page_title: Tropical Storm Dean (2001)
section_title: Caribbean
hierarchical_section_title: Tropical Storm Dean (2001) / Impact and preparations / Caribbean
caption_attribution_description: Tropical Storm Dean shortly after forming near the Lesser Antilles
context_page_description: Tropical Storm Dean was a strong tropical storm that affected at least twelve islands along its path from the tropical Atlantic Ocean to east of Atlantic Canada in August 2001. Dean developed from a tropical wave on August 22 over the Lesser Antilles, and was initially predicted to intensify further to reach hurricane status. However, strong wind shear quickly weakened Dean to cause it to dissipate on August 23. The remnants turned northward, and redeveloped on August 26 to the north of Bermuda. Located over warm waters and in an area of favorable conditions, Dean steadily strengthened while moving to the northeast, and peaked just below hurricane status on August 27 about 465 miles southwest of Newfoundland. The storm subsequently weakened over cooler waters, and became extratropical on August 28.
  The precursor tropical wave dropped heavy rainfall and produced moderate winds throughout the Lesser Antilles, though no serious damage was reported. In Puerto Rico, rainfall of up to 12.7 inches produced widespread flooding across the island. Thousands were left without power or water, and two houses lost their roofs from the storm.
context_section_description: About a day before Dean developed, the National Hurricane Center advised interests in the northern and central Lesser Antilles to monitor the progress of the storm. Routine statements issued by the National Hurricane Center warned for the possibility of strong winds and heavy rains. However, because Dean formed after it passed the islands, no tropical cyclone warnings or watches were issued. The precursor disturbance dropped heavy rainfall on Saint Martin of around 5 inches (129 mm). 
  The precursor disturbance to Tropical Storm Dean produced 1.07 inches (27 mm) of rain in Saint Thomas, where winds reached 40 mph (64 km/h) with gusts to 48 mph (77 km/h). On Saint Croix, the system produced 0.49 inches (12 mm) of rain and peak wind gusts of 47 mph (76 km/h). There, minor flooding was reported. Moderate wind gusts downed small trees and branches in Saint Croix and Saint John, and some roads were damaged in Saint John, as well. Heavy rains and gusty winds caused power outages throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. The passage of Tropical Storm Dean resulted in minor damage totaling to $20,000 (2001 USD, $24,400 2008 USD).
  Tropical Storm Dean dropped heavy rainfall across Puerto Rico, peaking at 12.7 inches (322 mm) in Salinas. Winds were generally light across the island. The passage of Dean resulted in widespread flooding in eastern and southern Puerto Rico, collapsing two bridges and one road. Several highways were under water, and one car was swept away by the floodwaters. The four inside the vehicle were later rescued and unharmed. Throughout the island, about 1,320 houses were flooded, and two houses experienced collapsed roofs. The rains left various towns without power or water. By the night after the storm passed the island, more than 16,000 were without power, while almost 70,000 lacked potable water. Over 130 people were evacuated from low-lying areas to hurricane shelters.
  Two people were injured in Peñuelas, and three were injured in Nagüabo when the ceiling of a day care center collapsed, though no deaths occurred on the island. One airline canceled seventeen flights in and out of the island, and one cruise line was required to alter its path to both Dean and earlier due to Tropical Storm Chantal. Damage in Puerto Rico totaled to $7.7 million (2001 USD, $9.4 million 2008 USD), of which $2.1 million (2001 USD, $2.6 million 2008 USD) was from agricultural damage.
caption: Tropical Storm Dean shortly after formation on August 22
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