Hurricane Zeta

**Hurricane Zeta** was the record-tying sixth hurricane to make landfall in the United States and the record fifth named storm to strike Louisiana in 2020. The system was also the first tropical cyclone since hurricane sandy in 2012 to produce accumulating snow and one of only four tropical cyclones since 1804 to do so. The twenty-seventh named storm and the eleventh hurricane of the exceptionally active 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, Zeta formed from a broad area of low pressure that formed in the western Caribbean Sea on October 19. After battling wind shear, the quasi-stationary low organized into *Tropical Depression Twenty-Eight* on October 24. The system strengthened into *Tropical Storm Zeta* early on October 25 before becoming a hurricane the next day as it began to move northwestward. Hurricane Zeta made landfall in the Yucatán Peninsula late on October 26 and weakened while inland to a tropical storm, before moving off the northern coast of the peninsula on October 27. After weakening due to dry air, Zeta reorganized and became a hurricane again, and eventually a Category 2 hurricane, as it turned northeastward approaching the U.S. Gulf Coast on October 28. It continued to strengthen until it reached its peak intensity of 110 mph (175 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 970 mbar (28.64 inHg) as it made landfall in Cocodrie, Louisiana, that evening. Zeta gradually weakened as it accelerated northeastward, and became post-tropical on October 29, as it moved through central Virginia. After bringing accumulating snow to parts of New England, Zeta accelerated across the north Atlantic, re-intensifying into a hurricane-force extratropical cyclone as it impacted the United Kingdom on November 1 and 2.

Numerous tropical cyclone watches and warnings were issued in areas that had already dealt with other tropical cyclones throughout the season, including Hurricane Delta, which took a near-identical track three weeks prior. States of emergencies were issued in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Heavy rain in Jamaica led to a landslide that killed a man and his daughter when it hit their family home on October 24. Strong winds and storm surge knocked down tree branches onto flooded streets in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, near where Zeta made landfall in Mexico. Heavy rain, storm surge, and strong winds also impacted the Southeastern United States and at least six fatalities have been confirmed in the region. Downed power lines and numerous crashes were a result in New England after the remnants of the system brought heavy accumulating snow to parts of New England. Overall, Zeta caused at least $3.6 billion in damage throughout its path: $3.5 billion in the United States and $50 million in the Caribbean.  The storm caused eight deaths: two in Jamaica due to a landslide, and six in the United States.

## Contents

* 1Meteorological history
* 2Preparations
	+ 2.1Cayman Islands and Jamaica
	+ 2.2Cuba
	+ 2.3Mexico
	+ 2.4United States
		- 2.4.1Louisiana
		- 2.4.2Mississippi
		- 2.4.3Alabama
		- 2.4.4Elsewhere
* 3Impact
	+ 3.1Cayman Islands and Jamaica
	+ 3.2Mexico
	+ 3.3United States
		- 3.3.1Louisiana
		- 3.3.2Mississippi
		- 3.3.3Alabama
		- 3.3.4East Coast of the United States
	+ 3.4United Kingdom
* 4See also
* 5References
* 6External links

## Meteorological history[edit]

Map plotting the track and the intensity of the storm, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
At 00:00 UTC on October 15, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) began to monitor the southern Caribbean Sea for the possible development of a broad area of low pressure over the region. By 18:00 UTC on October 19, a trough of low pressure had formed in the western Caribbean, but unfavorable upper-level winds hindered further development. An assessment of conditions on October 20 led the NHC to conclude by 18:00 UTC that the system had no chance of development. Three days later, however, new satellite images and radar data showed that the system, located just west of Grand Cayman Island at the time, was gradually becoming better defined. By 21:00 UTC on October 24, the system had organized enough to be designated as *Tropical Depression Twenty-Eight*. At 06:00 UTC the following morning, the depression strengthened into *Tropical Storm Zeta*, the earliest 27th Atlantic tropical or subtropical storm on record, surpassing the old mark of November 29 which was set by Hurricane Epsilon in 2005. After remaining nearly stationary for over a day, the storm began to move northwestward towards the Yucatán Peninsula. Zeta soon began to rapidly intensify, reaching just below hurricane strength before wind shear again disrupted its convective organization. However, this turned out to be short-lived as new burst of convection allowed Zeta to become a hurricane at 19:10 UTC on October 26. It reached its initial peak intensity as it made landfall north of Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico, at 04:00 UTC on October 27 with winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) and a 977 mbar (28.85 inHg) pressure, It initially remained well organized, although it weakened to a tropical storm as it continued over the Yucatán Peninsula. Zeta moved offshore of the northern coast of the peninsula by 15:00 UTC and continued moving northwestward.
Tropical Storm Zeta approaching the Yucatán Peninsula on October 26
Dry air wrapped around the northern half of Zeta's circulation, leaving the center exposed despite having a large amount of outflow surrounding it. The storm bottomed out at 65 mph (100 km/h) and 990 mbar (29.23 inHg) at 00:00 UTC on October 28; however, large bursts of convection were already reforming over the center and a ragged eye quickly formed. At 06:00 UTC, Zeta became a hurricane again as it began another rapid intensification phase. It then began to accelerate, turning towards the northeast because of a vigorous upper-level low over West Texas. It unexpectedly became a Category 2 hurricane at 18:00 UTC, rapidly strengthening in spite of marginally warm waters. It continued to strengthen until it reached its peak intensity of 110 mph (175 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 970 mbar (28.64 inHg) as it made landfall near Cocodrie, Louisiana, at 21:00 UTC. The storm began to gradually weaken as it moved directly over New Orleans and accelerated northeastward. By this point, Zeta had begun to merge with a large upper-level low over Oklahoma and weakened to Category 1 hurricane at 01:00 UTC on October 29, although it remained well-organized on satellite imagery. Zeta further weakened to a tropical storm over central Alabama at 06:00 UTC, as it accelerated northeastward to a speed of 48 mph (77 km/h), before transitioning into a post-tropical cyclone over central Virginia 12 hours later. Late on October 29, the extratropical remnants of Zeta moved quickly out over the Atlantic, bringing accumulating snow to parts of New England, and several days later brought squally weather to the United Kingdom.

## Preparations[edit]

Zeta was the third tropical cyclone of October 2020 to threaten Western Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula.

### Cayman Islands and Jamaica[edit]

Flash flood warnings were issued in parts of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, where a small craft warning was also issued in the latter.

### Cuba[edit]

Upon formation, a Tropical Storm Watch was issued for the province of Pinar del Río. This was upgraded to a warning soon after. However, the storm went a bit further south than expected, and no significant impacts were felt there.

### Mexico[edit]

In Quintana Roo, people were still recovering from Hurricane Delta, which hit the region about three weeks prior. The state government set up several shelters for residents and tourists, while transport was suspended.

### United States[edit]

Goes-16 imagery of Hurricane Zeta and the Southern Plains winter storm interacting on October 28
Hurricane watches were issued for eastern and central coastal Louisiana and coastal Mississippi. A tropical storm watch was also issued for areas east of Intracoastal City to Morgan City, Louisiana, as well as coastal Alabama. Storm surge watches were issued for the entire area as well. The western part of watches and warnings were trimmed as the storm approached and the forecast track became better established. Inland tropical storm warnings were issued as far north as southern Virginia. Two tornado watches were ultimately issued for this storm; they stretched from southeast Louisiana into southwestern Georgia. As the storm began to merge with a cold front, winter weather advisories were issued for inland New England with the threat of accumulating snow causing problems on roads.

#### Louisiana[edit]

On October 26, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards issued a state of emergency for the entire state. The town of Grand Isle issued a mandatory evacuation on October 27 as a voluntary evacuation was ordered for Jean Lafitte that same day. Tulane University moved classes to virtual learning on October 28, while also closing health centers on campus. Cleco employed more than 200 new workers to help restore power in the aftermath of Zeta. Several national park units were shut down to weather the storm.

#### Mississippi[edit]

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency ahead of Zeta on October 28. This was preceded by Hattiesburg and Forrest county's emergency declarations which were issued on October 27. Schools in Pascagoula, Gautier, Biloxi, and Long Beach were closed on October 28 and 29 although schools in Pascagoula and Gautier only had early releases on October 28.

#### Alabama[edit]

On October 27, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey issued a state of emergency. Baldwin EMC stocked on supplies and put extra crews on standby ahead of Zeta to help restore power in parts of the state.

#### Elsewhere[edit]

Tropical Storm Warnings were issued as far inland as the Carolinas and Virginia on October 28, with the likelihood of tropical-storm-force sustained winds and gusts likely in the areas.

After the storm moved offshore, the threat of blowing snow and other wintry weather in New England prompted Winter weather advisories for much of inland New England on October 29 and 30. The residents of the area were warned of slick roads and unsuitable driving conditions with the wintry weather.

## Impact[edit]

### Cayman Islands and Jamaica[edit]

A man and his daughter were killed in Jamaica after a landslide hit the family's home on October 24. The landslide was due to heavy rain likely from the precursor to Zeta. The precursor of Zeta caused J$2 billion (US$13.7 million) in infrastructural damage. Later, Eta also caused US$18 million to roads and US$13 million in agricultural losses.

### Mexico[edit]

Tree branches were littered across flooded streets in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, near where Zeta made landfall. However, Quintana Roo Governor Carlos Joaquin stated on Twitter that no major damage or casualties had been reported in the state. He also allowed airports and business to re-open just hours after landfall, but forced beaches to remain close until surf calmed. Damage in Quintana Roo was relatively minor, and only reached MX$4.1 million (US$195,000).

### United States[edit]

A number of tornado warnings were issued in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.

#### Louisiana[edit]

Zeta making landfall at peak intensity in Cocodrie, Louisiana as seen from the NWS New Orleans Nexrad radar and the International Space Station on October 28.

Sustained tropical storm force winds began spreading onshore in southeastern coast of Louisiana around 18:00 UTC on October 28. A sustained wind of 45 mph (72 km/h) was reported at Caillou Bay. Just after a landfall, a personal weather station at Golden Meadow reported winds of 83 mph with a gust to 105 mph while another unofficial weather station nearby reported sustained winds of 94 mph (151 km/h) and a gust to 110 mph (177 km/h). Additionally, a wind gust to 52 mph (84 km/h) was reported at Houma and a wind gust to 53 mph (85 km/h) was reported at New Orleans Lakefront Airport. A WeatherFlow station in Harahan reported sustained winds of 56 mph (90 km/h) and a gust to 75 mph (120 km/h) while an elevated station at Bayou Bienvenue south-southeast of New Orleans reported sustained winds of 88 mph (142 km/h) and a gust to 112 mph (180 km/h). Shell Beach reported sustained winds of 81 mph (130 km/h) with a gust to 101 mph (163 km/h).

A gas station was damaged in Grand Isle and a tree fell on a home in Chauvin. Numerous utility lines were downed in Houma and storm surge flooded LA 1 in Golden Meadow while also depositing a boat on it. The eye of Zeta moved directly over New Orleans, where winds gusted to 94 mph, a large tree was snapped in Bayou St. John, and a tree was blown down onto a car in the Garden District. The airport reported a pressure of 973 mb as the eye moved overhead. One person was hospitalized after a roof collapsed on a building in the city, and another person was also killed due to electrocution from downed power lines.

#### Mississippi[edit]

Early on October 28, a likely tornado damaged trees and power lines in Northern Harrison County. An EF1 tornado near Brooksville damaged several buildings as well. A National Ocean Service station at Waveland reported sustained winds of 80 mph (129 km/h) and a wind gust of 104 mph (167 km/h) as well as 8.16 feet (2.49 m) of storm surge. The storm surge flooded the parking garage at the Golden Nugget Casino, leaving several cars in the water. Several stations in the vicinity of Gulfport and Biloxi reported winds gusts of 75-100 mph (120–160 km/h). Northwest of Dixie, a wind gust of 56 mph (90 km/h) was recorded, while a 58 mph (93 km/h) gust was recorded northeast of town.

Trees were blown down on the east side of Marion County while more trees and power lines were blown down in Lamar County south of U.S. Route 98. Just south of Purvis, a tree fell through a home, causing a possible gas leak. A mobile home east-southeast of Maxie sustained roof damage. One death was recorded in Biloxi when a person was found dead on the Broadwater Marina, however, the cause of the death remains unknown.

#### Alabama[edit]

Strong winds impacted Mobile, which was still recovering from Hurricane Sally from the month prior. The Mobile Regional Airport reported sustained winds of 48 mph (78 km/h) and a wind gust of 91 mph (146 km/h). An observation at the USS Alabama reported sustained winds of 64 mph (103 km/h) while an observation at the Buccaneer Yacht Club reported a wind gust of 60 mph (97 km/h). An observation in Evergreen reported sustained winds of 41 mph (66 km/h) and a wind gust of 68 mph (109 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 988 mb was reported at the Demopolis Municipal Airport as Zeta passed nearby. A National Ocean Service station at the Bayou La Batre Bridge reported 6.89 feet (2.10 m) of storm surge as well. An observation in Wetumpka reported sustained winds of 44 mph (71 km/h). One person died when a tree fell on a mobile home in rural Clarke County.

#### East Coast of the United States[edit]

See also: 2020–21 North American winter § Post-Tropical Cyclone Zeta
Snow blanketing Lexington, MA after post-tropical cyclone Zeta came through the area
The precipitation in New England from Zeta on October 30 as seen on NWS Boston radar (top) and a snowfall map from Zeta showing snowfall amounts in southern New England (bottom).

After interacting and merging with the winter storm located over the Southern Plains, Zeta caused widespread wind damage throughout the rest of the Southeastern United States. A wind gust of 52 mph (84 km/h) was observed in Pensacola, Florida. Zeta crossed over Northern Georgia beginning at 05:00 UTC on October 29, causing major impacts, especially in Metro Atlanta. Wind gust was recorded to be up to 60 mph (97 km/h) on the Georgia/Alabama border, near Piedmont, Alabama. In Acworth, Georgia, a large oak tree was uprooted and fell on a mobile home, killing a man. Two other adults and a child were in the home at the time of the incident but were not injured. Two other people in Buford, Georgia, also died from a tree falling onto their house. Nearly a million people in Metro Atlanta were without power the morning after the storm. Thousands of people in Metro Atlanta were still without power four days after the storm, in addition to at least one polling location which was to be used for the 2020 elections, resulting in an emergency change in such locations.

In North Carolina, sustained tropical-storm force winds moved over the entire state. A sustained wind of 41 mph (67 km/h) and a gust to 82 mph (131 km/h) was reported at Cashiers while a sustained wind of 38 mph (61 km/h) and a gust to 51 mph (82 km/h) were reported at the Greensboro Piedmont Triad International Airport. A sustained wind of 51 mph (82 km/h) and a gust to 72 mph (116 km/h) was also reported at a station in Conway, to the east of Roanoke Rapids. As the storm raced offshore, a sustained wind of 39 mph (63 km/h) and a gust to 46 mph (74 km/h) was reported at Ocean City, Maryland.

In parts of southern New England and upstate New York, the remnants of post-tropical cyclone Zeta brought accumulating snow to the region, after interacting with a cold front also moving through. The highest amount of accumulation was 6.5 inches (16.51 cm) of snow recorded in Grafton, Massachusetts. This early-season snowstorm resulted in some downed tree branches in the region. The snowstorm also caused slippery road surfaces, leading to numerous crashes, some serious, in the state of Massachusetts.

### United Kingdom[edit]

The remnants of Hurricane Zeta crossed the United Kingdom on 1–2 November, less than a day after Storm Aiden had impacted the country. Due to the risk of further heavy rainfall across areas previously impacted by Aiden, the Environment Agency issued more than 40 flood alerts ahead of the arrival of Zeta's remnants. Zeta reintensified into a hurricane-force extratropical cyclone while centered off the western coast of Scotland on 1 November. Heavy rainfall resulted in the River Wharfe bursting its banks in West Yorkshire, flooding properties in the town of Otley as it peaked 3.5 m (11 ft) higher than average.

Zeta was responsible for flooding in north Wales after bringing prolonged heavy rainfall to the region. The village of Dolgarrog suffered extensive damage after flash flooding inundated the entire village, including Dolgarrog railway station, causing the suspension of services along the Conwy Valley line. In Betws-y-Coed, the A5 road was closed; the nearby Dolgellau Bypass was also closed due to flooding. Several rivers burst their banks, including the River Dee, causing damage in Bangor-on-Dee, Corwen, Llangollen and Wrexham. In Trefriw, officers from North Wales Police rescued several residents from flooded homes overnight.

High winds also caused disruption to transport. Along the A55 road in north Wales, speed restrictions were in place on the Britannia Bridge and around Conwy Tunnel, while Dyfi Bridge on the A487 was closed. The A525 was blocked by fallen trees. The M62 motorway was closed between Leeds and Manchester after high winds caused a lorry to overturn, landing on top of a van in the next lane. At Birmingham Airport,