Hurricane Alex (2004)

Infobox Hurricane
Name=Hurricane Alex
Type=hurricane
Year=2004
Basin=Atl
Image location=Hurricane Alex 04 aug 2004 1500Z.jpg

Outer Banks of North Carolina on August 4
Formed=July 31, 2004
Dissipated=August 6, 2004
1-min winds=105
Pressure=957
Da

Inflated=2
Fatalities=1 direct
Areas=Outer Banks of North Carolina
Hurricane season=2004 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Alex was the first named storm, the first hurricane, and the first major hurricane of the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season. The first storm of the season, Alex formed unusually late in the season; the fifth latest since 1954. It developed from the interaction between an upper-level low and a weak surface trough on July 31 to the east of Jacksonville, Florida. It moved northeastward, and strengthened to attain winds of 100 mph (160 km/h) before passing within 10 miles (16 km) of the Outer Banks coast. Alex strengthened further and reached a peak of 120 mph (190 km/h) winds while off the coast of New England, one of only two hurricanes to reach Category 3 status north of 38º N.

The hurricane produced light damage in the Outer Banks, primarily from flooding and high winds. Over 100 houses were damaged, while numerous cars were disabled from the flooding. Damage totaled about $7.5 million (2004 USD). Alex produced strong waves and rip tides along the East Coast of the United States, causing one death and several injuries.

Meteorological history

A weak surface trough, located to the west of an upper-level low, developed convection to the east of the Bahamas on July 26. [Cite web|author=Franklin|title=July 27 Tropical Weather Outlook|year=2004|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Outlook-A/2004/Jul/2004072720.ABNT20] A tropical wave entered the area two days later, resulting in an increase of convective organization and area. Although conditions were not favorable for tropical cyclone formation, it sped to the northwest and steadily organized, developing a surface area of low pressure on the 30th. On July 31, the system continued to organize, and developed into Tropical Depression One while located 200 miles (320 km) to the east of Jacksonville, Florida.cite web|author=James L. Franklin|title=Hurricane Alex Tropical Cyclone Report|year=2004|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2004alex.shtml?]

As the depression drifted erratically, the system remained weak due to its large circulation and lack of deep convection near the center.cite web|author=Richard Pasch|year=2004|title=Tropical Depression One Discussion Number Three|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2004/dis/al012004.discus.003.shtml?] The center relocated to the south,cite web|author=James L. Franklin|year=2004|title=Tropical Depression One Discussion Number Four|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2004/dis/al012004.discus.004.shtml?] closer to the center. An approaching upper-level trough lessened the shear over the system, allowing the depression to intensify into Tropical Storm Alex on August 1. The trough also caused Alex to increase its forward motion to the northeast. Deep convection continued to build over the center due to low shear and warm waters from the Gulf Stream, and Alex intensified into a hurricane on August 3 while located 75 miles (120 km) southeast of Cape Fear, North Carolina. The cyclone continued to strengthen, and attained Category 2 status just hours after becoming a hurricane. The hurricane approached the Outer Banks of North Carolina, coming within 10 miles (16 km) of Cape Hatteras later on the 3rd. The western portion of the eyewall passed over the Outer Banks, though the center remained offshore.

Alex turned to the east-northeast after passing the Outer Banks in response to becoming embedded within the west-southwesterly flow. The hurricane briefly weakened to a Category 1, but restrengthened due to warm waters of the Gulf Stream.cite web|author=Richard Knabb and Lixion Avila|year=2004|title=Hurricane Alex Discussion Number Eighteen|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2004/dis/al012004.discus.018.shtml?] Water temperatures remained 36°F (2°C) above normal, resulting in Alex intensifying into a 120 mph (195 km/h) major hurricane on August 5 while located 450 miles (710 km) south of Halifax, Nova Scotia.cite web|author=Stacy Stewart|year=2004|title=Hurricane Alex Discussion Number Nineteen|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2004/dis/al012004.discus.019.shtml?] Due to low vertical shear and favorable conditions, Alex remained a Category 3 hurricane until passing over cooler waters late on the 5th while 290 miles (465 km) south of Newfoundland. Alex rapidly weakened, degrading into tropical storm status on August 6. Later on the 6th, Alex became extratropical while 950 miles (1530 km) east of Cape Race, Newfoundland, and lost its identity shortly thereafter.

Preparations

Initially, forecasters believed Alex would remain weak, and on the first advisory the storm was predicted to make landfall as a minimal tropical storm.cite web|author=Jack Beven|year=2004|title=Tropical Depression One Discussion Number 1|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2004/dis/al012004.discus.001.shtml?] However, when strengthening became evident, the National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning from Cape Lookout to Oregon Inlet about 20 hours before hurricane conditions were experienced. In addition, a tropical storm warning existed for much of the North Carolina coastline as Alex paralleled the state.

Despite Tropical Storm Warnings, 3,500 tourists remained on the Outer Banks, though many planned to leave if Alex were to track closer or become stronger. No evacuations were ordered.cite news|author=Ken Derksen & Web Staff|year=2004|title=Beach-goers react to Alex|publisher=News 14 Carolina|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://rdu.news14.com/content/weather/weather_stories/?ArID=52465&SecID=299] cite news|author=RAI Staff|year=2004|title=Alex hits Ocracoke|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://www.outer-banks.com/ecnews/2042index.asp] Officials recommended residents to take precautions for the approaching hurricane.cite news|author=Insurance Journal|year=2004|title=North Carolina Coast Takes on Hurricane Alex|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2004/08/03/44657.htm] The National Weather Service in Morehead City issued a flash flood watch a day before the hurricane moved passed the Outer Banks. The service also issued flash flooding warnings for Craven and Carteret Counties on the day of the hurricane's closest approach.cite web|author=Newport/Morehead City, NC National Weather Service|year=2004|title=Hurricane Alex Impacts Eastern North Carolina|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://www.erh.noaa.gov/mhx/HurricaneAlex.html] In preparation for the hurricane, the Cape Lookout National Seashore was closed and evacuated.cite web|author=Environmental News Service|year=2004|title=Southeast Battens Down the Hatches for Hurricane Alex|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/aug2004/2004-08-03-09.asp] The National Park Service also closed Cape Point Campground.cite news|author=News 14 Carolina Staff|year=2004|title=Campground closed along Outer Banks|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://rdu.news14.com/content/weather/weather_stories/?ArID=52466&SecID=299]

Impact

While drifting off the coast of Florida, Alex produced rip currents and strong waves along the North Carolina resulting in nine lifeguard rescues from the surf. Upon moving by the Outer Banks, a storm surge of up to 6 feet (1.8 m) occurred on the Pamlico Sound side of Buxton and Ocracoke Village. The flooding on Ocracoke Island was the worst since Hurricane Gloria nineteen years earlier. Elsewhere on the Outer Banks, waters rose 2–4 feet (0.6–1.2 m) above normal. Rainfall directly along the coast amounted to over 5 inches (127 mm), while Okracoke experienced 7.55 inches (192 mm). Maximum sustained winds peaked at 77 mph (124 km/h), and gusts peaked at 105 mph (169 km/h) in Hatteras Village. Beach erosion was minor along much of North Carolina's coastline, with the exception of Okracoke Island where erosion was significant.

Cape Fear experienced minor beach erosion. The erosion, combined with high waves, washed out a portion of a roadway.cite web|author=Wilmington National Weather Service|year=2004|title=Hurricane Alex Port Tropical Cyclone Report|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://www.erh.noaa.gov/ilm/archive/08-03-04/PSHILM.txt] The heavy rainfall in the Outer Banks disabled over 200 carscite web|author=RAI Staff|year=2004|title=Alex News Stories|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://www.outer-banks.com/ecnews/2042index.asp] and flooded nearly 500.cite web|year=2004|title=Storm data and unusual weather phenomena (New York-Pennsylvania)|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0QRF/is_8_46/ai_n9481384] Strong wind gusts left around 10,000 buildings without power.cite web|author=Associated Press|year=2004|title=Hurricane Alex leaving thousands in the dark|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://rdu.news14.com/content/weather/weather_stories/?ArID=52524&SecID=299] Many places were not restored for two to three days after the storm. Wind and storm surge damaged over 100 houses and buildings. Damage amounted to about $7.5 million (2004 USD). Two days after the storm passed, a man drowned off of Nags Head from strong rip currents and waves. This was the only direct casualty from the storm.

Alex's outer rainbands produced heavy rainfall across Virginia, peaking at over 7 inches (178 mm) in the center of the state.cite web|author=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|year=2006|title=Rainfall from Hurricane Alex|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/alex2004.html] The rainfall caused localized flooding, but there was no reported damage in the state.cite news|author=Michelle Vischer|year=2004|title=Rain, rain, go away- The effects of Hurricane Alex|publisher=Regents University|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://www.regent.edu/news/rainy_weather_20040803.html] In Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, rip currents produced by the storm injured three people. A few young children had to be rescued when they were trapped by a jetty.cite web|year=2004|title=Storm data and unusual weather phenomena (Alabama-Florida)|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0QRF/is_8_46/ai_n9481380] In New Jersey, the strong surf and rip currents hospitalized at least five swimmers.cite web|year=2004|title=Storm data and unusual weather phenomena (Minnesota-New Mexico)|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0QRF/is_8_46/ai_n9481383]

Alex's extratropical remnants sank the Pink Lady, a rowboat carrying four British rowers attempting to break the record for fastest crossing from St. John's, Newfoundland to Falmouth, Cornwall. They were rescued by a Danish cargo ship, and injuries were limited to a mild concussion and a case of hypothermia. The rowers were roughly two weeks and 370 miles (595 km) from their destination. The group had been on track to break the 1896 record of 54 days by 10 days.cite web|year=2004|title=Pink Lady crew meet RAF heroes|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://www.gopinklady.co.uk/]

Aftermath and records

On Ocracoke Island, officials ordered for the evacuation of the thousands of tourists who stayed, believing that keeping tourists on the island would hinder cleanup efforts.cite web|author=Associated Press|year=2004|title=Ferry evacuations begin on Ocracoke Island|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://rdu.news14.com/content/weather/weather_stories/?ArID=52734&SecID=299] The tourists were evacuated in school buses to Hatteras Island, where they could rent a car if needed. The island was re-opened to visitors on August 6, three days after the storm passed through. Dare County officials requested aid from the National Guard for the cleanup process. The North Carolina Department of Transportation was ready to clear the roads once the storm exited the area. cite web|author=Associated Press|year=2004|title=Stronger-than-expected Hurricane Alex grazes Outer Banks|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://rdu.news14.com/content/weather/weather_stories/?ArID=52571&SecID=299]

Alex marked the fifth-latest start to a hurricane season since 1954.cite news|author=CNN.com|year=2004|title=Hurricane Alex heads out to sea|accessdate=2006-05-22|url=http://www.cnn.com/2004/WEATHER/08/03/alex/index.html] The latest start to a hurricane season since 1954 was Hurricane Anita of the 1977 season, forming on August 29.cite web|author=Hurricane Research Division|year=2007|title=Atlantic Hurricane Best Track (1851-2006)|publisher=NOAA|accessdate=2007-12-30|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/easyhurdat_5106.html] Alex is only the second hurricane on record to have reached Category 3 strength north of 38°N latitude. The other storm was Hurricane Ellen in the 1973 Atlantic hurricane season; Alex was the stronger of the two.

Due to the low damage, the name Alex was not retired and is scheduled to be used next in 2010.

ee also

*List of tropical cyclones
*List of Atlantic hurricanes

References

External links

* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2004alex.shtml? NHC Tropical Cyclone Report on Hurricane Alex]
* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2004/refresh/ALEX+shtml/060842.shtml? NHC advisory archive on Hurricane Alex]