The deadly hurricane took an unusual path after making landfall in the United States, making landfall in three states and going down as one of the most memorable storms of the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season.
On Sept. 2, 2004, a tropical depression formed off the coast of Africa. Just three days later, it was a major hurricane on a path that would lead to multiple landfalls in the United States. Ivan’s first deadly strike was in the Caribbean, where it caused heavy damage to Grenada where it killed nearly 100 people. The storm also caused damage in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
Ivan then moved across the Gulf of Mexico and made landfall on Sept. 16 at Gulf Shores, Alabama, as a Category 3 hurricane. It affected the Alabama and western Florida Panhandle coast with a 10- to 15-foot storm surge, more than 15 inches of rain, and 145-mph wind gusts.
More than $18 billion—$30 million in 2024 USD—damage was done in Alabama, making it the most expensive storm to ever hit the state. More than half a million residents lost power.