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{{dablink|This article is about the Atlantic hurricane of 2004; for other storms named Hurricane Charley, see [[Hurricane Charley (disambiguation)]].}}
{{Infobox Hurricane
| Name=Hurricane Charley
| Type=hurricane
| Year=2004
| Basin=Atl
| Image location=Hurricane Charley 13 aug 2004 1635Z.jpg
| Image name=Hurricane Charley at landfall in [[Florida]]
| Formed=[[August 9]], [[2004]]
| Dissipated=[[August 15]], [[2004]]
| 1-min winds=130
| Pressure=941
| Damages=16300
| Inflated=1
| Fatalities=15 direct, 20 indirect
| Areas=[[Jamaica]], [[Cayman Islands]], [[Cuba]], [[Florida]], [[South Carolina]], [[North Carolina]]
| Hurricane season=[[2004 Atlantic hurricane season]]
}}
'''Hurricane Charley''' was the third named storm, the second [[hurricane]], and the second major hurricane of the [[2004 Atlantic hurricane season]]. Charley lasted from [[August 9]] to [[August 15]], and at its peak intensity it attained 150 [[miles per hour|mph]] (240 [[kilometres per hour|km/h]]) winds, making it a strong Category 4 hurricane on the [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale]]. The storm made [[Landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] in southwestern [[Florida]] at maximum strength, thus making it the strongest hurricane to hit the United States since [[Hurricane Andrew]] struck Florida twelve years before, in [[1992 Atlantic hurricane season|1992]].

After moving briskly through the [[Caribbean Sea]], Charley crossed [[Cuba]] on [[August 13]] as a [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale#Category 3|Category 3]] hurricane, causing heavy damage and four deaths. That same day, the hurricane crossed over the [[Dry Tortugas]], just 22&nbsp;hours after [[Tropical Storm Bonnie (2004)|Tropical Storm Bonnie]] struck northwestern [[Florida]]. This was the first time in history that two tropical cyclones struck the same state in a 24-hour time period. Charley was one of two [[major hurricane]]s to hit Florida in 2004, and one of four hurricanes to directly affect the state.<!--Jeanne and Charley were the MH's, while Frances was a 2. Ivan did not hit the state-->

At its peak intensity of 150&nbsp;mph (240&nbsp;km/h), Hurricane Charley struck the northern tip of [[Captiva Island]] and the southern tip of North Captiva Island, causing severe damage in both areas. Charley, the strongest hurricane to hit southwest Florida since [[Hurricane Donna]] in 1960, then continued to produce severe damage as it made landfall on the [[Southwest Florida|peninsula]] near [[Port Charlotte, Florida|Port Charlotte]]. The hurricane continued to the northeast and passed through East [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]] while still carrying winds gusting up to 106&nbsp;mph (171&nbsp;km/h). Damage in the state totaled to over $13&nbsp;billion (2004 [[United States dollar|USD]]). Charley, initially expected to hit further north in [[Tampa, Florida|Tampa]], caught many Floridians off-guard due to a sudden change in the storm's track as it approached the state. Throughout the United States, Charley caused 10&nbsp;deaths and $15.4&nbsp;billion in damage (2004&nbsp;USD), making Charley the fourth costliest hurricane in United States history at the time.

==Storm history==
{{storm path|Charley 2004 track.png}}
Charley began as a tropical wave that moved off the west coast of [[Africa]] on [[August 4]].<ref name="tcr">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=2004|title=Hurricane Charley Tropical Cyclone Report|accessdate=2006-05-24|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2004charley.shtml}}</ref> It moved quickly westward and steadily organized over the open [[Atlantic Ocean]], with [[convection (meteorology)|convection]] developing in curved bands.<ref name="tcr" /> The wave continued to develop as it approached the [[Lesser Antilles]], and became Tropical Depression Three on [[August 9]] while 115&nbsp;[[statute mile|mi]] (185&nbsp;[[kilometre|km]]) south-southeast of [[Barbados]], near the island of [[Grenada]], however, the threat to Barbados was short-lived.<ref name="tcr" /><ref name="2004wmo"/> Low upper-level [[wind shear]] and well-defined outflow contributed to further intensification, and the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Charley on [[August 10]], despite being located in the eastern [[Caribbean Sea]], which is an area not particularly suited to [[tropical cyclogenesis]].<ref name=hpc /> At this time, the [[National Hurricane Center]] in [[Miami, Florida|Miami]] designated the name "Charley."<ref name="tcr" />
[[Image:Charley Landfall.gif|thumb|245px|right|Charley making [[Landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] on [[August 13]], [[2004]].]]
A strong [[ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] of high pressure to the system's north forced Charley to change track quickly to the west-northwest. It continued to strengthen steadily, and Charley became a [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale#Category 1|Category 1 hurricane]] on [[August 11]], while 90&nbsp;mi (150&nbsp;km) south of [[Kingston, Jamaica]].<ref name="tcr" /><ref name="2004wmo"/> The storm was being steered around the periphery of the high pressure area, and as a result, Charley changed direction towards the northwest. The following day, the core passed 40&nbsp;mi (64&nbsp;km) southwest of the southwest coast of [[Jamaica]], affecting the island on [[August 11]] and [[August 12|12]].<ref name="2004wmo"/><ref name=hpc /> The storm then passed 17&nbsp;mi (27&nbsp;km) northeast of [[Grand Cayman]], reaching Category&nbsp;2 status just after passing the island.<ref name="tcr" /><ref name=hpc /> The hurricane continued to strengthen as it turned to the northwest due to a [[tropospheric ridge]], and became a [[major hurricane]]&mdash;that is, a storm classified as a [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale#Category 3|Category 3 hurricane]] or higher&mdash;just before making landfall on southern [[Cuba]].<ref name="tcr" /> Charley came ashore near [[Punta Cayamas]] with maximum sustained winds of 120&nbsp;mph (190&nbsp;km/h) and gusts of up to 133&nbsp;mph (215&nbsp;km/h), at about 12:30 a.m. [[EDT]] (0430 [[UTC]]) on [[August 13]].<ref name="2004wmo"/> Charley weakened while crossing the island, and passed about 13&nbsp;mi (21&nbsp;km) west of downtown [[Havana]] before weakening to a 110&nbsp;mph (180&nbsp;km/h) hurricane.<ref name="tcr"/>

After emerging from Cuba near [[Menelao Mora]], Hurricane Charley accelerated to the north-northeast, towards the southwest coast of Florida, in response to the approach of an unseasonal mid-tropospheric [[trough (meteorology)|trough]].<ref name="2004wmo"/> This caused the hurricane to pass over the [[Dry Tortugas]] at 8:00 a.m. EDT (1200 UTC) on [[August 13]], with maximum winds of about 110&nbsp;mph (177&nbsp;km/h).<ref name="tcr"/><ref name=hpc /> The strike occurred only 22&nbsp;hours after [[Tropical Storm Bonnie (2004)|Tropical Storm Bonnie]] made landfall on [[St. Vincent Island, Florida|St. Vincent Island]]; this marks the first time two tropical cyclones hit the same state within a 24-hour period.<ref name="space.com">{{cite news|author=David Royse|year=2004|title=How Rare is Tropical Storm Double Trouble?|publisher=Associated Press|accessdate=2006-05-18|url=http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/hurricanes_two_040812.html}}</ref> <!--1906 doesn't count anymore. Check the best track. The second storm was a TD at landfall-->At this time, Charley [[rapid deepening|rapidly intensified]], strengthening from a 110&nbsp;mph (180&nbsp;km/h) hurricane with a [[atmospheric pressure|minimum central barometric pressure]] of 965&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[Pascal (unit)|hPa]]; 28.50&nbsp;[[inHg]]) to a 145&nbsp;mph (230&nbsp;km/h) hurricane with a pressure of 941&nbsp;mbar (hPa; 27.49&nbsp;inHg) in just 6&nbsp;hours. The storm continued to strengthen as it turned more to the northeast, and made [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] near the island of [[Cayo Costa State Park|Cayo Costa, Florida]] as a 150&nbsp;mph (240&nbsp;km/h) [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale#Category 4|Category 4 hurricane]] at approximately 3:45 p.m. EDT (1945 UTC) on the 13th.<ref name=fsem>{{cite web|author=Florida State Emergency Management|year=2004|title=Hurricane Charley report|accessdate=2007-08-13|url=http://www.floridadisaster.org/eoc/Charley04.asp}}</ref><ref name=hpc /> An hour later, the hurricane struck [[Punta Gorda]] as a 145&nbsp;mph (230&nbsp;km/h) storm.<ref name="tcr"/> However, the eye had shrunk before landfall, limiting the most powerful winds to an area of {{convert|6|nmi|km}} of the center.<ref name="tcr" />

[[Image:HurricaneCharley1.JPG|270px|thumb|right|Hurricane Charley, just after its third US [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] in [[South Carolina]]]]

Charley weakened considerably due to its passage over land, but still retained sustained winds of well over 85&nbsp;mph (135&nbsp;km/h) as it passed directly over [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]] between 8:20 and 9:40 p.m. on [[August 13]] (0020-0140 UTC [[August 14]]); gusts of up to 106&nbsp;mph (171&nbsp;km/h) were recorded at [[Orlando International Airport]].<ref name=hpc /> It cut a swath of destruction across Florida, also passing near [[Kissimmee]].<ref name="tcr" /> The hurricane reemerged into the [[Atlantic Ocean]] near [[Daytona Beach, Florida]] as a Category&nbsp;1 hurricane, but restrengthened slightly over open waters.<ref name="tcr" /><ref name=hpc /> Continuing to move rapidly to the north-northeast, Charley struck near [[Cape Romain]], [[South Carolina]] as an 80&nbsp;mph (130&nbsp;km/h) hurricane, moved offshore briefly, and made its final landfall near [[North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina|North Myrtle Beach]] as a minimal hurricane, with winds of 75&nbsp;mph (120&nbsp;km/h).<ref name=hpc /> Charley then began interacting with an approaching [[front (meteorology)|frontal boundary]], becoming a tropical storm over southeastern [[South Carolina]].<ref name=hpc /> After moving back into the Atlantic Ocean near [[Virginia Beach, Virginia|Virginia Beach]] on [[August 15]], the storm became [[extratropical cyclone|extratropical]] and became embedded in the frontal zone.<ref name="tcr" /><ref name=hpc /> The extratropical storm continued to move rapidly to the northeast, and was completely absorbed by the front shortly after sunrise on [[August 15]], near southeastern [[Massachusetts]].<ref name="tcr"/><ref name=hpc />

==Preparations==
On [[August 10]], two days before the hurricane passed near the island, [[Jamaica]]n officials issued a [[Tropical cyclone warnings and watches#Tropical Storm Warning|tropical storm warning]], which was upgraded to a [[Tropical cyclone warnings and watches#Hurricane Warning|hurricane warning]] a day later.<ref name="tcr"/> In [[Jamaica]], the threat of the storm forced the country's two airports to close, and also forced two cruise ships to reroute.<ref name="japrep">{{cite news|author=John Myers, Jr. and Janet Silvera|year=2004|title=Jamaica spared - Charley brushes past southern coast heading for the Caymans|publisher=Jamaica Gleaner|accessdate=2006-06-03|url=http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20040812/lead/lead1.html}}</ref> The [[Cayman Islands]] issued a hurricane warning on the 11th, a day before the hurricane passed near by the [[archipelago]].<ref name="tcr"/>

[[Cuba]]n government officials issued a [[Tropical cyclone warnings and watches#Hurricane Watch|hurricane watch]] for the southern coastline on [[August 11]], two days before the hurricane struck the island. This was upgraded to a hurricane warning on the 12th, 13 ½ hours before Charley made landfall.<ref name="tcr"/> Because of the threat, the government issued a mandatory evacuation for 235,000&nbsp;citizens and 159,000&nbsp;animals in the area of the expected impact.<ref name="cubevac">{{cite web|author=unknown|year=2004|title=When a hurricane threatens, Cuba mobilizes|accessdate=2006-06-01|url=http://www.unisdr.org/eng/media-room/point-view/2005/When-a-hurricane-threatens-Cuba-mobilizes.doc}}</ref> An additional 3,800&nbsp;residents were evacuated from offshore islands, while 47,000 in [[Havana]] were transported from old, unsafe buildings to safer areas.<ref name="cubass">{{cite web|author=William A. Messina|year=2004|title=An Assessment of Hurricane Charley's Impact on Cuba|publisher=University of Florida|accessdate=2006-06-04|url=http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FE494}}</ref> The people were transported to [[Emergency shelter|shelters]] provisioned with supplies. In addition, the power grid in southern Cuba was turned off to avoid accidents.<ref name="cubevac"/>

[[Image:Hurr Charley radar 2004 08 13 20 47 UTC.gif|thumb|right|[[NEXRAD]] image of Hurricane Charley over [[Charlotte Harbor (estuary)|Charlotte Harbor]] just after [[Landfall (meteorology)|landfall]]. ([[Media:Hurricane Charley on Florida Weather Radar.mov|animated version]])]]

On [[August 11]], [[List of Governors of Florida|Florida governor]] [[Jeb Bush]] issued a [[state of emergency]] declaration due to the impending threat Charley presented to the state while the storm was still located south of Jamaica.<ref name="FL sit rep 01">{{cite web | url = http://www.floridadisaster.org/eoc/eoc_Activations/Charley04/Reports/Sitrep_Charley_081104_01.pdf | format = PDF | author = Florida State Emergency Response Team | title = Situation Report 1: Tropical Storm CHARLEY | date = [[August 11]], [[2004]] | accessdate = 2007-10-10}}</ref> The [[National Hurricane Center]] issued hurricane warnings for the [[Florida Keys]] and from [[Cape Sable, Florida|Cape Sable]] to the mouth of the [[Suwannee River]] a day prior to Charley's passage through the state, while tropical storm warnings were issued elsewhere throughout [[Florida]].<ref name="tcr"/> Because of the threat, 1.9&nbsp;million people along the Florida west coast were urged to evacuate, including 380,000&nbsp;residents in the [[Tampa Bay]] area, and 11,000 in the [[Florida Keys]].<ref name="flkeydam">{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2004|title=Event Report for the Florida Keys|accessdate=2006-06-05|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~534572}}</ref><ref name="charprep1">{{cite news|author=CBS News|year=2004|title=2 Million Urged To Flee Charley|accessdate=2006-06-01|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/08/13/national/main635821.shtml}}</ref><ref name="charprep2">{{cite news|author=CBS News|year=2004|title=Tampa Bay Evacuation Ordered|accessdate=2006-06-01|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/08/12/national/main635720.shtml}}</ref> It was the largest evacuation order for [[Pinellas County, Florida|Pinellas County]] history,<ref name="charprep2"/> and the largest evacuation request in Florida since [[Hurricane Floyd]] five years before. Many Floridians remained despite the evacuation order, as authorities estimated that up to a million people would not go to shelters;<ref name="VoA evacs">{{cite web | title = Hurricane Charley Forces Mass Evacuation in Florida | author = Jim Teeple | publisher = [[Voice of America]] | date = [[August 13]], [[2004]] | accessdate = 2007-10-11 | url = http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2004-08/a-2004-08-13-30-1.cfm}}</ref> instead, these residents boarded up their homes and bought supplies to ride out the storm.<ref name="charprep1"/> However, about 1.42&nbsp;million people evacuated their homes in Florida, and approximately 50,000&nbsp;residents were placed in shelters throughout the state.<ref name="FL sit rep 07">{{cite web | url = http://www.floridadisaster.org/eoc/eoc_Activations/Charley04/Reports/Sitrep_Charley_081404_7.pdf | author = Florida State Emergency Response Team | title = Situation Report 7: Hurricane CHARLEY | date = [[August 14]], [[2004]] | accessdate = 2007-10-10 | format = PDF}}</ref><ref name=noaa01 /> Power companies mobilized workers to prepare for the expected widespread power outages. [[MacDill Air Force Base]], the U.S. military center for the [[Iraq War]], severely limited its staff.<ref name="charprep1"/> Similarly, [[Kennedy Space Center]], which usually counts with 13,000&nbsp;on-site personnel, reduced its staff to only 200&nbsp;people in preparation for the hurricane, and secured all [[Space Shuttle]]s by sealing them securely in their hangars. Many amusement parks in the [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]] area closed early, and [[Walt Disney World]]'s [[Animal Kingdom]] remained closed. This was the only the second time in history that a Disney park was closed due to a hurricane, with the other occurrence being after [[Hurricane Floyd]].<ref name="charprep3">{{cite news|author=CBS.com|year=2004|title=Hurricane Charley Comes Ashore|accessdate=2006-06-01|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/08/14/national/main636019.shtml}}</ref> The approaching hurricane also forced several cruise ships to reroute their paths,<ref name="charprep1"/> and forced rail service between Miami and New York to shut down.<ref name="NYTrail">{{cite news | author = Shaila K. Dewan, Ariel Hart, Lynn Waddell, and Abby Goodnough | title = HURRICANE CHARLEY: THE OVERVIEW; Hurricane Rips Path of Damage Across Florida | publisher = [[The New York Times]] | url = http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E03EFD7153FF937A2575BC0A9629C8B63 | date = [[August 14]], [[2007]] | accessdate = 2007-10-10}}</ref>

The rapid strengthening of Charley in the eastern [[Gulf of Mexico]] caught many by surprise. Around five hours before its Florida landfall, Charley was a strong Category&nbsp;2 hurricane predicted to strengthen its strongest winds to 115&nbsp;mph (185&nbsp;km/h) upon its landfall in the [[Tampa, Florida|Tampa]]-[[Saint Petersburg, Florida|Saint Petersburg]] area.<ref name="Chardisc17">{{cite web|author=Lawrence|year=2004|title=Hurricane Charley Discussion Number 17|accessdate=2006-06-01|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2004/dis/al032004.discus.017.shtml?}}</ref> About two hours before landfall, the [[National Hurricane Center]] issued a special advisory, notifying the public that Charley had become a 145&nbsp;mph (230&nbsp;km/h) Category&nbsp;4 hurricane, with a predicted landfall location in the [[Port Charlotte, Florida|Port Charlotte]] area.<ref name="Chardisc18">{{cite web|author=Lawrence|year=2004|title=Hurricane Charley Discussion Number 18|accessdate=2006-06-01|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2004/dis/al032004.discus.018.shtml?}}</ref> As a result of this change in forecast, numerous people in the [[Charlotte County, Florida|Charlotte County]] area were unprepared for the hurricane, despite the fact that the new track prediction was well within the previous forecast's margin of error. National Hurricane Center forecasting intern Robbie Berg publicly blamed the media for misleading residents into believing that a Tampa landfall was inevitable. In addition, he also stated that residents of Port Charlotte had ample warning,<ref name="wnchar">{{cite web|author=Associated Press|title=Charley's Force Tricks Experts|year=2004|accessdate=2006-06-02|url=http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,64590,00.html}}</ref> as a hurricane warning had been issued for the landfall area 23&nbsp;hours before, and a hurricane watch had existed for 35&nbsp;hours.<ref name="tcr"/>

Several local meteorologists, however, did break with national news predictions of a Tampa Bay landfall as early as the morning of [[August 13]]. Robert Van Winkle of [[WBBH-TV|WBBH]] and Jim Reif of [[WZVN-TV|WZVN]] in [[Fort Myers, Florida|Fort Myers]], and Tom Terry of [[WFTV]] in [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], all broke with their national news forecasts and stated at around 11 a.m. EDT (1500 UTC) that Charley was going to turn early, striking around [[Charlotte Harbor (estuary)|Charlotte Harbor]] and traveling over Orlando, as would prove to be the case.<ref name="earlyturn">{{cite web|author=Claudia Kienzle|year=2004|title=Going With Their Gut|accessdate=2006-08-03|url=http://www.tvtechnology.com/features/news/News_Hurricanes.shtml}}</ref>

Following the Florida landfall, [[List of governors of Georgia|Georgia Governor]] [[Sonny Perdue]] declared a state of emergency as a precaution against a 4&ndash;7&nbsp;ft (1.2&ndash;2.1&nbsp;m) storm surge and [[price gouging]].<ref name="Georgia preps">{{cite web | url = http://www.wtvynews4.com/home/headlines/926487.html | title = Hurricane Charley Update | publisher = [[Associated Press]] | author = Staff writer | date = [[August 13]], [[2004]] | accessdate = 2007-10-10}}</ref> In [[South Carolina]], [[List of Governors of South Carolina|Governor]] [[Mark Sanford]] declared a state of emergency as Charley approached its final landfall. Two coastal counties were forced to evacuate, with state troopers redirecting traffic further inland from [[Myrtle Beach, South Carolina|Myrtle Beach]].<ref name="charprep3"/> In all, 138,000 evacuated from the [[Grand Strand (South Carolina)|Grand Strand]] area.<ref name="scdam">{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2004|title=Event Report for South Carolina|accessdate=2006-06-23|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~558822}}</ref>
<div style="clear: both"></div>

==Impact==
{|class="wikitable" style="float:right;margin:0 0 0.5em 1em;"
|+ '''Storm deaths by region<ref name="tcr"/>'''
|-
! Region || Direct || Indirect || Total
|-
| [[Jamaica]] || 1 || 0 || 1
|-
| [[Cuba]] || 4 || 0 || 4
|-
| [[Florida]] || 9 || 20 || 29
|-
| [[Rhode Island]] || 1 || 0 || 1
|-
! Total || 15 || 20 || 35
|}
One death in Jamaica, four deaths in Cuba, and ten deaths in the United States were directly attributed to Charley.<ref name="tcr" /> Numerous injuries were reported, as well as twenty indirect deaths in the U.S.<ref name="tcr"/>

Property damage from Charley in the [[United States]] was estimated by the NHC to be $15.0&nbsp;[[1 E9|billion]] (2004 [[United States dollar|USD]]).<ref name="pastcost2">{{cite web | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastcost2.shtml | title = Costliest U.S. Hurricanes 1900-2004 (adjusted) | author = Eric S. Blake, Jerry D. Jarrell, Max Mayfield, Edward N. Rappaport, and Christopher W. Landsea | publisher = [[National Hurricane Center]] | date = [[July 28]], [[2005]] | accessdate = 2007-10-10 | work = NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS TPC-1: The Deadliest, Costliest, and Most Intense United States Tropical Cyclones from 1851 to 2004 (And Other Frequently Requested Hurricane Facts)}}</ref> At the time, this figure made Charley the second costliest hurricane in United States history, behind [[1992 Atlantic hurricane season|1992]]'s [[Hurricane Andrew]]'s $43.7&nbsp;billion. However, Charley has since dropped to fourth costliest, due to the damage caused by [[Hurricane Katrina]] and [[Hurricane Wilma]] during the [[2005 Atlantic hurricane season]].<ref name="AOML FAQ costliest table">{{cite web | url = http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/costliesttable.html | author = Christopher W. Landsea | publisher = [[Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory]] | title = The thirty costliest mainland United States tropical cyclones 1900-2005 (Unadjusted $s) | date = [[June 1]], [[2007]] | accessdate = 2007-10-10 | work = Tropical Cyclone Frequently Asked Questions}}</ref>

===Caribbean Sea===
On [[Jamaica]], strong winds caused moderate damage to the agricultural sector, with crop and livestock damage totaling to $1.44&nbsp;million (2004&nbsp;USD).<ref name="jaagdam">{{cite web|author=Swiss Re|year=2005|title=Hurricane Charley Event Report|accessdate=2006-06-03|url=http://www.swissre.com/Internet/pwswpspr.nsf/fmBookMarkFrameSet?ReadForm&BM=../vwAllbyIDKeyLu/ulur-63xcvq?OpenDocument}}</ref> As the storm traveled along the southwest coast of Jamaica, it caused heavy wind and rain damage.<ref name="2004wmo"/> Damage was heaviest in [[Saint Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica|Saint Elizabeth Parish]], where 100&nbsp;people had to be housed in six shelters. Strong winds downed trees and power lines, causing power outages and blocking roads.<ref name="ifrc">{{cite web|author=International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent|year=2004|title=Jamaica, Cuba, Cayman Islands:Hurricane|accessdate=2006-06-03|url=http://www.ifrc.org/docs/appeals/rpts04/jahu02a.pdf}}</ref> Throughout the country, Charley caused $4.1&nbsp;million (2004&nbsp;USD) in damage and one fatality.<ref name="2004wmo">{{cite web|author=World Meteorological Organization|year=2005|title=Twenty-seventh Hurricane Committee|accessdate=2006-06-03|url=http://www.wmo.ch/pages/prog/www/TCP_vO/Final%20HC%2027%20Report-English.pdf}}</ref> In spite of the close approach that Charley made on the [[Cayman Islands]], the islands were mostly spared, and were subjected to little damage.<ref name="ifrc"/> Rainfall was light, peaking at 0.9&nbsp;[[inch|in]] (23&nbsp;mm) in [[Grand Cayman]], while [[Cayman Brac]] reported tropical storm force winds.<ref name="tcr"/>
{{Costliest US Atlantic hurricanes|align=left}}
Operationally, forecasters estimated that Charley struck southern [[Cuba]] as a 105&nbsp;mph (170&nbsp;km/h) Category&nbsp;2 hurricane on the [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale|Saffir-Simpson scale]].<ref name="char15">{{cite web|author=Jack Beven|year=2004|title=Hurricane Charley Public Advisory number 15|accessdate=2006-06-01|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2004/pub/al032004.public.015.shtml}}</ref> In post-hurricane-season analysis, Charley was determined to have struck southern Cuba as a 120&nbsp;mph (190&nbsp;km/h) hurricane; the original estimate was revised based on a report of a 118&nbsp;mph (190&nbsp;km/h) sustained wind measurement in [[Playa Baracoa]], and meant that Charley was a major hurricane at landfall.<ref name="2004wmo"/> The hurricane produced a storm surge of up to 13.1&nbsp;[[foot (length)|ft]] (4&nbsp;[[metre|m]]) in [[Playa Cajio]];<ref name="tcr"/> on the other hand, Charley's quick passage caused [[precipitation]] amounts to be small, with the largest total, 5.87&nbsp;in (149&nbsp;mm) occurring in [[Mariel]].<ref name="2004wmo"/>

Strong wind gusts downed nearly 1,500&nbsp;power lines and knocked over 28 large high tension wire towers at a power plant in Mariel. As a result, more than half of the electricity customers in [[Havana Province]] were left without power for 12&nbsp;days after the storm, and all of [[Pinar del Río Province]] was without power for over 11&nbsp;days. Blackouts continued in areas where power returned. The power outages resulted in lack of drinking water for numerous people, including no [[potable water]] in the city of [[Havana]] for four days. As a result, the Cuban government sent water tanks to satisfy the short term need. Similarly, there was a lack of gas for cooking for over a week. However, one Cuban government official stated that it could take up to two months for basic utilities to be returned to many isolated villages.<ref name="cubass"/><!-- Did it? -->

Near its landfall location, Charley destroyed 290 of the 300&nbsp;houses in the village, while over 70,000&nbsp;homes in [[Havana]] were either damaged or destroyed. Numerous hotels reported damage, potentially impacting the important tourism industry in the country. Agricultural damage was heavy, with the hurricane damaging more than 3,000 agricultural institutions.<!-- What is an agricultural institution??? --> Citrus officials estimated a loss of 15,000&nbsp;[[metric ton]]s of [[grapefruit]] on the [[Isle of Youth]], while strong winds ruined 66,000&nbsp;metric tons of citrus trees in the Havana area. Charley also destroyed around 57,000&nbsp;[[acre]]s (230 [[square kilometre|km²]]) of fruit trees in the Havana area.<ref name="cubass"/> Approximately 95% of the sugar cane, bean, and banana crops were affected in Cuban territory.<ref name="reliefweb1year">{{cite web | author = International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) | title = Cuba: Hurricane Charley Appeal No. 20/04 Final Report | publisher = [[ReliefWeb]] | date = [[January 18]], [[2006]] | accessdate = 2007-10-10 | url = http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/RMOI-6L82SE?OpenDocument}}</ref> In all, Charley was directly responsible for four deaths in Cuba, and was responsible for $923&nbsp;million (2004&nbsp;USD) in property damage, primarily from agricultural losses.<ref name="2004wmo"/>

===Florida===
[[Image:CharleyFortMeade04.jpg|right|190px|thumb|Empty railroad [[hopper car]]s overturned as a result of high winds from Hurricane Charley &ndash; [[Fort Meade, Florida]].]]
Hurricane Charley severely affected the state of Florida. There were eight direct fatalities, 16&nbsp;indirect fatalities, and 792&nbsp;injuries attributed to the storm.<ref name=noaa01>{{cite web |url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529299 |title=NOAA Event Record Details |accessdate=2007-12-06}}</ref> Property damage was estimated at $5.4&nbsp;billion dollars (2004&nbsp;USD), and approximately $285&nbsp;million dollars (2004&nbsp;USD) in agricultural damage.<ref name=noaa01 /> However, due to Charley's speed (it crossed the Florida peninsula in approximately seven hours) and small size, rainfall along the [[eyewall]] was mostly limited for 4&ndash;6&nbsp;in (10&ndash;15&nbsp;cm).<ref name=noaa01 />

While moving northward to the west of the [[Florida Keys]], Charley produced moderate winds of 48&nbsp;mph (77&nbsp;km/h) with gusts to 60&nbsp;mph (97&nbsp;km/h) in [[Key West, Florida|Key West]].<ref name="tcr"/> The winds toppled a few trees, power lines, and unreinforced signs. A boat, knocked loose by strong waves, struck a power transmission line, causing widespread power outages from [[Marathon, Florida|Marathon]] to Key West. On [[Dry Tortugas National Park|Fort Jefferson]] in the [[Dry Tortugas]], the hurricane produced an estimated storm surge of up to 6&nbsp;ft (2&nbsp;m). The surge, combined with incoming waves, caused extensive flooding in the park and damaged numerous docks. In spite of this, property damage was minimal in the area, totaling $160,000&nbsp;(2004&nbsp;USD).<ref name="flkeydam"/>
[[Image:Hurricane Charley Captiva Damage.jpg|left|190px|thumb|Damage in [[Captiva Island]]]]

Hurricane Charley passed directly over [[Captiva Island]] near [[Cayo Costa, Florida|Cayo Costa]] with peak winds of 150&nbsp;mph (240&nbsp;km/h).<ref name="tcr"/> The Category&nbsp;4&nbsp;hurricane produced an estimated storm surge of up to 6.5&nbsp;ft (2&nbsp;m) on the island, which is lower than expected for a storm of its intensity; the decrease in the height of the surge was due to the hurricane's small size. Furthermore, the storm surge, combined with the strong pressure gradient, produced a ¼&nbsp;mi (450&nbsp;m) inlet on [[North Captiva Island]],<ref name="surge">{{cite web|author=Weisburg & Zheng|year=2005|title=A Simulation of the Hurricane Charley Storm Surge and its Breach of North Captiva Island|publisher=College of Marine Science, University of South Florida|accessdate=2006-08-03|url=http://ocgweb.marine.usf.edu/Products/StormSurge/CharleyFLS1-13-06.pdf}}</ref> known as Charley's Cut. Strong waves and storm surge caused severe beach erosion and dune damage at various locations. The storm severely damaged five houses, lightly damaged many others, and downed many trees on [[Gasparilla Island]]. At least half of the 300&nbsp;homes on North Captiva Island were substantially damaged, including ten that were destroyed. On Captiva Island, the strong winds severely damaged most houses, as well as several recreational buildings.<ref name="flchisl"/>

The city of [[Arcadia, Florida|Arcadia]] in [[DeSoto County, Florida|DeSoto County]] saw extreme damage, in spite of being relatively farther inland.<ref>[http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20040814/NEWS/408140544/1387/SPECIAL0104 Arcadia 'looks like a war zone'<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> About 95% of the buildings in the downtown area saw some sort of damage. The only shelter in the town had its roof torn open by the wind, leaving 3,500 evacuees inside unprotected from the onslaught of the storm.<ref>[http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20040813/BLOG02/40813137/1387/SPECIAL0104&template=art_blog&EntryNo=3 Arcadia still in a state of shock<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
[[Image:CharleyDamageInOrlando.jpg|right|thumb|Damage caused to a gas station by Hurricane Charley in [[Kissimmee, Florida]].]]
[[Hardee County, Florida|Hardee County]] saw property damage estimated at $750&nbsp;million (2004&nbsp;USD), along with six injuries, but no deaths were reported. Charley caused blackouts in the entire county, as well as damage to&nbsp;3,600&nbsp;homes and the destruction of&nbsp;1,400. A radio tower near [[Sebring, Florida|Sebring]] was toppled, along with numerous trees and power poles along the north and east side of [[Highlands County, Florida|Highlands County]]. Additionally, there were several reports of severely damaged homes near Sebring and [[Avon Park, Florida|Avon Park]]. In [[Polk County, Florida|Polk County]], a 50-ft (15.2-m) [[sinkhole]] swallowed a car along [[Florida State Road 60|State Road 60]] near [[Bartow, Florida|Bartow]]. Additionally, Bartow and Lake Wales saw 23,000&nbsp;buildings damaged, as well as the destruction of 739&nbsp;structures. Seven deaths were reported in the county, one of them determined to be direct.<ref name="NCDC SW FL">{{cite web | author = [[National Climatic Data Center]] | publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] | year = 2004 | accessdate = 2007-10-13 | title = Event Recored Details for Hardee, Highlands and Polk Counties | url = http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529307}}</ref>

Throughout the rest of the islands in [[Sarasota County, Florida|Sarasota]], [[Charlotte County, Florida|Charlotte]], [[Lee County, Florida|Lee]], and [[Collier County, Florida|Collier counties]], strong winds from Hurricane Charley caused severe damage to hundreds of buildings and trees.<ref name="flchisl">{{Cite web|author=Florida Department of Environmental Protection|year=2004|title=Hurricane Charley: Post-Beach Conditions|accessdate=2006-08-03|url=http://www.dep.state.fl.us/beaches/publications/pdf/charley.pdf}}</ref> Lee County also endured an {{convert|8|ft|m|sing=on}} [[storm surge]].<ref name=noaa01 /> These counties were exposed to Charley's [[eyewall]], so they saw the most damage. Due to its small size, the area of most intense damage was located within a 10-mi (16-km) centered on Charley's track, with additional heavy damage forming an outer band extending 7.5&nbsp;mi (12&nbsp;km) to each side of the inner swath of damage.<ref name = "NCDC landfall area"/> In Charlotte County, 80% of buildings were destroyed.<ref name=fema0814>{{cite web |url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=13404 |title=FEMA: Help Flows To Areas Hardest Hit By Hurricane Charley |accessdate=2007-12-06}}</ref>

On mainland Florida, Charley produced a peak storm surge of 10&ndash;13&nbsp;feet (3&ndash;4&nbsp;m) at [[Vanderbilt Beach, Florida|Vanderbilt Beach]] near [[Naples, Florida|Naples]], along with a much lower surge at its [[Punta Gorda, Florida|Punta Gorda]] landfall.<ref name="surge"/> The hurricane dropped generally light rainfall across Florida, with the maximum amount of 9.88&nbsp;in (251&nbsp;mm) occurring in Bud Slough in [[Sarasota County, Florida|Sarasota County]].<ref name="hpc">{{cite web|author=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|year=2006|title=Rainfall Summary for Hurricane Charley|accessdate=2006-06-23|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/charley2004.html}}</ref> In [[Punta Gorda, Florida|Punta Gorda]]'s airport, where the hurricane made landfall, wind speeds of up to 90&nbsp;mph (145&nbsp;km/h) were measured, alongside gusts of up to 111&nbsp;mph (180&nbsp;km/h), before the instrument was blown apart, along with most of the planes and the airport itself.<ref name = "NCDC landfall area"/><ref name="tcr"/> The [[Charlotte County, Florida|Charlotte County]] Medical Center recorded an unofficial peak wind gust of 172&nbsp;mph (277&nbsp;km/h).<ref name="tcr"/> [[Port Charlotte, Florida|Port Charlotte]]'s Saint Joseph's Hospital had its roof blown away by Charley's strong winds.<ref name = "NCDC landfall area"/> Due to the compact nature of the hurricane, the storm's [[radius of maximum wind|radius of maximum sustained winds]] only extended a short distance from its center. In comparison, [[Fort Myers, Florida|Fort Myers]], which is only 25&nbsp;mi (38&nbsp;km) from where Charley made landfall, experienced sustained winds of only 61&nbsp;mph (98&nbsp;km/h) with gusts of 78&nbsp;mph (125&nbsp;km/h).<ref name="tcr"/> In South Florida, Charley spawned several tornadoes, including a long-lived [[Fujita scale|F2]] that struck [[Clewiston, Florida|Clewiston]],<ref>{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2004|title=Event Report for Hendry County|accessdate=2006-08-04|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~534594}}</ref> and five weak tornadoes near the point where the hurricane made landfall.<ref name="tampanws">{{cite web|author=Mark Linhares|year=2004|title=Hurricane Charley Preliminary Storm Summary|publisher=Tampa Bay National Weather Service|accessdate=2006-08-04|url=http://www.srh.noaa.gov/tbw/html/tbw/hurricanes2004/charley/localsummary2.htm}}</ref>
[[Image:Captiva-mosaic-lg.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Composite image of North Captiva Island before and after Charley, showing the inlet caused by the storm.]]
The most severe damage from Hurricane Charley occurred in Charlotte County. In [[Boca Grande, Florida|Boca Grande]], numerous houses sustained extensive roof damage, while thousands of trees and power lines were uprooted or snapped. In [[Port Charlotte, Florida|Port Charlotte]] and Punta Gorda, many buildings, [[Recreational Vehicle|RV]]s, and mobile homes were completely destroyed, while other buildings were uproofed due to the powerful winds.<ref name="tampanws"/>

Charley devastated [[Southwest Florida]], causing $14.6&nbsp;billion in property damage on the peninsula of Florida alone. Many towns such as [[Punta Gorda, Florida|Punta Gorda]] and [[Port Charlotte, Florida|Port Charlotte]] were leveled by the hurricane. Trees were downed and trailer parks were obliterated as far as [[Ormond Beach, Florida|Ormond Beach]].<ref name=trailer>{{cite web |url=http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb/charley/PSHMLB.txt |title=Post-Tropical Cyclone Report—Hurricane Charley |publisher=National Weather Service, Melbourne office |date=[[20 August]] [[2004]] |accessdate=2008-07-19}}</ref>

Charley also caused considerable damage in the central and eastern parts of the state. Several possible tornadoes occurred, with severe thunderstorms during the duration of the storm. Winds were estimated to be at {{convert|80|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} sustained near, and to the north of [[Okeechobee]], while winds at Orlando International Airport topped out at {{convert|105|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} in a gust.<ref>[http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb/charley/index.html National Weather Service Forecast Office - Melbourne, Florida<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The storm caused 2&nbsp;million customers to lose electricity in Florida.<ref name="NCDC landfall area">{{cite web | author = [[National Climatic Data Center]] | publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] | year = 2004 | accessdate = 2007-10-13 | title = Event Recored Details for Charlotte, De Soto, Lee, Manatee and Sarasota Counties | url = http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~529299}}</ref> In some areas, power was not restored for weeks: 136,000 residents had no electricity a week after Charley's landfall,<ref name="FL sit rep 27">{{cite web | url = http://www.floridadisaster.org/eoc/eoc_Activations/Charley04/Reports/Sitrep_Charley_082104_27.pdf | author = Florida State Emergency Response Team | title = Situation Report 27: Hurricane CHARLEY | date = [[August 21]], [[2004]] | accessdate = 2007-10-10 | format = PDF}}</ref> and 22,000&nbsp;customers, primarily from [[cooperative]]s, were still waiting for their service to be restored on [[August 26]].<ref name="FL sit rep 38">{{cite web | url = http://www.floridadisaster.org/eoc/eoc_Activations/Charley04/Reports/Sitrep_Charley_082604_38B.pdf | author = Florida State Emergency Response Team | title = Situation Report 38: Hurricane CHARLEY | date = [[August 26]], [[2004]] | accessdate = 2007-10-10 | format = PDF}}</ref>

Public schools in some counties in the path of the hurricane were scheduled to be closed for two weeks.<ref name="jaagdam">{{cite web|author=Cnn.com|year=2005|title=Mighty Heat, hunger, debris stress Floridians|accessdate=2006-06-08|url=http://www.cnn.com/2004/WEATHER/08/16/storms/index.html}}</ref> In some areas this was necessary because the school buildings were damaged or destroyed: all 59&nbsp;of [[Osceola County, Florida|Osceola County]]'s schools were damaged, and one-third of [[Charlotte County, Florida|Charlotte County]]'s were destroyed by Charley's impact. [[DeSoto County, Florida|DeSoto County]] schools saw $6&nbsp;million in damage, while [[Orange County Public Schools]] saw $9&nbsp;million in damage to their educational infrastructure.<ref name="NYT school">{{cite news | url = http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C00E4D8163EF932A1575BC0A9629C8B63 | author = Shaila K. Dewan | date = [[August 21]], [[2004]] | accessdate = 2007-10-10 | publisher = [[The New York Times]]| title = HURRICANE CHARLEY: EDUCATION; Activities Slowly Resume in Schools Hit Hard by Storm}}</ref>

Agricultural losses were heavy. In Florida, the second-largest producer of [[orange (fruit)|orange]]s in the world, damage to the citrus crop was estimated at $200&nbsp;million (2004&nbsp;USD), and caused a 50% increase in the price of grapefruit juice. Charley, along with the other storms that hit Florida during 2004, caused a total agricultural loss of $2.2&nbsp;billion (2004&nbsp;USD). Other crops, nurseries, buildings, and agricultural equipment also suffered.<ref name="Ag loss">{{cite news | url = http://staging.naplesnews.com/npdn/news/article/0,2071,NPDN_14940_4001580,00.html | title = One year later: Growing optimism: Ag industry recovering | author = Laura Layden | date = [[August 14]], [[2005]] | accessdate = 2007-10-10 | publisher = Naples Daily News}}</ref>

===Rest of United States===
{{main|Effects of Hurricane Charley in North Carolina|Effects of Hurricane Charley in South Carolina}}
[[Image:charley2004rain.gif|thumb|right|Storm total rainfall from Charley]]
Upon making landfall on northeastern [[South Carolina]], Charley produced a storm tide that was unofficially measured to up to 7.19&nbsp;ft (2.19&nbsp;m) in [[Myrtle Beach, South Carolina|Myrtle Beach]]. Wind gusts were moderate, peaking at 60&nbsp;mph (95&nbsp;km/h) in [[North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina|North Myrtle Beach]], though there were several unofficial records of hurricane force gusts.<ref name="tcr"/> Charley produced moderate rainfall along its path, peaking at over 7&nbsp;in (178&nbsp;mm).<ref name="hpc"/> Moderate winds knocked down numerous trees.<ref name="scdam2">{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2004|title=Event Report for South Carolina (2)|accessdate=2006-06-23|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~558821}}</ref> Flash flooding occurred in [[Charleston County, South Carolina|Charleston County]], causing drainage problems.<ref name="scdam3">{{Cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2004|title=Event Report for South Carolina (3)|accessdate=2006-06-23|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~558820}}</ref> Damage in South Carolina totaled to $20&nbsp;million (2004&nbsp;USD).<ref name="tcr"/>

In [[North Carolina]], Charley produced an estimated storm surge of 2&ndash;3&nbsp;ft (0.5-1&nbsp;m), along with waves of up to 8&nbsp;ft (2.5&nbsp;m) in height. This produced minor [[beach erosion]] along the coastline. Winds gusted from 60 to 70&nbsp;mph (95 to 110&nbsp;km/h), causing minor wind damage. Rainfall amounts in the state were moderate, ranging from 4 to 6&nbsp;in (100 to 150&nbsp;mm), but still caused flooding across seven North Carolina counties. The hurricane spawned five weak tornadoes across the state,<ref name="ncdam">{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2004|title=Event Report for North Carolina|accessdate=2006-06-23|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~553665}}</ref> including an [[Fujita Scale|F1]] in [[Nags Head, North Carolina|Nags Head]] that damaged twenty structures.<ref name="nctorn">{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2004|title=Event Report for North Carolina (2)|accessdate=2006-06-23|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~553679}}</ref> Charley destroyed 40&nbsp;houses and damaged 2,231, 231 severely, including 221 damaged beach homes in [[Sunset Beach, North Carolina|Sunset Beach]]. Damage was the greatest in [[Brunswick County, North Carolina|Brunswick County]], where wind gusts peaked at 85&nbsp;mph (137&nbsp;km/h). Crop damage was also heavy in Brunswick County, with 50% of the tobacco crop lost and 30% of the corn and vegetable fields destroyed. Strong winds downed trees and power lines, leaving 65,000 without power.<ref name="ncdam">{{Cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2004|title=Event Report for North Carolina (3)|accessdate=2006-06-23|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~553666}}</ref> Damage in North Carolina totaled to $25&nbsp;million (2004&nbsp;USD).<ref name="tcr"/>

Tropical Storm Charley produced wind gusts of up to 72&nbsp;mph (116&nbsp;km/h) at [[Chesapeake Light]] in [[Virginia]], causing scattered power outages. Rainfall was light, ranging from 2 to 3.7&nbsp;in (50 to 94&nbsp;mm).<ref name="vadam">{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2004|title=Virginia Event Report|accessdate=2006-06-23|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~565716}}</ref> Charley produced one tornado in [[Chesapeake, Virginia|Chesapeake]] and one in [[Virginia Beach, Virginia|Virginia Beach]]. In [[Rhode Island]], one man drowned in a rip current.<ref name="tcr"/>

==Aftermath==
[[Image:Hurricane Charley damage.jpg|thumb|right|250px|President [[George W. Bush]], aboard [[Marine One]], surveys hurricane damage at a [[mobile home]] park in [[Fort Myers, Florida]].]]
[[President of the United States|President]] [[George W. Bush]] declared Florida a federal disaster area. He later reflected on the government respone to Charley:
{{cquote|...the job of the federal government and the state government is to surge resources as quickly as possible to disaster areas. And that's exactly what's happening now. We choppered over and saw the devastation of this area. A lot of people's lives are turned upside down. We've got ice and water moving in, trailers for people...are moving in. The state is providing security...There's a lot of compassion moving in the area, the Red Cross is here."<ref>{{cite web|author=White House|year=2004|title=President Tours Hurricane Damage|accessdate=2006-09-23|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/08/20040815.html}}</ref>
<!--http://www.ifrc.org/docs/appeals/04/2004f.pdf Useful link-->}}

State officials said the majority of the 19&nbsp;people whose deaths were blamed on the storm died afterward in traffic accidents or from heart attacks. Some were electrocuted when they drove over downed power lines.<ref name="disc1">[http://www.cnn.com/2004/WEATHER/08/17/storms/index.html CNN.com - Floridians cope with hurricane's aftermath - [[August 17]], [[2004]]<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson said he is releasing $11&nbsp;million in additional aid and other assistance to Florida, with $10&nbsp;million to be earmarked to Head Start facilities that need repair or new supplies, another $1&nbsp;million would go to DeSoto Memorial Hospital in Arcadia and Osceola Regional Medical Center in Kissimmee, and $200,000 would be spent to provide services to senior citizens.<ref name="disc1">[http://www.cnn.com/2004/WEATHER/08/17/storms/index.html CNN.com - Floridians cope with hurricane's aftermath - [[August 17]], [[2004]]]</ref>
Statewide, 114 food service operations and eight comfort stations had been set up, and FEMA has four disaster recovery centers open, Gov. Jeb Bush said.<ref name="disc1">[http://www.cnn.com/2004/WEATHER/08/17/storms/index.html CNN.com - Floridians cope with hurricane's aftermath - [[August 17]], [[2004]]]</ref> Michael Brown, U.S. Department of Homeland Security's undersecretary for emergency preparedness and response, said FEMA had already processed more than $2&nbsp;million in assistance requests and was in the process of setting up 10,000 temporary homes.<ref name="disc1">[http://www.cnn.com/2004/WEATHER/08/17/storms/index.html CNN.com - Floridians cope with hurricane's aftermath - [[August 17]], [[2004]]]</ref> Despite the damage, Florida Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings said that her state was better prepared for Charley's onslaught than it had been in 1992, when Hurricane Andrew, a Category&nbsp;5 storm with winds topping {{convert|155|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, crushed the southern tip of the state from east to west.<ref name="disc1">[http://www.cnn.com/2004/WEATHER/08/17/storms/index.html CNN.com - Floridians cope with hurricane's aftermath - [[August 17]], [[2004]]]</ref>

===Retirement===
{{seealso|List of retired Atlantic hurricane names}}
Because of its effects in the [[United States]], the name Charley was retired from the [[Lists of tropical cyclone names|rotating lists of tropical cyclone names]] in the spring of 2005 by the [[World Meteorological Organization]]. As a result, the name will never again be used for an [[Atlantic hurricane]]. The name was replaced with Colin for the [[2010 Atlantic hurricane season]].<ref name="2004wmo"/>

==See also==
{{tcportal}}
*[[List of Atlantic hurricanes]]
*[[List of retired Atlantic hurricane names]]
*[[List of Florida hurricanes (2000-present)]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2004charley.shtml? NHC Tropical Cyclone Report on Hurricane Charley]
* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2004/refresh/CHARLEY+shtml/130552.shtml Hurricane Charley Advisory Archive]
* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2004/tws/MIATWSAT_aug.shtml? NHC August Monthly Tropical Weather Summary] - includes figures for damages and fatalities
* [http://www.sptimes.com/2004/08/24/State/Lack_of_a_standard_pl.shtml Lack of a standard places Charley's deaths in question]

{{Retired Atlantic hurricanes}}
{{2004 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}}

[[Category:2004 Atlantic hurricane season|Charley]]
[[Category:Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes|Charley]]
[[Category:Retired Atlantic hurricanes|Charley]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Cuba|Charley]]
[[Category:Florida hurricanes|Charley]]
[[Category:South Carolina hurricanes|Charley]]
[[Category:North Carolina hurricanes|Charley]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in the United States|Charley]]
[[Category:2004 meteorology]]
[[Category:Hurricane Charley]]

[[fr:Ouragan Charley]]
[[fi:Hurrikaani Charley]]
[[sv:Orkanen Charley]]

Revision as of 23:22, 30 July 2008