Hurricane Irene 2011, Atlantic, Caribbean

Throughout its path, Irene caused widespread destruction and at least 44 deaths; monetary losses to the Caribbean could be as high as US$3.1 billion according to preliminary estimates. Early damage estimates in the US are about $7 billion.
Meteorological history
On August 15, 2011, a tropical wave exited the African coast and emerged into the Atlantic, characterized by distinct low-level cyclonic rotation and deep tropical humidity. It remained well-defined while moving steadily westward for several days through the Cape Verde Islands, although at the time any notable convection occurred well to the southwest of its axis. As the wave distanced itself from the islands, development of thunderstorms and showers in its proximity continued to remain scarce, and it became rather broad in appearance. On August 19, the convective structure began to show signs of organization as the associated atmospheric pressure lowered, and with a progressively favorable environment situated ahead of the wave its chances of undergoing tropical cyclogenesis markedly increased. The strong thunderstorm activity continued to become more pronounced around the main low-pressure feature. By August 20, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) noted that tropical cyclone formation was imminent as the wave neared the Lesser Antilles, and a reconnaissance aircraft confirmed the presence of a small surface circulation center just southwest of a burst of vigorous convection and unusually high sustained winds, indicating sufficient organization for the cyclone to be upgraded into Tropical Storm Irene at 23:00 UTC that day.