Cape Verde Hurricanes List: 104 Hurricanes Listed

What is the Cape Verde hurricanes list? It’s more than just a catalog of storms—it’s a testament to the significant role this region plays in global weather patterns. This guide provides a comprehensive list of more than 100 hurricanes originating from Cape Verde as far back as the 1800’s.

Nestled off the northwest coast of Africa, the Cape Verde islands command the attention of meteorologists every hurricane season. These islands, with their unique positioning in the Atlantic Ocean, are often the birthplace of some of the Atlantic’s most powerful storms. 

The Formation and Path of Cape Verde Hurricanes

The term “Cape Verde hurricanes” may sound specific, but it refers to a vast and intense category of storms. Born from the tropical cyclone formations near the Cape Verde islands, these hurricanes often embark on long journeys across the Atlantic, drawing concern from meteorologists and coastal communities alike.

Cape Verde is also known as Cabo Verde, and is the preferred name for the islands. Learn more about the name change and the islands.

Unraveling the Forces Behind Cape Verde Hurricanes

These hurricanes benefit from a mixture of oceanic and atmospheric conditions around Cape Verde. Warm water temperatures act as fuel, while unique wind patterns provide the needed push. 

Over time, these conditions have given rise to countless formidable hurricanes. However, like all things in nature, there are variations, and shifts have been noted over the years. Some attribute these changes to broader global climate shifts, but the exact causality remains a subject of research.

Recalling the Wrath: Notable Cape Verde Hurricanes and Their Impact

The term “hurricane” often evokes images of swirling clouds, torrential rains, and devastating winds. Yet, not all hurricanes are born equal. Among them, the Cape Verde hurricanes, which initiate close to the Cape Verde islands, are especially notorious for their strength and potential to wreak havoc.

Remember Hurricane Irma? In 2017, it made headlines as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded, with sustained winds of 185 mph at its peak. Originating as a Cape Verde hurricane, Irma barreled through numerous Caribbean islands, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The hurricane then hit Florida, resulting in massive evacuations, prolonged power outages, and significant property damage. 

Then there’s Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Though it might seem like a distant memory for some, for those who experienced its fury, Hugo remains a vivid and terrifying memory. As another member of the Cape Verde hurricane family, Hugo devastated the northeastern Caribbean and then the U.S. Southeast, especially South Carolina. Hugo became a benchmark for hurricane preparedness and response in the regions it affected.

But why should the Cape Verde hurricanes list be of particular concern? Their birthplace in the eastern Atlantic gives these systems ample time to grow in strength as they traverse warm ocean waters. By the time they approach the Caribbean or the U.S. coast, they’ve often matured into major hurricanes, bringing with them a heightened risk of significant damage.

The Importance of Monitoring Cape Verde Hurricanes

By the time a Cape Verde hurricane approaches inhabited areas, it has usually been on the radar of meteorologists for days, if not weeks. Their distance from land offers an invaluable window for preparation.

The Evolution of Hurricane Monitoring: Tools and Technology

But preparation isn’t a simple task. Monitoring tools, including satellite imagery and buoy data, are constantly refined to improve accuracy. Thankfully, technological advancements over recent decades have refined our ability to predict the path and potential impacts of these hurricanes.

Navigating the Storm: The Dual Sides of Hurricane Preparedness and Response

Consider Hurricane Florence in 2018. Early monitoring gave many communities the lead time to evacuate and safeguard properties. Despite the devastation, this early warning undeniably saved lives. Yet, the economic toll from evacuations, lost business, and cleanup can be profound, challenging regions to continuously innovate their adaptive strategies.

Cape Verde Hurricanes: Human and Environmental Impacts

Beyond the swirling clouds and powerful winds, hurricanes leave deep marks on both human societies and the environment.

The Domino Effect: How Infrastructure, Economics, and Human Actions Shape Hurricane Aftermath

Infrastructure, especially in areas without robust hurricane-resistant structures, can be decimated. Economically, the aftermath of a hurricane can ripple through communities for years. Human actions, like poor planning and preparation, can amplify these impacts, turning a bad situation into a catastrophic one.

A Glimpse into the Multifaceted Impact of Hurricanes

129 people lost their lives as a result of Hurricane Irma and 148 died due to Hurricane Ian. My family and coworkers experienced these storms firsthand. 

Irma was not expected to run up the center of the state of Florida – vertically – hitting Central Florida. It was a Category 2 hurricane by the time it reached our community. Hurricane Irma hit us around 2AM. 

I remember hearing the howl of the wind and looking at the backyard as pieces of our greenhouse hurled through the air. The rain was nearly horizontal as the winds bent the trees. I was happy we had moved the outdoor furniture, garbage cans and utility trailer into the garage before the storm. 

Even at a category 2, Irma taught us that we would never wait out a hurricane that is greater than a category 1 – we would definitely evacuate. 

But our experience with Irma ended with some roof shingles blown off, our greenhouse roof completely missing, and very small cracks in a wall and the ceiling of one of our rooms. And we were without power for 8 days during one of the hottest months of the year.

This was nothing compared to the devastation our friends in Fort Myers and the surrounding areas experienced during Hurricane Ian.

Some of my coworkers experienced total loss while others had major flooding of their homes and their vehicles. Some are still feeling the impacts to this day as they work to recover.

Hurricane Ian has caused a number of long standing issues for Florida, it’s environment and its residents:

• Destroyed manmade coral reef designed to help preserve Florida fish habitats
• Brought on red tide, algae bloom that is harmful to fish and birds
• Damaged nearly every structure in Cape Coral
• Caused $65 Billion in insured losses, $17 Billion in uninsured losses – the most expensive storm to ever hit the state
• Caused insurance crisis in Florida, rates up more than 30% and increasing
• Car insurance rates up more than 40% in the state due to Ian
• Farmers Insurance, among many other insurers are leaving the state
• Progressive, Zurich, Liberty Mutual, AIG and many others took a major financial hit due to Ian

The devastation caused by Hurricane Ian is still felt today. Residents and businesses are still recovering and costs have soared.

The Cape Verde Hurricanes List: A Historical Catalog

Cape Verde hurricanes, given their formation location and extended trek across the Atlantic, have had ample time to intensify, often resulting in powerful and destructive storms. Here’s a list of all of the Cape Verde hurricanes:

Each of these storms, originating near the Cape Verde Islands, serves as a testament to the raw power of nature and the importance of hurricane preparedness and research.

While many hurricanes have origins near the Cape Verde islands, not all attain significant strength or become infamous.