Tropical Storm Arthur (2002) facts for kids
| Tropical storm (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Tropical Storm Arthur near peak intensity
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| Formed | July 14, 2002 |
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| Dissipated | July 16, 2002 |
| Highest winds | 1-minute sustained: 60 mph (95 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 997 mbar (hPa); 29.44 inHg |
| Fatalities | 1 indirect |
| Damage | Minimal |
| Areas affected | Southeastern United States, Bermuda, Newfoundland |
| Part of the 2002 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Tropical Storm Arthur was the very first tropical storm of the 2002 Atlantic hurricane season. It formed on July 14 near North Carolina. Arthur moved mostly northwest and reached its strongest winds of 60 miles per hour on July 16. The storm then weakened and disappeared on July 16. What was left of Arthur caused some bad weather in Newfoundland and sadly led to one death.
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How Tropical Storm Arthur Formed
The story of Tropical Storm Arthur began on July 9. An area of low pressure, like a swirling air mass, started to form. This low-pressure area moved very slowly northwest.
It didn't become a tropical depression right away. Instead, it moved over land in Florida. Then, in the early hours of July 14, this low-pressure area moved out into the Atlantic Ocean.
Arthur Becomes a Storm
Once over the warm ocean, clouds around the low-pressure area began to grow. By late on July 14, it had officially become Tropical Depression One. At this time, it was about 45 miles south of Hatteras, North Carolina.
On the morning of July 15, the depression grew stronger. It was then named "Arthur" and became a tropical storm. Arthur continued to get a little stronger.
Arthur's Peak and End
By July 16, Tropical Storm Arthur reached its strongest point. Its winds were blowing at 60 miles per hour. But soon after, strong wind shear (winds blowing in different directions at different heights) caused Arthur to weaken quickly.
The storm died out shortly after reaching its peak. The remains of Arthur, now just a low-pressure system, were last seen on July 19. It was far away, near Greenland.
Why Arthur's Name Was Not Retired
When a tropical storm or hurricane causes a lot of damage or deaths, its name is usually "retired." This means the name won't be used again for another storm. This helps people remember the most impactful storms.
Because Tropical Storm Arthur caused very little damage and only one indirect death, its name was not retired. This is why the name "Arthur" was used again for another tropical storm in 2008. That storm also didn't cause much damage, so the name "Arthur" was planned to be used again in 2012.
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Tropical cyclones of the 2002 Atlantic hurricane season |
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Images for kids
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Rainfall Summary for Tropical Storm Arthur
See also
In Spanish: Tormenta tropical Arthur (2002) para niños
