2020 Atlantic hurricane season

Seasonal summary

Background

Overall, the Atlantic tropical cyclones of 2020 collectively resulted in 416 deaths and more than $51.114 billion in damage, making the season one of the costliest on record. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30. However, tropical cyclogenesis began in the month of May, with tropical storms Arthur and Bertha, marking the sixth consecutive year with an off-season storm. It was the first year with two pre-season storms since 2016, and the first to have two named storms in May since 2012. The season featured 31 tropical depressions, 30 of which became tropical or subtropical storms. The latter total surpassed the previous record of 28 set in 2005. There were 14 hurricanes, which was the second most for a season, behind only 2005. Seven of the hurricanes intensified into major hurricanes, tying 2005 for the most in one season. It was the fifth consecutive Atlantic hurricane season with above average activity, exceeding the previous longest streak of four years between 1998 and 2001. A total of 10 tropical cyclones underwent rapid intensification, tying the record set in 1995.

The season extended the warm phase of the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation ongoing since 1995. The warm AMO tends to produce tropical cyclones that are more intense and have longer durations. The presence of a La Niña contributed to the unprecedented amount of activity. Sea surface temperatures across the Atlantic basin were warmer-than-average. A strong west African monsoon, favorable wind patterns from Africa, weaker vertical wind shear all aided in the formation of tropical cyclones. The ACE index for the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season was 180 units, reflecting the season's well-above-average activity. Climate change likely played a role in the record-breaking season. Scientific American noted that "As the oceans absorb more and more of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases, waters will get warmer earlier in the season, which could help set new records in the future." A formal attribution study showed that the extreme rainfall was higher than in a counterfactual without climate change, especially for high-intensity storms. Matthew Rosencrans, the lead forecaster at the National Weather Service, emphasized that climate change has been linked to the intensity of storms and their slow movements, but not to the amount of activity, which might instead be increasing due to improvements in technology.

The season occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Early in the year, officials in the United States expressed concerns the hurricane season could potentially exacerbate the effects of the pandemic for U.S. coastal residents. As expressed in an op-ed of the Journal of the American Medical Association, "there exists an inherent incompatibility between strategies for population protection from hurricane hazards: evacuation and sheltering (i.e., transporting and gathering people together in groups)", and "effective approaches to slow the spread of COVID-19: physical distancing and stay-at-home orders (i.e., separating and keeping people apart)." A study published by GeoHealth in December 2020 confirmed a correlation between destination counties (a county in which an evacuee flees to) and an increase in COVID-19 cases.

Record activity

The season featured activity at a record pace. The third named storm and each one from the fifth onwards formed on an earlier date in the year than the corresponding storm in any other season since reliable records began in 1851. In late July, Hanna struck South Texas as the first hurricane of the season. It was followed by the second hurricane of the season, Isaias, which moved through the Caribbean and eastern United States. July 2020 tied 2005 for the most active July on record in the basin, with five named storms. Laura and Marco formed toward the end of August, and the former became the first major hurricane of the season. Laura made landfall in southwest Louisiana on August 27 at Category 4 strength with 150 mph (240 km/h) winds. September featured the formations of nine named storms, coinciding with the peak of the hurricane season and the development of La Niña conditions. Hurricane Nana hit Belize in early September. Paulette was the first hurricane to hit Bermuda since Gonzalo in 2014. Hurricane Sally hit the Gulf Coast of the United States as a slow-moving Category 2 hurricane. Teddy, the season's eighth hurricane and second major hurricane formed on September 12, while Vicky formed two days later. With the formation of the latter, five tropical cyclones were simultaneously active in the Atlantic basin for the first time since 1971. Alpha developed atypically far east in the Atlantic and became the first tropical cyclone on record to strike Portugal. Beta's intensification into a tropical storm made September 2020 the most active month on record, with 10 named storms. Beta went on to make landfall in Texas and impact the Deep South before dissipating, marking an abrupt end to the heavy peak season activity.

October and November were extremely active, with seven named storms developing, five of which intensified into major hurricanes – more than twice the number recorded during this period in any previous season. Hurricane Gamma hit the Yucatán Peninsula in early October before being absorbed by Hurricane Delta, which hit the region a few days later. Delta struck Louisiana as a hurricane on October 9. Hurricane Epsilon became a major hurricane near Bermuda. Toward the end of the month, Hurricane Zeta struck the Yucatán Peninsula and later Louisiana, becoming the latest landfall for a major hurricane in the continental United States. In November, two Category 4 hurricanes hit Nicaragua within a two-week period. Hurricane Eta moved from Central America to the Greater Antilles and southeastern United States. The season's final hurricane was also its strongest. Hurricane Iota attained maximum sustained winds of 155 mph (249 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 917 mbar (27.1 inHg), before hitting Nicaragua. The 2020 season became the first with two major hurricanes in the month of November.

A total of eleven named storms made landfall in the United States, breaking the previous record of nine in 1916. Six hurricanes hit the country, tying 1886 and 1985 for the most hurricane landfalls in a single season. Eight of the eleven named storms struck the Gulf Coast of the United States. Damage throughout the season totaled about $37 billion, including six hurricanes that inflicted at least $1 billion in damage; this was two more than the previous record of four in 2004 and 2005. Nearly the entire coastline from Texas to Maine was placed under some form of a watch or warning in relation to a tropical system, with only Florida's Jefferson and Wakulla counties being the exception. Only five counties along the East Coast or Gulf Coast of the United States did not experience tropical storm-force winds. Louisiana in particular was heavily impacted in 2020, with the state recording four landfalls – three hurricanes and one tropical storm – tying the record set in 2002. Outside the United States, a record 13 landfalls occurred. The two November hurricanes in Central America set back economic development in Honduras by 22 years.

Systems

Tropical Storm Arthur

The first tropical depression of the season formed on May 16 about 125 mi (200 km) east of Melbourne, Florida. It quickly intensified into Tropical Storm Arthur, reaching peak winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 990 mbar (29 inHg) on May 19. A day later, Arthur interacted with a non-tropical front and became an extratropical cyclone. The low turned southeast before dissipating near Bermuda a day later. The precursor of Arthur dropped heavy rainfall over portions of the Bahamas, Cuba, and Florida, reaching 9.95 in (253 mm) near Marathon, Florida. The storm caused $112,000 in damage. Arthur later produced rainfall and storm surge flooding across North Carolina.

Tropical Storm Bertha

Tropical Storm Bertha developed off the northeast coast of Florida on May 27, reaching peak winds of 50 mph (80 km/h) and a central pressure of 1,005 mbar (29.7 inHg). That day, the storm made landfall near Isle of Palms, South Carolina, and quickly weakened into a tropical depression. Early on May 28, Bertha transitioned into an extratropical cyclone over western Virginia, before dissipating over the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia. In Florida, the precursor of Bertha brought up to 15 in (380 mm) of rainfall and localized flooding to the Miami area. One person drowned in South Carolina due to rip currents generated by the storm. Overall, Bertha left at least $133,000 in damage.

Tropical Storm Cristobal

On June 1, the remnants of Eastern Pacific Tropical Storm Amanda entered the Bay of Campeche, quickly redeveloping into Tropical Depression Three. On the next day, it strengthened into Tropical Storm Cristobal, which strengthened while moving southeastward. The storm made landfall just west of Ciudad del Carmen at 13:35 UTC on June 3 at its peak intensity of 60 mph (95 km/h). Cristobal weakened into a tropical depression over land, but restrengthened as it moved back over the Gulf of Mexico. Cristobal dropped rainfall throughout the Yucatán Peninsula, reaching 9.6 in (243 mm). Three people died in Mexico due to the storm. In El Salvador, a mudslide caused seven people to go missing. Once back over water, Cristobal reattained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) before encountering unfavorable conditions. Late on June 7, the storm moved ashore southeastern Louisiana, and weakened to a tropical depression as it continued northward. Cristobal became an extratropical low on June 10 over Iowa, and lasted two more days before dissipating over the Hudson Bay. Cristobal killed three people in the United States. Overall damage was estimated at US$665 million.

Tropical Storm Dolly

Around June 17, an area of disturbed weather developed just north of the Bahamas after part of a tropical wave and an upper-level trough interacted. The disturbance moved north and organized into a low-pressure area early on June 22. Shortly thereafter, the low became a subtropical depression about 405 mi (650 km) east-southeast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Mid-level dry air and sea surface temperatures that were only marginally favorable resulted in very little strengthening on June 22. However, after moving east-northeastward and away from an upper low, the cyclone developed more deep convection and intensified into Subtropical Storm Dolly by 06:00 UTC on June 23. About six hours later, Dolly transitioned into a tropical cyclone and peaked with sustained winds of 45 mph (72 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 1,000 mbar (30 inHg). However, convection rapidly diminished after Dolly moved north of the Gulf Stream and encountered drier air. Early on June 24, Dolly degenerated into a remnant low about 200 mi (320 km) south of Sable Island. The remnant low continued northeastward and dissipated south of Newfoundland early the next day.

Tropical Storm Edouard

A weak frontal system led to the development of a tropical depression on July 4, located about 290 mi (465 km) west-southwest of Bermuda. The depression passed about 70 mi (110 km) northwest of Bermuda around 08:00 UTC on July 5, producing wind gusts of 43 mph (68 km/h). Moving northeastward, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Edouard on July 6, reaching peak winds of 45 mph (72 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 1,005 mbar (29.7 inHg). Soon after, Edouard merged with an approaching frontal system, which continued across the Atlantic Ocean, eventually moving across Ireland and Great Britain. The low dissipated on July 9. Edouard's extratropical remnants brought rainfall to western Europe.

Tropical Storm Fay

The same trough that produced Tropical Storm Edouard also produced an area of thunderstorms over the northern Gulf of Mexico on July 5. After moving across the southeastern United States, the system developed into Tropical Storm Fay on July 9 near Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Moving northward, the storm reached peak winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 998 mbar (29. 47 inHg) late on July 10. At 20:00 UTC that day, Fay made landfall near Atlantic City, New Jersey, with winds of 50 mph (80 km/h). It quickly lost intensity inland, degenerating into a remnant low while over southeastern New York and later being absorbed into a larger mid-latitude low over southeastern Canada.

Fay directly caused the deaths of two people, who drowned due to rip currents; four others drowned due to the residual high surf conditions after Fay had passed by. Overall, damage from the storm in the Northeastern United States totaled at least $350 million. New Jersey experienced some of the worst impacts from Fay. Heavy rainfall caused flooding in several Jersey Shore towns and resulted in closures along many roadways, including the New Jersey Turnpike. Wind gusts up to 54 mph (87 km/h) left at least 10,000 people in the state without electricity.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo

A dry, thermal low-pressure area merged with a tropical wave just offshore the west coast of Africa on July 15. Moving westward, the system developed into a tropical depression late on July 21 about 1,440 mi (2,315 km) east of the Windward Islands. With light wind shear warm waters, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Gonzalo, reaching peak winds of 65 mph (105 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 997 mbar (29.4 inHg) at 06:00 UTC on July 23. Dry air from the Saharan Air Layer significantly disrupted the thunderstorms, while stronger wind shear caused weakening. Gonzalo fell to tropical depression status before making landfall on Trinidad on July 25. The system degenerated into a trough early the next day near the coast of Venezuela. The storm brought stormy weather to Trinidad and Tobago and parts of southern Grenada. Only two reports of wind damage were received: a fallen tree on a health facility in Les Coteaux and a damaged bus stop roof in Argyle.

Hurricane Hanna

A tropical wave moved through Florida into the Gulf of Mexico, leading to the formation of a tropical depression at 00:00 UTC on July 23 about 235 mi (380 km) south-southeast of Louisiana. Moving to the west-northwest, the depression soon intensified into Tropical Storm Hanna, developing an eye. Hanna reached hurricane status on July 25, reaching peak winds of 90 mph (140 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 973 mbar (28.7 inHg) before making landfall on Padre Island, Texas, and later the Kenedy County mainland. The system rapidly weakened after moving inland, dropping to tropical depression status at 18:00 UTC on July 26 near Monterrey, Nuevo León, and then dissipating shortly thereafter.

In Walton County, Florida, a 33-year-old man drowned in rip currents while rescuing his son. Hanna brought storm surge flooding, destructive winds, torrential rainfall, flash flooding across South Texas. The storm destroyed several mobile homes, deroofed many poorly built structures, and left around 200,000 homes in Cameron and Hidalgo counties combined without power. In the United States, Hanna caused about $1.2 billion in damage. In Mexico, heavy rain fell in Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. The cyclone directly caused four deaths in Mexico and caused approximately $100 million in damage.

Hurricane Isaias

A tropical wave moved across the Atlantic toward the end of July, leading to the development of Tropical Storm Isaias on July 30 in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Moving northwestward, Isaias struck the Dominican Republic and later the Bahamas as it intensified into a hurricane. Curving to the north, Isaias weakened to tropical storm status, but re-intensified back into a hurricane on August 3. At 03:10 UTC the next day, Isaias made landfall in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, with sustained winds of 90 mph (140 km/h). It soon weakened into a tropical storm as it passed over the Mid-Atlantic states, before transitioning to an extratropical low around 00:00 UTC on August 5 while situated over central Vermont, and dissipating several hours later over Quebec.

Isaias caused 17 deaths across the Greater Antilles and eastern United States: 14 in the continental United States, 2 in the Dominican Republic, and 1 in Puerto Rico. Damage estimates exceeded $4.8 billion. Isaias caused devastating flooding and wind damage in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. In the United States, Isaias produced an outbreak of 39 tornadoes, including an EF3 tornado in North Carolina that killed two people. Strong winds, storm surge, and many tornadoes left significant damage in the Northeastern United States. Almost 3 million people were without electricity at the height of the storm.

Tropical Depression Ten

On July 28, a tropical wave exited western Africa, which developed a low-pressure area that moved northward around an upper-level low. The system organized into Tropical Depression Ten on July 31 about 230 mi (370 km) east-southeast of the easternmost Cabo Verde Islands. Although scatterometer data suggested the possibility of gale-force winds within the thunderstorms, the NHC assessed the depression to have peaked with winds of 35 mph (55 km/h) and a pressure of 1008 mbar (29.77 inHg). The depression weakened due to a combination of decreasing sea surface temperatures and dry air, degenerating into a remnant low on August 1, and dissipating a day later.

Tropical Storm Josephine

In early August, a tropical wave moved across the tropical Atlantic, leading to the formation of Tropical Depression Eleven at 06:00 UTC on August 11 about 920 mi (1,480 km) west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. Dry air and wind shear prevented further strengthening at first, but after a drop in shear, the depression became Tropical Storm Josephine at 12:00 UTC on August 13, with winds of 45 mph (70 km/h). Continued wind shear caused the storm to fluctuate in intensity, and Josephine weakened to a tropical depression on August 16 while passing north of the Leeward Islands. Soon thereafter, the system degenerated into a trough of low pressure.

Tropical Storm Kyle

A mesoscale convective system moved offshore of South Carolina and Georgia early on August 11, which became better organized as it moved up the coast. The system developed into Tropical Storm Kyle around 12:00 UTC on August 14, about 105 mi (170 km) east-northeast of Duck, North Carolina. It moved quickly east-northeastward, reaching a peak intensity on August 15 with peak winds of 50 mph (80 km/h) and a minimum pressure at 1,000 mbar (30 inHg) while located about 230 mi (370 km) southeast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Kyle subsequently weakened due to wind shear, and it became an extratropical cyclone early on August 16, soon after dissipating within the front. Several days later, extratropical European windstorm Ellen, which contained remnants of Tropical Storm Kyle, brought hurricane-force winds to the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Hurricane Laura

On August 20, a tropical depression formed in the open Atlantic Ocean, which quickly intensified into Tropical Storm Laura. Wind shear prohibited further intensification as the storm moved across the northern Leeward Islands, the Dominican Republic, and later Cuba. Laura entered the Gulf of Mexico on August 25, quickly becoming a hurricane, and subsequently underwent rapid intensification as it moved toward Louisiana. At 00:00 UTC on August 27, Laura reached its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph (240 km/h) and minimum pressure 937 mbar (27.7 inHg) while located just offshore Louisiana, making it a Category 4 hurricane. Shortly thereafter, Laura made its final landfall near Cameron, Louisiana, at 06:00 UTC, becoming the strongest Louisiana-landfalling tropical cyclone in terms of wind speed since the 1856 Last Island hurricane. Laura weakened over land, dropping to tropical depression status over Arkansas by August 28. The deteriorating system turned northeastward and degenerated into a remnant low over northern Kentucky on August 29, which was soon absorbed by another low near the Great Lakes region.

As Laura passed through the Northern Leeward Islands, it brought heavy rainfall to Guadeloupe and Dominica, and prompted the closing of all ports in the British Virgin Islands. The storm produced heavy downpours upon Puerto Rico and Hispaniola. The storm left extensive damage in Louisiana, especially in the southwest region of the state. Storm surge penetrated up to nearly 35 mi (55 km) inland, while Creole and Grand Chenier were inundated with coastal floodwaters ranging from 12 to 18 ft (3.7 to 5.5 m) above ground, sweeping away structures in Cameron Parish. Wind gusts reached up to 153 mph (246 km/h) at Holly Beach, resulting in catastrophic wind damage in Calcasieu and Cameron parishes. Outside of the two parishes, Beauregard and Vernon parishes were next hardest hit, with the core of the storm passing directly over. Several other parishes reported damage to homes and buildings due to strong winds or falling trees. Laura destroyed approximately 10,000 homes and damaged over 130,000 others in the state. Damage in Louisiana alone totaled about $17.5 billion. Texas was second hardest hit by the storm, with high winds downing many power lines, power poles, and trees in the eastern part of the state, while some counties reported damage to businesses and homes. Laura produced 16 tornadoes in the United States, the most significant of them being an EF2 tornado in Randolph County, Arkansas. Altogether, there were 81 storm related deaths. Of these, 47 were direct deaths associated with Laura, including 31 in Haiti, 9 in the Dominican Republic, and 7 in the United States. There were also 34 indirect deaths, all of them in the United States.

Hurricane Marco

Tropical Depression Fourteen developed on August 21 from a tropical wave near the coasts of Nicaragua and Honduras. The system moved northwestward and intensified, becoming Tropical Storm Marco around 00:00 UTC on August 22, as it moved over the northwestern Caribbean. The storm strengthened further as it moved through the Yucatán Channel. Rainfall in western Cuba reached 5.72 in (145 mm) at Cape San Antonio, causing flash flooding. Marco became a hurricane on August 23 in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 991 mbar (29.3 inHg). Stronger wind shear caused Marco to weaken to a tropical storm on August 24 as it was approaching the coast of Louisiana. The storm turned westward and avoided moving ashore, degenerating into a remnant low on August 25 without making landfall. Heavy rains fell along parts of the Gulf Coast of the United States between Florida and Mississippi, with up to 13.17 in (335 mm) of precipitation near Apalachicola, Florida. Floodwaters inundated many streets in Panama City Beach. Overall, Marco left approximately $35 million in damage throughout its path.

Tropical Storm Omar

A trough exited the Southeastern United States on August 29 into the western Atlantic, which produced a low-pressure area northeast of Florida on August 30. Drifting over the Gulf Stream, the low organized into a tropical depression on August 31 while situated about 150 mi (240 km) south-southeast of Wilmington, North Carolina. Despite dry air and wind shear, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Omar around 12:00 UTC on September 1, with peak winds of 40 mph (65 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 1003 mbar (29.6 inHg). Continued wind shear prevented strengthening, and Omar weakened to a tropical depression early on September 3. Turning to the north, Omar degenerated into a remnant low about 575 mi (925 km) northeast of Bermuda late on September 5, which was absorbed by a frontal system on the following day.

Hurricane Nana

Toward the end of August, a tropical wave moved through the Caribbean Sea, with a concentrated area of convection. On September 1, Tropical Storm Nana developed about 180 mi (290 km) southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. Despite the presence of wind shear, the storm was able to intensify, becoming a hurricane early on September 3 near the coast of Belize. At that time, Nana had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 994 mbar (29.4 inHg). Soon after, the hurricane made landfall about 50 mi (80 km) south of Belize City, and it rapidly weakened over land, dissipating on September 4. The hurricane caused more than US$20 million in damage in Belize. The winds destroyed crops and caused coastal flooding. Heavy amounts of precipitation also occurred in northern Guatemala and southeastern Mexico. The remnants later regenerated into Tropical Storm Julio in the eastern Pacific on September 5.

Hurricane Paulette

Tropical Depression Seventeen developed on September 7 from a tropical wave, roughly 1,150 mi (1,850 km) west of the Cabo Verde Islands. Moving west-northwestward, it quickly intensified into Tropical Storm Paulette. Wind shear impeded the storm's development, but Paulette was able to strengthen into a hurricane early on September 13, about 415 mi (670 km) southeast of Bermuda. It turned northward and made landfall on Bermuda at 08:50 UTC on September 14 with winds of 100 mph (160 km/h). The storm reached its peak intensity later that day, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (169 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 965 mbar (28.5 inHg). Paulette accelerated northeastward and weakened, becoming an extratropical cyclone on September 16 to the southeast of Newfoundland. After gradually weakening over the following few days and slowly curving southward, the extratropical cyclone started regenerating convection, and Paulette became a tropical storm again on September 20 about 230 mi (370 km) south-southwest of the Azores. After reaching a secondary peak of 60 mph (95 km/h), Paulette became post-tropical on September 23, which continued to meander for several days without redevelopment. The low degenerated into a trough late on September 28.

Paulette caused two fatalities and one injury, due to rip currents along the east coast of the United States. Paulette produced hurricane-force winds on Bermuda, with sustained winds reaching 79 mph (127 km/h) at Pearl Island and surface-level gusts reaching 97 mph (156 km/h) at L.F. Wade International Airport. The hurricane led to 25,000 power outages, or about 70 percent of electrical customers on the island. Damage on Bermuda totaled approximately $50 million.

Tropical Storm Rene

A tropical wave exited western Africa on September 6, leading to the formation of Tropical Depression Eighteen on September 7 about 200 mi (320 km) east of Cabo Verde. It soon strengthened into Tropical Storm Rene, which hit Boa Vista Island around 00:00 UTC on September 8 with sustained winds of 40 mph (65 km/h). The storm brought gusty winds and heavy rains to Cabo Verde. Rene weakened to a tropical depression several hours, but re-strengthened into a tropical storm early on September 9. At 12:00 UTC on September 10, Rene peaked with sustained winds of 45 mph (72 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 1,001 mbar (29.6 inHg). Dry air caused thunderstorms to diminish, and Rene weakened to a tropical depression on September 12. Strong westerly shear caused further weakening, with Rene degenerating into a trough on September 14 about 1,035 mi (1,665 km) northeast of the Leeward Islands. The remnants turned southwestward and dissipated a few days later.

Hurricane Sally

In early September, a trough developed over the western Atlantic, leading to the formation of Tropical Depression Nineteen on September 11 over the Bahamas. Moving westward, the depression made landfall near Cutler Bay, Florida, early on September 12. While moving over the Everglades, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Sally, which soon emerged into the Gulf of Mexico. Sally moved northwestward, intensifying into a hurricane on September 14. The hurricane slowed to a crawl while turning north-northeastward, becoming a high-end Category 2 hurricane by 06:00 UTC September 16. At around 09:45 UTC that day, the system made landfall at peak intensity near Gulf Shores, Alabama, with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph (175 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 965 mbar (28.5 inHg). Sally quickly weakened over land, becoming an extratropical low on September 17, which was later absorbed within a cold front.

Across the United States, Sally was responsible for nine fatalities and approximately $7.3 billion in damage. The storm caused widespread power outages affecting at least 560,000 people. In its early stages, Sally dropped heavy rainfall in South Florida, causing flooding. The hurricane destroyed approximately 50 structures in the Florida Panhandle, while thousands of others in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties suffered damage. There were 23 tornadoes reported across the Southeastern United States while Sally was a tropical cyclone.

Hurricane Teddy

A tropical wave emerged from the west coast of Africa on September 10, leading to the formation of a tropical depression two days later. On September 14 it intensified into Tropical Storm Teddy, which continued to strengthen while moving across the Atlantic Ocean. Teddy became a hurricane on September 16, and two days later it reached its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (230 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 945 mbar (27.9 inHg). Teddy weakened due to an eyewall replacement cycle and increased wind shear. The cyclone passed about 230 mi (370 km) east of Bermuda on September 21 as it turned north-northeastward. Teddy interacted with an approaching trough, causing the hurricane to re-intensify and become more asymmetric. The hurricane became an extratropical cyclone on September 23, and soon after moved ashore Atlantic Canada near Ecum Secum, Nova Scotia, with sustained winds of 65 mph (105 km/h). The system was eventually absorbed by a larger non-tropical low early on September 24 near eastern Labrador.

Hurricane Teddy generated large ocean swells which spread along much of the U.S. Atlantic coast and from the northern Caribbean to Bermuda, killing three people. Abnormally high tides also caused coastal flooding in Charleston, South Carolina, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. About 220 households lost power in Bermuda. The extratropical remnants of Teddy generated wind gusts up to 90 mph (145 km/h) in Nova Scotia. Approximately 18,000 customers throughout the Atlantic Canada region lost electricity. There were also isolated reports of minor flooding. Damage from Teddy in all areas impacted totaled roughly $35 million.

Tropical Storm Vicky

Early on September 11, a tropical wave exited western Africa. The next day, the system moved across the Cabo Verde Islands, producing flooding that killed one person in Praia. The city recorded 5 in (88 mm) of precipitation over 24 hours. Flooding blocked several roads and damaged automobiles, bridges, buildings, and farmland. Continuing to the northwest, the system developed into Tropical Depression Twenty-One on September 14, which quickly strengthened into Tropical Storm Vicky. Despite strong wind shear partially caused by Hurricane Teddy's outflow, Vicky intensified to reach peak winds of 50 mph (80 km/h) and a pressure of 1,001 mbar (29.6 inHg) on September 15. Continued wind shear caused Vicky to weaken, and the storm dissipated on September 17.

Tropical Storm Beta

An area of disturbed weather was first observed on September 5, stretching from the western Caribbean to offshore the Southeastern United States. The influence of nearby Hurricane Sally initially prevented further development. A day after that hurricane moved ashore, Tropical Depression Twenty-Two developed in the Gulf of Mexico on September 17, located about 350 mi (565 km) south-southeast of Brownsville, Texas. On September 18, the depression became Tropical Storm Beta, reaching peak winds of 65 mph (105 km/h) two days later. The storm slowed its movement, resulting in upwelling, which caused weakening. Beta made landfall early on September 22 near Port O'Connor, Texas, soon weakening and becoming extratropical. The low dissipated over northeastern Alabama early on September 25. The storm dropped heavy rainfall, with a total of 15.77 in (401 mm) in Brookside Village, Texas. The rains led to flooding across the Greater Houston metropolitan area, resulting in a drowning death in Brays Bayou. Throughout the United States, Beta caused approximately $225 million in damage. Rising floodwaters necessitated more than 100 high-water rescues and the closures of several highways and interstates in the area.

Tropical Storm Wilfred

A tropical wave exited western Africa on September 13. After a well-defined circulation formed within an area of deep convection, the system developed into Tropical Storm Wilfred late on September 17 while situated about 345 mi (555 km) southwest of Cabo Verde. It only reached peak winds of 40 mph (65 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 1,006 mbar (29.7 inHg), before weakening due to dry air and wind shear. Wilfred weakened to a tropical depression on September 20, and degenerated into an open trough the next day about 920 mi (1,480 km) east of the northern Leeward Islands.

Subtropical Storm Alpha

A large extratropical low developed over the northeast Atlantic Ocean on September 14, which moved south-southeastward. The wind field contracted as thunderstorms formed over the circulation. On September 17, the system developed into Subtropical Storm Alpha roughly 405 mi (650 km) east of the Azores. Alpha strengthened to attain winds of 50 mph (80 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 996 mbar (29.4 inHg). At 18:40 UTC on September 18, the cyclone made landfall about 10 mi (15 km) south of Figueira da Foz, Portugal. It dissipated by the next day. Alpha caused more than $1 million in damage, and resulted in one fatality due to a collapsed roof in Calzadilla, Spain. The storm also spawned at least two tornadoes, both rated EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale. In Spain, the front associated with Alpha caused a train to derail in Madrid, while thunderstorms on Ons Island caused a forest fire.

Hurricane Gamma

A tropical depression developed on October 2 in the northwestern Caribbean Sea, about 300 mi (485 km) southeast of the Yucatán peninsula. It quickly intensified into Tropical Storm Gamma and intensified further into a hurricane, reaching winds of 75 mph (120 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 978 mbar (28.9 inHg) as it made landfall near Tulum, Quintana Roo on October 3. Gamma weakened over land and emerged into the southern Gulf of Mexico, encountering wind shear and dry air. It weakened into a tropical depression before making another landfall on the Yucatán peninsula on October 6, near San Felipe, Yucatán. Soon after, Gamma was absorbed by approaching Hurricane Delta. Hurricane Gamma caused at least six deaths in Mexico, while damage was estimated at $100 million. Precipitation peaked at 15.11 in (384 mm) in Tizimin. The storm produced strong winds, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, landslides, and mudslides in the region. Gamma's outerbands also produced heavy rainfall in the Cayman Islands, Cuba, and Florida.

Hurricane Delta

In early October, a tropical wave moved across the Caribbean, leading to the formation of Tropical Depression Twenty-Six on October 4 to the southeast of Jamaica. It intensified into Tropical Storm Delta, and soon began a period of rapid intensification, as convection became more symmetrical. Delta became a hurricane at 00:00 October 6, and later that day peaked as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum winds of 140 mph (230 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 953 mbar (28.1 inHg). This period of rapid intensification resulted in a 105 mph (170 km/h) increase in winds over a 36-hour period, caused by a combination of extremely warm ocean water temperatures, low wind shear, and sufficient moisture. However, an increase in wind shear caused Delta to weaken, and on October 7 the hurricane struck the eastern Mexican state of Quintana Roo as a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 105 mph (170 km/h). Delta weakened over land, but re-intensified over the Gulf of Mexico, reaching a secondary peak of 120 mph (195 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 953 mbar (28.1 inHg) on October 9. Later that day, unfavorable conditions caused the hurricane to weaken, and Delta made its final landfall near Creole, Louisiana, with winds of 100 mph (160 km/h). The landfall was about 10 mi (15 km) east of where Hurricane Laura's eye crossed the coast on August 27. Inland, Delta weakened to tropical storm, and later became extratropical over Mississippi late on October 10. The system degenerated into a trough over Tennessee two days later.

Hurricane Delta caused six fatalities, two each in the Yucatán, Louisiana, and Florida. In Mexico, damage in Mexico totaled approximately $185 million, with power outages, uprooted trees, and flooding. Damage from Delta in the United States reached $2.9 billion. The hurricane and its remnants produced heavy rain, strong winds, storm surge, and tornadoes across much of the Southeastern United States. In Louisiana, strong winds generated by Delta caused additional damage to structures that were impacted by Laura, while debris remaining from Hurricane Laura were scattered across roadways and drains. However, much of the damage in the state was caused by flooding, with 17.57 in (446 mm) of rainfall at LeBleu Settlement. Floodwaters entered several homes in Baton Rouge and Calcasieu. In Mississippi, roughly 100,000 businesses and homes lost electricity after rainfall and tropical storm-force wind gusts uprooted trees.

Hurricane Epsilon

A non-tropical low formed on October 16 to the east of Bermuda. Moving southward over warmer waters, the system developed enough organized convection to become Tropical Depression Twenty-Seven on October 19. It soon intensified into Tropical Storm Epsilon as it executed a small counter-clockwise loop. Dry air and wind shear affected the storm at first, but Epsilon strengthened once the shear subsided and it began a northwest track. The storm became a hurricane on October 21, and a day later Epsilon reached maximum sustained winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 952 mbar (28.1 inHg). Epsilon marked the farthest east that a major hurricane had been observed after October 20. It soon weakened, passing about 185 mi (300 km) to the east of Bermuda as a minimal hurricane on October 23. After turning to the northeast, Epsilon weakened to a tropical storm, becoming an extratropical storm on October 26 about 565 mi (910 km) east of Cape Race, Newfoundland. Epsilon's remnants were later absorbed into a deep extratropical low southwest of Iceland.

The hurricane caused one direct death; a 27-year-old man drowned in Epsilon-induced rip currents in Daytona Beach, Florida. The hurricane also generated large sea swells from Bermuda to the Bahamas, the Greater Antilles, and the Leeward Islands. Rainfall on the island as the storm passed by amounted to less than 1 in (25 mm); winds at Bermuda's airport gusted near tropical storm-force, with a peak wind gust of 38 mph (61 km/h). The trailing weather fronts associated with this low produced waves up to 98 ft (30 m) on the coast of Ireland on October 28.

Hurricane Zeta

The interaction of a tropical wave and a midlevel trough led to the formation of Tropical Depression Twenty-Eight on October 24 near Grand Cayman. It quickly intensified into Tropical Storm Zeta, and reached hurricane status on October 26. That day, Zeta made landfall near Ciudad Chemuyil, Quintana Roo, with winds of 85 mph (135 km/h). After weakening to a tropical storm inland, Zeta moved offshore of the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula about 11 hours later. On October 28, it reattained hurricane status as it turned northward. Zeta peaked later that day at 21:00 UTC when it became a Category 3 major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 970 mbar (29 inHg), as it made its second landfall near Cocodrie, Louisiana. Zeta steadily lost strength after landfall, weakening to a tropical storm over Alabama at 06:00 UTC on October 29, before transitioning into a post-tropical cyclone over central Virginia by 18:00 UTC that day, while moving rapidly northeastward. Early on October 30, Zeta's remnants dissipated east of the mid-Atlantic U.S. coast.

Heavy rain in Jamaica caused a landslide that killed two people after demolishing a home in Saint Andrew Parish. Zeta left roughly $15 million in damage on the island. Strong winds and rain caused flooding and damaged infrastructure in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. There were seven related deaths in the United States: three in Georgia; two in Mississippi; and one each in Louisiana and Mississippi. Damage within the United States totaled $4.4 billion. Zeta knocked out power to more than 2.6 million homes and businesses across the Southeastern United States; it also disrupted 2020 election early voting in several states. In Louisiana, wind gusts reached 110 mph (180 km/h) at Golden Meadow, Louisiana. Zeta had damaging effects as far northeast as Virginia, while its remnants produced snow across parts of New England.

Hurricane Eta

Toward the end of October, a tropical wave moved across the Caribbean Sea, leading to the formation of Tropical Depression Twenty-Nine late on October 31. Moving westward, it strengthened into Tropical Storm Eta and continued to intensify rapidly as it approached Central America. Late on November 2, Eta reached peak intensity with sustained maximum winds of 150 mph (240 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 922 mbar (27.2 inHg) at 06:00 UTC on November 3. Later that day, at 21:00 UTC, it made landfall south-southwest of Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, with winds of 140 mph (225 km/h). Over land, Eta rapidly weakened to a tropical depression and lost its surface circulation, although its mid-level center remained present. On November 6, the system redeveloped into a tropical depression, which again became a tropical storm as it moved to the northeast. Eta struck eastern Cuba as it curved back to the northwest, moving across the Florida Keys into the Gulf of Mexico on November 9. The storm briefly re-strengthened into a hurricane southwest of Florida on November 11, before weakening back to tropical storm strength. It then turned northeastward and made its final landfall near Cedar Key, Florida, at 09:00 UTC on November 12, with winds of 50 mph (80 km/h). The storm weakened over land and emerged over the Atlantic Ocean, becoming extratropical on November 13.

Overall, more than 210 fatalities across Central America were attributed to the storm, including 74 in Honduras, 60 in Guatemala, 27 in Mexico, 19 in Panama, 10 in the United States, two each in Nicaragua and Costa Rica, and one in El Salvador. Damage in Central America reached approximately $6.8 billion. The intense wind and rain generated by Eta caused flooding and landslides, resulting in crop losses, plus the destruction of roads, bridges, power lines and houses throughout Central America. The storm damaged or demolished at least 6,900 homes, 45 schools, 16 healthcare facilities, and some 560 mi (900 km) of bridges and roadways throughout Nicaragua. Eta also damaged hundreds of dwellings to some degree in both Guatemala and Honduras. Washed-out bridges and roads isolated more than 40 communities in the latter. In Guatemala, flooding also ruined more than 290,000 acres (119,000 ha) of crops. Mexico suffered significant impacts as well, with thousands of homes damaged in Chiapas and Tabasco. Relief efforts were severely hampered when, just two weeks later, Hurricane Iota made landfall approximately 15 miles (24 km) south of where Eta moved ashore. Eta bought heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the Cayman Islands and Cuba, the latter of which was already dealing with overflowing rivers that prompted the evacuations of 25,000 people. The storm caused roughly $1.5 billion in damage in the United States, mostly related to flooding.

Tropical Storm Theta

On November 6, the NHC began monitoring a non-tropical area of disturbed weather in the central Atlantic for possible gradual subtropical development. A non-tropical low subsequently formed about 1,300 mi (2,100 km) west-southwest of the Azores on November 8. The system became better organized as it began to detach from a frontal boundary during the following day. At 00:00 UTC on November 10, it developed into Subtropical Storm Theta. By 18:00 UTC that afternoon, the storm had transitioned into a tropical storm; it simultaneously attained what would be its peak intensity, with maximum winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 987 mbar (29.1 inHg). By the following morning, the effects of strong southwesterly shear had weakened Theta somewhat, though it soon began to regain some strength, and by 00:00 UTC on November 12, re-intensified to its earlier peak. Steady weakening occurred on November 13–14, as the storm experienced strong northerly vertical shear. By 06:00 UTC on November 15, Theta had weakened to a tropical depression about 120 mi (195 km) southwest of Madeira Island, and it degenerated to a remnant low six hours later.

Hurricane Iota

A tropical wave exited the west coast of Africa on October 30, which eventually led to the formation of Tropical Depression Thirty-One on November 13. The depression intensified into Tropical Storm Iota as it moved westward through an area of warm waters and low wind shear. Iota rapidly intensified, becoming a hurricane on November 15, and reaching its peak intensity a day later with maximum winds of 155 mph (250 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 917 mbar (27.1 inHg), while located just 23 mi (37 km) northwest of Providencia Island. The hurricane weakened slightly before making landfall at 03:40 UTC on November 17 in eastern Nicaragua with sustained winds of 145 mph (235 km/h). Iota rapidly weakened over land, dissipating late on November 18 over El Salvador. Its landfall location was approximately 15 mi (25 km) south of where Eta made landfall on November 3.

Hurricane Iota caused at least 84 deaths along its path and resulted in about $1.4 billion in damage. The storm first affected Venezuela, damaging homes in Falcón state. Iota demolished approximately 98 percent of the infrastructure on Providencia Island, while also damaging hundreds of houses. Most of the damage occurred in Nicaragua and Honduras. In the former, wind damage was limited to an extent due to the recent passage of Hurricane Eta. However, the cyclone knocked down many electrical poles and deroofed many homes and a makeshift hospital in the Puerto Cabezas area. Heavy rainfall, combined with already saturated soil due to Eta, caused widespread flooding and mudslides. Heavy precipitation resulted in flooding and mudslides in Honduras, especially close to or north of Iota's path, completely destroying numerous homes. Mexico also reported extensive impacts from the storm, especially in Chiapas, Tabasco, and Veracruz. Floodwaters and mudslides damaged almost 59,000 homes and left 135 communities isolated.

Storm names

The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Atlantic in 2020. This was the same list used for the 2014 season, as no names were retired from that year. The names Isaias and Paulette, which replaced Ike and Paloma after 2008, along with Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky, and Wilfred from the regular list were used for the first time in 2020, as were the auxiliary list Greek letters Eta, Theta, and Iota. This was the second Atlantic hurricane season to exhaust the designated list of 21 storm names, and to utilize the auxiliary list, along with 2005.

Retirement

On March 17, 2021, during the joint 42nd and 43rd Sessions of the RA IV Hurricane Committee, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) retired the name Laura, meaning it will not be used again in the North Atlantic basin. Laura was replaced with Leah, which will first appear on the 2026 season list. The Greek letters Eta and Iota were also retired. The WMO also decided to discontinue use of the Greek alphabet as an auxiliary list. A new supplemental list consisting of 21 given names was put in its place beginning with the 2021 season.

The WMO did not retire the names of several 2020 hurricanes that caused extensive damage, specifically Isaias, Sally, Delta and Zeta. This made Sally, the most destructive of the four, with a damage total of around $7.3 billion (2020 USD), the costliest non-retired North Atlantic hurricane on record.

Season effects

This is a table of all of the tropical cyclones that formed in the 2020 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 2020 USD.