Tropical Storm Zeta (2005)
Tropical Storm Zeta was a very late-developing tropical storm that formed in the central Atlantic Ocean during the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season, one month after the season's official end. Becoming a tropical depression on December 30, and intensifying the following day into the season's 28th storm (including one unnamed subtropical storm), Zeta continued into January 2006. It was one of only two Atlantic tropical cyclones to span two calendar years (the other being Hurricane Alice in 1954–55).
Tropical Storm Zeta at peak intensity in the open Atlantic on January 3 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | December 30, 2005 |
| Remnant low | January 6, 2006 |
| Dissipated | January 7, 2006 |
| Tropical storm | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 65 mph (100 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 994 mbar (hPa); 29.35 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | None |
| Damage | None reported |
| Areas affected | None |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Zeta originated from an area of low pressure on December 29, which previously developed within an upper-level trough. After becoming a tropical storm, Zeta remained organized, defying predictions of a quick demise, and even grew slightly more intense. The storm reached its peak strength on January 2, 2006, before degenerating into a remnant low on January 6 and dissipating on the next day. Several ships encountered the storm, and several crews in the 2005 Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race were affected by rough seas and high winds. Even so, as no land areas were threatened by Zeta, the NHC did not issue any tropical storm watches or warnings.