Hurricane Alex was the northernmost major hurricane on record, and whose formation marked the fifth-latest start to an Atlantic hurricane season since 1952. The first named storm, hurricane, and major hurricane of the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season, Alex developed from the interaction between an upper-level low and a weak surface trough on July 31 to the east of Jacksonville, Florida. It moved northeastward, and strengthened to attain winds of 100 mph (160 km/h) before passing within 10 miles (16 km) of the Outer Banks coast. Alex strengthened further and reached a peak of 120 mph (190 km/h) winds while off the coast of New England, one of only six hurricanes to reach Category 3 status north of 38° N. Alex caused a scare of a hurricane-force direct hit in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, which had been devastated by Hurricane Isabel less than a year earlier. Category 3 hurricane: peak winds of 120 mph (105 knots), lowest pressure 957 mb. July 31 – August 6, 2004. Accumulated cyclone energy: 11.4. Wiki link Track: NOAA National Hurricane Center, HURDAT2 best track AL012004 (public domain).