Hurricane Alex (2016)

Hurricane Alex was an unusual and rare January hurricane that formed in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean in 2016. It was the first hurricane to form in January since Hurricane Alice in 1955. Alex developed from a non-tropical low-pressure system that moved southward towards the Canary Islands.

The storm transitioned into a subtropical storm on January 13, 2016, and subsequently strengthened into a hurricane on January 14, 2016. Alex's peak intensity was reached on January 15, with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 981 mbar (28.97 inHg).

The hurricane brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to the Azores Islands. Some minor damage was reported, but overall the impact was limited. Alex weakened to a tropical storm before making landfall on Terceira Island in the Azores on January 15. After crossing the Azores, Alex transitioned into an extratropical cyclone and dissipated on January 17.

Due to its unusual timing and location, Hurricane Alex (2016) garnered significant attention from meteorologists and the public. The storm served as a reminder of the complex dynamics of tropical cyclone formation and the potential for out-of-season hurricanes. The World Meteorological Organization did not retire the name "Alex" after the storm.