Hurricane Flora
Fifth-deadliest Atlantic hurricane on record) | |
Damage | $773 million (1963 USD) |
---|---|
Areas affected | Northern South America, Lesser Antilles, Greater Antilles, Lucayan Archipelago, Bermuda, Eastern Canada |
IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1963 Atlantic hurricane season |
Hurricane Flora is among the
The storm struck southwestern
Meteorological history
A disturbance in the
Flora quickly intensified after it became a tropical storm, and early on September 30 it attained hurricane status. Later that day,
After turning to the northwest, Hurricane Flora maintained its peak strength, and made landfall in
After passing over the southeastern
Preparations
The
On October 2, two days before it made landfall on southwestern
Officials at the Cuban National Observatory issued radio bulletins on the hurricane, which included the position of Flora, its intensity, direction of motion, and necessary warnings. By the time the hurricane left the island, more than 40,000 had been evacuated to safer areas.[12]
The Weather Bureau predicted Flora to turn to the northwest after entering the
Impact
Region | Deaths | Damage (1963 USD) |
---|---|---|
Trinidad and Tobago | 24 | $30 million |
Grenada | 6 | $25,000 |
Dominican Republic | 400+ | $60 million |
Haiti | 5,000 | $180 million |
Cuba | 1,750 | $500 million |
Jamaica | 11 | $11.9 million |
Bahamas |
1 | $1.5 million |
Florida | 1 | 0 |
Total | 7,193 | $773.4 million |
Throughout its path, Hurricane Flora resulted in more than 7,000 deaths and about $773.4 million in damage (1963 USD$, 7.7 billion 2024 USD). It is estimated that, if a hurricane like Flora had struck in 1998, it would have caused over 12,000 casualties.[18]
East Caribbean
Hurricane Flora passed Barbados a few days after Hurricane Edith moved through the area. The two hurricanes resulted in about $65,000 in damage (1963 USD), primarily to fishing interests.[19]
About four hours before the eye of Hurricane Flora moved over Tobago, the large hurricane began producing heavy rainfall throughout the island. Two hours later, strong winds began affecting the island, and while moving across the island Flora produced winds of up to 100 miles per hour (160 km/h).[2][20] While moving past Tobago, the hurricane produced rough surf and tides 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 m) above normal.[5] The hurricane sunk six ships between 4 and 9 tons in Scarborough harbour. One crew member drowned while attempting to save his vessel.[21] Heavy rainfall caused a large mudslide from Mount Dillon onto a road leading to Castara. This was considered the most well-known mudslide on the island.[22] The strong winds caused severe damage to coconut, banana, and cocoa plantations,[23] with 50% of the coconut trees being destroyed and another 11% being severely damaged. 75% of forest trees fell, and most of the remaining were greatly damaged. The passage of Hurricane Flora destroyed 2,750 of Tobago's 7,500 houses, and damaged 3,500 others. The hurricane killed 18 on the island and resulted in $30 million in crop and property damage (1963 USD).[24]
Winds on
Dominican Republic and Haiti
Flora produced heavy rainfall and moderately strong winds in the Dominican Republic. The highest rainfall amount reported was 39.43 inches (1,002 mm) at Polo Barahona.[25] Flooding from the hurricane, considered to be the most extensive on record, greatly damaged bridges and roads, with many roads left unpassable for several months after the hurricane struck. Over 3,800 sq mi (9,800 km2) in the western portion of the country were flooded. The hurricane caused about $60 million in damage (1963 USD) and over 400 deaths.[2]
Precipitation | Storm | Location | Ref. | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rank | mm | in | |||
1 | 1,447.8 | 57.00 | Flora 1963 | Miragoâne | [26] |
2 | 654.8 | 25.78 | Noel 2007 | Camp Perrin | [27] |
3 | 604.5 | 23.80 | Matthew 2016 | Anse-á-Veau | [28] |
4 | 410.0 | 16.14 | Lili 2002 | Camp Perrin | [29] |
5 | 323.0 | 12.72 | Hanna 2008 |
Camp Perrin | [30] |
6 | 273.0 | 10.75 | Gustav 2008 | Camp Perrin | [31] |
7 | 168.0 | 6.614 | Laura 2020 |
Port-Au-Prince | [32] |
8 | 65.0 | 2.56 | Fox 1952 | Ouanaminthe | [33] |
While moving across southwestern Haiti, Hurricane Flora produced winds of up to 120 mph (190 km/h) near Derez,[2] while the capital city of Port-au-Prince reported peak winds of 65 mph (105 km/h).[34] Intense rainbands dropped torrential precipitation estimated at over 75 inches (1,900 mm) in Miragoâne, with one location recording over 57 inches (1,400 mm) in three days.[2] One location in the southwestern peninsula recorded 16 inches (410 mm) of precipitation in 12 hours.[35] The storm surge on the southern coast is unknown, but estimated to exceed 12 feet (3.7 m).[2] Flash floods from the hurricane washed out large sections of several towns, while mudslides buried some entire towns,[2] resulting in many deaths. Heavy rainfall led to river flooding along the Grise River, which crested at 14 feet (4.3 m) above normal. The flood waters created new channels and washed away entire banana plantations.[34]
Strong winds in southwestern Haiti from the hurricane damaged or destroyed hundreds of trees. The path of Flora over the area was best determined by the trajectory of fallen trees across the peninsula. The strong winds left entire villages roofless, with many buildings entirely destroyed. The combination of rough waves and strong winds destroyed three entire communities. Many of those who died in southwestern Haiti suffered from intense burns from strong winds.[35] In most areas, crops were entirely destroyed.[2] The coffee crop was harvested prior to the arrival of the hurricane, though heavy rainfall and severe flooding ruined the crop for later years. Additionally, strong winds downed shading trees for the coffee crop on the southern peninsula. One official estimated it would require three years for the coffee crop to be replanted and regrown.[34]
About 3,500 people were confirmed dead, with several thousands missing at one report five months after the hurricane. It is estimated the passage of Hurricane Flora killed around 5,000 people and caused between $125 million and $180 million in damage in Haiti (1963 USD).[2]
Cuba, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Florida
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (May 2017) |
Deadliest Atlantic hurricanes | |||
---|---|---|---|
Rank | Hurricane | Season | Fatalities |
1 | ? "Great Hurricane" | 1780 | 22,000–27,501 |
2 | 5 Mitch | 1998 | 11,374+ |
3 | 2 Fifi | 1974 | 8,210–10,000 |
4 | 4 "Galveston" | 1900 | 8,000–12,000 |
5 | 4 Flora | 1963 | 7,193 |
6 | ? "Pointe-à-Pitre" | 1776 | 6,000+ |
7 | 5 "Okeechobee" | 1928 | 4,112+ |
8 | ? "Newfoundland" | 1775 | 4,000–4,163 |
9 | 3 "Monterrey" | 1909 | 4,000 |
10 | 4 "San Ciriaco" | 1899 | 3,855 |
Strong northerly winds from Flora eroded the northern beaches in the Cuban province of Camagüey by up to 3,300 feet (1 km).[12] Santa Cruz del Sur reported strong southerly winds and rough seas. Winds in Cuba reached 125 mph (201 km/h). Due to its slow movement across Cuba, the storm dropped extreme rainfall amounts on the eastern side of the island. Isolated locations in Cuba received over 80 in (2,000 mm) of precipitation,[18] with Santiago de Cuba recording 100.39 in (2,550 mm), which is the highest rainfall total measured on Cuba from any rainfall event on record.[36] Strong winds and flooding caused significant damage to crops in the region. The storm destroyed about 25% of coffee, 10% of the corn, up to 15% of sugar crops throughout the country, while at least a majority of banana and orange crops were lost. Further, Flora destroyed an estimated 50% of winter rice crops in Camagüey and Oriente provinces – roughly 25% of production nationally. Approximately 50% of cotton was lost in Oriente Province, which produced about half of Cuba's cotton crop.[37]
Many citizens were left stranded at the tops of their homes. Floodwaters damaged or destroyed tens of thousands of homes throughout Cuba. A tabulation complete through October 20 indicated that the storm damaged approximately 21,000 homes and destroyed more than 11,000 others in Oriente Province alone.[37] Throughout the country, the hurricane destroyed as many as 30,000 dwellings.[38] Many bridges, highways, and railroads, particularly in Oriente Province, became impassable due to flooding, landslides, and washouts. However, much of the damage was incurred to secondary highways and railways.[37] Overall, Flora caused about $500 million in damage in Cuba and approximately 1,750 fatalities.[2][38]
Heavy rainfall fell across the island of Jamaica due to southwest flow into the mountains on Flora's southern periphery over several days. The maximum amount recorded was 60 inches (1,500 mm) at Spring Hill persistent,[33] which led to numerous landslides across the eastern portion of the island.[39] Damage to the island totaled $11.9 million (1963 dollars).[2] Rough seas from Flora affected the Bahamas and the southeastern Florida coast on October 5 as the hurricane stalled over Cuba, keeping small craft in port,[40][41] and hurricane-force winds affected Ragged Island later that day. Rainfall amounts peaked at 17.19 inches (437 mm) at Duncan Town, in the Bahamas.[33] Damage to the island archipelago reached $1.5 million (1963 dollars).[2]
Aftermath
In Tobago, the great agricultural damage from Flora caused the crop plantations to be abandoned. As a result, the economy of the island changed towards tourism.[23] The destruction of the Tobagonian rainforests resulted in a continual decline of agriculture on the island due to animals previously in the forest eating the crops for food.[42] The passage of the hurricane reduced the height of the rainforest canopy above 800 ft (240 m) by half. Twenty-five years passed before the canopy reached its previous height.[43]
In the Dominican Republic, damage reports were largely unknown by a month after the hurricane passed the island, primarily in the western provinces. There, roads were still impassable, large areas remained without electricity, and helicopters could not land in remote areas due to mud, silt, and up to 3 ft (0.91 m) of water in all landing fields. One official estimated several months would pass before survey teams could obtain information on loss of life and overall damages.[44]
The government of Cuba implemented further restrictions on ongoing rations, including adding rations on sugar for the first time in the country's history.[37] Amidst a political crisis between Cuba and the United States, the Cuban Red Cross refused aid from the American Red Cross, referring to the offer of aid as hypocritical "by a country [the United States] that is trying to destroy us [Cuba] with economic blockades and other measures."[45] The Soviet Union delivered large quantities of food, medicine, and other supplies vital to recovery, while the other satellite states in Europe promised aid. China sent medicine and powdered milk totaling about $200,000 in value while also contributing the same amount in cash.[37]
Due to the severe damage and loss of life the hurricane caused across the Caribbean, the name Flora was retired from the rotating list of Atlantic tropical cyclone names by the
See also
- List of Atlantic hurricanes
- List of wettest tropical cyclones
- List of wettest tropical cyclones in Cuba since 1963
- List of Cuba hurricanes
- List of South America tropical cyclones
References
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- ^ (PDF) from the original on February 5, 2012. Retrieved May 13, 2012.
- ^ United States Weather Bureau. Retrieved November 27, 2006.
- ^ a b Ralph L. Higgins (1963). "Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 2". San Juan Weather Bureau Office. Retrieved December 4, 2006.
- ^ United States Weather Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
- ^ Hoose & Davis (1963). "Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 5)". San Juan Weather Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
- United States Weather Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
- ^ Hoose (1963). "Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 9)". San Juan Weather Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
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- ^ Hoose (1963). "Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 14)". San Juan Weather Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
- ^ Ralph L. Higgins (1963). "Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 5". San Juan Weather Bureau Office. Retrieved December 4, 2006.
- ^ a b José Fernández Partagás (1963). "Information from Cuba". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 29, 2006.
- ^ Dunn (1963). "Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 19)". Miami Weather Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
- ^ "Storm Leaves Cuba, Heads for Bahamas". The Lincoln Star. Associated Press. 1963. Retrieved December 22, 2006. [dead link]
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- ^ International Disaster Database: Disaster List Archived September 23, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
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- United States Weather Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
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- ^ Brown, Daniel P (December 17, 2007). Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Noel (PDF) (Report). United States National Hurricane Center. p. 4. Archived from the original on June 9, 2012. Retrieved June 1, 2012.
- ^ Stewart, Stacy R (April 3, 2017). Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Matthew (PDF) (Report). United States National Hurricane Center. p. 4. Archived from the original on June 9, 2012. Retrieved April 6, 2017.
- ^ Finnigan, Sean (October 4, 2002). Hurricane Lili almost drowns Camp-Perin, Haiti (PDF) (Report). Organisation for the Rehabilitation of the Environment. p. 1. Archived from the original on June 9, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2012.
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- ^ Jeff Masters and Bob Henson (August 24, 2020). "Laura expected to hit Gulf Coast as at least a Category 2 hurricane". Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
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- ^ a b c Ralph L. Higgins (1963). "Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 3". San Juan Weather Bureau Office. Retrieved December 4, 2006.
- ^ a b Ralph L. Higgins (1963). "Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 4". San Juan Weather Bureau Office. Retrieved December 13, 2006.
- ^ "Lluvias intensas observadas y grandes inundaciones reportadas" (in Spanish). Instituto Nacional de Recursos Hidráulicos. 2003. Archived from the original on March 12, 2007. Retrieved February 10, 2007.
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- University of Wisconsin. p. 27. Archived from the original(PDF) on October 15, 2014. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
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