On December 20, 1984, Hurricane Lili was tracked in the Atlantic Basin despite the typical conclusion of the hurricane season. Originally a tropical storm forming northeast of Bermuda, it was upgraded to a hurricane shortly after. Lili underwent rapid weakening due to shearing winds, dissipating by Christmas Eve. Its impacts were minor, contributing to only light rainfall over Hispaniola, highlighting the rarity of December hurricanes as documented by NOAA.
Typically, by late December, the hurricane season is considered over for most, except for those grappling with recovery efforts. However, on December 20, 1984, meteorologists were actively monitoring a hurricane in the Atlantic Basin. This storm, originally known as Tropical Storm Lili, had originated northeast of Bermuda the prior week. Over the span of eight days, Lili traversed an unusual U-shaped course through the central Atlantic before being upgraded to hurricane status on December 20.
For a brief period of just under three days, Lili maintained hurricane status, resulting in a hurricane watch being issued for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Subsequently, the storm encountered increasing shearing winds, which contributed to its weakening. By Christmas Eve 1984, it had diminished to a tropical storm and ultimately a tropical depression, dissipating near the Dominican Republic.
Despite its weakening, Lili produced only minor impacts, resulting in mere showers and squalls over the region of Hispaniola. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), since the mid-19th century, only six other hurricanes have been recorded in December, with Alice in early January 1955 being the only one to significantly impact land; the others were predominantly confined to the central Atlantic, away from populated areas. This historical account underscores the rarity of December hurricanes and reinforces the need for continued vigilance during the extended hurricane season.
The article discusses the unusual occurrence of hurricanes in December, focusing specifically on Hurricane Lili, which was monitored on December 20, 1984. This hurricane deviated from the general expectation that hurricane season typically concludes by late November. The report highlights the storm’s trajectory, its impact on the Caribbean, and its significance within the context of historical weather patterns as documented by NOAA. The rarity of such events emphasizes the uniqueness of Lili compared to the general trend of hurricanes, which usually recede by this time of year.
In summary, the examination of Hurricane Lili illustrates the atypical occurrences of hurricanes in December, as noted by meteorologists. The storm’s brief transition from a tropical storm to hurricane status and its subsequent weakening prior to Christmas showcases the volatility of tropical weather systems. This case serves as a reminder that even during the off-season, vigilance is crucial as unpredictable weather can arise, potentially impacting communities.
Original Source: weather.com
