Hurricane Carol (1953)
Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | August 28, 1953 |
Dissipated | September 8, 1953 |
Category 5 major hurricane | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Highest winds | 160 mph (260 km/h) |
Lowest pressure | 929 mbar (hPa); 27.43 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 5 |
Damage | $2 million (1953 USD) |
Areas affected | Bermuda, New England, Atlantic Canada |
IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1953 Atlantic hurricane season |
Hurricane Carol was the strongest storm of the
When Carol initially threatened to strike Bermuda, several planes were evacuated from the island. Later, the hurricane produced high waves along the New England coastline which, in combination with foggy conditions, caused several boating accidents. At least 40 people required rescue, and four people were killed. Although winds in the region were minor, fishing damage totaled about $1 million (1953 USD, $11.4 million 2024 USD). In Nova Scotia, hurricane-force wind gusts downed trees and power lines, as well as heavy damage to the apple crop totaling $1 million (1950 CAD, $11.8 million 2024 USD). High waves washed several boats ashore, and also killed one person. Ferry travel was halted across Atlantic Canada, although impact was less severe outside of Nova Scotia. In Prince Edward Island, gusty winds caused isolated power outages, and minor flooding occurred in New Brunswick.
Meteorological history
In late August, a
After reaching hurricane status, Carol embarked a steady intensification trend as it moved northwestward.
Preparations and impact
As Carol was threatening Bermuda, planes flew away from the island and ships returned to harbor for safety.[5] Although hurricane-force winds were initially predicted, Carol only brushed the island with high waves and gale-force winds.[6] The winds toppled a few trees and power lines, and also injured two motorcyclists after they lost control of their vehicles.[7]
Along the East Coast of the United States, the Weather Bureau issued storm warnings from New Jersey through Maine due to the approaching hurricane.[8] The combination of high waves and foggy conditions caused several boating accidents in New England, killing four people and left at least 40 people in need of Coast Guard rescue. Winds across much of the region were not significant, reaching only 50 mph (80 km/h) on Nantucket.[9] Across southeast Maine, Carol produced at least 1 in (25 mm) of rainfall, which was beneficial due to gardeners and trees due to previously dry conditions. Effects were generally minimal in the state, although the rainfall prompted the cancellation of a few Northeast Airlines flights.[10] The hurricane caused moderate damage to the fishing industry in New England, totaling around $1 million (1953 USD, $11.4 million 2024 USD).[1]
In the
As Carol moved through eastern Canada, it dropped light to moderate rainfall along its path, peaking at 4.33 inches (110 mm) in the Côte-Nord region of eastern Quebec, along the northern coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Strong winds affected much of the region, primarily Nova Scotia, including an 80 mph (129 km/h) gust in Halifax. Across the province, the combination of winds and rain downed the equivalent of about 500,000 ft3 (14,000 m3) of trees, most of which in areas where some trees were already cut. The winds blew trees onto power lines, leaving widespread areas without telephone, telegraph, or power. In Annapolis Valley, strong winds heavily damaged the apple and grain crop, with farms experiencing losses up to 50%. Losses from the apple crop was estimated around $1 million (1950 CAD, $11.8 million 2024 USD). Strong winds left some property damage, including broken windows and at least one instance of a blown-off roof. Across the province, Carol left several people injured.[4]
Outside of Nova Scotia, the winds from Carol were strong enough to knock down trees and power lines in New Brunswick. Light rainfall, peaking at 2.44 inches (62 mm) in the province, caused street flooding in
See also
- Other storms of the same name
- List of Bermuda hurricanes
- Hurricane Lee (2023) – Category 5 hurricane that took a very similar track and produced similar impacts
References
- ^ a b c d Grady Norton, U.S. Weather Bureau (December 1953). "Hurricanes of 1953" (PDF). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2011-01-11.
- ^ a b c d e "Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)" (Database). United States National Hurricane Center. April 5, 2023. Retrieved April 25, 2024. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ Staff Writer (1953-09-03). "Hurricane Reported in Atlantic; Curves Away from All Land". Times Daily. Associated Press. Retrieved 2011-01-18.
- ^ a b c d Canadian Hurricane Centre (2010-09-14). "1953-Carol". Retrieved 2011-01-17.
- ^ Staff Writer (1953-09-04). "Hurricane's Winds Reach Honeymoon Isle". St. Petersburg Times. Associated Press. Retrieved 2011-01-18.
- ^ Staff Writer (1953-09-05). "Edge of Hurricane Buffets Bermuda". The Pittsburgh Press. United Press. Retrieved 2011-01-18.
- ^ Staff Writer (1953-09-07). "Storm Warnings Are Up from Jersey to Maine". St. Petersburg Times. United Press.
- ^ Staff Writer (1953-09-07). "New England Bracing for Hurricane". Schenectady Gazette. United Press. Retrieved 2011-01-18.
- ^ Staff Writer (1953-09-07). "Four New England Drownings Due to Carol". Lawrence Journal. Associated Press. Retrieved 2011-01-18.
- ^ Staff Writer (1953-09-08). "Autumn-Like Weather Due Today After Maine Storm Which Drops Inch of Rain". The Lewiston Daily. Associated Press. Retrieved 2011-01-18.