perfect storm

Noun

perfect storm (plural perfect storms)

1. (informal) A powerful hurricane or other major weather disturbance, especially as produced by a combination of meteorological conditions.
   • But on the 24th of April, the wind again blew a perfect storm, and our other ships of the squadron separated, nor did any of them rejoin the commodore.1796, William Fordyce Mavor, Historical account of the most celebrated voyages, travels, and discoveries ..., p. 161
   • Ten o'clock. Beginning to blow hard; taking in sails one after another. — Three o'clock. A perfect storm; the gale a few days ago but a gentle breeze to it.1914, Samuel Finley Breese Morse and Edward Lind Morse, Samuel F.B. Morse: His Letters and Journals, p. 190
2. (broadly, figuratively) A convergence of multiple adverse factors that together create a critical, disastrous, or unusually severe situation.
   • They sent a perfect storm of bullets, over, under, and into our men.1862, Frank Moore, Edward Everett, The Rebellion Record: A Diary of American Events, p. 149
   • Tory said he was worried that "a perfect storm" of economic factors could put tourist operators and their communities in peril.2008 June 30, Jim Coyle, “Stormy weather for tourism season”, in Toronto Star, page AA8