On August 31, 2016, the significant tropical cyclone actively intensifying was Tropical Storm Hermine, which rapidly strengthened into a Category 1 Hurricane by September 1, 2016. While Hermine was still a tropical storm on August 31, it was undergoing a swift intensification process that led to it becoming a hurricane shortly thereafter.
Hermine's Rapid Intensification
Tropical Storm Hermine exhibited a notable and rapid strengthening on August 31, 2016. On this day, the storm was classified as a Tropical Storm, but its mean sea level pressure dropped significantly, indicating a strong intensification. This transition from a Tropical Storm on Wednesday, August 31, to a Category 1 Hurricane by Thursday, September 1, marked a critical phase in its development.
Key Intensification Metrics:
- August 31, 2016 (1 PM Wednesday): Mean sea level pressure recorded at 1000 mb (millibars).
- September 1, 2016 (2:55 PM EDT Thursday): Mean sea level pressure dropped to 988 mb, signifying its upgrade to a Category 1 Hurricane.
This rapid drop in pressure over less than 24 hours underscores the swiftness of Hermine's strengthening. Hermine later became the first hurricane to make landfall in Florida since Hurricane Wilma in 2005, highlighting its significant impact.
Timeline of Hermine's Development
The table below summarizes Hermine's status around the specified date:
| Date | Status | Key Event/Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| August 31, 2016 | Tropical Storm | Rapidly intensifying; mean sea level pressure at 1000 mb. |
| September 1, 2016 | Category 1 Hurricane | Attained hurricane strength; pressure dropped to 988 mb. |
For more detailed information on Hurricane Hermine, you can refer to resources from the National Weather Service.
