| 1985 Atlantic hurricane season | |
|---|---|
 Season summary map | |
| Seasonal boundaries | |
| First system formed | July 15, 1985 |
| Last system dissipated | December 9, 1985 |
| Strongest storm | |
| Name | Gloria |
| • Maximum winds | 145 mph (230 km/h) (1-minute sustained) |
| • Lowest pressure | 919 mbar (hPa; 27.14 inHg) |
| Seasonal statistics | |
| Total depressions | 14 |
| Total storms | 11 |
| Hurricanes | 7 |
| Major hurricanes (Cat. 3+) | 3 |
| Total fatalities | 60 total |
| Total damage | $4.52 billion (1985 USD) |
| Related articles | |
The 1985 Atlantic hurricane season was an average, yet destructive year that experienced a near-record number of hurricanes strikes in the United States. It is tied with 2020 and only surpassed by 1886.[1][2] The season officially began on June 1 and lasted until November 30.[3] This was partially attributed to a La Niña – a meteorological phenomenon that produces favorable conditions across the Atlantic basin, such as lower wind shear and higher sea surface temperatures. The first storm, Ana, developed on July 15 near Bermuda and caused minor effects in Canada while transitioning into an extratropical cyclone. Three other tropical cyclones – Claudette, Henri, and Isabel – did not significantly affect land. Claudette developed offshore of the Southeastern United States and brushed Bermuda and the Azores. Henri and Isabel were dissipating as they approached land. However, the precursor of the latter caused a severe flood in Puerto Rico that killed 180 people. Additionally, Tropical Storm Fabian and three tropical depressions did not have any known impact on land.
Although several storms caused minimal effects, several tropical cyclones also left extensive impact. Hurricane Gloria, the strongest storm of the season, resulted in 14 fatalities and about $900 million (1985 USD) in damage in North Carolina, Virginia, the Mid-Atlantic, and New England. Hurricane Elena threatened the central Gulf Coast of the United States, then abruptly re-curved toward Florida. Unexpectedly, Elena doubled-back and struck Mississippi, resulting in two mass evacuations. The storm caused $1.3 billion in losses, with most of the damage in Louisiana and Mississippi. Similarly, Hurricane Juan caused $1.5 billion in damage due to its erratic track offshore and across Louisiana. Three other tropical cyclones – Hurricanes Bob, Danny, and Kate – caused moderate to extensive damage in Cuba and the United States. Kate was a unusually late and record breaking November hurricane that struck the Florida on the 21st; a record for the latest U.S. hurricane.
Additionally, six hurricanes struck in the United States, which is tied with 2020 for the 2nd highest in a single season. Overall, the tropical cyclones of this season collectively caused over $4.52 billion in damage and 60 deaths.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
ACEwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ CONUS Landfalls (AOML)
- ^ William E. Schultz (June 1, 1985). "Hurricane Season Smells of Disaster". The Albany Herald. Atlanta, Georgia. Associated Press. p. 5. Retrieved July 28, 2013.