Hurricane Irene was a large and destructive tropical cyclone which affected much of the Caribbean and East Coast of the United States during late August 2011. The ninth named storm, first hurricane, and first major hurricane of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, Irene originated from a well-defined Atlantic tropical wave that began showing signs of organization east of the Lesser Antilles. Due to development of atmospheric convection and a closed center of circulation, the system was designated as Tropical Storm Irene on August 20, 2011. After intensifying, Irene made landfall in St. Croix as a strong tropical storm later that day. Early on August 21, the storm made a second landfall in Puerto Rico. While crossing the island, Irene strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane. The storm paralleled offshore of Hispaniola, continuing to slowly intensify in the process. Shortly before making four landfalls in The Bahamas, Irene peaked as a 120 mph (190 km/h) Category 3 hurricane. Category 3 hurricane: peak winds of 120 mph (105 knots), lowest pressure 942 mb. August 21 – August 30, 2011. Landfalls: August 21 at 70 mph, 17.8°N 64.6°W; August 22 at 70 mph, 18.1°N 65.8°W; August 24 at 115 mph, 22.4°N 74.0°W; August 25 at 110 mph, 23.5°N 75.1°W; August 25 at 105 mph, 24.7°N 76.2°W; August 25 at 105 mph, 26.5°N 77.2°W; August 27 at 85 mph, 34.7°N 76.6°W; August 28 at 70 mph, 39.4°N 74.4°W; August 28 at 65 mph, 40.6°N 74.0°W. Accumulated cyclone energy: 18.8. Wiki link Track: NOAA National Hurricane Center, HURDAT2 best track AL092011 (public domain).