Hurricane Maria (2005)
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| Formed | September 1, 2005 |
| Dissipated | September 10, 2005 (date Maria went extratropical - actual end September 14) |
Hurricane Maria was the thirteenth named storm, sixth hurricane, and fourth major hurricane of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season. One of only three Cape Verde-type hurricanes of the record-breaking season, Maria did not affect any land as a tropical system. However, it brought tropical storm-force winds to Iceland as an extratropical storm and caused heavy rain and one fatality in Norway.
Storm history
Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
Unknown
Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depressionTropical Depression Fourteen developed out of a tropical wave about midway between the Cape Verde Islands and the Lesser Antilles on September 1. It would strengthen into Tropical Storm Maria early on September 2 before slowly moving northwest into the open Atlantic Ocean. Maria then steadily developed and strengthened, and became a hurricane early on September 4.
In the central Atlantic, Maria continued to strengthen over warm water and in a low-shear environment, and by late on September 5 had strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane with 115 mph (185 km/h) winds while far from land. Maria would strenghten no further, and increasing shear and cooler waters caused the storm to quickly weaken to a Category 1 hurricane on September 6 and then operationally weakened to a tropical storm early on the 7th.
Unexpectedly, however, Maria quickly restrengthened back into a hurricane on the morning of September 7. (The TCR confirmed that Maria remained a hurricane throughout that period) It would reorganize somewhat in the north Atlantic before weakening to a tropical storm again on September 9. While forecasts had Maria becoming extratropical quickly, it held onto tropical characteristics and maintained strong tropical storm-force winds across the north Atlantic. Finally, Maria became extratropical about midway between the Azores and Cape Race early on September 10.
The extratropical system intensified considerably, achieving hurricane intensity once again on September 11 [1] at about 52°N, with a minimum pressure of 962 mbar - equal to its minimum pressure as a tropical cyclone. It approached Iceland on September 12 while a hurricane-strength extratropical system (although the center stayed offshore) and hit Norway on September 14, where it finally lost its identity and merged with another extratropical low.
Impact
Maria never approached any land areas while a tropical system, but tracked toward northern Europe after becoming an extratropical storm on September 10.
The first land effects were felt in Iceland on September 12, where tropical storm-force winds were reported. The strongest winds were reported in Vestmannaeyjar where sustained winds of at least 107 km/h (67 mph) were reported (due to reports only every 6 hours, it is likely that winds were even stronger and gusts were likely at hurricane force) as well as a minimum pressure of 979 mbar [2]. There was no reported damage in Iceland.
The storm then brushed the northernmost part of Scotland, with no reported damage there either.
The rain and winds from Maria continued to Norway on September 14. Tropical storm force winds (sustained at up to 90 km/h (56 mph)) and heavy rainfall were reported there as well, resulting in flooding and several mudslides, particularly around Bergen. One person was killed, at least nine others were injured and numerous homes were destroyed. Marine interests were also affected, as a large number of ferries were docked in the Baltic Sea. [3]
Trivia
When Maria developed on September 2, it was the earliest ever in a season that the 13th named tropical storm developed.
See also
External links
Tropical cyclones of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season | ||
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