User:12george1/2001 Atlantic hurricane season

12george1/2001 Atlantic hurricane season
Season summary map
Seasonal boundaries
First system formedJune 4, 2001
Last system dissipatedDecember 6, 2001
Strongest storm
NameMichelle
 • Maximum winds140 mph (220 km/h)
 • Lowest pressure933 mbar (hPa; 27.55 inHg)
Seasonal statistics
Total depressions17
Total storms15
Hurricanes9
Major hurricanes
(Cat. 3+)
4
Total fatalities105
Total damage$7.1 billion (2001 USD)
Atlantic hurricane seasons
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

The 2001 Atlantic hurricane season was a fairly active Atlantic hurricane season that produced 17 tropical cyclones, 15 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. The season officially lasted from June 1, 2001, to November 30, 2001, dates which by convention limit the period of each year when tropical cyclones tend to form in the Atlantic Ocean basin. The season began with Tropical Storm Allison on June 4, and ended with Hurricane Olga, which dissipated on December 6. The most intense storm was Hurricane Michelle, which attained Category 4 strength on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale.

The most damaging storms of the season were Tropical Storm Allison, which caused extensive flooding in Texas, Hurricane Iris which struck Belize, and Hurricane Michelle, which affected several countries. Three tropical cyclones made landfall on the United States, three directly affected Canada, and three directly affected Mexico and Central America. Overall, the season caused 105 fatalities, and $7.1 billion (2001 USD; $12.2 billion 2024 USD) in damage. Due to their severe damage, the names Allison, Iris, and Michelle were retired by the World Meteorological Organization.

Season activity edit

Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) Ranking edit

The season's activity was reflected with a accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) rating of 110.[1] 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. 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, including the latter portion of Allison and the initial portions of Karen, Noel, and Olga, are excluded from the total.[2]

Impact edit

 
Flooding on U.S. Route 59 as a result of Tropical Storm Allison

The 2001 season was severe in terms of damages. The most noteworthy storms include Tropical Storm Allison, Hurricane Iris, and Hurricane Michelle. The United States was directly affected by three tropical cyclones, the first of which was Allison. Tropical Storm Barry affected Florida; rainfall peaked at 8.9 in (230 mm) at Tallahassee, and winds gusts topped out at 79 mph (127 km/h).[3] Three people in Florida were killed by the storm, and total damage is estimated at around $30 million (2001 USD; $51.6 million 2024 USD).[4] Later, Hurricane Gabrielle produced moderate winds along coastal areas of western Florida, reaching 58 mph (93 km/h) at Venice.[5] The tide flooded the northern shoreline of Charlotte Harbor and at the entrance to the Peace River, while further to the south a surge of greater than 3 ft (0.91 m) inundated the barrier island at Fort Myers Beach and flooded some cars.[6]

Canada was also affected by several storms. In August, Tropical Storm Dean lightly affected Newfoundland, though no damages were reported.[7] Hurricane Erin brushed the same area, producing a sustained wind of 53 mph (85 km/h) with a gust of 67 mph (108 km/h) at Cape Race.[8] Along the coast, the passage of the storm led to wave heights of up to 30 ft (9.3 m).[9] Less than a week later, Hurricane Gabrielle brushed the eastern coast; the rainfall set the all time six hour precipitation record at St. John's, with a total of 3.54 in (90 mm).[10] Hundreds of homes and buildings were damaged by the passage of Gabrielle, totaling several million dollars in damage.[11] Tropical Storm Karen produced light to moderate winds across Atlantic Canada, peaking at 47 mph (76 km/h) with a gust of 64 mph (103 km/h) in Cape George in Antigonish County, Nova Scotia, along with a 26 mph (42 km/h) report in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.[12] Later, in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, the storm system that absorbed Hurricane Noel produced strong winds that downed several trees and power lines which resulted in power outages.[13]

 
Rainfall from Tropical Storm Chantal

Mexico and Belize were impacted by a number of storms, starting with Tropical Storm Chantal, which produced a wind gust of 71 mph (115 km/h) in Caye Caulker, although stronger winds were possible in a convective band to the north.[14] On the Yucatan Peninsula, heavy rainfall led to mudslides across Quintana Roo, leaving some areas isolated.[15] Hurricane Iris hit Belize hard, with an 8 to 15 ft (2.4 to 4.6 m) storm surge. Numerous homes were destroyed, and the banana crop suffered extensive damage. An exact death toll is unknown, but 31 are confirmed dead, three in the Dominican Republic, eight in Guatemala, and 20 from the M/V Wave Dancer, a ship that capsized off the Belize coast.[16] What eventually became Hurricane Michelle dropped torrential rains in several countries, causing six deaths in Honduras and four deaths in Nicaragua, with an extensive yet unknown amount of damage. An additional 26 people were reported missing in Central America.[17] Michelle went on to affect Cuba, where the storm produced 4 to 5 ft (1.2 to 1.5 m) waves, along with a heavy storm surge. Rainfall amounts up to 29.69 in (754 mm) were recorded across the island.[18]

2001 Atlantic hurricane statistics
Storm
name
Dates active Storm category

at peak intensity

Max
wind

(mph)

Min.
press.
(mbar)
Landfall(s) Damage
(millions
USD)
Deaths
Where When Wind

(mph)

Allison June 4 – June 18 Tropical storm 60 1000 Freeport, Texas June 5 50 5,500  41 (14) 
Morgan City, Louisiana June 11 35
Two July 11 – July 12 Tropical depression 35 1010 none None 
Barry August 2 – August 8 Tropical storm 70 990 Santa Rosa Beach, Florida August 6 70 30  2 (7) 
Chantal August 14 – August 21 Tropical storm 70 997 Near Mexico/Belize border August 21 70 4 0 (2) 
Dean August 22 – August 28 Tropical storm 70 994 none 7.7 
Erin September 1 – September 15 Category 3 hurricane 120 968 none None
Felix September 7 – September 19 Category 3 hurricane 115 962 none None
Gabrielle September 11 – September 19 Category 1 hurricane 80 975 Venice, Florida September 14 70 230  2 (1) 
Nine September 19 – September 20 Tropical depression 35 1005 none None 
Humberto September 21 – September 27 Category 2 hurricane 105 970 none None 
Iris October 4 – October 9 Category 4 hurricane 145 948 Monkey River Town, Belize October 9 145 150  31 
Jerry October 6 – October 8 Tropical storm 50 1004 none None 
Karen October 12 – October 15 Category 1 hurricane 80 982 Western Head, Nova Scotia October 15 45 1.4
Lorenzo October 27 – October 31 Tropical storm 40 1007 none None 
Michelle October 29 – November 5 Category 4 hurricane 140 933 Cayo Largo del Sur, Cuba November 4 135 2,000  17 
Bay of Pigs, Cuba November 4 115
Andros, Bahamas November 5 90
Eleuthera Island, Bahamas November 5 85
Noel November 4 – November 6 Category 1 hurricane 75 986 none None 
Olga November 24 – December 4 Category 1 hurricane 90 973 none None 
Season Aggregates
17 cyclones June 5
-December 4
  145 933 11 landfalls 7,900 93 (24)

Timeline edit

Hurricane Olga (2001)Hurricane Noel (2001)Hurricane MichelleTropical Storm Lorenzo (2001)Hurricane Karen (2001)Tropical Storm Jerry (2001)Hurricane IrisList of storms in the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season#Hurricane HumbertoList of storms in the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season#Tropical Depression NineHurricane Gabrielle (2001)List of storms in the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season#Hurricane FelixHurricane Erin (2001)Tropical Storm Dean (2001)Tropical Storm Chantal (2001)Tropical Storm Barry (2001)List of storms in the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season#Tropical Depression TwoTropical Storm AllisonSaffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
June
June 5
June 6
  • 1:00 a.m. CDT (0600 UTC) – Tropical Storm Allison weakens to a tropical depression.[19]
June 9
  • 7:00 p.m. CDT (0000 UTC June 10) – Tropical Depression Allison moves back over the Gulf of Mexico near the same place it made landfall.[19]
  • 7:00 p.m. CDT (0000 UTC June 10) – Tropical Depression Allison acquires some baroclinic characteristics, and is reclassified as a subtropical depression.[19]
June 10
  • 9:00 p.m. CDT (0200 UTC June 11) – Subtropical Depression Allison makes its final landfall near Morgan City, Louisiana with winds of 35 mph (55 km/h).[19]
June 11
  • 1:00 a.m. CDT (0600 UTC) – Subtropical Depression Allison strengthens into a subtropical storm.[19]
  • 7:00 p.m. CDT (0000 UTC June 11) – Subtropical Storm Allison weakens back into a subtropical depression.[19]
June 17
  • 2:00 a.m. EDT (0600 UTC) – Subtropical Depression Allison exits the United States along the Delmarva Peninsula.[19]
  • 8:00 a.m. EDT (1200 UTC) – Subtropical Depression Allison regains subtropical storm strength.[19]
  • 8:00 p.m. EDT (0000 UTC June 18) – Subtropical Storm Allison degenerates into an extratropical low.[19]
July
July 11
  • 2:00 p.m. AST (1800 UTC) – Tropical Depression Two forms about 1,150 miles (1,840 km) east of the Windward Islands.[20]
July 12
  • 8:00 p.m. AST (0000 UTC July 13) – Tropical Depression Two dissipates in the open Atlantic Ocean.[20]
August
August 2
  • 8:00 a.m. EDT (1200 UTC) – Tropical Depression Three forms about 200 miles west of southern Florida.[3]
  • 2:00 p.m. EDT (1800 UTC) – Tropical Depression Three strengthens into Tropical Storm Barry.[3]
August 3
  • 7:00 p.m. CDT (0000 UTC August 4) – Tropical Storm Barry weakens to a tropical depression.[3]
August 4
  • 1:00 p.m. CDT (1800 UTC) – Tropical Depression Barry regains tropical storm strength.[3]
August 6
  • 12:00 a.m. CDT (0500 UTC) – Tropical Storm Barry makes landfall at Santa Rosa Beach, Florida with winds of 70 mph (110 km/h).[3]
  • 7:00 a.m. CDT (1200 UTC) – Tropical Storm Barry weakens back to a tropical depression.[3]
August 7
  • 1:00 a.m. CDT (0600 UTC) – Tropical Depression Barry degenerates into a remnant low near Memphis, Tennessee.[3]
August 14
  • 2:00 p.m. AST (1800 UTC) – Tropical Depression Four forms about 1,495 miles (2,390 km) east of the southern Windward Islands.[14]
August 16
  • 5:00 p.m. AST (2100 UTC) – Tropical Depression Four degenerates into an open wave.[14]
August 17
  • 10:00 a.m. EDT (1400 UTC) – After quickly passing through the Windward Islands, Tropical Storm Chantal develops out of the remnants of Tropical Depression Four.[14]
August 20
  • 9:00 p.m. CDT (0200 UTC August 21) – Tropical Storm Chantal makes landfall near the Mexico/Belize border with winds of 70 mph (110 km/h).[14]
August 21
  • 7:00 p.m. CDT (0000 UTC August 22) – Tropical Storm Chantal weakens to a tropical depression.[14]
August 22
August 23
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Tropical Storm Dean weakens to a tropical depression.[7]
  • 2:00 p.m. AST (1800 UTC) – Tropical Depression Dean degenerates into a tropical wave.[7]
August 26
  • 2:00 p.m. AST (1800 UTC) – After passing near Bermuda, Tropical Depression Dean redevelops out of its remnant low.[7]
  • 8:00 p.m. AST (0000 UTC August 27) – Tropical Depression Dean regains tropical storm strength.[7]
August 28
  • 2:00 p.m. AST (1800 UTC) – Tropical Storm Dean becomes extratropical offshore Newfoundland.[7]
September
September 1
  • 2:00 p.m. AST (1800 UTC) – Tropical Depression Six forms about 690 miles (1,100 km) west-southwest of the Cape Verde Islands.[8]
September 2
  • 2:00 a.m. AST (0600 UTC) – Tropical Depression Six strengthens into Tropical Storm Erin.[8]
September 5
  • 2:00 p.m. AST (1800 UTC) – Tropical Storm Erin degenerates into an area of disturbed weather.[8]
September 6
  • 2:00 p.m. AST (1800 UTC) – Tropical Depression Erin regenerates while about 600 miles (960 km) north-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands.[8]
September 7
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Tropical Depression Seven forms about 415 miles (660 km) southwest of the Cape Verde Islands.[21]
  • 2:00 p.m. AST (1800 UTC) – Tropical Depression Erin regains tropical storm status.[8]
September 8
  • 2:00 p.m. AST (1800 UTC) – Tropical Depression Seven degenerates into an open wave.[21]
  • 8:00 p.m. AST (0000 UTC September 9) – Tropical Storm Erin is upgraded to Hurricane Erin, becoming the first hurricane of the season.[8]
September 9
  • 2:00 a.m. AST (0600 UTC) – Hurricane Erin reaches Category 2 intensity.[8]
  • 2:00 p.m. AST (1800 UTC) – Hurricane Erin reaches Category 3 intensity, becoming the season's first major hurricane.[8]
September 10
  • 2:00 a.m. AST (0600 UTC) – Tropical Depression Seven regenerates.[21]
  • 2:00 p.m. AST (1800 UTC) – Hurricane Erin weakens to a Category 2 hurricane.[8]
  • 8:00 p.m. AST (0000 UTC September 11) – Hurricane Erin weakens to a Category 1 hurricane.[8]
September 11
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Tropical Depression Seven strengthens into Tropical Storm Felix.[21]
  • 2:00 p.m. EDT (1800 UTC) – Tropical Depression Eight forms in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico.[5]
September 12
  • 8:00 p.m. AST (0000 UTC September 13) – Tropical Storm Felix becomes a hurricane.[21]
September 13
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Hurricane Felix reaches Category 2 intensity.[21]
  • 8:00 a.m. EDT (1200 UTC) – Tropical Depression Eight strengthens into Tropical Storm Gabrielle.[5]
  • 8:00 p.m. AST (0000 UTC September 14) – Hurricane Felix reaches Category 3 intensity.[21]
September 14
  • 8:00 a.m. EDT (1200 UTC) – Tropical Storm Gabrielle makes landfall near Venice, Florida with winds of 70 mph (110 km/h).[5]
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Hurricane Felix weakens to a Category 2 hurricane.[21]
  • 8:00 p.m. AST (0000 UTC September 15) – Hurricane Erin weakens to a tropical storm.[8]
September 15
  • 2:00 a.m. AST (0600 UTC) – Tropical Storm Erin becomes extratropical.[8]
  • 2:00 a.m. EDT (0600 UTC) – Tropical Storm Gabrielle exits Florida, and enters the Atlantic Ocean.[5]
September 16
  • 2:00 a.m. AST (0600 UTC) – Hurricane Felix weakens to a Category 1 hurricane.[21]
  • 8:00 p.m. EDT (0000 UTC September 17) – Tropical Storm Gabrielle strengthens into Hurricane Gabrielle.[5]
September 17
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Hurricane Felix weakens to a tropical storm.[21]
  • 8:00 p.m. AST (0000 UTC September 18) – Hurricane Gabrielle weakens to a tropical storm.[5]
September 18
  • 2:00 p.m. AST (1800 UTC) – Tropical Storm Felix weakens to a tropical depression.[21]
  • 8:00 p.m. AST (0000 UTC September 19) – Tropical Depression Felix dissipates about 400 miles (640 km) southwest of the Azores.[21]
September 19
  • 2:00 a.m. AST (0600 UTC) – Tropical Storm Gabrielle becomes extratropical.[5]
  • 1:00 p.m. CDT (1800 UTC) – Tropical Depression Nine forms about 60 miles (90 km) north-northwest of San Andres Island.[22]
  • 7:00 p.m. CDT (0000 UTC September 20) – Tropical Depression Nine makes landfall near Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua with winds of 35 mph (55 km/h).[22]
September 20
  • 7:00 a.m. CDT (1200 UTC) – Tropical Depression Nine dissipates near the Honduras/Nicaragua border.[22]
September 21
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Tropical Depression Ten forms about 490 miles (780 km) south of Bermuda.[23]
September 22
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Tropical Depression Ten strengthens into Tropical Storm Humberto.[23]
September 23
  • 8:00 a.m. EDT (1200 UTC) – Tropical Storm Humberto becomes a hurricane.[23]
  • 8:00 p.m. EDT (0000 UTC September 24) – Hurricane Humberto reaches Category 2 intensity.[23]
September 24
  • 2:00 a.m. AST (0600 UTC) – Hurricane Humberto weakens to a Category 1 hurricane.[23]
September 26
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Hurricane Humberto regains Category 2 intensity.[23]
  • 2:00 p.m. AST (1800 UTC) – Hurricane Humberto weakens back into a Category 1 hurricane.[23]
September 27
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Hurricane Humberto weakens to a tropical storm.[23]
  • 2:00 p.m. AST (1800 UTC) – Tropical Storm Humberto degenerates into an open trough.[23]
October
October 4
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Tropical Depression Eleven forms about 100 miles (155 km) southeast of Barbados.[16]
October 5
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Tropical Storm Eleven strengthens into Tropical Storm Iris.[16]
October 6
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Tropical Depression Twelve forms about 620 miles (990 km) east-southeast of Barbados.[24]
  • 2:00 p.m. EDT (1800 UTC) – Tropical Storm Iris strengthens into Hurricane Iris.[16]
  • 8:00 p.m. AST (0000 UTC October 7) – Tropical Depression Twelve strengthens into Tropical Storm Jerry.[24]
October 7
  • 11:00 p.m. AST (0300 UTC October 8) – Tropical Storm Jerry passes near St. Vincent with winds of 50 mph (85 km/h), but does not make landfall.[24]
October 8
  • 2:00 a.m. EDT (0600 UTC) – Hurricane Iris reaches Category 2 intensity.[16]
  • 8:00 a.m. EDT (1200 UTC) – Hurricane Iris rapidly intensifies to a Category 4 hurricane.[16]
  • 2:00 p.m. AST (1800 UTC) – Tropical Storm Jerry weakens to a tropical depression.[16]
  • 7:00 p.m. CDT (0000 UTC October 9) – Hurricane Iris's winds reach 145 mph, making it the most powerful storm of the season in terms of wind.[16]
  • 8:00 p.m. AST (0000 UTC October 9) – Tropical Depression Jerry dissipates.[24]
  • 9:00 p.m. CDT (0200 UTC October 9) – Hurricane Iris makes landfall near Monkey River Town, Belize with 145 mph (230 km/h) winds.[16]
October 9
  • 1:00 a.m. CDT (0600 UTC) – Hurricane Iris rapidly weakens to a tropical storm.[16]
  • 7:00 a.m. CDT (1200 UTC) – Tropical Storm Iris weakens to a tropical depression.[16]
  • 1:00 p.m. CDT (1800 UTC) – Tropical Depression Iris dissipates as it crosses the Mexico/Guatemala border.[16]
October 11
  • 8:00 p.m. AST (0000 UTC October 12) – Subtropical Storm One develops from an extratropical low about 35 miles (55 km) south of Bermuda.[12]
October 13
  • 2:00 a.m. AST (0600 UTC) – Subtropical Storm One acquires tropical characteristics, and is reclassified as Tropical Storm Karen.[12]
  • 2:00 p.m. AST (1800 UTC) – Tropical Storm Karen strengthens into Hurricane Karen.[12]
October 14
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Hurricane Karen weakens to a tropical storm.[12]
October 15
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Tropical Storm Karen makes landfall near Western Head, Nova Scotia with 45 mph (75 km/h) winds.[12]
  • 2:00 p.m. AST (1800 UTC) – Tropical Storm Karen degenerates into an extratropical low.[12]
October 27
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Tropical Depression Fourteen forms about 860 miles (1,380 km) south-southwest of the Azores.[25]
October 29
October 31
  • 7:00 a.m. EST (1200 UTC) – Tropical Depression Fifteen leaves Nicaragua and enters the Gulf of Honduras.[26]
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Tropical Storm Lorenzo dissipates as it merges with a frontal zone.[25]
  • 7:00 p.m. EST (0000 UTC November 1) – Tropical Depression Fifteen strengthens into Tropical Storm Michelle.[17]
November
November 2
  • 7:00 a.m. EST (1200 UTC) – Tropical Storm Michelle strengthens into Hurricane Michelle.[17]
  • 7:00 p.m. EST (0000 UTC November 3) – Hurricane Michelle reaches Category 2 intensity.[17]
November 3
  • 1:00 a.m. EST (0600 UTC) – Hurricane Michelle reaches Category 3 intensity.[17]
  • 7:00 a.m. EST (1200 UTC) – Hurricane Michelle reaches Category 4 intensity.[17]
  • 1:00 p.m. EST (1800 UTC) – Hurricane Michelle weakens to a Category 3 hurricane.[17]
  • 4:00 p.m. EST (2100 UTC) – Hurricane Michelle's pressure drops to 933 millibars, not only making it the most intense storm of the season in terms of pressure, but in the same terms tying it with Hurricane Lenny for the most powerful November Atlantic hurricane on record.[17]
  • 7:00 p.m. EST (0000 UTC November 4) – Hurricane Michelle regains Category 4 intensity.[17]
  • 8:00 p.m. AST (0000 UTC November 4) – Subtropical Storm Two forms about 890 miles (1,425 km) south of Cape Race, Newfoundland.[27]
November 4
  • 1:00 p.m. EST (1800 UTC) – Hurricane Michelle makes its first landfall at Cayo Largo, Cuba with winds of 140 mph (220 km/h).[17]
  • 6:00 p.m. EST (2300 UTC) – Hurricane Michelle makes its second landfall at Bay of Pigs, Cuba with winds of 135 mph (210 km/h).[17]
  • 7:00 p.m. EST (0000 UTC November 5) – Hurricane Michelle weakens back into a Category 3 hurricane.[17]
November 5
  • 1:00 a.m. EST (0600 UTC) – Hurricane Michelle quickly weakens to a Category 1 hurricane.[17]
  • 7:00 a.m. EST (1200 UTC) – Hurricane Michelle makes its third landfall on Andros Island with winds of 90 mph (145 km/h).[17]
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Subtropical Storm Two reaches hurricane strength while acquiring tropical characteristics, and is reclassified as Hurricane Noel.[27]
  • 1:00 p.m. EST (1800 UTC) – Hurricane Michelle makes its fourth and final landfall on Eleuthera Island with winds of 85 mph (140 km/h).[17]
  • 7:00 p.m. EST (0000 UTC November 6) – Hurricane Michelle becomes extratropical.[17]
  • 8:00 p.m. AST (0000 UTC November 6) – Hurricane Noel weakens to a tropical storm.[27]
November 6
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Tropical Storm Noel becomes extratropical.[27]
November 23
  • 8:00 p.m. AST (0000 UTC November 24) – Subtropical Storm Three forms from an extratropical low about 900 miles (1,435 km) east-southeast of Bermuda.[28]
November 24
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Subtropical Storm Three acquires tropical characteristics, and is reclassified as Tropical Storm Olga.[28]
November 26
November 29
  • 2:00 a.m. AST (0600 UTC) – Hurricane Olga weakens to a tropical storm.[28]
November 30
  • 8:00 a.m. AST (1200 UTC) – Tropical Storm Olga weakens to a tropical depression.[28]
  • 11:59 p.m. AST (0359 UTC December 1) – The 2001 Atlantic hurricane season officially ends with Tropical Depression Olga still active.[28]
December
December 1
  • 7:00 p.m. EST (0000 UTC December 2) – Tropical Depression Olga regains tropical storm strength.[28]
December 3
  • 7:00 p.m. EST (0000 UTC December 4) – Tropical Storm Olga weakens back into a tropical depression.[28]
December 4
  • 7:00 p.m. EST (0000 UTC December 5) – Tropical Depression Olga dissipates over the Atlantic Ocean, marking the end of the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season.[28]

Storms edit

Tropical Storm Allison edit

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
DurationJune 5 – June 17
Peak intensity60 mph (95 km/h) (1-min);
1000 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave emerged off the west coast of Africa on May 21. The system tracked uneventfully westward, and entered the Pacific Ocean on June 1. The wave curved northward and moved inland over southeastern Mexico. By June 5, the system emerged into the Gulf of Mexico, and quickly developed deep convection. By 1200 UTC on June 5, Tropical Storm Allison formed while centered about 138 miles (222 km) south of Galveston, Texas. Allison strengthened slightly, and peaked as a 60 mph (95 km/h) tropical storm. However, further intensification was prevented, and Allison made landfall near Freeport, Texas with winds 50 mph (85 km/h) on that day at 2100 UTC. After moving inland, Allison quickly weakened to a tropical depression. By June 7, Allison became stationary in eastern Texas, and began drifting southward on the following day. Early on June 10, Allison re-emerged into the Gulf of Mexico, though it did not re-intensified due to very dry air. Instead, Allison transitioned into a subtropical cyclone shortly thereafter. Allison tracked east-northeastward, and early on June 11, the storm made landfall in Morgan City, Louisiana with winds of 35 mph (55 km/h). After moving inland over Louisiana, Allison briefly strengthened into a subtropical storm. The storm crossed the Southeastern United States, and later became nearly stationary over North Carolina. By June 17, Allison emerged into the Atlantic Ocean from the Delmarva Peninsula. Allison briefly re-strengthened into a subtropical storm, before transitioning into an extratropical cyclone while offshore of New England.[19]

Due to its slow movement Allison dropped torrential rainfall, especially in eastern Texas; precipitation from the storm peaked at 40.68 inches (1,033 mm) in northwestern Jefferson County, Texas. The storm also caused over $5 billion in damage (2001 USD; $8.6 billion 2024 USD), making it the deadliest and costliest tropical storm on record in the United States.[19] Allison destroyed 2,744 homes, leaving 30,000 homeless with residential damages totaling to $1.76 billion (2001 USD; $3.03 billion 2024 USD).[29]

Tropical Depression Two edit

Tropical depression (SSHWS)
DurationJuly 11 – July 12
Peak intensity30 mph (45 km/h) (1-min);
1010 mbar (hPa)

A tropical depression formed from a low level circulation on July 11, about 1150 mi (1850 km) east of the Windward Islands. It attained a maximum strength of 30 mph (45 km/h), with a minimum pressure of 1,010 mbar (30 inHg). When it first formed, it was forecast to become a tropical storm, but vertical wind shear from a subtropical ridge to the north caused it to dissipate on July 12.[20]

Tropical Storm Barry edit

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
DurationAugust 2 – August 7
Peak intensity70 mph (110 km/h) (1-min);
990 mbar (hPa)

Barry formed from a tropical wave in the eastern Gulf of Mexico on August 2. Moving westward, it weakened to a tropical depression, and was expected to continue to the west-northwest. Instead, the ridge to Barry's north degraded, allowing the system to turn northward and restrengthen to tropical storm strength on August 5. It peaked that night at 70 mph (110 km/h), but some southwesterly shear prevented the storm from reaching hurricane strength. Barry made landfall near Santa Rosa Beach, Florida on August 6 as a strong tropical storm with a developing eyewall, leading to the possibility of Barry being a hurricane. After making landfall, the remnants of Barry continued inland, and dissipated over Missouri on August 8.[3]

Tropical Storm Barry was responsible for two deaths in Florida, one due to a lightning strike. Another indirect death was also reported. Damage is estimated at $30 million. The tropical wave that eventually became Barry is blamed for capsizing a boat carrying Cuban refugees, and six of the passengers drowned.[3]

Tropical Storm Chantal edit

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
DurationAugust 14 – August 22
Peak intensity70 mph (110 km/h) (1-min);
997 mbar (hPa)

Chantal was a poorly organized storm that formed as a depression on August 14 while well east of the Windward Islands. Sometime on August 16, the depression degenerated into a tropical wave. This wave passed over the islands, and on August 17, reformed at tropical storm strength.[14]

Tropical Storm Chantal continued west across the Caribbean Sea, and strengthened somewhat. It was near hurricane strength on August 21, but made landfall at the border between Belize and Mexico before it could gain the necessary wind speed. Chantal continued into Mexico and dissipated on August 22.[14]

Chantal officially caused no deaths, but the tropical wave caused two deaths from lightning on Trinidad. Damage in Belize was estimated at $4 million. No significant damages were reported in Mexico.[14]

Tropical Storm Dean edit

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
DurationAugust 22 – August 28
Peak intensity70 mph (110 km/h) (1-min);
994 mbar (hPa)

Dean formed from a tropical wave that moved northwest across the Lesser Antilles in mid-August. On August 22, as it approached the U.S. Virgin Islands, the wave was named Tropical Storm Dean. As Dean left the Caribbean, it weakened, and by August 23 had degenerated to a tropical wave.[7]

The wave held together, and by August 27 had restrengthened back into a tropical storm. Dean approached hurricane strength, but moved over cool water and became extratropical. It was absorbed by a non-tropical low on August 29.[7]

Heavy rainfall from Dean in Puerto Rico caused $7.7 million in damage, as well as flooding homes and causing two bridges to collapse. Damage in the Virgin Islands was minimal.[7]

Hurricane Erin edit

Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS)
DurationSeptember 1 – September 15
Peak intensity120 mph (195 km/h) (1-min);
968 mbar (hPa)

Tropical Storm Erin formed near 37W in the open Atlantic on September 2. It moved west for several days, but weakened into an area of disturbed weather on September 5. The storms regenerated, and on September 7, Erin regained tropical storm status. Erin continued to the northwest, and strengthened into a hurricane. On September 8, Erin came within 90 nmi (170 km) of Bermuda.[8]

After passing Bermuda, Erin continued northwest, but on September 11 its track turned sharply east. On September 13, Erin began heading northeast and grazed Cape Race, Newfoundland on September 15. It became extratropical and merged with another system over Greenland on September 17.[8]

Hurricane Felix edit

Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS)
DurationSeptember 7 – September 19
Peak intensity115 mph (185 km/h) (1-min);
962 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave off the coast of Africa organized into Tropical Depression Seven on September 7 while near the Cape Verde islands. It moved rapidly to the west, and degenerated to a tropical wave the next day. By September 10, the wave had reorganized, and it was again named Tropical Depression Seven. The depression continued to strengthen, and became Hurricane Felix by September 13. Now moving north, Felix intensified rapidly, reaching Category 3 status. Felix turned to the northeast and began to weaken. By September 17, Felix had dropped to tropical storm strength, and it dissipated on September 19. No damage was reported.

Hurricane Gabrielle edit

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
DurationSeptember 11 – September 19
Peak intensity80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min);
975 mbar (hPa)

A cut-off low in the Gulf of Mexico was classified as a tropical depression on September 11. After performing a small loop in the gulf, the depression reached tropical storm strength and was designated Gabrielle. Tropical Storm Gabrielle headed northeast and made landfall near Venice, Florida on September 14 just under hurricane strength. Eighteen hours later, Gabrielle moved offshore, still a tropical storm. It continued northeast, and strengthened to a minimal hurricane. On September 19, while south of Newfoundland, Gabrielle was designated an extratropical storm. By September 21, it had merged with another low.[5]

Gabrielle dropped torrential rainfall across Florida, amounting to a maximum of 13 in (330 mm) in Pierson. The storm caused one drowning deaths and one indirect death in Florida, and damage totaled to about $230 million (2001 USD). Over six in (152 mm) of rain were reported in parts of Newfoundland, with one station reporting a rainfall rate of nearly two in per hour.[5]

Tropical Depression Nine edit

Tropical depression (SSHWS)
DurationSeptember 19 – September 20
Peak intensity35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min);
1005 mbar (hPa)

A tropical depression formed from a tropical wave in the Caribbean on September 19, about 60 miles (95 km) north-northwest of the San Andres Island. It attained a maximum strength of 35 mph (56 km/h), with a minimum pressure of 1,005 mbar (29.7 inHg). When it first formed, it was never forecast to become a tropical storm, but as a result of forming so close to land, it made landfall near Puerto Cabezas on September 20. It dropped a large amount of rain, and brought mild winds to Central America, especially around Puerto Cabezas. After losing its closed circulation over land, it reformed into Hurricane Juliette in the East Pacific.[22]

Hurricane Humberto edit

Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS)
DurationSeptember 21 – September 27
Peak intensity105 mph (165 km/h) (1-min);
970 mbar (hPa)

Humberto formed from an area of low pressure generated by Hurricane Gabrielle. The low formed into a tropical depression on September 21 while 489 mi (787 km) south of Bermuda. The low tracked northwest and was named Tropical Storm Humberto the next day. It began moving north, and then northeast as it passed Bermuda and strengthened into a hurricane. Humberto headed over the colder waters of the far north Atlantic Ocean, and dissipated quickly on September 27. There were no reports of damage related to Humberto.[23]

Hurricane Iris edit

Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS)
DurationOctober 4 – October 9
Peak intensity145 mph (230 km/h) (1-min);
948 mbar (hPa)

Tropical Depression Eleven formed just southeast of Barbados on October 4. It traveled across the Windward Islands, and was named Tropical Storm Iris while south of Puerto Rico on October 5. Iris continued to the west and intensified. After passing just south of Jamaica, Iris reached Category 4 hurricane strength. Iris made landfall near Monkey River Town, Belize on October 9 at Category 4 strength, but weakened rapidly. It dissipated later that day.[16]

An exact death toll is unknown, but 31 are confirmed dead, three in the Dominican Republic, eight in Guatemala, and 20 from the M/V Wave Dancer, a ship that capsized off the Belize coast. Newspapers have reported an additional 30 deaths in Belize, but the government there has only confirm the 20 deaths from the Wave Dancer. Damage in Belize is reported at $66.2 million.[16]

Tropical Storm Jerry edit

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
DurationOctober 6 – October 8
Peak intensity50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min);
1004 mbar (hPa)

A westward moving tropical wave organized into Tropical Depression Twelve on October 6 about 620 mi (1,000 km) east-southeast of Barbados. Under weak vertical shear and with warm water temperatures, it strengthened into a tropical storm on October 7, and reached a peak of 50 mph (80 km/h) later that day. Jerry passed just south of Barbados on October 7 and October 8, where upper level shear disrupted the circulation, making it elongated and weaker. Just six hours before dissipating, Jerry was still forecast to become a hurricane, but its rapid westward movement caused it to dissipate on October 8 in the Caribbean Sea 230 mi (370 km) south of Puerto Rico. There were no reports of damage.[24]

Hurricane Karen edit

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
DurationOctober 12 – October 15
Peak intensity80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min);
982 mbar (hPa)

On October 12, an extratropical low just south of Bermuda was classified as Subtropical Storm One. After passing Bermuda, the storm took on enough tropical characteristics to be reclassified as Tropical Storm Karen. Karen continued north, strengthening into a hurricane, but slowly weakened and made landfall on Nova Scotia on October 15 as a tropical storm. Its remnants were absorbed by a larger system later that day.[12]

Karen was responsible for sinking several small ships in St. George Harbor, and caused $1.4 million in damage (2001 USD) in Bermuda. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick benefited from the storm, as it dropped light rainfall that helped relieve a drought in the area.[12]

Tropical Storm Lorenzo edit

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
DurationOctober 27 – October 31
Peak intensity40 mph (65 km/h) (1-min);
1007 mbar (hPa)

An upper-level tropospheric trough persisted in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, developing a low-level circulation by October 26 which quickly gained organization.[25] On October 27, the low developed into Tropical Depression Fourteen about 860 miles (1380 kilometers) south-southwest of the western Azores.[30] Moving westward, the depression was forecast to attain winds of at least 60 mph (95 km/h), although it failed to reach that intensity.[31][32] Banding features developed over the storm, and on October 30 it was upgraded to Tropical Storm Lorenzo.[31] By early on October 31, convection had begun to separate from the circulation,[33][34] and later in the day Lorenzo became extratropical; shortly thereafter, its remnants merged with a frontal system about 690 mi (1,110 km) west of the Azores.[25][35] One ship reported winds of 42–49 mph (49–78 km/h) on October 28 and October 29, as it neared then Tropical Depression Fourteen.[25]

Hurricane Michelle edit

Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS)
DurationOctober 29 – November 5
Peak intensity140 mph (220 km/h) (1-min);
933 mbar (hPa)

Hurricane Michelle was a powerful storm that was named on November 1 near Cabo Gracias, Nicaragua. It headed north and quickly strengthened, reaching Category 4 intensity by November 4. Michelle made landfall near the Bay of Pigs shortly afterward. Weakened, but still a hurricane, Michelle continued on through the Bahamas, where it degenerated and was absorbed by a front on November 6.[17]

Michelle is officially responsible for 17 deaths, and 26 missing. Damage amounted to over $1.8 billion (2001 USD).[36]

Hurricane Noel edit

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
DurationNovember 4 – November 6
Peak intensity75 mph (120 km/h) (1-min);
986 mbar (hPa)

A non-tropical frontal low developed from a cold front on November 1 about 900 mi (1,450 km) west of the Azores. It intensified as it moved slowly to the west-northwest, and gradually dissipated its frontal structure.[37] Deep convection developed over the center,[38] and the system organized into a subtropical storm on November 4 while located 890 mi (1,430 km) south of Cape Race, Newfoundland.[27] Operationally, the storm was considered a non-tropical low,[38] and the National Hurricane Center did not begin issuing advisories until it became a tropical cyclone.[27]

The subtropical cyclone changed its motion to a northward drift and slowly strengthened.[27] Convection became more symmetric around the northern portion of the storm, and also developed into a ring 60 mi (95 km) around the center of circulation. Based on a ship reporting hurricane-force winds near the center, as well as the development of a weak mid-level warm core, the subtropical cyclone into Hurricane Noel on November 5 while located about 615 mi (990 km) south-southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland.[27] Noel tracked northward at 12 mph (19 km/h) in advance of an eastward-moving mid-level low.[39] Increasing westerly wind shear displaced and limited convection near the center, and Noel weakened to a tropical storm early on November 6.[27] As it accelerated over progressively cooler water temperatures, the deep convection continued to wane,[40] and Noel became extratropical later on November 6 about 330 mi (530 km) southeast of Newfoundland. The extratropical remnant continued to the northeast and was absorbed by a larger extratropical storm later that day.[27] Noel attained hurricane status at 37.8° N, which is the furthest north a tropical cyclone attained hurricane status in the month of November.[41]

Hurricane Olga edit

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
DurationNovember 24 – December 6
Peak intensity90 mph (150 km/h) (1-min);
973 mbar (hPa)

Olga was a late-season hurricane that formed out of a non-tropical system 895 mi (1,440 km) east-southeast of Bermuda on November 24. Initially a subtropical storm, Olga began taking on tropical characteristics and started on a winding southwestward track. Olga strengthened into a hurricane, but by early December had weakened, and dissipated by December 5. The only damage report came from a single yacht, which passed through Olga's center on November 24.[28]

Storm names edit

The following names were used for named storms that formed in the north Atlantic in 2001. The names not retired from this list will be used again in the 2007 season. This is the same list used for the 1995 season except for Lorenzo, Michelle, Olga, and Rebekah, which replaced Luis, Marilyn, Opal, and Roxanne. Storms were named Lorenzo, Michelle, and Olga for the first time in 2001.[42] Names that were allocated for the 2001 season but were not assigned are marked in gray.

  • Olga
  • Pablo (unused)
  • Rebekah (unused)
  • Sebastien (unused)
  • Tanya (unused)
  • Van (unused)
  • Wendy (unused)

Retirement edit

The World Meteorological Organization retired three names in the spring of 2002: Allison, Iris, and Michelle. They were replaced in the 2007 season by Andrea, Ingrid, and Melissa. Allison became the first Atlantic tropical storm to have its name retired.[43]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Hurricane Research Division (March 2011). "Atlantic basin Comparison of Original and Revised HURDAT". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2011-07-23.
  2. ^ David Levinson (2008-08-20). "2005 Atlantic Ocean Tropical Cyclones". National Climatic Data Center. Retrieved 2011-07-23.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Jack Beven (April 22, 2001). "Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Barry". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  4. ^ National Climatic Data Center. "Tropical Storm Barry Florida Event Report (2)". Retrieved 2008-07-18.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Miles Lawrence and Eric Blake (2001). "Hurricane Gabrielle Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-09-21.
  6. ^ Tampa, Florida National Weather Service (2001). "Report on Tropical Storm Gabrielle". Retrieved 2007-03-01. [dead link]
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Jack Beven (April 22, 2002). "Tropical Storm Barry Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-11-25.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Richard J. Pasch and Daniel P. Brown (January 25, 2002). "Hurricane Erin Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-11-25.
  9. ^ Canadian Hurricane Centre (2001). "2001 Tropical Cyclone Season Summary". Retrieved 2006-11-06.
  10. ^ Canadian Hurricane Centre (2001). "Backgrounder: 2001 Canadian Hurricane Season". Archived from the original on 2007-02-11. Retrieved 2007-02-27.
  11. ^ Staff Writer (2001-09-21). "Newfoundland seeks federal help for flood damage". CBC News. Retrieved 2007-02-27.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i Stacy R. Stewart (April 17, 2002). "Hurricane Karen Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-11-25.
  13. ^ Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (November 8, 2001). "Thousands without power after storm rips Maritimes". CBC News. Retrieved 2006-11-13.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i j James Franklin (September 6, 2001). "Tropical Storm Chantal Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-11-25.
  15. ^ "Rain or Shine...". The London Independent. 2001-08-25.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Lixion A. Avila (October 30, 2001). "Hurricane Iris Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-11-25.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Jack Beven (January 23, 2002). "Hurricane Michelle Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-11-25.
  18. ^ Instituto Nacional de Recursos Hidráulicos (2003). "Lluvias intensas observadas y grandes inundaciones reportadas" (in Spanish). Retrieved 2007-02-10.
  19. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Stacy Stewart (2001). "Tropical Storm Allison Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-09-19.
  20. ^ a b c Lawrence, Miles (July 23, 2001). "Tropical Depression Two Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-07-14.
  21. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Stacy Stewart (November 30, 2001). "Hurricane Felix Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-11-25.
  22. ^ a b c d Jack Beven (October 24, 2001). "Tropical Depression Nine Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-11-25.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h i j James L. Franklin (October 30, 2001). "Hurricane Humberto Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-11-25.
  24. ^ a b c d e Richard J. Pasch, Daniel P. Brown (November 30, 2001). "Tropical Storm Jerry Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-11-25.
  25. ^ a b c d e f Miles B. Lawrence (December 6, 2001). "Tropical Storm Lorenzo Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-11-25.
  26. ^ Cite error: The named reference Michelle was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  27. ^ a b c d e f g h i j James Franklin (November 14, 2001). "Hurricane Noel Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-11-25.
  28. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Lixion A. Avila (December 17, 2001). "Hurricane Olga Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-09-21.
  29. ^ Risk Management Solutions (2001). "Tropical Storm Allison Event Report" (PDF). Retrieved May 18, 2006.
  30. ^ Jack Beven (October 27, 2001). "Tropical Depression 14 – Discussion Number 3". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-01-07.
  31. ^ a b Jack Beven (October 30, 2001). "Tropical Storm Lorenzo – Discussion Number 11". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-01-07.
  32. ^ Stacy Stewart (October 28, 2001). "Tropical Depression 14 – Discussion Number 5". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-01-08.
  33. ^ Jack Beven (October 30, 2001). "Tropical Storm Lorenzo – Discussion Number 13". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-01-08.
  34. ^ Jack Beven (October 30, 2001). "Tropical Storm Lorenzo – Discussion Number 14". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-01-07.
  35. ^ Richard J. Pasch (October 31, 2001). "Tropical Storm Lorenzo – Discussion Number 16". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-01-08.
  36. ^ Hurricane Vulnerability in Latin America and the Caribbean
  37. ^ Padgett, Gary (2001). "November 2001 Tropical Cyclone Summary". Archived from the original on October 26, 2006. Retrieved 2010-10-31.
  38. ^ a b Avila, Lixion (2001). "November 4 Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2006-11-13.
  39. ^ Franklin, James (2001). "Hurricane Noel Discussion Two". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-31.
  40. ^ Stewart, Stacy (2001). "Hurricane Noel Discussion Four". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-31.
  41. ^ "Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)" (Database). United States National Hurricane Center. April 5, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2024.   This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  42. ^ "Worldwide Tropical Cyclone Names". National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on 2010-09-08. Retrieved 2008-09-19.
  43. ^ Gary Padgett, Jack Beven, and James Lewis Free. "Subject: B3) What names have been retired in the Atlantic and East Pacific basin?". HURDAT. Archived from the original on 2009-06-21. Retrieved 2008-09-19.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

External links edit