2000 Atlantic hurricane season

2000 Atlantic hurricane season
Season summary map
First storm formed June 7, 2000
Last storm dissipated October 29, 2000
Strongest storm Keith – 939 mbar (hPa) (27.74 inHg), 140 mph (220 km/h)
Total depressions 19
Total storms 15
Hurricanes 8
Major hurricanes (Cat. 3+) 3
Total fatalities 50 (7 indirect)
Total damage $1.2 billion (2000 USD)
Atlantic hurricane seasons
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Related article

The 2000 Atlantic hurricane season was the first season without a tropical cyclone in July since 1987. The season officially began on June 1, 2000, and lasted until November 30, 2000. The June through November dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. The first cyclone to attain tropical storm status was Hurricane Alberto on August 4, nearly a month later than usual. The final storm of the season was an unnamed subtropical storm, which merged with an extratropical low on October 29.

During this season, 19 tropical depressions formed of which 15 attained tropical storm status. Eight tropical cyclones reached hurricane status of which three became major hurricanes, which is a Category 3 or greater on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. Hurricane Keith was the costliest and deadliest storm of the season, causing $319 million in damage (2000 USD) and 40 fatalities as it ravaged Central America, mainly Mexico and Belize. However, the precursor system of Tropical Storm Leslie caused nearly $1 billion (2000 USD) in damage as a result of flooding in Florida. Of the 15 cyclones that attained tropical storm status, three did not affect land.

Contents

Season summary

Predictions of tropical activity in the 2000 season
Source Date Tropical
storms		 Hurricanes Major
hurricanes
CSU Average (1950–2000) 9.6 5.9 2.3
NOAA Average 11 6 2
CSU April 7, 2000 11 7 3
CSU June 7, 2000 12 8 4
CSU August 4, 2000 11 7 3
NOAA August 10, 2000 11 7 3
Actual activity 14 8 3

Pre-season outlook

Noted hurricane expert Dr. William M. Gray on April 7 predicted eleven named storms, with eight reaching hurricane strength and three of the eight reaching Category 3 strength.[1] The prediction issued on June 7 was similar, increasing the named storms to twelve, eight hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. On May 10, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a season outlook, which gave the indication of an above-average season. According to NOAA, the global scale atmospheric circulation pattern which was taking place was conducive to an above-average hurricane season. However, La Niña was present it the Eastern Pacific, which was a factor in the activity in the season. NOAA issued a 75% chance of above average activity.[2]

Mid-season outlook

On August 4, CSU issued a mid-season forecast, which predicted 11 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes. Six days after the CSU prediction, NOAA issued a mid-season forecast, predicting the exact same amount of activity, 11 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes. With a 75% percent chance of above average activity, there was an elevated risk of landfalling hurricanes.[3] Both CSU and NOAA predicted had predicted above average season, which NOAA defines as 6–14 tropical storms, 4–8 of which reach hurricane strength, and 1–3 of those reaching Category 3 strength.[4]

Season activity

The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1, 2000. It was an above average season in which 19 tropical cyclones formed. Fifteen depressions attained tropical storm status, and eight of these attained hurricane status. Three hurricanes further intensified into major hurricanes.[5] The season was above average most likely because of an ongoing La Niña in the Pacific Ocean.[2] Three hurricanes and two tropical storms made landfall during the season[5] and caused 77 deaths and $1.2 billion in damage (2000 USD).[5][6][7][8] Hurricane Florence and Isaac and Tropical Storm Leslie also caused damage and fatalities, though none of the three made landfall. The last storm of the season, an unnamed subtropical storm, dissipated on October 29, over a month before the official end of hurricane season on November 30.[5]

Tropical cyclogenesis began in the month of June, with two tropical depressions developing in the Atlantic. However, no tropical cyclones developed in the month of July, the first phenomenon since 1987. In August, five tropical cyclones developed, most notably, Hurricane Alberto. September was more active, with seven named storms forming; that month featured Hurricane Keith, the strongest system of the 2000 Atlantic hurricane season. In addition, a quick succession of eight storms occurred in September, and lasted into early October. Six tropical cyclones existed in October and one additional subtropical storm developed in the last week of the month. Following an active October, no tropical cyclogenesis occurred in the final month of the season, which is November.[5]

The season's activity was reflected with an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) rating of 119.[9] 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 unnamed storm as well as the initial stages of Florence, Leslie, and Michael, are excluded from the total.[10]

Storms

Tropical Depression One

Tropical depression (SSHS)
Duration June 7 – June 8
Intensity 30 mph (45 km/h) (1-min),  1008 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave exited the west coast of Africa on May 23 and tracked westward across the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.[11] The system had entered into the Gulf of Mexico on June 6.[12] Another tropical wave merged with the system on June 7 and developed into a low pressure area in the Gulf of Mexico.[11] Later that day, the National Hurricane Center began classifying the system as Tropical Depression One. Though the depression was predicted to intensify into a tropical storm,[13] strong wind shear produced by an upper-anticyclone significant strengthening. The depression tracked slowly and erratically through the Gulf of Mexico.[11] By late on June 8, a reconnaissance plane flight indicated that the depression had degenerated into a low pressure area.[11][14] The remnants of the depression produced gusty winds and light to moderate rainfall along the Gulf Coast of Mexico;[12] some areas in the state of Tamaulipas reported precipitation amounts as high as 7.18 inches (182 mm).[15] In addition, heavy precipitation was reported in south-central Texas.[11]

Tropical Depression Two

Tropical depression (SSHS)
Duration June 23 – June 25
Intensity 35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min),  1008 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave emerged off the coast of Africa and quickly developed into Tropical Depression Two on June 23.[16] Although it was well-organized,[11] the National Hurricane Center did not initiate advisories on the depression until 1500 UTC on June 24,[17] since it operationally appeared that a surface circulation did not existed until then. However, the depression was less organized after the National Hurricane Center began advisories.[11] Having formed at 19.8°W, it was one of the easternmost developing tropical cyclones in the month of June, even further east than Tropical Storm Ana in 1979 and Tropical Depression Two in 2003.[18][11] Though light wind shear and marginally warm sea surface temperatures (SST's) were in the path of the depression,[19] no significant intensification occurred as it tracked generally westward.[16] The depression began encountering a stable air mass,[11] and degenerated back into a tropical wave on June 25.[16]

Hurricane Alberto

Main article: Hurricane Alberto (2000)
Category 3 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration August 3 – August 23
Intensity 125 mph (205 km/h) (1-min),  950 mbar (hPa)

A well-developed tropical wave was observed in satellite imagery over central Africa on July 30. The system tracked westward and emerged into the Atlantic Ocean on August 3. After entering the Atlantic, the system rapidly organized, and developed into Tropical Depression Three at 1800 UTC that day. The depression moved west-northwestward at 17–23 mph (27–37 km/h) and strengthened into Tropical Storm Alberto early the next day. While briefly turning westward on August 6, Alberto had reached hurricane status. Alberto continued to track west-northwestward, and by early the following day, the storm reached an initial peak with winds of 90 mph (150 km/h). Shortly thereafter, Alberto re-curved northwestward. A strong upper-level low increased wind shear, which caused Alberto to weaken back to a tropical storm on August 9. However, it quickly re-strengthened, and early on August 10, Alberto was upgraded to a hurricane again. Due to a break in a subtropical ridge, Alberto gradually curved northward and north-northeastward between August 11 and August 12. While turning northeastward, Alberto further strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane, becoming the first major hurricane on the 2000 Atlantic hurricane season. By 1200 UTC on August 12, Alberto attained its peak intensity with winds of 125 mph (205 km/h).[20]

Increasing upper-level westerlies caused Alberto to weaken as it moved east-northeastward, with the cyclone losing most of its convection. Early on August 14, Alberto was downgraded to a tropical storm. A westerly trough that had been guiding Alberto outran the storm, and strong ridging developed to the north and west. As a result, Alberto turned southward on August 15, southwestward on August 16, and then to the west on August 17. While curving northwestward and then northward, Alberto began to re-strengthen, and was upgraded to a hurricane for the third occasion on August 18. Alberto reached a third peak intensity as a Category 2 hurricane with winds of 105 mph (205 km/h) on August 20. After weakening back to a Category 1 hurricane, Alberto had completed a cyclonic loop, which it had started on August 13. Due to decreasing SST's, Alberto was again downgraded to a tropical storm on August 23 as it accelerated northeastward. Six hours later, Alberto transitioned into an extratropical cyclone while centered about 780 miles (1,260 km) south-southwest of Reykjavík, Iceland.[20]

Tropical Depression Four

Tropical depression (SSHS)
Duration August 8 – August 11
Intensity 35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min),  1009 mbar (hPa)

An area of low pressure detached from a frontal zone on August 4 and moved southwestward. After developing a minimal amount of deep convection, an Air Force Reserve Command reconnaissance aircraft found a well-defined low level circulation on August 8. The depression then moved westward without intensifying for two days. On August 10, the depression was about 80 miles (130 km) east of Cape Canaveral, Florida when it abruptly turned northeastward in advance of a deep-layer trough over the eastern United States. On the following day, the depression dissipated to the north of the Bahamas. While a tropical cyclone, a reconnaissance flight reported winds of 56 mph (91 km/h) at 1,500 feet (460 m). However, it was not upgraded to a tropical storm since the aforementioned wind speed did not represent the intensity of the depression.[21]

Tropical Storm Beryl

Main article: Tropical Storm Beryl (2000)
Tropical storm (SSHS)
Duration August 13 – August 15
Intensity 50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min),  1007 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave emerged from the coast of Africa with a closed circulation on August 3. However, the system split, with the northern portion eventually becoming Hurricane Alberto, while the southern portion of the wave continued westward. Minimal deep convection developed until the tropical wave reached the Yucatan Peninsula on August 12. After emerging into the Gulf of Mexico on the following day, satellite imagery and Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft indicated that the system developed into Tropical Depression Five at 1800 UTC. Early on the following day, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Beryl.[6] Despite predictions for Beryl to reach hurricane status,[22][23][24] it remained disorganized and peaked as a 50 mph (85 km/h) tropical storm.[6]

By 0700 UTC on August 15, Beryl made landfall about 35 miles (56 km) north of La Pesca, Tamaulipas, Mexico with winds of 50 mph (85 km/h). Beryl quickly weakened inland, and was downgraded to a tropical depression five hours after moving inland. Shortly thereafter, Beryl dissipated while centered near Monterrey.[6] In Mexico, Beryl dropped light to moderate rainfall, especially in the state of Tamaulipas, which peaked at 9.76 inches (248 mm).[25] One person drowned due to flood waters in northeastern Mexico.[6] Damage was light, totaling to $27,000 (2000 USD).[7]

Tropical Storm Chris

Tropical storm (SSHS)
Duration August 17 – August 19
Intensity 40 mph (65 km/h) (1-min),  1008 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave emerged off the west coast of Africa and entered the Atlantic on August 12, Initially, the system had disorganized convection and a poorly-defined center of circulation. However, the convective activity began to consolidate as the tropical wave tracked generally westward. By midday on August 17, the system was classified as Tropical Depression Six, which was centered 600 miles (965 km) east of the Lesser Antilles. No significant change in intensity occurred on that day. After a burst of convection on August 18, the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Chris at 1200 UTC. However, strong wind shear prevented further intensification, and weakened Chris back to a tropical depression only six hours later. After a reconnaissance plane suggested that Chris no longer had a well-defined center of circulation, it was downgraded to a swirl of low-clouds on August 19.[26]

Hurricane Debby

Main article: Hurricane Debby (2000)
Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration August 19 – August 24
Intensity 85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min),  991 mbar (hPa)

While Tropical Depression Chris was dissipating, Tropical Depression Seven was forming east of the Windward Islands. Not long after formation, Tropical Depression Seven had been upgraded to Tropical Storm Debby. The storm continued to strengthen, and was already a category 1 hurricane the next day. Thereafter reaching hurricane status, Debby remained a somewhat disorganized for the rest of its duration. It moved west, passing over the Leeward Islands, and just north of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola. Debby dissipated off the southern coast of Cuba on the August 24.[8]

In Barbuda, Debby caused moderate roof damage. Throughout the Lesser Antilles, gusty winds damaged fruit trees and power lines.[8] In the United States Virgin Islands, damaged totaled to $200,000 (2000 USD, $255 thousand 2012 USD). [1] Debby also dropped up to 12 in (305 mm) of rainfall across Puerto Rico, causing mudslides and damaging bridges and roads.[8] 406 homes were affected from the flooding, with damage totaling to $501,000 (2000 USD, $639 thousand 2012 USD), primarily in the Caguas municipality. [2] Also on the island, the storm was indirectly responsible for one death. On the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, waves and rainfall caused light to moderate damage. In Cuba, the remnants of Debby helped relieve a severe drought.[8]

Tropical Storm Ernesto

Tropical storm (SSHS)
Duration September 1 – September 3
Intensity 40 mph (65 km/h) (1-min),  1008 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa on August 28. The system moved west-northwestward and began developing a weak low-level circulation on August 29, as indicated by satellite imagery. By September 1, the system had developed significant amounts of convection and formed a low-level circulation. As a result, the National Hurricane Center began classifying the system as Tropical Depression Eight. The depression moved west-northwestward at 14 to 17 mph (23 to 27 km/h) under the influence of a westward building subtropical ridge to its north. Despite wind shear, the depression managed to intensify into Tropical Storm Ernesto on September 2. On the following day, wind shear began to weaken Ernesto, and it was downgraded to a tropical depression at 1800 UTC. Six hours later, Ernesto dissipated while centered 288 miles (463 km) northeast of the northern Leeward Islands.[27]

Tropical Depression Nine

Tropical depression (SSHS)
Duration September 8 – September 9
Intensity 35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min),  1008 mbar (hPa)

Tropical Depression Nine developed on September 9 from an interaction between a low-level trough and a cluster of convection associated with a tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico. A disorganized low-level center developed 185 miles (295 km) south of Lake Charles, Louisiana on September 8, forming a tropical depression. Due to close proximity to land, Tropical Depression Nine was unable to intensify into a tropical storm, and attained a maximum wind speed of 35 mph (55 km/h). The depression weakened slightly before making landfall near Sabine Pass, Texas with winds of 30 mph (48 km/h) on September 9. Eight hours later, the depression dissipated while barely inland.[28]

The depression brought light to moderate rainfall to Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, and Texas, though it was generally less than 3 inches (76 mm).[29] A few areas in southern Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama reported precipitation in excess of 6 inches (150 mm);[30] rainfall associated with the depression peaked at 6.70 inches (170 mm) in Buras-Triumph, Louisiana.[29] As a result of the rainfall in Louisiana, a flash flood warning was issued.[31] However, the depression caused no damage or fatalities.[28]

Hurricane Florence

Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration September 10 – September 17
Intensity 80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min),  985 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Florence (2000)

A cold front that left North America in the second week of September spawned a low pressure system that took and initially took on subtropical characteristics. Soon thereafter, the subtropical depression acquired tropical characteristics, reclassifying it as Tropical Depression Ten. Intensification of the tropical cyclone followed, and it strengthened into Tropical Storm Florence just six hours after becoming fully tropical. The storm soon became nearly stationary and moved around erratically due to a mid-level ridge, also oscillating between a category 1 hurricane and a tropical storm. Florence meandered for several days and by September 16, Florence re-strengthened into a hurricane for a final time, while taking a track to the northeast that took it past Bermuda. As it reached cooler waters, Florence weakened and on September 17 was absorbed by an extratropical low while south of Newfoundland. Florence was responsible for no reported damage or direct fatalities. However, Florence caused three indirect deaths from drowning incidents.[32]

Hurricane Gordon

Main article: Hurricane Gordon (2000)
Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration September 14 – September 18
Intensity 80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min),  981 mbar (hPa)

Tropical Depression Eleven formed just east of the Yucatán Peninsula on September 14. After cutting across land into the Gulf of Mexico, the depression began heading north-northeast and on the September 16 was upgraded to Tropical Storm Gordon. A day later, it reached hurricane strength. Gordon began weakening rapidly as it approached Florida, and made landfall near Cedar Key, Florida on the September 18 as a tropical storm. The remnants of Gordon continued up the east coast of the United States for several days before being absorbed by another system.[33]

Twenty-three deaths in Guatemala are blamed on flooding caused by the tropical depression that became Gordon. One drowning death was reported at Pensacola, Florida. Damage in Florida was largely limited to downed trees and power lines, and is estimated at $10.8 million (2000 USD, $13.8 million 2012 USD). No monetary damage figures for Guatemala are available.[33]

Tropical Storm Helene

Main article: Tropical Storm Helene (2000)
Tropical storm (SSHS)
Duration September 15 – September 25
Intensity 70 mph (110 km/h) (1-min),  986 mbar (hPa)

Tropical Depression Twelve formed east of the Windward Islands on September 15. It degenerated, and travelled across the Caribbean. Late on September 19, it regained tropical depression status, and on September 21 was named Tropical Storm Helene while in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. The storm turned north, and made landfall at Fort Walton Beach, Florida on September 22. The system weakened to a tropical depression, but stayed intact as it moved across the southern US and passed over the North Carolina coast and back over water. Helene regained tropical storm strength and headed rapidly east-northeast. It merged with a cold front on the September 25. One person was killed by a tornado generated as the tropical depression moved through South Carolina. Flooding was reported in Tallahassee, Florida.[34]

Hurricane Isaac

Category 4 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration September 22 – October 6
Intensity 140 mph (220 km/h) (1-min),  943 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Isaac (2000)

A somewhat organized tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa on September 20. The cloud pattern quickly became better-defined, and developed into Tropical Depression Thirteen on September 21 while centered south of Cape Verde. The depression quickly intensified due to low wind shear and became Tropical Storm Isaac early on September 22 as it headed west-northwestward. Isaac continued to strengthen and was upgraded to a hurricane on September 23. Soon thereafter, Isaac rapidly intensified and reached a preliminary peak with winds of 120 mph (200 km/h). However, the structure of the storm became less organized, possibly due to slightly cooler SST's and increased wind shear. By 1200 UTC on September 26, Isaac ceased weakening after winds dropped to 85 mph (140 km/h). Later that day, the storm began to re-organize after wind shear decreased, and began to re-strengthen on September 27.[35]

On September 28, Isaac peaked as a low-end Category 4 hurricane with winds of 140 mph (220 km/h). Following its peak intensity, Isaac began to weaken immediately thereafter, while turning north-northwestward. Eventually, the storm turned northward before re-curving north-northeastward. Further weakening occurred after Isaac moved over decreasing SST's and dropped down to Category 1 intensity by September 30 while accelerating northeastward. On October 1, Isaac was downgraded to a tropical storm shortly before transitioning into extratropical later that same day. The extratropical remnants eventually affected the British Isles. Minimal impact was reported from Isaac. One fatality occurred when a passenger drowned after his boat capsized due to large waves produced by Isaac offshore Long Island, New York.[35]

Hurricane Joyce

Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration September 25 – October 2
Intensity 90 mph (150 km/h) (1-min),  975 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Joyce (2000)

A poorly organized tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa on September 22. Over the next three days, the system tracked westward and slowly began to develop a closed circulation. By September 25, the National Hurricane Center initiated advisories Convection became further organized, and the depression continued to intensity. Twelve hours after becoming a cyclone, the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Joyce early on September 26. Joyce continued to strengthen and was upgraded to a hurricane by September 27. On the following day, a pinhole eye appeared, and shortly thereafter, Joyce peaked as a strong Category 1 hurricane with winds of 90 mph (150 km/h) on September 28. However, wind shear and a possible intrusion of dry air caused Joyce to become disorganized and weaken. Late on September 29, Joyce was downgraded to a tropical storm while centered well east of the Lesser Antilles.[36]

Though it was always predicted to re-intensify, Joyce continued to weaken and became a tropical depression on October 1 while crossing through the southern Windward Islands. Early on the following day, Joyce unexpectedly degenerated back into an open tropical wave over the southeast Caribbean Sea. The remnants were monitored for regeneration, but never developed back into a tropical cyclone. Overall, impact from Joyce was minimal, limited to mainly rainfall and near-tropical storm force winds in Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.[36] The remnants of Joyce also caused similar affects on the ABC islands and Dominican Republic, which resulted in minor damage.[37][38]

Hurricane Keith

Category 4 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration September 28 – October 6
Intensity 140 mph (220 km/h) (1-min),  939 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Keith

A tropical wave emerged off the west coast of Africa on September 16. The system uneventfully crossed the Atlantic and Caribbean, before developing into Tropical Depression Fifteen while near Honduras on September 28. The depression gradually strengthened, and became Tropical Storm Keith on the following day. As the storm tracked westward, it continued to intensify and was upgraded to a hurricane on September 30. Shortly thereafter, Keith began to rapidly deepen, and peaked as a Category 4 hurricane less than 24 hours later. Keith then began to meander erratically offshore of Belize, which significantly weakened the storm due to land interaction. By late on October 2, Keith made landfall in Ambergris Caye, Belize as a minimal hurricane. It weakened quickly weakened to a tropical storm, before another landfall occurred near Belize City early on the following day. While moving inland over the Yucatán Peninsula, Keith weakened further, and was downgraded to a tropical depression before emerging into the Gulf of Mexico on October 4. Once in the Gulf of Mexico, Keith began to re-strengthen and was upgraded to a tropical storm later that day, and a hurricane on the following day. By late on October 5, Keith made its third and final landfall near Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico as a moderately strong Category 1 hurricane. The storm quickly weakened inland and dissipated as a tropical cyclone by 24 hours after landfall.[39]

Keith brought heavy rainfall to several countries in Central America, which resulted in extensive flooding, especially in Belize and Mexico. In Guatemala, the storm flooded 10 towns,[39] and caused one fatality.[40] Similarly, one fatality also occurred in El Salvador, and at least 300 people were affected by flooding in that country.[41] Thirteen communities in Nicaragua were completely isolated after Keith made roads impassable.[42] Twelve deaths were reported in Nicaragua, all of which were flood-related.[39][41] Five people were presumed dead in Honduras after an aircraft disappeared near Roatán; one other fatality occurred due to flooding. The storm brought torrential rainfall to Belize, with many areas reporting at least 10 inches (250 mm) of rain, while highest reported amount of precipitation was greater than 30 inches (760 mm).[39] In Belize, a village reported that only 12 houses remained, while elsewhere in the country, at least 60 homes were destroyed or damaged;[39] several houses in Belize City suffered minor roof damage. At least 19 people were killed in Belize and damages totaled to $280 million (2000 USD).[43] Heavy rainfall also occurred in Mexico, especially in the states of Nuevo León and Tamaulipas.[44] Flooding by Keith caused several mudslides and a few rivers reached historic levels. Throughout Mexico, at least 460 houses were damage or destroyed and other losses in infrastructure occurred.[7] In addition, one person drowned due to heavy rainfall.[39] Damages incurred in associated with Keith in Mexico totaled to approximately $365.9 million (2000 MXN, $38.7 million 2000 USD). Overall, Keith was responsible for 40 deaths [41][43][39] and $319 million (2000 USD) in damage.[7][40][41][43]

Tropical Storm Leslie

Main article: Tropical Storm Leslie (2000)
Tropical storm (SSHS)
Duration October 4 – October 7
Intensity 45 mph (75 km/h) (1-min),  1006 mbar (hPa)

A low pressure area formed offshore of Fort Myers, and drifted across Florida, causing significant rainfall across the southern portion of the state, with 17.50 in (444.5 mm) falling in South Miami. The system soon developed subtropical characteristics over the state and was designated as a subtropical depression, as it began to emerge into the Atlantic off the eastern coast of Florida. The cyclone later acquired tropical characteristics and intensified, becoming Tropical Storm Leslie on October 5 while 220 mi (370 km) east of St. Augustine, Florida. At this point, Tropical Storm Leslie appeared to be somewhat of a threat to Bermuda, resulting in tropical storm watches and warnings on October 6, though later cancelled when Leslie curved northeastward. It remained a weak tropical storm as it moved east, then north-northeast, and became extratropical on October 7. The extratropical remnants accelerated northeastward, making landfall over Newfoundland on October 8, and finally dissipating near Ireland by October 10. No damages were associated with Tropical Storm Leslie or the subtropical depression. However, the disturbance that developed into Tropical Storm Leslie was responsible for $950 million (2000 USD, $1.21 billion 2012 USD) worth of damage in Florida, half of it agricultural losses.[45]

Hurricane Michael

Category 2 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration October 15 – October 20
Intensity 100 mph (155 km/h) (1-min),  965 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Michael

A low pressure system developed after detaching from a cold front while between Florida and Bermuda. The low pressure area slowly formed a circulation and began to deepen on October 14 as it drifted north-northeastward. By October 15, the system developed into a subtropical depression while centered about midway between Florida and Bermuda. Later that day, satellite classifications using the Hebert-Poteat technique indicated that the subtropical depression had strengthened into a subtropical storm, and it was upgraded at 0000 UTC on October 16. Due to SST's in excess of 82 °F (28 °C), the subtropical storm developed persistent convection near the low-level center and it slowly acquired tropical characteristics. By 0000 UTC on October 17, the subtropical storm was re-classified as Tropical Storm Michael.[46] Three hours later, the National Hurricane Center began advisories on Michael, though initially it was erroneously classified as Tropical Depression Seventeen.[47]

Although Michael was predicted intensify modestly,[47][48] it rapidly strengthened, and became a hurricane later on October 17.[46] Michael fluctuated slightly in intensity while tracking over an area of decreasing SST's. However, another brief period of rapid intensification occurred due to baroclinic effects, and Michael peaked as a minimal Category 2 hurricane. Shortly thereafter, Michael transitioned into an extratropical cyclone before making landfall near Harbour Breton, Newfoundland.[46] Throughout Newfoundland, Michael and the remnant extratropical cyclone produced high winds, which tore off roofs, ripped off roof shingles, caused sporadic power outages, shattered windows, and uprooted trees in a few communities.[49] Precipitation produced by the storm was light and peaked at 3.77 inches (96 mm) in North Mountain, Nova Scotia. Michael also produced rainfall in Maine[50] and Bermuda.[51] There were no damage figures available, though damage was considered to be relatively light.[49][46]

Tropical Storm Nadine

Tropical storm (SSHS)
Duration October 19 – October 21
Intensity 60 mph (95 km/h) (1-min),  999 mbar (hPa)

In mid-October 2000, a strong upper-level trough and a tropical wave interacted while located in the central Atlantic. The system moved slowly westward and convection began increasing. By October 19, the system became stationary and developed a surface circulation. Later that day, Tropical Depression Eighteen developed 690 mi (1,110 km) southeast of Bermuda. The depression tracked slowly northward and then northeastward around a subtropical ridge and ahead of a cold front. As wind shear decreased, convective activity became better organized on October 20. By 1200 UTC on that day, the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Nadine. As the storm peaked with winds of 60 mph (95 km/h), a possible eye-like feature and an impressive outflow were observed on satellite imagery. However, wind shear increased again and convection began to weaken. Early on October 22, Nadine interacted with a frontal zone and subsequently transitioned into an extratropical low.[52]

Unnamed Subtropical Storm

Subtropical storm (SSHS)
Duration October 25 – October 29
Intensity 70 mph (110 km/h) (1-min),  975 mbar (hPa)

On October 25, an extratropical low pressure system formed to the east of the Turks and Caicos Islands. It moved northwestward and gradually intensified, and by 1800 UTC the system transitioned into a subtropical storm. It turned to the north and later to the northeast. A burst of convection near the center allowed the storm to attain peak winds of 65 mph (105 km/h); due to its forward motion, it is possible the surface winds reached as high as 85 mph (135 km/h). An approaching cold front caused the storm to become extratropical on October 29, and later that day a larger extratropical storm absorbed the previously subtropical storm near Nova Scotia.[53]

The Marine Prediction Center issued some marine gale and storm warnings offshore, while the National Weather Service issued gale warnings for coastal North Carolina. It was not designated as a subtropical cyclone operationally. The storm produced tropical storm force winds in portions of Atlantic Canada, although it was associated with the larger extratropical storm at the time. Several ships also recorded tropical storm force winds, one of which recorded peak winds of 53 mph (85 km/h)[53]

Season impact

This is a table of all of the storms that formed in the 2000 Atlantic hurricane season. It includes their duration, names, landfall(s) – denoted by bold location names – damages, and death totals. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but are still related to that storm. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical or a wave or low, and all of the damage figures are in 2000 USD.

Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale
TD TS C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
2000 North Atlantic tropical cyclone statistics
Storm
name		 Dates active Storm category

at peak intensity

 Max 1-min
wind

mph (km/h)

 Min.
press.
(mbar)		 Areas affected Damage
(millions
USD)		 Deaths
One June 7 – June 8 Tropical depression 30 (45) 1008 Mexico, Texas none 0
Two June 23 – June 25 Tropical depression 35 (55) 1008 none none 0
Alberto August 3 – August 23 Category 3 hurricane 125 (205) 950 Senegal, East Coast of the United States, Iceland and Jan Mayen none 0
Four August 8 – August 11 Tropical depression 35 (55) 1009 none none 0
Beryl August 13 – August 15 Tropical storm 50 (85) 1007 Mexico (Tamaulipas), Texas .027 1
Chris August 17 – August 19 Tropical storm 40 (65) 1008 none none 0
Debby August 19 – August 24 Category 1 hurricane 85 (140) 991 Lesser Antilles (Barbuda, St. Barthelemy, Virgin Gorda), Greater Antilles, Turks and Caicos, Florida .735 0 (1)
Ernesto September 1 – September 3 Tropical storm 40 (65) 1008 none none 0
Nine September 8 – September 9 Tropical depression 35 (55) 1008 Gulf Coast of the United States (Texas) none 0
Florence September 10 – September 17 Category 1 hurricane 80 (130) 985 Bermuda, North Carolina, Newfoundland none 0 (3)
Gordon September 14 – September 21 Category 1 hurricane 80 (130) 981 Mexico (Quintana Roo), Southeastern United States (Florida), Mid-Atlantic states, New England 10.8 24 (2)
Helene September 15 – September 25 Tropical storm 70 (110) 986 Southeastern United States (Florida) 16 1 (1)
Isaac September 21 – October 1 Category 4 hurricane 140 (220) 943 Bermuda, New York, British Isles none 1
Joyce September 25 – October 2 Category 1 hurricane 90 (150) 975 Windward Islands, ABC Islands, Dominican Republic Unknown 0
Keith September 28 – October 6 Category 4 hurricane 140 (220) 939 Central America (Belize), Mexico (Tamaulipas) 319 40
Leslie October 4 – October 7 Tropical storm 45 (75) 1006 Cuba, Florida, Bermuda, Newfoundland 950 0 (3)
Michael October 15 – October 20 Category 2 hurricane 100 (175) 965 Bermuda, Maine, Atlantic Canada Unknown 0
Nadine October 19 – October 21 Tropical storm 60 (95) 999 none none 0
Unnamed October 19 – October 21 Subtropical storm 65 (100) 976 New England, Atlantic Canada Unknown 0
Season Aggregates
19 cyclones June 7 – October 29   140 (220) 939 1,296.5 67 (10)

Storm names

The following names were used for named storms that formed in the north Atlantic in 2000. The names not retired from this list will be used again in the 2006 season. This is the same list used for the 1994 season. Storms were named Joyce (which replaced Joan from the 1982-1988 list), Leslie, Michael, and Nadine for the first time in 2000. Names that were not assigned are marked in gray.

  • Oscar (unused)
  • Patty (unused)
  • Rafael (unused)
  • Sandy (unused)
  • Tony (unused)
  • Valerie (unused)
  • William (unused)

Retirement

See also: List of retired Atlantic hurricane names

The World Meteorological Organization retired one name in the spring of 2001: Keith. It was replaced for the 2006 season with Kirk. Kirk was not used in the 2006 season, so it therefore remains on the list of names for 2012.

See also

Book: 2000 Atlantic hurricane season
Wikipedia books are collections of articles that can be downloaded or ordered in print.

References

  1. ^ Gray, William M.; Klotzbach, Philip J.; Landsea, Cristopher W. (April 7, 2000). "Extended Range Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity and U.S. Landfall Strike Probability for 2000". Colorado State University. http://typhoon.atmos.colostate.edu/forecasts/2000/april2000/. Retrieved August 18, 2010. 
  2. ^ a b Climate Prediction Center (May 10, 2000). "NOAA: 2000 Atlantic hurricane outlook". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/hurricane2000/May/hurricane.html. Retrieved January 26, 2008. 
  3. ^ Climate Prediction Center (August 10, 2000). "NOAA: 2000 Atlantic hurricane outlook". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/hurricane2000/August/hurricane.html. Retrieved August 18, 2010. 
  4. ^ Climate Prediction Center (2002). "Background Information: The North Atlantic Hurricane Season". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/hurricane2002/hurricane2002_background.html. Retrieved August 18, 2010. 
  5. ^ a b c d e James Franklin, Lixion Avila, Jack Beven, Miles Lawrence, Richard Pasch, and Stacy Stewart (December 2001). "Atlantic Hurricane Season of 2000". National Hurricane Center. http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/2000.pdf. Retrieved November 14, 2011. 
  6. ^ a b c d e Stacy Stewart (November 14, 2000). "Tropical Storm Beryl Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2000beryl.html. Retrieved October 30, 2011. 
  7. ^ a b c d Daniel Bitrán Bitrán, Martín Jiménez Espinosa, Héctor Eslava Morales, Marco Antonio Salas Salinas, María Teresa Vázquez Conde, Lucía Guadalupe Matías Ramírez, Krishna Susana Camacho Quintana, Lorena Acosta Colsa (November 2001). "Impacto socioeconómico de los principales desastres ocurridos en a la República Mexicana en el año 2000". CENAPRED. http://web.archive.org/web/20080227010138/http://www.proteccioncivil.gob.mx/upLoad/Publicaciones/ised_2000.pdf. Retrieved October 30, 2011. 
  8. ^ a b c d e Pasch, Richard (December 8, 2000). "Hurricane Debby Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2000debby.html. Retrieved December 25, 2009. 
  9. ^ Hurricane Research Division (March 2011). "Atlantic basin Comparison of Original and Revised HURDAT". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/Comparison_of_Original_and_Revised_HURDAT_mar11.html. Retrieved 2011-07-23. 
  10. ^ David Levinson (2008-08-20). "2005 Atlantic Ocean Tropical Cyclones". National Climatic Data Center. http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/2005/2005-atlantic-trop-cyclones.html. Retrieved 2011-07-23. 
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i Gary Padgett (2000). "Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary June 2000". Australia Severe Weather. http://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2000/summ0006.htm. Retrieved October 20, 2011. 
  12. ^ a b Richard Pasch (June 13, 2000). "Tropical Depression One Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2000one.html. Retrieved October 20, 2011. 
  13. ^ Lixion Avila (June 7, 2000). "Tropical Depression One Discussion Number 1". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2000/dis/NAL0100.001.html. Retrieved October 20, 2011. 
  14. ^ Lixion Avila and Stacy Stewart (June 8, 2000). "Tropical Depression One Discussion Number 5". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2000/dis/NAL0100.005.html. Retrieved October 20, 2011. 
  15. ^ Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (July 13, 2000). "Depresión Tropical N° 1" (in Spanish). Centro Nacional de Previsión del Tiempo.. http://smn.cna.gob.mx/ciclones/tempo2000/atlantico/dt1/dt1.html. Retrieved October 27, 2011. 
  16. ^ a b c Miles Lawrence (July 1, 2000). "Tropical Depression Two Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2000two.html. Retrieved October 21, 2011. 
  17. ^ James Franklin (June 24, 2000). "Tropical Depression Two Discussion Number 1". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2000/dis/NAL0200.001.html. Retrieved October 21, 2011. 
  18. ^ "CLIQR database". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. October 19, 2011. http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/research/roth/ebtrk_nhc_final.txt. Retrieved October 24, 2011. 
  19. ^ James Franklin (June 24, 2000). "Tropical Depression Two Discussion Number 2". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2000/dis/NAL0200.002.html. Retrieved October 21, 2011. 
  20. ^ a b Jack Beven (December 8, 2000). "Hurricane Alberto Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2000alberto.html. Retrieved October 24, 2011. 
  21. ^ James Franklin (August 31, 2000). "Tropical Depression Four Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2000four.html. Retrieved October 20, 2011. 
  22. ^ Stacy Stewart (August 14, 2000). "Tropical Depression Five Discussion Number 2". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2000/dis/NAL0500.002.html. Retrieved October 30, 2011. 
  23. ^ Miles Lawrence (August 14, 2000). "Tropical Depression Five Discussion Number 3". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2000/dis/NAL0500.003.html. Retrieved October 30, 2011. 
  24. ^ James Franklin (August 14, 2000). "Tropical Storm Beryl Discussion Number 4". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2000/dis/NAL0500.004.html. Retrieved October 30, 2011. 
  25. ^ David Roth (January 27, 2007). "Tropical Storm Beryl - August 13-16, 2000". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/beryl2000.html. Retrieved October 30, 2011. 
  26. ^ Lixion Avila (September 5, 2000). "Tropical Storm Chris Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2000chris.html. Retrieved October 20, 2011. 
  27. ^ Miles Lawrence (October 16, 2000). "Tropical Storm Ernesto Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2000ernesto.html. Retrieved October 21, 2011. 
  28. ^ a b Jack Beven (November 17, 2000). "Tropical Depression Nine Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2000nine.html. Retrieved October 20, 2011. 
  29. ^ a b David Roth (August 4, 2008). "Tropical Depression #9 - September 5-10, 2000". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td92000.html. Retrieved October 20, 2011. 
  30. ^ "Tropical Cyclone Rainfall for the Gulf Coast". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. 2011. http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/tcgulfcoast.html. Retrieved November 9, 2011. 
  31. ^ Associated Press (September 10, 2000). "Heavy rains from tropical depression". Argus-Press. http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8D4iAAAAIBAJ&sjid=sqwFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5618,729663&dq=tropical+depression&hl=en. Retrieved November 9, 2011. 
  32. ^ Franklin, James (November 9, 2000). "Hurricane Florence Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2000florence.html. Retrieved August 10, 2010. 
  33. ^ a b Stewart, Stacy (May 14, 2001). "Hurricane Gordon Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2000gordon.html. Retrieved August 10, 2010. 
  34. ^ Blake, Eric; Avila, Lixion (October 17, 2000). "Tropical Storm Helene Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2000helene.html. Retrieved August 10, 2010. 
  35. ^ a b Richard Pasch (December 18, 2000). "Hurricane Isaac Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2000isaac.html. Retrieved October 24, 2011. 
  36. ^ a b Miles Lawrence (November 3, 2000). "Hurricane Joyce Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2000joyce.html. Retrieved October 24, 2011. 
  37. ^ "Climatological Summary 2000". Meteorological Service of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. February 2001. http://web.archive.org/web/20051026214216/http://www.weather.an/reports/documents/Summary2000.pdf. Retrieved October 24, 2011. 
  38. ^ "2000 Hurricane Season" (DOC). World Meteorological Organization. 
  39. ^ a b c d e f g Jack Beven (January 29, 2001). "Hurricane Keith Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2000keith.html. Retrieved November 27, 2011. 
  40. ^ a b BBC (October 3, 2000). "Hurricane Keith batters Belize". BBC. Archived from the original on May 26, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5yyOd1023. Retrieved November 27, 2011. 
  41. ^ a b c d Associated Press (October 2, 2000). "Sluggish Hurricane Keith swamps Central America with rain". CNN. Archived from the original on June 15, 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070615153847/http://archives.cnn.com/2000/WEATHER/10/02/hurricane.keith/index.html. Retrieved December 16, 2007. 
  42. ^ PAHO (October 3, 2000). "Floods in Nicaragua, 3 October 2000, at 0600 hrs.". Pan American Health Organization. Archived from the original on March 9, 2010. http://web.archive.org/web/20100309083454/http://www.paho.org/English/DD/PED/keith-nic-oct3.htm. Retrieved November 27, 2011. 
  43. ^ a b c Jay H. Lawrimore, Michael S. Halpert, Gerald D. Bell, Matthew J. Menne, Bradfield Lyon, Russell C. Schnell, Karin L. Gleason, David R. Easterling, Wasila Thiaw, William J. Wright, Richard R. Heim Jr., David A. Robinson, and Lisa Alexander (June 2001). "Climate Assessment for 2000". Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society 82 (6): 1304–1304. Bibcode 2001BAMS...82.1304L. doi:10.1175/1520-0477(2001)082<1304:CAF>2.3.CO;2. http://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/pdf/10.1175/1520-0477%282001%29082%3C1304%3ACAF%3E2.3.CO%3B2. 
  44. ^ David Roth (January 21, 2007). "Hurricane Keith - October 1-8, 2000". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/keith2000.html. Retrieved November 27, 2011. 
  45. ^ Franklin, James; Brown, Daniel (November 5, 2000). "Tropical Storm Leslie (Subtropical Depression One) Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2000leslie.html. Retrieved August 10, 2010. 
  46. ^ a b c d Stacy Stewart (November 20, 2000). "Hurricane Michael Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2000michael.html. Retrieved November 5, 2011. 
  47. ^ a b James Franklin (October 17, 2000). "Tropical Depression Seventeen Discussion Number 1". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2000/dis/NAL1700.001.html. Retrieved November 5, 2011. 
  48. ^ Stacy Stewart (October 17, 2000). "Tropical Storm Michael Discussion Number 2". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2000/dis/NAL1700.002.html. Retrieved November 5, 2011. 
  49. ^ a b "2000-Michael". Environment Canada. September 14, 2010. http://www.ec.gc.ca/Hurricane/default.asp?lang=En&n=07F1495F-1. Retrieved November 5, 2011. 
  50. ^ "Ex-Hurricane Michael October 18–21, 2000". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. September 20, 2006. http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/michael2000rain.gif. Retrieved November 5, 2011. 
  51. ^ "Weather Summary for October 2000". Bermuda Weather Service. November 13, 2000. http://web.archive.org/web/20051025050628/http://www.weather.bm/data/2000-10.html. Retrieved November 5, 2011. 
  52. ^ Lixion Avila (November 15, 2000). "Tropical Storm Nadine Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2000nadine.html. Retrieved October 20, 2011. 
  53. ^ a b Beven, Jack (November 27, 2000). "Subtropical Storm Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2000subtropical.html. Retrieved December 19, 2009. 

External links

Tropical cyclones of the 2000 Atlantic hurricane season
Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale
TD TS C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
Book  · Category  · Portal  · WikiProject  · Commons
Previous: 1999 · 2000 · 2001 · 2002 · 2003 · 2004 · 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · Next: 2010