Tropical Storm Arthur (2002)

Tropical Storm Arthur

Tropical storm (SSHWS/NWS)
Tropical Storm Arthur on July 15
Formed	July 14, 2002
Dissipated	July 19, 2002
(Extratropical after July 16, 2002)
Highest winds	1-minute sustained: 60 mph (95 km/h)
Lowest pressure	997 mbar (hPa); 29.44 inHg
Fatalities	1 indirect
Damage	Minimal
Areas affected	Southeastern United States, Bermuda, Newfoundland
Part of the 2002 Atlantic hurricane season

Tropical Storm Arthur was the first tropical cyclone of the 2002 Atlantic hurricane season. The origins of the storm are believed to have been from a decaying cold front in the Gulf of Mexico, which dropped light to moderate rainfall across the southeastern United States. Developing on July 14 near the coast of North Carolina, Arthur tracked quickly east-northward through much of its duration as a tropical cyclone. It reached peak winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) on July 16, though as it interacted with a mid-level cyclone and cooler waters it transitioned into an extratropical cyclone. The remnants of Arthur passed over Newfoundland with gusty winds and rainfall, where one person drowned.

The origins of Tropical Storm Arthur are believed to have been from a decaying cold front in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico in July 2002. By July 9, a weak low-level circulation was first detected, in association with a broad low pressure area. Across the region, surface pressures were high, while upper level wind shear was marginally favorable for slow tropical development. The system tracked slowly north-northwestward, gradually becoming better defined, although thunderstorm activity remained limited and disorganized.

By July 11, dry air and unfavorable wind shear prevented the convection from developing near the center. The low became elongated, though on July 12 the overall convection became more concentrated as it turned to a northeast drift. An approaching mid-level trough caused the system to accelerate northeastward across Florida Panhandle, though upon doing so the thunderstorm activity quickly diminished. On July 13, forecasters expected the system to be absorbed by the approaching trough. However, the low pressure area emerged into the western Atlantic Ocean near North Carolina early on July 14, and upon doing so its convection increased and became better organized. The circulation and convection became further defined, and the National Hurricane Center estimates the system developed into Tropical Depression One late on July 14 about 45 miles (75 km) west-southwest of Hatteras, North Carolina.