1985 Atlantic hurricane season

1985 Atlantic hurricane season
Season summary map
Seasonal boundaries
First system formed	July 15, 1985
Last system dissipated	December 9, 1985
Strongest storm
Name	Gloria
• Maximum winds	145 mph (230 km/h) (1-minute sustained)
• Lowest pressure	919 mbar (hPa; 27.14 inHg)
Seasonal statistics
Total depressions	14
Total storms	11
Hurricanes	7
Major hurricanes (Cat. 3+)	3
Total fatalities	60 total
Total damage	$4.52 billion (1985 USD)
Related articles
Timeline of the 1985 Atlantic hurricane season 1985 Pacific hurricane season 1985 Pacific typhoon season 1985 North Indian Ocean cyclone season
Atlantic hurricane seasons 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987

The 1985 Atlantic hurricane season had six United States landfalling hurricanes, tied with 1886 and 2020 for the highest number on record.^[1] The season officially began on June 1 and lasted until November 30.^[2] It was an average season, with 11 named storms developing. This was partially attributed to a La Niña – a meteorological phenomenon that produces favorable conditions across the Atlantic basin, such as lower wind shear and higher sea surface temperatures. The first storm, Ana, developed on July 15 near Bermuda and caused minor effects in Canada while transitioning into an extratropical cyclone. Three other tropical cyclones – Claudette, Henri, and Isabel – did not significantly affect land. Claudette developed offshore of the Southeastern United States and brushed Bermuda and the Azores. Henri and Isabel were dissipating as they approached land. However, the precursor of the latter caused a severe flood in Puerto Rico that killed 180 people. Additionally, Tropical Storm Fabian and three tropical depressions did not have any known impact on land.

Although several storms caused minimal effects, several tropical cyclones also left extensive impact. Hurricane Gloria, the strongest storm of the season, resulted in 14 fatalities and about $900 million (1985 USD) in damage in North Carolina, Virginia, the Mid-Atlantic, and New England. Hurricane Elena threatened the central Gulf Coast of the United States, then abruptly re-curved toward Florida. Unexpectedly, Elena doubled-back and struck Mississippi, resulting in two mass evacuations. The storm caused $1.3 billion in losses, with most of the damage in Louisiana and Mississippi. Similarly, Hurricane Juan caused $1.5 billion in damage due to its erratic track offshore and across Louisiana. Three other tropical cyclones – Hurricanes Bob, Danny, and Kate – caused moderate to extensive damage in Cuba and the United States. Overall, the tropical cyclones of this season collectively caused over $4.52 billion in damage and 60 deaths.