Subtropical Storm Alpha (2020)
Subtropical Storm Alpha was the first subtropical or tropical cyclone ever observed to make landfall in mainland Portugal. The twenty-second tropical or subtropical cyclone and twenty-first named storm of the extremely active and record-breaking 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, Alpha originated from a large non-tropical low that was first monitored by the National Hurricane Center on 15 September. Initially not anticipated to transition into a tropical cyclone, the low gradually tracked south-southeastward for several days with little development. By early on 17 September, the low had separated from its frontal features and exhibited sufficient organization to be classified as a subtropical cyclone, as it approached the Iberian Peninsula, becoming a subtropical storm around that time. Alpha then made landfall just south of Figueira da Foz, Portugal during the evening of 18 September, then rapidly weakened as it moved over the mountainous terrain of Northeastern Portugal. The system degenerated into a remnant low on 19 September, when it was last noted.
Alpha shortly before landfall in Portugal on 18 September
Subtropical Storm Alpha (left) making landfall in Portugal and Medicane Ianos (right) in the Mediterranean approaching Greece on 18 September.
Alpha upon first reaching subtropical-storm status on 17 September
A subtropical cyclone is a weather system that has some characteristics of both tropical and extratropical cyclones.
Subtropical Storm Gustav in 2002, the first system to be given a name as a subtropical cyclone
Subtropical Storm Alberto near Florida on May 27, 2018.
A subtropical storm in December 2010, originally a Kona storm
An Australian east coast low in June 2013