| 2009 Atlantic hurricane season | |
|---|---|
 Season summary map | |
| Seasonal boundaries | |
| First system formed | May 28, 2009 |
| Last system dissipated | November 10, 2009 |
| Strongest storm | |
| Name | Bill |
| • Maximum winds | 130 mph (215 km/h) (1-minute sustained) |
| • Lowest pressure | 943mbar (hPa; 27.85inHg) |
| Seasonal statistics | |
| Total depressions | 11 |
| Total storms | 9 |
| Hurricanes | 3 |
| Major hurricanes (Cat. 3+) | 2 |
| ACE | 52.6 |
| Total fatalities | 9 direct |
| Total damage | ~ $57.99 million (2009USD) |
| Related articles | |
| Atlantic hurricane seasons 2007,2008,2009,2010,2011 | |
The2009 Atlantic hurricane season was a below-averageAtlantic hurricane season that was the first since1997 to feature less than 10 tropical storms. Overall, the season produced eleventropical cyclones, ninenamed storms, three hurricanes, and twomajor hurricanes.[1][nb 1] It officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30, dates that conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones develop in the Atlantic basin.[3] The season's first tropical cyclone,Tropical Depression One, developed on May 28,[4] while the final storm,Hurricane Ida, dissipated on November 10.[5] The most intense hurricane,Bill, was a powerfulCape Verde-type hurricane that affected areas from theLeeward Islands toNewfoundland.[6] The season featured the lowest number of tropical cyclones since the1997 season, and only one system,Claudette, madelandfall in the United States. Forming from the interaction of atropical wave and anupper-level low, Claudette madelandfall on theFlorida Panhandle withmaximum sustained winds of 45 mph (70 km/h) before quickly dissipating over Alabama. The storm killed two people and caused $228,000 (2009USD) in damage.
Pre-season forecasts issued byColorado State University (CSU) called for fourteen named storms and seven hurricanes, of which three were expected to attain major hurricane status.[nb 2] TheNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) later issued its initial forecast, which predicted nine to fourteen named storms, four to seven hurricanes, and one to three major hurricanes. After several revisions in the projected number of named storms, both agencies lowered their forecasts by the middle of the season.
Several storms made landfall or directly affected land outside of the United States.Tropical Storm Ana brought substantial rainfall totals to many of theCaribbean islands, includingPuerto Rico, which led to minor street flooding. Hurricane Bill delivered gusty winds and rain to the island of Newfoundland, while Tropical Storm Danny affected the U.S. state of North Carolina, andErika affected the Lesser Antilles as a poorly organized tropical system. Hurricane Fred affected theCape Verde Islands as a developing tropical cyclone andTropical Storm Grace briefly impacted theAzores, becoming the farthest northeast forming storm on record. The season's final storm, Ida, affected portions of Central America before bringing significant rainfall to theSoutheast United States as anextratropical cyclone.
| Source | Date | Named storms | Hurricanes | Major hurricanes | |
| Average(1950–2000) | 9.6 | 5.9 | 2.3 | ||
| Record high activity[7] | 30 | 15 | 7† | ||
| Record low activity[7] | 1 | 0 | 0† | ||
| CSU | December 10, 2008 | 14 | 7 | 3 | |
| CSU | April 7, 2009 | 12 | 6 | 2 | |
| NOAA | May 21, 2009 | 9–14 | 4–7 | 1–3 | |
| CSU | June 2, 2009 | 11 | 5 | 2 | |
| FSU COAPS | June 2, 2009 | 8 | 4 | N/A | |
| UKMO | June 18, 2009 | 6* | N/A | N/A | |
| CSU | August 4, 2009 | 10 | 4 | 2 | |
| NOAA | August 6, 2009 | 7–11 | 3–6 | 1–2 | |
| Actual activity | 9 | 3 | 2 | ||
| * July–November only. † Most recent of several such occurrences. (See all) | |||||
Forecasts of hurricane activity are issued before each hurricane season by noted hurricane experts Philip J. Klotzbach,William M. Gray, and their associates atColorado State University; and separately byNOAA forecasters.
Klotzbach's team (formerly led by Gray) defined the average number of storms per season (1950 to 2000) as 9.6 tropical storms, 5.9 hurricanes, 2.3 major hurricanes (storms reaching at least Category 3 strength in theSaffir–Simpson hurricane scale) and anaccumulated cyclone energy (ACE) Index 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 ACE numbers. ACE is only calculated for full advisories on tropical systems at or exceeding 39 mph (63 km/h), which is the threshold for tropical storm intensity.[9] 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.[10]
On December 10, 2008, Klotzbach's team issued its first extended-range forecast for the 2009 season, predicting above-average activity (14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, 3 of Category 3 or higher and ACE Index of 125). On April 7, 2009, Klotzbach's team issued an updated forecast for the 2009 season, predicting near-average activity (12 named storms, 6 hurricanes, 2 of Category 3 or higher and ACE Index of 100), citing the possible cause as the high probability of a weakEl Niño forming during the season.[11] On May 21, 2009, NOAA issued their forecast for the season, predicting near or slightly above average activity, (9 to 14 named storms, 4 to 7 hurricanes, and 1 to 3 of Category 3 or higher).[12]
On June 2, 2009, Klotzbach's team issued another updated forecast for the 2009 season, predicting slightly below average activity (11 named storms, 5 hurricanes, 2 of Category 3 or higher and ACE Index of 85). Also on June 2, 2009, the Florida State University Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (FSU COAPS) issued its first ever Atlantic hurricane season forecast. The FSU COAPS forecast predicted 8 named storms, including 4 hurricanes, and an ACE Index of 65.[13] On June 18, 2009, the UKMet Office (UKMO) issued a forecast of 6 tropical storms in the July to November period with a 70% chance that the number would be in the range 3 to 9. They also predicted an ACE Index of 60 with a 70% chance that the index would be in the range 40 to 80.[14] On August 4, 2009, Klotzbach's team updated their forecast for the 2009 season, again predicting slightly below average activity (10 named storms, 4 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes). On August 6, 2009, the NOAA also updated their forecast for the 2009 season, predicting below average activity (7–11 named storms, 3–6 hurricanes, and 1–2 major hurricanes).[15]
During the 2009 season, nine of the eleven tropical cyclones affected land, of which five actually made landfall. The United States experienced one of its quietest years, with no hurricanes making landfall in the country. Throughout the basin, six people were killed in tropical cyclone-related incidents and total losses reached roughly $77 million. Most of the damage resulted from Hurricane Bill, which caused severe beach erosion throughout the east coast of the United States. In the United States, tropical cyclones killed six people and caused roughly $46 million in damage. In the Lesser Antilles, Tropical Storms Ana and Erika brought moderate rainfall to several islands but resulted in little damage. Elsewhere in the Atlantic, the Azores Islands, Atlantic Canada, Bermuda, Cape Verde Islands and Wales were affected by tropical cyclones or their remnants.[1] In Canada, Hurricane Bill produced widespread moderate rainfall in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, leaving roughly $10 million in losses.[16] The hurricane also produced tropical storm-force winds in Bermuda.[6] Hurricane Fred briefly impacted the southern Cape Verde Islands as it bypassed the islands early in its existence.[17] The Azores and Wales were also affected by Tropical Storm Grace; however, both areas recorded only minor effects.[18]
The ACE index for the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season was 52.6 units.[19] Due to the low number of storms in the season, many of which were short-lived, the overall ACE value was ranked as below-average.[20] Hurricane Bill was responsible for the ACE value for August being 30% above average.[21]
| Tropical depression (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | May 28 – May 29 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 35 mph (55 km/h)(1-min); 1006 mbar (hPa) |
During late-May, afrontal boundary stalled nearThe Bahamas and slowly degenerated. On May 25, 2009, anarea of low pressure developed along the tail-end of a decayingcold front near the northernBahamas. Tracking northward, this low gradually developed as it moved within 85 mi (135 km) ofNorth Carolina'sOuter Banks. By May 28, deepconvection developed across a small area over the low-pressure system, leading to the National Hurricane Center classifying the system as Tropical Depression One. It was the northernmost forming May tropical cyclone in Atlantic history, though subtropical cyclones formed equally far north in 1972 and 2007. It also marked the third consecutive year with pre-season tropical orsubtropical cyclones in the basin. The depression moved over the warm waters of theGulf Stream for the following 24 hours, allowing it to maintain its convection, before moving into a hostile environment characterized by strongwind shear and cooler waters. Late on May 29, the system degenerated into a remnant low. Several hours later, on May 30, about 345 mi (555 km) south-southeast ofHalifax, Nova Scotia, Tropical Depression One was absorbed by awarm front.[4][22]
As a tropical cyclone, the depression had no impact on land. However, the precursor to the system brought scattered rainfall and increased winds to parts of the North Carolina coastline, but no damage.[4] Rainfall inHatteras amounted to 0.1 in (2.5 mm) on May 27; sustained wind reached 15 mph (24 km/h) and gusts were measured up to 23 mph (37 km/h). The lowestsea level pressure recorded in relation to the system was 1009mbar (hPa; 29.80 inHg).[23] Increased winds along coastal areas of the state was possible in relation to the outer edges of the depression.[24]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | August 11 – August 16 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 40 mph (65 km/h)(1-min); 1003 mbar (hPa) |
Ana formed out of anarea of low pressure associated with atropical wave on August 11, Ana briefly attained tropical storm intensity on August 12 before weakening back to a depression. The following day, the system degenerated into a non-convective remnant low as it tracked westward. On August 14, the depression regenerated roughly 1,075 mi (1,735 km) east of theLeeward Islands. Around 06:00 UTC on August 15, the storm re-attained tropical storm status, at which time it was named Ana. After reaching a peak intensity with winds of 40 mph (65 km/h) and abarometric pressure of 1003 mbar (hPa; 29.62 inHg), the storm began to weaken again due to increasing wind shear and the unusually fast movement of Ana. In post-storm analysis, it was discovered that Ana had degenerated into a tropical wave once more on August 16, before reaching any landmasses.[25]
Numeroustropical storm watches were issued for the Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico and theDominican Republic between August 15 and 17.[25] Several islands took minor precautions for the storm, includingSt. Croix which evacuated 40 residents from flood-prone areas ahead of the storm.[26] In the Dominican Republic, officials took preparations by setting up relief agencies and setting up shelters.[27] Impact from Ana was minimal, mainly consisting of light to moderate rainfall.[25] In Puerto Rico, up to 2.76 in (70 mm),[28] causing street flooding and forcing the evacuation of three schools. High winds associated with the storm also downed trees and power lines, leaving roughly 6,000 residents without power.[29]
| Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | August 15 – August 24 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 130 mph (215 km/h)(1-min); 943 mbar (hPa) |
On August 15, Tropical Depression Three formed. Light wind shear and warm waters allowed the depression to steadily intensify, becomingTropical Storm Bill later that day. By August 17, Bill attained hurricane-status about midway between the Cape Verde Islands and the Lesser Antilles. Eventually the hurricane attained its peak intensity as aCategory 4 storm roughly 345 mi (555 km) east-northeast of the Leeward Islands. The storm attained maximum winds of 130 mph (210 km/h), the highest of any storm during the season, before weakening slightly as it turned north. The large storm passed roughly 175 mi (280 km) west ofBermuda as a Category 2 hurricane. Further weakening took place as Bill brushed the southern coast ofNova Scotia the following day. Shortly before making landfall inNewfoundland, Bill weakened to a tropical storm and accelerated. The storm eventually transitioned into an extratropical cyclone after moving over the north Atlantic before being absorbed by a larger non-tropical low on August 24.[6]
Two people were killed by the storm's large swells—one inMaine and another inFlorida. The hurricane came close enough to warranttropical cyclone watches and warnings in both the US and Canada. Bill was one of three tropical storms active on August 16.[6] Large, life-threatening swells produced by the storm impacted north-facing coastlines ofPuerto Rico andHispaniola as Hurricane Bill approached Bermuda.[30] Along the coasts of North Carolina, waves averaging 10 ft (3.0 m) in height impacted beaches. OnLong Island, beach damage was severe; in some areas the damage was worse thanHurricane Gloria in 1985.[31] InNew York, severebeach erosion caused by the storm resulted in over $35.5 million in losses.[32]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | August 16 – August 18 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 60 mph (95 km/h)(1-min); 1005 mbar (hPa) |
Just one day after the formation of Hurricane Bill, the season's third named storm developed on August 16. Forming out of atropical wave and an upper-levellow-pressure system, Claudette quickly intensified into a tropical storm offshore south ofTallahassee, Florida. By the afternoon, the storm had attained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) and steadily tracked towards the Florida Panhandle. Early on August 17, the center of Claudette madelandfall onSanta Rosa Island. Several hours after landfall, the storm weakened to a tropical depression and theHydrometeorological Prediction Center took over primary responsibility of the storm. The system quickly dissipated and was last noted overAlabama on August 18.[33]
TheNational Hurricane Center issued tropical storm warnings for the Florida coastline and residents in some counties were advised to evacuatestorm-surge-prone areas.[33][34] Tropical Storm Claudette, produced moderate rainfall across portions of Florida, Georgia, and Alabama between August 16 and 18. Two people were killed offshore amidst rough seas from the storm.[35] AnEF-0 tornado spawned by the storm inCape Coral damaged 11 homes, leaving $103,000 in damages. Additional damages to coastal property and beaches amounted to $125,000 as a result of Claudette.[36]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | August 26 – August 29 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 60 mph (95 km/h)(1-min); 1006 mbar (hPa) |
Danny originated in atropical wave that exited the west coast ofAfrica on August 18.Convective activity associated with the system briefly began to organize on August 22, butwind shear soon halted further development. On August 24, thunderstorms once again increased as the disturbance interacted with an upper-leveltrough.[37] On August 25, aHurricane Hunters mission into the system revealed a broad area of tropical-storm force winds, but no closed circulation center. However, around 0900 UTC on August 26, satellite imagery andQuikSCAT data indicated that a closed low had formed. While situated about 430 mi (690 km) east ofNassau, Bahamas, the feature was declared a tropical storm—skipping the tropical depression stage.[37] Due to the interaction of the initial wave and the upper-level trough, Danny maintained a "non-classical" structure resembling that of asubtropical cyclone.[37] Even after its designation as a tropical storm, the storm was highly disorganized. Little or no deep thunderstorm activity surrounded the center, and the highest winds were confined to arainband in the northern semicircle of the cyclone.[38] The storm moved erratically northwestward throughout the day on August 26, strengthening only slightly.[37] Danny's center reformed several times, making it difficult to determine its direction of movement.[39] By early on August 27, the tropical storm became slightly better organized, although the most intense winds were still removed from the center.[40] Danny peaked withmaximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 1006 mbar (hPa; 29.71 inHg). It held this strength for about 12 hours before reinvigorated shear caused the storm to gradually weaken as it meandered northward.[37] By August 28, Danny further deteriorated, and reconnaissance aircraft found that it was barely a tropical storm.[41] After stalling during the afternoon, the center resumed a north or north-northwestward drift.[42] A strong upper-level trough moving through the southeastern United States forced Danny northeastward. It also triggered the formation of another low pressure system near the coast ofNorth Carolina early on August 29. Although this low formed within Danny's cyclonic envelope, satellite imagery indicated that it did not have the characteristics of a tropical cyclone. Therefore, it is not considered to be a continuation of Danny. The new low caused the tropical storm to degenerate into a trough about 275 mi (445 km) southeast ofWilmington, North Carolina, and Danny's remnants were absorbed into a developingfrontal zone shortly thereafter.[37]
Danny generated strong rip currents and high waves along theU.S. East Coast, causing a 12-year-old boy to drown nearCorolla, North Carolina.[43] On Florida's Atlantic coast, swells reached 7-foot (2 m).[44] High surf and rip currents also affected theMid-Atlantic states, prompting officials to issue bathing restrictions.[45] A surfer inMonmouth County, New Jersey, broke his leg in the rough conditions.[46] The remnants of the storm interacted with afrontal boundary, triggering widespread precipitation across numerous states. InDelaware County, Pennsylvania, torrential rainfall produced flash flooding that trapped one family in their basement.[47] A creek nearPhiladelphia overflowed its banks and caused minor flooding.[48] Several roads inLehigh County, including one lane ofU.S. Route 222, were closed due to flood waters.[49] Flooding also took place in New Jersey; numerous basements were submerged and motorists inCamden County had to be rescued from their vehicles.[50] InMaryland, rainfall peaked at 7 in (180 mm).[51] Several vehicles were swept away by overflowing river. Damage totaled to US$200,000.[52] The extratropical system impactedNew England with high winds and heavy rainfall. At least 2 in (50 mm) of rain fell inMassachusetts andRhode Island. Some roads throughout the region became impassable due to standing water.[53] A site in theNantucket Sound recorded a wind gust to 61 mph (98 km/h).[54] The former tropical cyclone produced wind gusts of 60 mph (97 km/h) inMaine, toppling trees and ripping boats from theirmoorings at a harbor inEastport.[55] Danny's remnants later caused heavy rain acrossAtlantic Canada. AtSaint John, New Brunswick, 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain flooded at least 50 basements. TheMeteorological Service of Canada hoisted several weather advisories forNew Brunswick,Newfoundland,Prince Edward Island andNova Scotia.[56][57] In Nova Scotia, over 16,000 residences lost power at the height of the storm.[58]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | September 1 – September 3 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 50 mph (85 km/h)(1-min); 1004 mbar (hPa) |
On September 1, the season's fifth named storm,Tropical Storm Erika, formed east of the Lesser Antilles. Upon forming, the storm had attained its peak intensity with winds of 50 mph (80 km/h). Persistent wind shear prevented the system from intensifying and resulted in the storm's convection being completely displaced from the center of circulation by the time it passed overGuadeloupe on September 2. After entering the Caribbean Sea, Erika briefly regained strength before fully succumbing to strong shear. The system eventually dissipated on September 4, to the south of Puerto Rico.[59] Damages were minor, though one island received several inches of rain.[citation needed]
| Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | September 7 – September 12 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 120 mph (195 km/h)(1-min); 958 mbar (hPa) |
Hurricane Fred originated from a strongtropical wave that moved off the west coast of Africa on September 6, quickly developing a low pressure area.[17] The NHC anticipated further development, due to favorable environmental conditions.[60] Moving westward due to a ridge to its north, the system organized further, developing into Tropical Depression Seven on September 7. At the time, it was located about 220 mi (350 km) southeast ofBrava in theCape Verde islands.[17] The winds and heavy rains led to the cancellation of two flights and the delay of several others across Cabo Verde.[61] The thunderstorms organized into rainbands, signaling that the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Fred early on September 8, as outflow developed around the storm.[62][63] An eye soon developed within the center of the convection,[64] and Fred intensified into a hurricane by early on September 9, just 30 hours after its formation.[17] It continued its rapid intensification as it developed a 12 mi (19 km)-wide eye, aided by low wind shear and highsea surface temperatures. At 12:00 UTC on September 9, Fred attained a peak intensity of 120 mph (195 km/h), with an estimated pressure of 28.29 inHg, making it a Category 3 hurricane. Fred was the fourth ever recorded major hurricane located south of 30°N and east of 40°W.[65][66]
Soon after its peak intensity, Fred began weakening due to aneyewall replacement cycle and stronger wind shear caused by an approaching trough. Also around that time, the hurricane slowed and began moving northwestward as it moved around the subtropical ridge. The approaching trough turned Fred to the northeast on September 11, by which time eye disappeared and the convection lost organization. That day, it weakened to tropical storm status as dry air eroded the thunderstorms.[17][67][68][69] On September 12, the shear and dry air stripped the thunderstorms from the circulation, and Fred degenerated into a remnant low.[70][17] The circulation executed a small loop before resuming a west-northwest track on September 13. That day, thunderstorms redeveloped over the center, the first of several times that the convection reformed over the center, but failed to reorganize into a tropical cyclone. On September 19, the remnant circulation dissipated roughly 520 mi (835 km) southwest of Bermuda.[17][71]
| Tropical depression (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | September 25 – September 26 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 35 mph (55 km/h)(1-min); 1008 mbar (hPa) |
In late September, a new, well-defined tropical wave moved off the west coast of Africa into the Atlantic Ocean. By September 25, the system had developed sufficient deep convection for the NHC to classify it as Tropical Depression Eight. At this time, the depression attained its peak intensity with winds of 35 mph (55 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 1008 mbar (hPa). Shortly thereafter, wind shear and decreasing sea surface temperatures caused the depression to weaken. The system degenerated into a remnant low on September 26 before degenerating into atrough of low pressure.[72]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | October 4 – October 6 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 65 mph (100 km/h)(1-min); 986 mbar (hPa) |
Originating from an extratropical cyclone east of Newfoundland on September 27, the precursor toTropical Storm Grace tracked southeastward towards the Azores, gaining subtropical characteristics. After executing a counterclockwise loop between October 1 and 3, deep convection wrapped around a small circulation center that had developed within the larger cyclone. On October 4, this smaller low developed into a tropical storm while situated near the Azores Islands, becoming the northeasternmost forming Atlantic tropical cyclone on record. The storm quickly turned northeastward and intensified, developing an eye-like feature as it attained peak winds of 65 mph (105 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 986 mbar (hPa; 29.12 inHg). It weakened over increasingly colder waters and began merging with an approaching frontal boundary. Early on October 6, Grace transitioned into an extratropical cyclone before dissipating later that day nearWales.[18]
Although Grace passed through the Azores Islands, the storm had little known effects there.[18] In Europe, the system and its remnants brought rain to several countries, including Portugal,[73] the United Kingdom[74] and Belgium.[75] No fatalities were linked to Grace and overall damage was minimal.[18]
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | October 6 – October 8 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 50 mph (85 km/h)(1-min); 1005 mbar (hPa) |
A tropical wave left the coast of Africa on October 1, moving westward with intermittent showers and thunderstorms.[76] On October 5, the system became better organized,[77] and alow-pressure area formed.[78] Although the thunderstorms were displaced east of thecenter of circulation and the probability for development was never high, the disturbance became a tropical depression around 0000 UTC on October 6 about 775 mi (1,245 km) east of theLesser Antilles.[76] Operationally, the storm was not designated a tropical cyclone until later on October 6, when it was immediately declared a tropical storm.[79] Affected by strong wind shear, Henri remained disorganized with its center located on the western edge of the convection. Moving northwestward, Henri intensified slightly to peak winds of 50 mph (80 km/h) on October 7 after the convection increased. Shortly thereafter, the wind shear grew stronger, and on October 8 the storm weakened to a tropical depression.[76] The structure became further disorganized with several low-level vortices.[80] Just twelve hours after weakening into a depression, Henri degenerated into a remnant area of low pressure. The remnants continued northwestward before turning to the west-southwest due to a ridge. On October 11, the storm's circulation dissipated nearHispaniola.[76]
Moisture from Henri generated thunderstorms over Puerto Rico. Several roads and homes were inundated. Two people were rescued after their vehicle was swept away by floodwaters.[81] Damage totaled to US$10,000.[82]
| Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
  | |
| Duration | November 4 – November 10 |
|---|---|
| Peak intensity | 105 mph (165 km/h)(1-min); 975 mbar (hPa) |
The final storm of the 2009 season formed over the southern Caribbean Sea on November 4. The slow moving system quickly developed intoTropical Storm Ida within a favorable environment as it neared the coastline ofNicaragua. Several hours before moving over land, Ida attained hurricane-status, with winds reaching 80 mph (130 km/h). Hours after moving inland, Ida weakened to a tropical storm and further to a tropical depression as it turned northward. On November 7, the depression re-entered the Caribbean Sea and quickly intensified. Early on November 8, the system re-attained hurricane intensity as it rapidly intensified over warm waters. Ida attained its peak intensity as a Category 2 hurricane early the next day with winds of 105 mph (170 km/h) as it moved over theYucatán Channel. Not long after reaching this intensity, Ida quickly weakened to a tropical storm as it entered the Gulf of Mexico. Despite strong wind shear, the storm briefly re-attained hurricane status for a third time near the southeasternLouisiana coastline before quickly weakening to a tropical storm. Shortly before moving inland over the southern United States, Ida transitioned into an extratropical cyclone. The remnants of Ida persisted until November 11, at which time the low dissipated. Remnant energy from Ida provided energy for another system which became a powerfulnor'easter, causing significant damage in theMid-Atlantic States. The resulting storm came to be known asNor'Ida.[5]
In the southern Caribbean, Hurricane Ida caused roughly $2.1 million in damage in Nicaragua after destroying numerous homes and leaving an estimated 40,000 people homeless.[83][84] Ida also produced significant rainfall across portions of western Cuba, with some areas recording up to 12.5 in (320 mm) of rain during the storm's passage.[5] In the United States, the hurricane and the subsequent nor'easter caused substantial damage, mainly in the Mid-Atlantic States.[5] One person was killed by Ida after drowning in rough seas while six others were killed in various incidents related to the nor'easter. Overall, the two systems caused nearly $300 million in damage throughout the country.[36]
The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Atlantic in 2009.[85] This was the same list used in the2003 season,[86] with the exceptions ofFred,Ida, andJoaquin, which replacedFabian,Isabel, andJuan, respectively.[87] Storms were namedFred andIda for the first time in 2009. Nonames were retired following the season,[88] so the same list was used again for the2015 season.[89]
|
|
This is a table of all of the storms that formed in the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season. It includes their name, duration, peak classification and intensities, areas affected, damage, and death totals. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but were still related to that storm. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical, a wave, or a low, and all of the damage figures are in 2009 USD.
| Saffir–Simpson scale | ||||||
| TD | TS | C1 | C2 | C3 | C4 | C5 |
| Storm name | Dates active | Stormcategory at peak intensity | Max 1-min wind mph (km/h) | Min. press. (mbar) | Areas affected | Damage (US$) | Deaths | Ref(s). | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One | May 28–29 | Tropical depression | 35 (55) | 1006 | North Carolina | None | None | |||
| Ana | August 11–16 | Tropical storm | 40 (65) | 1003 | Lesser Antilles,Puerto Rico,Hispaniola,Cuba,The Bahamas | Minimal | None | |||
| Bill | August 15–24 | Category 4 hurricane | 130 (215) | 943 | Leeward Islands,Puerto Rico,Hispaniola,United States East Coast,Bermuda,Atlantic Canada,British Isles | $46.2 million | 2 | |||
| Claudette | August 16–18 | Tropical storm | 60 (95) | 1005 | Southeastern United States | $350,000 | 2 | |||
| Danny | August 26–29 | Tropical storm | 60 (95) | 1006 | North Carolina,Northeastern United States,Atlantic Canada | $200,000 | 1 | |||
| Erika | September 1–3 | Tropical storm | 50 (85) | 1004 | Lesser Antilles,Puerto Rico,Dominican Republic | $35,000 | None | |||
| Fred | September 7–12 | Category 3 hurricane | 120 (195) | 958 | Cape Verde | None | None | |||
| Eight | September 25–26 | Tropical depression | 35 (55) | 1008 | None | None | None | |||
| Grace | October 4–6 | Tropical storm | 65 (100) | 986 | Azores, Portugal,British Isles | Minimal | None | |||
| Henri | October 6–8 | Tropical storm | 50 (85) | 1005 | Lesser Antilles,Greater Antilles | $10,000 | None | |||
| Ida | November 4–10 | Category 2 hurricane | 105 (165) | 975 | Central America,Cayman Islands,Yucatán Peninsula,Cuba,Southeastern United States | $11.4 million | 4 | |||
| Season aggregates | ||||||||||
| 11 systems | May 28 – November 10 | 130 (215) | 943 | ~$57.99 million | 9 | |||||
