Hurricane Omar

Tropical Storm Omar formed over the eastern Caribbean early on October 14, 2008, and by late afternoon was carrying maximum sustained winds just below Category 1 hurricane strength. The storm grew into Hurricane Omar within hours, becoming a powerful Category 3 hurricane as it crossed the Virgin Islands on October 15. On the morning of October 16, the storm rapidly weakened into a Category 1 hurricane, with wind speeds of about 85 miles per hour.¹

Fast Facts

1. October 16, 2008: At 11 a.m. EST, Hurricane Omar's center was located about 180 miles northeast of the northern Leeward Islands¹
2. Storm was moving toward the northeast at about 23 miles per hour¹
3. Maximum sustained winds: near 85 miles per hour, with higher gusts¹
4. Omar is the 15th named storm of the Atlantic season²
5. Hurricane watches and warnings for the Caribbean canceled on the morning of October 16, 2008³
6. Omar's track was expected to take it into the Atlantic Ocean after crossing the Virgin Islands⁴

Taking Aim

On the morning of October 15, 2008, hurricane warnings were issued for the U.S. Virgin Islands and were expected to be issued for Puerto Rico as well. Tropical storm warnings were up for the islands of Antigua, Barbuda and Montserrat. By day's end, Omar had strengthened into a dangerous Category 3 hurricane as it approached the Virgin Islands. Forecasters warned that the storm could dump up to 20 inches of rain on some areas, causing flooding and potential mudslides.^{5 1}

Related Pages on Mahalo

Hurricane Omar Projected Path | Tropical Storm Omar | Tropical Storm Kyle | Hurricane Season | NOAA | 2008 Hurricane Forecast | Puerto Rico | Caribbean Sea | British Virgin Islands | Hurricane Ike | Hurricane Gustav | Hurricane Paloma | Hurricanes

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