|name=. Remove this parameter; the article title is used as the name by default..jpg) Satellite image of the storm east of the Lesser Antilles | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | August 17, 1970 |
| Dissipated | August 23, 1970 |
| Tropical storm | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 70 mph (110 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 996 mbar (hPa); 29.41 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | Up to 51 direct |
| Damage | $34 million (1970 USD) |
| Areas affected | Lesser Antilles (Martinique landfall) |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1970 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Tropical Storm Dorothy was the deadliest tropical cyclone of the 1970 Atlantic hurricane season. The fourth named storm and fifth tropical storm or hurricane of the season, Dorothy developed on August 17 from a tropical wave to the east of the Lesser Antilles. It tracked west-northwestward throughout its entire duration, and despite forecasts of attaining hurricane status, Dorothy reached peak winds of 70 mph (110 km/) – slightly below hurricane status. The storm struck Martinique on August 20, and subsequently began a gradual weakening trend in the Caribbean Sea. On August 23, Dorothy dissipated south of Hispaniola.
Most significantly affected by the storm was Martinique, which received 26.8 in (680 mm) of rainfall in a 24‑hour period. The rainfall caused flooding and mudslides, resulting in about $34 million in damage (1970 USD); 186 homes were destroyed, and 700 people were left homeless. The flooding killed up to 50 people on the island. Elsewhere in the Lesser Antilles, the storm killed one person on Dominica from heavy rainfall, and in Guadeloupe heavy damage to the banana crop was reported.