Hurricane Michelle

{{storm path|Michelle 2001 path.png|colors=new}}

On October 16, 2001, a tropical wave moved westward off the coast of Africa and moved into the Atlantic Ocean. At the time, the wave produced minimal convective and thunderstorm activity. On October 23, the disturbance crossed the Lesser Antilles before moving into the Caribbean Sea while showing minimal signs of tropical development. Three days later, the wave moved into the western Caribbean, spawning a broad low-pressure area off the coast of Nicaragua. At 1800 UTC on October 29,{{cite report|title=Hurricane Michelle|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL152001_Michelle.pdf|type=Tropical Cyclone Report|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|access-date=20 June 2013|author=Beven, Jack|author2=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|date=January 23, 2002}} a reconnaissance flight confirmed the development of a tropical depression {{convert|40|mi|km|abbr=on}} south-southwest of Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua.{{cite web|title=Tropical Depression Fifteen Advisory Number 1|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/pub/al152001.public.001.html|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|access-date=20 June 2013|author=Franklin, James|location=Miami, Florida|date=October 29, 2001}} At the time, convection was displaced primarily to the north of the center of circulation, and the storm was situated in a weak steering pattern; as such, initial forecasts predicted for the depression, designated as Tropical Depression Fifteen, to slowly move generally northward.{{cite web|title=Tropical Depression Fifteen Discussion Number 1|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al152001.discus.001.html|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|access-date=20 June 2013|author=Franklin, James|location=Miami, Florida|date=October 29, 2001}} Later that day, a burst of convection occurred over the circulation center of the depression, indicating an increase in organization.{{cite web|title=Tropical Depression Fifteen Discussion Number 2|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al152001.discus.002.html|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|access-date=20 June 2013|author=Stewart, Stacy R.|location=Miami, Florida|date=October 29, 2001}} The disturbance meandered over eastern Nicaragua for 36 hours before emerging into the Caribbean Sea near Cabo Gracias a Dios by 2100 UTC on October 31.{{cite web|title=Tropical Depression Fifteen Discussion Number 9|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al152001.discus.009.html|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|access-date=20 June 2013|author=Beven, Jack|location=Miami, Florida|date=October 31, 2001}} Upon emerging into the Caribbean Sea, the depression quickly organized, and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) upgraded the depression to tropical storm strength at 0000 UTC the following day, based on information from a reconnaissance flight prior. As such, the tropical storm was designated with the name Michelle.{{cite web|title=Tropical Storm Michelle Discussion Number 10|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al152001.discus.010.html|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|access-date=20 June 2013|author=Stewart, Stacy R.|location=Miami, Florida|date=October 31, 2001}}{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}

Gradual strengthening occurred throughout November 1, as Michelle's cloud tops began to cool as it drifted northward, signifying strengthening. At the time, the NHC predicted that there was a roughly 12 percent chance for the tropical storm to rapidly intensify; by that time the storm had met three of the organization's five criterion for rapid intensification.{{cite web|title=Tropical Storm Michelle Discussion Number 11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al152001.discus.011.html|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|access-date=20 June 2013|author=Pasch, Richard|location=Miami, Florida|date=November 1, 2001}} During the day, fluctuations in convective activity occurred and there were some signs of wind shear affecting the cyclone, but there was a general strengthening trend.{{cite web|title=Tropical Storm Michelle Discussion Number 14|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al152001.discus.014.html|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|access-date=20 June 2013|author=Stewart, Stacy R.|location=Miami, Florida|date=November 1, 2001}} Two dropsondes deployed within the system early on November 2 observed hurricane-force winds within Michelle; based on this data the NHC upgraded Michelle to hurricane intensity at 1200 UTC that day,{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} while the storm was situated {{convert|290|mi|km|abbr=on}} south-southeast of the Guanahacabibes Peninsula.{{cite web|title=Hurricane Michelle Intermediate Advisory Number 15A|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/pub/al152001.public_a.015.html|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|access-date=20 June 2013|author=Beven, Jack|location=Miami, Florida|date=November 2, 2001}}

A period of rapid intensification began shortly after as Michelle's satellite presentation improved, with the cyclone's minimum barometric pressure falling {{convert|51|mbar|hPa inHg|abbr=on}} in 29 hours. At 0000 UTC on November 3, the hurricane attained Category 2 hurricane intensity. At roughly the same time, the hurricane's eye became more apparent on satellite imagery.{{cite web|title=Hurricane Michelle Discussion Number 18|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al152001.discus.018.html|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|access-date=20 June 2013|author=Avila, Lixion A.|location=Miami, Florida|date=November 2, 2001}} By 1200 UTC later that day, Michelle had intensified to a Category 4 hurricane.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} Six hours later, the hurricane weakened to Category 3 intensity, but reached its minimum barometric pressure of {{convert|934|mbar|hPa inHg|abbr=on}}. Afterwards, Michelle's central pressure began to rise; despite the trend, its maximum sustained winds also strengthened as it curved northeastward.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} Despite having its convective organization disrupted and its eye no longer as apparent on November 4,{{cite web|title=Hurricane Michelle Discussion Number 23|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al152001.discus.023.html|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|access-date=20 June 2013|author=Stewart, Stacy R.|location=Miami, Florida|date=November 4, 2001}} Michelle attained winds of {{convert|140|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} by 0600 UTC that day; these would be the highest sustained winds estimated for the system throughout its existence.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}

At 1800 UTC on November 4, Michelle made landfall on Cayo Largo del Sur as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of {{convert|140|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}; this was followed shortly after with a landfall on the Bay of Pigs five hours later as a slightly weaker storm. When Michelle made landfall on the Cuban mainland, it was the strongest landfalling hurricane in Cuban history since the landfall of Hurricane Fox in 1952. At the time, the hurricane's minimum barometric pressure was {{convert|950|mbar|hPa inHg|abbr=on}}. Over Cuba, Michelle's center of circulation was significantly disrupted, and as a result the hurricane decreased in intensity; by the time it had emerged into the Atlantic Ocean on November 5, winds were only estimated at {{convert|90|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} Southwesterly wind shear further inhibited any additional tropical development, and as such Michelle began to transition into an extratropical cyclone.{{cite web|title=Hurricane Michelle Discussion Number 27series=National Hurricane Center Tropical Cyclone Advisory Discussions|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al152001.discus.027.html|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|access-date=20 June 2013|author=Stewart, Stacy R.|location=Miami, Florida|date=November 5, 2001}} That day, the weakening hurricane made landfalls over Andros Island and Eleuthera Island before becoming fully extratropical by 0000 UTC on November 6, while still maintaining hurricane-force winds. The extratropical system persisted for roughly 18 more hours before it was absorbed by an approaching cold front.

File:Hurricane Michelle Warnings 4 Nov 2001 Adv 25.GIF

As Hurricane Michelle approached the Cuban coast, the government of Cuba issued a hurricane watch for the western Cuban provinces of Pinar del Río, La Habana, Matanzas, and Isla de la Juventud at 2100 UTC on November 1.{{cite web|title=Tropical Storm Michelle Forecast/Advisory Number 13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/mar/al152001.fstadv.013.html|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|access-date=20 June 2013|author=Franklin, James|location=Miami, Florida|date=November 1, 2001}} The following day, the same hurricane watch was extended eastward to include all provinces from Pinar del Río to Ciego de Ávila;{{cite web|title=Hurricane Michelle Forecast/Advisory Number 18|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/mar/al152001.fstadv.018.html|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|access-date=20 June 2013|author=Avila, Lixion A.|location=Miami, Florida|date=November 3, 2001}} all hurricane watches in Cuba were upgraded to hurricane warnings at 1100 UTC on November 3.{{cite web|title=Hurricane Michelle Forecast/Advisory Number 19|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/mar/al152001.fstadv.019.html|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|access-date=20 June 2013|author=Beven, Jack|location=Miami, Florida|date=November 3, 2001}} All warnings in Cuba were discontinued once Michelle began to accelerate out to sea at 1200 UTC on November 5.

Prior to reaching the coast, Michelle was expected to be the strongest Cuban tropical cyclone in at least 75 years. The Cuban Red Cross deployed 24,500 volunteers across Cuba to assist civil defense teams in evacuation procedures for potentially affected populations. By November 4, an estimated 590,000 people were evacuated across the country, including 80 percent of the population of the province of Pinar del Río.{{cite web|title=590,000 People evacuated as Hurricane Michelle heads for Cuba|url=http://www.ifrc.org/en/news-and-media/press-releases/americas/cuba/590000-people-evacuated-as-hurricane-michelle-heads-for-cuba/|publisher=International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies|access-date=21 June 2013|date=November 4, 2001}} In Havana, authorities evacuated 150,000 people. Coastal tourist resorts were cleared, and 35,500 students were evacuated out of camps hosted on the Zapata Peninsula.{{cite web|title=Thousands Evacuated as Monster Hurricane Michelle Heads for Cuba|url=http://www.albawaba.com/news/thousands-evacuated-monster-hurricane-michelle-heads-cuba|publisher=Al Bawaba News|access-date=21 June 2013|date=November 4, 2001}} On Cuba's southwestern islands including Cayo Largo and Isla de la Juventud, 500 tourists were evacuated. The entire population of Surgidero de Batabanó was evacuated.{{cite news|title=Cuba Braces for Impact of Hurricane Michelle|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/04/world/cuba-braces-for-impact-of-hurricane-michelle.html|access-date=21 June 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=November 3, 2001|agency=The New York Times|location=New York, New York}} In addition to the evacuations, the government sent food, water, and medicine supplies to areas south of the capital. All domestic and international flights to and from the country were cancelled.

At 17:00 UTC on November 1, a tropical storm watch was issued for Grand Cayman Island. Three hours prior, the National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning in conjunction with a hurricane watch for areas of the Florida Keys from Ocean Reef, Florida to the Dry Tortugas. At 03:00 UTC on November 4, a hurricane watch was issued for areas of the northwestern and central Bahamas. At the same time, a new tropical storm warning was issued for the east coast of Florida between Jupiter Inlet and Ocean Reef, and for the state's western coast south of Bonita Beach. At 06:00 UTC, the tropical storm watch for Grand Cayman was upgraded and extended to include the entirety of the Cayman Islands. Six hours later, the hurricane watch for the Florida Keys was upgraded to warning status. Early the next day, a hurricane watch was issued for Bermuda after Michelle made its final Cuban landfall. Meanwhile, the tropical storm warning issued for the Cayman Islands was discontinued. As Michelle accelerated away from landmasses, warnings and watches were discontinued. All tropical cyclone warnings in the United States were discontinued by 21:00 UTC that day. At the same time, however, the hurricane watch for Bermuda was changed to a tropical storm warning; this warning was sustained for a day before being discontinued, shortly after all warnings in the Bahamas were also discontinued.

Hurricane Michelle brought torrential rains along its path through the western Caribbean Sea, killing 22 people and causing extensive damage in Central America and Cuba.

As the precursor tropical wave to Michelle drifted through the western Caribbean Sea, it produced torrential rainfall on the island of Jamaica, causing widespread flooding. Several residences on Annotto Bay and Port Maria were flooded. As a result, 163 evacuees sought shelter in locations in Annotto Bay. In Portland, a shelter was opened for effected populations;{{cite report|title=Flash flooding news release #7|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/jamaica/flash-flooding-news-release-7|type=Situation Report|publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=21 June 2013|author=Government of Jamaica|date=October 30, 2001}} in the same parish, six homes were swept away from their foundations.{{cite report|title=Flash flooding news release #9|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/jamaica/flash-flooding-news-release-9|type=Situation Report|publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=21 June 2013|author=Government of Jamaica|date=October 30, 2001}} In the parishes of Saint Catherine, Saint Andrew, and Saint Ann, several roads were blocked by debris. The Jamaican National Works Agency (NWA) worked to clear the road debris. The blocked roads isolated seven Jamaican villages for an extended period of time.{{cite report|title=Flash flooding news release #10|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/jamaica/flash-flooding-news-release-10|type=Situation Report|publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=21 June 2013|author=Government of Jamaica|date=October 31, 2001}}

After tropical cyclogenesis, Michelle passed to the northwest of Jamaica, producing additional rainfall. In a 48-hour period beginning on October 29, a location measured {{convert|41.65|in|mm}}, denoting an average rainfall rate of {{convert|0.86|in|mm}} per hour.{{cite report|url=http://www.mona.uwi.edu/cardin/virtual_library/docs/1139/1139.pdf|title=Assessment of Rainfall Characteristics and Landslide Hazards in Jamaica|author=Ahmad, Rafi; Brown, Lawrence; Jamaica National Meteorological Service|publisher=University of Wisconsin|page=24|date=January 1, 2010|access-date=6 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015154045/http://www.mona.uwi.edu/cardin/virtual_library/docs/1139/1139.pdf|archive-date=15 October 2014|url-status=dead}} Many other locations reported high rainfall totals over a ten-day period throughout Michelle's passage near Jamaica. Near Spur Tree Hill, an oil spill resulted from the flooding. Roads that were previously cleaned of debris a few days prior were covered again by the additional rainfall. The rains also disrupted the country's communication and electrical grid, leaving 6,000 homes without power in affected regions. The widespread power outages in conjunction with invasive floodwaters also caused the cessation of 31 water plants run by the National Water Commission. Overall, 30 homes were destroyed by flooding caused by Michelle as it passed to the northwest. Extensive damage was reported to small livestock, bananas, plantains, vegetables, and coffee.{{cite report|title=Flash flooding in Jamaica: Situation report #1|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/jamaica/flash-flooding-news-release-10|type=Situation Report|publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=21 June 2013|author=Government of Jamaica|date=October 31, 2001}} Coffee crops were severely affected in Portland and Saint Andrew Parishes, with losses calculated at J$102.6 million (US$2.2 million). Roughly {{convert|400|acre|ha|abbr=off}} of banana plantations were damaged over four parishes, amounting to J$18.2 million (US$400,000) in damage. The plantain crop, mostly grown for domestic usage, suffered extensive damage valued at J$22 million (US$480,000). Losses sustained to livestock were estimated at J$30.8 million (US$670,000).

Overall, floods caused widespread damage throughout Jamaica. The watersheds of the Spanish and Swift Rivers were the worst affected areas. Near the coast, the rivers began to overflow due to excess floodwater, eroding beach roads and three major highways. In Portland Parish, the rains caused numerous landslides. In the community of Bybrook alone, it was estimated that roughly {{convert|7,000,000|ft3|m3|abbr=on}} of material was deposited in the village. An assessment of the damage concluded that 500 homes were destroyed beyond repair, while an additional 561 homes were at least damaged by the floods and heavy rain. While one school was damaged solely by the floods, six other schools were damaged due to their use as shelters.{{cite report|title=Jamaica: Assessment Of The Damage Caused By Flood Rains And Landslides In Association With Hurricane Michelle, October 2001|url=http://www.eclac.org/publicaciones/xml/4/9884/carg0672.pdf|publisher=Economic Commission For Latin America and the Caribbean|access-date=21 June 2013|author=Caribbean Development And Cooperation Committee|date=December 7, 2001}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Damage on Jamaica due to Michelle totaled $18 million, of which $11.8 million was due to crop and livestock losses. Damage to bridges alone totaled J$143.7 million (US$3.1 million). Five fatalities were also confirmed, and 340 people were displaced from their homes.{{cite web|title=2001 Global Register of Extreme Flood Events|url=http://www.dartmouth.edu/~floods/Archives/2001sum.htm|work=Dartmouth Flood Observatory's Active Archive of Large Floods|publisher=Dartmouth College|access-date=21 June 2013|author=Dartmouth Flood Observatory|date=January 25, 2002|archive-date=16 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116182727/http://www.dartmouth.edu/~floods/Archives/2001sum.htm|url-status=dead}}

File:Tropical Depression Fifteen 30 Oct 2001.png on October 30]]

In its early developmental stages as a tropical depression, Michelle drifted over areas of Central America for roughly 36 hours, dropping torrential rainfall and causing widespread flooding in areas affected by Hurricane Mitch almost exactly three years prior. The hardest hit region was Gracias a Dios Department in northeastern Honduras, where at one point 100 villages were isolated by the floods. The torrential rainfall caused the displacement of at least 100,000 people from their residences. Across Central America, over 27,300 people were evacuated from flooded areas.{{cite news|title=Eight dead, 19 missing in Central American torrential rains|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/costa-rica/eight-dead-19-missing-central-american-torrential-rains|access-date=22 June 2013|date=October 31, 2001|agency=Agence France-Pesse|location=San Jose, Costa Rica}}

In Honduras, the floods damaged 245 homes, resulting in the displacement of 4,393 people across the country. Six bridges sustained at least partial damage, of which three were destroyed. As a result of the damage, the government of Honduras declared a state of emergency for five departments – Colón, Atlántida, Yoro, Cortés, and Santa Bárbara.{{cite report|type=Situation Report|title=UNICEF Honduras flood emergency update 30 Oct 2001|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/honduras/unicef-honduras-flood-emergency-update-30-oct-2001|publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=22 June 2013|author=UN Children's Fund|date=October 30, 2001}} The floods caused by Michelle were further exacerbated by a cold front which lingered over the region, dropping additional rainfall. Of the affected departments, Yoro was the most affected, with no supply of drinkable water and electricity following the flooding.{{cite report|type=Situation Report|title=Caribbean: Tropical Depression Fifteen OCHA Situation Report No. 1|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/honduras/caribbean-tropical-depression-fifteen-ocha-situation-report-no-1|publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=22 June 2013|author=UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs|date=October 31, 2001}} Near Yoro, a bridge crossing the Cuyamapa River collapsed due to the floodwaters.{{cite web|type=Situation Report|title=UMCOR Hotline 02 Nov 2001: Massive flooding afflicts Central America|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/honduras/umcor-hotline-02-nov-2001-massive-flooding-afflicts-central-america|publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=22 June 2013|author=Jeffrey, Paul|date=November 2, 2001}} Despite the heavy rainfall, areas of Honduras suffering from a prolonged drought did not receive beneficial rainfall.{{cite report|type=Situation Report|title=WFP ODM Emergency situation report 31 Oct 2001|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/belize/wfp-odm-emergency-situation-report-31-oct-2001|publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=22 June 2013|author=World Food Programme|date=October 31, 2001}} Overall, the floods in Honduras killed 21 people and caused $5 million in damage.{{cite web|title=EM-DAT Disaster List |url=http://www.emdat.be/disaster-list |publisher=Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters |access-date=22 June 2013 |author=Emergency Events Database |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923101618/http://www.emdat.be/disaster-list |archive-date=23 September 2010 }} Thirty-five of the country's water systems were destroyed. The rains also caused the loss of 70 percent of bean crops.{{cite news|title=Tropical storm Michelle triples the rainfall brought by Hurricane Mitch|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/honduras/tropical-storm-michelle-triples-rainfall-brought-hurricane-mitch|access-date=22 June 2013|date=November 2, 2001|author=Figueroa, Jose|agency=World Vision}}

Although the precursor to Michelle remained stationary primarily over Nicaragua, damage was not as significant as in Honduras due to the storm's displacement of convection to the north. Nonetheless, floods still isolated villages and other communities in the Nicaraguan districts of Bonaza, Rosita, Siuna, Puerto Cabezas, Waspam, and to a lesser extent, Prinzapolka. In those areas, roads and bridges were damaged, and in some cases, destroyed. The heavy rains also damaged crops. Due to the rains, an estimated 6,000 people evacuated from their homes. The port city of Puerto Cabezas was partially flooded.{{cite report|type=Situation Report|title=Tropical Storm Michelle forms in Caribbean after pounding Honduras|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/honduras/tropical-storm-michelle-forms-caribbean-after-pounding-honduras|publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=22 June 2013|author=Ward, Christina|author2=American Red Cross|date=November 1, 2001}} As a result of Michelle, a total of 16 deaths were confirmed, and damage in the country was estimated at $1 million. In Costa Rica, Michelle caused anomalously high rainfall, resulting in flooding.{{cite news|title=Tropical depression causing floods in Costa Rica|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/costa-rica/tropical-depression-causing-floods-costa-rica|access-date=25 June 2013|date=November 2, 2001|author=Peeters, Nadia|agency=World Vision}} Overall, damage in Costa Rica totaled $1 million, though no deaths were reported.

In early November, Hurricane Michelle brought heavy surf, storm surge, and flooding to the Cayman Islands. Of the islands in the archipelago, Grand Cayman experienced the worst effects from Michelle, particularly along the island's west coast. Rainfall peaked at {{convert|6.52|in|mm|abbr=on}} in Grand Cayman; the same station recorded a peak wind gust of {{convert|44|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. The rains caused localized flooding in the western and southern portions of the island.{{cite report|type=Situation Report|title=PAHO Hurricane Michelle situation report: Bahamas, Honduras, Nicaragua, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Cuba|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/bahamas/paho-hurricane-michelle-situation-report-bahamas-honduras-nicaragua-cayman-islands|publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=24 June 2013|author=Pan American Health Organization|date=November 8, 2001}} Another weather station in Cayman Brac observed a peak wind gust of {{convert|40|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Overall, damage from the Cayman Islands totaled $60 million.

{{Costliest Cuban hurricanes|align=right}}

In Cuba, about 750,000 people and 741,000 animals were evacuated prior to the hurricane's arrival.[http://wwwnotes.reliefweb.int/w/rwb.nsf/480fa8736b88bbc3c12564f6004c8ad5/f710706ed85f3bb785256afc006e4f92?OpenDocument Cuba News Reports] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060405004354/http://wwwnotes.reliefweb.int/w/rwb.nsf/480fa8736b88bbc3c12564f6004c8ad5/f710706ed85f3bb785256afc006e4f92?OpenDocument |date=2006-04-05 }} Hurricane Michelle quickly crossed the island as a Category 4 hurricane, the strongest since 1952's Hurricane Fox. To the south of Cuba, Cayo Largo del Sur received a 9–10 foot storm surge, inundating the entire island with water. Closer to Cuba, the Isle of Youth experienced {{convert|11.83|in|mm}} of rain with {{convert|15|ft|m|adj=on}} waves, causing extensive power outages and flooding.

On the coast of western and southern Cuba, Michelle produced 4–5 foot waves, along with a heavy storm surge. Rainfall amounts up to 754 mm/29.69 inches were recorded across the island. In addition, 300 mm/11.83 inches was reported at Punta del Este. The provinces of Matanzas, Villa Clara, and Cienfuegos were hardest hit, where 10,000 homes were destroyed and another 100,000 damaged. Severe damage was also reported to the sugar cane and in the tourist town of Varadero. In Havana, winds and rain destroyed 23 buildings, with many others damaged. Due to well-executed warnings and evacuations, only 5 people were killed in Cuba.[http://www.cuba-junky.com/cuba/hurricane.htm Historic Cuba Hurricanes] The Category 4 hurricane caused US$1.8 billion in damage.

{{Wettest tropical cyclones in the Bahamas}}

The United States offered aid to the island, an act it had done in the past despite a political embargo.[http://wwwnotes.reliefweb.int/w/rwb.nsf/480fa8736b88bbc3c12564f6004c8ad5/e2d3e4ae586c2ce885256afd00720b75?OpenDocument U.S. Aid] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060405004349/http://wwwnotes.reliefweb.int/w/rwb.nsf/480fa8736b88bbc3c12564f6004c8ad5/e2d3e4ae586c2ce885256afd00720b75?OpenDocument |date=2006-04-05 }} President Fidel Castro refused, believing his country would survive with enough resources for the reconstruction process.[http://wwwnotes.reliefweb.int/w/rwb.nsf/480fa8736b88bbc3c12564f6004c8ad5/94987f742181f60b85256afc006ad1af?OpenDocument Cuba Refuses Aid] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060405004342/http://wwwnotes.reliefweb.int/w/rwb.nsf/480fa8736b88bbc3c12564f6004c8ad5/94987f742181f60b85256afc006ad1af?OpenDocument |date=2006-04-05 }}

Image:Michelle2001rain.gif

Severe beach erosion due to increased swells over several days took place from Hollywood Beach to Hallandale Beach. At high tide on November 4, water topped the seawall, damaging it and nearby structures leaving $20,000 in damages. The cost to restore the beaches was estimated at $10 million.{{cite web|author=Stuart Hinson|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2002|access-date=June 22, 2009|title=Florida Event Report: Coastal Flooding|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~418569}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The highest winds in relation to the storm were recorded in Sombrero Key; sustained winds reached {{convert|49|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and gusts reached {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|author=Stuart Hinson|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2002|access-date=June 22, 2009|title=Florida Event Report: Hurricane|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~418570}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} A storm surge of {{convert|1|to|2|ft|m|abbr=on}} was recorded along the southeast coastline of Florida. Damages from the hurricane amounted to $50,000.

Two tornadoes touched down in the state within the outer bands of the hurricane.{{cite web|author=Stuart Hinson|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2002|access-date=June 22, 2009|title=Florida Event Report: Hurricane|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~418571}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The first formed as a waterspout and moved onshore near Bill Baggs Beach and destroyed two Chikee huts, costing $6,000, warranting F0 intensity, before dissipating.{{cite web|author=Stuart Hinson|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2002|access-date=June 22, 2009|title=Florida Event Report: F0 Tornado|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~418572}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The second and stronger of the two tornadoes, rated F1, tracked for {{convert|2|mi|km|abbr=on}} in Palm Beach County. Windows were blown out of vehicles and buildings, trees and signs were downed and a small area of sugar cane was leveled by the tornado. Damages from the tornado amounted to $10,000.{{cite web|author=Stuart Hinson|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2002|access-date=June 22, 2009|title=Florida Event Report: F1 Tornado|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~418573}} A NOAA WP-3D Orion hurricane hunter aircraft was damaged during a mission into the storm.

Because Hurricane Michelle was weakened and moving rapidly as it moved through the Bahamas, no deaths or injuries were reported. The hurricane still retained some of its strength, and caused {{convert|12.64|in|mm}} of rain in Nassau, while New Providence received a storm surge of 5–8 feet. Flooding was reported throughout the archipelago and high winds downed numerous trees, resulting in 200,000 power outages. A few homes sustained roof damage and the roof a shopping center in Nassau was blown into a nearby funeral home.{{cite web|author=Masoud M. Zadeh, Ph.D., P.E.|publisher=K2 Technologies, Inc|date=November 8, 2001|access-date=June 22, 2009|title=Hurricane Michelle|url=http://www.benfieldgroup.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/Benfield_V1/Research%20Report/HurricaneMichelle.pdf}}{{Dead link|date=January 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The radio tower of the station MORE FM was snapped in half by high winds, resulting in a severe disruption of radio broadcasts.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=USA Today|date=November 6, 2001|access-date=June 22, 2009|title=Hurricane crosses Bahamas after killing 5 in Cuba|url=https://www.usatoday.com/weather/hurricane/2001/atlantic/michelle/2001-11-05-michelle-bahamas.htm}}

Ships carrying tons of frozen chicken legs and corn arrived in Havana's harbor on December 16, to aid in the recovery of Cuba from Hurricane Michelle. The shipments are part of a one-time $30 million purchase of U.S. food by the Cuban government to assist in the country's present food shortage.{{cite web|author=Stephanie Kriner|title=November storm leaves Cuba dependent on outsiders|date=2001-12-18|publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=2011-03-02|url=http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/ACOS-64BN3A?OpenDocument}}

The Cuban government refused an initial U.S. offer of humanitarian assistance, but accepted a proposal to purchase the goods instead. Although the United States has maintained an economic embargo on Cuba for decades, U.S. law does allow shipments of food and medicine to the communist-controlled island. But until now the Cuban government has refused to buy American food because of the restrictions, including a ban on direct U.S. financing of food sales.

Other aid from the international community is helping Cuba survive Michelle's aftermath. Cuba was promised $600,000 in aid from Chinese leader Li Peng, who was visiting when the hurricane struck. Venezuela also sent humanitarian assistance.

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

Because of the significant damage and number of deaths in Cuba, the name Michelle was retired in the spring of 2002 by the World Meteorological Organization, and will never again be used for a North Atlantic tropical cyclone. The name was replaced with Melissa for the 2007 season.{{cite report|title=Regional Association IV (North America, Central America and the Caribbean) Hurricane Operational Plan|work=Tropical Cyclone Programme|year=2007|page=9{{hyphen}}1|url=https://www.preventionweb.net/files/5593_RAIVHurricaneOperationalPlan.pdf|publisher=World Meteorological Organization|location=Geneva, Switzerland|access-date=April 10, 2024|archive-date=February 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214054209/https://www.preventionweb.net/files/5593_RAIVHurricaneOperationalPlan.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite report|url=https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/Publications/NatHurricaneOpsPlans/HOPs-P12-2002.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 2002|access-date=April 10, 2024}}

{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}

• Tropical cyclones in 2001
• List of wettest tropical cyclones in Cuba
• List of Cuba hurricanes
• List of Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes
• 1932 Cuba hurricane – Late-season Category 5 which became one of the deadliest hurricanes in recorded history after striking Cuba
• Hurricane Fox (1952) – A destructive Category 4 hurricane which had a similar track and strength, also affecting the same areas as Michelle
• Hurricane Kate (1985) – Another late-season major hurricane that caused extensive damage to areas of Cuba after making landfall as a Category 2 hurricane
• Hurricane Paloma (2008) – Powerful November major hurricane which caused significant damage to portions of Cuba
• Hurricane Rafael (2024) – made landfall in Cuba at Category 3, becoming the first November major hurricane to do so since Michelle

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{{Commons category}}

• [https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL152001_Michelle.pdf NHC Michelle Report]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195821/http://wwwnotes.reliefweb.int/w/rwb.nsf/vLND/013F6D830815015CC1256AF8005F2438?OpenDocument&StartKey=Caribbean:+Hurricane+Michelle+-+Nov+2001&ExpandView Michelle News Reports]

{{Retired Atlantic hurricanes}}

{{Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes}}

{{2001 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}}

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Category:2001 Atlantic hurricane season

Category:Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes

Category:Hurricanes in Cuba

Category:Retired Atlantic hurricanes

Category:2001 in Cuba

Category:Tropical cyclones in 2001