1981 Atlantic hurricane season

none February 2012 Atl 1981 1981 Atlantic hurricane season summary map.png April 6, 1981 November 17, 1981 Harvey 115 946 1 22 12 7 3 14 total 88.7 Timeline of the 1981 Atlantic hurricane season 1981 Pacific hurricane season 1981 Pacific typhoon season 1981 North Indian Ocean cyclone season 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983 The 1981 Atlantic hurricane season featured direct or indirect impacts from nearly all of its 12 tropical or subtropical storms. Overall, the season was fairly active, with 22 tropical depressions, 12 of which became named storms. 7 of those reached hurricane status and a further 3 intensified into major hurricanes. The season officially began on June 1, 1981, and lasted until November 30, 1981. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. However, tropical cyclogenesis can occur before these dates, as demonstrated with the development of two tropical depressions in April and Tropical Storm Arlene in May. At least one tropical cyclone formed in each month between April and November, with the final system, Subtropical Storm Three, becoming extratropical on November 17, 1981. Although many tropical cyclones impacted land, few caused significant damage. Tropical Depression Eight was the most devastating storm of the season, causing five fatalities and $56.2 million in damage due to flooding over southeast Texas in August. During the same month, Hurricane Dennis produced heavy rainfall across Florida's Miami metropolitan area and in parts of southeastern North Carolina, killing three people and leaving about $28.5 million in damage. Tropical Depression Two, Tropical Storm Bret, and Hurricane Katrina also resulted in fatalities. Collectively, the Atlantic tropical cyclones of this season were responsible for about $88.7 million in damage and 14 deaths. Seasonal summary thumb|right|400px|Satellite image on September 9, 1981, of Emily (top-center), Floyd (top-left), Gert (bottom-left), and formative stage of Harvey (bottom-right) The 1981 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86093132/the-miami-news/ Meet Bret, Cindy, Dennis, Emily ... 8A May 29, 1981 The Miami News September 27, 2021 Newspapers.com The season was high in activity, with 22 cyclones, 12 of which intensified into tropical or subtropical storms. Of those, seven intensified into a hurricane, while three strengthened into a major hurricane. This activity exceeded the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s 1950-2005 average of 11 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes.Climate Prediction Center Background Information: The North Atlantic Hurricane Season National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration May 27, 2010 September 27, 2021 http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/background_information.shtml https://web.archive.org/web/20100826053605/http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/background_information.shtml August 26, 2010 Although most of the systems made landfall or otherwise impacted land, few caused extensive damage or fatalities. Collectively, the tropical cyclones of the 1981 Atlantic hurricane season caused about $88.7 million in damage and 14 deaths. http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td2of1981.html Tropical Depression Two – June 4–7, 1981 David M. Roth August 4, 2008 Hydrometeorological Prediction Center December 6, 2011 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rwgvAAAAIBAJ&sjid=vqQFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1898,562810&dq=tropical+storm+bret+1981&hl=en Yachts Safe After Storm July 3, 1981 28 The Montreal Gazette September 9, 2021 Montreal, Quebec 23 8 Storm Data Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena August 1981 0039-1972 National Climatic Data Center September 27, 2021 https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-AD0E6236-7431-46B0-814F-F62E093F30CB.pdf Asheville, North Carolina https://web.archive.org/web/20210927053718/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-AD0E6236-7431-46B0-814F-F62E093F30CB.pdf September 27, 2021 http://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/08/21/A-hurricane-for-only-one-day-Dennis-was-downgraded/1063367214400/ August 21, 1981 A hurricane for only one day, Dennis was downgraded United Press International September 27, 2021 http://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/08/19/Tropical-storm-Dennis-packing-a-stiff-watery-punch-and/8066367041600/ Tropical storm Dennis, packing a stiff watery punch and 50 mph winds William Stracener August 19, 1981 United Press International September 27, 2021 Reagan declares Lavaca County is disaster area https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12112228/the_galveston_daily_news/ September 27, 2021 United Press International The Daily News September 23, 1981 3 Galveston, Texas Newspapers.com David M. Roth May 12, 2008 http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td8of1981.html Hydrometeorological Prediction Center Tropical Depression Eight – August 27–September 1, 1981 September 27, 2021 Miles B. Lawrence November 30, 1981 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/katrina/prelim01.gif Preliminary Report Hurricane Katrina: 3 – November 7, 1981 National Hurricane Center 1 September 27, 2021 Tropical cyclogenesis began early, with two tropical depression forming in April, the first of which developing on April 6. Both tropical depressions were operationally unnumbered. Tropical Storm Arlene formed on May 6. The storm made landfall in Cuba two days later, before being absorbed later by a low.http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/arlene/prelim01.gif 1 Preliminary Report Tropical Storm Arlene: May 6–9, 1981 Joseph M. Pelissier 1981 National Hurricane Center September 27, 2021 Tropical Depression Two moved out of the Gulf of Mexico into eastern Texas on June 5, producing localized rainfall amounts of 12 in mm on and numerous tornadoes over Louisiana before recurving across the Southeast United States.http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td2of1981.html Tropical Depression Two – June 4–7, 1981 David M. Roth August 4, 2008 Hydrometeorological Prediction Center December 6, 2011 Another previously unnumbered tropical depression formed over the Bay of Campeche later that month on June 17. It made landfall in Mexico south of Tampico before dissipating about two days later. Tropical Storm Bret formed as a subtropical low in the open Atlantic Ocean north of Bermuda on June 29, and made landfall in the Delmarva Peninsula.http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/bret/prelim01.gif 1 Preliminary Report Tropical Storm Bret: 29 June – 1 July 1981 Miles B. Lawrence July 11, 1981 National Hurricane Center December 6, 2011 The last of four previously unnumbered tropical depressions developed near Andros on July 2. It made landfall in southeast Florida and later in South Carolina before dissipating on July 4. Tropical Depression Four formed in the Gulf of Mexico on July 25, moving into Mexico the next day, and causing heavy rains in west Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas when its remnants moved into the United States.http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td4of1981.html Tropical Depression Four – July 24–30, 1981 David M. Roth August 4, 2008 Hydrometeorological Prediction Center December 6, 2011 Tropical Storm Cindy formed on August 2 in the open Atlantic and became an extratropical cyclone on August 5.John R. Hope http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/cindy/prelim01.gif 1 Preliminary Report Tropical Storm Cindy: 2 – August 5, 1981 National Hurricane Center September 27, 2021 Hurricane Dennis formed on August 7 near South America. Dennis degenerated into a depression while making landfall in the Leeward Islands, but regained storm strength while over Cuba. Dennis moved near the southeast United States coastline from Florida to Virginia, briefly becoming a hurricane. Dennis weakened into a tropical storm and was declared an extratropical cyclone on August 22.David M. Roth http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/dennis1981.html Hurricane Dennis – August 15–20, 1981 Hydrometeorological Prediction Center March 6, 2013 September 27, 2021 Tropical Depression Seven formed in mid-August and tracked through the Windward Islands before dissipating near Trinidad and Tobago. Tropical Depression Eight led to a significant flooding event between San Antonio and Houston on August 30 and August 31 while recurving through Texas into Louisiana.David M. Roth May 12, 2008 http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td8of1981.html Hydrometeorological Prediction Center Tropical Depression Eight – August 27–September 1, 1981 September 27, 2021 Hurricane Emily formed on September 1 southeast of Bermuda. Emily made a cyclonic loop as a tropical storm. Emily strengthened into a hurricane out in the North Atlantic Ocean and by September 12, was no longer identifiable.Gil B. Clark http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/emily/prelim01.gif Preliminary Report Hurricane Emily: August 31 – September 11 National Hurricane Center October 16, 1981 1 September 27, 2021 Hurricane Floyd was a Category 3 hurricane that grazed Bermuda, but no damage was reported.1982 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/floyd/prelim01.gif Preliminary Report Hurricane Floyd: September 03 - 12, 1981 Joseph M. Pelissier National Hurricane Center 1 September 27, 2021 Hurricane Gert formed September 8, strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane, and followed the same track as Floyd, dissipating near the Azores.David M. Roth http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/gert1981.html March 6, 2013 Hydrometeorological Prediction Center Tropical Storm Gert – September 7–9, 1981 September 27, 2021Miles B. Lawrence http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/gert/prelim01.gif Preliminary Report Hurricane Gert: 07 – September 15, 1981 October 10, 1981 National Hurricane Center 1 September 27, 2021Miles B. Lawrence http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/gert/prelim02.gif Preliminary Report Hurricane Gert: 07 – September 15, 1981 October 10, 1981 National Hurricane Center 2 September 27, 2021 Hurricane Harvey became the strongest storm of the season, reaching Category 4 strength. Harvey never affected land, but ships reported tropical storm-force winds.John R. Hope http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/harvey/prelim01.gif Preliminary Report Hurricane Harvey: 11 – September 19, 1981 National Hurricane Center 1 September 27, 2021 Tropical Depression Thirteen brought gusts of tropical storm force to Bermuda in mid-to-late September.Associated Press Storm Irene Expected to Become Hurricane https://www.newspapers.com/clip/92589873/the-item/ September 24, 1981 The Daily Item 19A Sumter, South Carolina January 14, 2022 Newspapers.com Hurricane Irene also stayed out at sea, reaching Category 3 strength before becoming extratropical in early October. The extratropical remnants of Irene made landfall in France.National Hurricane Center http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/irene/prelim01.gif Preliminary Report Hurricane Irene: September 21 – October 3, 1981 Robert C. Sheets October 20, 1981 1 September 27, 2021 Tropical Depression Fifteen was small and well-organized as it crossed the tropical Atlantic before weakening as it moved through the northeast Caribbean and southwest North Atlantic during late September and early October. Tropical Storm Jose was a short-lived storm forming out in the open Atlantic in late October. Jose never affected land and dissipated on November 1 near the Azores.Miles B. Lawrence http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/jose/prelim01.gif Preliminary Report Tropical Storm Jose: October 29 – November 1, 1981 1 November 16, 1981 National Hurricane Center September 27, 2021 Hurricane Katrina formed in the Caribbean Sea, and made landfall in Cuba after reaching hurricane strength.Miles B. Lawrence November 30, 1981 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/katrina/prelim01.gif Preliminary Report Hurricane Katrina: 3 – November 7, 1981 National Hurricane Center 1 September 27, 2021 The final storm of the season, Subtropical Storm Three, formed in the Atlantic Ocean on November 12 and moved north, making landfall in Nova Scotia and becoming extratropical soon after.Miles B. Lawrence November 30, 1981 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/subtrop/prelim01.gif Preliminary Report Subtropical Storm (Number Two?): 12 -17 November 1981 National Hurricane Center 1 September 27, 2021 The season's activity was reflected with an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) rating of 100,Hurricane Research Division National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration September 2021 Atlantic basin Comparison of Original and Revised HURDAT September 27, 2021 https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/comparison_table.html which is classified as "near normal" by NOAA and is slightly higher than the 1951-2000 average of 93.2. ACE is a metric used to express the energy used by a tropical cyclone during its lifetime. Therefore, storms that last a long time, as well as particularly strong hurricanes, have high ACEs. It is only calculated for full advisories on tropical systems at or exceeding 39 mph km/h on, which is the threshold for tropical storm intensity. Systems Tropical Storm Arlene Atl Arlene 1981-05-07 1745Z.png Arlene 1981 track.png May 6 May 9 50 999 An area of thunderstorms in the eastern Pacific Ocean crossed Central America into the western Caribbean, developing a low-level circulation on May 5 offshore Honduras.Jim Lushine National Hurricane Center 1981 Summary on Tropical Storm Arlene April 2, 2024 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0115-jpg/1981/atlantic/arlene/postevent/arlene1981.jpg Convection organized enough that a tropical depression formed on May 6 near the Cayman Islands. It was a rare example of an Atlantic depression forming from a disturbance that originated in the eastern Pacific.Joseph M. Pelissier National Hurricane Center 1981 Tropical Storm Arlene Preliminary Report 1 April 2, 2024 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/arlene/prelim01.gif Spiral rainbands developed around the center, and the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Arlene on May 7 while moving generally northeastward, steered by a ridge to its north.National Hurricane Center May 8, 1981 Tropical Cyclone Discussion Tropical Storm Arlene November 20, 2025 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0115-jpg/1981/atlantic/arlene/tropdisc/tcd05080300z.jpg Arlene struck eastern Cuba early on May 8 with winds of 50 mph (85 km/h).Joseph M. Pelissier National Hurricane Center 1981 2 Tropical Storm Arlene Preliminary Report November 20, 2025 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/arlene/prelim02.gif Strong wind shear and Arlene's passage over land weakened the storm to a tropical depression and caused its circulation to become ill-defined.John R. Hope National Hurricane Center May 8, 1981 Tropical Cyclone Discussion Tropical Depression Arlene April 2, 2024 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0115-jpg/1981/atlantic/arlene/tropdisc/tcd05081500z.jpg After an area of convection reformed, Arlene re-intensified after exiting Cuba, reaching winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 999 mbar inHg on on over the southeastern Bahamas, based on observations from Hurricane Hunters. Arlene soon weakened to a tropical depression again and was absorbed by an advancing trough on May 9. Late the next day, the combined systems reorganized and resembled having some subtropical characteristics, but it weakened further by May 11. As Arlene was approaching its first landfall, the National Hurricane Center noted the potential for heavy rainfall in Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas; small boats in those regions were advised to remain at harbor. Meanwhile, the government of the Bahamas issued storm warnings for the central and southeastern portion of its country.John R. Hope National Hurricane Center May 7, 1981 Tropical Storm Arlene Advisory 2 April 2, 2024 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0115-jpg/1981/atlantic/arlene/public/pub05072200z.jpg There were no reports of damage or casualties from Cuba or the Bahamas, and therefore storm affects were judged to have been minimal. Early in the duration of Arlene, Cayman Brac reported 46 mph km/h on winds;National Hurricane Center 1981 Reports from Cayman Brac April 2, 2024 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0115-jpg/1981/atlantic/arlene/sfcdat/hw.jpg later, peak winds in the Bahamas reached around 35 mph (55 km/h).National Hurricane Center 1981 Reports from the Bahamas April 2, 2024 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0115-jpg/1981/atlantic/arlene/sfcdat/hwbahamas.jpg Arlene was the only May tropical storm on record to affect the Cuban province of Camagüey, although its passage was mostly noticed in its disruption of sugar cane production.Academia de Ciencia de Cuba/Centro Meteorológico Camaguey ES December 3, 1994 Ciclones tropicales y produccion agricola.Prejuicios y beneficios April 2, 2024 http://www.cbmet.com/cbm-files/20-4ad48b3cfa9347b2efa5b4f8af8d6442.DOC dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160303182411/http://www.cbmet.com/cbm-files/20-4ad48b3cfa9347b2efa5b4f8af8d6442.DOC March 3, 2016 Tropical Depression Two Atl 02L 1981-06-04 1830Z.jpg 02L 1981 track.png June 3 June 5 30 996 A tropical depression formed in the Bay of Campeche on June 3. Classified as Tropical Depression Two, the system moved north-northwest, lured by a closed upper-cyclone over the southern Great Plains. Shortly before 12:00 UTC on June 5, the depression made landfall near Matagorda, Texas, with winds of 35 mph (55 km/h) . Surface observations indicate that the depression's barometric pressure at landfall ranged from 991 to 996 mbar inHg on. Although the depression dissipated later on June 5, its remnants quickly recurved through the Mississippi Valley, and deepened as it moved off the coast of the Mid-Atlantic states into the Atlantic on June 7. The depression, in conjunction with an upper-level low, dropped heavy rainfall in the Greater Houston area, with a peak total of 15 in mm on at Lake Anahuac. In Texas City, 1 to 6 in mm on of water inside 16 homes forced the evacuation of their occupants,https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0120-jpg/1981/atlantic/td%232/postevent/report_gls06051700z.jpg Storm Report Bill Blum June 5, 1981 National Weather Service Galveston, Texas February 20, 2020 with at least 23 homes suffering water damage. Water also entered city hall. Some roads had roughly 18 in mm on of standing water, stranding some motorists for hours.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/45249488/the_galveston_daily_news/ Teri Crook Excessive rainfall paralyzes Texas City residents June 6, 1981 The Galveston Daily News 1A February 20, 2020 Newspapers.com In Galveston, a tornado damaged forty homes and apartments, with severe damage to three homes and two apartment units. One business suffered major roof damage, while several cars were damaged at an auto dealership. The depression also spawned eight tornadoes in Louisiana. The most destructive tornado touched down in Rapides Parish, where it substantially damaged or destroyed thirty-eight cars at a dealership in Lecompte, severely damaged five homes and caused minor damage to four others, downed large trees, and tossed an 18-wheeler truck approximately 200 ft m on.https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0120-jpg/1981/atlantic/td%232/postevent/report_esf06052350z.jpg Storm Report June 5, 1981 National Weather Service Alexandria, Louisiana February 20, 2020 Overall, the depression killed three people, two due to flooding and one from an associated tornado.https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/06/05/At-least-three-people-were-killed-and-a-dozen/3366360561600/ United Press International At least three people were killed and a dozen... June 5, 1981 February 20, 2020 At least $4 million in damage was caused by this depression. Tropical Storm Bret Atl File:Bret 1981-06-30 1700Z.png Bret 1981 track.png June 29 July 1 60 996 Tropical Storm Bret (1981) A low-pressure area initially associated with a frontal system developed into a subtropical storm on June 29 while roughly 575 mi km on east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The system headed westward and transitioned into Tropical Storm Bret around 06:00 UTC on June 30. Bret attained its peak intensity six hours later with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph km/h on and a minimum atmospheric pressure of 996 mbar inHg on. However, Bret rapidly weakened as it approached the Mid-Atlantic and deteriorated to a minimal tropical storm by the time it made landfall on the Delmarva Peninsula early on July 1. The cyclone dissipated over northern Virginia several hours later. Rainfall amounts were light, with a narrow area of over 1 in mm on of precipitation reported near its track and within the central Appalachians, while a peak total of 4.48 in mm on was observed at Big Meadows, Virginia.http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/bret1981.html Tropical Storm Bret - June 29-July 3, 1981 David M. Roth March 6, 2013 Weather Prediction Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration September 9, 2021 College Park, Maryland Locally heavy rains in western Pennsylvania caused some basement and street flooding.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85005353/the-miami-herald/ Tropical storm breaks up in Virginia July 2, 1981 Miami Herald 2A September 9, 2021 Newspapers.com Miami, Florida No significant damage was reported, but one fatality occurred at Nags Head, North Carolina, due to riptides.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rwgvAAAAIBAJ&sjid=vqQFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1898,562810&dq=tropical+storm+bret+1981&hl=en Yachts Safe After Storm July 3, 1981 28 United Press International The Montreal Gazette September 9, 2021 Montreal, Quebec Tropical Depression Four Atl 04L 1981-07-25 2100Z.jpg 04L 1981 track.png July 25 July 26 30 1008 In association with a tropical wave, a tropical disturbance formed over the Caribbean south of Cuba. As a disturbance crossed the Yucatán Peninsula, it interacted with an upper-level low-pressure area centered to the west. After emerging into the south-central Gulf of Mexico, the disturbance organized into a tropical depression early on July 25. The depression moved west-northwest into northeast Mexico on July 26 with winds of 35 mph (55 km/h) before its surface circulation dissipated. Heavy rains fell across western Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas when the remains of this system interacted with a stationary front across the southern Plains between July 28 and July 30. Precipitation peaked at 9.61 in mm on near Sallisaw. Tropical Storm Cindy Atl Cindy 1981-08-04 1630Z.png Cindy 1981 track.png August 2 August 5 50 1002 A cold front moved offshore North Carolina on July 30. An area of disturbed weather along the tail-end of the front subsequently began to develop cyclonic banding, resulting in the formation of a subtropical depression late on August 2 about 310 mi km on 5 northwest of Bermuda. After acquiring more central dense overcast, the subtropical depression transitioned into a tropical depression around 12:00 UTC on the following day. Soon, the depression also intensified into Tropical Storm Cindy late on August 3 about midway between Bermuda and Nova Scotia. Cindy tracked east-northeast until becoming extratropical on August 5 as it moved over colder sea surface temperatures to the southeast of Newfoundland. Hurricane Dennis Atl Dennis 1981-08-20 2100Z.png Dennis 1981 track.png August 7 August 21 70 995 Hurricane Dennis (1981) A tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa on August 5. Two days later, the wave developed into a tropical depression well south of the Cabo Verde Islands. The depression intensified into a tropical storm early on August 8. However, Dennis then encountered strong wind shear, causing the storm to weaken to a tropical depression on August 11. After crossing the Windward Islands on August 12, Dennis entered the Caribbean but degenerated into a tropical wave early the following day. The wave became a tropical depression again late on August 15 while approaching Cuba. Dennis reintensified into a tropical storm around 00:00 UTC on August 16, just prior to landfall near Playa Girón, Matanzas Province. The cyclone emerged into the Straits of Florida hours later, before striking the Florida Keys and then mainland Monroe County early the next day. It drifted across Florida, reaching the Atlantic near Cape Canaveral on August 19. Dennis continued to intensify and made landfall near Emerald Isle, North Carolina, but moved east-northeastward and soon tracked offshore. Late on August 20, Dennis deepened into a hurricane with winds of 80 mph km/h on, before weakening to a tropical storm over colder waters on August 21. Dennis became extratropical northeast of Bermuda early on August 22 and persisted until being absorbed by a frontal system on August 26.National Hurricane Center http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/dennis/prelim01.gif Preliminary Report Hurricane Dennis: 7 – August 21, 1981 1 September 27, 2021 In the Caribbean, Dennis dropped heavy precipitation on some islands, including Martinique, Saint Lucia, the Virgin Islands,The ragged remnants of onetime Tropical Storm Dennis veered northward http://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/08/12/The-ragged-remnants-of-onetime-Tropical-Storm-Dennis-veered/6964366436800/ September 27, 2021 United Press International August 12, 1981 and the Greater Antilles. Flooding in Jamaica left at least 50 people homeless.Florida Keys threatened by storm http://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/08/15/Florida-Keys-threatened-by-storm/3617366696000/ September 27, 2021 United Press International August 15, 1981 In Florida, heavy rain fell in many areas to the east of the storm's path. Much of southeast Florida received at least 7 in mm on of precipitation,National Hurricane Center http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/dennis/prelim02.gif Preliminary Report Hurricane Dennis: 7 – August 21, 1981 2 September 27, 2021 while over 25.56 in mm on of rain fell in Homestead. Nearly all of Dade County was flooded to the south of Kendall Drive. Many businesses and homes in cities such as Homestead and Florida City suffered water damage.https://www.nytimes.com/1981/08/19/us/tropical-storm-crosses-florida-traveling-north.html Tropical Storm Crosses Florida, Traveling North August 19, 1981 United Press International The New York Times September 27, 2021 However, the worst damage was incurred to crops, which experienced a loss of over $17.26 million.https://my.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/pg_grp_tech_pubs/PORTLET_tech_pubs/dre-144.pdf Report on Tropical Storm Dennis August 16 – 18, 1981 July 1982 DRE-144 South Florida Water Management District 55–56 September 27, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20100604211505/https://my.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/pg_grp_tech_pubs/PORTLET_tech_pubs/dre-144.pdf June 4, 2010 One death and nearly $18.5 million in damage occurred in Florida.http://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/08/19/Tropical-storm-Dennis-packing-a-stiff-watery-punch-and/8066367041600/ Tropical storm Dennis, packing a stiff watery punch and 50 mph winds William Stracener August 19, 1981 United Press International September 27, 2021 Farther north, Dennis also caused flooding in the Carolinas, inundating many streets and causing crop damage in both states. A weather-related traffic accident in South Carolina resulted in two fatalities.http://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/08/21/A-hurricane-for-only-one-day-Dennis-was-downgraded/1063367214400/ August 21, 1981 A hurricane for only one day, Dennis was downgraded United Press International September 27, 2021 Twenty families in Columbus County, North Carolina, evacuated after the Waccamaw River overran its banks.23 8 Storm Data Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena August 1981 0039-1972 National Climatic Data Center 19 September 27, 2021 https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-AD0E6236-7431-46B0-814F-F62E093F30CB.pdf Asheville, North Carolina https://web.archive.org/web/20210927053718/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-AD0E6236-7431-46B0-814F-F62E093F30CB.pdf September 27, 2021 Overall, Dennis left caused three deaths and about $28.5 million in damage. Tropical Depression Seven Atl 08-21-1500z-TD17L.png 07L 1981 track.png August 18 August 21 30 1007 This system developed over the tropical Atlantic Ocean on August 18, moving westward and then southwestward towards the Windward Islands. The depression dissipated east of Trinidad and Tobago late on August 21. Tropical Depression Eight Atl 08L 1981-08-27 2000Z.jpg Eight 1981 path.png August 26 August 30 30 1004 Tropical Depression Eight (1981) Tropical Depression Eight developed from a tropical disturbance over the Bay of Campeche on August 26. Moving northwestward, the cyclone failed to intensify into a tropical storm before making landfall in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas to the north of Tampico on August 28, with winds of 35 mph (55 km/h). After moving inland, the depression curved north-northwestward before degenerating into a surface low-pressure area near the Mexico–United States border on August 29. The remnants moved eastward across Texas and entered Louisiana before dissipating on September 1. Although the system was only a surface low upon reaching Texas, a large thunderstorm complex developed near its center on August 29. This resulted in heavy rainfall across southeastern Texas, with a peak total of 21 in mm on in Pine Springs in Fayette County, with much of that falling in only about six hours. One of the hardest hit areas was Lavaca County. At least 15 streets in downtown Hallettsville were flooded, damaging hundreds of cars, 150 to 200 homes, 75 businesses, and a few local government buildings. Five people were killed by floodwaters in Shiner. Throughout Lavaca County, more than 286 homes were damaged or destroyed, 17 bridges and several roads were washed out, and hundreds of head of cattle were drowned. The depression spawned 14 tornadoes, one of which caused extensive damage in the Galveston area. Overall, the depression left more than $56.2 million in damage. Hurricane Emily Atl File:Emily 1981-09-05 2000Z.png Emily 1981 track.png August 31 September 11 80 966 In late August, a low-pressure system developed over the southwestern Atlantic from a dissipating frontal zone. Showers and thunderstorms organized over the next few days, enough to become a subtropical depression at 12:00 UTC on August 31 while centered about 340 mi km on 5 northeast of the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas.Gil B. Clark http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/emily/prelim05.gif Preliminary Report Hurricane Emily: August 31 – September 11 National Hurricane Center October 16, 1981 5 November 20, 2025 The subtropical depression intensified into a subtropical storm and then transitioned into Tropical Storm Emily on the following day. Emily moved northeast, passing close to Bermuda on September 2. A large high-pressure system caused the storm to executive a cyclone loop on September 3 and September 4, before resuming a northeast motion. Early on the latter date, Emily intensified into a hurricane and then reached its peak intensity late on September 5, with sustained winds of 90 mph (150 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 966 mbar inHg on. A major blocking pattern and its associated weak upper-level westerly winds caused Emily to move in a more eastward direction. The cyclone weakened to a tropical storm on September 8 and degenerated into a low-pressure area on September 11 about 635 mi km on 5 east-southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland, which quickly became unidentifiable. Although Emily passed close to Bermuda on September 2, Kindley Air Force Base only observed sustained winds of 23 to 29 mph km/h on and a barometric pressure of 993 mbar inHg on. Emily, along with a high-pressure system, caused beach erosion across the East Coast of the United States. Hurricane Floyd Atl File:Floyd 1981-09-06 2000Z.png Floyd 1981 track.png September 3 September 12 100 975 A tropical wave became a tropical disturbance east of the Lesser Antilles on August 31. At 12:00 UTC on September 3, the disturbance developed into a tropical depression approximately 60 mi km on 5 east of Guadeloupe.1982 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/floyd/prelim04.gif Preliminary Report Hurricane Floyd: September 03 - 12, 1981 Joseph M. Pelissier National Hurricane Center 4 November 20, 2025 After passing near or over several Leeward Islands in a northwestward trajectory, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Floyd late on September 4 and then reached hurricane status about 24 hours later. Because Emily eroded the western side of a high-pressure ridge, Floyd turned northward on September 6. The cyclone strengthened into a major hurricane on the following day and peaked as a Category 3 with winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 975 mbar inHg on as it turned northeastward. However, Floyd soon encountered strong wind shear and fell to tropical storm intensity later on September 8 while located near Bermuda. The storm then moved generally eastward before turning northeastward on September 10. Floyd became unidentifiable on September 12 about 135 mi km on 5 northwest of the northwesternmost islands of the Azores. As the depression moved northwest across the Leeward Islands, it caused heavy rain. The highest precipitation reported was 5.7 in mm at Antigua. On Bermuda, residents and officials boarded-up windows, tightened moors of vessels, closed schools on September 8, and canceled many commercial flights.https://www.newspapers.com/article/johnson-city-press/185344771/ 2 Associated Press Johnson City Press-Chronicle September 9, 1981 Rains, winds sweep Bermuda, Hurricane Floyd veers away November 20, 2025 Newspapers.com Rains and winds up to 60 mph (95 km/h) impacted the island, but damage was minor. Hurricane Gert Atl Gert 1981-09-11 1700Z.jpg Gert 1981 track.png September 7 September 15 90 988 A tropical wave exited western Africa on September 1, gradually developing a concentrated area of convection. Early on September 7, satellite imagery indicated that Tropical Depression Eleven formed about 400 mi km on 5 east of the Leeward Islands. The depression intensified into Tropical Storm Gert on the following day. The newly upgraded storm passed between Dominica and Guadeloupe and continued to intensify, making landfall on southeastern Puerto Rico with winds of 60 mph km/h on late on September 8. After emerging into the Atlantic, Gert weakened while passing just north of the Dominican Republic. It restrengthened while turning northward near the Bahamas, becoming a hurricane on September 10. Midday on September 11, Gert peaked with winds of 105 mph km/h on and a minimum pressure of 988 mbar hPa inHg on. The hurricane turned northeastward and weakened over cooler waters, passing about 100 mi km on 5 north of Bermuda on September 12 as a tropical storm. On September 14, Gert weakened further to tropical depression status, dissipating the next day. While passing through the Leeward Islands, Gert dropped moderate rainfall of 5.85 in mm on on St. Thomas. Winds gusted to 50 mph km/h on on the island. In Puerto Rico, rainfall peaked at 6.02 in mm on in the municipality of Maricao, flooding some highways. Several towns on the southside of the island lost electricity during the storm due to downed power lines.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86080944/the-indianapolis-star/ Gert lashes Puerto Rico, could threaten Florida September 9, 1981 Associated Press The Indianapolis Star 1 September 27, 2021 Newspapers.com Gale warnings were issued for the Turks and Caicos Islands and later the southeastern Bahamas, and light rainfall occurred in the region, reaching 3.20 in mm on on the island of San Salvador. Winds were light in Bermuda. Hurricane Harvey Atl File:Harvey 1981-09-14 2000Z.png Harvey 1981 track.png September 11 September 19 115 946 A tropical wave that emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa on September 7 developed into a tropical depression roughly 700 mi km on 5 east of Barbados on September 11. Moving northwestward, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Harvey at 18:00 UTC on September 12 and reached hurricane status just six hours later. On September 14, Harvey curved north-northwestward around a weakness in the Azores High and strengthened significantly, becoming a major hurricane that day. The cyclone reached its peak intensity on September 15, as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 130 mph (215 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 946 mbar inHg on. Harvey soon weakened below Category 4 hurricane status while turning northeastward.John R. Hope http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/harvey/prelim03.gif Preliminary Report Hurricane Harvey: 11 – September 19, 1981 National Hurricane Center 3 November 20, 2025 The westerlies caused the cyclone to gradually turn eastward. Harvey weakened to a tropical storm on September 18 and then transitioned into an extratropical cyclone on the following day about 515 mi km on 5 southwest of the northwesternmost islands of the Azores. The remnants of Harvey were observed for several days on satellite imagery. Tropical Depression Thirteen Atl 13L 1981-09-23 1700Z.jpg 13L 1981 track.png September 23 September 24 30 998 The thirteenth operationally classified tropical depression developed 275 mi km on 5 southwest of Bermuda on September 23,https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GJ0cAAAAIBAJ&pg=1507,3465230&dq=tropical+depression&hl=en 10-A 13th Tropical Depression Of Year Forms September 23, 1981 United Press International Sarasota Herald-Tribune September 27, 2021 and was initially expected to intensify into a tropical storm.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86057759/the-miami-news/ Tropical depression aims at Bermuda September 23, 1981 2A The Miami News September 27, 2021 Newspapers.com Although it failed to further intensify, Tropical Depression Thirteen brought squalls to Bermuda with winds gusts of tropical storm-force as it passed west of the island later that day. Moving northward, the system merged with a developing extratropical cyclone south of Nova Scotia on September 24. Hurricane Irene Atl File:Irene 1981-09-28 1830Z.png Irene 1981 track.png September 21 October 2 105 959 Satellite imagery detected a tropical disturbance off the coast of Africa on September 19. By September 21, the disturbance developed into a tropical depression approximately 520 mi km on 5 west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands,National Hurricane Center http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/irene/prelim04.gif Preliminary Report Hurricane Irene: September 21 – October 3, 1981 Robert C. Sheets October 20, 1981 4 November 20, 2025 although deep convection remained unconcentrated from the center for three more days. The depression intensified into Tropical Storm Irene on September 23. The storm tracked northwest under the influence of two high pressure areas to the northeast and northwest and an upper-level trough, becoming a hurricane on September 25. Irene then began to curve eastward as it gradually strengthened. On September 28, Irene strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane and reached its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 959 mbar inHg on.National Hurricane Center http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/irene/prelim02.gif Preliminary Report Hurricane Irene: September 21 – October 3, 1981 Robert C. Sheets October 20, 1981 2 November 20, 2025 Accelerating northeastward due to the upper-level trough, Irene then gradually weakened, falling below hurricane strength on October 1. Early on October 2, Irene transitioned into an extratropical cyclone while located approximately 460 mi km on 5 north of the Azores. The remaining extratropical storm moved over France on October 3. Tropical Depression Fifteen Atl 15L 1981-09-27 1300Z.jpg 15L 1981 track.png September 27 October 4 30 1010 This tropical depression formed southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands on September 27, and tracked through the deep tropics before weakening as it moved over the Leeward Islands late on September 30. Heavy rains occurred at Guadeloupe as the system passed by the island.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/92590904/the-charlotte-news/ October 1, 1981 The Charlotte News Fall weather plays hopscotch 7B January 14, 2022 Charlotte, North Carolina Newspapers.com while light precipitation fell on Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands, peaking at 2.29 in mm on near Peñuelas.https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td15aof1981.html Tropical Depression Fifteen - October 1-2, 1981 David M. Roth March 6, 2013 Weather Prediction Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration November 21, 2025 College Park, Maryland The depression then recurved to the south and east of Bermuda late on October 4. Tropical Storm Jose Atl Jose 1981-10-31 1300Z.png Jose 1981 track.png October 29 November 1 45 998 On October 20, a mid-latitude low-pressure area was located well east of Atlantic Canada. The low moved southward for eight days. Convection increased around the center of circulation on October 29, as a result, a tropical depression formed approximately 1045 mi km on 5 northeast of the Lesser Antilles at 12:00 UTC. Twelve hours later, the depression intensifed into Tropical Storm Jose.Miles B. Lawrence http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981prelim/jose/prelim02.gif Preliminary Report Tropical Storm Jose: October 29 – November 1, 1981 2 November 16, 1981 National Hurricane Center November 20, 2025 Moving generally northeastward, Jose peaked with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 998 mbar inHg on on October 31. The storm then accelerated, reaching forward speeds up to 46 mph km/h on, and weakened and transitioned into a subtropical depression on November 1. Jose then passed just of Flores Island in the Azores and merged with a large area of cloudiness.Miles B. Lawrence Joseph M. Pelissier July 1982 Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1981 Monthly Weather Review 110 7 November 20, 2025 http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1981.pdf 10.1175/1520-0493(1982)110<0852:AHSO>2.0.CO;2 852–866 1982MWRv..110..852L Hurricane Katrina Atl File:Katrina 1981-11-05 1230Z.png Katrina 1981 track.png November 3 November 8 75 980 Hurricane Katrina (1981) A tropical depression formed on November 3 in the western Caribbean Sea about 150 mi km 5 on south of the Cayman Islands. The depression moved north, reaching tropical storm strength as it moved through the Cayman Islands. Katrina continued to strengthen, reaching hurricane strength and peaking with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 km/h) and a minimum atmospheric pressure of 980 mbar inHg on on November 5. On the following day, the storm struck Camagüey Province in Cuba and quickly weakened to a tropical storm. After emerging over water near Ragged Island in the Bahamas, the storm accelerated northeast through the island chain. Katrina's circulation fell apart, and the storm merged with a front on November 8 while centered about 350 mi km on 5 south of Bermuda. The storm dropped heavy rainfall in the Cayman Islands and spawned a waterspout on Grand Cayman that resulted in minor damage. In Cuba, Katrina reportedly caused widespread flood damage, especially in Camagüey Province. A total of 4,641 homes were damaged to some degree, while 39 were demolished.http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0141-jpg/1981/atlantic/katrina/postevent/report_havana1109.jpg Hurricane Katrina Passes Over Cuba Tipton November 16, 1981 National Hurricane Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration September 27, 2021 Washington, D.C. Katrina also damagede approximately 80% of sugar cane crops. Two deaths also occurred in Cuba. Heavy precipitation in the Bahamas caused significant crop losses on Long Island.Staff Writer Katrina fizzles out after destructive run United Press International Syracuse Herald-Journal November 10, 1981 NewspaperArchive https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-nov-07-1981-4393676/ 13 April 2, 2024 Subtropical Storm Three Atl subtropical File:22L 1981-11-14 1800Z.png 1981 Atlantic subtropical storm 3 track.png November 12 November 17 60 978 A low-pressure area developed along a cold front over the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. At 12:00 UTC on November 12, the low organized into a subtropical storm while 400 mi km on 5 east of Jacksonville, Florida.Miles B. Lawrence November 30, 1981 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1981-prelim/subtrop/prelim03.gif Preliminary Report Subtropical Storm (Number Two?): 12 -17 November 1981 National Hurricane Center 3 November 20, 2025 After moving northeastward, it turned to the northwest, threatening the northeastern United States as an intensifying subtropical storm that was gradually developing tropical characteristics. A high pressure system turned it to the northeast, and after peaking with winds of 70 mi/h km/h on and a minimum pressure of 978 mbar inHg on, the storm weakened and became extratropical near Nova Scotia on November 17. Gale warnings were issued along the East Coast of the United States from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, northward, and later in Nova Scotia. The storm produced significant beach erosion and coastal flooding. In North Carolina, abnormally high tides and coastal flooding damaged a motel in Topsail Beach and several homes throughout the state, with five swept away between Kitty Hawk and Nags Head.24 1 Storm Data Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena January 1982 0039-1972 National Climatic Data Center 28 November 20, 2025 https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/swdi/stormevents/pub-pdf/storm_1982_01.pdf Asheville, North Carolina Some sections of Maryland beaches lost up to 8 ft m on of sand, threatening coastal homes. In Delaware, South Bethany lost thousands of tons of sand, while waves swept away about half of the dune at the Indian River Inlet, the latter costing an estimated $95,000 to replace.23 11 Storm Data Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena November 1981 0039-1972 National Climatic Data Center 9; 10 November 20, 2025 https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/swdi/stormevents/pub-pdf/storm_1981_11.pdf Asheville, North Carolina https://web.archive.org/web/20250508181537/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/swdi/stormevents/pub-pdf/storm_1981_11.pdf May 8, 2025 Other systems Four additional tropical depressions formed during the season which were operationally thought to have not developed and thus went unnumbered. The first such system developed northeast of the Lesser Antilles on April 6. Moving slowly southwestward, the depression dissipated over the Anegada Passage about 24 hours later. A small craft advisory and special marine warning were issued by the National Weather Service office in San Juan, Puerto Rico.https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0119-jpg/1981/atlantic/nondev_april/local/jsj04071430z_a.01.jpg Marine Forecast April 7, 1981 National Weather Service San Juan, Puerto Rico September 27, 2021 On April 19, another tropical depression formed over the southwestward Caribbean. The depression moved northeastward through the following day, before doubling-back to the southwest and dissipating by April 21. Another previously unnumbered tropical depression formed over the Bay of Campeche on June 17. It made landfall in Mexico south of Tampico before dissipating about two days later. A fourth unnumbered tropical depression developed near Andros on July 2. It made landfall in southeast Florida and later in South Carolina before dissipating on July 4. The depression dropped up 4 in mm on of rainfall in Broward County, Florida, causing localized flooding. A waterspout-turned-tornado at Port Everglades overturned a shed and downed some power lines.https://sun-sentinel.newspapers.com/clip/86102859/fort-lauderdale-news/ July 2, 1981 1A Heavy rains, tornado rip into county Dan Christensen Robyn Feldman Fort Lauderdale News September 27, 2021 Newspapers.com Heavy precipitation also fell in South Carolina, especially in Clarendon and Sumter counties, inundating crops and flooding some cars, homes, a school, and stores in the Mayesville area.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86104021/the-item/ Friday's Flood Soak Mayesville The Sumter Daily Item 1A July 6, 1981 Mike Smith September 27, 2021 Newspapers.com Storm names Tropical cyclone naming History of tropical cyclone naming List of historical tropical cyclone names The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Atlantic in 1981.https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/Publications/NatHurricaneOpsPlans/HOPs-1981.pdf 36 NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research Washington, D.C. National Hurricane Operations Plan May 1981 February 9, 2024 Most names were used for the first time, except for Arlene, Cindy, and Irene, which had been previously used under the old naming convention.https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/retired-names-not-2017-atlantic-hurricane-season 12 Retired Names That Won't Show Up on 2017's Atlantic Hurricane List Jonathan Belles May 16, 2017 The Weather Channel September 27, 2021 No names were retired following the season, thus the same list was used again for the 1987 season.https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/Publications/NatHurricaneOpsPlans/HOPs-1987.PDF 38 NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research Washington, D.C. National Hurricane Operations Plan May 1987 January 17, 2024 Arlene Bret Cindy Dennis Emily Floyd Gert Harvey Irene Jose Katrina Lenny Maria Nate Ophelia Philippe Rita Stan Tammy Vince Wilma Season effects This is a table of all of the storms that formed in the 1981 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 1981 USD. center1981 North Atlantic tropical cyclone |- | Unnumbered || 0406 April 6 – April 7 || bgcolor=#TD|0 Tropical depression || Unknown || Unknown || 00 None || 00 None || 00 None || |- | Unnumbered || 0419 April 19 – April 21 || bgcolor=#TD|0 Tropical depression || Unknown || Unknown || 00 None || 00 None || 00 None || |- | Arlene || 0506 May 6 – May 9 || bgcolor=#TS|0 Tropical storm || 060 60 mph km/h on || 999 999 hPa (29.50 inHg) || Cuba, Bahamas || Minimal || 00 None || |- | Two || 0603 June 3 – June 5 || bgcolor=#TD|0 Tropical depression || 030 35 mph km/h on || 1002 1002 hPa (29.59 inHg) || Southern United States (Texas), Midwestern United States, Maryland || $4 million || 3 || |- | Unnumbered || 0617 June 17 – June 19 || bgcolor=#TD|0 Tropical depression || 030 35 mph km/h on || Unknown || 00 None || 00 None || 00 None || |- | Bret || 0629 June 29 – July 1 || bgcolor=#TS|Tropical storm || 070 70 mph km/h on || 0996 996 hPa (29.41 inHg) || Old South (Virginia), Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Midwestern United States || Minimal || 1 || |- | Unnumbered || 0702 July 2 – July 4 || bgcolor=#TD|0 Tropical depression || 030 35 mph km/h on || Unknown || 00 None || 00 None || 00 None || |- | Four || 0725 July 25 – July 26 || bgcolor=#TD|0 Tropical depression || 035 35 mph km/h on || 1008 1008 hPa (29.77 inHg) || Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana|| 0 None || 00 None || |- | Cindy || 0802 August 2 – August 5 || bgcolor=#TS|Tropical storm || 060 60 mph km/h on || 1002 1002 hPa (29.59 inHg) || 0 None || 0 None || 00 None || |- | Dennis || 0807 August 7 – August 21 || bgcolor=#1|Category 1 hurricane || 080 80 mph km/h on || 0995 995 hPa (29.38 inHg) || Lesser Antilles, Greater Antilles (Cuba), Southeastern United States (Florida and North Carolina) || $28.5 million || 3 || |- | Seven || 0817 August 17 – August 21 || bgcolor=#TD|Tropical depression || 035 35 mph km/h on || 1007 1007 hPa (29.74 inHg) || 0 None || 0 None || 00 None || |- | Eight || 0906 August 26 – August 29 || bgcolor=#TD|Tropical depression || 035 35 mph km/h on || 1004 1004 hPa (29.65 inHg) || Mexico, South Central United States, Alabama, Tennessee || $56.2 million || 5 || Reagan declares Lavaca County is disaster area https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12112228/the_galveston_daily_news/ September 27, 2021 United Press International The Daily News September 23, 1981 3 Newspapers.com |- | Emily || 0831 August 31 – September 11 || bgcolor=#1|Category 1 hurricane || 90 90 mph km/h on || 0966 966 hPa (28.53 inHg) || East Coast of the United States || 0 None || 00 None || |- | Floyd || 0903 September 3 – September 12 || bgcolor=#3|Category 3 hurricane || 115 115 mph km/h on || 0975 975 hPa (28.79 inHg) || Leeward Islands, Bermuda || 0 None || 00 None || |- | Gert || 0907 September 7 – September 15 || bgcolor=#2|Category 2 hurricane || 105 105 mph km/h on || 0988 988 hPa (29.18 inHg) || Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Bermuda || 0 None || 00 None || |- | Harvey || 0911 September 11 – September 19 || bgcolor=#4|Category 4 hurricane || 130 130 mph km/h on || 0946 946 hPa (27.94 inHg) || 0 None || 0 None || 00 None || |- | Thirteen || 0922 September 22 – September 24 || bgcolor=#TD|Tropical depression || 035 35 mph km/h on || 998 998 hPa (29.47 inHg) || Bermuda || 0 None || 00 None || |- | Irene || 0921 September 21 – October 2 || bgcolor=#3|Category 3 hurricane || 120 120 mph km/h on || 0959 959 hPa (28.32 inHg) || 0 None || 0 None || 00 None || |- | Fifteen || 0927 September 27 – October 4 || bgcolor=#TD|Tropical depression || 035 35 mph km/h on || 1010 1010 hPa (29.83 inHg) || Leeward Islands || 0 None || 00 None || |- | Jose || 0926 October 29 – November 2 || bgcolor=#TS|Tropical storm || 050 50 mph km/h on || 998 998 hPa (29.47 inHg) || Azores || 0 None || 0 None || |- | Katrina || 1103 November 3 – November 7 || bgcolor=#1|Category 1 hurricane || 85 85 mph km/h on || 0980 980 hPa (28.94 inHg) || Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Cuba, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands || Minimal || 2 || |- | Three || 1112 November 12 – November 17 || bgcolor=#TS|Subtropical storm || 070 70 mph km/h on || 0978 978 hPa (28.88 inHg) || East Coast of the United States || 0 None || 00 None || |- 22 cyclones April 6 -November 17 135 mph km/h on on 946 hPa inHg on on $88.7 million 14 See also Tropical cyclones 1981 Pacific hurricane season 1981 Pacific typhoon season 1981 North Indian Ocean cyclone season Australian cyclone seasons: 1980–81, 1981–82 South Pacific cyclone seasons: 1980–81, 1981–82 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone seasons: 1980–81, 1981–82 South Atlantic tropical cyclone Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone References 30em External links Monthly Weather Review HPC Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Pages for 1981 1980 Atlantic hurricane 1981 1981 Category:Articles which contain graphical timelines 1981 ATL