1972 Atlantic hurricane season

none Atl 1972 1972 Atlantic hurricane season summary map.png May 23, 1972 November 7, 1972 Betty 80 976 1 17 12 2 (record low in the satellite era, tied with 1982 and 2013) 0 137 total 2100 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974 Timeline of the 1972 Atlantic hurricane season 1972 Pacific hurricane season 1972 North Indian Ocean cyclone season 1972 Pacific typhoon season The 1972 Atlantic hurricane season was a significantly below average season. Although it featured 12 tropical or subtropical storms, only two strengthened into hurricanes and neither exceeded Category 1 intensity (only 2013 has matched such in the reconnaissance era). It officially began on June 1, 1972, and lasted until November 30, 1972.https://books.google.com/books?id=t65TAAAAMAAJ&q=1972+hurricane+season+november+30&pg=PA28 Final environmental statement: proposed 1972 outer continental shelf oil and gas general lease sale offshore eastern Louisiana 1972 United States Bureau of Land Management, United States Department of the Interior 28 July 8, 2015 Washington, D.C. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. The first storm, Subtropical Storm Alpha, developed on May 23 off the Southeast United States and struck Florida, causing minor damage and two fatalities. The most significant storm of the season was Hurricane Agnes, which at the time was the costliest United States hurricane, until Frederic in 1979. After brushing the western tip of Cuba, the hurricane made landfall on the Florida Panhandle. It caused at least $2.1 billion (1972 USD)All damage figures are in 1972 United States dollars, unless otherwise noted "nb" in damage and 131 fatalities, mostly from inland flooding in Pennsylvania and New York. The strongest hurricane of the season was Betty, which reached peak winds of 90 mph (150 km/h) while west of the Azores. Tropical Storm Carrie passed just offshore of Massachusetts, causing heavy rainfall and resulting in four fatalities, but leaving only $1.78 million in damage. The remaining tropical systems caused no significant effects on land. Due to a strong El Niño only two systems strengthened into hurricanes, none of which intensified into major hurricanes.A major hurricane is a storm that ranks as Category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale.http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale May 23, 2013 National Hurricane Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration August 28, 2014 Miami, Florida "nb" This was the first season to name subtropical storms in real time, and did so using the Phonetic Alphabet. Collectively, the storms of the 1972 Atlantic hurricane season resulted in 137 deaths and over $2.1 billion in damage. __TOC__ Season summary The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1, 1972, although Subtropical Storm Alpha formed on May 23. A total of 17 tropical cyclones developed, with 12 strengthening to nameable storms, above the 1950-2000 average of 9.6 named storms per season.}http://tropical.atmos.colostate.edu/forecasts/2014/apr2014/apr2014.pdf Extended Range Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity and U.S. Landfall Strike Probability for 2014 Philip J. Klotzbach William M. Gray April 10, 2014 Colorado State University 2 July 8, 2015 Fort Collins, Colorado https://web.archive.org/web/20140822112305/http://tropical.atmos.colostate.edu/forecasts/2014/apr2014/apr2014.pdf August 22, 2014 live mdy-all Of the twelve tropical or subtropical storms, two of them strengthened into hurricanes, tying the record (with 1982 and 2013) for the lowest number in the satellite era. Neither hurricane became major hurricanes, which is Category 3 or greater on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale, and neither reached Category 2. Overall, the season was inactive, despite having a similar number of tropical waves as the previous season. The lack of activity was attributed to an El Niño – which causes below normal sea surface temperatures over the eastern Atlantic – and strong vertical wind shear. Collectively, the storms of the season caused at least 137 fatalities and more than $2.1 billion in damage.http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/nws-nhc-6.pdf The Deadliest, Costliest, And Most Intense United States Tropical Cyclones From 1851 To 2010 (And Other Frequently Requested Hurricane Facts) Eric S. Blake Christopher W. Landsea Ethan J. Gibney August 2011 National Hurricane Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration July 10, 2014 Miami, Florida https://web.archive.org/web/20121221124852/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/nws-nhc-6.pdf December 21, 2012 live mdy-allhttp://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/history_printer.shtml Hurricane History 2008 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Hurricane Center July 8, 2015 Miami, Florida https://web.archive.org/web/20111021102625/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/history_printer.shtml October 21, 2011 live mdy-allfr http://www.meteo.org/archives/hist06.htm Page d'histoire - Juin La Météo au Quotidien July 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20160307073414/http://meteo.org/archives/hist06.htm March 7, 2016 live mdy-all The last storm of the season, Subtropical Storm Delta, became extratropical on November 7, about 23 days before the official end of hurricane season on November 30. Tropical cyclogenesis first occurred in the month of May, with the development of Subtropical Storm Alpha. The month of June featured two tropical cyclones, including Hurricane Agnes and a tropical depression. Two more systems formed in July, a subtropical storm and a tropical storm. August featured Hurricane Betty, Tropical Storm Carrie, and two tropical depressions. September featured slightly more cyclogenesis, with two unnamed tropical storms, Hurricane Dawn, Subtropical Storm Charlie, and a tropical depression. An additional two tropical depressions formed in October. Subtropical Storm Delta was the sole system in November, lasting from November 1 to November 7. The season's activity was reflected with an Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) rating of 36, the lowest value since 1962. Broadly speaking, ACE is a measure of the power of a tropical or subtropical storm multiplied by the length of time it existed. Therefore, a storm with a longer duration, such as Betty, will have high values of ACE. It is only calculated for full advisories on specific tropical and subtropical systems reaching or exceeding wind speeds of 39 mph km/h on. Accordingly, tropical depressions are not included here. After the storm has dissipated, typically after the end of the season, the NHC reexamines the data, and produces a final report on each storm. These revisions can lead to a revised ACE total either upward or downward compared to the operational value.Hurricane Research Division; Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration February 2014 Atlantic basin Comparison of Original and Revised HURDAT July 8, 2015 http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/comparison_table.html Miami, Florida https://web.archive.org/web/20140329014406/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/comparison_table.html March 29, 2014 live mdy-all Systems Subtropical Storm Alpha Atl subtropical Subtropical Storm Alpha (1972).jpg Alpha 1972 path.png May 23 May 29 60 988 The origins of Alpha were from a surface low northeast of Florida, associated with the larger-scale, cold core upper low.Robert Dickson 1972 Weather and Circulation of May 1972 Monthly Weather Review 100 8 648–652 January 2, 2010 http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/mwr/100/mwr-100-08-0648.pdf 10.1175/1520-0493(1972)100<0648:WACOM>2.3.CO;2 1972MWRv..100..648D Late on May 23, it organized into a subtropical depression to the east of the Georgia/South Carolina border. A developing ridge blocked its northeast motion, turning the depression to the southeast. On May 25, a small, intense low-level center organized rapidly. By the next day, it attained gale-force winds and was moving southwestward. At 1600 UTC on May 26, the National Hurricane Center initiated advisories on Subtropical Cyclone Alpha, when the storm was about 225 mi km 5 on to the south of Cape Hatteras.National Hurricane Center May 26, 1972 Marine Bulletin Number 1 August 27, 2023 https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0175-jpg/1972/atlantic/st%20alpha/marine/maradv261600z.jpg Around that time, it reached its peak winds of 60 kn mph km/h out 5 on. Subtropical Storm Alpha was initially well-defined as it moved southwestward. The very small center was located along the eastern edge of the convection, while low-level cloud bands formed east of the center.National Hurricane Center 1972 Satellite Weather Bulletin August 27, 2023 https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0175-jpg/1972/atlantic/st%20alpha/satcws/msb262340z.jpg The winds decreased steadily as it turned more westward on May 27.National Hurricane Center 1972 Bulletin One August 27, 2023 https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0175-jpg/1972/atlantic/st%20alpha/public/pub271600z.jpg The National Hurricane Center initially thought the center might not have been at the surface, and the agency indicated low forecasting confidence, as they could not determine a circulation center.National Hurricane Center 1972 Internal Office Advisory on Alpha August 27, 2023 https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0175-jpg/1972/atlantic/st%20alpha/satcws/saw271330z.jpgNational Hurricane Center 1972 Internal Office Advisory on Alpha August 27, 2023 https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0175-jpg/1972/atlantic/st%20alpha/satcws/saw271854z.jpg The difficulty arose from the large, sprawling nature of the storm, and by later on May 27 a new center formed, as confirmed by radar imagery and the Hurricane Hunters.National Hurricane Center 1972 Bulletin Five August 27, 2023 https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0175-jpg/1972/atlantic/st%20alpha/public/pub271800z.jpgNational Hurricane Center 1972 Bulletin Seven August 27, 2023 https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0175-jpg/1972/atlantic/st%20alpha/public/pub272200z.01.jpg That night, the extremely small center made landfall just south of Savannah, Georgia, affecting a very small area with winds of 55 kn mph km/h out 5 on and a minimum pressure of 991 hPa inHg 4 on. Around the time of landfall, Alpha developed a warm core, indicating some tropical characteristics.National Hurricane Center July 6, 1972 Tentative Best Track: "Alpha" 1972 August 27, 2023 https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0175-jpg/1972/atlantic/st%20alpha/opltrack/track1.jpg The storm weakened quickly over land, although it did not dissipate until two days later over the northeast Gulf of Mexico. The interaction between Alpha and the high pressure system to its northeast caused cooler temperatures and gusty winds from Delaware southward. Wave heights reached up to 20 ft m along the Virginia capes.National Hurricane Center Special Weather Statement January 1, 2010 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0175-jpg/1972/atlantic/ST%20ALPHA/LOCAL/DCA261810Z.JPG The storm dropped rainfall along the coast of North Carolina and Virginia, with a maximum of 6.97 in mm reported in Ocracoke, North Carolina.http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/dawn1972.html Subtropical Storm Alpha – May 23-29, 1972 David M. Roth October 26, 2007 Weather Prediction Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration July 19, 2015 College Park, Maryland https://web.archive.org/web/20160304201350/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/dawn1972.html March 4, 2016 live mdy-all While moving slowly off the North Carolina coast, Alpha caused heavy beach erosion, destroyed one house, and threatened the foundation of several other homes in the Outer Banks. Damage totaled over $50,000 (1972 USD).National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 0039-1972 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena Storm Data May 1972 14 5 July 7, 2015 http://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-6BB8BD2B-84FD-47A9-B5E6-84825F48FD77.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20150707220017/http://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-6BB8BD2B-84FD-47A9-B5E6-84825F48FD77.pdf July 7, 2015 While the storm was traveling over the western Atlantic Ocean, the storm produced a large area of rough seas, which was considered the greatest threat from the storm.National Hurricane Center 1972 Bulletin One January 1, 2010 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0175-jpg/1972/atlantic/ST%20ALPHA/PUBLIC/PUB270400Z.JPG In northeastern Florida, police officers were stationed to ensure people did not swim in the dangerous seas. The high waves also halted work to deepen a harbor at the Mayport Naval Station.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86143181/the-palm-beach-post/ 4 Drown in Area Mishaps May 29, 1972 The Palm Beach Post C1 September 29, 2021 Newspapers.com Associated Press The Tuscaloosa News May 28, 1972 Cyclone Serves Notice of Hurricane Season July 7, 2015 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1WI0AAAAIBAJ&pg=4138,4676389&dq=storm+1972+georgia+may&hl=en Miami, Florida Two people drowned after the storm dissipated, when surf was still turbulent. Tides along the Georgia coast reached 2 to 3 ft m above normal, which caused some flooding and beach erosion.National Hurricane Center; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service Office Savannah, Georgia May 28, 1972 Severe Weather Statement July 7, 2015 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0175-jpg/1972/atlantic/ST%20ALPHA/LOCAL/SAV280025Z.JPG Savannah, Georgia https://web.archive.org/web/20150708190723/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0175-jpg/1972/atlantic/ST%20ALPHA/LOCAL/SAV280025Z.JPG July 8, 2015 live mdy-all Wind gusts reached 58 mph km/h on on Saint Simons Island.Paul J. Hebert National Hurricane Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration May 28, 1972 Bulletin Eight July 7, 2015 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0175-jpg/1972/atlantic/ST%20ALPHA/PUBLIC/PUB280200Z.JPG https://web.archive.org/web/20150708181920/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0175-jpg/1972/atlantic/ST%20ALPHA/PUBLIC/PUB280200Z.JPG July 8, 2015 live mdy-all The winds knocked down trees and power lines, leaving some people without power in eastern Georgia. Damage was minor but widespread in the state, estimated at over $50,000 (1972 USD). Moderate rains spread in coastal areas from South Carolina through southern Florida. Hurricane Agnes Hurricane Agnes Hurricane Agnes tornado outbreak Atl Agnes 1972-06-18 2108Z.jpg Agnes 1972 path.png June 14 June 21 70 979 A polar front and an upper trough over the Yucatán Peninsula spawned a tropical depression on June 14. The storm emerged into the western Caribbean Sea on June 15, and by the following day, it strengthened into Tropical Storm Agnes. The storm curved northward and brushed western Cuba on June 17. Agnes continued to intensify, and on June 18, it was upgraded to a hurricane. Minimal fluctuations in intensity occurred before the storm made landfall near Panama City, Florida, on June 19, with 75 mph (120 km/h) winds. After moving inland, Agnes rapidly weakened and was only a tropical depression when it entered Georgia. Thereafter, weakening slowed as the storm crossed over Georgia and into South Carolina. However, while over eastern North Carolina on June 21, Agnes re-strengthened into a tropical storm, as a result of baroclinic activity. It became post-tropical shortly thereafter, but continued to strengthen. Early the following day, the storm emerged into the Atlantic Ocean before re-curving northwestward and making landfall near New York City. Agnes quickly merged with a non-tropical low pressure system on June 23. Heavy rainfall occurred in western Cuba, causing flooding that destroyed 97 houses, isolated a few cities, and flatted crops in low-lying areas.Staff Writer Associated Press Reading Eagle June 18, 1972 Agnes Ranked As Hurricane January 9, 2012 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5I0hAAAAIBAJ&pg=5675,4976346&dq=hurricane+agnes+cuba&hl=en Reading, Pennsylvania The storm left seven fatalities. Agnes caused a significant tornado outbreak, with at least 26 confirmed twisters, 24 of them in Florida and the other two in Georgia. The tornadoes alone resulted in over $4.5 million in damage and six fatalities.National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration June 1972 14 6 0039-1972 Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena Storm Data July 8, 2015 http://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-51688412-A948-4A46-9371-428D1B7B7E85.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20150708024237/http://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-51688412-A948-4A46-9371-428D1B7B7E85.pdf July 8, 2015 Asheville, North Carolina At least 2,082 structures in Florida suffered either major damage or were destroyed. About 1,355 other dwellings experienced minor losses.http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0183-jpg/1972/atlantic/agnes/postevent/damageanddeaths.01.jpg Impact Of Hurricane Agnes On Property 1972 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Hurricane Center January 8, 2012 Miami, Florida https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070317/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0183-jpg/1972/atlantic/agnes/postevent/damageanddeaths.01.jpg March 4, 2016 live mdy-all Though Agnes made landfall as a hurricane, no hurricane-force winds were reported. Abnormally high tides resulted in extensive damage, especially between Apalachicola and Cedar Key. The storm left nine deaths and approximately $40 million in damage in Florida.http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0183-jpg/1972/atlantic/agnes/postevent/report_ashville12.jpg Narrative Summary for Monthly Climatological Data - Florida July 12, 1972 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Climatic Data Center September 5, 2015 Asheville, North Carolina https://web.archive.org/web/20160304214355/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0183-jpg/1972/atlantic/agnes/postevent/report_ashville12.jpg March 4, 2016 live mdy-all Generally minor effects were also recorded in the states of Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as the New England region. However, one fatality was reported in Delaware and three were recorded in Georgia. The most significant effects, by far, occurred in Pennsylvania, mostly due to severe flooding. Precipitation peaked at 18 in mm on in Schuylkill County,http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/agnes1972.html Hurricane Agnes - June 14–25, 1972 David M. Roth September 30, 2006 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Prediction Center September 5, 2015 Camp Springs, Maryland https://web.archive.org/web/20160303230053/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/agnes1972.html March 3, 2016 live mdy-all causing several creeks and rivers crest at record height, including the Delaware, Juniata, Lackawanna, Susquehanna, and West Branch Susquehanna rivers.https://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/0924/report.pdf Hurricane Agnes Rainfall and Floods, June-July 1972 J. F. Bailey J. L. Patterson 1975 United States Geological Survey National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration September 5, 2015 Reston, Virginia https://web.archive.org/web/20160305012123/http://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/0924/report.pdf March 5, 2016 live mdy-all More than 100,000 people were forced to leave their homes due to flooding.United Press International Miami Herald June 24, 1972 Flood Situation State by State September 5, 2015 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0183-jpg/1972/atlantic/agnes/news/mh0624p20-a.jpg Miami, Florida https://web.archive.org/web/20140102193421/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0183-jpg/1972/atlantic/agnes/news/mh0624p20-a.jpg January 2, 2014 live mdy-all In the state of Pennsylvania, more than 3,000 businesses and 68,000 homes were destroyed, leaving at least 220,000 people homeless.River begins to recede in Pennsylvania, but flooding persists http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/09/09/weather.lee/index.html September 9, 2011 CNN September 29, 2021 Agnes remains one of the worst natural disasters in Pennsylvania.http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/weather/hurricane/2002/6-20-agnes-revisited.htm Hurricane Agnes still ranks as Pa.'s worst disaster June 20, 2002 Associated Press USA Today September 11, 2015 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania https://web.archive.org/web/20150924092303/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/weather/hurricane/2002/6-20-agnes-revisited.htm September 24, 2015 live mdy-all New York also suffered severe damage. Similarly, rivers in the state crested high, including the Allegheny, Chemung, Genesee, Susquehanna, and Tioga rivers. Corning, Elmira, and Olean, as well as many other Southern Tier towns, were severely flooded. Throughout New York, 32,832 homes were damaged and 628 others were damaged. A total of 1,547 small businesses were extensively damaged or demolished. In Canada, a mobile home was toppled, killing two people. Overall, Agnes caused 131 fatalities and over $2.1 billion in damage. Unnamed June tropical storm Atl TDJune1919721619UTCATS3.gif 03L 1972 path.png June 18 June 21 45 1007 As Agnes was moving over the southeastern United States, a subtropical storm formed approximately 510 mi km on southwest of Bermuda on June 18. It moved northeastward and headed toward the island. After becoming fully tropical, the system dissipated on June 21. Unnamed July subtropical storm Atl Unnamed July subtropical storm.png 04L 1972 path.png July 11 July 13 35 1014 subtropicalA subtropical depression developed offshore North Florida on July 11. Moving generally northward, the system made landfall as a subtropical storm near Cape Fear in North Carolina on July 12. It dissipated over Maryland about two days later. Generally light rainfall was reported in several states, though 8 in mm on of precipitation was recorded on Cedar Island, North Carolina.http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td05aof1972.html Tropical Depression Five - July 10-14, 1972 David M. Roth March 6, 2013 Weather Prediction Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration June 21, 2015 College Park, Maryland https://web.archive.org/web/20160304045534/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td05aof1972.html March 4, 2016 live mdy-all Unnamed July tropical storm Atl Unnamed July 1972 tropical storm.png 05L 1972 path.png July 18 July 23 40 998A tropical depression originated about 570 mi km on west-southwest of Flores Island in the Azores on July 18. It trekked slowly until July 19, at which time the system curved northeastward. The following day, the system became a tropical storm. It dissipated about 450 mi km on northeast of Flores Island on July 23. Hurricane Betty (Bravo) Atl BettyAug271972.png Betty 1972 path.png August 22 September 1 80 976 An area of disturbed weather appeared on satellite imagery while forming within an old frontal zone on August 21. At 1200 UTC on the following day, a subtropical depression developed about 290 mi km on north-northeast of Bermuda. The system strengthened slowly as it headed east-northeastward or eastward and by August 24, it became Subtropical Storm Bravo. During the next 24 hours, minimal intensification occurred. However, a deepening high-level trough and a building ridge enhanced outflow and deep convection on August 25. Additionally, reconnaissance aircraft flights began indicating a transition to a warm-core. Unfavorable northwesterly winds briefly halted further development, though by late on August 26, Bravo resumed acquiring tropical characteristics after another deepening trough accelerated the storm eastward. After reconnaissance aircraft reported winds of 98 mph km/h on and satellite imagery indicated a storm with a classic cyclonic appearance, Bravo was reclassified as Hurricane Betty while located about 920 mi km on west of the Azores on August 27. After some further strengthening, Betty attained its peak intensity as a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph km/h on and a minimum barometric pressure of 976 mbar inHg on early on August 28. The hurricane then moved rapidly east-northeastward before decelerating late on the following day. Around that time, northerly winds aloft caused Betty to weaken to a Category 1 hurricane. After briefly moving southward, the storm curved back to a general westward direction and fell to tropical storm intensity on August 31. Later that day, Betty turned northward ahead of a trough and became extratropical about 565 mi km on northwest of Corvo Island in the Azores on September 1. Tropical Storm Carrie Tropical Storm Carrie (1972) Atl Carrie 1972.jpg Carrie 1972 path.png August 29 September 3 55 1002 A complex system combining a tropical wave and an upper-level low led to the formation of a tropical depression east of Florida on August 29. It managed to become a tropical storm on August 31 and reached initial peak winds of 50 mph km/h on later that day. However, upper-level winds increased, causing Carrie to weaken to a minimal tropical storm by September 2. Due to baroclinic processes, Carrie began to re-intensify, attaining peak winds of 65 mph km/h on just prior to transitioning into an extratropical cyclone on September 3. The extratropical cyclone continued northeastward, and struck eastern Maine on September 4.http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1972.pdf Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1972 R. H. Simpson Paul J. Herbert April 1973 National Hurricane Center May 7, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110525200825/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1972.pdf 25 May 2011 live By the following day, the extratropical cyclone dissipated over the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Carrie had a minimal impact on the East Coast south of New England, limited to increased swells, gusty winds, and light rainfall. The worst conditions occurred over southeastern New England, where wind gusts reached 84 mph km/h on and rainfall exceeded 1 ft m on. Damage was most severe along and slightly inland from the coast. Thousands of people became stranded on offshore islands of Massachusetts after dangerous conditions created by the storm prompted the suspension of steamship service. Overall, damage was generally light, with total monetary losses valued at $1.78 million. Four deaths were blamed on the storm. Unnamed early September subtropical storm Atl Unnamed early September 1972 subtropical storm.png 12L 1972 path.png September 3 September 4 45 1002 subtropicalA subtropical storm developed about 840 mi km on east-southeast of Bermuda on September 3. The system moved northeastward toward the Azores, but degenerated about 920 mi km on southwest of Flores Island on September 5. Tropical Storm Dawn Atl Hurricane Dawn September 4, 1972.jpg Dawn 1972 path.png September 5 September 14 55 996 A tropical wave, combined with an upper tropospheric trough, resulted in the development of a tropical depression near Cay Sal Bank, Bahamas, on September 5. Later that day, the depression struck Key Largo, Florida, before moving inland over the mainland of Florida. The storm brought very light rainfall to the state, peaking at 1.19 in mm on in Tavernier. The system moved northeastward and soon re-emerged into the Atlantic.http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/dawn1972.html Tropical Storm Dawn – September 4-15, 1972 David M. Roth November 13, 2007 Weather Prediction Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration July 14, 2015 College Park, Maryland https://web.archive.org/web/20160304201350/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/dawn1972.html March 4, 2016 live mdy-all While located north of Grand Bahama on September 6, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Dawn. On September 7, a cold low pressure developed near Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, which would influence much of Dawn's movement. Dawn then curved west-northwestward on September 8 and peaked with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph km/h on and a minimum barometric pressure of 997 mbar inHg on on. With Dawn appearing as a threat to the Mid-Atlantic, storm and gale warnings were issued from Chincoteague Inlet, Virginia, to Cape May, New Jersey, on September 8. However, the storm veered southeastward on September 9. By late on September 10, after the cold low pressure area relinquished influence over Dawn, the cyclone began moving westward, but continued to deteriorate. Dawn weakened to a tropical depression while well east of Georgia late on September 12. The system approached the Sea Islands on September 13, but curved northeastward and remained offshore. Dawn dissipated less than 15 mi km on east of Isle of Palms, South Carolina, on September 14. The storm also produced very light rainfall in Georgia and South Carolina. Subtropical Storm Charlie Atl subtropical CharlieSep191972.png Charlie 1972 path.png September 19 September 21 55 ≤995 A very small, circular subtropical depression developed about 460 mi km on northeast of Bermuda on September 19. Initially, the storm moved north-northeastward and strengthened into Subtropical Storm Charlie early the following day. It then moved quickly northeastward and continued to strengthen. Later on September 20, Charlie peaked with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph km/h on. The system soon lost tropical characteristics and transitioned into an extratropical cyclone about 630 mi km on east of Cape Race, Newfoundland, early on September 21. However, the extratropical storm deepened significantly, reaching a barometric pressure of 944 mbar inHg on, a reading typical of a strong Category 3 hurricane. Early on September 22, the extratropical cyclone dissipated over the far north Atlantic. Unnamed late September subtropical storm Atl Unnamed October 1972 subtropical storm.png 16L 1972 path.png September 29 October 3 35 ≤1010 subtropicalOn October 1, a subtropical storm originated about 980 mi km on northeast of Barbuda. The storm tracked generally northward and dissipated about 420 mi km on south of the Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland on October 3. Subtropical Storm Delta Atl subtropical DeltaNov51972.png Delta 1972 path.png November 1 November 7 40 1001 A southwestward-moving cold-core low pressure area developed into a subtropical depression while located about 950 mi km on west-southwest of Flores Island in the Azores on November 1. After forming, the system soon strengthened and was upgraded to Subtropical Storm Delta. Early on November 3, Delta attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph km/h on and a minimum barometric pressure of 1001 mbar inHg on. Around that time, the subtropical storm briefly moved southward, before beginning a general eastward movement on November 4. Delta soon began to weaken and was reduced to a subtropical depression by the following day. It continued eastward until November 6, at which time the storm decelerated and curved northward. Delta dissipated while located about 790 mi km on southwest of Flores Island. Other systems In addition to the named storms, there were several weak depressions during the season. On August 3, a tropical depression formed about 225 mi km on 5 northeast of Turks and Caicos Islands. After moving generally northwestward, the storm turned southwestward late on August 4, shortly before dissipating. Another tropical depression formed on August 17 while south of the Cabo Verde islands. Moving westward, the cyclone dissipated by August 18. The next tropical depression formed on September 20 while located about 570 mi km on west-southwest of the Cabo Verde islands. The storm headed generally westward, but then began moving west-northwestward on September 21. Two days later, the depression dissipated halfway between the Cabo Verde islands and the Lesser Antilles. Another tropical depression formed about 120 mi km on west of Bolama, Guinea-Bissau, on October 5. The depression moved generally westward, before curving to the northwest on October 8. Four days later, the system dissipated approximately 800 mi km on 5 east of the Leeward Islands. Yet another tropical depression formed about 455 mi km on 5 southwest of Brava, Cape Verde, on October 17. Initially the depression moved generally west-northwestward and dissipated about halfway between Barbados and Cabo Verde islands. Additionally, two systems previously classified as tropical depressions have since been removed the Atlantic hurricane database, known as AL071972 and AL081972. The former was previously believed to have tracked from Senegal to south of the Cabo Verde islands from September 5 and September 7. The Atlantic hurricane reanalysis project noted in 2026 that AL081972 may have existed as a tropical depression on September 12 and September 13, but was more likely a weak low-pressure area.Sandy Delgado Hugh Cobb Christopher W. Landsea Christopher Landsea Metadata: 1971-1975 revisions https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/metadata-1971-1975.pdf 171-172 Re-Analysis Project Hurricane Research Division October 13, 2026 Miami September 2026 Atlantic Meteorological and Oceanographic Laboratory Storm names The following list of names was used for named tropical storms that formed in the north Atlantic in 1972.https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/Publications/NatHurricaneOpsPlans/HOPs-1972.pdf 101 NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research Washington, D.C. National Hurricane Operations Plan May 1972 February 11, 2024https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86175145/iowa-city-press-citizen/ Hurricane Names for the 1972 Season July 12, 1972 Iowa City Press-Citizen 5C September 29, 2021 Newspapers.com Storms were named Agnes, Betty and Dawn for the first (and only, in the case of Agnes) time in 1972. Agnes Betty Carrie Dawn Edna Felice Gerda Harriet Ilene Jane Kara Lucile Mae Nadine Odette Polly Rita Sarah Tina Velma Wendy The NATO phonetic alphabet (below) was used to designates subtropical cyclones that formed in the north Atlantic in 1972. Subtropical Storm Bravo became Betty after acquiring tropical characteristics.NATO NATO phonetic alphabet, codes and signals https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_150391.htm 2025-08-31 NATO en Alpha Bravo Charlie Delta Echo Foxtrot Golf Hotel India Juliett Kilo Lima Mike November Oscar Papa Quebec Romeo Sierra Tango Uniform Victor Whiskey Xray Yankee Zulu Retirement List of retired Atlantic hurricane names After the end of the 1972 Atlantic hurricane season, the name Agnes was retired due to the amount of damage and loss of life.http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/retirednames.shtml Tropical Cyclone Naming History and Retired Names April 17, 2015 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Hurricane Center July 7, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20110628193705/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/retirednames.shtml June 28, 2011 live mdy-all Season effects This is a table of all of the storms that formed in the 1972 Atlantic hurricane season. It includes their name, duration, peak classification and intensities, areas affected, damage, and death totals. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but were still related to that storm. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical, a wave, or a low, and all of the damage figures are in 1972 USD. center1972 North Atlantic tropical cyclone sstorm Alpha May 23–29 70 (110) 988 Southeastern United States $100,000 2 cat1 Agnes June 14–21 80 (130) 979 Yucatán Peninsula, western Cuba, Eastern United States, Southern Ontario, Quebec $2.1 billion 131 storm Three June 18–21 50 (85) 1007 North Carolina None None sstorm Four July 11–13 40 (65) 1014 None None None storm Five July 18–23 45 (75) 1000 None None None depression Six August 3–4 35 (55) 1008 None None None depression Nine August 17–18 30 (45) Unknown Cabo Verde None None cat1 Betty (Bravo) August 22 – September 1 90 (150) 976 None None None storm Carrie August 29 – September 3 50 (85) 1002 Northeastern United States $1.78 million 4 sstorm Twelve September 3–5 50 (85) 1000 None None None storm Dawn September 5–14 65 (100) 997 Southeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States Minimal None sstorm Charlie September 19–21 65 (100) ≤996 None None None depression Fifteen September 20–23 35 (55) 1009 None None None sstorm Sixteen September 29 – October 3 40 (65) 1012 None None None depression Seventeen October 5–12 35 (55) 1006 None None None depression Eighteen October 17–22 35 (55) Unknown None None None sstorm Delta November 1–7 45 (75) 1001 None None None 17 May 23 – November 7 90 (150) 976 $2.1 billion 137 See also Tropical cyclones 1972 Pacific hurricane season 1972 Pacific typhoon season 1972 North Indian Ocean cyclone season Australian region cyclone seasons: 1971–72 1972–73 South Pacific cyclone seasons: 1971–72 1972–73 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone seasons: 1971–72 1972–73 Notes nb References External links WPC rainfall pages for 1972 Tropical Cyclones Monthly Weather Review 1970 Atlantic hurricane 1972