2012 Atlantic hurricane season#Hurricane Sandy

In advance of, and during, each hurricane season, several forecasts of hurricane activity are issued by national meteorological services, scientific agencies, and noted hurricane experts. These include forecasters from the United States NOAA's National Hurricane and Climate Prediction Center's, Philip J. Klotzbach, William M. Gray and their associates at CSU, Tropical Storm Risk, and the United Kingdom's Met Office. The forecasts include weekly and monthly changes in significant factors that help determine the number of tropical storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes within a particular year. As stated by NOAA and CSU, an average Atlantic hurricane season between 1981 and 2010 contained roughly 12 tropical storms, 6 hurricanes, 3 major hurricanes, and an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) Index of 66–103 units. NOAA typically categorizes a season as either above-average, average, or below-average based on the cumulative ACE Index; however, the number of tropical storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes within a hurricane season is considered occasionally as well.{{cite report|author1=Philip J. Klotzbach |author2=William M. Gray |date=December 10, 2008 |title=Extended Range Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity and U.S. Landfall Strike Probability for 2009 |publisher=Colorado State University |access-date=May 2, 2013 |url=http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/Forecasts/2008/dec2008/dec2008.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515151229/http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/forecasts/2008/dec2008/dec2008.pdf |archive-date=May 15, 2009 |location=Fort Collins, Colorado |url-status=live }}

Broadly speaking, ACE is a measure of the power of a tropical or subtropical storm multiplied by the length of time it existed. Therefore, storms that have a long duration, as well as particularly strong hurricanes, will have high values of ACE. It is only calculated for full advisories on specific tropical and subtropical systems reaching or exceeding wind speeds of {{convert|39|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Accordingly, tropical depressions are not included here. After the storm has dissipated, typically after the end of the season, the NHC reexamines the data, and produces a final report on each storm. These revisions can lead to a revised ACE total either upward or downward compared to the operational value. Until the final reports are issued, ACEs are, therefore, provisional.{{cite report|url=https://tropical.colostate.edu/Forecast/Archived_Forecasts/2010s/2013-04.pdf|title= Extended Range Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity and U.S. Landfall Strike Probability for 2013|author1=Philip J. Klotzbach |author2=William M. Gray|date=April 10, 2013|publisher=Colorado State University|page=2 and 34|access-date=September 29, 2021|location=Fort Collins, Colorado}}

On December 7, 2011, Tropical Storm Risk (TSR), a public consortium consisting of experts on insurance, risk management, and seasonal climate forecasting at University College London, issued an extended-range forecast predicting an above-average hurricane season. In its report, TSR noted that tropical cyclone activity could be about 49% above the 1950–2010 average, with 14.1 (±4.2) tropical storms, 6.7 (±3.0) hurricanes, and 3.3 (±1.6) major hurricanes anticipated, and a cumulative ACE index of 117 (±58).{{cite report|author=Mark Saunders|author2=Adam Lea|title=Extended Range Forecast for Atlantic Hurricane Activity in 2012|url=http://tropicalstormrisk.com/docs/TSRATLForecastDec2012.pdf|publisher=Tropical Storm Risk|access-date=December 7, 2011|date=December 7, 2011|location=London, United Kingdom}} Later that month on December 21, Weather Services International (WSI) issued an extended-range forecast predicting a near average hurricane season. In its forecast, WSI noted that a cooler North Atlantic Oscillation not seen in a decade, combined with weakening La Niña, would result in a near-average season with 12 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes. They also predicted a near-average probability of a hurricane landfall, with a slightly elevated chance on the Gulf Coast of the United States and a slightly reduced chance along the East Coast of the United States.{{cite news|author=Linda Maynard|title=WSI: Cooler Atlantic, Waning La Nina Suggest Relatively Tame 2012 Tropical Season|url=http://www.wsi.com/f7754fbd-6501-42e6-b316-e8c02e94a818/news-scheduled-forecast-release-details.htm|publisher=WSI Corporation|date=December 21, 2011|access-date=September 29, 2021|location=Andover, Massachusetts|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103120706/http://www.wsi.com/f7754fbd-6501-42e6-b316-e8c02e94a818/news-scheduled-forecast-release-details.htm|archive-date=January 3, 2012}} On April 4, 2012, Colorado State University (CSU) issued their updated forecast for the season, calling for a below-normal season due to an increased chance for the development of an El Niño during the season. In April 2012, TSR issued their update forecast for the season, slightly revising down their predictions as well.

On May 24, 2012, NOAA released their forecast for the season, predicting a near-normal season, with nine to fifteen named storms, four to eight hurricanes, and one to three major hurricanes. NOAA based its forecast on higher wind shear, cooler temperatures in the Main Development Region of the Eastern Atlantic, and the continuance of the "high activity" era – known as the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation warm phase – which began in 1995. Gerry Bell, lead seasonal forecaster at NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, added the main uncertainty in the outlook was how much below or above the 2012 season would be, and whether the high end of the predicted range is reached dependent on whether El Niño develops or stays in its current Neutral phase.{{cite news|title=NOAA predicts a near-normal 2012 Atlantic hurricane season|url=http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2012/20120524_atlantic_hurricane_season.html|newspaper=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|access-date=September 29, 2021|date=May 24, 2012|location=Camp Springs, Maryland|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525071325/http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2012/20120524_atlantic_hurricane_season.html|archive-date=May 25, 2012}} That same day, the United Kingdom Met Office (UKMO) issued a forecast of a below-average season. They predicted 10 named storms with a 70% chance that the number would be between 7 and 13. However, they do not issue forecasts on the number of hurricanes and major hurricanes. They also predicted an ACE index of 90 with a 70% chance that the index would be in the range 28 to 152. On May 30, 2012, the Florida State University for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (FSU COAPS) issued its annual Atlantic hurricane season forecast. The organization predicted 13 named storms, including 7 hurricanes, and an ACE index of 122.

On June 1, Klotzbach's team issued their updated forecast for the 2012 season, predicting thirteen named storms and five hurricanes, of which two of those five would further intensify into major hurricanes. The university stated that there was a high amount of uncertainty concerning whether or not an El Niño would develop in time to hinder tropical development in the Atlantic basin. They also stated there was a lower than average chance of a major hurricane impacting the United States coastline in 2012. On June 6, Tropical Storm Risk released their second updated forecast for the season, predicting fourteen named storms, six hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. In addition, the agency called for an Accumulated Cyclone Energy index of 100. Near-average sea surface temperatures and slightly elevated trade winds for cited for lower activity compared to the 2010 and 2011 hurricane seasons. Tropical Storm Risk continued with their forecast of a near-average probability of a United States impact during the season using the 1950–2011 long-term normal, but a slightly below-average chance of a United States landfall by the recent 2002–2011 normal.

On August 9, 2012, the NOAA issued their mid-season outlook for the remainder of the 2012 season, upping their final numbers. The agency predicted between twelve and seventeen named storms, five to eight hurricanes, and two to three major hurricanes. Gerry Bell cited warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures and the continuation of the high activity era across the Atlantic basin since 1995.

{{For timeline}}

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File:Atlantic Hurricanes Aug 30 2012 1445Z.png, Kirk, and Twelve (which would soon become Leslie); also seen is Pacific storm Ileana and the disturbance that would become John]]

The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1, 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/G1.html |title=Subject: G1) When is hurricane season? |author=Neal Dorst |date=January 21, 2010 |work=Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=April 22, 2013 |location=Miami, Florida |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416133407/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/G1.html |archive-date=April 16, 2008 }} It was an above average season in which 19 tropical cyclones formed. All nineteen depressions attained tropical storm status, and ten of these became hurricanes. However, only two hurricanes further intensified into major hurricanes. In fact, this was the first season since 2006 not to have a hurricane of at least Category 4 intensity. The season was above average most likely because of neutral conditions in the Pacific Ocean.{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/26/2012-atlantic-hurricane-season_n_2023970.html|title=2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season Can Be Blamed On El Nino, Forecasters Say|first=Douglas |last=Main|date=October 26, 2012|newspaper=The Huffington Post|access-date=April 22, 2013}} Three hurricanes (Ernesto, Isaac, and Sandy) and three tropical storms (Beryl, Debby, and Helene) made landfall during the season and caused 354 deaths and around $71.6 billion in damages. Additionally, Hurricanes Leslie and Rafael also caused losses and fatalities, though neither struck land.{{cite news

|agency = Agence France-Presse

|date = May 28, 2012

|title = Intensas lluvias dejan dos muertos y miles de casas dañadas en Cuba

|language = es

|publisher = El Nuevo Herald

|access-date = May 28, 2012

|url = http://www.elnuevoherald.com/2012/05/28/1214116/intensas-lluvias-dejan-dos-muertos.html

|location = Havana, Cuba

|url-status = dead

|archive-url = https://archive.today/20130122094947/http://www.elnuevoherald.com/2012/05/28/1214116/intensas-lluvias-dejan-dos-muertos.html

|archive-date = January 22, 2013

}}

• {{cite report

|author=John L. Beven II

|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Beryl

|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL022012_Beryl}}

|publisher=National Hurricane Center

|date=December 12, 2012

|access-date=December 15, 2012

|format=PDF

|location=Miami, Florida

}}

• {{cite report

|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL042012_Debby}}

|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Debby

|publisher=National Hurricane Center

|author=Todd B. Kimberlain

|date=January 7, 2013

|access-date=January 7, 2013

|format=PDF

|location=Miami, Florida

}}

• {{cite report

|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL052012_Ernesto}}

|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Ernesto

|publisher=National Hurricane Center

|author=Daniel P. Brown

|date=February 20, 2013

|access-date=April 19, 2013

|format=PDF

|pages=1–2, 4

|location=Miami, Florida

}}

• {{cite news

|url = http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/politics/2012/08/12/death-toll-from-ernesto-rises-to-12-in-mexico/

|title = Death toll from Ernesto rises to 12 in Mexico

|date = August 12, 2012

|newspaper = Fox News Channel

|access-date = April 22, 2013

|url-status = dead

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130521142847/http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/politics/2012/08/12/death-toll-from-ernesto-rises-to-12-in-mexico/

|archive-date = May 21, 2013

}}

• {{cite news

|author = Renuka Singh

|newspaper = Trinidad Express Newspapers

|date = August 14, 2012

|access-date = August 15, 2012

|title = $109m And Rising

|url = http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/_109m__AND__RISING-166210886.html

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120817221930/http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/_109m__AND__RISING-166210886.html

|archive-date = 2012-08-17

|url-status = dead

}}

• {{cite report

|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL092012_Isaac}}

|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Isaac

|publisher=National Hurricane Center

|author=Robbie R. Berg

|date=January 28, 2013

|access-date=January 30, 2013

|format=PDF

|pages=1–2, 7–10, and 18

|location=Miami, Florida

}}

• {{cite report

|url = http://thoughtleadership.aonbenfield.com/Documents/20121004_if_global_cat_recap_september.pdf

|title = September 2012 Global Catastrophe Recap

|publisher = Aon Benfield

|page = 2

|access-date = February 21, 2013

|location = London, England

|archive-date = June 30, 2015

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150630110302/http://thoughtleadership.aonbenfield.com/Documents/20121004_if_global_cat_recap_september.pdf

|url-status = dead

}}

• {{cite report

|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL172012_Rafael}}

|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Rafael

|author=Lixion A. Avila

|date=January 14, 2013

|publisher=National Hurricane Center

|pages=1–3

|access-date=February 27, 2013

|format=PDF

|location=Miami, Florida

}}

• {{cite news

|newspaper = CBC News

|date = October 19, 2012

|access-date = October 19, 2012

|title = Newfoundland town hit by Rafael damage

|url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/newfoundland-town-hit-by-rafael-damage-1.1160797

|url-status = live

|archive-url = https://www.webcitation.org/6BXJXYn28?url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2012/10/19/nl-rafael-trepassey-storm-surge-1019.html

|archive-date = October 19, 2012

}}

• {{cite report

|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL182012_Sandy}}

|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Sandy

|author1=Eric S. Blake

|author2=Todd B. Kimberlain

|author3=Robert J. Berg

|author4=John P. Cangialosi

|author5=John L. Beven II

|date=February 12, 2013

|publisher=National Hurricane Center

|access-date=February 12, 2013

|format=PDF

}}

• {{cite news

|author = Ava Turnquest

|newspaper = Ellington

|date = January 21, 2013

|access-date = April 22, 2013

|title = Haiti raises death toll from Hurricane Sandy to 54; regional deaths up to 71

|url = http://www.tribune242.com/news/2013/jan/21/hurricane-sandy-damage-adds-more-700m/

}} The last storm of the season, dissipated on October 29, over a month before the official end of the hurricane season on November 30.

Tropical cyclogenesis began in the month of May, with Tropical Storms Alberto and Beryl.{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2012atlan.shtml|title=2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season|date=March 7, 2013|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|access-date=April 22, 2013|location=Miami, Florida}} This was the first occurrence of two pre-season tropical storms in the Atlantic since 1951.{{cite news|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/05/31/2826435/storm-season-off-to-a-fast-start.html |title=Hurricane season off to a fast start |first=Curtis |last=Morgan |date=May 31, 2012 |newspaper=Miami Herald |access-date=April 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509023126/http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/05/31/2826435/storm-season-off-to-a-fast-start.html |archive-date=May 9, 2013 |url-status=live }} Additionally, Beryl is regarded as the strongest pre-season tropical cyclone landfall in the United States on record. In June, there were also two systems, Hurricane Chris and Tropical Storm Debby. However, no tropical cyclones developed in the month of July, the first phenomenon since 2009.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} Activity resumed on August 1, with the development of Hurricane Ernesto. With a total of eight tropical storms in August, this ties the record set in 2004.{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWSAT/2012/TWSAT.201209011140.txt|title=Monthly Tropical Weather Summary|date=September 1, 2012|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|access-date=April 22, 2013|location=Miami, Florida|format=TXT}}

There were only two tropical cyclones that formed in September, though three systems that existed in that month originated in August. Michael became the first major hurricane of the season on September 6, when it peaked as a Category 3 hurricane. Hurricane Nadine developed September 10 and became extratropical on September 21. However, Nadine re-developed on September 23 and subsequently lasted until October 3. With a total duration of 24 days, Nadine was the fourth-longest lasting Atlantic tropical cyclone on record, behind the 1899 San Ciriaco hurricane, Hurricane Ginger in 1971, and Hurricane Inga in 1969. In October, there were five tropical cyclones – Tropical Storms Oscar, Patty, and Tony – as well as Hurricanes Rafael and Sandy. This was well above average, yet not record, activity for the month of October.{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWSAT/2012/TWSAT.201211011153.txt|title=Monthly Tropical Weather Summary|date=November 1, 2012|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|access-date=April 22, 2013|location=Miami, Florida|format=TXT}} Hurricane Sandy outlived the final named storm, Tony, and became extratropical on October 29, ending cyclonic activity in the 2012 season.

The season's activity was reflected with an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) rating of 129,{{cite report|work=Hurricane Research Division; Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |title=Atlantic basin Comparison of Original and Revised HURDAT |access-date=September 29, 2021 |url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/comparison_table.html |location=Miami, Florida}} which was well above the 1981–2010 average of 92.{{cite web|title=Extended Range Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity and Landfall Strike Probability for 2014|url=https://tropical.colostate.edu/Forecast/Archived_Forecasts/2010s/2014-04.pdf|work=Colorado State University|publisher=Colorado State University|access-date=April 10, 2014|author=Phillip J. Klotzbach|author2=William M. Gray|date=April 10, 2014}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

|Basin=Atl

|Image=Alberto 2012-05-19 1610Z.jpg

|Track=Alberto 2012 path.png

|Formed=May 19

|Dissipated=May 22

|1-min winds=50

|Pressure=995

}}

On May 18, a non-tropical area of low pressure formed from a stationary front offshore the Carolinas, becoming stationary just offshore of South Carolina while producing organized convective activity over the next day. It quickly gained tropical characteristics over the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, and by 1200 UTC on May 19, the system became Tropical Storm Alberto. Alberto was the first named storm to form during May in the Atlantic basin since Arthur in 2008.{{Cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2012/al01/al012012.discus.001.shtml?|date=May 19, 2012|title=Tropical Storm Alberto Discussion Number 1|author=Michael J. Brennan|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=May 20, 2012|location=Miami, Florida}} Combined with Aletta, this was the first such occurrence where more than one tropical cyclone in both the Atlantic and East Pacific – located east of 140°W – attained tropical storm intensity prior to the start of their respective hurricane seasons.{{cite news|url=http://www.wcti12.com/First-Tropical-Storm-of-Season-Forms-Could-Impact-Eastern-North-Carolina/-/13530288/13616642/-/o47tol/-/index.html|title=First Tropical Storm of Season Forms, Could Impact Eastern North Carolina|author=Dominic Brown|date=May 20, 2012|newspaper=WCTI-TV|access-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628203505/http://www.wcti12.com/First-Tropical-Storm-of-Season-Forms-Could-Impact-Eastern-North-Carolina/-/13530288/13616642/-/o47tol/-/index.html|archive-date=June 28, 2012}}

At 2250 UTC on May 19, a ship near Alberto reported winds of {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}, indicating the storm was stronger than previously assessed. Early on May 20, a minimum barometric pressure of 995 mbar (29.4 inHg) was reported. Little strengthening occurred over the next few hours, and in fact, slight weakening occurred that night as southeasterly shear and dry air began to impact the system, leaving the center exposed to the east of the circulation. After remaining a minimal tropical storm for about 24 hours, the storm weakened to a tropical depression early on May 22 as it moved northeastward out to sea. Early on May 22, Alberto degenerated into a remnant area of low pressure after failing to maintain convection. At the time, it was located about {{convert|170|mi|km}} south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. While the storm was active, Alberto produced {{convert|3|to|5|ft|m|abbr=on}} waves, prompting several ocean rescues.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL012012_Alberto}}|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Alberto|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Richard J. Pasch|date=December 7, 2012|access-date=April 19, 2013|format=PDF|pages=1–2|location=Miami, Florida}}{{cite report|author=Al Sandrik |date=May 22, 2012 |title=Post Tropical Cyclone Report... Tropical Depression Alberto |work=Jacksonville, Florida National Weather Service |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=May 30, 2012 |url=http://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site%3DNWS%26issuedby%3DJAX%26product%3DPSH%26format%3DCI%26version%3D1%26glossary%3D1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304230411/http://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=JAX&product=PSH&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |location=Jacksonville, Florida }}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

|Basin=Atl

|Image=Beryl 2012-05-27 1835Z.jpg

|Track=Beryl 2012 path.png

|Formed=May 26

|Dissipated=May 30

|1-min winds=60

|Pressure=992

}}

{{Main|Tropical Storm Beryl (2012)}}

On May 22, a weak disturbance formed southwest of Cuba. The disturbance moved north as it became a low-pressure system on May 25. It was located offshore of North Carolina and it developed into Subtropical Storm Beryl on May 26. The storm slowly acquired tropical characteristics as it tracked across warmer waters and an environment of decreasing vertical wind shear. Late on May 27, Beryl transitioned into a tropical cyclone less than {{convert|120|mi|km}} from North Florida. Around that time, the storm attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} and a minimum barometric pressure of {{convert|992|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. Early on May 28, it made landfall near Jacksonville Beach, Florida, with winds of {{convert|65|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}. The storm was the strongest pre-season tropical cyclone to make landfall on record. It quickly weakened to a tropical depression, dropping heavy rainfall while moving slowly across the Southeastern United States. A cold front turned Beryl to the northeast, and the storm became extratropical on May 30, while located near the southeast coast of North Carolina.

The precursor to Beryl produced heavy rainfall in Cuba, causing flooding and mudslides which damaged or destroyed 1,156 homes and resulted in two deaths.{{cite news|agency=Agence France-Presse |date=May 28, 2012 |title=Intensas lluvias dejan dos muertos y miles de casas dañadas en Cuba |language=es |publisher=El Nuevo Herald |access-date=May 28, 2012 |url=http://www.elnuevoherald.com/2012/05/28/1214116/intensas-lluvias-dejan-dos-muertos.html |location=Havana, Cuba |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130122094947/http://www.elnuevoherald.com/2012/05/28/1214116/intensas-lluvias-dejan-dos-muertos.html |archive-date=January 22, 2013 }} Torrential rain affected South Florida and the Bahamas. After forming, Beryl produced rough surf along the US southeastern coast, leaving one person from Folly Beach, South Carolina missing. Upon making landfall in Florida, the storm produced strong winds that left 38,000 people without power. High rains alleviated drought conditions and put out wildfires along the storm's path. A fallen tree killed a man driving in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. In northeast North Carolina, Beryl spawned an EF1 tornado that snapped trees and damaged dozens of homes near the city of Peletier. Overall damage was minor, estimated at $148,000.{{cite report|author=John L. Beven II|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Beryl|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL022012_Beryl}}|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=December 12, 2012|access-date=December 15, 2012|format=PDF|location=Miami, Florida}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

|Basin=Atl

|Image=Chris 2012-06-21 1330Z.jpg

|Track=Chris 2012 path.png

|Formed=June 18

|Dissipated=June 22

|1-min winds=75

|Pressure=974

}}

On June 17, a low-pressure area cut off from a stationary front near Bermuda. Due to warm seas and light wind shear, the system became Subtropical Storm Chris at 18:00 UTC on June 18. After deep convection became persistent, the National Hurricane Center reclassified it as Tropical Storm Chris on June 19. Despite being over ocean temperatures of {{convert|72|°F|°C|abbr=on}}, it strengthened into a hurricane on June 21. Later that day, Chris peaked with maximum sustained winds of {{convert|85|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} and a minimum barometric pressure of {{convert|974|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. After encountering colder waters, it weakened back to a tropical storm on June 22. Chris transitioned into an extratropical cyclone at 1200 UTC, after interacting with another extratropical low-pressure area to its south.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL032012_Chris}}|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Chris|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Stacy R. Stewart|date=January 22, 2013|access-date=April 19, 2013|format=PDF|pages=1–2|location=Miami, Florida}}

The precursor of Chris produced several days of rainfall in Bermuda from June 14 to 17, totaling {{convert|3.41|in|abbr=on}} at the L.F. Wade International Airport. On June 15, the system produced heavy precipitation, reaching {{convert|2.59|in|mm|abbr=on}} at the same location, a daily record. Combined with high tides, localized flooding occurred in poor drainage areas, especially in Mills Creek. Sustained winds peaked at {{convert|46|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and gusts reached {{convert|64|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. On June 17, as the system was rapidly organizing, gale warnings were issued for the island of Bermuda.{{cite report|publisher=Bermuda Weather Service|date=July 2, 2012|access-date=February 7, 2013|title=Bermuda Weather Service Daily Climatology Written Summary: June 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012|url=http://www.weather.bm/climate.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620155043/http://www.weather.bm/climatereport/climateReport.asp|archive-date=June 20, 2012|location=St. George's, Bermuda}} After transitioning into an extratropical cyclone, the pressure gradient associated with Chris and a nearby non-tropical low produced gale-force winds over the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. Additionally, swells in the area reached {{convert|10|to|13|ft|m|abbr=on|0}}.{{cite report|author1=End |author2=Hart |author3=Fogarty|work=Canadian Hurricane Center|publisher=Environment Canada|date=June 22, 2012|access-date=February 7, 2013|title=Tropical Cyclone Technical Information Statement|url=http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/bulletins/20120622115245.Chris.technical.txt.en|location=Gatineau, Quebec|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115150505/http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/bulletins/20120622115245.Chris.technical.txt.en|archive-date=January 15, 2013}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

|Basin=Atl

|Image=Debby 2012-06-24 1900Z.jpg

|Track=Debby 2012 path.png

|Formed=June 23

|Dissipated=June 27

|1-min winds=55

|Pressure=990

}}

{{Main|Tropical Storm Debby (2012)}}

{{See also|2012 Tropical Storm Debby tornado outbreak}}

A trough of low pressure in the central Gulf of Mexico developed into Tropical Storm Debby at 1200 UTC on June 23, while located about {{convert|290|mi|km}} south-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River. Despite a projected track toward landfall in Louisiana or Texas, the storm headed the opposite direction, moving slowly north-northeast or northeastward. It steadily strengthened, and at 1800 UTC on June 25, the storm attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of {{convert|65|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} and a minimum barometric pressure of {{convert|990|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. Dry air, westerly wind shear, and upwelling prevented further intensification. Instead, Debby weakened, and late on June 26, it was a minimal tropical storm. At 2100 UTC, the storm made landfall near Steinhatchee, Florida with winds of {{convert|40|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}. Debby continued to weaken while crossing Florida and became extratropical on June 27. Its remnants emerged into the Atlantic shortly after, finally dissipating on June 30.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL042012_Debby}}|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Debby|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Todd B. Kimberlain|date=January 7, 2013|access-date=January 7, 2013|format=PDF|location=Miami, Florida}}

Tropical Storm Debby dropped immense amounts of precipitation near its path. Rainfall peaked at {{convert|28.78|in|mm}} in Curtis Mill, Florida, located in southwestern Wakulla County. The Sopchoppy River, which reached its record height, flooded at least 400 structures in Wakulla County. Additionally, the Suwannee River reached its highest level since Hurricane Dora in 1964. Further south in Pasco County, the Anclote River and Pithlachascotee River overflowed, flooding communities with "head deep" water and causing damage to 106 homes. An additional 587 homes were inundated after the Black Creek overflowed in Clay County. Several roads and highways in North Florida were left impassable, Interstate 10 and U.S. Route 90. Coastal flooding also inundated U.S. Routes 19 and 98. In Central and South Florida, damage was primarily caused by tornadoes, one of which caused a fatality. Overall, Debby resulted in at least $210 million in losses and 10 deaths, 8 in Florida and one each in Alabama and South Carolina.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

|Basin=Atl

|Image=Ernesto 2012-08-07 1920Z.jpg

|Track=Ernesto 2012 path.png

|Formed=August 1

|Dissipated=August 10

|1-min winds=85

|Pressure=973

}}

{{Main|Hurricane Ernesto (2012)}}

A tropical wave developed into Tropical Depression Five on August 1, while located about {{convert|810|mi|km}} east of the Lesser Antilles. Wind shear initially caused the depression to remain weak, though by August 2, it was upgraded to Tropical Storm Ernesto. The next day, Ernesto entered the Caribbean Sea. As the storm approached the western Caribbean on August 5, wind shear and dry air briefly halted strengthening; convection diminished, exposing the low-level circulation, which had become somewhat less defined. After the wind shear and dry air decreased, Ernesto regained deep convection and became a hurricane on August 6. Early on August 8, it made landfall in Costa Maya, Quintana Roo as with winds of {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}. A few hours later, a minimum barometric pressure of {{convert|973|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}} was recorded. After weakening to a tropical storm and moving into the Bay of Campeche, the storm struck Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz on August 9. It weakened over Mexico and dissipated on August 10. The remnants contributed to the development of Tropical Storm Hector in the eastern Pacific.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL052012_Ernesto}}|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Ernesto|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Daniel P. Brown|date=February 20, 2013|access-date=April 19, 2013|format=PDF|pages=1–2, 4|location=Miami, Florida}}

Despite light rainfall and gusty winds on islands such as Barbados, Martinique, and Puerto Rico, impact from Ernesto in the Lesser Antilles was negligible. Rip currents along the coast of the Florida Panhandle resulted in at least 10 lifeguard rescues at Pensacola Beach, while a portion of a store in the same city was washed away.{{cite news|newspaper=WTVY|date=August 10, 2012|access-date=August 10, 2012|title=Panhandle Beaches Brace for Ernesto's Waves|url=http://www.wtvy.com/home/headlines/Panhandle-Beaches-Brace-for-Ernestos-Waves-165729446.html|location=Pensacola, Florida}}{{cite news|newspaper=AL.com|date=August 10, 2012|access-date=August 10, 2012|title=Ernesto, thunderstorms cause dangerous conditions on Gulf Coast|url=http://blog.al.com/gulf-coast/2012/08/ernesto_thunderstorms_cause_da.html|location=Gulf Shores, Alabama}} In Mexico, officials reported that 85,000 people in Majahual lost power; roads were damaged elsewhere in state of Quintana Roo. Freshwater flooding occurred along the coast of the Bay of Campeche, including in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz. Flooding and several landslides lashed mountainous areas of Veracruz, Puebla, and Oaxaca. Officials indicated that 10,000 houses were partially damaged by flooding in Veracruz. Flooding occurred well inland in association with the remnants of Ernesto. In Guerrero, at least 81 municipalities were impacted and 5 fatalities were reported. Overall, Ernesto was responsible for 12 deaths and about $174 million in damage.{{cite news|url=http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/politics/2012/08/12/death-toll-from-ernesto-rises-to-12-in-mexico/|title=Death toll from Ernesto rises to 12 in Mexico|date=August 12, 2012|newspaper=Fox News Channel|access-date=April 22, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521142847/http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/politics/2012/08/12/death-toll-from-ernesto-rises-to-12-in-mexico/|archive-date=May 21, 2013}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

|Basin=Atl

|Image=Florence 2012-08-05 0350Z.jpg

|Track=Florence 2012 path.png

|Formed=August 3

|Dissipated=August 6

|1-min winds=50

|Pressure=1002

}}

Early on August 2, a well-defined tropical wave, although accompanied with disorganized convection, exited the west coast of Africa. Located in a region of low wind shear and warm waters of {{convert|79|-|81|F|C|abbr=on}}, a low-pressure area developed and became increasingly better defined as it drifted west-northwest. Due to a further organized appearance on microwave and geostationary satellite imagery, it is estimated Tropical Depression Six formed at 1800 UTC on August 3, while located about {{convert|130|mi|km}} south-southwest of the southernmost islands of Cape Verde. After formation, a subsequent increase in wind shear led to slow organization; despite this, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Florence at 0600 UTC the following day.

A central dense overcast pattern and prominent spiral banding developed later on August 4, indicating that the storm was strengthening. At 0000 UTC on August 5, Florence attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} and a minimum barometric pressure of {{convert|1,002|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. However, weakening soon occurred as dry air diminished the coverage and intensity of convection. Early on August 6, Florence was downgraded to a tropical depression. The low-level circulation subsequently became exposed and the cyclone degenerated into a non-convective remnant area of low pressure at 1200 UTC, while located about midway between Cape Verde and the Lesser Antilles.{{cite report|format=PDF|author=John P. Cangialosi|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Florence |url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL062012_Florence}}|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 14, 2012|access-date=November 24, 2012|location=Miami, Florida}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

|Basin=Atl

|Image=Helene 2012-08-17 1955Z.jpg

|Track=Helene 2012 path.png

|Formed=August 9

|Dissipated=August 18

|1-min winds=40

|Pressure=1004

}}

{{main|Tropical Storm Helene (2012)}}

A well-defined tropical wave crossed the west coast of Africa on August 5. It fluctuated in convective organization over the next four days. Late on August 9, the National Hurricane Center initiated advisories on Tropical Depression Seven, while located about midway between Cape Verde and the Lesser Antilles.{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|date=August 9, 2012|title=Tropical Depression Seven Discussion Number 1|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2012/al07/al072012.discus.001.shtml?|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=August 11, 2012|location=Miami, Florida}} While moving rapidly westward, the depression began disorganizing due to southwesterly wind shear. On August 10, a hurricane hunters flight failed to locate a closed circulation. Thus, the depression degenerated into an open tropical wave. The remnant tropical wave produced heavy rainfall in Trinidad and Tobago, causing flooding and mudslides in Diego Martin on island of Trinidad. Two fatalities, as well as widespread damage resulted from the flooding and mudslides, with losses exceeding TT$109 million (US$17 million).{{cite news|author=Renuka Singh|newspaper=Trinidad Express Newspapers|date=August 14, 2012|access-date=August 15, 2012|title=$109m And Rising|url=http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/_109m__AND__RISING-166210886.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817221930/http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/_109m__AND__RISING-166210886.html|archive-date=2012-08-17|url-status=dead}}

The remnants were monitored for possible redevelopment over the following days; however, on August 14, the system moved inland over Central America and was no longer expected to regenerate.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL072012_Helene}}|title=Tropical Storm Helene Tropical Cyclone Report|author=Lixion A. Avila|date=December 13, 2012|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=January 15, 2013|format=PDF|location=Miami, Florida}}{{cite report|author=Daniel P. Brown|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=August 14, 2012|access-date=August 15, 2012|title=Tropical Weather Outlook for the North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2012/TWOAT.201208142336.txt|format=TXT|location=Miami, Florida}} Despite earlier predictions, the remnants of the storm moved over the Bay of Campeche and began to consolidate on August 16. A Hurricane Hunter aircraft into the system indicated that it regenerated into a tropical depression at 1200 UTC on August 17, just six hours before strengthening into Tropical Storm Helene. Shortly thereafter, it peaked with winds of {{convert|45|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} and a minimum barometric pressure of {{convert|1,004|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. Early on August 18, Helene weakened back to a tropical depression while moving northwestward. At 1200 UTC it made landfall near Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Helene quickly weakened and dissipated at 0000 UTC on August 19. In Mexico, Helene brought moderate rains to areas previously affected by Hurricane Ernesto. Two communities within the city of Veracruz reported street flooding.{{cite news|newspaper=Associated Press |date=August 18, 2012 |location=Veracruz, Mexico |access-date=August 18, 2012 |title=Tropical storm hits Mexico coast, weakens |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j4pp8lLBiclk2e5XY8wb4RMOrCbg?docId=9b9549fbed1b489aabf91c837dc6e9e2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521193505/https://www.webcitation.org/6A1EKOfxL?url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j4pp8lLBiclk2e5XY8wb4RMOrCbg%3FdocId=9b9549fbed1b489aabf91c837dc6e9e2 |archive-date=May 21, 2024 }}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

|Basin=Atl

|Image=Gordon 2012-08-18 1550Z.jpg

|Track=Gordon 2012 path.png

|Formed=August 15

|Dissipated=August 20

|1-min winds=95

|Pressure=965

}}

A tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic Ocean from the west coast of Africa on August 10. After passing over Cape Verde, it moved generally west-northwestward and crossed a region of colder seas. As a result, tropical cyclogenesis was impeded and convective activity remained minimal. As the low-pressure system turned to a more northerly direction, it reentered warmer waters. The environment was favorable for further organization, and the system attained deeper convection and a better-defined circulation. It is estimated that Tropical Depression Eight developed at 1200 UTC on August 15, while located about {{convert|690|mi|km}} east-southeast of Bermuda. The depression strengthened, and approximately twelve hours later, became Tropical Storm Gordon.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL082012_Gordon}}|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Gordon|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Lixion A. Avila|date=January 16, 2013|access-date=April 20, 2013|format=PDF|pages=1–2|location=Miami, Florida}}

After becoming a tropical storm on August 15, Gordon turned eastward and continued to intensify due to relatively light wind shear. By August 18, it was upgraded to a hurricane. The storm peaked with winds of {{convert|110|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} and a minimum barometric pressure of {{convert|965|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}} on the following day, before weakening from colder ocean temperatures and increasing shear. At 0530 UTC August 20, Gordon struck Santa Maria Island in the Azores about six and a half hours before weakening to a tropical storm. Later that day, it transitioned into an extratropical low-pressure area. Several homes sustained broken doors and windows, and streets were covered with fallen trees. Some areas temporarily lost power when the storm moved over, though electricity was restored hours later.{{cite news|author=Andrei Khalip|newspaper=Reuters|location=Lisbon, Portugal|date=August 20, 2012|access-date=August 20, 2012|title=Hurricane Gordon causes minor damage in Azores, losing intensity|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-portugal-azores-hurricane-idUSBRE87J09X20120820}} Torrential rains triggered localized flooding,{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Star Tribune|location=Lisbon, Portugal|date=August 20, 2012|access-date=August 20, 2012|title=Hurricane Gordon passes Portugal's Azores Islands, causes little damage as it weakens|url=http://www.startribune.com/weather/166683406.html?refer=y|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130616042329/http://www.startribune.com/weather/166683406.html?refer=y|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 16, 2013}} as well as a few landslides. However, no significant damage was reported.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

|Basin=Atl

|Image=Isaac Aug 28 2012 1630Z.jpg

|Track=Isaac 2012 path.png

|Formed=August 21

|Dissipated=September 1

|1-min winds=70

|Pressure=965

}}

{{Main|Hurricane Isaac (2012)}}

{{See also|2012 Hurricane Isaac tornado outbreak|Effects of Hurricane Isaac in Florida|Effects of Hurricane Isaac in Louisiana}}

A tropical wave developed into Tropical Depression Nine at 0600 UTC on August 21, while located about {{convert|720|mi|km}} east of the Lesser Antilles. The depression headed just north of due west and twelve hours later, strengthened into Tropical Storm Isaac. After intensifying somewhat further, Isaac passed through the Leeward Islands on August 22. A few islands reported tropical storm force winds and light rainfall, but no damage occurred. Unfavorable conditions, primarily dry air,{{cite report|author=Stacy R. Stewart|date=August 23, 2012|publisher=National Hurricane Center|title=Tropical Storm Isaac Discussion Number 9|access-date=August 23, 2012|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2012/al09/al092012.discus.009.shtml?|location=Miami, Florida}} as well as a reformation of the center caused Isaac to remain disorganized in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Early on August 25, Isaac made landfall near Jacmel, Haiti as a strong tropical storm. Strong winds and heavy rain impacted numerous camps set up after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, with about 6,000 people losing shelter. Approximately 1,000 houses were destroyed, resulting in about $8 million in damage; there were 24 deaths confirmed. In neighboring Dominican Republic, 864 houses were damaged and cross loses reached approximately $30 million; five deaths were reported. Isaac became slightly disorganized over Haiti and re-emerged into the Caribbean Sea later on August 25, hours before striking Guantánamo Province, Cuba with winds of {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}. There, 6 homes were destroyed and 91 sustained damage.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL092012_Isaac}}|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Isaac|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Robbie R. Berg|date=January 28, 2013|access-date=January 30, 2013|format=PDF|pages=1–2, 7–10, and 18|location=Miami, Florida}}

Later on August 25, Isaac emerged into the southwestern Atlantic Ocean over the Bahama Banks. Initially, the storm posed a threat to Florida and the 2012 Republican National Convention,{{cite news|author=Rachel Weiner|title=GOP revises convention schedule|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/wp/2012/08/26/gop-revises-convention-schedule/|access-date=August 27, 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=August 26, 2012|archive-date=August 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120828153017/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/wp/2012/08/26/gop-revises-convention-schedule/|url-status=dead}} but passed to the southwest late on August 26. However, its outer bands spawned tornadoes and dropped isolated areas of heavy rainfall, causing severe local flooding, especially in Palm Beach County. Neighborhoods in The Acreage, Loxahatchee, Royal Palm Beach, and Wellington were left stranded for up to several days. Tornadoes in the state destroyed 1 structure and caused damage to at least 102 others. Isaac reached the Gulf of Mexico and began a strengthening trend, reaching Category 1 hurricane status on August 28. At 0000 UTC on the following day, the storm made landfall near the mouth of the Mississippi River in Louisiana with winds of {{convert|80|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}. Three hours later, a dropsonde reported a barometric pressure of {{convert|965|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. Isaac briefly moved offshore, but made another landfall near Port Fourchon with winds of {{convert|80|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} at 0800 UTC on August 29. A combination of storm surge, strong winds, and heavy rainfall left 901,000 homes without electricity, caused damage to 59,000 houses, and resulted in losses to about 90% of sugarcane crops. Thousands of people required rescuing from their homes and vehicles due to flooding. The New Orleans area was relatively unscathed, due to levees built after hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. Isaac slowly weakened while moving inland, and dissipated over Missouri on September 1. The remnants of Isaac continued generally eastward over southern Illinois before moving southward over Kentucky. On September 3, the mid-level circulation of the storm split into two parts, with one portion continuing southward into the Gulf of Mexico and the other eastward over Ohio.{{cite web|author=David M. Roth|work=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|year=2012|access-date=October 8, 2012|title=Hurricane Isaac – August 25 – September 3, 2012 |url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/isaac2012.html}} The remnants brought rainfall to some areas impacted by an ongoing drought.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/07/us/hurricane-brings-some-drought-relief.html|title=Most U.S. Farmland Still in Drought, Even After Storm|author=John Eligon|date=September 6, 2012|agency=The New York Times|access-date=January 30, 2013|location=Kansas City, Missouri}} Throughout the United States, damage reached about $2.35 billion and there were 9 fatalities, most of which was incurred within the state of Louisiana.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

|Basin=Atl

|Image=Joyce 2012-08-23 1600Z.jpg

|Track=Joyce 2012 path.png

|Formed=August 22

|Dissipated=August 24

|1-min winds=35

|Pressure=1006

}}

A tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa on August 19. The system produced sporadic and disorganized convection for a few days while it moved westward across the eastern tropical Atlantic. Late on August 21, a well-defined surface low developed in association with the tropical wave, though the associated deep convection was not sufficiently organized. However, by 0600 UTC on August 22, the system organized enough to be designated Tropical Depression Ten, while located about {{convert|690|mi|km}} west-southwest of Cape Verde. The depression was steered toward the west-northwest along the southern periphery of a deep-layer subtropical ridge.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL102012_Joyce}}|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Joyce|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author1=Richard J. Pasch |author2=Christopher W. Landsea|date=January 8, 2013|access-date=April 20, 2013|format=PDF|pages=1–2|location=Miami, Florida}}

Initially, the depression was within a region of light southwesterly shear, {{convert|81|-|82|F|C|abbr=on}} seas, and modestly moist mid-level air. Under these conditions, the depression intensified slowly, becoming Tropical Storm Joyce at 1200 UTC on August 23. Later that day, Joyce peaked with maximum sustained winds of {{convert|40|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} and a minimum barometric pressure of {{convert|1,006|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. However, deep convection soon began to diminish around 0000 UTC on August 24, when the system weakened to a tropical depression. An environment of dry air, coupled with an increase of southwesterly vertical shear induced primarily by an upper-level low to the northwest of Joyce, continued to adversely affect the storm on August 24. Joyce degenerated into a remnant low-pressure area around 1200 UTC that day and dissipated shortly thereafter.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

|Basin=Atl

|Image=Kirk 2012-08-31 0139Z.png

|Track=Kirk 2012 path.png

|Formed=August 28

|Dissipated=September 2

|1-min winds=90

|Pressure=970

}}

A tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the coast of Africa on August 22, accompanied by a broad area of low pressure. The system moved slowly westward, and the associated convective activity began organizing on August 24 near Cape Verde. However, little additional development occurred during the next three days as the circulation of the low was elongated and poorly defined. The system turned northwestward late on August 25 and continued in that direction until August 27. Despite the presence of vertical wind shear, convection became more concentrated. The circulation became better-defined, indicating that Tropical Depression Eleven developed at 1800 UTC on August 28, while located about {{convert|1290|mi|km}} southwest of the western Azores.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL112012_Kirk}}|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Kirk|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=John L. Beven II|date=December 7, 2012|access-date=April 19, 2013|format=PDF|pages=1–2|location=Miami, Florida}}

The depression initially moved westward before turning northwestward on August 29 in response to a weakness in the subtropical ridge. Minimal intensification was predicted, due to dry air and wind shear.{{cite report|author=Michael J. Brennan|date=August 28, 2012|publisher=National Hurricane Center|title=Tropical Depression Eleven Discussion Number 1|access-date=May 6, 2013|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2012/al09/al092012.discus.001.shtml?|location=Miami, Florida}} It strengthened into Tropical Storm Kirk on the following day, but persistent wind shear slowed intensification. After a decrease in shear, Kirk quickly strengthened into a hurricane on August 30. A small eye appeared in satellite imagery on August 31 as the storm peaked with winds of {{convert|105|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} and a minimum barometric pressure of {{convert|970|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. Kirk weakened later that day while moving northward through a break in the subtropical ridge. On September 1, it fell to tropical storm intensity while recurving into the westerlies. Accelerating northeastward, Kirk weakened further due to increasing shear and decreasing sea surface temperatures. At 0000 UTC September 3, it merged with a frontal system located about {{convert|1,035|mi|km}} north of the Azores.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

|Basin=Atl

|Image=Leslie Sept 5 2012 1710Z.jpg

|Track=Leslie 2012 path.png

|Formed=August 30

|Dissipated=September 11

|1-min winds=70

|Pressure=968

}}

{{Main|Hurricane Leslie (2012)}}

A tropical wave developed into Tropical Depression Twelve while located nearly {{convert|1,500|mi|km}} east of the Leeward Islands on August 30. About six hours later, it strengthened into Tropical Storm Leslie. Tracking steadily west-northwestward, it slowly intensified due to only marginally favorable conditions. By September 2, the storm curved north-northwestward while located north of the Leeward Islands. Thereafter, a blocking pattern over Atlantic Canada caused Leslie to drift for four days. Late on September 5, Leslie was upgraded to a hurricane, shortly before strengthening to its peaking intensity with winds of {{convert|80|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} and a minimum barometric pressure of {{convert|968|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. However, due to its slow movement, the storm caused upwelling, which decreased ocean temperatures, weakening Leslie to a tropical storm on September 7.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL122012_Leslie}}|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Leslie|author=Stacy R. Stewart|date=December 4, 2012|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=March 29, 2013|location=Miami, Florida|pages=1–4|format=PDF}}

The storm drifted until September 9, when it accelerated while passing east of Bermuda. Relatively strong winds on the island caused hundreds of power outages and knocked down tree branches, electrical poles, and other debris. Re-intensification occurred, with Leslie becoming a hurricane again, before transitioning into an extratropical cyclone near Newfoundland on September 11. In Atlantic Canada, heavy rains fell in both Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. In the latter, localized flooding occurred, especially in the western portions of the province. Also in Newfoundland, strong winds ripped off roofs, downed trees, and left 45,000 homes without power. Additionally, a partially built house was destroyed and several incomplete homes were damaged in Pouch Cove. Overall, Leslie caused about $10.1 million in damage and no fatalities.{{cite report |url=http://thoughtleadership.aonbenfield.com/Documents/20121004_if_global_cat_recap_september.pdf |title=September 2012 Global Catastrophe Recap |publisher=Aon Benfield |page=2 |access-date=February 21, 2013 |location=London, England |archive-date=June 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630110302/http://thoughtleadership.aonbenfield.com/Documents/20121004_if_global_cat_recap_september.pdf |url-status=dead }}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

|Basin=Atl

|Image=Michael 2012-09-06 1620Z.jpg

|Track=Michael 2012 path.png

|Formed=September 3

|Dissipated=September 11

|1-min winds=100

|Pressure=964

}}

A shortwave disturbance spawned a well-defined low-pressure area on September 2 while located about {{convert|840|mi|km}} southwest of the Azores. The low moved southwestward and developed into Tropical Depression Thirteen at 0600 UTC on September 3. It moved westward and then northwestward and strengthened into Tropical Storm Michael at 0600 UTC on September 4, while located about {{convert|1,235|mi|km}} southwest of the Azores. Initially, it was predicted by the National Hurricane Center that the depression would only strengthen slightly and then become extratropical by September 6, due to an anticipated increase in wind shear.{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2012/al13/al132012.discus.001.shtml?|title=Tropical Depression Thirteen Discussion Number 1|author1=Daniel P. Brown |author2=John P. Cangialosi|date=September 3, 2012|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=May 10, 2013|location=Miami, Florida|format=TXT}} Later on September 6, the system entered a region of weak steering currents, causing it to drift northeastward. In the 24 hours proceeding 1200 UTC on September 5, the storm rapidly intensified. Late on September 5, it was upgraded to a hurricane, before becoming a Category 2 hurricane early on the following day.

At 1200 UTC on September 6, the storm reached Category 3 hurricane strength and attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of {{convert|115|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} and a minimum barometric pressure of {{convert|964|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. Michael was thus the first major hurricane of the season. Thereafter, it weakened back to a Category 2 hurricane later on September 6. The storm curved back to the northwest and briefly weakened to a Category 1 hurricane on September 8. The cyclone turned westward on September 9 and resumed weakening later that day, due to encountering wind shear generated by the outflow of nearby Hurricane Leslie. Michael weakened to a tropical storm while accelerating northward on September 11, several hours before degenerated into remnant low-pressure area, while located well west of the Azores.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL132012_Michael}}|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Michael|author1=Todd B. Kimberlain |author2=David A. Zelinsky|date=December 4, 2012|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=March 29, 2013|location=Miami, Florida|pages=1–2|format=PDF}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

|Basin=Atl

|Image=Nadine Sep 30 2012 1535Z.jpg

|Track=Nadine 2012 path.png

|Formed=September 10

|Dissipated=October 4

|1-min winds=80

|Pressure=978

}}

{{Main|Hurricane Nadine}}

A tropical wave developed into Tropical Depression Fourteen on September 10, while located about {{convert|885|mi|km}} west of Cape Verde. Initially, it moved west-northwest, intensifying into Tropical Storm Nadine early on September 12. During the next 24 hours, the storm intensified quickly, reaching winds of {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} by early on September 13; Nadine maintained this intensity for the next 36 hours. A break in the subtropical ridge caused the storm to curved northwestward, followed by a turn to the north on September 14. Later that day, the storm was upgraded to a hurricane. On September 15, it turned eastward to the north of the ridge. By the following day, Nadine began weakening and was downgraded to a tropical storm early on September 17. The storm then curved east-northeastward and eventually northeastward, posing a threat to the Azores. Although Nadine veered east-southeastward, it did cause relatively strong winds on the islands.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL142012_Nadine}}|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Nadine|author=Daniel P. Brown|date=January 8, 2013|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=January 14, 2013|format=PDF|pages=1–4|location=Miami, Florida}}

Late on September 21, Nadine curved southward, shortly before degenerating into non-tropical low-pressure area. After moving into an area of more favorable conditions, it regenerated into Tropical Storm Nadine early on September 23. The storm then drifted and moved aimlessly in the northeastern Atlantic, turning west-northwestward on September 23 and southwestward on September 25. Thereafter, Nadine curved westward on September 27 and northwestward on September 28. During that five-day period, minimal change in intensity occurred, with Nadine remaining a weak to moderate tropical storm. However, by 1200 UTC on September 28, the storm re-strengthened into a hurricane. Slow intensification continued, with Nadine peaking with winds of {{convert|90|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} and a minimum barometric pressure of {{convert|978|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}} on September 30. Thereafter, Nadine began weakened after turning southward, and was downgraded to a tropical storm on October 1. The storm then curved southeastward and then east-northeastward ahead of a deep-layer trough. After strong wind shear and cold waters left Nadine devoid of nearly all deep convection, the storm transitioned into an extratropical cyclone at 0000 UTC on October 4, while located about {{convert|195|mi|km}} southwest of the central Azores. The low rapidly moved northeastward, degenerated into a trough of low pressure, and was absorbed by a cold front later that day.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

|Basin=Atl

|Image=Oscar Oct 4 2012 1330Z.jpg

|Track=Oscar 2012 path.png

|Formed=October 3

|Dissipated=October 5

|1-min winds=45

|Pressure=994

}}

A tropical wave and an accompanying low-pressure area emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa on September 28. Minimal organization occurred until October 2, when deep convection developed and began organizing. At 0600 UTC on October 3, the system became Tropical Depression Fifteen, while located about {{convert|1,035|mi|km}} west of Cape Verde. A mid-level ridge near Cape Verde and a mid to upper-level low pressure northeast of the Leeward Islands forced the depression to move north-northwestward at roughly {{convert|17|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. After further consolidation of convection near its low-level center, the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Oscar later on October 3.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL152012_Oscar}}|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Oscar|author=John P. Cangialosi|date=November 24, 2012|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=January 7, 2013|format=PDF|page=1|location=Miami, Florida}}

Although strong wind shear began exposing the low-level center of circulation to the west of deep convection, Oscar continued to intensify. It curved northeastward and accelerated on October 4, in advance of an approaching cold front. The cyclone attained peak maximum sustained winds of {{convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} at 12:00 UTC that day; its minimum barometric pressure bottomed out at {{convert|994|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}} 18 hours later. Just after 12:00 UTC on October 5, ASCAT scatterometer and satellite data indicated that Oscar degenerated into a trough while located well northwest of Cape Verde. The storm's remnants were absorbed by the cold front early on October 6.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

|Basin=Atl

|Image=Patty 2012-10-11 1515Z.jpg

|Track=Patty 2012 path.png

|Formed=October 11

|Dissipated=October 13

|1-min winds=40

|Pressure=1005

}}

A weak surface trough detached from a quasi-stationary frontal system on October 6, while located between {{convert|345|and|460|mi|km}} north of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The trough approached the southern Bahamas and acquired a closed circulation late on October 10, developing into Tropical Depression Sixteen early on the following day. Initially, the National Hurricane Center predicted no further intensification, citing strong vertical wind shear.{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2012/al16/al162012.discus.001.shtml?|title=Tropical Depression Sixteen Discussion Number 1|author=Michael J. Brennan|date=October 11, 2012|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 27, 2013|format=TXT|location=Miami, Florida}} However, the depression strengthened and by 0600 UTC on October 11, it was upgraded to Tropical Storm Patty, while centered about {{convert|175|mi|km}} east-northeast of San Salvador Island in The Bahamas.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL162012_Patty}}|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Patty|author=Robbie J. Berg|date=January 14, 2013|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 27, 2013|format=PDF|location=Miami, Florida}}

Although it reached tropical storm status, the National Hurricane Center noted that Patty was "on borrowed time", as the storm was predicted to eventually succumb to unfavorable conditions.{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2012/al16/al162012.discus.002.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Patty Discussion Number 2|author=Eric S. Blake|date=October 11, 2012|access-date=February 27, 2013|format=TXT|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida}} At 0000 UTC on October 12, Patty attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of {{convert|45|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} and a minimum barometric pressure of {{convert|1,005|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. Later that day, increasing vertical wind shear caused the storm to weaken. Early on October 13, Patty was downgraded to a tropical depression, about six hours before degenerating into a trough of low pressure.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

|Basin=Atl

|Image=Rafael Oct 15 2012 1450Z.jpg

|Track=Rafael 2012 path.png

|Formed=October 12

|Dissipated=October 17

|1-min winds=80

|Pressure=969

}}

{{Main|Hurricane Rafael (2012)}}

A tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa on October 5. It slowly organized while moving westward and crossed the Lesser Antilles between October 11 and October 12. The system was classified as Tropical Storm Rafael at 1800 UTC on October 12, while located about {{convert|200|mi|km}} south-southeast of St. Croix. Though initially disorganized due to wind shear, a subsequent decrease allowed for significant convective activity to develop by October 14. While moving north-northwestward the following day, Rafael intensified into a hurricane. A cold front moving off the East Coast of the United States caused the system to turn northward and eventually northeastward by October 16, at which time it peaked with maximum sustained winds of {{convert|90|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} and a barometric pressure of {{convert|969|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. As the cyclone entered a more stable atmosphere and into increasingly cooler seas, Rafael became extratropical by late on October 17.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL172012_Rafael}}|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Rafael|author=Lixion A. Avila|date=January 14, 2013|publisher=National Hurricane Center|pages=1–3|access-date=February 27, 2013|format=PDF|location=Miami, Florida}}

Although a disorganized tropical cyclone, Rafael produced flooding across the northeastern Caribbean islands. As much as {{convert|12|in|mm}} of rain fell across portions of the Lesser Antilles, causing mudslides and landslides, as well river flooding.{{Cite news|url=http://tempsreel.nouvelobs.com/monde/20121014.FAP0514/la-guadeloupe-en-vigilance-rouge-dans-le-sillage-de-la-tempete-tropicale-rafael.html|title=La Guadeloupe en vigilance rouge dans le sillage de la tempête tropicale Rafael|newspaper=Le Nouvel Observateur|date=October 14, 2012|access-date=October 18, 2012|location=Miami, Florida|language=fr}} In addition, the heavy rains led to significant crop loss. Near-hurricane-force winds were recorded on Saint Martin, while tropical storm-force gusts occurred widespread. Lightning activity as a result of heavy thunderstorms caused many fires and power outages.{{cite news| url = http://www.guadeloupe.franceantilles.fr/actualite/education-sante-environnement/le-sud-basse-terre-tres-touche-par-la-tempete-rafael-190195.php| title= Le sud Basse-Terre très touché par la tempête Rafaël| work= France-Antilles| date= October 14, 2012 | access-date = October 17, 2012|language=fr}} One fatality occurred when a woman in Guadeloupe unsuccessfully attempted to drive her car across a flooded roadway. As Rafael passed just to the east of Bermuda as a hurricane, light rainfall was recorded. Gusts over {{convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} left hundreds of houses without electricity.{{cite news|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2012-10-16/americas/world_americas_weather-rafael_1_bermuda-forecasters-bermuda-weather-service-tropical-storm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130410171342/http://articles.cnn.com/2012-10-16/americas/world_americas_weather-rafael_1_bermuda-forecasters-bermuda-weather-service-tropical-storm |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 10, 2013 |title=Hurricane Rafael leaves Bermuda behind |date=October 16, 2012 |newspaper=CNN |access-date=October 18, 2012 }} Large swells from the system caused significant damage to the coastline of Nova Scotia, while many roads were washed away or obscured with debris. However, damage was minimal overall, reaching about $2 million.{{cite news|newspaper=CBC News |date=October 19, 2012 |access-date=October 19, 2012 |title=Newfoundland town hit by Rafael damage |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/newfoundland-town-hit-by-rafael-damage-1.1160797 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020004905/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2012/10/19/nl-rafael-trepassey-storm-surge-1019.html |archive-date=October 20, 2012 }}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

|Basin=Atl

|Image=Sandy 2012-10-25 0320Z (cropped).png

|Track=Sandy 2012 path.png

|Formed=October 22

|Dissipated=October 29

|1-min winds=100

|Pressure=940

}}

{{main|Hurricane Sandy}}

A tropical wave developed into Tropical Depression Eighteen at 1200 UTC on October 22, while located about {{convert|350|mi|km}} south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica. Six hours later, it strengthened into Tropical Storm Sandy. Initially, the storm headed southwestward, but re-curved to the north-northeast due to mid to upper-level trough in the northwestern Caribbean Sea. A gradual increase in organization and deepening occurred, with Sandy becoming a hurricane on October 24. Several hours later, it made landfall near Bull Bay, Jamaica as a moderate Category 1 hurricane. In that country, there was 1 fatality and damage to thousands of homes, resulting in about $100 million in losses. After clearing Jamaica, Sandy began to strengthen significantly. At 0525 UTC on October 25, it struck near Santiago de Cuba in Cuba, with winds of {{convert|115|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}; this made Sandy the second major hurricane of the season. In the province of Santiago de Cuba alone, 132,733 homes were damaged, of which 15,322 were destroyed and 43,426 lost their roofs. The storm resulted in 11 deaths and $2 billion in damage in Cuba. It also produced widespread devastation in Haiti, where over 27,000 homes were flooded, damaged, or destroyed, and 40% of the corn, beans, rice, banana, and coffee crops were lost. The storm left $750 million in damage, 54 deaths, and 21 people missing.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL182012_Sandy}}|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Sandy|author1=Eric S. Blake |author2=Todd B. Kimberlain |author3=Robert J. Berg |author4=John P. Cangialosi |author5=John L. Beven II |date=February 12, 2013|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 12, 2013|format=PDF}}

The storm weakened slightly while crossing Cuba and emerged into the southwestern Atlantic Ocean as a Category 2 hurricane late on October 25. Shortly thereafter, it moved through the central Bahamas, where three fatalities and $300 million in damage was reported.{{cite news|author=Ava Turnquest|newspaper=Ellington|date=January 21, 2013|access-date=April 22, 2013|title=Haiti raises death toll from Hurricane Sandy to 54; regional deaths up to 71|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2013/jan/21/hurricane-sandy-damage-adds-more-700m/}} Early on October 27, it briefly weakened to a tropical storm, before re-acquiring hurricane intensity later that day. In the Southeastern United States, impact was limited to gusty winds, light rainfall, and rough surf. The outer bands of Sandy impacted the island of Bermuda, with a tornado in Sandys Parish damaging a few homes and businesses. Movement over the Gulf Stream and baroclinic processes caused the storm to deepen, with the storm becoming a Category 2 hurricane again at 1200 UTC on October 29. Although it soon weakened to a Category 1 hurricane, the barometric pressure decreased to {{convert|940|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. At 2100 UTC, Sandy became extratropical, while located just offshore New Jersey. The center of the now extratropical storm moved inland near Brigantine late on October 29. In the Northeastern United States, damage was most severe in New Jersey and New York. Within the former, 346,000 houses were damaged or destroyed, while nearly 19,000 businesses suffered severe losses. In New York, an estimated 305,000 homes were destroyed. Severe coastal flooding occurred in New York City, with the hardest hit areas being New Dorp Beach, Red Hook, and the Rockaways; eight tunnels of the subway system were inundated. Heavy snowfall was also reported, peaking at {{convert|36|in|mm}} in West Virginia. Additionally, the remnants of Sandy left 2 deaths and $100 million in damage in Canada, with Ontario and Quebec being the worst impacted. Overall, 286 fatalities were attributed to Sandy. Damages totaled $65 billion in the United States and $68.7 billion overall, which, at the time, made Sandy the second-costliest Atlantic hurricane on record.{{cite web|work=Hurricane Research Division |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |year=2014 |access-date=September 10, 2015 |title=The thirty costliest mainland United States tropical cyclones 1900-2013 |url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/costliesttable.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623020336/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/costliesttable.html |archive-date=June 23, 2015 }}

{{Clear}}

{{Infobox tropical cyclone small

|Basin=Atl

|Image=Tony 2012-10-24 1615Z.jpg

|Track=Tony 2012 path.png

|Formed=October 22

|Dissipated=October 25

|1-min winds=45

|Pressure=1000

}}

A tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa on October 11. The wave split, with a portion later developing into Hurricane Sandy, while the other drifted slowly in the eastern Atlantic. The latter portion interacted with an upper-level trough, which developed into a surface low-pressure area on October 21. After acquiring deeper convection, the system was classified as Tropical Depression Nineteen at 1800 UTC on October 22. The depression headed northward along the eastern periphery of a cutoff low-pressure area. Although wind shear was not very strong, the depression initially failed to strengthen. Nonetheless, the depression organized further and intensified into Tropical Storm Tony at 0000 UTC on October 24.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL192012_Tony}}|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Tony|author1=Richard J. Pasch |author2=David P. Roberts|date=January 24, 2013|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=February 27, 2013|format=PDF|location=Miami, Florida}}

A mid-level trough to the northwest and a ridge to the east caused the storm to curve northeastward on October 24. Tony strengthened further, and by 1200 UTC on October 24, attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of {{convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} and a minimum barometric pressure of {{convert|1,000|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. The storm maintained this intensity for about 24 hours while moving east-northeastward and accelerating. On October 25, Tony began to weaken due to a combination of increasing vertical wind shear and decreasing sea surface temperatures. Later that day, the circulation of Tony began to entrain cooler and drier air, while shear displaced the deep convection well away from the center. By 1800 UTC on October 25, the storm was declared extratropical after it took on a frontal cyclone appearance on satellite imagery.

{{clear}}

{{Tropical cyclone naming}}

The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Atlantic in 2012.{{cite news|url=http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/weather/hurricane/hurricane_guide/2012-atlantic-hurricane-season-tropical-storm-names|title=2012 Atlantic hurricane season tropical storm names|author=Gregg Burrage|date=May 22, 2012|newspaper=ABC News|access-date=April 22, 2013|location=Tampa, Florida|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515091719/http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/weather/hurricane/hurricane_guide/2012-atlantic-hurricane-season-tropical-storm-names|archive-date=May 15, 2013}} This was the same list used in the 2006 season, as no names were retired afterward.{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center |title=Worldwide Tropical Cyclone Names |year=2008 |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |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=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames_history.shtml|title=Tropical Cyclone Naming History and Retired Names|date=April 11, 2013|work=National Hurricane Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|access-date=April 22, 2013|location=Miami, Florida}} Storms were named Kirk, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sandy, and Tony for the first (and in the case of Sandy, only) time in 2012.

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

On April 11, 2013, at the 35th session of the RA IV hurricane committee, the World Meteorological Organization retired the name Sandy from its rotating Atlantic hurricane name lists due to the damage and deaths it caused, and it will not be used again in the basin. Sandy was replaced with Sara for the 2018 season.{{cite web|last=Erdman|first=Jonathan|title=The 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season Names List Includes One New Name|date=May 24, 2018|url=https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2018-05-24-2018-atlantic-hurricane-season-names-list|publisher=The Weather channel|access-date=January 22, 2024}}{{cite web|title=Sandy retired from list of Atlantic Basin tropical cyclone names|date=April 11, 2013|url=https://www.noaa.gov/sandy-retired-list-atlantic-basin-tropical-cyclone-names|publisher=NOAA|location=Washington, D.C.|access-date=January 22, 2024}}

This is a table of all of the storms that formed in the 2012 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 2012 USD.

{{Saffir–Simpson small|align=center}}

{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}

• Tropical cyclones in 2012
• 2012 Pacific hurricane season
• 2012 Pacific typhoon season
• 2012 North Indian Ocean cyclone season
• South-West Indian Ocean cyclone seasons: 2011–12, 2012–13
• Australian region cyclone seasons: 2011–12, 2012–13
• South Pacific cyclone seasons: 2011–12, 2012–13
• Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone

{{Reflist|group=nb}}

{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Commons category}}

• [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov National Hurricane Center Website]

{{2012 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}}

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{{Tropical cyclone season|2012}}

Category:Atlantic hurricane seasons

Category:Articles which contain graphical timelines

2012 ATL