Tropical Storm Earl caused minor damage in the Windward Islands in mid-August 2004. The fifth tropical cyclone and named storm of the annual hurricane season, Earl developed on August 13 from a tropical wave centered well east of the Lesser Antilles. The depression gradually organized as it tracked west-northwestward and was upgraded to Tropical Storm Earl roughly a day after genesis. As the system approached the Windward Islands it continued to slowly strengthen, peaking as a 50 mph (85 km/h) tropical storm early on August 15. However, the system unexpectedly degenerated into a tropical wave that afternoon, likely due to its fast forward motion. The remnants of Earl continued across the Caribbean Sea and eventually re-developed into Hurricane Frank in the eastern Pacific Ocean on August 23.
Gusty winds in Grenada damaged at least 34 roofs and knocked down twelve trees and six electrical poles. Additionally, a nursing home on the island was evacuated due to significant structural damage. Two houses lost their roofs in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, while moderate crop damage was reported on the island. Downed trees and power lines in Tobago left 90% of the island without electricity. Overall, Earl was responsible for one fatality, nineteen missing, and an unknown amount of damage.
The formation of Tropical Storm Earl is attributed to a low-latitude, vigorous tropical wave that emerged off the western coast of Africa on August 10. As the disturbance moved towards the west, satellite imagery revealed a better structure with improved banding features and fair upper-level outflow, leading to the formation of Tropical Depression Five at 1800 UTC on August 13, situated roughly 1000 mi (1610 km) east of the Lesser Antilles. The depression progressed rapidly west-northwest the following day, embedded and under the influence of a deep easterly flow around the southern periphery of a subtropical ridge to the cyclone's north. By the afternoon of August 14, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Earl, situated 325 mi (525 km/h) east of Barbados. Within an environment characterized by low wind shear, high atmospheric humidity, and warm sea surface temperatures, Earl intensified, reaching a peak intensity of 50 mph (85 km/h) by 0600 UTC on August 15. However, Earl degenerated into an tropical wave and dissipated shortly after passing through the Leeward Islands, possibly due to its fast forward motion. The remnant wave eventually entered the eastern Pacific Ocean, developing into Hurricane Frank by August 23.
In anticipation of Earl, a tropical storm warning was issued from Trinidad to St. Lucia. Several hundred people in Grenada evacuated from low-lying areas to schools set up as shelters. Airports were temporarily shut down across the Leeward Islands. In Grenada, Earl produced heavy rains and strong winds. The winds damaged the roofs of 34 homes, while also knocking down trees and power lines. Heavy rains triggered flooding as well as nine mudslides and three rockslides. A nursing home had to be evacuated due to damage. On St Vincent and the Grenadines, the winds destroyed two roofs and also damaged banana trees. In Tobago, trees and power lines fell, cutting power to 90% of the island. Winds reached 35 mph (55 km/h) in Barbados and St. Lucia.
Following the storm, Grenada requested assistance from the United States Agency of International Development. Local crews worked quickly to cover broken roofs and repair other structural damage. The National Emergency Relief organization were sought for assistance.