1985 Atlantic hurricane season

1985 Atlantic hurricane season
Season summary map
First storm formed July 15, 1985
Last storm dissipated December 9, 1985
Strongest storm Gloria – 919 mbar (hPa) (27.15 inHg), 145 mph (230 km/h) (1-minute sustained)
Total depressions 13
Total storms 11
Hurricanes 7
Major hurricanes (Cat. 3+) 3
Total fatalities 232 direct, 9 indirect
Total damage $4.5 billion (1985 USD)
Atlantic hurricane seasons
1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987
Related article

The 1985 Atlantic hurricane season had the most U.S. landfalling tropical cyclones since 1916. The season officially began on June 1, 1985, and lasted until November 30, 1985. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin.

During the season, eight tropical cyclones made landfall in the United States, six of which were hurricanes, and two were at tropical storm intensity. Hurricanes Danny, Elena, Juan, and Kate, struck the along the northern Gulf Coast, while Hurricanes Gloria and Bob made landfall along the East Coast of the United States. In addition, Tropical Storms Henri and Isabel struck the East Coast of the United States, but minimal impact occurred. Overall, the tropical cyclones of the season caused almost $4.5 billion (1985 USD) in damages and 241 fatalities.

Contents

Season activity

The season's activity was reflected with a cumulative accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) rating of 88,[1] which is classified as "near normal".[2] 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 are excluded from the total.[3]

Storms


Tropical Storm Ana

Tropical storm (SSHS)
Duration July 15 – July 19
Intensity 70 mph (110 km/h) (1-min),  996 mbar (hPa)

The first tropical depression of the season formed south of Bermuda on July 15. Classified as Tropical Depression One, the system slowly curved northward around the island, and intensified into Tropical Storm Ana on the day after development. Heading northward, Ana accelerate north-northeastward under the influence of a frontal system, and eventually paralleled Nova Scotia. While Ana was offshore of Nova Scotia, it had attained its peak intensity, nearly reaching hurricane status at 70 mph (110 km/h). Ana became an extratropical cyclone while merging with a frontal system six hours later. Located near Newfoundland, the remnants of Ana came ashore on the island before dissipation occurred.[4]

Before becoming absorbed by the frontal system, Ana dropped light rainfall and produced moderate winds on Sable Island and Nova Scotia. Passing near Sable Island early on July 19, Ana dropped rainfall which peaked at 3.3 in (83 mm), although 2 in (50 mm) or less was reported on eastern Nova Scotia. After becoming extratropical, the system dropped slightly heavier precipitation amounts over southeastern Newfoundland, which peaked at 4.2 in (106.3 mm) of rain. Ana was also the first storm to form in July since 1979, ending a lengthy gap in the Atlantic, though the gap resumed in 1986.[5]

Hurricane Bob

Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration July 21 – July 26
Intensity 75 mph (120 km/h) (1-min),  1002 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Bob (1985)

Tropical Depression Two formed off the southwest coast of Florida on July 21. The depression hovered for two days without moving much. Two finally strengthened into Tropical Storm Bob and made landfall near Naples, Florida. Heavy rainfall fell on south Florida but there was little or no damage. The storm moved off the Florida peninsula and curved north. Bob strengthened into a hurricane off the Georgia coast and made landfall near Hilton Head, South Carolina. One person was killed in North Carolina from a traffic accident; damage in the Hilton Head area was reported to be minor. The storm produced three tornadoes in Virginia, one of which destroyed two homes. Four people died in the Washington, D.C. area from traffic accidents. Bob was the last tropical storm to form in July until Tropical Storm Barry in 1989.

Hurricane Claudette

Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration August 9 – August 16
Intensity 85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min),  980 mbar (hPa)

A long-lived hurricane, Claudette had its origins from a low pressure area that developed over the eastern United States. Upon emerging into the Atlantic Ocean on August 9, it quickly developed into a tropical depression, and intensified into Tropical Storm Claudette a day and a half later. Claudette embarked on a transatlantic journey east. The storm became a hurricane in the central Atlantic and continued east. The hurricane reached a point just west of the Azores and weakened to a tropical storm. The storm turned northeast, grazed the Azores, and dissipated just north of the islands.[6]

As Claudette passed north of Bermuda, minor affects were reported. Maximum sustained winds on the island reached 28 mph (45 km/h). In addition, rainfall on Bermuda peaked at 0.61 in (15 mm). As Claudette passed over Corvo Island in the Azores, no affects were reported on that island. However, in Lajes das Flores on Flores Island, maximum sustained winds were reported at 29 mph (45 km/h), which gusts up to 52 mph (83 km/h). Furthermore, higher elevations on the island of Flores reported winds as high as 76 mph (122 km/h).[6]

Hurricane Danny

Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration August 12 – August 18
Intensity 90 mph (150 km/h) (1-min),  987 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Danny (1985)

The fourth named storm of the season formed in the western Caribbean, south of Cuba on August 12. Danny spent two full days as a depression before becoming a tropical storm in the southern Gulf of Mexico. The storm continued to strengthen as it turned northward toward Louisiana. By the time it reached the coast off Lake Charles, Danny was a Category 1 hurricane. It made landfall with sustained winds of 80 mph (130 km/h). There was widespread coastal flooding and dozens of homes were destroyed. Danny caused between $50–100 million in damage and two direct casualties.

Hurricane Elena

Category 3 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration August 28 – September 4
Intensity 125 mph (205 km/h) (1-min),  953 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Elena

Elena formed off the southern coast of Cuba on August 28 and quickly strengthened into a tropical storm. The storm traveled the length of the north-Cuban coast and moved into the Gulf of Mexico, where the storm soon became a hurricane. Elena made a curve toward the northwest Florida coast, steadily strengthening. The hurricane stalled off the coast, then strengthened into a major hurricane and switched back west. on September 2, Elena made landfall near Biloxi, Mississippi with sustained winds of 115 mph (185 km/h). After moving inland, Elena rapidly weakened, and was only a tropical storm less than six hours after landfall. Further weakened occurred, albeit slower, and Elena was downgraded to a tropical depression over northwestern Louisiana on September 3. On the following day, Elena dissipated over Missouri.

The erratic path Elena followed through the eastern Gulf of Mexico caused some areas to undergo two emergency evacuations. Although Elena remained offshore of Florida, it generated large waves along the west coast of Florida. Severe damage occurred to the oyster crop, and 40 feet (12 m) of sand was washed away along the Panhandle. Elena also dropped heavy rain in the Florida Big Bend area, where rainfall from the storm peaked at 15.67 in (398 mm) in Cross City. Tornadoes in the Tampa Bay area also caused some damage. Heavy rainfall and high tides also occurred in Louisiana and Mississippi, although less severe compared with Florida. Elena caused $1.25 billion (1985 USD) in damage. In addition, four indirect fatalities, a low number likely due to the massive evacuations prior to landfall.

Early September Tropical Depression

Tropical depression (SSHS)
Duration September 8 – September 13
Intensity 35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

A tropical depression formed on September 8 northwest of the Cape Verde Islands. The system did not develop further and dissipated on September 13.

Tropical Depression Six

Tropical depression (SSHS)
Duration September 11 – September 13
Intensity 35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

On September 11, a tropical depression formed southeast of the Leeward Islands. It dissipated in the central Caribbean on September 13.

Tropical Storm Fabian

Tropical storm (SSHS)
Duration September 15 – September 19
Intensity 65 mph (100 km/h) (1-min),  992 mbar (hPa)

Tropical Depression Eight formed from the remains of Tropical Depression Six east of the Bahamas on September 15 and headed northeast. This depression became Tropical Storm Fabian late the next day. Fabian continued to head northeast and reached a peak intensity of 65 mph (100 km/h) sustained winds and 994 mbar (29.4 inHg) of pressure and thrived there for nearly three days. However, a strong low pressure system was forming to the north, and Fabian was absorbed by this low on September 19.

Hurricane Gloria

Category 4 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration September 16 – September 27
Intensity 145 mph (230 km/h) (1-min),  919 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Gloria

Gloria was one of the most destructive storms of the season, as well as the strongest. Gloria was a Cape Verde-type hurricane that formed from a tropical wave near Cape Verde on September 16. Tropical Depression Eight quickly became Tropical Storm Gloria but did not strengthen further. Gloria weakened back into a depression on September 18. It soon regained storm strength, however, and continued to strengthen. Gloria reached hurricane strength east of the Leeward Islands and turned northwest. The hurricane strengthened further into a Category 4 hurricane and reached peak intensity east of the Bahamas. The winds then dropped to Category 2 strength as Gloria headed up the coast, sending hurricane-force winds barreling across the shoreline. In some cases, Gloria’s eyewall was less than 12 miles (19 km) off the coast. The hurricane stayed a Category 2 until landfall on western Long Island. The storm moved inland and became extratropical over Maine.

Gloria killed eleven and caused $900 million ($1.63 billion in 2005 dollars) in damage.

Tropical Storm Henri

Tropical storm (SSHS)
Duration September 21 – September 25
Intensity 60 mph (95 km/h) (1-min),  996 mbar (hPa)

Tropical Depression Nine formed from a trough of low pressure offshore the Carolinas on September 21 and headed north. It strengthened into Tropical Storm Henri early on September 23 and continued to head north. High wind shear began to take its toll on Henri as it reached Long Island, which also minimized its rainfall impact across New England. The storm weakened into a depression, crossed the eastern end of the island and was absorbed by a frontal zone near Block Island, Rhode Island. Henri produced light rainfall, totaling just over 3 in (76 mm) in eastern North Carolina and central Massachusetts.[7]

Tropical Storm Isabel

Tropical storm (SSHS)
Duration October 7 – October 15
Intensity 70 mph (110 km/h) (1-min),  997 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Tropical Storm Isabel (1985)

Isabel formed off the coast of Hispaniola and strengthened rapidly, reaching tropical storm strength practically in Santo Domingo harbor. Isabel maintained intensity as it crossed the island and actually continued to strengthen. Isabel moved northeast of the Bahamas and curved toward north Florida. It hit near Fernandina Beach but then weakened into a depression and headed out to sea. The storm followed the coast northeast, dissipating near Cape Hatteras. While crossing Puerto Rico, Isabel dropped torrential rainfall, causing mudslides, flash flooding, and 180 casualties. Total damage amounted to $815 million (2005 USD), most of it in Puerto Rico.

Hurricane Juan

Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration October 26 – November 1
Intensity 85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min),  971 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Juan (1985)

Juan was a weak hurricane but was the most destructive of the season by virtue of the erratic track it took at landfall. Juan formed from a tropical wave in the central Gulf of Mexico. The depression quickly strengthened into a tropical storm. The storm moved erratically for the first day and then headed toward Louisiana. Juan became a hurricane as it neared the coast, turning sharply west and making a full, cyclonic (counterclockwise) loop. The storm made landfall at last near Morgan City, then made another cyclonic loop, moving off shore and weakening to a tropical storm. Juan then returned to the coast a third time, coming ashore near Gulf Shores, Alabama. The storm dissipated inland.

Juan caused $1.5 billion dollars ($2.71 billion in 2005 dollars) in damage and killed 24 people, becoming one of Louisiana's worst hurricanes of the 20th century. Most of the deaths were due to an inability to evacuate offshore oil rigs, several of which collapsed during the storm. Several deaths occurred due to a subsequent flooding event in Virginia.

Hurricane Kate

Category 3 hurricane (SSHS)
Duration November 15 – November 23
Intensity 120 mph (195 km/h) (1-min),  954 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Kate (1985)

Kate was a late-season major hurricane that made a direct hit on Panama City, Florida. The storm skipped the depression stage and formed as a tropical storm east of the Bahamas, quickly strengthening into a hurricane. Kate grazed Cuba as a Category 2 hurricane and gently curved north-northeast toward Florida. It briefly became a major hurricane a little less than 200 miles (320 km) west of Tampa, making it the latest major hurricane on record in the Atlantic. The hurricane continued its graceful curve northeast. Kate made landfall just north of Port St. Joe near Mexico Beach, Florida.

The storm caused $700 million dollars (1985 USD, $1.24 billion 2005 USD) in damage, and killed fifteen people, six of which in the United States. The storm disrupted the oyster industry in Apalachicola, Florida, while the tourist industry in Panama City was deeply affected.

Tropical Depression Thirteen

Tropical depression (SSHS)
Duration December 7 – December 9
Intensity 35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min),  Unknown

On December 7, a tropical depression formed about 125 mi (201 km) northwest of Turbaco, Colombia. It survived until at least December 9.[8]

1985 storm names

The following names were used for named storms that formed in the north Atlantic in 1985. The names not retired from this list were used again in the 1991 season. This is the same list used for the 1979 season except for Danny and Fabian, which replaced David and Frederic. Storms were named Danny, Fabian, Isabel, Juan and Kate for the first time in 1985. Names that were not assigned are marked in gray.

  • Henri
  • Isabel
  • Juan
  • Kate
  • Larry (unused)
  • Mindy (unused)
  • Nicholas (unused)
  • Odette (unused)
  • Peter (unused)
  • Rose (unused)
  • Sam (unused)
  • Teresa (unused)
  • Victor (unused)
  • Wanda (unused)

Retirement

See also: List of retired Atlantic hurricane names

The World Meteorological Organization retired two names in the spring of 1986: Elena and Gloria. They were replaced in the 1991 season by Erika and Grace. Despite the devastation, Juan remained on the list, but it would later be retired after Hurricane Juan of 2003. The reason of why Juan was not retired is unknown.

Season effects

This is a table of the storms in 1985 and their landfall(s), if any. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but are still storm-related. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical or a wave or low.

Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale
TD TS C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
1985 North Atlantic tropical cyclone 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)
Ana June 15 – June 19 Tropical storm 70 996 Sable Island (direct hit, no landfall) June 18 45 none 0 
Bob July 21 – July 26 Category 1 hurricane 75 1002 Fort Myers, Florida July 23 45 20 5 
Beaufort, South Carolina July 25 75
Claudette August 9 – August 16 Category 1 hurricane 85 980 none 400 2 
Danny August 12 – August 18 Category 1 hurricane 90 987 Lake Charles, Louisiana August 29 80 100 2 (1) 
Elena August 28 – September 4 Category 3 hurricane 125 953 Cuba August 28 35 1250 2 
Biloxi, Mississippi September 2 115
Six September 11 – September 13 Tropical depression 35 Unknown none none 0 
Fabian September 15 – September 19 Tropical storm 65 992 none none 0 
Gloria September 16 – September 27 Category 4 hurricane 145 919 Cape Hatteras, North Carolina September 26 105 900 8 
Long Beach, New York September 26 105
Henri September 21 – September 25 Tropical storm 70 997 Long Island, New York September 25 40 Minimal 0 
Isabel October 7 – October 15 Tropical storm 70 997 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic October 7 40 459 180+ 
Fernandina Beach, Florida October 10 40
Juan October 26 – November 1 Category 1 hurricane 85 971 Morgan City, Louisiana October 29 85 1500 24 
Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana October 31 60
Gulf Shores, Alabama October 31 70
Kate November 15 – November 23 Category 3 hurricane 120 954 Cuba November 19 110 700 15 
Mexico Beach, Florida November 21 90
Thirteen December 7 – December 9 Tropical depression 35 Unknown none none 0 
Season Aggregates
13 cyclones July 15 – December 9   145 919 16 landfalls 4500 232 (9)

See also

References

  1. ^ 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. 
  2. ^ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (May 27, 2010). "Background information: the North Atlantic Hurricane Season". Climate Prediction Center. http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/background_information.shtml. Retrieved March 30, 2011. 
  3. ^ 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. 
  4. ^ "Preliminary Report: Tropical Storm Ana". National Hurricane Center. 1985. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1985-prelim/ana/. Retrieved April 1, 2011. 
  5. ^ "1985-Ana". Environment Canada. September 15, 2010. http://www.ec.gc.ca/Hurricane/default.asp?lang=En&n=E3DCCED5-1. Retrieved April 1, 2011. 
  6. ^ a b Gerrish, Harold (September 29, 1985). "Preliminary Report: Hurricane Claudette". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1985-prelim/claudett/prelim01.gif. Retrieved July 3, 2011. 
  7. ^ Roth, David (June 17, 2007). "Tropical Storm Henri - September 22-25, 1985". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/henri1985.html. Retrieved 2010-11-12. 
  8. ^ Associated Press (1985-12-10). "Tropical depression forms in Atlantic". Doylestown Daily-Intelligencer. p. 43. http://www.thehurricanearchive.com/Viewer.aspx?img=31167140_clean&firstvisit=true&src=search&currentResult=0&currentPage=10. Retrieved 2008-05-15. 

External links

Tropical cyclones of the 1985 Atlantic hurricane season
Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale
TD TS C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
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