2004 Hurricane Season

2004 Hurricane Season: A Record-Breaking Year for Hurricanes

Overview

The 2004 Atlantic hurricane season was one of the most active and destructive on record, with 15 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 6 major hurricanes. The season began on June 1 and ended on November 30, and its activity was well above the average for the period of 1950-2005.

Notable Hurricanes

The 2004 season was marked by several notable hurricanes, including Hurricane Ivan, Hurricane Jeanne, and Hurricane Charley. Hurricane Ivan was the most intense hurricane of the season, with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph. It made landfall in Alabama and caused widespread damage along the Gulf Coast.

Hurricane Jeanne was the deadliest hurricane of the season, with 3019 deaths reported in Haiti. It also caused significant damage in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

Hurricane Charley was the first major hurricane to make landfall in Florida since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. It caused extensive damage in southwest Florida and left thousands of people without power.

Impact

The 2004 hurricane season had a significant impact on the United States and the Caribbean. The storms caused an estimated $26 billion in damage and resulted in the deaths of over 3000 people.

The hurricanes also had a significant impact on the environment. The storms caused widespread flooding and erosion, and they also damaged coral reefs and other marine ecosystems.

Conclusion

The 2004 hurricane season was a reminder of the devastating power of these storms. The season was a wake-up call for coastal communities, and it highlighted the need for better hurricane preparedness and mitigation efforts.