When you think of hurricanes, you likely think of the warm, humid weather that shrouds the Atlantic Ocean during much of the summer. Surprisingly enough, however, one particular hurricane caused storm weather much later into the year—New Year’s Eve. Below, learn more about the New Year’s Eve hurricane and its impact.
Discover the New Year’s Eve Hurricane
If you’re wondering about the hurricane to hit the Atlantic on New Year’s Eve, look no further than Hurricane Alice. Hurricane Alice first formed on December 30, 1954. It reached hurricane status a day later, on New Year’s Eve. The hurricane lingered in the Atlantic Ocean for a week, dissipating on January 6, 1955.
At its peak, Hurricane Alice reached 90 miles per hour wind speeds. Using modern methods for categorizing hurricanes, this is a Category One hurricane. This is a storm’s lowest intensity while still being considered a hurricane.
Areas Affected by Hurricane Alice
Hurricane Alice resulted in no fatalities. However, it did cause $623,000 in damages. The areas most affected were Saba and Anguilla. During its time as a hurricane, it mainly caused severe weather within the Caribbean Sea.
Is It Normal For Hurricanes to Form in December?
It is rare but not unheard of. While tropical storms and hurricanes are most commonly associated with summer in the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Alice is not the only storm to have occurred in the latter months of the year. For such storms to occur, conditions must be perfect. December is the beginning of the off months, continuing until May.
Is Hurricane Alice the Only Hurricane To Span Two Calendar Years?
Hurricane Alice is the only known hurricane that starts in one year and ends in another. Of the named Atlantic tropical cyclones, Hurricane Alice is one of only two storms to achieve this feat. The other was Tropical Storm Zeta, which occurred 50 years later in 2005.
The photo featured at the top of this post is © lavizzara/Shutterstock.com
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