2003 Atlantic hurricane season

On May 19, prior to the start of the season, NOAA forecasters issued a 55% probability of above normal activity. The forecasters predicted 11–15 tropical storms, 6–9 of those becoming hurricanes, and 2–4 of those hurricanes reaching at least Category 3 strength on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale. The above normal activity predicted was due to the likelihood of La Niña developing in the season.{{cite web

| date=May 19, 2003

| title=NOAA Forecasters Say Six to Nine Hurricanes Could Threaten in 2003

| publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

| access-date=December 15, 2007

| url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/NOAA_pr_05-19-03.shtml

| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715044627/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/NOAA_pr_05-19-03.shtml

| archive-date=2007-07-15

}}

Noted hurricane expert Dr. William M. Gray on April 4 predicted twelve named storms, with eight reaching hurricane strength and three of the eight reaching Category 3 strength.{{cite web

|author1=William M. Gray |author2=Philip J. Klotzbach |author3=Christopher W. Landsea | date=April 4, 2003

| title=Extended Range Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity and U.S. Landfall Strike Probability for 2003

| publisher=Colorado State University

| access-date=December 15, 2007

| url=http://typhoon.atmos.colostate.edu/forecasts/2003/april2003/

| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060914025007/http://typhoon.atmos.colostate.edu/forecasts/2003/april2003/

| archive-date=2006-09-14}} The prediction issued on May 30 was similar, increasing the named storms to fourteen. The synoptic pattern of the season prior to June 1 resembled other previous seasons, with the 1952, 1954, 1964, 1966, and 1998 seasons considered the best analogs for the season. The prediction also included a 68% probability for a hurricane landfall along the United States.{{cite web

|author1=William M. Gray |author2=Philip J. Klotzbach |author3=Christopher W. Landsea | date=May 30, 2003

| title=Extended Range Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity and U.S. Landfall Strike Probability for 2003

| publisher=Colorado State University

| access-date=December 15, 2007

| url=http://typhoon.atmos.colostate.edu/forecasts/2003/june2003/

| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719175125/http://typhoon.atmos.colostate.edu/forecasts/2003/june2003/

| archive-date=2011-07-19}}

On August 6, Dr. Gray announced he had maintained his previous prediction; with an active start of the season, the rest of the season was forecast to have been only slightly above average, due to an anticipated overall less favorable environment across the Atlantic Ocean.{{cite web

|author1=William M. Gray |author2=Philip J. Klotzbach |author3=Christopher W. Landsea | date=August 6, 2003

| title=Updated Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity and U.S. Landfall Strike Probability for 2003

| publisher=Colorado State University

| access-date=December 15, 2007

| url=http://typhoon.atmos.colostate.edu/forecasts/2003/aug2003/

| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719175134/http://typhoon.atmos.colostate.edu/forecasts/2003/aug2003/

| archive-date=2011-07-19

}} A day later, NOAA released an updated prediction as well, with a 60% probability of above normal activity, with 12–15 named storms, 7–9 hurricanes, and 3–4 major hurricanes expected.{{cite web

| date=August 7, 2003

| title=2003 Atlantic Hurricane Outlook Update

| publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

| access-date=December 15, 2007

| url=http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/hurricane2003/August/hurricane.html

| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129113902/http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/hurricane2003/August/hurricane.html

| archive-date=November 29, 2014

| url-status=live

}}

A normal season, as defined by NOAA, has 6–14 tropical storms, 4–8 of which reach hurricane strength, and 1–3 of those reaching Category 3 strength.{{cite web

| author=Climate Prediction Center

| year=2002

| title=Background Information: The North Atlantic Hurricane Season

| publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

| access-date=June 2, 2006

| url=http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/hurricane2002/hurricane2002_background.html

| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211085549/http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/hurricane2002/hurricane2002_background.html

| archive-date=February 11, 2012

| url-status=live

}}

{{For timeline}}

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File:Henri, Fabian and Isabel - Sept 7, 2003.jpg

The official beginning of the season was on June 1, 2003,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72076448/the-miami-herald/|title=Hurricane forecast 'not good news'|author=Martin Merzer|newspaper=Miami Herald|date=May 20, 2003|page=1B|access-date=February 25, 2021|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} though Subtropical Storm Ana formed on April 20, well before the start to the season. Starting at the official start of the season, the National Hurricane Center began issuing five-day forecasts, extending from the three-day forecasts issued since 1964. Officials conducted tests during the previous two seasons, indicating the new five-day forecasts would be as accurate as the three-day forecasts were 15 years earlier.{{cite web|author=Frank Lepore|year=2003|title=NOAA Extends Hurricane Forecasts From Three To Five Days|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|access-date=December 15, 2007|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/NOAA_pr_3-10-03.html| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071214060107/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/NOAA_pr_3-10-03.html| archive-date=December 14, 2007 | url-status= live}} The tropics were active and well ahead of climatology in the early portion of the season, with the seventh tropical depression forming by the end of July.{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=2003|title=Tropical Weather Summary for July 2003|access-date=December 15, 2007|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/tws/MIATWSAT_jul.shtml?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023002845/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/tws/MIATWSAT_jul.shtml|archive-date=October 23, 2012|url-status=live}} The season officially ended on November 30, 2003, although tropical storms Odette and Peter developed in early December.

The season is one of only six with a storm before and after the official bounds of the season; the others are 1887, 1951, 1953, 1954, 1970 and 2007. When Tropical Storm Peter formed on December 7, the season became the second on record with two December storms. The 235 days between the development of the first storm, Tropical Storm Ana, and the dissipation of the last storm, Peter, made the 2003 season the longest season since 1952.

Overall, the season's activity was reflected with a high cumulative accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) rating of 176.{{cite web|author=Hurricane Research Division |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |date=March 2011 |title=Atlantic basin Comparison of Original and Revised HURDAT |access-date=July 23, 2011 |url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/Comparison_of_Original_and_Revised_HURDAT_mar11.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129161149/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/Comparison_of_Original_and_Revised_HURDAT_mar11.html |archive-date=November 29, 2011}} ACE is, broadly speaking, a measure of the power of the hurricane multiplied by the length of time it existed, so storms that last a long time, as well as particularly strong hurricanes, like Isabel and Fabian, have high ACEs. ACE is only calculated for full advisories on tropical systems at or exceeding 34 knots ({{convert|39|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} or tropical storm strength. Subtropical cyclones are excluded from the total.{{cite web|author=David Levinson|date=August 20, 2008|title=2005 Atlantic Ocean Tropical Cyclones|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|access-date=July 23, 2011|url=http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/2005/2005-atlantic-trop-cyclones.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051201033336/https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/2005/2005-atlantic-trop-cyclones.html|archive-date=December 1, 2005|url-status=live}}

No cyclones in the season had a significant impact on South America or Central America. However, a total of eight tropical cyclones made landfall on Mexico from either the Atlantic or the Pacific Ocean, which was the greatest total since the record of nine in 1971. A total of seven deaths occurred in Mexico from Atlantic hurricanes. Much of the Caribbean did not receive significant impact from tropical cyclones during the season.{{cite web|author=World Meteorological Organization|year=2004|title=Final Report of the Twenty-Sixth Session|access-date=June 3, 2006|url=http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/tcpold/documents/HC26-English.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102191946/http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/tcpold/documents/HC26-English.pdf|archive-date=January 2, 2014|df=mdy-all}}

File:Fabiandamage.jpg on Bermuda]]

Six tropical cyclones made landfall along the coast of the United States during the season, including two hurricanes. The first, Claudette, caused locally heavy damage in southeastern Texas in July; two deaths were reported in the state, while earlier in its duration it caused an indirect death from rough waves in Florida. In September, Hurricane Isabel caused deaths and damage from North Carolina through southern Canada. The worst damage from the hurricane occurred in Virginia, where it was the costliest disaster in the history of the state;{{cite web|author=Church World Service|year=2003|title=The CWS Response|access-date=February 21, 2007|url=http://www.cwserp.org/uploads/factsheets/20Hurricane%20Isabel%20back%2003.pdf|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070203153506/http://www.cwserp.org/uploads/factsheets/20Hurricane%20Isabel%20back%2003.pdf |archive-date = February 3, 2007|url-status=usurped}} there, damage totaled over $1.85 billion (2003 USD), and there were 32 fatalities, ten of which were caused directly by the hurricane. Hurricane Isabel caused deaths in seven states and one Canadian province, and about 6 million people were left without power as a result of the storm.{{cite web|author=United States Department of Commerce |year=2004 |title=Service Assessment of Hurricane Isabel |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=February 10, 2007 |url=http://www.weather.gov/os/assessments/pdfs/isabel.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060927044523/http://www.weather.gov/os/assessments/pdfs/isabel.pdf |archive-date=September 27, 2006}}

Several cyclones impacted Bermuda during the season, most significantly Hurricane Fabian. On the island, its passage proved to be the costliest and resulted in the first death since a hurricane in 1926.{{cite web|author=PartnerRE Ltd. |year=2003 |title=PartnerRe Weathers Hurricane Fabian |access-date=October 17, 2006 |url=http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/international/2003/09/15/32288.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118133133/http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/international/2003/09/15/32288.htm |archive-date=January 18, 2012 |df=mdy}} The hurricane killed four on the island when its strong waves and storm surge washed two cars off the causeway between St. George's Parish and St. David's Island.{{cite web|author1=Karen Smith|author2=Dan Rutstein|date=September 6, 2003|title=Search for the missing a 'difficult job'|publisher=The Royal Gazette|access-date=December 9, 2011|url=http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20030906/NEWS/309069998|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407123112/http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20030906/NEWS/309069998|archive-date=April 7, 2015|url-status=live}} Damage from the hurricane totaled $300 million (2003 USD). Elsewhere, Hurricane Juan was considered among the most damaging in the history of Halifax, Nova Scotia, where strong winds downed thousands of trees and left low-lying areas flooded from a record storm surge to the city. The hurricane caused a total of eight deaths and damage estimated at $200 million (2003 CAD, $150 million 2003 USD).{{cite web|author=Chris Fogarty|year=2003|title=Hurricane Juan Storm Summary|publisher=Canadian Hurricane Centre/Environment Canada|access-date=December 21, 2007|url=http://www.novaweather.net/Hurricane_Juan_files/Juan_Summary.pdf| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071201101308/http://www.novaweather.net/Hurricane_Juan_files/Juan_Summary.pdf| archive-date=December 1, 2007 | url-status= live}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = Ana 2003-04-21 1455Z.jpg

| Track = Ana 2003 track.png

| Formed = April 20

| Dissipated = April 24

| 1-min winds = 50

| Pressure = 994

}}

{{Main|Tropical Storm Ana (2003)}}

A non-tropical low-pressure area developed about {{convert|240|mi}} south-southwest of Bermuda on April 18 through the interaction of an upper-level trough and a surface frontal trough. It tracked northwestward at first, then turned to the southeast. After developing centralized convection, the system developed into Subtropical Storm Ana on April 20 to the west of Bermuda. It tracked east-southeastward and organized, and on April 21 it transitioned into a tropical cyclone with peak winds of {{convert|60|mph|abbr=on}}, after developing an upper-level warm core. Increased wind shear caused fluctuations in intensity and a steady weakening trend, and on April 24 the center of Ana merged with an approaching cold front, thus signaling the completion of extratropical transition. The extratropical remnants continued east-northeastward, and on April 27 the gale was absorbed within the cold front.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL012003_Ana}}|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Ana|author=John L. Beven|date=December 19, 2003|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=January 31, 2017}}

The cyclone is most notable for being the only Atlantic tropical cyclone in the month of April, until Tropical Storm Arlene in 2017. When Ana became a subtropical storm, it became the second subtropical cyclone on record in the month, after a storm in 1992. Ana dropped {{convert|2.63|in}} of rainfall in Bermuda over a period of several days.{{cite web|date=May 25, 2003 |title=Bermuda Weather for April 2003 |publisher=Bermuda Weather Service |access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.weather.bm/data/2003-04.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208144954/http://www.weather.bm/data/2003-04.html |archive-date=February 8, 2012}} Increased swells from the storm caused two drowning deaths in southeastern Florida when a boat capsized. The remnants of the storm brought light rainfall to the Azores and the United Kingdom, though no significant damage was reported.{{cite web|author=Gary Padgett|year=2003|title=April 2003 Global Tropical Cyclone Summary|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2003/summ0304.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207025455/http://www.australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2003/summ0304.htm|archive-date=February 7, 2012|url-status=live}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = 02L 2003-06-11 1355Z.jpg

| Track = 2-L 2003 track.png

| Formed = June 11

| Dissipated = June 11

| 1-min winds = 30

| Pressure = 1008

}}

A tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on June 6.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL022003_Two}}|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Depression Two|author=James L. Franklin|date=August 6, 2003|publisher=United States National Hurricane Center|access-date=January 31, 2017|format=PDF}} Tracking westward at a low latitude, a disturbance along the wave axis became better organized on June 9,{{cite web|last=Lawrence|first=Miles|date=June 9, 2003|title=June 9 Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=July 17, 2024|url=https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=TWOAT&e=200306091530}} with reasonable favorable environmental conditions for that time of year. Initially lacking a well-defined low-level circulation,{{cite web|last=Franklin|first=James|date=June 9, 2003|title=June 9 Tropical Weather Outlook (2)|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=July 17, 2024|url=https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=TWOAT&e=200306092130}} convection increased markedly on June 10.{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|date=June 11, 2003|title=Tropical Depression Two Discussion Number One|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2010-11-29|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al022003.discus.001.shtml?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812111041/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al022003.discus.001.shtml|archive-date=August 12, 2014|url-status=live}} The system was declared Tropical Depression Two early on June 11 in the central tropical Atlantic Ocean. The depression was at the time the third tropical cyclone on record to develop in the month of June to the east of the Lesser Antilles; the others were Tropical Depression Two in 2000,{{cite web|url=http://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2000/summ0006.htm|title=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary June 2000|author=Gary Padgett|year=2000|publisher=Australia Severe Weather|access-date=February 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218103234/http://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2000/summ0006.htm|archive-date=December 18, 2014|url-status=live}} Ana in 1979, and a storm in 1933.{{cite web|first1=Richard J.|last1= Pasch|first2= Stacy R.|last2= Stewart|first3= Miles B.|last3= Lawrence|date=July 1, 2003|title=June 2003 Tropical Weather Summary|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2010-11-29|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/tws/MIATWSAT_jun.shtml?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812110936/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/tws/MIATWSAT_jun.shtml|archive-date=August 12, 2014|url-status=live}} The next such system to accomplish this would be Bret in 2017.{{cite report|author=Michael J. Brennan|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Bret|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL022017_Bret.pdf|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=March 5, 2018|access-date=February 25, 2021}}

Initially, the depression was forecast to attain tropical storm status, maintaining good outflow and some banding features around the system. Around 09:00 UTC on June 11, satellite-based intensity estimates indicated the depression was near tropical storm status.{{cite web|author=Richard J. Pasch|date=June 11, 2003|title=Tropical Depression Two Discussion Number Two|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al022003.discus.002.shtml?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812110940/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al022003.discus.002.shtml|archive-date=August 12, 2014|url-status=live}} However, the convection subsequently diminished and became displaced to the northeast of the center, and late on June 11 the depression degenerated into an open tropical wave about {{convert|950|mi|km}} east-southeast of Barbados. The tropical wave remained well defined with a well-defined low-level vorticity, though strong wind shear prevented tropical redevelopment.{{cite web|author=Mike Formosa|date=June 13, 2003|title= Tropical Weather Discussion|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWDAT/2003/TWDAT.200306130610}} On June 13 its remnants passed through the Windward Islands and subsequently entered the Caribbean.{{cite web|author=Mike Formosa|date=June 13, 2003|title=Tropical Weather Discussion|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2010-11-29|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWDAT/2003/TWDAT.200306131052}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = TS Bill 2003.jpg

| Track = Bill 2003 track.png

| Formed = June 29

| Dissipated = July 2

| 1-min winds = 50

| Pressure = 997

}}

{{Main|Tropical Storm Bill (2003)}}

Tropical Storm Bill developed from a tropical wave on June 29 to the north of the Yucatán Peninsula. It slowly organized as it moved northward, and reached a peak of {{convert|60|mph|abbr=on}} shortly before making landfall {{convert|27|mi}} west of Chauvin, Louisiana. Bill quickly weakened over land, and as it accelerated to the northeast, moisture from the storm, combined with cold air from an approaching cold front, produced an outbreak of 34 tornadoes. Bill became extratropical on July 2, and was absorbed by the cold front later that day.{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|date=July 30, 2003|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Bill|publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=February 25, 2021|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL032003_Bill}}}}

Upon making landfall on Louisiana, the storm produced a moderate storm surge, causing tidal flooding.{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|date=August 2, 2003|title=Event Report for Louisiana|access-date=2010-11-29|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~504234|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207153127/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~504234|archive-date=December 7, 2008|df=mdy-all}} In a city in the northeastern portion of the state, the surge breached a levee, which flooded many homes in the town.{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|date=August 2, 2003|title=Event Report for Louisiana (2)|access-date=2010-11-29|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~504243|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207160457/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~504243|archive-date=December 7, 2008|df=mdy-all}} Moderate winds combined with wet soil knocked down trees, which then hit a few houses and power lines,{{cite web|author=New Orleans National Weather Service|date=October 9, 2003|title=Tropical Storm Bill Post Tropical Cyclone Report|access-date=2010-11-29|url=http://www.srh.weather.gov/lix/html/psh_bill.htm |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060930165919/http://www.srh.weather.gov/lix/html/psh_bill.htm |archive-date = 2006-09-30}} and left hundreds of thousands without electric power.{{cite news|date=June 30, 2003|title=Gulf Coast reeling from Tropical Storm Bill|access-date=2010-11-29|url=https://www.usatoday.com/weather/news/2003-06-30-gulfcoast-bill_x.htm|work=USA Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017105247/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/weather/news/2003-06-30-gulfcoast-bill_x.htm|archive-date=October 17, 2012|url-status=live}} Further inland, tornadoes from the storm produced localized moderate damage. Throughout its path, Tropical Storm Bill caused around $50 million in damage (2003 USD) and four deaths.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = Hurricane claudette july 15 2003.jpg

| Track = Claudette 2003 track.png

| Formed = July 8

| Dissipated = July 17

| 1-min winds = 80

| Pressure = 979

}}

{{Main|Hurricane Claudette (2003)}}

A well-organized tropical wave tracked quickly through the Lesser Antilles on July 7, producing tropical storm force winds but failing to attain a low-level circulation. After organizing in the Caribbean, it developed into Tropical Storm Claudette to the south of the Dominican Republic on July 8. Its intensity fluctuated over the subsequent days, attaining hurricane status briefly on July 10 before weakening and hitting Puerto Morelos on the Yucatán Peninsula on July 11 as a tropical storm. The storm remained disorganized due to moderate wind shear, though after turning west-northwestward into an area of lighter shear, it re-attained hurricane status on July 15 off the coast of Texas; it intensified quickly and made landfall on Matagorda Island with peak winds of {{convert|90|mph|abbr=on}}. It slowly weakened after moving ashore, tracking across northern Tamaulipas before dissipating in northwestern Chihuahua.{{cite web|author=Jack L. Beven|date=September 9, 2003 |title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Claudette|publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=February 25, 2021 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL042003_Claudette.pdf}}

The precursor cyclone caused light damage in the Lesser Antilles, and waves from the hurricane caused an indirect death off of Florida. Widespread flooding and gusty winds destroyed or severely damaged 412 buildings in southeast Texas, with a further 1,346 buildings suffering lighter impact. The hurricane caused locally severe beach erosion along the coast.{{cite web|author=National Weather Service at Houston/Galveston |year=2003 |title=Upper Texas Coast Tropical Cyclones in the 2000s |access-date=2007-12-15 |url=http://www.srh.noaa.gov/hgx/hurricanes/2000s.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070111162636/http://www.srh.noaa.gov/hgx/hurricanes/2000s.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2007}} High winds downed many trees along the coast, causing one direct and one indirect death. Damage was estimated at $180 million (2003 USD).

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = Danny 2003-07-19.png

| Track = Danny 2003 track.png

| Formed = July 16

| Dissipated = July 21

| 1-min winds = 65

| Pressure = 1000

}}

A tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on July 9. The northern portion of the wave tracked to the west-northwest, and on July 13 an area of convection developed along the wave axis. The system slowly organized, and after a closed low-level circulation developed, the system was classified as Tropical Depression Five about {{convert|630|mi}} east of Bermuda. It quickly organized, becoming Tropical Storm Danny a day after forming. Tracking around the periphery of an anticyclone, the storm moved northwestward before turning north and later northeastward. Despite being located at a high latitude, Danny continued to strengthen due to unusually warm water temperatures, and on July 19 it attained hurricane status about {{convert|525|mi}} south of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, despite having an unusually high minimum pressure for a storm of its intensity.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL052003_Danny}}|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Danny|author=Stacy R. Stewart|date=November 27, 2003|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=January 31, 2017}}

Wind shear increased the next day as the hurricane turned eastward, causing a steady weakening trend that was accelerated after crossing into an area of cooler water temperatures. By July 20 the cyclone had turned to the southeast and weakened to tropical depression status, and on July 21 it degenerated into a remnant low-pressure area. The remnants of Danny tracked erratically southwestward before dissipating on July 27 about {{convert|630|mi}} east of where it originally developed. There were no reports of damages or casualties associated with Danny.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = TD Six 2003.jpg

| Track = 6-L 2003 track.png

| Formed = July 19

| Dissipated = July 21

| 1-min winds = 30

| Pressure = 1010

}}

A tropical wave moved westward off the coast of Africa on July 14.{{cite web|author=Miles B. Lawrence|date=August 18, 2003|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Depression Six |publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL062003_Six.pdf}} After tracking steadily westward, an area of thunderstorms became more concentrated as its upper-level environment became more favorable,{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|date=July 19, 2003|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2003/TWOAT.200307191508}} and late on July 19 the National Hurricane Center classified it as Tropical Depression Six while it was located about {{convert|1035|mi}} east of the Lesser Antilles. Upon being classified as a tropical cyclone, the depression maintained two ill-defined hooking bands to its north and south, and was originally forecast to attain hurricane status before passing through the Lesser Antilles. With warm waters and very light wind shear forecast, its environmental conditions met four out of five parameters for rapid intensification.{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|date=July 19, 2003|title=Tropical Depression Six Discussion Number One|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al062003.discus.001.shtml?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812110853/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al062003.discus.001.shtml|archive-date=August 12, 2014|url-status=live}} Subsequently, convection diminished as the result of cold air inflow and instability from a disturbance to its southeast.{{cite web|author=Stacy R. Stewart|date=June 20, 2003|title=Tropical Depression Six Discussion Number Three|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al062003.discus.003.shtml?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812110933/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al062003.discus.003.shtml|archive-date=August 12, 2014|url-status=live}}

With a fast forward speed, confirmation of a low-level circulation on July 20 became difficult.{{cite web|author=Miles B. Lawrence|date=July 20, 2003|title=Tropical Depression Six Discussion Number Four|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al062003.discus.004.shtml?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213065355/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al062003.discus.004.shtml|archive-date=February 13, 2015|url-status=live}} Convection increased in curvature on July 21,{{cite web|author=Jack L. Beven|date=July 21, 2003|title=Tropical Depression Six Discussion Number Six|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al062003.discus.006.shtml?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213055557/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al062003.discus.006.shtml|archive-date=February 13, 2015|url-status=live}} and several islands in the Lesser Antilles issued tropical storm warnings and watches. After it passed north of Barbados, a Hurricane hunters flight failed to report a closed low-level circulation, and it is estimated the depression degenerated into an open tropical wave late on July 21. The remnants brought a few showers to the Lesser Antilles, and after tracking into the Caribbean redevelopment was prevented by increased wind shear.{{cite web|author=Stacy R. Stewart|date=July 22, 2003|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2003/TWOAT.200307220904}} The northern portion of the wave axis split and developed into Tropical Depression Seven.{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = 07L 2003-07-25 1600Z.jpg

| Track = 7-L 2003 track.png

| Formed = July 25

| Dissipated = July 27

| 1-min winds = 30

| Pressure = 1016

}}

A tropical wave interacted with an upper-level low to develop an area of deep convection near Hispaniola on July 23.{{cite web|author=Richard J. Pasch|date=November 30, 2003|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Depression Seven |publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL072003_Seven.pdf}} A mid- to lower-level circulation developed within the system at it tracked generally north-northwestward, and based on surface and satellite observations, it is estimated the system developed into Tropical Depression Seven at 1200 UTC on July 25 about {{convert|60|mi}} east of Daytona Beach, Florida. The system was embedded in an environment characterized by high surface pressures. Tracking through an area of cool water temperatures, as well as unfavorable upper-level winds, the depression failed to achieve winds greater than {{convert|35|mph|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|date=July 25, 2003|title=Tropical Depression Seven Discussion Number One|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al072003.discus.001.shtml?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812110914/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al072003.discus.001.shtml|archive-date=August 12, 2014|url-status=live}}

Early on July 26 it moved ashore on St. Catherines Island, Georgia, and after steadily weakening over land it dissipated on July 27. As the storm was never forecast to attain tropical storm status, no tropical storm warnings or watches were issued. However, flood watches were posted for much of Georgia and South Carolina.{{cite web|url=http://www.news4jax.com/news4georgia/2358185/detail.html|title=Saturday: No. 7 Unlucky For Soggy Georgia, SC|date=July 26, 2003|publisher=WJXT|access-date=February 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524090659/http://www.news4jax.com/news4georgia/2358185/detail.html|archive-date=2011-05-24}} The depression dropped light to moderate rainfall from Florida to the coast of North Carolina, peaking at {{convert|5.17|in}} in Savannah, Georgia. Mostly, rainfall totals between {{convert|1|and|3|in}} were common.{{cite web|author=David M. Roth|date=August 4, 2008|title=Tropical Depression #7 – July 25–27, 2003|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|access-date=2010-11-29|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td72003.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221185338/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td72003.html|archive-date=December 21, 2014|url-status=live}} There were no reports of damage or casualties associated with this depression.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = Erika 2003-08-16 Terra.jpg

| Track = Erika 2003 track.png

| Formed = August 14

| Dissipated = August 17

| 1-min winds = 65

| Pressure = 986

}}

{{Main|Hurricane Erika (2003)}}

The precursor system to Hurricane Erika was first noted as a non-tropical low on August 9 about {{convert|1150|mi}} east of Bermuda. It tracked quickly southwestward then westward in tandem with an upper-level low, which prevented tropical development. On August 13 an area of convection increased as it passed through the Bahamas, and while crossing Florida a circulation built toward the surface; it is estimated the system developed into Tropical Storm Erika on August 14 about {{convert|85|mi}} west-southwest of Fort Myers, Florida. A strong ridge caused the storm to continue quickly westward, and the system gradually strengthened and organized. By August 15 its forward motion slowed, allowing the convection to organize into curved rainbands, and late in the day an eye feature began developing. Tropical Storm Erika attained hurricane status at around 1030 UTC as it was moving ashore in northeastern Tamaulipas; operationally it was not classified as a hurricane, due to lack of data. The winds rapidly decreased as it tracked across the mountainous terrain of northeastern Mexico, and early on August 17 the cyclone dissipated.{{cite web|author=James L. Franklin|date=November 13, 2003|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Erika |publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL082003_Erika.pdf}}

The hurricane dropped light to moderate rainfall along its path, which caused some flooding; in Montemorelos in Nuevo León, two people died after being swept away by floodwaters. Several mudslides were reported, which left numerous highways blocked or impassable. In southern Texas, the hurricane caused light winds and minor damage, with no reports of deaths or injuries in the United States.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = 09L 2003-08-22 1750Z.jpg

| Track = 9-L 2003 track.png

| Formed = August 21

| Dissipated = August 22

| 1-min winds = 30

| Pressure = 1007

}}

A strong tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on August 14,{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|date=November 17, 2003|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Depression Nine |publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL092003_Nine.pdf}} and after tracking steadily westward an area of convection began to become better organized on August 18.{{cite web|author=Stacy R. Stewart|date=August 18, 2003 |title=Tropical Weather Outlook |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=February 25, 2021 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2003/TWOAT.200308181520}} After it tracked through the Lesser Antilles, it developed into Tropical Depression Nine on August 21 to the south of Puerto Rico. The depression quickly showed signs of organization, and forecasters predicted the depression to intensify to a strong tropical storm.{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|date=August 21, 2003|title=Tropical Depression Nine Discussion Number One|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al092003.discus.001.shtml?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812111044/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al092003.discus.001.shtml|archive-date=August 12, 2014|url-status=live}} However, strong southwesterly wind shear unexpectedly became established over the system, and the depression degenerated into a tropical wave late on August 22 to the south of the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic.

The depression caused moderate rainfall in Puerto Rico, where {{convert|2|to|3|in|mm|abbr=off}} of precipitation were recorded.{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2003|title=Event Report for Puerto Rico|access-date=2006-10-24|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529809|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519222058/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529809|archive-date=2011-05-19|url-status=dead}} The flooding from the rainfall entered 10 houses and left some streets impassable.{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2003|title=Event Report for Puerto Rico (2)|access-date=2006-10-24|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529808|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519222109/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529808|archive-date=2011-05-19|url-status=dead}} A mudslide was reported in the eastern portion of the island.{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2003|title=Event Report for Puerto Rico (3)|access-date=2006-10-24|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529811|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519222115/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529811|archive-date=2011-05-19|url-status=dead}} A river in northeastern Puerto Rico surpassed its banks from flooding, though it returned to normal levels within hours.{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2003|title=Event Report for Puerto Rico (4)|access-date=2006-10-24|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529810|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519222232/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529810|archive-date=2011-05-19|url-status=dead}} Damage in Puerto Rico totaled $20,000 (2003 USD$, {{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|20000|2003}}}} {{#time:Y}} USD). The remnants of the depression dropped light to moderate precipitation in the Dominican Republic, which caused flooding and overflowing rivers. More than 100 houses were flooded, and some crop damage was reported. The rainfall was welcome in the country, as conditions were dry in the preceding months.{{cite web|author=Stormcarib.net|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.stormcarib.com/reports/2003/domrep.shtml|year=2003|title=Unofficial Reports from the Dominican Republic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213032529/http://www.stormcarib.com/reports/2003/domrep.shtml|archive-date=February 13, 2015|url-status=live}} Flooding was also reported in eastern Jamaica, though damage there, if any, is unknown.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = Fabian 2003-09-01 1815Z.png

| Track = Fabian 2003 path.png

| Formed = August 27

| Dissipated = September 8

| 1-min winds = 125

| Pressure = 939

}}

{{Main|Hurricane Fabian}}

On August 25, a tropical wave emerged off the coast of Africa, and two days later developed enough organized convection to develop into Tropical Depression Ten. Tracking through warm waters and low vertical shear, the depression was named Tropical Storm Fabian on August 28. On August 30, the storm intensified into a hurricane, and it quickly strengthened to attain major hurricane status late that day; on September 1 Fabian reached its peak intensity of {{convert|145|mph|abbr=on}}. The hurricane turned to the north and gradually weakened before passing {{convert|14|mi}} west of Bermuda on September 5 with winds of {{convert|120|mph|abbr=on}}. The cyclone accelerated northeastward into an environment of unfavorable conditions, becoming an extratropical cyclone on September 8; two days later it merged with another extratropical storm between southern Greenland and Iceland.{{cite web|first1=Richard J.|last1= Pasch|first2= Eric S.|last2= Blake|first3= Daniel P. |last3=Brown|date=November 19, 2003|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Fabian|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL102003_Fabian.pdf}}

Strong waves caused extensive damage to the Bermuda coastline, destroying 10 nests of the endangered Bermuda petrel.{{cite web|author=Environment News Service|year=2003|title=Bermuda's National Bird Blown Away|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/sep2003/2003-09-25-03.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226020750/http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/sep2003/2003-09-25-03.asp|archive-date=February 26, 2014|url-status=live}} The storm surge from the hurricane stranded one vehicle with three police officers and another with a resident on the causeway between St. George's Parish and St. David's Island, later washing both vehicles into Castle Harbour;{{cite web|author1=Karen Smith|author2=Dan Rutstein|name-list-style=amp|date=September 6, 2003|title=Search for the missing a difficult job|publisher=The Royal Gazette|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.royalgazette.com/siftology.royalgazette/Article/article.jsp?sectionId=60&articleId=7d3930e3003000a|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210125954/http://www.royalgazette.com/siftology.royalgazette/Article/article.jsp?sectionId=60&articleId=7d3930e3003000a|url-status=dead|archive-date=2008-12-10}} all four were killed. Strong winds left about 25,000 people without power on the island, and also caused severe damage to vegetation. The strong winds damaged or destroyed the roofs of numerous buildings on Bermuda,{{cite news|author=The Royal Gazette|date=September 6, 2003|title=Bermuda Shorts — Fabian|access-date=2008-02-03|url=http://www.royalgazette.com/siftology.royalgazette/Article/article.jsp?articleId=7d3930e30030013§ionId=60|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210125855/http://www.royalgazette.com/siftology.royalgazette/Article/article.jsp?articleId=7d3930e30030013§ionId=60|url-status=dead|archive-date=2008-12-10}} Damage on the island totaled $300 million (2003 USD). Elsewhere, strong waves from the hurricane killed a surfer in North Carolina and caused three deaths off of Newfoundland when a fishing vessel sank.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = Grace 2003-08-31 1925Z.jpg

| Track = Grace 2003 track.png

| Formed = August 30

| Dissipated = September 2

| 1-min winds = 35

| Pressure = 1007

}}

{{Main|Tropical Storm Grace (2003)}}

A strong tropical wave accompanied with a low-pressure system moved off the coast of Africa on August 19. It moved quickly westward, failing to organize significantly, and developed a surface low-pressure area on August 29 in the Gulf of Mexico. Convection continued to organize, and the tropical wave developed into Tropical Depression Eleven on August 30 while located {{convert|335|mi}} east-southeast of Corpus Christi, Texas. The depression quickly intensified to become Tropical Storm Grace, though further intensification was limited due to a nearby upper-level low. On August 31, Grace moved ashore on Galveston Island, Texas, and it quickly weakened over land. The storm turned northeastward and was absorbed by a cold front over extreme eastern Oklahoma on September 2.{{Cite web|author=Stacy R. Stewart|date=November 27, 2003|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Grace|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL112003_Grace.pdf}}

The storm produced light to moderate precipitation from Texas through the eastern United States, peaking at {{convert|10.4|in}} in eastern Texas.{{cite web|author=David M. Roth|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|year=2005|title=Rainfall data for Tropical Storm Grace|access-date=2007-12-17|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/grace2003.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221185402/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/grace2003.html|archive-date=December 21, 2014|url-status=live}} Near where it made landfall, Grace produced flooding of low-lying areas and light beach erosion.{{cite web|author=Jim O'Donnel|date=September 5, 2003|title=Tropical Storm Grace Preliminary Storm Report|publisher=Jamaica Beach Weather Observatory|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://members.aol.com/IslandWx/jbclimo/tropicalcyclone/reports/2003/grace.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705193935/http://members.aol.com/IslandWx/jbclimo/tropicalcyclone/reports/2003/grace.htm|archive-date=July 5, 2008|url-status=live}} In Oklahoma and southern Missouri, the remnants of the storm caused localized flooding.{{Cite web|author=Ty Judd|year=2003|title=The 2003 Labor Day Weekend Heavy Rain and Flooding Event|publisher=Norman, Oklahoma National Weather Service|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/newsletter/autumn2003/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060604063403/http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/newsletter/autumn2003/ |archive-date = 2006-06-04}}{{cite web|author=Paducah, Kentucky National Weather Service|year=2003|title=Autumn 2003 Weather Summary|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.crh.noaa.gov/pah/climate/autumn03.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805202102/http://www.crh.noaa.gov/pah/climate/autumn03.php|archive-date=August 5, 2012|url-status=live}} No deaths were reported, and damage was minimal.{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = Henri 2003-09-05 1630Z.jpg

| Track = Henri 2003 track.png

| Formed = September 3

| Dissipated = September 8

| 1-min winds = 50

| Pressure = 997

}}

{{Main|Tropical Storm Henri (2003)}}

On August 22, a tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa, and it remained disorganized until reaching the eastern Gulf of Mexico on September 1. A tropical disturbance developed into Tropical Depression Twelve on September 3 about {{convert|300|mi}} west of Tampa, Florida. It moved eastward and strengthened into Tropical Storm Henri on September 5, and despite strong wind shear it intensified to reach peak winds of {{convert|60|mph|abbr=on}} later that day. Subsequently, it quickly weakened, and it struck the western Florida coast as a tropical depression. On September 8 it degenerated into a remnant low-pressure area off the coast of North Carolina,{{cite web|author1=Daniel P. Brown|author2=Miles B. Lawrence|name-list-style=amp|date=November 17, 2003|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Henri|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL122003_Henri.pdf}} and after moving ashore near Cape Hatteras,{{cite web|author=James L. Franklin|date=September 12, 2003|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2003/TWOAT.200309120239}} it crossed the Mid-Atlantic states and dissipated on September 17 over New England.{{cite web|author=David M. Roth|year=2006|title=Rainfall information on Tropical Storm Henri|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/henri2003.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922044322/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/henri2003.html|archive-date=September 22, 2013|url-status=live}}

Henri was responsible for locally heavy rainfall across Florida, but damage was minimal. The remnants of Henri caused heavy precipitation in Delaware and Pennsylvania, causing $19.6 million in damage (2003 USD).{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2003|title=Event Report for Delaware|access-date=2007-12-19|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~489038|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112203406/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~489038|archive-date=January 12, 2012|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2003|title=Event Report for Pennsylvania|access-date=2007-12-19|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~513663|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112203411/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~513663|archive-date=January 12, 2012|df=mdy-all}} In Delaware, the rainfall caused record-breaking river flooding, with part of the Red Clay Creek experiencing a 500-year flood,{{cite web|author=Stefanie Baxter |date=November 24, 2003 |title=Henri Visits Delaware |publisher=Delaware Geological Survey |access-date=2011-02-01 |url=http://ag.udel.edu/dwrc/newsletters/Forum2003/HenriPeakGage-Discharge-Precip.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928184512/http://ag.udel.edu/dwrc/newsletters/Forum2003/HenriPeakGage-Discharge-Precip.pdf |archive-date=September 28, 2011}} and the system left 109,000 residents without power in Pennsylvania. The impacts of the storm were severely compounded the following week by Hurricane Isabel across the region.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = Isabel 2003-09-11 1720Z.jpg

| Track = Isabel 2003 path.png

| Formed = September 6

| Dissipated = September 19

| 1-min winds = 145

| Pressure = 915

}}

{{Main|Hurricane Isabel}}

{{See also|Effects of Hurricane Isabel in North Carolina|Effects of Hurricane Isabel in Virginia|Effects of Hurricane Isabel in Maryland and Washington, D.C.|Effects of Hurricane Isabel in Delaware}}

A tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on September 1, which developed into Tropical Depression Thirteen early on September 6 to the southwest of the Cape Verde islands. It quickly intensified into Tropical Storm Isabel,{{cite web|author1=Jack L. Beven |author2=Hugh D. Cobb |name-list-style=amp |date=September 9, 2014 |title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Isabel |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=February 25, 2021 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL132003_Isabel.pdf}} and it continued to gradually intensify within an area of light wind shear and warm waters.{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|date=September 6, 2003|title=Tropical Storm Isabel Discussion Number Two|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al132003.discus.002.shtml?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825143238/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al132003.discus.002.shtml|archive-date=August 25, 2018|url-status=live}} Isabel strengthened to a hurricane on September 7, and the following day it attained major hurricane status. Its intensity fluctuated over the subsequent days as it passed north of the Lesser Antilles, and it attained peak winds of {{convert|165|mph|abbr=on}} on September 11, a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale. The hurricane oscillated between Category 4 and Category 5 status over the following four days, before weakening due to wind shear. On September 18 Isabel made landfall between Cape Lookout and Ocracoke Island in North Carolina with winds of {{convert|105|mph|abbr=on}}. It continued northwestward, becoming extratropical over western Pennsylvania before being absorbed by a larger storm over Ontario on September 19.

Strong winds from Isabel extended from North Carolina to New England and westward to West Virginia. The winds, combined with previous rainfall which moistened the soil, downed many trees and power lines across its path, leaving about 6 million electricity customers without power at some point. Coastal areas suffered from waves and its powerful storm surge, with areas in eastern North Carolina and southeast Virginia reporting severe damage from both winds and the storm surge. Throughout its path, Isabel resulted in $3.6 billion in damage (2003 USD) and 47 deaths, of which 16 were directly related to the storm's effects.

The governors of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware declared states of emergencies.{{cite news|author=Scotsman.com|title=America feels the wrath of Isabel|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://news.scotsman.com/hurricaneisabel/America-feels-the-wrath-of.2462951.jp|location=Edinburgh|work=The Scotsman|date=September 19, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605090451/http://news.scotsman.com/hurricaneisabel/America-feels-the-wrath-of.2462951.jp|archive-date=June 5, 2011|url-status=live}} Isabel was the first major hurricane to threaten the Mid-Atlantic states and the South since Hurricane Floyd in September 1999. Isabel's greatest impact was due to flood damage, the worst in some areas of Virginia since 1972's Hurricane Agnes. More than 60 million people were affected to some degree — a similar number to Floyd but more than any other hurricane in recent memory.{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2003|title=Climate of 2003 – Comparison of Hurricanes Floyd, Hugo and Isabel|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/2003/fl-hu-is-comp.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121032505/https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/2003/fl-hu-is-comp.html|archive-date=January 21, 2017|url-status=live}}

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{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = 14L 2003-09-08 1210Z.jpg

| Track = 14-L 2003 track.png

| Formed = September 8

| Dissipated = September 10

| 1-min winds = 30

| Pressure = 1007

}}

A strong tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on September 6, and almost immediately it became associated with a broad surface circulation.{{cite web|author=James L. Franklin|date=September 11, 2003|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Depression Fourteen |publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL142003_Fourteen.pdf}} With favorable upper-level winds the system quickly became better organized, and on September 8, it possessed enough organization to be classified as Tropical Depression Fourteen while located about {{convert|290|mi}} southeast of the southernmost Cape Verde islands. Initially the depression failed to maintain an inner core of deep convection, and despite its occurrence with nearby dry air, the depression was forecast to intensify to hurricane status due to anticipated favorable conditions.{{cite web|author=Stacy R. Stewart|date=September 8, 2003|title=Tropical Depression Fourteen Discussion Number One|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al142003.discus.001.shtml?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812110957/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al142003.discus.001.shtml|archive-date=August 12, 2014|url-status=live}}

In the hours subsequent to formation, the convection near the center decreased as the banding features dissipated.{{cite web|author=Stacy R. Stewart|date=September 8, 2003|title=Tropical Depression Fourteen Discussion Number Two|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al142003.discus.002.shtml?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812110908/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al142003.discus.002.shtml|archive-date=August 12, 2014|url-status=live}} Dry air greatly increased over the depression, and by September 9 the system was not forecast to intensify past minimal tropical storm status.{{cite web|author1=Richard D. Knabb|author2=James L. Franklin|name-list-style=amp|date=September 9, 2003|title=Tropical Depression Fourteen Discussion Number Three|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al142003.discus.003.shtml?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213083311/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al142003.discus.003.shtml|archive-date=February 13, 2015|url-status=live}} Later that day an upper-level low tracked southward to the west of the depression, which increased wind shear and caused a steady north-northwest motion for the depression. The circulation became elongated and separated from the convection as it passed just west of the Cape Verde Islands, where it brought heavy rainfall,{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|date=September 10, 2003|title=Tropical Depression Fourteen Public Advisory Eight|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/pub/al142003.public.008.shtml?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213034332/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/pub/al142003.public.008.shtml|archive-date=February 13, 2015|url-status=live}} and on September 10 the depression dissipated.

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{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = Hurricane_Juan.jpg

| Track = Juan 2003 track.png

| Formed = September 24

| Dissipated = September 29

| 1-min winds = 90

| Pressure = 969

}}

{{Main|Hurricane Juan}}

A large tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on September 14,{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|date=September 13, 2012|title=Hurricane Juan Tropical Cyclone Report|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL152003_Juan.pdf}} and due to unfavorable wind shear it initially remained disorganized.{{Cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|date=September 17, 2003|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2003/TWOAT.200309172117}} An area of convection increased in association with an upper-level low, and it developed into Tropical Depression Fifteen on September 24 to the southeast of Bermuda. It steadily organized as it tracked northward, intensifying into Tropical Storm Juan on September 25 and attaining hurricane status on September 26. With warm waters and light wind shear, Juan reached peak winds of {{convert|105|mph|abbr=on}} on September 27 about {{convert|635|mi}} south of Halifax, Nova Scotia.{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|date=September 27, 2003|title=Hurricane Juan Discussion Number Ten|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al152003.discus.010.shtml?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020211051/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al152003.discus.010.shtml|archive-date=October 20, 2012|url-status=live}} It accelerated northward, weakening only slightly before moving ashore near Halifax on September 29 with winds of {{convert|100|mph|abbr=on}}. It quickly weakened while crossing the southern Canadian Maritimes before being absorbed by a large extratropical cyclone over the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.

The eyewall of Hurricane Juan was the first to directly cross over Halifax since a hurricane in August of 1893; the cyclone became one of the most damaging tropical cyclones in modern history for the city. The hurricane produced a record storm surge of {{convert|4.9|ft}}, which resulted in extensive flooding of the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfront properties. Strong winds caused widespread occurrences of falling trees, downed power lines, and damaged houses, and the hurricane was responsible for four direct deaths and four indirect deaths. More than 800,000 people were left without power. Nearly all wind-related damage occurred to the east of the storm track, and damage amounted to about $200 million (2003 CAD; $150 million 2003 USD).

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = Hurricane Kate 04 oct 2003 1420Z.jpg

| Track = Kate 2003 track.png

| Formed = September 25

| Dissipated = October 7

| 1-min winds = 110

| Pressure = 952

}}

On September 21, a tropical wave exited the west coast of Africa and continued westward, passing near the Cape Verde islands two days later. A low-level circulation developed amid an area of convection, organizing into Tropical Depression Sixteen on September 25.{{cite web|last1=Pasch|first1= Richard J.|last2=Molleda|first2= Robert|year=2003|title=Hurricane Kate Tropical Cyclone Report|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=May 22, 2015|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL162003_Kate}}}} The NHC anticipated steady strengthening to reach {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} within 48 hours,{{cite web|last=Avila|first=Lixion|date=September 25, 2003|title=Tropical Depression Sixteen Discussion One|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2010-11-29|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al162003.discus.001.shtml?}} the depression failed to intensify due to wind shear. On September 27, convection increased near the center, and the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Kate. The storm turned to the northeast, steered by a trough to its north.{{cite web|author=Richard Pasch|author2=Robbie Berg|date=September 28, 2003|title=Tropical Storm Kate Discussion Twelve|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 22, 2024|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al162003.discus.012.shtml?}} Despite the wind shear, Kate continued strengthening as it developed an eye, and the storm attained hurricane status for about 12 hours early on September 29, while located southwest of the Azores.{{cite web|last=Beven|first=Jack|date=September 29, 2003|title=Tropical Storm Kate Discussion Sixteen|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2010-11-29|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al162003.discus.016.shtml?}} Later that day, Kate weakened and lost its organization as it slowed, curving westward around a mid-level circulation. By October 1, the storm was moving west-southwestward in an area of warmer waters and lighter wind shear. That day, Kate regained hurricane status, and a well-defined eye developed by October 2. On the next day it strengthened to attain major hurricane status, and on October 4 Hurricane Kate reached a peak intensity of {{convert|125|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} while located {{convert|650|mi|km|abbr=on}} east of Bermuda. Around that time, Kate had a nearly-solid ring of convection around a well-defined eye.{{cite web|author=Stacy Stewart|date=October 4, 2003|title=Hurricane Kate Discussion 36|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 22, 2024|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al162003.discus.036.shtml?}}

After reaching its peak intensity, Kate started weakening as it slowed and turned northward, having reached the western periphery of the subtropical ridge. An approaching trough accelerated the northward movement, while also increasing wind shear.{{cite web|author=Stacy Stewart|date=October 5, 2003|title=Hurricane Kate Discussion 36|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 22, 2024|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al162003.discus.042.shtml?}} The eye re-appeared occasionally on satellite imagery until early on October 7, when Kate moved over cooler waters, and it weakened to tropical storm status. After passing east of Newfoundland, Kate transitioned an extratropical cyclone early on October 8. It remained a powerful cyclone, reattaining hurricane-force winds while passing southeast of Greenland. The cyclone turned eastward, passing a short distance south of Iceland, and later merged with another extratropical storm near Scandinavia on October 10.

The interaction between Kate and a high pressure area to its north produced {{convert|3–4|ft|m}} waves along the coast of North Carolina and New England. In Atlantic Canada, which was hit by Hurricane Juan weeks prior, officials advised residents to prepare by cleaning debris and securing loose objects.{{cite web|author=Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Measures Organization|year=2003|title=Adverse weather conditions expected from Hurricane Kate|access-date=2006-10-04|url=http://www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2003/mpa/1006n02.htm}} A cruise ship was redirected to avoid the storm.{{cite news|author=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|author-link=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|title=Newfoundland Braces for Kate's Wrath|access-date=2006-10-04|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-braces-for-kate-s-wrath-1.360903|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022080116/http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2003/10/06/kate031006.html|url-status=live|archive-date=October 22, 2012|work=CBC News|date=October 6, 2003}} The Newfoundland and Maritimes Weather Center issued a storm warning for Newfoundland, while the Canadian Hurricane Centre issued a hurricane-force wind warning. Due to the expected combination of moisture from Kate and a cold front, the Canadian Hurricane Centre also issued a heavy rainfall warning for southeastern Newfoundland.{{cite web|author=Szeto/Bowyer |year=2003 |title=Canadian Hurricane Information Statement issued by the Canadian Hurricane Centre of Environment Canada at 9:30 AM NDT Sunday 05 October 2003 |publisher=Canadian Hurricane Centre |access-date=2006-10-04 |url=http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/bulletins/20031005121000.Kate.txt.en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061002064238/http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/bulletins/20031005121000.Kate.txt.en |archive-date=2 October 2006 |url-status=dead}} The strongest winds of Kate remained away from any landmasses, though the large circulation produced sustained winds of up to {{convert|40|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at Cape Race, Newfoundland. The storm also generated strong swells and surf along the southern portion of the Avalon Peninsula, reaching heights of {{convert|9|–|13|ft|m}}.{{cite web|author=Rousell/Bowyer |year=2003 |title=Canadian Hurricane Information Statement at 9:30 AM NDT Monday 06 October 2003 |publisher=Canadian Hurricane Centre |access-date=2006-10-04 |url=http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/bulletins/20031006121000.Kate.txt.en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061002065950/http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/bulletins/20031006121000.Kate.txt.en |archive-date=2 October 2006 |url-status=dead}} Rainfall in southeastern Newfoundland reached over {{convert|4|in|mm|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|author=Canadian Hurricane Centre |year=2003 |title=2003 Tropical Cyclone Summary |access-date=2006-10-04 |url=http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/storm03.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202175238/http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/storm03.html |archive-date=2007-02-02}} St. John's reported {{convert|1.8|in|mm}} on October 6, a record for the date, but not enough to cause flooding.{{cite news|author=CBC News|author-link=CBC News|title=Lots of rain, but no flooding from Kate|access-date=2006-10-04|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/lots-of-rain-but-no-flooding-from-kate-1.393722 | work=CBC News | date=October 7, 2003}} The extratropical remnant of Hurricane Kate produced winds of up to {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in northern Scotland.{{cite web|author=Gary Padgett|year=2004|title=Tropical Summary for September 2003|access-date=2006-10-04|url=http://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2004/summ0309.txt |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060822223902/http://www.australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2004/summ0309.txt |archive-date = August 22, 2006}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = Larry 2003-10-03 1700Z.jpg

| Track = Larry 2003 track.png

| Formed = October 1

| Dissipated = October 7

| 1-min winds = 55

| Pressure = 993

}}

{{Main|Tropical Storm Larry (2003)}}

A tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on September 17, which developed a low-pressure area on September 27 in the western Caribbean. It moved ashore along the Yucatán Peninsula on September 29 and developed into an extratropical cyclone as it interacted with a stationary cold front. Deep convection increased, and it transitioned into Tropical Storm Larry by October 1. The storm drifted generally southward, and after reaching peak winds of {{convert|65|mph|abbr=on}} it made landfall in the Mexican state of Tabasco on October 5,{{cite web|author=Stacy R. Stewart|date=December 7, 2003|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Larry |publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL172003_Larry.pdf}} the first landfall in the region since Hurricane Brenda in 1973.{{cite web|author=Servicio Meteorológico Nacional|year=2003|title=Tormenta Tropical "Larry" del Océano Atlántico|language=es|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://smn.cna.gob.mx/ciclones/tempo2003/atlantico/larry/larry.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20051229230912/http://smn.cna.gob.mx/ciclones/tempo2003/atlantico/larry/larry.html |archive-date = 2005-12-29}} The remnants of Larry crossed the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, degenerating into a remnant low-pressure area before dissipating on October 7 in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

The storm caused flooding and mudslides throughout the region, and coincided with the landfall in southwestern Mexico of two Pacific tropical cyclones, Nora and Olaf, adding to the damage.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press |date=October 8, 2003 |title=Tropical Depression Olaf weakens after moving inland |access-date=February 25, 2021 |url=http://www.floridatoday.com/!NEWSROOM/hurricane/100803trop.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930022342/http://www.floridatoday.com/%21NEWSROOM/hurricane/100803trop.htm |archive-date=September 30, 2007}} Overall, the storm resulted in five deaths and $53.4 million in damage (2003 USD).{{cite web|author=Foro Consultivo Cientifico y Technológio|year=2005|title=Desastres mayores registrados en México de 1980 a 2003|access-date=2006-06-03|language=es|url=http://www.foroconsultivo.org.mx/eventos_realizados/proteccion1/ponencias/zuniga.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060901225035/http://www.foroconsultivo.org.mx/eventos_realizados/proteccion1/ponencias/zuniga.pdf|archive-date=September 1, 2006|url-status=live}}

{{Clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = Mindy 2003-10-10 1520Z.jpg

| Track = Mindy 2003 track.png

| Formed = October 10

| Dissipated = October 14

| 1-min winds = 40

| Pressure = 1002

}}

A tropical wave exited the coast of Africa on October 1 and moved westward.{{cite web|author=Miles B. Lawrence|date=February 9, 2004|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Mindy |publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL182003_Mindy.pdf}} On October 8, thunderstorms spread across the Lesser Antilles, and the wave slowly organized.{{cite web|last=Jack L. Beven|date=October 8, 2003|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2003/TWOAT.200310082130}} Rainfall reached {{convert|2.98|in}} in Christiansted in Saint Croix, and {{convert|7.13|in}} near Ponce, Puerto Rico.{{cite web|author=David M. Roth|year=2005|title=Rainfall Information for Tropical Storm Mindy|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|access-date=2006-10-09|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/mindy2003.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922025041/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/mindy2003.html|archive-date=September 22, 2013|url-status=live}} Strong winds left around 29,000 people without power in northeastern Puerto Rico.{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2003|title=Event Report for Puerto Rico (6)|access-date=2006-10-09|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529864|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207160511/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529864|archive-date=December 7, 2008|df=mdy-all}} The rainfall wrecked bridges in Las Piedras and Guayama,{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2003|title=Event Report for Puerto Rico (8)|access-date=2006-10-09|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529866|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207151737/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529866|archive-date=December 7, 2008|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2003|title=Event Report for Puerto Rico (12)|access-date=2006-10-09|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529860|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207144532/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529860|archive-date=December 7, 2008|df=mdy-all}} and led to flooded streams, downed trees, and rockslides that closed four roads. One car was swept away,{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2003|title=Event Report for Puerto Rico (3)|access-date=2006-10-09|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529851|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070613042331/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529851|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-06-13}} and a few houses were flooded.{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2003|title=Event Report for Puerto Rico (4)|access-date=2006-10-09|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529861|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070613042331/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529861|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-06-13}} The damage total was at least $46,000 (2003 USD).{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2003|title=Event Report for Puerto Rico (11)|access-date=2006-10-09|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529859|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070613042331/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529859|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-06-13}}

It turned northwestward through a weakness in the subtropical ridge, and despite strong wind shear developed into Tropical Storm Mindy late on October 10 over eastern Dominican Republic, with peak winds of {{convert|45|mph|abbr=on}}. It produced {{convert|2.63|in}} of rain in Santiago Rodríguez, which caused flooding and damaged 320 houses. Although forecast to intensify to {{convert|65|mph|abbr=on}} winds, the storm weakened due to the wind shear.{{cite web|author=Jack L. Beven|date=October 11, 2003|title=Tropical Storm Mindy Discussion Number Two|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al182003.discus.002.shtml?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024203538/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al182003.discus.002.shtml|archive-date=October 24, 2012|url-status=live}} The center passed near the Turks and Caicos Islands on October 11, and winds reached only {{convert|31|mph|abbr=on}} at Grand Turk Island.{{cite web|author=World Meteorological Organization |year=2004 |title=Final Report of the 2003 Hurricane Season |access-date=February 25, 2021 |url=http://www.wmo.ch/web/www/TCP/Reports/HC26-English.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051029215601/http://www.wmo.ch/web/www/TCP/Reports/HC26-English.pdf |archive-date=October 29, 2005}} On October 12, Mindy weakened to a tropical depression, and later turned eastward due to an approaching short-wave trough. Devoid of deep convection, the circulation dissipated on October 14 about {{convert|445|mi}} south-southwest of Bermuda. Mindy produced {{convert|2|to|3|ft|m|abbr=on}} swells along the U.S. Atlantic coast from Florida through North Carolina.{{cite web|author=Sean Collins|date=November 2003|title=Wavetraks October Newsletter|publisher=Surfline Forecast Team|access-date=2006-10-09|url=http://www.surfline.com/newsletter/November03.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205021151/http://www.surfline.com/newsletter/November03.html|archive-date=February 5, 2012|url-status=dead}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = Nicholas 2003-10-17 1355Z.jpg

| Track = Nicholas 2003 track.png

| Formed = October 13

| Dissipated = October 23

| 1-min winds = 60

| Pressure = 990

}}

A tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on October 9. It moved westward and developed a broad area of low pressure along the wave on October 10. After the circulation became well-defined near its thunderstorms, a tropical depression formed on October 13 while located {{convert|1,030|mi|km}} west-southwest of the Cape Verde islands. Located within an area of moderate southwesterly wind shear, the depression was slow to organize, strengthening into Tropical Storm Nicholas on October 14. Despite the wind shear, the storm continued to strengthen as it moved to the west-northwest, steered by a ridge to its north. On October 16, Nicholas became a more organized system after the shear diminished, with banding features and improvement in its convective pattern. Nicholas attained a peak intensity of {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} on October 17 while located {{convert|875|mi|km}} east of the Leeward Islands. Shortly after peaking in strength, Nicholas weakened due to increasing southwesterly wind shear, and the center of circulation briefly became exposed from the deep convection. In response to a break in the subtropical ridge, the storm turned to the north on October 18. After falling to minimal tropical storm status on October 20, Nicholas briefly restrengthened, only to weaken again, falling to tropical depression status on October 23. A day later, it transitioned into an extratropical cyclone about 580 mi (935 km) southeast of Bermuda.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL192003_Nicholas}}|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Nicholas|author=John L. Beven|date=January 7, 2004|publisher=United States National Hurricane Center|access-date=January 31, 2017|format=PDF}}

{{cite web|author=Pasch|year=2003|title=Tropical Depression Nineteen Discussion One|publisher=NHC|access-date=2006-10-13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al192003.discus.001.shtml?}}{{cite web|author=Stewart|year=2003|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas Discussion Eleven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2006-10-13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al192003.discus.011.shtml?}}{{cite web|author=Beven|year=2003|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas Discussion Thirteen|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2006-10-13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al192003.discus.013.shtml?}}{{cite web|author=Beven|year=2003|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas Discussion Seventeen|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2006-10-14|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al192003.discus.017.shtml?}}{{cite web|author=Pasch|year=2003|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas Discussion Thirty|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2006-10-14|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al192003.discus.030.shtml?}}

After becoming post-tropical, the remnants of Nicholas executed a large anticyclonic loop, resulting in a westward motion and a brief re-intensification into an extratropical storm on October 29. The storm continued to the west along a warm front associated with a non-tropical low to its southwest, and executed a second anticyclonic loop to the south. On October 30, convection increased over the low-level circulation of what was left to Nicholas, and the National Hurricane Center indicated a potential for tropical or subtropical development as it moved towards warmer waters. The system executed a small cyclonic loop, and on October 31 the system organized into a tropical low. It turned westward towards a non-tropical low, and on November 1 the remnants of Nicholas was absorbed by the low. The system moved across Florida two days later. Gusty winds from the low produced heavy surf and rip currents along the east and west coast of Florida,{{cite web|author=Florida Department of Emergency Management|year=2006|title=News Archive|access-date=2006-10-14|url=http://www.floridadisaster.org/archive_news/archive_news.htm}} and a wind gust of {{convert|35|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} was recorded in Cape Canaveral as a rainband from the system moved ashore. The low also resulted in two to four foot (0.6 to 1.2 m) swells along the East Coast of the United States. The system later crossed the Gulf of Mexico and eventually moved into Louisiana on November 4.{{Cite web|author=Stacy Stewart|date=October 30, 2003|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=July 26, 2024|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2003/TWOAT.200310301604}}{{cite web|author=Lixion Avila|date=November 4, 2003|accessdate=July 26, 2024|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2003/TWOAT.200311050259|format=TXT|publisher=National Hurricane Center|title=Tropical Weather Outlook}}{{cite web|author=Mosely & Spratt|year=2004|title=Utilizing a Local Data Assimilation and Prognostic System to Aid With the Timing, Placement, and Impact of Short-Range Tropical Weather Hazards|publisher=NOAA|access-date=2006-10-14|url=http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb/moselyspratt_2004.pdf|format=PDF |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061013200130/http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb/moselyspratt_2004.pdf |archive-date = October 13, 2006}}

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{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = Odette 6 December 2003.jpg

| Track = Odette 2003 track.png

| Formed = December 4

| Dissipated = December 7

| 1-min winds = 55

| Pressure = 993

}}

{{Main|Tropical Storm Odette (2003)}}

Odette was a rare December tropical storm, the first since Hurricane Lili in 1984, that formed on December 4 in the southwest Caribbean Sea. It became the second December tropical storm on record to form in the Caribbean Sea, after a hurricane in 1822.{{cite web|author=Michael Chenoweth|year=2006|title=A Reassessment of Historical Atlantic Basin Tropical Cyclone Activity, 1700–1855|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/Chenoweth/Poey4.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005235822/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/Chenoweth/Poey4.html|archive-date=October 5, 2008|url-status=live}} Odette strengthened and made landfall near Cabo Falso in the Dominican Republic on December 6 as a moderately strong tropical storm. A day later, Odette became extratropical, and eventually merged with a cold front.{{cite web|author=James L. Franklin|date=December 19, 2003|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Odette |publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL202003_Odette.pdf}}

Eight deaths were directly attributed to this tropical storm in the Dominican Republic due to mudslides or flash flooding. In addition, two deaths were indirectly caused by the storm. Approximately 35% of the nation's banana crop was destroyed. Light to moderate rainfall was reported in Puerto Rico.{{cite web|author=David M. Roth|date=June 20, 2007|title=Tropical Storm Odette — December 3–7, 2003|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/odette2003.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404184503/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/odette2003.html|archive-date=April 4, 2015|url-status=live}}

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{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

| Basin = Atl

| Image = Peter Dec 9 2003 1535Z.jpg

| Track = Peter 2003 track.png

| Formed = December 7

| Dissipated = December 11

| 1-min winds = 60

| Pressure = 990

}}

{{see also|List of off-season Atlantic hurricanes}}

By December 5, an extratropical cyclone developed and was moving southward, isolated from the westerlies. Convection developed near the center, and the system organized into a subtropical storm late on December 7, about {{convert|835|mi}} south-southwest of the Azores. The system moved southwestward over warmer waters, and deep convection continued to organize over the center. Banding features also increased, and the National Hurricane Center declared the system as Tropical Storm Peter on December 9, about {{convert|980|mi}} northwest of the Cape Verde islands. With the development of Peter and Odette, 2003 became the first year since 1887 that two storms were active in the month of December.{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|date=December 17, 2003|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Peter |publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL212003_Peter.pdf}}

Initially, the National Hurricane Center did not anticipate strengthening;{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|date=December 7, 2003|title=Tropical Storm Peter Discussion Number One|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 25, 2021|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al212003.discus.001.shtml?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024202659/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al212003.discus.001.shtml|archive-date=October 24, 2012|url-status=live}} however, Peter intensified to winds of {{convert|70|mph|abbr=on}} late on December 9, after an eye feature developed. Usually that would indicate hurricane intensity, but as the eye was short-lived, Peter remained a tropical storm. It turned northward ahead of the same frontal system that absorbed Tropical Storm Odette, and the combination of strong upper-level winds and cooler water temperatures caused quick weakening. By December 10, Peter degenerated into a tropical depression, and after turning northeastward it was absorbed by the cold front the next day.

{{Clear}}

{{Tropical cyclone naming}}

The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Atlantic in 2003.{{cite report|url=https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/Publications/NatHurricaneOpsPlans/NHOP-FCM-P12-2003.pdf|page=3{{hyphen}}8|publisher=NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research|location=Washington, D.C.|title=National Hurricane Operations Plan|date=May 2003|access-date=January 19, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72086113/the-orlando-sentinel/|title=Hurricane names aren't meant to kick up a storm|author=Aline Mendelsohn|date=June 10, 2003|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|page=E1|access-date=February 25, 2021|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}} This is the same list used for the 1997 season.{{cite report|url=https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/Publications/NatHurricaneOpsPlans/HOPs-1997.pdf|page=3{{hyphen}}7|publisher=NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research|location=Washington, D.C.|title=National Hurricane Operations Plan|date=May 1997|access-date=January 19, 2024}} Storms were named Larry, Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, and Peter for the first time in 2003.

{{See also|List of retired Atlantic hurricane names}}

In the spring of 2004, The World Meteorological Organization retired Fabian, Isabel, and Juan from the Atlantic hurricane name lists. They were replaced with Fred, Ida, and Joaquin, respectively, for the 2009 season.{{cite web |publisher=National Hurricane Center |location=Miami, Florida |title=Worldwide Tropical Cyclone Names |date=May 19, 2008 |access-date=August 4, 2008 |url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080804225453/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml |archive-date=August 4, 2008 |url-status=dead}}{{cite report|url=https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/Publications/NatHurricaneOpsPlans/NHOP-FCM-P12-2004.pdf|page=3{{hyphen}}9|publisher=NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research|location=Washington, D.C.|title=National Hurricane Operations Plan|date=May 2004|access-date=January 19, 2024}}

This is a table of all of the storms that formed in the 2003 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 2003 USD.

{{Saffir-Simpson small|align=center}}

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{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}

• Tropical cyclones in 2003
• 2003 Pacific hurricane season
• 2003 Pacific typhoon season
• 2003 North Indian Ocean cyclone season
• South-West Indian Ocean cyclone seasons: 2002–03, 2003–04
• Australian region cyclone seasons: 2002–03, 2003–04
• South Pacific cyclone seasons: 2002–03, 2003–04

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons}}

• [http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/2003.pdf 2003 Atlantic hurricane season summary]
• [https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/index.php?season=2003&basin=atl 2003 Atlantic Hurricane Season TCRs]
• [https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/ 2003 Tropical Cyclone Advisory Archive]
• [http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/2003.html U.S. Rainfall from Tropical Cyclones in 2003]

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Category:Atlantic hurricane seasons

Category:Tropical cyclones in 2003