In May, scientists suggested that the 2005 hurricane season would be active, "above normal." In August, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAH) revised this prediction upward, to 18-21 named storms with 9-11 hurricanes. Climatologists believe that 2005 will be one of the busiest seasons on record; the record is 21 named storms. Some scientists link this increased activity to global warming.
Each time a hurricane hits the US, all citizens feel the pinch due to federal emergency funds. According to
Bloomberg:
Insurers paid a record $22.9 billion last year for four Florida hurricanes. Storm-related payouts almost erased third- quarter earnings last year at Allstate, the biggest publicly traded auto and home insurer.
The season began on 1 June 2005; it ends on 30 November 2005.
Two tropical storms formed in June, five formed in July and four in August.
Records set in 2005:
- Only season to have two hurricanes reach Category 4 before the end of July
- Most storms to form during the month of July (five)
- Strongest storm on record before August
- Hurricane Katrina ranks in the top five most intense Atlantic hurricanes and is the third most intense hurricane, based on pressure, to make landfall in the US.
This is a regularly updated list of 2005 tropical storms and hurricanes, with details on their effects.
-
Arlene - Tropical Storm
39-73 mph wind
Born almost two months earlier than the first storm in 2004. Crossed Cuba and hit the US on 11 June just west of Pensacola, FL.
-
Bret - Tropical Storm
39-73 mph wind
Landfall in Mexico on 29 June.
-
Cindy - Tropical Storm
39-73 mph wind
Landfall in Mexico on 4 July and Mississipi gulf coast on 5 July.
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Hurricane Dennis - Category 4
131-155 mph wind
The strongest storm on record to form before August.
Crossed over Cuba on 8 July; landfall near Pensacola, FL on 10 July. Affected the Gulf coast and moved up to Tennessee.
Estimated damage: $5-9 billion, placing it in the top 10 most costly hurricanes on record (2005 dollars).
- Hurricane Emily - Category 4
131-155 mph wind
Broke Dennis' record, becoming strongest storm to form before August on 16 July
Landfall on 18 July in eastern Mexico.
-
Franklin - Tropical Storm
39-73 mph wind
The first time the sixth named storm has occurred this early in the season.
Paralleled the eastern seaboard.
-
Gert - Tropical Storm
39-73 mph wind
Landfall in Mexico on 25 July.
-
Harvey
- Tropical Storm
39-73 mph wind
Passed south of Bermuda on 4 August.
-
Hurricane Irene - Category 1
74-95 mph wind
Named a hurricane on 14 August; no threat to land.
- Tropical Depression #10 - formed 13 August
-
José - Tropical Storm
39-73 mph wind
Landfall in Mexico on 23 August.
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Hurricane Katrina
- Category 5
> 155 mph wind
Made landfall near North Miami on 24 August; crossed into the Gulf and picked up strength. Hit east of New Orleans on 29 August. President Bush declared a
state of emergency in Louisiana on the 27th.
Katrina reached sustained winds of 175 mph, shutting down oil production in the Gulf of Mexico (the source of 25% of the US oil supply)
For the first time, a mandatory evacuation was issued for New Orleans; most of the city sits below sea level.
Originally: estimated damage: $10-30 billion, placing it in the top 10 most costly hurricanes on record (2005 dollars). Current estimated damage $100-200 billion, making it the most expensive natural disaster in US history.
Complete coverage and
Katrina Timeline
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