Why did Hurricane Irene happen?

Why did Hurricane Irene happen?

Hurricane Irene evolved from a tropical wave that exited the African coast on August 15, 2011. With a favorable environment ahead of the wave, a Tropical Depression formed on August 20 as the wave approached the Lesser Antilles. By 23Z on August 20, the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Irene.

What kind of hurricane was Irene?

The Path of Hurricane Irene The storm first made U.S. landfall as a Category one hurricane in North Carolina where it caused major damage to a major highway along with homes and businesses across the state.

Is a Cat 6 hurricane possible?

There is no such thing as a Category 6 storm, in part because once winds reach Category 5 status, it doesn’t matter what you call it, it’s really, really, bad. The scale starts with a Category 1, which ranges from 74 to 95 mph (119 to 153 km/h). A Category 5 storm has winds of 156 mph (251 km/h) or stronger.

How did Hurricane Irene affect New York?

Hurricane Irene occurred between the months of August and September 2011. Initially, it began as a tropical wave in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. It spread as light wind shear and warm water and later gained strengthened as entered the inland. Its effects were heavily felt in New York and North Carolina.

When did Hurricane Irene hit the east coast 2011?

Hurricane Irene August 26-27, 2011. Hurricane Irene was a large and powerful Atlantic hurricane that left extensive flood and wind damage along its path through the Caribbean, the United States East Coast and as far north as Canada (Figure 1).

What category was Irene when it hit North Carolina?

Continuing to weaken, Irene was downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall on the Outer Banks of North Carolina on August 27, becoming the first hurricane to make landfall in the United States since Hurricane Ike in 2008.

What was the highest wind gust from Hurricane Irene?

Peak Wind Gusts from Hurricane Irene, August 27, 2011.The peak wind gust recorded was 115 mph at the Cedar Island Ferry Terminal in Carteret County. Hurricane Irene evolved from a tropical wave that exited the African coast on August 15, 2011.