&sq=Envato&lang=en&file=File:Earl_2004-08-15.jpg) Tropical Storm Earl shortly after peak intensity on August 15 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | August 13, 2004 |
| Dissipated | August 15, 2004 |
| Tropical storm | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 50 mph (85 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 1009 mbar (hPa); 29.80 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 1 direct |
| Missing | 19 |
| Damage | None |
| Areas affected | Windward Islands |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Tropical Storm Earl caused minor damage in the Windward Islands in mid-August 2004. The fifth tropical cyclone and named storm of the annual hurricane season, Earl developed on August 13 from a tropical wave centered well east of the Lesser Antilles. The depression gradually organized as it tracked west-northwestward and was upgraded to Tropical Storm Earl roughly a day after genesis. As the system approached the Windward Islands it continued to slowly strengthen, peaking as a 50 mph (85 km/h) tropical storm early on August 15. However, the system unexpectedly degenerated into a tropical wave that afternoon, likely due to its fast forward motion. The remnants of Earl continued across the Caribbean Sea and eventually re-developed into Hurricane Frank in the eastern Pacific Ocean on August 23.
Gusty winds in Grenada damaged at least 34 roofs and knocked down twelve trees and six electrical poles. Additionally, a nursing home on the island was evacuated due to significant structural damage. Two houses lost their roofs in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, while moderate crop damage was reported on the island. Downed trees and power lines in Tobago left 90% of the island without electricity. Overall, Earl was responsible for one fatality, nineteen missing, and an unknown amount of damage.