  hurricane alex was the first named storm, the first hurricane, and the first major hurricane of the 2004 atlantic hurricane season. the first storm of the season, alex formed unusually late in the season; the fifth latest since 1954. it developed from the interaction between an upper-level low and a weak surface trough on july 31 to the east of jacksonville, florida. it moved northeastward, and strengthened to attain winds of 100&nbsp;mph (160&nbsp;km/h) before passing within 10&nbsp;miles (16&nbsp;km) of the outer banks coast. alex strengthened further and reached a peak of 120&nbsp;mph (190&nbsp;km/h) winds while off the coast of new england, one of only two hurricanes to reach category 3 status north of 38Â°&nbsp;n. alex caused a scare of a hurricane-force direct hit in the outer banks of north carolina, which had been devastated by hurricane isabel less than a year earlier. the hurricane produced light damage in the outer banks, primarily from flooding and high winds. over 100&nbsp;houses were damaged, while numerous cars were disabled from the flooding. damage totaled about $7.5&nbsp;million (2004&nbsp;usd). alex produced strong waves and rip tides along the east coast of the united states, causing one death and several injuries. ==meteorological history==  a weak surface trough, located to the west of an upper-level low, developed convection to the east of the bahamas on july 26. a tropical wave entered the area two days later, resulting in an increase of convective organization and area. although conditions were not favorable for tropical cyclone formation, it sped to the northwest and steadily organized, developing a surface area of low pressure on the 30th. on july 31, the system continued to organize, and developed into tropical depression one while located 200&nbsp;miles (320&nbsp;km) to the east of jacksonville, florida.{{cite web|author=james l. franklin|title=hurricane a
2004_Atlantic_hurricane_season 2004_natural_disasters_in_the_United_States Category_3_Atlantic_hurricanes Hurricanes_in_North_Carolina