The 1979 Atlantic Hurricane Season was the first season to use both female and male names, in addition to being the first to use the common 6 lists. The season officially began on June 1st and lasted until November 30th. It was very active in terms of activity but was a very weak season(9 of the 26 storms became named). The first system was an unnamed Tropical Depression.
The most intense hurricane of the season was David. It was a strong Category 5 storm. It was the strongest cyclone since 1930. Collectively, the season produced 2,136 deaths and dealt $4.12 billion in damage.
Bob was the 2nd Named Storm and 1st Hurricane of the season. Bob would impact much of the Southeastern United States. Bob was responsible for $20 million in damage.
Claudette was a long lived Tropical Storm that dealt widespread damage to the; Lesser Antilles, Yucatan, Caribbean, Southeastern United States and the East Coast.
David was the strongest hurricane of the season. David impacted much of the Caribbean, East Coast, New England and Newfoundland. Damage was high, and fatalities were extreme.
Frederic was the 5th Named Storm, 3rd Hurricane and 2nd Major of the season. Frederic dealt major damages to much of the Caribbean, Gulf, Southeastern US, East Coast, New England and Newfoundland.
This was a Subtropical Storm that reached the intensity to be named(it would've been named Isabel). One was also known to reach hurricane strength. It was known to strike Newfoundland.
Other Systems[]
12 other unnumbered depressions are also known.
Storm Names[]
Since 1953, the NHC and NOAA have used a naming list of all female names. This year was the first year male and female names were used in lists starting in 1981.
Ana
Bob
Claudette
David
Elena
Frederic
Gloria
Henri
Isabel
Juan
Kate
Larry
Mindy
Nicholas
Odette
Peter
Rose
Sam
Teresa
Victor
Wanda
Retirement[]
In 1980, the WMO retired the names David and Fredric from the naming lists and will not be used for another Atlantic Hurricane again. In 1985, they were replaced with Danny and Fabian.
