On September 2, 2004, Tropical Depression Nine formed from a large tropical wave southwest of Cape Verde. As the system moved westward, it gradually strengthened, becoming Tropical Storm Ivan on September 3 and reaching hurricane strength on September 5, 1,150 miles (1,850 km) east of Tobago. Later that day, the storm rapidly intensified, and at 5 p.m. Ivan became a Category 4 hurricane.
