Tropical Storm Beryl (1982)

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale

Map key

Saffir–Simpson scale

  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown

Storm type

Tropical cyclone

Subtropical cyclone

Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

Tropical Storm Beryl originated from a well developed tropical wave which was first noted off the eastern coast of Africa on August 27. The wave quickly organized and strengthened into Tropical Depression Two on the morning of August 28. The depression continued to intensify while moving towards the west-northwest, and was upgraded to a tropical storm that night, receiving the name Beryl. Tropical Storm Beryl that night while moving towards the west-northwest. On the morning of August 29, Beryl passed about 35 mi (55 km) south of the island of Brava, Cape Verde with winds of 45 mph (72 km/h). After passing by the Cape Verde Islands, Beryl gradually intensified while moving steadily towards the northwest. On August 31, satellites depicted an eye feature developing within the deep convection of the storm. However, there was uncertainty in the intensity of the storm as the Dvorak technique—a system used to estimate the intensity of a tropical cyclone—rendered a T4.2, which corresponds to an intensity of 80 mph (130 km/h). But, since the eye feature was located on the western side of the deep convection and the storm was slightly asymmetric, the intensity was held just below hurricane status.[1] Beryl peaked just below hurricane status, with winds reaching 70 mph (110 km/h), and a minimum central pressure of 988 millibars (29.2 inHg).[2] Only four hours later, strong wind shear from the west displaced the convection east of the center, leaving the low-level circulation exposed.[1] Beryl weakened to a tropical depression the next day due to the lack of convection. The depression continued moving towards the west for the next three days without reintensification. However, on September 5, a reconnaissance flight into the depression found winds of 65 mph (105 km/h). This was determined to have been unrepresentative of the storms actual intensity as it was recorded in a squall line, a band of heavy rain and high winds, associated with Beryl. The depression became disorganized once more and by September 6, it was no longer identifiable on satellites.[3]

While crossing through the Cape Verde islands, Beryl's rain and wind to caused moderate to heavy damage. The island of Brava, located on the southwest portion of the archipelago, was struck the hardest. In all, the storm killed 3 islanders and caused $3 million in damage (1982 USD).[4][5] In the period after the storm's passage, the United States provided humanitarian aid and economic assistance to the country, helping the archipelago to reverse the effects of Beryl.[6] Despite the death toll, the name Beryl was not retired and was re-used in 1988, 1994, 2000, 2006, 2012 and most recently in 2018 and is currently on the list of names for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.[7]

• Other storms named Beryl
• List of West Africa hurricanes
• Tropical Storm Christine (1973) – Easternmost-forming tropical or subtropical storm on record, until the formation of Subtropical Storm Alpha (2020)
• Hurricane Fred (2015) – Struck Cape Verde, causing significant damage

• NHC Beryl Report
• Deadliest Atlantic Tropical Cyclones
• Beryl Best Track