1996 Atlantic hurricane season

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1996 Atlantic hurricane season
Season summary map
Seasonal boundaries
First system formedJune 17, 1996
Last system dissipatedNovember 26, 1996
Strongest storm
NameEdouard
 • Maximum winds145 mph (230 km/h)
(1-minute sustained)
 • Lowest pressure933 mbar (hPa; 27.55 inHg)
Seasonal statistics
Total depressions13, 1 unofficial
Total storms13, 1 unofficial
Hurricanes9
Major hurricanes
(Cat. 3+)		6
Total fatalities256 total
Total damage~ $6.517 billion (1996 USD)
Related articles
Atlantic hurricane seasons
1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998

The 1996 Atlantic hurricane season had the most major hurricanes since

landfalls
, including six hurricanes, one of which was a major hurricane. In total, six major hurricanes formed during the 1996 Atlantic hurricane season—the highest number produced in a single season since 1950.

The four most notable tropical cyclones of the season were hurricanes

Category 2 hurricane on the coast of North Carolina, causing a total of 12 deaths and $335 million (1996 USD) in damage. Hurricane Fran made landfall in the same general area a little over a month later as a Category 3 hurricane, causing 37 deaths and $5 billion in damage. Hurricane Cesar developed in the east Caribbean during late-July, struck Nicaragua, then crossed into the Pacific as a tropical storm, at which time it was given the name Douglas. The system produced strong winds and flooding, leading to 113 deaths and $202.96 million in damage. Finally, Hurricane Hortense formed in the east Atlantic during the month of September and crossed Hispaniola and Puerto Rico
, causing 39 direct deaths and $158 million in damage. Collectively, the tropical cyclones of the 1996 Atlantic hurricane season caused $6.52 billion in damage and 256 deaths.

Seasonal forecasts

Pre-season forecasts

Predictions of tropical activity in the 1996 season
Source Date Named
storms 		Hurricanes Major
hurricanes 		Ref
CSU December 1995 8 5 2 [2]
WRC Early 1996 11 5 N/A [3]
CSU April 11 7 3 [2]
CSU June 10 6 2 [2]
Record high activity 30 15 7 (Tie) [4]
Record low activity 1 0 (tie) 0 [4]
Actual activity 13 9 6

Forecasts of hurricane activity are issued before each hurricane season by noted hurricane experts such as Dr. William M. Gray and his associates at Colorado State University (CSU) and the Weather Research Center (WRC). A normal season, as defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has 12.1 named storms, of these 6.4 reach hurricane strength, and 2.7 major hurricanes, which are Category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson scale.[5] Additional, the 1950-2000 CSU average for a normal season is 9.6 named storms, of these 5.9 reach hurricane strength, and 2.3 become major hurricanes.[6]

In December 1995, CSU predicted that only 8 named storms would form and 5 of those would become hurricanes; no specific number of major hurricanes was given. However, in April 1996, CSU revised their forecast, stating that 11 named storms would develop, with seven of those intensifying into a hurricane, and three reaching major hurricane intensity. In June, CSU predicted 10 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes.[2] The forecast by the WRC in early 1996 was 10 named storms and 6 hurricanes, though there was no prediction on the number of major hurricanes.[3]

Seasonal summary

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the 1996 Atlantic hurricane season.
Hurricane Marco (1996)Hurricane Lili (1996)Tropical Storm Josephine (1996)Hurricane HortenseHurricane FranHurricane Edouard (1996)Hurricane Dolly (1996)Hurricane Cesar–DouglasHurricane Bertha (1996)Tropical Storm Arthur (1996)Saffir-Simpson scale
Main Development Region
).

The 1996 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1,

Hurricane Marco also caused damage and fatalities, but neither storm made an official landfall.[11][12] Additionally, the 1996 season was only the second on record in which more than one storm crossed between the Atlantic Pacific basins (Cesar and Dolly). This record would be tied again 26 years later in 2022.[13]

Tropical cyclogenesis in the 1996 Atlantic hurricane season began with the development of Tropical Storm Arthur on June 17. In the month of July, two tropical cyclones formed, both of which later attained hurricane status. August was the most active month of the season, with a total of four storms developing in that period of time. The month of August also featured the strongest and costliest tropical cyclones of the season, Hurricane Edouard and Hurricane Fran, respectively.[8] Although September is the climatological peak of hurricane season,[14] only two tropical cyclones developed in that month. Despite this, both reached major hurricane status. Three tropical cyclones formed in October, with one attaining hurricane status. Finally, one tropical cyclone developed in November, Hurricane Marco. The storm lasted 10 days before dissipating on November 26.[8]

The season's activity was reflected with an

Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) index of 166.[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. It is only calculated for full advisories on tropical systems at or exceeding 39 mph (63 km/h), which is the threshold for tropical storm strength.[15]

Systems

Tropical Storm Arthur

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationJune 17 – June 21
Peak intensity45 mph (75 km/h) (1-min);
1002 mbar (hPa)

An area of increasing convection, possibly associated with a

subtropical ridge. Despite moderately strong wind shear, the depression strengthened and was upgraded to Tropical Storm Arthur while re-curving northeastward at 0000 UTC on June 19. About 24 hours later, Arthur made landfall near Cape Lookout, North Carolina with winds of 45 mph (72 km/h). The storm weakened to a tropical depression early on June 20, before becoming extratropical the next day.[16]

On June 18, a

Georgia and Virginia, though the amounts of rainfall recorded rarely exceeded 3 inches (76 mm). Sustained winds of 46 mph (74 km/h) were reported, and offshore, the Atlantic Huron reported a sustained wind of 48 mph (77 km/h) at 1500 UTC on June 19, while located 35 mi (56 km) southeast of Arthur's center. In addition, a C-Man station located about 34.5 mi (55.5 km) southeast of Cape Fear, North Carolina reported sustained winds of 39 mph (64 km/h) and gusts up to 45 mph (75 km/h).[23] Overall, damage caused by Arthur was minimal, totaling only $1 million (1996 USD).[24]

Hurricane Bertha

Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationJuly 5 – July 14
Peak intensity115 mph (185 km/h) (1-min);
960 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Bertha (1996)

A tropical wave developed into Tropical Depression Two at 0000 UTC on July 5, while located about 575 miles (925 km) east of

rapid intensification began late on July 8, with Bertha peaking as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) on the following day. Moving around the western periphery of a subtropical ridge, Bertha passed north of the Bahamas as a weakening hurricane before turning towards the north-northeast and re-strengthened. Late on July 12, Bertha made landfall between Wrightsville Beach and Topsail Beach, North Carolina with winds of 90 mph (140 km/h). Gradual weakening ensued the following day as Bertha moved up the Mid-Atlantic states and into New England before becoming extratropical on July 14.[25]

In the United States Virgin Islands, heavy rainfall and hurricane-force winds damaged about 2,500 homes, of which 43 lost their roofs. Many boats were destroyed. Total damage was estimated near $7.5 million.[26] The storm caused 3 deaths in Puerto Rico.[25] Additionally, damage in Puerto Rico totaled $7.5 million.[26] Two deaths were confirmed in Saint Martin.[25] The storm caused numerous power outages and damaged 10 homes in Antigua and Barbuda.[27] Four deaths occurred in Florida, three of which due to rip currents.[26] North Carolina bore the brunt of the hurricane in the United States. Storm surge destroyed several fishing piers, marinas, and boats. A combination of storm surge and strong winds damaged over 5,000 homes and buildings,[25] with at least 4 destroyed.[26] There were 2 deaths in the state. The remnants brought local flooding and minor wind damage to the Mid-Atlantic, New England,[25] and Atlantic Canada.[28] One surfer died in New Jersey.[25] Overall, the storm caused 12 deaths and about $285 million in damage, primarily in eastern North Carolina.[25][26]

Hurricane Cesar

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationJuly 24 – July 28 (Exited basin)
Peak intensity85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min);
985 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Cesar–Douglas

A tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa on July 17. It developed into Tropical Depression Three near

ABC islands to roofs and trees; one person drowned in heavy surf on Curaçao.[30] An additional three people drowned offshore Venezuela.[31] In Colombia, heavy rainfall caused 3 deaths,[32] 2 of which were from a mudslide in Pueblo Bello.[33] Strong winds and significant amounts of precipitation lashed the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina, unroofing 60 homes,[34] and resulting in 11 fatalities,[35] and resulting in 800 million COP ($440,00 USD) in damage.[34] The storm continued westward and intensified into a hurricane on July 27.[29]

At 0400 UTC on July 28, Cesar made landfall near Bluefields, Nicaragua, with winds of 85 mph (137 km/h). After weakening to a tropical storm later that day, Cesar moved into the Pacific and was reclassified as Tropical Storm Douglas on July 29.[29] In Nicaragua, the storm wrought about $50.5 million in losses. More than 2,500 homes, 39 bridges and 25 miles (40 km) of roads were destroyed. The storm killed 42 people and left an estimated 100,000 homeless in Nicaragua.[36] In Costa Rica, river flooding damaged or destroyed 3,874 homes; 150 bridges were also destroyed. The road network was significantly damaged.[37] Across the country, at least 39 people were killed and damage amounted to $151 million.[38] Additionally, 12 people died in El Salvador.[39] Overall, Cesar caused 113 deaths and $202.96 million in damage.[40]

Hurricane Dolly

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 19 – August 24 (Exited basin)
Peak intensity80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min);
988 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Dolly (1996)

A tropical wave developed into Tropical Depression Four at 0600 UTC on August 19, while located west-southwest of

Tampico, Tamaulipas. Dolly quickly weakened to a tropical depression early on August 24, but remained intact while crossing Mexico and dissipated over the eastern Pacific Ocean on August 25.[41]

The storm brought heavy rainfall to much of Mexico, peaking at 37.41 inches (950 mm).[42] In Quintana Roo, flooding destroyed a large amount of farmlands. Widespread flooding occurred after a river in the Pueblo Viejo area overflowed its banks. Hundreds of homes were destroyed, displacing about 35,000 people. Large scale evacuations occurred in San Luis Potosí, while about 6,500 fled their homes in the Tampico area. Communications and power outages were reported as far west as Mazatlán, Sinaloa. Throughout Mexico, there were fourteen fatalities reported, six in Veracruz, three in Nuevo León, and one in Monterrey. Additionally, two people were left missing in Nuevo León.[41] The outer bands of Dolly brought rainfall to southern Texas, which caused minor flooding, but was mostly beneficial due to drought conditions in the state.[43]

Hurricane Edouard

Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 19 – September 3
Peak intensity145 mph (230 km/h) (1-min);
933 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Edouard (1996)

A tropical wave developed into Tropical Depression Five on August 19, while located about 345 miles (555 km) southeast of Cape Verde. The depression moved westward and strengthened into Tropical Storm Edouard on August 22. Further intensification occurred, with the storm being upgraded to a hurricane on the following day. Early on August 24, the storm re-curved west-northwestward and began to undergo

rapid deepening. At 0600 UTC on August 25, Edouard attained its maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (233 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 933 mbar (27.6 inHg); it was the most intense tropical cyclone of the season. The storm remained a major hurricane for nearly eight days. Edouard passed well north of the Lesser Antilles and then began re-curving northward on August 29. Later, the storm passed midway between Cape Hatteras and Bermuda on September 1.[11]

Edouard approached

Nantucket, Massachusetts, but turned to the east before reaching land. On September 3, the storm weakened and became extratropical. It was absorbed by a larger system on September 7.[11] Edouard brought rough seas and gusty winds along the East Coast of the United States from South Carolina northward. Strong waves in New Jersey drowned 2 people. Minor erosion and coastal flooding also occurred in several states, especially in New York and Massachusetts.[43] In the latter, wind gusts up to 90 mph (140 km/h) left two-thirds of Nantucket, most of Cape Cod, and all of Martha's Vineyard without electricity. Gusty winds in Maine left about 1,900 without power in Portland.[44] Damage in the United States totaled about $20 million.[45] In Canada, the storm brought rainfall up to 5.35 inches (136 mm) and gusts to 75 mph (121 km/h). Rough seas disrupted ferry service and caused the closure of several beaches.[46]

Hurricane Fran

Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 23 – September 8
Peak intensity120 mph (195 km/h) (1-min);
946 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Fran

A tropical wave developed into Tropical Depression Six on August 23, while located southeast of Cape Verde. The depression moved westward for several days and was upgraded to Tropical Storm Fran on August 27 while 1,035 miles (1,666 km) east of the

Great Lakes and were absorbed by a front on September 10.[47]

In South Carolina, the outer bands of Fran produced high winds and light to moderate rainfall, downing numerous trees and power lines. As a result, a number of cars were damaged and over 63,000 people were left without electricity.[44] Damage in South Carolina reached about $40 million. The state of North Carolina bore the brunt of the storm. Wind gusts as strong as 137 mph (220 km/h) were reported. Additionally, storm tide heights ranging from 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 m) lashed the coast.[47] Damage was most severe in the Raleigh area, exceeding $2 billion. Several hundred thousand falling trees damaged at least 10,000 homes. Throughout the state, approximately 1.7 million people were left without electricity. Damage in North Carolina reached about $5.1 billion, with about $2.3 billion to homes and businesses, $1.1 billion to public property, $1 billion to forestry and timber, and $700 million to agriculture.[48] Elsewhere, Fran brought flooding to several states, including Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, as well as Washington, D.C. Outside North Carolina, effects were worst in Virginia, where flooding and winds left 400,000 people without electricity and caused about $350 million in damage.[44][47] Hurricane Fran was responsible for 37 deaths, with 24 of them in North Carolina.[49] Property damage in the United States was estimated at $5 billion.[50]

Tropical Storm Gustav

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 26 – September 2
Peak intensity45 mph (75 km/h) (1-min);
1005 mbar (hPa)

An area of disturbed weather, accompanied with a low-level circulation, emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa on August 24. It organized further over the next few days, becoming Tropical Depression Seven on August 26, while located about 150 miles (240 km) south of Cape Verde. With a ridge to its north, the system moved west-southwestward. Conditions were initially unfavorable for development due to outflow from Hurricane Fran. On August 28, the depression began moving northwestward due to an approaching trough. Around the same time, the influence from Fran decreased, allowing it to intensify into Tropical Storm Gustav on August 28.[51]

At 0000 UTC on August 29, Gustav reached its peak intensity as a 45 mph (72 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 1,005 mbar (29.7 inHg). Thereafter, the trough previously causing the storm's northwestward motion transitioned into an upper-level low, increasing shear across the region. As a result, the storm slowly weakened and was downgraded to a tropical depression late on September 1. Gustav dissipated at 0600 UTC on the following day, while situated about 1,015 miles (1,633 km) east-northeast of the northernmost Lesser Antilles.[51]

Hurricane Hortense

Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 3 – September 15
Peak intensity140 mph (220 km/h) (1-min);
935 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Hortense

A tropical wave developed into Tropical Depression Eight on September 3, while located about halfway between the Lesser Antilles and Cape Verde. The depression headed westward and barely strengthened until becoming Tropical Storm Hortense early on September 7. Hortense passed over Guadeloupe on the following day and entered the Caribbean Sea. It strengthened into a hurricane on September 9 and then curved northwestward. The storm intensified slightly further, before making landfall near Guánica, Puerto Rico with winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) at 0600 UTC on September 10. It soon moved back offshore and brushed Dominican Republic while crossing the Mona Passage. After re-entering the Atlantic, Hortense substantially strengthened and peaked as a 140 mph (230 km/h) Category 4 hurricane early on September 13. Thereafter, the storm weakened as it tracked rapidly north-northeastward. Early on September 15, Hortense made landfall in Nova Scotia as a minimal Category 1 hurricane. It quickly weakened further to a tropical storm before re-entering the Atlantic and became extratropical later that day.[52]

The storm produced heavy rainfall and gusty winds as it passed through the Lesser Antilles.[52] On Guadeloupe, damage was most significant to crops, with over 50% of banana plantains destroyed.[53][54] Localized flooding was reported on Martinique.[55] Impact was most significant in Puerto Rico. Across the island, 11,463 houses were severely damaged.[52] About 1.4 million people on Puerto Rico were left without electricity – equivalent to about 40% of the island's population.[56] Damage in Puerto Rico was estimated at $153.4 million. There were also 19 deaths, most of which due to drowning during flash floods.[44] In the Dominican Republic, strong winds damaged a number of buildings and houses, and downed several power lines. Flooding also forced the closure of several roads and impacted 80% of crops in Samaná Province. At least 3 fatalities were confirmed in that country.[52] The storm brought strong winds to the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands,[52][56] and lesser winds to Bermuda.[57][58] Later in its duration, Hortense struck Nova Scotia, bringing heavy rainfall and hurricane-force winds to isolated locations. There were many power outages, trees blown down, roofs torn away, and roads damaged in the province. New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island were also impacted, though not as severely as in Nova Scotia. Damage in Atlantic Canada reached approximately $3.64 million.[59]

Hurricane Isidore

Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 24 – October 1
Peak intensity115 mph (185 km/h) (1-min);
960 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave with a well-defined circulation developed into Tropical Depression Nine at 1200 UTC on September 24, while located south of Cape Verde. Due to an

anticyclone to its north, the depression initially moved west-northwestward. After convection wrapped around the circulation and banding features increased, the National Hurricane Center upgraded the depression to Tropical Storm Isidore on September 25. Isidore deepened further and began developing an eye feature. Early on September 26, the storm was upgraded to a hurricane. About 24 hours later, it reached Category 2 intensity. At 0000 UTC on September 28, Isidore attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 960 mbar (hPa; 28.35 inHg).[60]

After reaching peak intensity on September 28, steering current from a quasi-stationary mid- to upper-level low pressure area turned Isidore northward. Later that day, the eye feature disappeared and the storm began weakening due to strong upper-level winds. On September 28, Isidore weakened to a Category 2 hurricane. By the following day, it was downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane. Early on September 30, Isidore weakened to a tropical storm. The storm deteriorated further and was downgraded to a tropical depression at 1200 UTC on the following day. Because much of the deep convection diminished, Isidore was declared extratropical at 0000 UTC on October 1, while located about 490 miles (790 km) west-southwest of Flores Island in the Azores.[60]

Tropical Storm Josephine

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationOctober 4 – October 8
Peak intensity70 mph (110 km/h) (1-min);
981 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Tropical Storm Josephine (1996)

Tropical Depression Ten developed from the remnants of a cold front in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico on October 6. Moving generally eastward, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Josephine on October 6. The next day, it peaked with winds of 70 mph (110 km/h). Josephine made landfall in Taylor County, Florida near peak intensity early on October 8. Shortly after moving inland, the storm became extratropical.[61] Early in its duration, the system interacted with a ridge, resulting in strong winds and high tides in Texas. The outer bands caused flooding rainfall in southern Texas,[62] and in Louisiana, high tides flooded roads and stranded residents on Grand Isle.[63] In Florida, the storm produced a storm surge reaching 9.3 feet (2.8 m) in Suwannee.[61] High tides flooded about 3,600 houses along the west coast.[62] Strong winds left about 400,000 people without power.[64] The storm also spawned at least 16 tornadoes, one of which damaged 130 homes.[62]

The extratropical remnants of Josephine moved along the eastern coast of the United States, producing wind gusts as strong as 77 mph (124 km/h) in St. Mary's County and in Ocean City, Maryland.[62] The winds caused widespread power outages, including 26,000 in Virginia and 31,000 in New Jersey.[62][65] Heavy rainfall flooded low-lying areas and rivers along the storm's path, including in North Carolina which had previously been affected by hurricanes Bertha and Fran earlier in the year.[62] In the Southeastern United States, the storm contributed to dozens of traffic accidents, which killed a person each in Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia.[66] Damage throughout the United States totaled about $130 million.[61] Josephine later moved offshore, and after passing southeast of Cape Cod, moved through Atlantic Canada with moderate rainfall and gusty winds.[67]

Tropical Storm Kyle

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationOctober 11 – October 12
Peak intensity50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min);
1001 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave exited the west coast of Africa on September 27 and crossed the Atlantic and Caribbean before eventually developing into Tropical Depression Eleven on October 11. The depression drifted slowly southwestward and strengthened into Tropical Storm Kyle later that day. Slightly further intensification occurred and Kyle peaked as a 50 mph (80 km/h) tropical storm early on October 12. However, upper-level southwesterly shear caused Kyle to quickly weaken back to a tropical depression later that day. At 1800 UTC on October 12, Kyle made landfall in eastern Guatemala with winds of 30 mph (48 km/h). By early on October 13, the storm had completely dissipated inland.[68]

Portions of the coasts of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico were under a tropical storm warning or hurricane watch as Kyle was approaching; however they were cancelled after Kyle weakened back to a tropical depression.[68] Impact from Kyle was minimal and limited to light rainfall in the countries of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. In Belize, rainfall peaked at 2.32 inches (59 mm).[69] Rainfall to the northwest of the center of Kyle was heavier, with some areas of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula receiving over 3 inches (76 mm); precipitation peaked at 5.71 inches (145 mm) in Tulum.[70]

Hurricane Lili

Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationOctober 14 – October 27
Peak intensity115 mph (185 km/h) (1-min);
960 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Lili (1996)

A tropical wave developed into Tropical Depression Twelve on October 14. After the storm formed, further strengthening of Lili was gradual, first to tropical storm status on October 16 and then to hurricane status on October 17. The next day, Lili made landfall in Matanzas Province, Cuba with winds of 100 mph (160 km/h) and moved across the central portion of the island;[71] it was first hurricane to hit the country since Kate in 1985.[72] After emerging into the Atlantic Ocean, the hurricane accelerated northeastward, briefly peaking as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) near the Bahamas on October 19. For almost an entire week, Hurricane Lili oscillated in intensity while fluctuating several times in forward speed. About two weeks passed before Lili transitioned into an extratropical storm north of the Azores on October 27, which subsequently moved across Ireland and Great Britain.[71]

Early in its duration, Lili caused flooding in Central America that left thousands homeless and killed 14 people.[71] In Cuba, 269,995 people were evacuated in advance of Lili, resulting in no deaths in the country.[73] Damage was heaviest in Cuba, mostly due to the hurricane's heavy rainfall peaking at 29.41 inches (747 mm).[74] The hurricane affected 11 Cuban provinces, damaging 92,542 houses and destroying another 6,369. The rains heavily damaged the sugar cane and banana crops.[75] Overall, damage in the country was estimated at $362 million.[76] In nearby Florida, one person died after being swept into a drain during the storm's heavy rains.[77] Moisture from Lili also fueled a storm that struck the northeastern United States, which contributed indirectly to a death when a man in Maine tried to drive across a flooded roadway.[62] Damage in the Bahamas was not severe and was limited to some damaged roofs and downed trees.[78] When the remnants of Lili struck Ireland and the United Kingdom, it produced strong winds and high seas that damaged hundreds of houses, causing $300 million in damage and six deaths.[79]

Hurricane Marco

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationNovember 16 – November 26
Peak intensity75 mph (120 km/h) (1-min);
983 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Marco (1996)

A cold front interacted with several tropical waves, eventually spawning Tropical Depression Thirteen late on November 16, while southwest of Jamaica. Initially a tropical depression, it remained weak while tracking southwestward and eventually southward. On November 19, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Marco. It re-curved eastward and continued to strengthen, briefly becoming a hurricane on November 20. Marco weakened back to a tropical storm later that day. The storm turned northeastward toward Hispaniola, but later became stationary before curing eastward. Afterwards Marco doubled-back to the west. After weakening to a tropical depression on November 23, Marco became a tropical storm again on the following day. Thereafter, it tracked northwestward while fluctuating in intensity, before dissipating on November 26.[12]

Although it did not make landfall, Marco produced heavy rainfall in the Greater Antilles and Central America, which caused significant flooding in some areas.[12] In Honduras, 4,000 homes were destroyed, 40 bridges washed away,[80] and nearly 50,000 acres of fruit plantations were flooded.[81] Nine deaths were also reported.[80] Flood damage in other Central American countries was also reported, though affects were less severe.[12] Heavy rainfall was also reported in Cuba.[82] Marco also contributed to an ongoing flood in Jamaica and caused three additional fatalities in Dominican Republic.[83][84] Overall, Marco caused 15 fatalities and approximately $8.2 million in damage.[80][83][84][85][86]

Other system

Main article: 1996 Lake Huron cyclone
The cyclone at peak intensity on September 14

On September 13, a rare low-pressure area moved into Lake Huron where it gained subtropical characteristics. It reached its peak intensity of 73 mph (117 km/h) and a central pressure of 993 millibars (29.3 inHg), before making landfall in southwestern Ontario and dissipating soon afterward. The cyclone was dubbed "Hurricane Huron", as it maintained subtropical characteristics while situated over Lake Huron. The Lake Huron cyclone caused heavy rainfall and flooding across Michigan and Eastern Canada, as well as parts of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and the Northeast Coast.[87][88]

Storm names

See also: Tropical cyclone naming, History of tropical cyclone naming, and List of historical tropical cyclone names

The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Atlantic in 1996.[89][90] This is the same list used for the 1990 season,[91] with the exceptions of Dolly and Kyle, which replaced Diana and Klaus, respectively.[92] The name Dolly was previously used under the old naming convention.[93] A storm was named Kyle for the first time this year.

  • Omar (unused)
  • Paloma (unused)
  • Rene (unused)
  • Sally (unused)
  • Teddy (unused)
  • Vicky (unused)
  • Wilfred (unused)

Retirement

See also: List of retired Atlantic hurricane names

In the spring of 1997, the World Meteorological Organization retired the names Cesar, Fran, and Hortense from the Atlantic hurricane name lists. They were replaced with Cristobal, Fay, and Hanna for the 2002 season.[94]

Season effects

This is a table of all of the storms that formed in the 1996 Atlantic hurricane season. It includes their name, duration (within the basin), peak classification and intensities, areas affected, damage, and death totals. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but were still related to that storm. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical, a wave, or a low, and all of the damage figures are in 1996 USD.

Saffir–Simpson scale
TD TS C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
1996
North Atlantic tropical cyclone
season statistics
Storm
name 		Dates active Storm
category

at peak intensity 		Max 1-min
wind
mph (km/h) 		Min.
press.
(mbar) 		Areas affected Damage
(USD) 		Deaths Ref(s).
Arthur June 17 – 21 Tropical storm 45 (75) 1004 Southeastern United States $1 million None
Bertha July 5 – 14 Category 3 hurricane 115 (185) 960
Mid-Atlantic States, New England
 $335 million 12
Cesar July 24 – 28 Category 1 hurricane 85 (140) 985 Curaçao, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico $203 million 113
Dolly August 19 – 26 Category 1 hurricane 80 (130) 989 East Mexico, Texas None 14
Edouard August 19 – September 3 Category 4 hurricane 145 (230) 933 Southeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic states, New England, Nova Scotia $20 million 2
Fran August 23 – September 8 Category 3 hurricane 120 (195) 946 Southeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic states, Midwestern United States, New England, Ontario $5 billion 37
Gustav August 26 – September 2 Tropical storm 45 (75) 1005 None None None
Hortense September 3 – 16 Category 4 hurricane 140 (220) 935 Lesser Antilles, Greater Antilles, Lucayan Archipelago, Atlantic Canada $158 million 39
Isidore September 24 – October 1 Category 3 hurricane 115 (185) 960 None None None
Josephine October 4 – 8 Tropical storm 70 (110) 981 Gulf Coast of the United States, Southeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic states, New England, Atlantic Canada $130 million 0 (3)
Kyle October 11 – 13 Tropical storm 50 (85) 1001 Central America, Mexico None None
Lili October 14 – 27 Category 3 hurricane 115 (185) 960 Central America, Greater Antilles, Bahamas, Ireland, United Kingdom $662 million 22
Marco November 16 – 26 Category 1 hurricane 75 (120) 983 Central America, Greater Antilles $8.2 million 14
Season aggregates
13 systems June 17 – November 26   145 (230) 933 $6.52 billion 253 (3)  

See also

References

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