Tropical Storm Erika was a weak but deadly tropical storm that is regarded as one of the worst natural disasters in Dominica since Hurricane David in 1979. The fifth named storm of the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season, Erika developed from a westward-moving tropical wave while well east of the Lesser Antilles. Hostile conditions, including dry air and wind shear, inhibited significant development, and Erika failed to acquire sustained winds beyond 50 mph (80 km/h). Contrary to predictions of a northwesterly recurvature, the cyclone persisted on a westerly course and passed through the Leeward Islands and emerged over the Caribbean Sea on August 27. Erika succumbed to adverse conditions the following day, dissipating as a tropical cyclone near the Dominican Republic. The remnant system persisted for several more days, moving into the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, before dissipating over Georgia on September 3. Tropical Storm: peak winds of 50 mph (45 knots), lowest pressure 1001 mb. August 24 – August 28, 2015. Accumulated cyclone energy: 2.7. Wiki link Track: NOAA National Hurricane Center, HURDAT2 best track AL052015 (public domain).