User:KingLucarius

Hurricane Michael was the 3rd Costliest and one of the 5 deadliest hurricanes in the history of the United States. It was also the 2nd strongest Atlantic Hurricane on record and the most powerful hurricane landfall in history. Michael formed on August 7th, causing widespread damage to much of the Caribbean, Puerto Rican, and Cuban islands, Florida, Georgia, Sweden, Ireland and Norway. The most severe damage was caused in Miami, Florida, due to Miami's low elevation and direct hit, it was the first city to be hit by the storm's eye. Michael was the thirteenth named storm, seventh hurricane, fourth major hurricane, and the second Category 5 Hurricane(followed by Tony, Sara and William).

The NOAA started monitoring a Tropical Wave, just off the African Coast, the evening of August 6th. Through that night, the wave became associated with a group of Thunderstorms, quickly organizing. On August 7th, at 2:30am, the system was then made Tropical Depression Sixteen, as the system headed West. Despite relatively unfavorable conditions, the system continued to develop, later becoming Tropical Storm Michael. Michael rapidly intensified, as it moved over warm waters, quickly becoming Hurricane Michael, developing a clear eye. On August 9th at 9:15am, the storm was upgraded to a major hurricane(Cat 3+) with speeds of 115 mph, heading on a still Western path at a very slow 6 mph. Because of both favorable conditions and slow movement, the storm would become a Category 4 Hurricane later that day. The storm gradually made its way west, strengthening noticeably. It had become a Category 5 Hurricane, while drowning the Caribbean, Puerto Rican and Cuban Islands in several inches of rain. Michael peaked at 190 mph, only 3 hours before hitting Florida. Michael moved upward through Florida, still holding a middle grade Category 4 status, using its massive size, to deliver many inches of rain to Georgia(primarily Atlanta). Michael made a turn towards Europe, intensifying into a Category 5 Hurricane, and back down as it traveled periodically into cooler waters. Michael hit Europe directly on multiple occasions as a category 3 hurricane, and then down to a category 2 hurricane. As it traveled through Europe(primarily Sweden and Norway), it gradually dissipated, officially losing hurricane status on August 31st. Over the next few hours, it became a Tropical Depression. Michael became a remnant low later that night. Michael's remnants split into 3 parts, the first stalling out over northern Sweden, another drifting into Russia, and was last distinguished at 1:15am, September 1st. The last drifted south, it was suspected to contribute to the devastating formation of Oscar later that month.

Michael caused catastrophic damage to many countries and states. Michael caused $121.8 USD billion, becoming the 2nd costliest Hurricane on record(behind Katrina who costed 125 billion). Michael put down over a foot of rain in parts of Florida and Puerto Rico. Michael caused 198 direct deaths and 2,200 indirect. Michael also became the first hurricane to strike a European country as a major hurricane.

Because, of catastrophic damage, widespread effects, death toll and sheer strength and size of the storm, Michael was retired along with Debbie(replaced by Deb), Gordon(replaced by Gord), Tony(replaced by Tommy) and Sara(replaced by Sammy), and will not be used for another Atlantic Hurricane. The name Michael will be replaced by Mike for the 2024 season.