.[137] A cruise ship was redirected to avoid the storm.[138] The Newfoundland and Maritimes Weather Center issued a storm warning for Newfoundland, while theCanadian Hurricane Centre (CHC) posted a hurricane-force wind warning. Due to the expected combination of moisture from Kate and a cold front, the CHC also issued a heavy rainfall warning for southeastern Newfoundland.[139] Kate produced sustained winds of up to 40 mph (64 km/h) atCape Race, Newfoundland, and generated strong swells and surf along the southern coast of theAvalon Peninsula, reaching heights of 9–13 ft (2.7–4.0 m).[140] Rainfall in southeastern Newfoundland reached over 4 in (100 mm).[141] St. John's reported 1.8 in (46 mm) on October 6, a record for the date, but not enough to cause flooding.[142] The extratropical remnant of Kate produced winds of up to 70 mph (110 km/h) in northernScotland.[143]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | October 1 – October 7 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 65 mph (100 km/h)(1-min); 993 mbar (hPa) |
A tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on September 17, which developed a low-pressure area on September 27 in the western Caribbean. It moved ashore along the Yucatán Peninsula on September 29 and developed into an extratropical cyclone as it interacted with a stationary cold front. Deep convection increased, and it transitioned into Tropical Storm Larry by October 1. The storm drifted generally southward, and after reaching peak winds of 65 mph (100 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 993 mbar (29.3 inHg), Larry struck the Mexicanstate ofTabasco on October 5,[144] the first landfall in the region sinceHurricane Brenda in 1973.[145] The remnants of Larry crossed theIsthmus of Tehuantepec, degenerating into a remnant low-pressure area before dissipating on October 7 in the eastern Pacific Ocean.[144]
Larry caused flooding and mudslides throughout the region due to dropping up to 24.77 in (629 mm) of precipitation atUnión Juárez, Chiapas,[146] and coincided with the landfall in southwestern Mexico of two Pacific tropical cyclones,Nora andOlaf, adding to the impact.[147] The three storms combined damaged over 21,000 homes across the country.[148] Larry also heavily damaged crops and knocked out telephone and electrical services.[94][147] Overall, the storm resulted in five deaths and around $53.4 million in damage in Mexico.[144][149] The remnants of Larry compounded heavy rains that previously fell inEl Salvador, killing at least one person,[150] forcing thousands of people to evacuate and damaging or destroying hundreds of homes.[151]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | October 10 – October 14 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 45 mph (75 km/h)(1-min); 1002 mbar (hPa) |
A tropical wave exited the coast of Africa on October 1 and moved westward.[152] On October 8, thunderstorms spread across the Lesser Antilles, and the wave slowly organized.[153] Rainfall reached 2.98 in (76 mm) inChristiansted inSaint Croix, and 7.13 in (181 mm) nearPonce, Puerto Rico.[154] Strong winds left around 29,000 people without power in northeastern Puerto Rico.[155] The rainfall wrecked bridges inLas Piedras andGuayama,[156][157] and led to flooded streams, downed trees, and rockslides that closed four roads. One car was swept away,[158] and a few houses were flooded.[159] The damage total was at least $46,000 (2003 USD).[156][157][160]
The disturbance turned northwestward through a weakness in thesubtropical ridge, and despite strong wind shear, became Tropical Storm Mindy late on October 10 over eastern Dominican Republic, with winds of 45 mph (75 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 1,002 mbar (29.6 inHg).[152] It produced 2.63 in (67 mm) of rain inSantiago Rodríguez, which caused flooding and damaged 320 houses.[161] Although forecast to intensify to 65 mph (105 km/h) winds, Odette weakened due to the wind shear.[162] The center passed near theTurks and Caicos Islands on October 11,[152] and winds reached only 31 mph (50 km/h) atGrand Turk Island.[161] On October 12, Mindy weakened to a tropical depression, and later turned eastward due to an approaching short-wave trough. Devoid of deep convection, the circulation dissipated on October 14 about 445 mi (715 km) south-southwest of Bermuda.[152] Mindy produced 2 to 3 ft (0.61 to 0.91 m) swells along the U.S. Atlantic coast from Florida through North Carolina.[136]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | October 13 – October 23 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 70 mph (110 km/h)(1-min); 990 mbar (hPa) |
A tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on October 9. The wave and its associated broad area of low pressure developed into a tropical depression on October 13 roughly 1,030 mi (1,660 km) west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands.[163] Despite moderate wind shear, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Nicholas on October 14 and continued to intensify while moving west-northwest due to a subtropical ridge to its north.[163][164][165] After the shear diminished, Nicholas developed banding features and improved in its convective pattern on October 16.[165] The cyclone peaked on October 17 with winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 990 mbar (29 inHg). Subsequently, increasing wind shear weakened Nicholas and briefly exposed its circulation from the deep convection. The storm then turned northward on October 18 due to a break in the ridge. After weakening to a minimal tropical storm on October 20, Nicholas briefly restrengthened but fell to tropical depression status on October 23. A day later, the cyclone became extratropical about 580 mi (935 km) southeast of Bermuda.[163]
The remnants of Nicholas executed a large anticyclonic loop, resulting in a westward motion and some re-intensification on October 27. The storm continued to the west along awarm front associated with a non-tropical low to its southwest, and executed a second anticyclonic loop to the south.[163] On October 30, convection increased over the low-level circulation, and the NHC indicated a potential for tropical or subtropical development as it moved towards warmer waters.[166] The system executed a third cyclonic loop, and on October 31 the system organized into a tropical low. It turned westward towards a non-tropical low, and on November 1 the remnants of Nicholas was absorbed by the low. The system struck Florida two days later,[163] producing heavy surf and rip currents and a wind gust of 35 mph (56 km/h) atCape Canaveral.[167][168] Swells of 2 to 4 ft (0.6 to 1.2 m) also impacted theEast Coast of the United States.[169] The system later crossed the Gulf of Mexico and moved ashore Louisiana on November 4.[170]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | December 4 – December 7 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 65 mph (100 km/h)(1-min); 993 mbar (hPa) |
A low-pressure area formed within a frontal zone on December 1 nearPanama. The low separated from the frontal zone and organized into a tropical depression on December 4 about 345 mi (555 km) south of Kingston, Jamaica. The depression quickly intensified into Tropical Storm Odette,[12] the first in December sinceHurricane Lili in 1984 and only the second on record to form that month in the Caribbean, after a hurricane in1822.[12][171] Odette strengthened, with its minimum pressure decreasing to 993 mbar (29.3 inHg) on December 5 and its winds increasing to 65 mph (100 km/h) on the following day. The storm landfall near Cabo Falso in the Dominican Republic on December 6 after weakening slightly. A day later, Odette entered the Atlantic and became extratropical about 220 mi (355 km) north of Hispaniola, and eventually merged with a cold front.[12]
The early stage of Odette and its precursor brought rainfall to Colombia, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Nicaragua, and Panama.[94] Eight deaths were directly attributed to this tropical storm in the Dominican Republic due to mudslides or flash flooding. In addition, two deaths were indirectly caused by the storm. Approximately 35% of the nation'sbanana crop was lost,[12] while the storm also damaged approximately 60,000 homes and destroyed 34 others.[94] Crop damage alone totaled about $8 million.[172] Floodwaters washed away at least two bridges and mudslides covered several roads.[94] Light to moderate rainfall was reported in Puerto Rico and theUnited States Virgin Islands.[173]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | December 7 – December 11 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 70 mph (110 km/h)(1-min); 990 mbar (hPa) |
By December 5, an extratropical cyclone developed and was moving southward, isolated from thewesterlies. Convection developed near the center, and the system organized into a subtropical storm late on December 7, about 835 mi (1,345 km) south-southwest of the Azores. The system moved southwestward over warmer waters, and deep convection continued to organize over the center. Banding features also increased, and the National Hurricane Center declared the system as Tropical Storm Peter on December 9, about 980 mi (1,575 km) northwest of the Cape Verde islands.[13] Initially, the National Hurricane Center did not anticipate strengthening;[174] however, Peter intensified to winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) late on December 9, after an eye feature developed. It turned northward ahead of the same frontal system that absorbedTropical Storm Odette, and the combination of strong upper-level winds and cooler water temperatures caused quick weakening. By December 10, Peter degenerated into a tropical depression, and after turning northeastward it was absorbed by the cold front the next day.[13]
The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Atlantic in 2003.[175][176] This is the same list used for the1997 season as no names were retired from that year.[177] Storms were namedLarry,Mindy,Nicholas,Odette, andPeter for the first time in 2003.
|
In the spring of 2004, TheWorld Meteorological Organization retiredFabian,Isabel, andJuan from the Atlantic hurricane name lists. They were replaced withFred,Ida, andJoaquin, respectively, for the2009 season.[178][179]
This is a table of all of the storms that formed in the 2003 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 2003 USD.
| Saffir–Simpson scale | ||||||
| TD | TS | C1 | C2 | C3 | C4 | C5 |
| Storm name | Dates active | Stormcategory at peak intensity | Max 1-min wind mph (km/h) | Min. press. (mbar) | Areas affected | Damage (US$) | Deaths | Ref(s). | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ana | April 20 – 24 | Tropical storm | 60 (95) | 994 | Southeastern United States,Bermuda,Azores,British Isles | Minimal | 2 | [9] | ||
| Two | June 11 | Tropical depression | 35 (55) | 1008 | None | None | None | |||
| Bill | June 28 – July 2 | Tropical storm | 60 (95) | 997 | Gulf Coast of the United States,Southeastern United States | $50.5 million | 4 | [45] | ||
| Claudette | July 8 – 17 | Category 1 hurricane | 90 (150) | 979 | Yucatán Peninsula,Texas,Windward Islands,Jamaica | $181 million | 1 (2) | [17][180] | ||
| Danny | July 16 – 21 | Category 1 hurricane | 75 (120) | 1000 | None | None | None | |||
| Six | July 19 – 21 | Tropical depression | 35 (55) | 1010 | None | None | None | |||
| Seven | July 25 – 27 | Tropical depression | 35 (55) | 1016 | Georgia | None | None | |||
| Erika | August 14 – 17 | Category 1 hurricane | 75 (120) | 988 | Florida, Mexico,Southern Texas | >$10,000 | 2 | [66][69] | ||
| Nine | August 21 – 22 | Tropical depression | 35 (55) | 1007 | Lesser Antilles,Puerto Rico,Dominican Republic | $20,000 | None | [90] | ||
| Fabian | August 27 – September 8 | Category 4 hurricane | 145 (235) | 939 | Leeward Islands,Northern America,Eastern Canada | $300 million | 9 | [23][96] | ||
| Grace | August 30 – September 2 | Tropical storm | 40 (65) | 1007 | Texas,Oklahoma,Ohio Valley,Mid-Atlantic States | >$113,000 | None | [104] | ||
| Henri | September 3 – 8 | Tropical storm | 60 (95) | 997 | Florida,Delaware,Pennsylvania | $19.6 million | None | |||
| Isabel | September 6 – 19 | Category 5 hurricane | 165 (270) | 915 | Lesser Antilles,Greater Antilles,Lucayan Archipelago,East Coast of the United States,Atlantic Canada | $5.5 billion | 16 (35) | [18][20][117][118][119] | ||
| Fourteen | September 8 – 10 | Tropical depression | 35 (55) | 1007 | None | None | None | |||
| Juan | September 24 – 29 | Category 2 hurricane | 105 (170) | 969 | Eastern Canada | $150 million | 4 (4) | [24] | ||
| Kate | September 25 – October 7 | Category 3 hurricane | 125 (205) | 952 | Newfoundland,Iceland, Europe | None | None | |||
| Larry | October 1 – 6 | Tropical storm | 65 (100) | 993 | Central America | $53.6 million | 6 | [144][149][150] | ||
| Mindy | October 10 – 14 | Tropical storm | 45 (75) | 1002 | Greater Antilles | $50,000 | None | |||
| Nicholas | October 13 – 23 | Tropical storm | 70 (110) | 990 | None | None | None | |||
| Odette | December 4 – 7 | Tropical storm | 65 (100) | 993 | Greater Antilles | $8 million | 8 (2) | [12][172] | ||
| Peter | December 7 – 11 | Tropical storm | 70 (110) | 990 | None | None | None | |||
| Season aggregates | ||||||||||
| 21 systems | April 20 – December 11 | 165 (270) | 915 | $6.26 billion | 52 (43) | |||||
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Tropical cyclones of the2003 Atlantic hurricane season | ||
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