Hurricane Alex (2004)
| Category 3 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Hurricane Alex intensifying off the Outer Banks on August 4
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| Formed | July 31, 2004 |
|---|---|
| Dissipated | August 6, 2004 |
| Highest winds |
1-minute sustained: 120 mph (195 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 957 mbar (hPa); 28.26 inHg |
| Fatalities | 1 direct |
| Damage | $7.5 million (2004 USD) |
| Areas affected | Outer Banks, Sable Island, Europe (already extratropical) |
| Part of the 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 38° N. Alex caused a scare of a hurricane-force direct hit in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, which had been devastated by Hurricane Isabel less than a year earlier.
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.
A weak surface trough, located to the west of an upper-level low, developed convection to the east of the Bahamas on July 26. 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.
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