| 2002 Atlantic hurricane season | |
|---|---|
 Season summary map | |
| Seasonal boundaries | |
| First system formed | July 14, 2002 |
| Last system dissipated | October 16, 2002 |
| Strongest storm | |
| By maximum sustained winds | Lili |
| • Maximum winds | 145 mph (230 km/h) (1-minute sustained) |
| • Lowest pressure | 938mbar (hPa; 27.7inHg) |
| By central pressure | Isidore |
| • Maximum winds | 125 mph (205 km/h) (1-minute sustained) |
| • Lowest pressure | 934mbar (hPa; 27.58inHg) |
| Seasonal statistics | |
| Total depressions | 14 |
| Total storms | 12 |
| Hurricanes | 4 |
| Major hurricanes (Cat. 3+) | 2 |
| ACE | 67 |
| Total fatalities | 50 total |
| Total damage | $2.47 billion (2002USD) |
| Related articles | |
| Atlantic hurricane seasons 2000,2001,2002,2003,2004 | |
The2002 Atlantic hurricane season was a near-averageAtlantic hurricane season. It officially started on June 1, and ended on November 30, dates which conventionally limit the period of each year when mosttropical cyclones develop in the Atlantic Ocean. The season produced fourteen tropical cyclones, of which twelve developed intonamed storms; four became hurricanes, and two attainedmajor 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, rare occurrence caused partly byEl Niño conditions. The most intense hurricane of the season wasHurricane Isidore, a Category 3 storm with a minimum central pressure of 934 mbar; however,Hurricane Lili, with a minimum pressure of 938 mbar, attained higher winds and peaked at Category 4.
The season was less destructive than normal, causing an estimated $2.47 billion (2002 USD) in property damage and 50 fatalities.Most destruction was due to Isidore, which caused about $1.28 billion (2002 USD) in damage and killed seven people in theYucatán Peninsula and later the United States, and Hurricane Lili, which caused $1.16 billion (2002 USD) in damage and 15 deaths as it crossed the Caribbean Sea and eventually made landfall inLouisiana.
| Source | Date | Named storms | Hurricanes | Major hurricanes | |
| CSU | Average(1950–2000)[1] | 9.6 | 5.9 | 2.3 | |
| NOAA | Average(1950–2005)[2] | 11.0 | 6.2 | 2.7 | |
| Record high activity[3] | 30 | 15 | 7 | ||
| Record low activity[3] | 1 | 0 | 0 | ||
| CSU | December 7, 2001[1] | 13 | 8 | 4 | |
| CSU | April 5, 2002[4] | 12 | 7 | 3 | |
| NOAA | May 20, 2002[5] | 9–13 | 6–8 | 2–3 | |
| CSU | August 7, 2002[6] | 9 | 4 | 1 | |
| NOAA | August 8, 2002[7] | 7–10 | 4–6 | 1–3 | |
| CSU | September 3, 2002[8] | 8 | 3 | 1 | |
| Actual activity | 12 | 4 | 2 | ||
Noted hurricane expertWilliam M. Gray and his associates atColorado State University issueforecasts of hurricane activity each year, separately from theNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Gray's team determined the average number of storms per season between 1950 and 2000 to be 9.6 tropical storms, 5.9 hurricanes, and 2.3 major hurricanes (storms exceeding Category 3). A normal season, as defined by NOAA, has 9 to 12 named storms, of which 5 to 7 reach hurricane strength and 1 to 3 become major hurricanes.[1][2]
On December 7, 2001, Gray's team issued its first extended-range forecast for the 2002 season, predicting above-average activity (13 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and about 2 of Category 3 or higher). It listed an 86 percent chance of at least one major hurricane striking the U.S. mainland. This included a 58 percent chance of at least one major hurricane strike on theEast Coast, including the Florida peninsula, and a 43 percent chance of at least one such strike on theGulf Coast from theFlorida Panhandle westward. The potential for major hurricane activity in the Caribbean was forecast to be above average.[1]
On April 5 a new forecast was issued, calling for 12 named storms, 7 hurricanes and 3 intense hurricanes. The decrease in the forecast was attributed to the further intensification of El Niño conditions. The estimated potential for at least one major hurricane to affect the U.S. was decreased to 75 percent; the East Coast potential decreased slightly to 57 percent, and from the Florida Panhandle westward toBrownsville, Texas, the probability remained the same.[4]
On August 7, 2002, Gray's team lowered its season estimate to 9 named storms, with 4 becoming hurricanes and 1 becoming a major hurricane, noting that conditions had become less favorable for storms than they had been earlier in the year. The sea-level pressure and trade wind strength in the tropical Atlantic were reported to be above normal, whilesea surface temperature anomalies were on a decreasing trend.[6]
On August 8, 2002,NOAA revised its season estimate to 7–10 named storms, with 4–6 becoming hurricanes and 1–3 becoming major hurricanes. The reduction was attributed to less favorable environmental conditions and buildingEl Niño conditions.[7]
The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1, 2002.[9] It was a near-average season in which 14 tropical cyclones formed. Twelve depressions attained tropical storm status, and four of these reached hurricane status. Two hurricanes further intensified into major hurricanes.[10] Activity was suppressed somewhat by anEl Niño, which was of near-moderate intensity by August.[7] Five named storms made landfall in Louisiana, and even Four named storms was tied with2005 Atlantic hurricane season, a record which was later tied in2020.[11] Overall, the Atlantic tropical cyclones of 2002 collectively resulted in 50 deaths and around $2.47 billion in damage.[12] The season ended on November 30, 2002.[9]
Tropical cyclogenesis began with Tropical Storm Arthur, which formed just offshoreNorth Carolina on July 14. Following the storm'sextratropical transition on July 16, no further activity occurred untilTropical Storm Bertha developed near Louisiana on August 4. Cristobal formed on the next day, while Dolly developed on August 29.[10] September featured eight named storms, a record which was later tied in2007 and2010 and surpassed in 2020.[13] During that month,Gustav reached hurricane intensity on September 11, the latest date of the first hurricane in a season since1941.[14] While the long-lastingKyle andLili persisted into October, only one tropical cyclone developed that month, Tropical Depression Fourteen on October 14. The depression was absorbed by acold front while crossingCuba two days later, ending seasonal activity.[10]
The season's activity was reflected with a lowaccumulated cyclone energy (ACE) rating of 67, the lowest total since1997. 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 39 mph (63 km/h), which is the threshold for tropical storm status.[15]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | July 14 – July 16 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 60 mph (95 km/h)(1-min); 997 mbar (hPa) |
A dissipatingcold front stalled over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico in early July 2002, producing a weak low-level circulation on July 9. The system meandered for the next few days, until a mid-leveltrough moved the circulation across the southeastern United States on July 13. On the next day, the system moved along the coast of the Carolinas, producing an organized area of convection over its center. Later that day, the system organized into Tropical Depression One about 45 miles (72 km) west-southwest ofHatteras, North Carolina.[16] Upon becoming a tropical cyclone, the depression was moving quickly to the east-northeast, due to a deepeningmid-level low south of theCanadian Maritimes. The depression's track over theGulf Stream allowed for steady strengthening,[17] and it intensified into Tropical Storm Arthur on July 15, asrainbands developed.[18] Arthur attained peak winds of 60 mph (97 km/h) early on July 16 about 490 miles (790 km) south-southeast ofHalifax,Nova Scotia.[16] Thereafter, the center became separated from the area of deepest convection,[19] and Arthur transitioned into anextratropical cyclone on July 17. The storm turned northward around a larger mid-level low, moving over easternNewfoundland. On July 19, the remnants of Arthur turned to a southeast drift between Newfoundland andGreenland, and by late in the day its winds decreased to below gale force.[16]
The precursor tropical disturbance dropped rainfall acrossFlorida,Georgia, andSouth Carolina,[16] peaking at 4.49 inches (114 mm) inWeston, Florida. The system produced scattered precipitation acrossNorth Carolina, generally between 1–3 inches (25–76 millimetres).[20] On July 16, Arthur passed north ofBermuda, where it brought gusty winds and 0.57 inches (14 mm) of rainfall.[21] As an extratropical storm, Arthur produced gusty winds and dropped about 1 inch (25 mm) of rainfall inNewfoundland.[16] Strong waves capsized a boat in theConne River, killing one person.[22]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | August 4 – August 9 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 40 mph (65 km/h)(1-min); 1007 mbar (hPa) |
A surface trough of low pressure that would later spawn Tropical Storm Cristobal developed a tropical depression in the northern Gulf of Mexico on August 4. It quickly strengthened into a minimal tropical storm early on August 5, and made landfall nearBoothville, Louisiana, just two hours later. Bertha weakened to a tropical depression, but retained its circulation over Louisiana. A high-pressure system built southward, unexpectedly forcing the depression to the southwest. It emerged back over theGulf of Mexico on August 7, where proximity to land and dry air prevented further strengthening. Bertha moved westward and made a second landfall nearKingsville, Texas, on August 9 with winds of only 25 mph (40 km/h). The storm dissipated about 10 hours later.[23]
Across theGulf Coast of the United States, Bertha dropped light to moderate rainfall; most areas received less than 3 inches (76 mm). Precipitation from the storm peaked at 10.25 inches (260 mm) inNorwood, Louisiana. Minor flooding was reported, which caused light damage to a few businesses, 15 to 25 houses, and some roadways. Overall, damage was very minor, totaling to $200,000 (2002 USD) in damage.[24] In addition, one death was reported due to Bertha, a drowning due to heavy surf in Florida.[23]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | August 5 – August 8 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 50 mph (85 km/h)(1-min); 999 mbar (hPa) |
Atrough extended from the northernGulf of Mexico to the westernAtlantic Ocean in early August, producingTropical Storm Bertha in theGulf of Mexico, as well as a low pressure area off the coast ofSouth Carolina. The second low moved eastward and slowly organized, developing into Tropical Depression Three late on August 5, about 175 miles (280 km/h) east-southeast ofCharleston, South Carolina.[25] The developing depression had rainbands and outflow. It moved southeastward at first around the northeastern periphery of ananticyclone overFlorida.[26] Although the convection was confined to its southern half, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Cristobal on August 6. On August 7 the storm turned eastward, due to the influence of a large approaching mid to upper-level frontal zone. As the convection organized further, Cristobal intensified somewhat and attained peak winds of 50 mph (85 km/h). On August 8, increased dry air weakened the convection and caused Cristobal to accelerate east-northeastward. The low-level circulation interacted with the approaching frontal zone, and by 0000 UTC on August 9 Tropical Storm Cristobal was absorbed by the cold front about 350 miles (560 km) southeast ofCape Hatteras, North Carolina.[25] The remnants continued northeastward, passing nearNewfoundland on August 10 before weakening nearGreenland on August 14.[27][25]
As a tropical cyclone, Cristobal had minimal effects on land.[28] However, its remnants brought unsettled conditions toBermuda, including a 45 mph (72 km/h) wind gust at theBermuda International Airport. The combination of moisture from Cristobal and cold front into which it was absorbed produced 2.78 inches (71 mm) of rain there in a 24‑hour period.[29] An annual powerboat race circumnavigating Bermuda had to be postponed by a week because of the adverse weather.[30] Although Cristobal remained offshore during its evolution, rough seas andrip currents were felt along portions of theU.S. East Coast. On August 9, lifeguards inVolusia County, Florida, rescued about 25 swimmers caught in rip currents.[31] Offshore winds from the storm were credited with ending a widespread outbreak ofjellyfish stings affecting bathers along the northern Atlantic coast of Florida. Some 1,000 stings had been reported.[32] Later, the extratropical remnants of Cristobal continued to interact with a high pressure system over theMid-Atlantic states to generate dangerous swimming conditions further north. Along the south shore ofLong Island,New York,significant wave heights reached 4 feet (1.2 m), and rip currents resulted in three drowning deaths on August 10: one inMontauk; one just east ofMoriches Inlet; and one offRockaway Beach.[33] In the latter case, the victim had become exhausted after swimming out to save his son-in-law, an inexperienced swimmer, from the rip current.[34]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | August 29 – September 4 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 60 mph (95 km/h)(1-min); 997 mbar (hPa) |
A tropical wave exited the African coast on August 27,[35] and with low favorable conditions the system organized into Tropical Depression Four on August 29 about 630 mi (1,010 km) southwest of Cape Verde.[36] Six hours later, the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Dolly after developing sufficient outflow and curvedbanding features.[37] The storm continued to intensify as more convection developed,[38] and Dolly reached peaked winds of 60 mph (97 km/h) on August 30.[35] After peaking in intensity, the storm suddenly lost organization,[39] and the winds decreased to minimal tropical storm force.[40] After a brief re-intensification trend, Dolly again weakened due to wind shear. On September 4, Dolly weakened to a tropical depression, and later that day was absorbed by the trough; it never affected land.[35]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | September 1 – September 6 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 65 mph (100 km/h)(1-min); 1002 mbar (hPa) |
Edouard formed out of an area of disturbed weather north of theBahamas on September 2. It drifted northward, then executed a clockwise loop off the coast of Florida. Despite dry air and moderate upper-level shear, Edouard strengthened to a peak of 65 mph (105 km/h) winds, but the unfavorable conditions caught up with it. The storm weakened as it turned west-southwestward, and made landfall nearOrmond Beach, Florida on September 5 as a minimal tropical storm. Edouard crossed Florida, and emerged over the Gulf of Mexico as a minimal depression. Outflow from the stronger Tropical Storm Fay caused Tropical Depression Edouard to weaken further, and Edouard was eventually absorbed by Fay.[41]
Tropical Storm Edouard dropped moderate rainfall across Florida, peaking at 7.64 inches (194 mm) inDeSoto County.[42] Though it was a tropical storm at landfall, winds were light across the path of the storm over land. Several roads were flooded from moderate precipitation. No casualties were reported, and damage was minimal.[41]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | September 5 – September 8 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 60 mph (95 km/h)(1-min); 998 mbar (hPa) |
In early September, a low pressure center developed along a trough of low pressure, and on September 5, the system had gained sufficient organization to be atropical depression, to the southeast ofGalveston. The depression drifted south-southwest while strengthening into Tropical Storm Fay, reaching its peak strength of 60 mph (97 km/h) on the morning of September 6. The system then abruptly turned to the west-northwest, and remained steady in strength and course until landfall the next day, nearMatagorda. It quickly degenerated into a remnant low, which itself moved slowly southwestward over Texas. The low eventually dissipated on September 11 over northeastern Mexico.[43]
The storm brought heavy rainfall in Mexico and Texas. The storm also caused six tornadoes, up to 20 in (510 mm) of rain, and extended periods of tropical storm force winds.[43] The storm caused moderate flooding in some areas due to high rainfall amounts, which left about 400 homes with some form of damage. In total, 400 houses sustained damage from flooding.[44] 1,575 houses were damaged from the flooding or tornadic damage, 23 severely, amounting to $4.5 million (2002 USD) in damage. No deaths are attributed to Fay.[45]
| Tropical depression (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | September 7 – September 8 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 35 mph (55 km/h)(1-min); 1013 mbar (hPa) |
Atropical wave exited Africa on September 1, and after initial development became disorganized. It moved west-northwestward for a week, reorganizing enough by September 7 to be declared Tropical Depression Seven about 1,155 mi (1,859 km) east-southeast ofBermuda.[46] At the time, the depression had persistent convection around a small circulation, and it moved steadily westward due to aridge to its north.[47] Shortly after forming, strongwind shear diminished the convection and left the center partially exposed.[48] By September 8, there was no remaining thunderstorm activity,[49] and the depression degenerated into aremnant low-pressure area.[50] The storm dissipated shortly after as strong wind shear continued to cause the storm to deteriorate while located 980 mi (1580 mi) southeast of Bermuda. The depression never affected land.[46]
| Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
.jpg)  | |
| Duration | September 8 – September 12 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 100 mph (155 km/h)(1-min); 960 mbar (hPa) |
An area of unsettled weather developed between theBahamas and Bermuda on September 6, and over the next few days convection increased in intensity and coverage. On September 8, the system gained sufficient organization to be declared a subtropical depression off the Southeast United States coast; later that day, the system was named Subtropical Storm Gustav.[51] After attaining tropical characteristics on September 10, Gustav passed slightly to the east of theOuter Banks of North Carolina as a tropical storm before. While moving northeastward, Gustav intensified into a hurricane on September 11 and briefly became a Category 2 hurricane, prior to making two landfalls inAtlantic Canada as a Category 1 hurricane on September 12. Gustav became extratropical overNewfoundland around 1200 UTC that day, though the remnants meandered over theLabrador Sea before dissipating on September 15.[52][53]
The storm was responsible for one death and $100,000 (2002 USD) in damage, mostly in North Carolina. The interaction between Gustav and a non-tropical system produced strong winds that caused an additional $240,000 (2002 USD) in damage in New England, but this damage was not directly attributed to the hurricane. In Atlantic Canada, the hurricane and its remnants brought heavy rain, tropical storm and hurricane-force winds, as well as storm surges for several days.[52] Localized flooding was reported in areas ofPrince Edward Island, and 4,000 people inHalifax, Nova Scotia andCharlottetown, Prince Edward Island were left without power.[54]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | September 12 – September 15 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 60 mph (95 km/h)(1-min); 1001 mbar (hPa) |
In early September, a tropical wave merged with a trough of low pressure in the Gulf of Mexico and spawned a low-pressure system. Convection steadily deepened on September 11 east of the upper-level low and the surface low; it was classified as Tropical Depression Nine the next day. The disorganized storm moved westward, then northward, where it strengthened into Tropical Storm Hanna later that day. After reaching a peak with winds of 60 mph (97 km/h), it made two landfalls on theGulf Coast, eventually dissipating on September 15 over Georgia.[55]
Because most of the associated convective activity was east of the center of circulation, minimal damage was reported in Louisiana andMississippi.[55] To the east onDauphin Island,Alabama, the storm causedcoastal flooding which closed roads and forced the evacuation of residents. Portions of Florida received high wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and strong surf that resulted in the deaths of three swimmers.[56] Throughout the state, 20,000 homes lost electricity.[57] The heavy rainfall progressed into Georgia, where significant flooding occurred. Crop damage was extensive, and over 300 structures were damaged by the flooding. Overall, Hanna caused a total of about $20 million (2002 USD) in damage and three fatalities.[55]
| Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | September 14 – September 27 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 125 mph (205 km/h)(1-min); 934 mbar (hPa) |
On September 9, a tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa, and by September 14 it was classified as a tropical depression. The next day the storm was located just south ofJamaica, and it developed into Tropical Storm Isidore. On September 19, it intensified into a hurricane, and Isidore made landfall in westernCuba as a Category 1 storm. Just before landfall near Puerto Telchac on September 22, Isidore reached its peak intensity, with wind speeds of 125 mph (201 km/h), making it a strong Category 3 storm. After returning to the Gulf of Mexico as a tropical storm, Isidore's final landfall was nearGrand Isle, Louisiana, on September 26. The storm weakened to a tropical depression overMississippi early the following day, before becoming extratropical overPennsylvania later on September 27 and then being absorbed by a frontal system.[58]
Isidore made landfall on theYucatán Peninsula of southern Mexico as a Category 3 hurricane, leaving $950 million (2002 USD) in damage in the country.[59] Despite dropping over 30 inches (760 mm) of rainfall among other effects,[60] only two indirect deaths were reported there.[61] As a tropical storm, Isidore produced a maximum of 15.97 inches (406 mm) of rainfall in the United States atMetairie, Louisiana.[60] The rainfall was responsible for flooding that caused moderate crop damage, with a total of $330 million in damage (2002 USD).[62]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | September 17 – September 19 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 40 mph (65 km/h)(1-min); 1009 mbar (hPa) |
A non-tropical low developed along a dissipating stationary front on September 16 in the central Atlantic and drifted north-northeastward.[63] The National Hurricane Center classified it as Tropical Depression Eleven on September 17 about 710 mi (1,140 km) east ofBermuda, and initially the depression did not have significant deep convection.[64] A wind report early on September 18 indicated the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Josephine. The storm continued generally northeastward, steered between a subtropical high to the northeast and a frontal system approaching from the west.[65] Josephine maintained a well-defined circulation, but its deep convection remained intermittent.[66] Early on September 19 the storm began being absorbed by the cold front, and as a tropical cyclone its winds never surpassed 40 mph (64 km/h).[67] Later that day Josephine transitioned into an extratropical cyclone and suddenly intensified to winds of 60 mph (97 km/h). The extratropical low was quickly absorbed by another larger extratropical system on the afternoon of September 19.[63][68]
| Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | September 20 – October 12 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 85 mph (140 km/h)(1-min); 980 mbar (hPa) |
A non-tropical low formed into Subtropical Depression Twelve, well east-southeast of Bermuda on September 20. It became Subtropical Storm Kyle the next day, and Tropical Storm Kyle on September 22. Kyle drifted slowly westward, slowly strengthening, and reached hurricane strength on September 25; it weakened back into a tropical storm on September 28. The cyclone's strength continued to fluctuate between tropical depression and tropical storm several times. Its movement was also extremely irregular, as it shifted sharply north and south along its generally westward path. On October 11, Kyle reached land and made its first landfall nearMcClellanville, South Carolina. While skirting the coastline of the Carolinas, it moved back over water, and made a second landfall nearLong Beach, North Carolina later the same day. Kyle continued out to sea where it merged with a cold front on October 12, becoming the fourth longest-lived Atlantic hurricane.[69]
Kyle brought light precipitation to Bermuda, but no significant damage was reported there.[70] Moderate rainfall accompanied its two landfalls in the United States,[71] causing localized flash flooding and road closures. Floodwaters forced the evacuation of a nursing home and several mobile homes in South Carolina. Kyle spawned at least four tornadoes,[69] the costliest of which struck Georgetown, South Carolina; it damaged 106 buildings and destroyed seven others, causing eight injuries.[72] Overall damage totaled about $5 million (2002 USD), and no direct deaths were reported.[69] However, the remnants of Kyle contributed to one indirect death in the British Isles.[51]
| Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | September 21 – October 4 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 145 mph (230 km/h)(1-min); 938 mbar (hPa) |
On September 16, a tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa and across the Atlantic. It developed a low level cloud circulation midway between Africa and theLesser Antilles on September 20. The next day, the system had become sufficiently organized to classify the system as atropical depression about 1,035 miles (1,665 km) east of theWindward Islands and intensified into Tropical Storm Lili on September 23. After nearly reaching hurricane status over the eastern Caribbean, the storm degenerated into a tropical wave on September 25, before becoming a tropical depression again early on September 27. The cyclone re-intensified into a tropical storm several hours later. On September 30, Lili became a hurricane while passing over theCayman Islands. After striking Cuba'sIsla de la Juventud andPinar del Río Province as a Category 2, the storm attained Category 4 status in the Gulf of Mexico, However, Lili rapidly weakened to a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall nearIntracoastal City, Louisiana, on October 3. The next day, it was absorbed by an extratropical low near theTennessee –Arkansas border.[73]
InLouisiana, wind gusts reaching 120 mph (190 km/h), coupled with over 6 inches (150 mm) of rainfall and a storm surge of 12 feet (3.7 m), caused $1.1 billion (2002 USD) in damage. A total of 237,000 people lost power, and oil rigs offshore were shut down for up to a week.[74]
| Tropical depression (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | October 14 – October 16 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 35 mph (55 km/h)(1-min); 1002 mbar (hPa) |
A weak tropical wave moved through the Lesser Antilles on October 9. As the system reached the southwestern Caribbean Sea on October 12, convection increased, and a broad low-pressure area formed later that day. Over the next two days, the low significantly organized, and became Tropical Depression Fourteen at 1200 UTC on October 14. The depression initially tracked west-northwestward, but then curved to the north-northeast. Due to vertical wind shear, the depression was unable to intensify, and remained below tropical storm status during its duration. By 1600 UTC on October 16, the depression made landfall nearCienfuegos, Cuba with winds of 30 mph (48 km/h). While crossing the island, the depression was absorbed by a cold front early on October 17. Minimal impact was reported, which was limited to locally heavy rains over portions ofJamaica, Cuba, and theCayman Islands.[75]
The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Atlantic in 2002.[76] This was the same list used in the1996 season, with the exception of the namesCristobal,Fay andHanna, which replacedCesar,Fran andHortense respectively.[77] Each of the three new names was used for the first time in 2002.
|
Beginning in 2002, subtropical cyclones were numbered and named following the same procedure as tropical cyclones.Gustav was the first subtropical system to be named under the new policy.[51][78]
In the spring of 2003, theWorld Meteorological Organization retired the namesIsidore andLili from its rotating Atlantic hurricane name lists due to the damage each caused, and they will never be used again in the Atlantic basin. Those names were replaced withIke andLaura[a] for the2008 season.[79]
This is a table of all of the storms that formed in the 2002 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 2002 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 (USD) | Deaths | Ref(s). | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arthur | July 14–16 | Tropical storm | 60 (95) | 997 | Southeastern United States | Minimal | 1 | |||
| Bertha | August 4–9 | Tropical storm | 40 (65) | 1007 | Mississippi | $200,000 | 1 | |||
| Cristobal | August 5–8 | Tropical storm | 50 (85) | 999 | Bermuda,New York | Minimal | 0 (3) | |||
| Dolly | August 29 – September 4 | Tropical storm | 60 (95) | 997 | None | None | None | |||
| Edouard | September 1–6 | Tropical storm | 65 (100) | 1002 | Florida | Minimal | None | |||
| Fay | September 5–8 | Tropical storm | 60 (95) | 998 | Texas, Northern Mexico | $4.5 million | None | |||
| Seven | September 7–8 | Tropical depression | 35 (55) | 1013 | None | None | None | |||
| Gustav | September 8–12 | Category 2 hurricane | 100 (155) | 960 | North Carolina,Virginia,New Jersey,New England | $340,000 | 1 (3) | |||
| Hanna | September 12–15 | Tropical storm | 60 (95) | 1001 | Florida,Louisiana,Alabama,Mississippi,Georgia,Southeastern U.S.,Mid Atlantic | $20 million | 3 | |||
| Isidore | September 14–27 | Category 3 hurricane | 125 (205) | 934 | Venezuela,Jamaica,Cayman Islands,Cuba,Yucatán Peninsula,Louisiana,Mississippi | $1.28 billion | 19 (3) | |||
| Josephine | September 17–19 | Tropical storm | 40 (65) | 1006 | None | None | None | |||
| Kyle | September 20 – October 12 | Category 1 hurricane | 85 (140) | 980 | Bermuda,Florida,Georgia,South Carolina,North Carolina,British Isles | $5 million | 0 (1) | |||
| Lili | September 21 – October 4 | Category 4 hurricane | 145 (230) | 938 | Windward Islands,Haiti,Cuba,Cayman Islands,Louisiana | $1.16 billion | 13 (2) | |||
| Fourteen | October 14–16 | Tropical depression | 35 (55) | 1002 | Jamaica,Cayman Islands,Cuba | Minimal | None | |||
| Season aggregates | ||||||||||
| 14 systems | July 14 – October 16 | 145 (230) | 934 | $2.470 billion | 38 (15) | |||||
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in thepublic domain.
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in thepublic domain.
