1963 Atlantic hurricane season

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1963 Atlantic hurricane season
First system formed July 31, 1963
Last system dissipated October 29, 1963
Strongest storm1 Flora – 940 mbar (hPa) (27.76 inHg), 145 mph (230 km/h) (1-minute sustained)
Total depressions 9
Total storms 9
Hurricanes 7
Major hurricanes (Cat. 3+) 2
Total fatalities 7,225
Total damage $830.1 million (1963 USD)
1Strongest storm is determined by lowest pressure
Atlantic hurricane seasons
1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965

The 1963 Atlantic hurricane season featured one of the deadliest tropical cyclones on record in the Atlantic basin – Hurricane Flora. The season officially began on June 15, and lasted until November 15. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. It was a below average season in terms of tropical storms, with a total of nine named storms. The first system, Hurricane Arlene, developed between Cape Verde and the Lesser Antilles on July 31. In Bermuda, strong winds resulted in about $300,000 (1963 USD) in damage. Hurricanes Beulah and Debra, as well as an unnamed tropical storm, did not impact land. During the month of September, Hurricane Cindy caused wind damage and flooding in Texas, leaving three deaths and approximately $12.5 million in damage. Hurricane Edith passed through the Lesser Antilles and the eastern Greater Antilles, causing 10 deaths and about $43 million in damage, most of which occurred on Martinique.

The most significant storm of the season was Hurricane Flora, which peaked as a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale. Drifting slowly and executing a cyclonic loop, Flora dropped very heavy rainfall in the Greater Antilles, including over 100 in (2,500 mm) in Cuba. Extreme flooding ensued, leaving behind at least 7,193 fatalities and about $773.4 million in damage. Flora is thus listed among the deadliest Atlantic hurricanes on record. In October, Hurricane Ginny moved erratically offshore the Southeastern United States, though eventually, the extratropical remnants struck Nova Scotia. Ginny caused at least three deaths and $400,000 in damage in the United States alone. The final cyclone, Tropical Storm Helena, caused five deaths and over $500,000 in damage on Guadeloupe. Overall, the storms in this season caused at least 7,225 deaths and about $830.1 million in damage.

Season summary

Rainfall totals in the Greater Antilles from Hurricane Flora

The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 15, 1963, and ended on November 15, 1963.[1] It was below average with nine tropical storms,[2] slightly less than the 1950–2000 average of 9.6 named storms.[3] Seven of these reached hurricane status,[2] which is above the 1950–2000 average of 5.9.[3] Furthermore, two storms reached major hurricane status,[2] which is Category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale.[4] A total of four hurricanes made landfall during the season,[2] causing at least 7,225 deaths and $830.1 million in damage.Hurricane Ginny and Tropical Storm Helena also caused damage and deaths, despite remaining offshore and then after becoming extratropical.[5][6]

Tropical cyclogenesis began late, with Hurricane Arlene developing on July 31. Another system formed in August, Hurricane Beulah. September was much more active, with an unnamed tropical storm, as well as hurricanes Cindy, Debra, Edith, and Flora all developing in that month. Flora was the most intense tropical cyclone of the season, peaking as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 145 mph (233 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 940 mbar (28 inHg). There were two other system in October, Hurricane Ginny and Tropical Storm Helena; the latter dissipated on October 29.[2]

The season's activity was reflected with an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) rating of 118.[4] ACE is, broadly speaking, a measure of the power of the hurricane multiplied by the length of time it existed, so storms that last a long time, as well as particularly strong hurricanes, have high ACEs. It is only calculated for full advisories on tropical systems at or exceeding 39 mph (63 km/h), which is tropical storm strength. Subtropical cyclones are excluded from the total.[7]

Storms

Hurricane Arlene

Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS)
150px 150px
Duration July 31 – August 10
Peak intensity 105 mph (165 km/h) (1-min)  969 mbar (hPa)

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Main article: Hurricane Arlene (1963)

A cloud mass developed into the first tropical depression of the season at 18:00 UTC on July 31 while located about halfway between the Lesser Antilles and Cape Verde.[2][5] It headed to the west, becoming a tropical storm on August 2. Arlene rapidly intensified to become a 100 mph (160 km/h) Category 2 hurricane later that day. However, a lack of outflow weakened it to a tropical depression on August 4. The storm failed to significantly re-organize until August 7, by which time it restrengthened into a tropical storm. The following day, Arlene re-intensified into a hurricane before passing directly over Bermuda. Several hours after passing the island, the hurricane reached its peak intensity with winds of 105 mph (160 km/) and a barometric pressure of 969 mbar (28.6 inHg). By August 11, Arlene transitioned into an extratropical cyclone before being absorbed by another cyclone later that day.[2]

Along its track, several hurricane warnings and watches were issued for the Leeward Islands;[8] however, no damage was reported on any of the islands.[5] The storm has its greatest impact in Bermuda, where high winds and near-record rainfall of 6.05 inches (154 mm) downed trees, power lines, and caused flooding.[5][9][10] Damages across the island amounted to $300,000 (1963 USD).[5]

Hurricane Beulah

Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS)
150px 150px
Duration August 20 – August 28
Peak intensity 120 mph (195 km/h) (1-min)  958 mbar (hPa)

On August 20, a tropical wave developed into a tropical depression while situated about 635 mi (1,020 km) north-northwest of Cayenne, French Guiana.[2][5] Moving west-northwestward, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Beulah around 06:00 UTC on the following day.[2] Later on August 21, the first reconnaissance aircraft flight into the storm observed winds of 52 mph (84 km/h) and a barometric pressure of 1,005 mbar (29.7 inHg). A subsequent flight into Beulah on August 22 recorded a well-defined eye, winds of 78 mph (126 km/h), and a barometric pressure of 994 mbar (29.4 inHg).[5] As a result, the storm was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane around 12:00 UTC. Shortly thereafter, Beulah curved north-northwestward and continued to deepen. Early on August 23, it strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane.[2]

The storm intensified into a Category 3 hurricane by early on August 24, at which time Beulah attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 958 mbar (28.3 inHg).[2] Radars indicated an elliptical eye with a diameter of 20 to 30 mi (32 to 48 km).[5] The hurricane turned to the north, where the anticyclone that was favoring development to its south caused unfavorable conditions.[2] Beulah weakened to a minimal hurricane and raced to the northeast under the influence of an upper-level trough offshore the East Coast of the United States.[5] Early on August 28, the hurricane transitioned into an extratropical cyclone about 250 mi (400 km) east of Newfoundland.[2]

Tropical Storm Three

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
150px 150px
Duration September 10 – September 14
Peak intensity 60 mph (95 km/h) (1-min)  992 mbar (hPa)

As early as September 8, ships north of Puerto Rico reported a weak circulation.[5] A tropical depression developed at 06:00 UTC on September 10, while situated about 150 mi (240 km) southwest of Bermuda.[2] The cyclone was subtropical in nature, developing with the instability of cool and warm air. While passing Bermuda later on September 10, sustained wind speeds of 25 mph (40 km/h) and decrease in barometric pressure were observed.[5] The system moved east-northeastward and strengthening into a tropical storm early the following day. By late on September 12, the storm attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (97 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 992 mbar (29.3 inHg). Thereafter, the system accelerated ahead of a cold front and became extratropical on September 14, while located about 725 mi (1,167 km) north-northwest of Corvo Island in the Azores. The extratropical remnants moved rapidly eastward, until dissipating well west of Ireland early on September 15.[2]

Hurricane Cindy

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
150px
Duration September 16 – September 20
Peak intensity 80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min)  996 mbar (hPa)

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Main article: Hurricane Cindy (1963)

In mid-September, a trough of low pressure was situated in the Gulf of Mexico.[5] The system developed into Tropical Storm Cindy at 12:00 UTC on September 16, while located about 210 mi (340 km) south of Cameron, Louisiana. Cindy strengthened quickly and reached hurricane intensity early on September 17. Around that time, the storm attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 996 mbar (29.4 inHg). Shortly after 12:00 UTC on September 17, Cindy made landfall near High Island, Texas with winds of 75 mph (121 km/h). Early the following day, the hurricane weakened to a tropical storm and further to a tropical depression about six hours later. Moving southwestward, the depression dissipated at 00:00 UTC on September 20.[2]

In southwestern Louisiana, over 15 in (380 mm) of rain fell in some areas. Rice crops were flooded, causing about $360,000 in damage. However, the precipitation was described as more "beneficial" than detrimental.[5] Along the coast, tides inundated roads leading to Cameron and Holly Beach.[11] A man drowned offshore Cameron while attempting to evacuate personnel from the oil rigs. The storm brought flooding to the southeastern Texas, particularly the Port Arthur area. Two twin sister drowned in Port Acres. Collectively, water entered 4,000 homes in Jefferson, Newton, and Orange counties. Property damage reached approximately $11.7 million.[5] In Oklahoma, flooding occurred in Guthrie, causing 300 residents to flee their homes. Water intruded into 25 businesses and 35 homes.[12] Overall, Cindy caused about $12.5 million in damage.[5]

Hurricane Debra

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
150px 150px
Duration September 19 – September 24
Peak intensity 75 mph (120 km/h) (1-min)  999 mbar (hPa)

On September 19, a westward moving tropical wave became a tropical depression about 900 mi (1,400 km) east of the southwestern-most islands of Cape Verde.[2][5] Initially, the depression moved west-northwestward and remained weak. However, while curving northward early on September 21, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Debra. Several hours later, Debra became a Category 1 hurricane. The cyclone peaked with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 999 mbar (29.5 inHg) late on September 22. Debra soon began weakening and fell to tropical storm status early the following day.[2] The system began losing extratropical characteristics and was absorbed by an extratropical low late on September 24,[5] while located about halfway between Bermuda and Flores Island in the Azores.[2]

Hurricane Edith

Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS)
150px 150px
Duration September 23 – September 29
Peak intensity 100 mph (155 km/h) (1-min)  990 mbar (hPa)

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Main article: Hurricane Edith (1963)

An Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) disturbance developed into a tropical depression while east of the Windward Islands on September 23.[13] The depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Edith the next day. Only six hours later, Edith reached hurricane status. After becoming a Category 2 hurricane, it fluctuated slightly to a Category 1 before striking Saint Lucia on September 25. The storm tracked west-northwestward across the Caribbean Sea, but re-curved north-northwestward on September 26. Edith made landfall near La Romana, Dominican Republic, early on the following day as a minimal hurricane. Interaction with land and an extratropical cyclone caused Edith to weaken to a tropical storm on September 28 and to a tropical depression by the next day. The storm dissipated just east of the Bahamas on September 29.[2]

In Martinique, a wind gust of 127 mph (200 km/h) was observed at Le Lamentin Airport, while tides of about 8 ft (2.4 m) above normal and heavy rainfall were also recorded.[14] Throughout the islands, about 6,000 homes were demolished and 13,000 other were severely impacted.[13] Agriculture suffered significantly, with bananas and other food crops destroyed, while sugar cane experienced significant damage.[15] Ten deaths and about $40 million were reported on the island. Strong winds on Saint Lucia ruined about half of the island's banana crop. Damage reached slightly less than $3.47 million.[5] In Puerto Rico, the storm brought heavy rainfall to the southwest corner of the island and abnormally high tides to the south coast. Several beach front properties were badly damaged, particularly in the Salinas municipality. Some low-lying areas were flooded and a several houses were deroofed mainly in Ponce.[16] About $400,000 in damage was reported on Puerto Rico. Overall, Edith caused 10 deaths and around $46.6 million in damage.[5]

Hurricane Flora

Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS)
Duration September 26 – October 12
Peak intensity 145 mph (230 km/h) (1-min)  940 mbar (hPa)

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Main article: Hurricane Flora

Another tropical depression developed from an ITCZ disturbance while located about 755 mi (1,215 km) southwest of Fogo in the Cape Verde Islands.[5][2] After remaining a weak depression for several days, it rapidly organized on September 29 into Tropical Storm Flora. The storm continued to quickly strengthen to reach Category 3 hurricane intensity before moving through the Windward Islands, passing over Tobago on September 30 with winds of 120 mph (190 km/h). Curving west-northwestward, Flora peaked as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 145 mph (230 km/h) on October 3. Early the next day, the hurricane made landfall in the Sud Department of Haiti at the same intensity. After crossing the Tiburon Peninsula, Flora briefly re-emerged into the Caribbean Sea on October 4, where the storm weakened to a Category 3. Late on October 4, the cyclone made landfall near San Antonio del Sur, Cuba, with winds of 125 mph (200 km/h).[2]

Under the influence of a high pressure system to its north, Flora then moved in a slow and erratic motion across eastern Cuba, beginning with a turn to the south-southwest. Early on October 6, the storm weakened to a Category 2 and briefly emerged over Gulf of Guacanayabo. Over that body of water, the storm weakened to a Category 1 on October 7, before an anti-cyclone forced the storm to strike near Santa Cruz del Sur with winds of 90 mph (140 km/h). The hurricane then curved northeastward, before executing an eastward direction. Around midday on October 8, Flora emerged into the Atlantic from Holguín Province. After passing over the southeastern Bahamas early on October 9, Flora began to restrengthen and became a major hurricane again on the next day. Thereafter, Flora continued northeastward and gradually weakened, falling to Category 1 intensity on October 11. Flora gradually lost convection and became extratropical on October 12 while located 270 mi (430 km) east-southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland. The extratropical remnants dissipated the next day.[2]

In Trinidad and Tobago, the storm brought abnormally high tides, heavy rainfall, and strong winds to the island of Tobago.[5][17] The hurricane sunk six ships at the harbor in Scarborough.[18] Strong winds caused severe affects to coconut, banana, and cocoa plantations, with 50% of the coconut trees destroyed and 11% severely damaged. About 2,750 houses were destroyed, while 3,500 others were impacted. The hurricane killed 24 deaths in Trinidad and Tobago and resulted in $30.1 million in crop and property damage.[19] Six additional drowning fatalities occurred in Grenada. The slow movement of the storm resulted in record rainfall totals for the Greater Antilles. In Dominican Republic, over 3,800 sq mi (9,800 km2) of land was flooded. Bridges and roads were significantly damaged, with many roads left unpassable for several months. The hurricane caused about $60 million in damage and over 400 deaths.[5] In Haiti, flash floods washed out large sections of several towns, while mudslides buried some entire cities.[20] In most areas, crops were entirely destroyed.[5] Additionally, the combination of rough waves and strong winds destroyed three entire communities.[20] About 3,500 people were confirmed dead and damaged ranged $125 million and $180 million.[5] In Cuba, the storm dropped 100.39 in (2,550 mm) of rainfall at Santiago de Cuba.[21] Nearly all crops in southeastern Cuba were affected by strong winds and flooding. Many citizens were left stranded at the tops of their houses. Several entire houses were swept away by the flooding, and many roads and bridges were destroyed, resulting in major disruptions to communications.[22] Throughout the country, the hurricane destroyed as many as 30,000 dwellings.[6] Flora left at least 1,750 fatalities and $500 million in damage in Cuba.[5][6] Overall, Hurricane Flora caused at least 7,193 deaths and over $783.4 million in damage.[5][6]

Hurricane Ginny

Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS)
150px 150px
Duration October 16 – October 29
Peak intensity 110 mph (175 km/h) (1-min)  948 mbar (hPa)

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Main article: Hurricane Ginny

On October 16, a tropical depression formed near Turks and Caicos from the interaction of a trough and a tropical wave, although the system was not very tropical due to cold air.[5][23] It moved to the north and northwest, becoming Tropical Storm Ginny on October 19. The next day it attained hurricane status,[2] and approached North Carolina before looping to the southwest due to a ridge over New England. By October 22, Ginny crossed the Gulf Stream and intensified, developing an eye. It briefly weakened to a tropical storm the next day while approaching Florida, but regained hurricane intensity within ten hours.[5][23] Ahead of an advancing trough,[24] Ginny turned sharply northward and later northeastward, paralleling the coast of the Southeastern United States. For eight days, the storm was within 250 mi (400 km) of the United States coastline. Moving farther offshore, Ginny gradually intensified to reach peak winds of 110 mph (180 km/h) on October 29.[5][23] Later that day it became extratropical before striking southwestern Nova Scotia, while the remnants dissipated on October 30 in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.[2]

Early in its track, Ginny dropped heavy rainfall in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.[9] In Florida and Georgia, Ginny produced above normal tides that caused minor damage and beach erosion.[5] Rainfall was beneficial in South Carolina,[25] and in North Carolina, high tides caused minor flooding and destroyed one house.[26] Wind gusts reached 76 mph (122 km/h) in Nantucket,[5] causing power outages that left about 1,000 homes in Chatham, Massachusetts without power. Many boats were damaged or ripped from their moorings in Maine, and one person died from a heart attack while trying to rescue his boat.[27] Ginny was the latest hurricane on record to affect Maine,[28] and during its passage, the storm brought an influx of cold air that produced up to 4 ft (1.2 m) of snow in northern Maine, killing two people.[27] Damage from Ginny in the United States was estimated at $400,000.[5] In Canada, high winds downed trees and caused power outages, leaving the entirety of Prince Edward Island without power.[29]

Tropical Storm Helena

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
150px
Duration October 25 – October 29
Peak intensity 50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min) ≤ 1001 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave accompanied by a large area of convection moved westward in late October. On October 25, the wave spawned a tropical depression, based on ship and Hurricane Hunter reports of southwest winds and heavy rainfall. Although it was not well-defined, the system intensified gradually and became Tropical Storm Helena.[5] On October 26, the storm reached peak winds of 50 mph (80 km/h),[2] before quickly weakening when it passed between Dominica and Guadeloupe, potentially due to their high terrain.[5] Helena was a weak tropical depression upon entering the eastern Caribbean Sea, but it re-intensified into a tropical storm after turning to the north on October 27.[2] Its slow, erratic movement and failure to intensify was due to a weak trough across the region. While passing near Antigua, the storm developed an intense rainband that produced winds of 58 mph (93 km/h), as measured by aircraft between Dominica and Guadeloupe. However, Helena again weakened into a tropical depression on October 29 and dissipated shortly thereafter.[5]

The threat of Helena prompted the San Juan Weather Bureau to issue a hurricane watch and later gale warnings for portions of the Lesser Antilles.[30] While passing through the Lesser Antilles, Helena heavily damaged or sank several boats on Guadeloupe. On the island, the storm left 500 people homeless, killed five people, and seriously injured fourteen others. Damage was estimated at $500,000.[5]

Storm names

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See also: List of retired Atlantic hurricane names

The following names were used for named storms (tropical storms and hurricanes) that formed in the North Atlantic in 1963.[1] Storms were named Ginny and Helena for the first time in 1963. The name Flora was later retired.[31] Names that were not assigned are marked in gray.

  • Helena
  • Irene (unused)
  • Janice (unused)
  • Kristy (unused)
  • Laura (unused)
  • Margo (unused)
  • Nona (unused)
  • Orchid (unused)
  • Portia (unused)
  • Rachel (unused)
  • Sandra (unused)
  • Terese (unused)
  • Verna (unused)
  • Wallis (unused)

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 2.25 2.26 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 5.15 5.16 5.17 5.18 5.19 5.20 5.21 5.22 5.23 5.24 5.25 5.26 5.27 5.28 5.29 5.30 5.31 5.32 5.33 5.34 5.35 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  12. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  14. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  15. ↑ (French) Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  16. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  17. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  18. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  19. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  21. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  22. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  24. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  25. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  26. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  28. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  29. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  30. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  31. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

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