The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season is an event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation. The season began on June 1, 2017, and it ended on November 30, 2017, dates of which conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. However, the season exceeded these bounds when the last storm, Subtropical Storm Alpha, dissipated on December 3 only a few days after the official end of the season. This season was extremely active and destructive, and produced a grand total of 23 tropical cyclones of which 22 became a named storm, 12 became hurricanes, and 6 further strengthened to major hurricane strength (C3+ on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale). The number of majors were the most since the 2005 season and the number of hurricanes is tied for the second most on record along with 2010 season and 1969 season. This season also produced the most number of storms since the 2005 season and became the first season to use the Greek alphabet since 2005. It was also the 2nd most active season on record, beating the 1933 season.
The strongest storm was Jose, reaching Category 5 intensity and becoming among the strongest storms in the Atlantic during the 21st century, reaching 185 mph and 891 mbars. Jose caused massive devastation along its path from the Lesser Antilles to the Greater Antilles, Yucatan, and Mexico. Also of note: Emily, Katia, and Philippe were also very devastating storms. Emily was a Category 3 that struck the Lesser Antilles as a tropical storm and later on struck the Bahamas, Florida, and the US Gulf Coast as a Category 3 hurricane in late July/very early August. Katia peaked as a Category 3 as it struck the eastern seaboard, and Philippe was the second and last Category 5 of the season and it raged through the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, striking the Yucatan while it was near the boundary of C4/C5 and then it struck Texas as a weaker hurricane. The other major hurricanes that weren't mentioned before were Harvey and Maria. Harvey peaked as a Category 4 and Maria peaked as a Category 3, however these storms affected less land and weren't nearly as destructive as the other majors. Out of storms that didn't reach C3+ strength, Franklin, Sean, and Whitney were still pretty destructive. Franklin was a Category 1 that wrecked havoc in Mexico, Sean was also a Category 1 and it wrecked havoc in Florida and the US Gulf Coast, and Whitney was a late-season Category 2 that wrecked havoc in the Windward Islands, Haiti, and the Turks & Caicos Islands.
Season summary[]
June[]
The season began with Arlene forming June 10. It was a tropical storm that affected Central America and it later made landfall in Belize. This was the only storm of June; no other storms came along till July.
July[]
In July, the season became a lot more active, and 5 storms formed in the month: Bret, Cindy, Don, Emily, and Franklin. Bret was a Category 2 that caused slight effects in Bermuda, Cindy was a tropical storm that formed near the Cape Verdes but didn't affect land, Don was also a tropical storm but it affected the US Gulf Coast, Emily was a destructive Category 3 that raged through the Lesser Antilles, Turks & Caicos Islands, The Bahamas, Florida, and the US Gulf Coast (causing lots of devastation), and Franklin was a Category 1 that caused effects in Belize, Yucatan Peninsula, and Mexico. Emily and Franklin crossed into August.
August[]
Activity gained slightly in August and 6 storms formed in the month including two major hurricanes and the first Category 5 (which was the strongest and most destructive of the season): Gert, TD 8, Harvey, Irma, Jose, and Katia. Gert was a Category 1 that remained mostly out in open waters in the northwest Atlantic though it did bring slight effects to the Carolinas and Bermuda, TD 8 struck the northeastern Mexico coastline and moved into Texas, Harvey was a Category 4 that took the classic track of a Cape-Verde type hurricane but only caused effects in Newfoundland, Irma was a weak tropical storm that existed in the north Atlantic hundreds of miles east of Newfoundland and didn't affect land, Jose was an extremely devastating Category 5 that caused massive effects in the Lesser Antilles, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Cuba, Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, and Mexico with thousands of deaths and billions of dollars in damage occurring, and Katia was a Category 3 that struck the Carolinas and the US East Coast with extreme destruction occurring. Jose and Katia crossed over to September.
September[]
September saw the same number of storms forming as August did, with 6 storms forming throughout the month: Lee, Maria, Nate, Ophelia, Philippe, and Rina. This month included a major hurricane as well as the second and final Category 5 of the season. Lee was a tropical storm that affected Mexico, Maria was a Category 3 major hurricane that struck Puerto Rico as a tropical storm and later moved out into the Atlantic where it reached peak strength, Nate was a Category 1 that formed near the Cape Verdes but didn't affect land, Ophelia was a tropical storm that struck the Southeast US, Philippe was a devastating Category 5 that formed in the central Caribbean, strengthened rapidly in the western Caribbean and struck the Yucatan as a powerful beast, weakened in the Gulf of Mexico, and struck Texas as a Category 2, these strong landfalls caused billions of dollars in damage and hundreds of deaths, and Rina was a tropical storm that existed in the north Atlantic and didn't affect land. Philippe and Rina crossed into October.
October[]
Activity quieted down in October with only 4 storms forming including one that formed on the last day of the month. These storms were Sean, Tammy, Vince, and Whitney. Sean was a Category 1 that affected the Bahamas and struck Florida and the eastern part of the US Gulf Coast, Tammy was a tropical storm that didn't affect land and existed in the central Atlantic, Vince was a tropical storm that struck the Carolinas and the US East Coast, and Whitney was a slightly destructive Category 2 that struck the Windward Islands as a TS, strengthened to a C2 in the eastern Caribbean, weakened back into a tropical storm as it turned north and approached Haiti, strengthened back into a hurricane as it was affecting Haiti, and moved out into the Atlantic and restrengthened to a Category 2 while causing tiny effects in Bermuda. Since Whitney formed on Halloween the large majority of its lifespan was in November.
November and Post-season[]
November began with Whitney active in the eastern Caribbean.There was no activity until Subtropical Storm Alpha formed near the end of the month. It basically existed in the northeast Atlantic area around the Azores and the Canary Islands before dissipating in early December (after the official end of the season) without ever becoming completely tropical, and it was also the first storm since 2005 to be named with a Greek letter.
Overall, this season was a very active and destructive one, the worst season since 2005.
Seasonal forecasts[]
Source | Date | Named storms |
Hurricanes | Major hurricanes | |
Average (1981–2010) | 12.1 | 6.4 | 2.7 | ||
Record high activity | 28 | 15 | 8 | ||
Record low activity | 4 | 2† | 0† | ||
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– | |||||
TSR | December 7, 2016 | 20 | 8 | 3 | |
WSI | December 21, 2016 | 18 | 7 | 3 | |
CSU | April 4, 2017 | 22 | 10 | 4 | |
TSR | April 12, 2017 | 23 | 11 | 5 | |
TWC | April 24, 2017 | 21 | 9 | 4 | |
TSR | May 23, 2017 | 22 | 10 | 5 | |
UKMO | May 24, 2017 | 24* | N/A | N/A | |
NOAA | May 24, 2017 | 17–24 | 7–11 | 2–6 | |
FSU COAPS | May 30, 2017 | 18-22 | 8-12 | N/A | |
CSU | June 1, 2017 | 21 | 9 | 4 | |
TSR | June 6, 2017 | 22 | 10 | 5 | |
NOAA | August 9, 2017 | 20–25 | 9–13 | 3-6 | |
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– | |||||
Actual activity |
22 | 12 | 6 | ||
* June – November only: 16 storms observed in this period. † Most recent of several such occurrences. () |
Timeline[]
Storms[]
|
Tropical Storm Arlene[]
Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
Duration | June 10 – June 14 |
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Peak intensity | 65 mph (100 km/h) (1-min) 993 mbar (hPa) |
An area of disturbed weather formed in the western Caribbean on June 8. It organized and developed into a depression on the 10th. Six hours later it strengthened to a tropical storm and was named "Arlene". Arlene moved west as its outer rainbands brought rain to Central America, but since its center was located offshore it strengthened under favorable conditions and reached a peak of 65 mph/993 mbars late on June 12 while near the Honduras coastline. Soon afterwards it made landfall in Belize and began weakening over land. On the afternoon of June 14, it was declared dissipated while still over the Yucatan Peninsula. Throughout its path, it caused $264 million in damage along with 148 deaths, most of these damage and deaths were caused by deadly flash floods and mudslides throughout Central America.
Hurricane Bret[]
Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
Duration | July 6 – July 12 |
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Peak intensity | 105 mph (165 km/h) (1-min) 976 mbar (hPa) |
A decaying cold front spawned an area of disturbed weather that formed into a depression on July 6 between Hispaniola and Bermuda. Twelve hours later, the depression intensified into a tropical storm, earning the name "Bret". Bret was forecast to strengthen at a relatively moderate pace due to favorable conditions in its path. Late on July 8 Bret strengthened into a hurricane with further strengthening in the forecast. Continuing to strengthen as favorable conditions remained, Bret became a Category 2 on July 10 while situated northwest of Bermuda. Bret reached its peak of approximately 105 mph and 976 mbars while just north of Bermuda, and then it began to slowly weaken as a result of cooling waters in its forecasted track. By July 12, it was declared extratropical while out in open waters. Since Bret didn't significantly affect land, no damage/deaths were caused even though it did bring slight rain to Bermuda.
Tropical Storm Cindy[]
Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
Duration | July 11 – July 14 |
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Peak intensity | 50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min) 996 mbar (hPa) |
Cindy formed south of the Cape Verdes on July 11. It moved westward with gradual strengthening in the forecast, however, wind shear was expected to destroy the weak storm in about a few days. It slowly strengthened to a peak of about 50 mph and 996 mbars before wind shear began ripping it apart. On July 14, the weakling was declared dissipated after only a few days of fame. Even though Cindy did bring slight rain to the Cape Verdes, it didn't cause any damage or deaths.
Tropical Storm Don[]
Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
Duration | July 19 – July 23 |
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Peak intensity | 65 mph (100 km/h) (1-min) 991 mbar (hPa) |
A disturbance formed on July 17 in the Gulf of Mexico. It organized and was declared a tropical depression two days later, on July 19. Twelve hours after that, it strengthened to a tropical storm and earned the name "Don". Gradual strengthening was in the forecast as it slowly approached the Gulf Coast. The residents of the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle were advised to prepare for potentially destructive impacts such as flooding, heavy rain, and strong winds. Don reached its peak of 65 mph and 991 mbars before it reached the delta that sticks out from New Orleans to the Gulf of Mexico. Continuing northeast, Don made landfall near Mobile, Alabama late on July 21. Over land, Don gradually weakened before dissipation occured early on July 23 while it was in the southeast US. Throughout its path, a total of $671 million dollars in damage and 43 deaths were caused, especially along the Gulf Coast.
Hurricane Emily[]
Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
Duration | July 23 – August 3 |
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Peak intensity | 125 mph (205 km/h) (1-min) 956 mbar (hPa) |
A tropical wave in the central Atlantic developed into a depression on July 23. It then became a tropical storm and earned the name "Emily". Emily moved westward as it slowly strengthened and late on July 25 it struck the Lesser Antilles as a 65 mph TS. On July 27 it strengthened to a hurricane and began to strengthen quicker as it entered more favorable conditions. On the afternoon of the 28th, it strengthened to a Category 2 while near Turks & Caicos islands. A day later, on the 29th, it strengthened to a Cat. 3 major while striking the Bahamas. Emily was posing a major threat to Florida at this time and the residents prepared for the storm. Early on July 30 it struck north of Miami as a 120 mph major hurricane. Throughout Florida, massive devastation was caused after landfall, and over land, Emily weakened to C2 status. Emily then emerged into the Gulf of Mexico as a Cat. 2 where environmental conditions were favorable for a restrengthening. As the storm continued west, it restrengthened to a Cat. 3 and reached its peak strength of 125 mph/956 mbars while Gulf coast residents prepared for it. Emily made landfall in Louisiana as a strong Category 2 on August 1, causing plenty of devastation. As the storm moved further into Central US, it weakened slowly, and by August 3, it was declared dissipated while in Indiana. Throughout its path it caused a grand total of $15.7 billion in damage along with 78 deaths, these totals resulted in the retirement of Emily and its replacement name for 2023 is Emma.
Hurricane Franklin[]
Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
Duration | July 28 – August 4 |
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Peak intensity | 90 mph (150 km/h) (1-min) 980 mbar (hPa) |
A very big tropical wave moved into the west Caribbean on July 26 and the NHC began to monitor it at that time. Chances for developing increased as it became better organized, and on July 28 it was declared a depression. 6 hours later, the depression strengthened to a tropical storm and earned the name Franklin. That newly named storm was predicted to slowly strengthen along a westward track under relatively favorable conditions. It did just that, slowly strengthening until it reached hurricane strength on July 30. A peak of 90 mph/980 mbars was reached, almost becoming a Category 2, before it made landfall in northern Belize on July 31. The Yucatan Peninsula caused Franklin to weaken at a very fast rate, it almost dissipated but instead, it emerged into the Gulf of Mexico as a weak, disorganized tropical depression. Favorable conditions in the BOC (Bay of Campeche) allowed Franklin to reorganize itself back together again, and it quickly strengthened to re-attain hurricane status late on August 2. A secondary peak of 85 mph was reached before it made landfall near Veracruz, Mexico on August 3. Franklin's Mexican rain caused a lot of flash flooding and mudslides, and Mexico's mountains caused the storm to rapidly weaken before dissipation on August 4. A grand ultimate total of $569 million dollars in damage and 222 deaths was caused by Franklin throughout its path, these damage/ death tolls resulted from the flash flooding and mudslides mentioned above.
Hurricane Gert[]
Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
Duration | August 2 – August 7 |
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Peak intensity | 85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min) 981 mbar (hPa) |
A small area of disturbed weather formed near the Bahamas on July 31. It became better organized and the NHC announced the formation of a new depression on August 2 while it was between the Bahamas and the Carolinas. 12 hours later, the depression strengthened into a tropical storm and was named "Gert". Gert moved generally eastward with gradual strengthening in the forecast. And then, Gert strengthened to a hurricane on August 4. A peak intensity of 85 mph and 981 mbars was reached north of Bermuda on August 5, before gradually cooling waters resulted in Gert beginning to slowly weaken. It turned a bit northeast before dissipating on August 7 while hundreds of miles southeast of Newfoundland. Since Gert didn't significantly affect land it didn't cause any damage/deaths.
Tropical Depression Eight[]
Tropical depression (SSHWS) | |
Duration | August 5 – August 6 |
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Peak intensity | 35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min) 1003 mbar (hPa) |
The NHC began to monitor a relatively large disturbance in the Bay of Campeche on August 3. It moved west-northwest as chances for development increased, and it was declared a depression extremely close to the coast of Mexico. The depression was very disorganized but still retained a closed circulation. Just a few hours after becoming a depression it made landfall in northwestern Mexico, halting any chances of it strengthening to tropical storm status. The depression turned north before it was declared a remnant low early on August 6 while inland Mexico. The remnants of the depression continued north into Texas. Through its short lifespan it caused minimal damage and 2 deaths.
Hurricane Harvey[]
Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
Duration | August 10 – August 21 |
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Peak intensity | 150 mph (240 km/h) (1-min) 934 mbar (hPa) |
A tropical wave came off the coast of Africa on August 9. The next day, it developed into a depression. 12 hours later it became a named storm and was named "Harvey". The NHC forecasted gradual strengthening under favorable conditions as a westward track was predicted. These forecasts were coming true as Harvey strengthened to a hurricane on August 13 in the central Atlantic, and very favorable conditions remained which meant even more strengthening was forecasted, possibly to major hurricane status (C3+). On the morning of August 14, it strengthened to Category 2 and became a Category 3 the next day. Finally, Harvey reached Category 4 intensity on August 16 as it passed north of the Lesser Antilles. It reached its peak intensity of 150 mph and 934 mbars while northeast of the Bahamas, but soon, an eye-wall replacement cycle kicked in and began weakening the storm. Late on August 18, soon after peak intensity was reached, Harvey weakened to Cat. 3 status and on August 19, it weakened to Cat. 2. Gradually cooling waters continued the weakening after this point. Late on August 20 it weakened to C1 status as it approached Newfoundland and the residents there were preparing for potentially destructive impacts. It struck Newfoundland full-force on August 21 as a 75 mph hurricane, and became one of the costliest hurricanes to strike Newfoundland since Igor in 2010. Harvey weakened to tropical storm status and became extratropical during the night of August 21. Throughout its path, Harvey caused a total of $540 million dollars in damage along with 35 deaths, the large majority of these damage/death tolls were in Newfoundland.
Tropical Storm Irma[]
Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
Duration | August 14 – August 16 |
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Peak intensity | 45 mph (75 km/h) (1-min) 1000 mbar (hPa) |
An upper-level low combined with a tropical wave east of Bermuda, and produced a large area of cloudiness and showers that caught the NHC's attention. It developed into a depression on August 14 and became a tropical storm six hours later, when it was named "Irma". The weak storm moved in a rapid northeast direction and little strengthening occured, with it only peaking at 45 mph/1000 mbar. Early on August 16, it became extratropical without ever affecting land. Due to it not affecting land no damage/deaths happened at all.
Hurricane Jose[]
Category 5 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
Duration | August 21 – September 4 |
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Peak intensity | 185 mph (295 km/h) (1-min) 891 mbar (hPa) |
A very-well organized tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on August 19. It then developed into a tropical depression two days later, on August 21. Twelve hours later it strengthened to a tropical storm and earned the name Jose. Environmental conditions in its path were favorable for Jose to strengthen at a moderate pace in the coming days ahead. Late on August 23, Jose intensified to Category 1 hurricane with more strengthening forecasted. It then began to strengthen faster, becoming a C2 late on the 24th and a Cat. 3 major on August 25. Early on August 26, it was already a Category 4 and the Lesser Antilles were preparing for potentially extremely devastating impacts from the storm. That night, Jose struck the Lesser Antilles as a strong Cat. 4, and early the next day, Jose strengthened to a Category 5. The massive storm raged through the islands and caused extreme impacts and massive devastation in the islands. Puerto Rico received the brunt of the storm, and in fact, one weather reporter in Puerto Rico said, "Oh my god, is this the end of the world?! Everyone, run for your lives!!! The end of the world is happening right now!!! AAH-" *tree falls on him and he later dies from his injuries*. After the storm left Puerto Rico, it skirted the northern coast of Hispaniola and weakened to a Category 4, and then it's center passed near Cuba and Jamaica as a strong Category 4, resulting in even more devastation. When Jose was leaving Jamaica, it restrengthened to Category 5 and continued to rapidly strengthen until it reached the extreme intensity of 185 mph/891 mbars as it was closing in on Yucatan. Early on August 31, Jose made landfall in the Yucatan and this area really got sucker-punched by this monster. Extreme untold devastation resulted from Jose in the areas, and over land Jose weakened and emerged into the Bay of Campeche as a Category 3. The BOC presented the perfect conditions for Jose to rapidly restrengthen, and it restrengthened to a Category 5, the first in the Bay of Campeche ever recorded, before making landfall in Veracruz as a strong Category 4 late on September 2. In the Veracruz region, massive mudslides and flash floods killed hundreds. The mountains of Mexico caused Jose to rapidly degenerate and it dissipated on September 4 over central Mexico. Overall, throughout its extremely devastating path, it caused a grand total of $50 billion dollars in damage and 13,893 deaths, becoming the deadliest hurricane since Mitch in 1998 and among the costliest hurricanes of all time. The name was later retired and was replaced by Jorge for the 2023 season.
Hurricane Katia[]
Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
Duration | August 25 – September 1 |
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Peak intensity | 125 mph (205 km/h) (1-min) 955 mbar (hPa) |
The NHC began to monitor a tropical wave in the central Atlantic on August 23. It became better organized and by August 25 it was declared a depression. Twelve hours passed, and it strengthened to a tropical storm and earned the name "Katia" while north of the Lesser Antilles. The newly named storm was predicted to intensify rather rapidly; possibly reaching near-major hurricane status under very favorable conditions as it endangered residents of the U.S. east coast. Early on August 27, Katia strengthened to a hurricane and then it became a Cat. 2 by the next morning. These forecasts were actually coming true; in fact, Katia just continued to strengthen and reached Cat. 3 major hurricane status during the night of August 28. Once this intensity was reached, Katia's strengthening continued until it reached a peak of 125 mph/955 mbars before it made a landfall in the Carolinas late on August 29 as a powerful 120 mph beast. Over land, Katia weakened, until it emerged back into the Atlantic very briefly on August 30 whilst following the U.S. east coast. At that time, it was a Category 1 hurricane. The storm made another landfall near New York City on August 31, and as it moved further inland, it weakened to a tropical storm before dissipating for good on September 1 while entering Canada. Throughout its path, a total of $34 billion dollars in damage and 123 deaths were caused, these tolls resulted in the name being retired in the spring of 2018. It's replacement name for use in 2023 is Karla.
Tropical Storm Lee[]
Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
Duration | September 6 – September 8 |
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Peak intensity | 60 mph (95 km/h) (1-min) 993 mbar (hPa) |
A tropical wave became better organized on September 3 and the NHC began monitoring it. It crossed the Yucatan Peninsula and emerged into the Bay of Campeche, where environmental conditions were favorable. These factors caused the disturbance to become even better organized, and on September 6, the NHC designated Tropical Depression Thirteen while it was located in the eastern part of the Bay of Campeche. Six hours later the depression strengthened into a tropical storm and won the name Lee. The environmental conditions within the bay were favorable, resulting in Lee strengthening at a quick rate. Late on September 7, a peak of 60 mph and 993 mbars was reached before it made landfall in Veracruz, causing mudslides and flash floods. Over Mexico's mountains, the storm weakened, before dissipating on September 8. Lee was responsible for $175 million dollars in damage and 48 deaths, mainly due to the flash floods and mudslides mentioned above.
Hurricane Maria[]
Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
Duration | September 10 – September 16 |
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Peak intensity | 120 mph (195 km/h) (1-min) 964 mbar (hPa) |
A tropical wave approaching the Windwards started to become better organized on September 8, and at that time, the NHC began to monitor it closely for signs of tropical development. It was declared as a tropical depression on September 10 while directly over the Windwards, and twelve hours later, the depression strengthened to a tropical storm and received the name "Maria". The newly named storm took a path that lead it towards Puerto Rico, and it made landfall there late on September 11. Now moving northward out toward open Atlantic waters, it continued to intensify, and Maria became a hurricane during the night of the 12th. It was now tracking northeastward, and intensification continued, with Maria becoming a Category 2 late on September 13. Category 3 intensity was reached by the 15th, and that same day, Maria peaked at 120 mph and 964 mbar. Early on September 16, Maria began to rapidly weaken as it entered powerful wind shear and cold waters. That night, Maria had fallen flat on her face and became extratropical. Throughout its path, a total of $321 million in damage was caused along with 7 deaths, five of the deaths were in Puerto Rico and surrounding areas and the other two were surfers who drowned in Bermuda from Maria's strong tidal waves.
Hurricane Nate[]
Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
Duration | September 13 – September 20 |
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Peak intensity | 85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min) 983 mbar (hPa) |
A tropical wave emerged off the African coast on September 11. It quickly developed and on September 13 became a tropical depression. Twelve hours later, it strengthened to tropical storm and earned the name "Nate". Nate moved a general northwest path and gradual strengthening was forecasted. On September 16, Nate strengthened into a hurricane and soon its peak of 85 mph/983 mbars was reached while out in the open central Atlantic. After that happened, cooler waters began to weaken the storm, it turned towards the east and dissipated on September 20. Because of the fact Nate didn't affect any landmasses, no damage/deaths were caused throughout its path.
Tropical Storm Ophelia[]
Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
Duration | September 19 – September 21 |
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Peak intensity | 60 mph (95 km/h) (1-min) 994 mbar (hPa) |
An area of disturbed weather formed on September 18 near the Bahamas. It rapidly organized and was declared a depression the next day. Six hours later, it strengthened to a tropical storm and earned the name "Ophelia". Under favorable conditions it strengthened to strong tropical storm and reached peak of 60 mph/994 mbars before making landfall in the southeast U.S. around midnight on September 21. Ophelia rapidly weakened over land and dissipated by 8:00 PM EDT that day. A total of $565 million dollars in damage and 4 deaths were caused by the storm throughout its path.
Hurricane Philippe[]
Category 5 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
Duration | September 22 – October 4 |
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Peak intensity | 165 mph (270 km/h) (1-min) 915 mbar (hPa) |
The NHC began to monitor a tropical wave in the central Caribbean on September 20. Two days later on the 22nd, it organized into a depression. Twelve hours after that, it was named "Philippe" after strengthening to a tropical storm. Potentially rapid strengthening was forecast by the NHC as Philippe was predicted to move a westward track into favorable conditions in western Caribbean. It strengthened to a Cat. 1 hurricane early on September 24 and began to strengthen a bit faster after that. That afternoon, Philippe became a Category 2 and strengthened to a Category 3 by early the next morning. The storm's strengthening slowed as it performed a small loop. However, on September 26, Philippe continued its strengthening trend and became a Category 4. Finally, Category 5 strength was achieved on September 27 while situated north of eastern Honduras. Philippe was threatening the Yucatan Peninsula and some other parts of Central America at this time. It strengthened a bit more after achieving Category 5 intensity and a peak of 165 mph and 915 mbar was reached as it closed in on the Yucatan Peninsula. The storm made landfall on September 28 as a 155 mph Category 4, and its eye and eyewall moved over the northern tip of the peninsula, wrecking havoc in the area. It emerged into the Gulf of Mexico early on September 29 and weakened slightly as it wandered in that general area of the Gulf of Mexico. This weakening was due to moderate wind shear, and it weakened to a Category 3 on September 30. On October 1, Philippe turned northward and began threatening large swaths of the Gulf Coast. It weakened to a Category 2 before making landfall near Beaumont, Texas at 5:00 PM on October 2. Philippe rapidly weakened over land before dissipating on October 4 while near Memphis, Tennessee. A grand total of $21 billion dollars in damage and 35 deaths occurred as a result of Philippe throughout its path. Due to these tolls the name was later retired and was replaced by Pedro for use in 2023.
Tropical Storm Rina[]
Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
Duration | September 29 – October 2 |
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Peak intensity | 60 mph (95 km/h) (1-min) 994 mbar (hPa) |
An upper-level low combined with a tropical wave hundreds of miles east of Bermuda. It popped up on the NHC's graphical weather outlook on September 28, and then continued to rapidly organize before becoming a depression on the 29th. Twelve hours later, the depression strengthened to a tropical storm and won the name "Rina". Not much strengthening was predicted out of Rina, but it did manage to strengthen to 60 mph and 994 mbars. Unfavorable conditions got hold of Rina and began tearing the system apart, resulting in it becoming extratropical on October 2. Since it didn't affect land no damage/deaths was caused.
Hurricane Sean[]
Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
Duration | October 7 – October 13 |
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Peak intensity | 85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min) 978 mbar (hPa) |
A disturbed weather near the Turks & Caicos Islands popped up on NHCs graphical tropical weather outlook on October 5. It organized into a depression on October 7 and strengthened to a tropical storm earning the name "Sean" soon afterwards. The newly-named storm moved northwestward and caused lots of impacts in Bahamas as it strengthened slowly. It became a hurricane on October 9 as it approached Florida. A first peak of 80 mph/983 mbar was reached before landfall in Florida occured early on October 10. Over land, Sean weakened to TS strength and survived into the Gulf of Mexico, emerging with 65 mph winds. It quickly restrengthened to a hurricane and reached its real peak of 85 mph/978 mbar near the Florida Panhandle coastline. Philippe made landfall in Mississippi late on October 11. Over land, Sean quickly weakened before dying out early on October 13. A total of $2.3 billion in damage and 21 deaths happened, however the name wasn't retired.
Tropical Storm Tammy[]
Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
Duration | October 12 – October 14 |
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Peak intensity | 60 mph (95 km/h) (1-min) 996 mbar (hPa) |
The NHC began to monitor a tropical wave in the central Atlantic on October 10. It gradually organzied before being declared a depression on October 12. Later on, the depression strengthened to a tropical storm and earned the name "Tammy". Not much strengthening was forecasted due to predictions for it to enter unfavorable conditions in a couple days. A peak of 60 mph and 996 mbar was reached before the unfavorable conditions began ripping apart the system. Tammy dissipated late on October 14 in the central Atlantic without posing any threats to land.
Tropical Storm Vince[]
Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
Duration | October 25 – October 28 |
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Peak intensity | 65 mph (100 km/h) (1-min) 993 mbar (hPa) |
A tropical wave north of the Turks & Caicos Islands began to organize rather rapidly on October 24. It was declared as a tropical depression the next day. It then strengthened to a tropical storm and won the name "Vince" 12 hours later. Vince gradually strengthened as it posed a threat to the US east coast. It moved northwestward, strengthening to a peak of 65 mph/993 mbars before making landfall on the outer banks of North Carolina on October 27. Land interaction began weakening the storm at this point. These factors caused the dissipation of Vince on October 28. Throughout its path a total of $494 million dollars in damage and 12 deaths was caused.
Hurricane Whitney[]
Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
Duration | October 31 – November 10 |
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Peak intensity | 110 mph (175 km/h) (1-min) 975 mbar (hPa) |
The NHC began to monitor a tropical wave approaching the Windward Islands on October 29. It moved westward and was declared a tropical depression on October 31 (Halloween). Six hours later, it strengthened to a tropical storm and earned the name "Whitney". Whitney crossed the southern Windwards on November 1 and continued to strengthen as it moved into the western Caribbean. Whitney strengthened to hurricane status early on November 2 and a Category 2 that night. Its peak of 110 mph/975 mbar was reached before wind shear in the central Caribbean began weakening the storm. It was down to TS strength by late on November 4, but then a steering ridge forced Whitney north towards Hispaniola. As that happened, the wind shear began to settle down and the weakest winds Whitney reached before restrengthening was 60 mph. The storm restrengthened to a hurricane late on November 5 near Haiti, and its intensity changed little as it ravaged the country. Soon, it entered the Bahamas and started to strengthen again. Whitney restrengthened to Category 2 status during the night of November 7 as it left the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands, and a secondary peak of 105 mph and 978 mbar was reached south of Bermuda. After that, Whitney began to weaken once again, due to wind shear that was stronger then seen in the central Caribbean. Early on November 10, Whitney was declared extratropical. Throughout its path, a total of $674 million dollars in damage was caused along with 159 deaths, most of these tolls occurred in Haiti. The name wasn't retired despite these damage/death tolls and remains on 2023's list.
Subtropical Storm Alpha[]
Subtropical storm (SSHWS) | |
Duration | November 29 – December 3 |
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Peak intensity | 70 mph (110 km/h) (1-min) 989 mbar (hPa) |
Near the end of the season, an extratropical low was monitored in the eastern Atlantic. It gradually developed subtropical characteristics, and it was declared as a subtropical depression on November 29. It then strengthened to a subtropical storm and earned the name "Alpha" about 18 hours later. Moderate strengthening was forecast under relatively favorable conditions, however, its disorganized structure meant that it only had a low chance of becoming tropical. Contrary to predictions, it rapidly strengthened much faster than expected and approached its peak of 70 mph and 989 mbar, which it reached on December 1 as the post-season began. After the storm almost attained hurricane status and also a rare "subtropical hurricane," it began to weaken as slightly unfavorable conditions struck the storm. It passed northeast of the Azores as conditions worsened. On December 3, Alpha dissipated north of the Azores without ever becoming tropical. Since Alpha didn't affect land no damage/deaths were caused.
Storm names[]
The following names were used to name tropical cyclones this year. This is the same list used in the 2011 season, expect for Irma, which replaced Irene, the name of a devastating hurricane that struck the US east coast in 2011. The names Irma and Whitney were used for the first time this year. Unused names are marked in gray. The names not retired from this list will be used again in 2023.
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Greek Alphabet[]
Due to extreme activity, the original name list was exhausted. Because of this the NHC had to resort to using the Greek Alphabet, only the 2nd time this happened, after 2005. Only one name (Alpha) was used from this list this year. This list only shows the first 10 letters of the Greek Alphabet:
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Retirement[]
Due to extensive damage and deaths, the names Emily, Jose, Katia, and Philippe were officially retired, and will never be used again to name an Atlantic hurricane. They have been replaced by Emma, Jorge, Karla, and Pedro for use in the 2023 season.
List for 2023:
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Season effects[]
This is a table of the storms and their effects in the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season. This table includes the storm's names, duration, peak intensity, areas affected, damages, and death totals. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical, a wave or a low. All of the damage figures are in 2017 USD (the listed damage figure is in millions).
Storm name |
Dates active | Storm category at peak intensity |
Max 1-min wind mph (km/h) |
Min. press. (mbar) |
Areas affected | Damage (USD) |
Deaths |
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Arlene | June 10 – June 14 | Tropical storm | 65 (100) | 993 | Honduras, Belize, Yucatan Peninsula | 264 | 148 |
Bret | July 6 – July 12 | Category 2 hurricane | 105 (165) | 976 | Bermuda | None | 0 |
Cindy | July 11 – July 14 | Tropical storm | 50 (85) | 996 | Cape Verdes | None | 0 |
Don | July 19 – July 23 | Tropical storm | 65 (100) | 991 | US Gulf Coast | 671 | 43 |
Emily | July 23 – August 3 | Category 3 hurricane | 125 (205) | 956 | Windward Islands, Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Turks & Caicos Islands, The Bahamas, Florida, US Gulf Coast | 15,700 | 78 |
Franklin | July 28 – August 4 | Category 1 hurricane | 90 (150) | 980 | Honduras, Belize, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico | 569 | 222 |
Gert | August 2 – August 7 | Category 1 hurricane | 85 (140) | 981 | The Bahamas, The Carolinas, Bermuda | None | 0 |
Eight | August 5 – August 6 | Tropical depression | 35 (55) | 1003 | Mexico, Texas | Minimal | 2 |
Harvey | August 10 – August 21 | Category 4 hurricane | 150 (240) | 934 | Cape Verdes, Bermuda, Newfoundland | 540 | 35 |
Irma | August 14 – August 16 | Tropical storm | 45 (75) | 1000 | None | None | 0 |
Jose | August 21 – September 4 | Category 5 hurricane | 185 (295) | 891 | Cape Verde, Windward Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Turks & Caicos Islands, Jamaica, Cuba, Belize, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico | 50,000 | 13,893 |
Katia | August 25 – September 1 | Category 3 hurricane | 125 (205) | 955 | The Carolinas, US East Coast, New England | 34,000 | 123 |
Lee | September 6 – September 8 | Tropical storm | 60 (95) | 993 | Mexico | 175 | 48 |
Maria | September 10 – September 16 | Category 3 hurricane | 120 (195) | 964 | Windward Islands, Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola | 321 | 7 |
Nate | September 13 – September 20 | Category 1 hurricane | 85 (140) | 983 | None | None | 0 |
Ophelia | September 19 – September 21 | Tropical storm | 60 (95) | 994 | Florida, Southeast US, The Carolinas | 565 | 4 |
Philippe | September 22 – October 4 | Category 5 hurricane | 165 (270) | 915 | Honduras, Belize, Yucatan Peninsula, Texas, Louisiana, Central US | 21,000 | 35 |
Rina | September 29 – October 2 | Tropical storm | 60 (95) | 994 | None | None | 0 |
Sean | October 7 – October 13 | Category 1 hurricane | 85 (140) | 978 | Turks & Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, Florida, US Gulf Coast | 2,300 | 21 |
Tammy | October 12 – October 14 | Tropical storm | 60 (95) | 996 | None | None | 0 |
Vince | October 25 – October 28 | Tropical storm | 65 (100) | 993 | The Carolinas, US East Coast | 494 | 12 |
Whitney | October 31 – November 10 | Category 2 hurricane | 110 (175) | 975 | Venezuela, Colombia, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Cuba, Turks & Caicos Islands, Bermuda | 674 | 159 |
Alpha | November 29 – December 3 | Tropical storm | 70 (110) | 989 | Azores | None | 0 |
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