Hurricane Greta–Olivia

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Hurricane Greta—Olivia
Greta near peak intensity in the Gulf of Honduras on September 17
Meteorological history
FormedSeptember 13, 1978
DissipatedSeptember 23, 1978
Category 4 major hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds130 mph (215 km/h)
Lowest pressure947 mbar (hPa); 27.96 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities5 direct
Damage$26 million (1978 USD)
Areas affectedWindward Islands, Central America (particularly Honduras), Belize, Mexico
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata
Part of the 1978 Atlantic and
Pacific hurricane seasons

Hurricane Greta, later Hurricane Olivia, was one of fourteen named

named storm of the 1978 Pacific hurricane season which weakened before landfall and dissipated over Chiapas
on September 23.

Taking a similar path to

Hurricane Fifi four years prior, Greta threatened to reproduce the devastating effects of the catastrophic storm; however, damage and loss of life was significantly less than feared. In Honduras, about 1,200 homes were damaged, about half of which in towns along the coastline. The storm damaged about 75% of the houses on Roatán along the offshore Bay Islands, and there was one death in the country. In the Belize Barrier Reef, Greta downed trees and produced high waves, while on the mainland, there was minimal flooding despite a high storm surge. In Dangriga where it made landfall, the hurricane damaged or destroyed 125 houses and the primary hospital. In Belize City, a tornado flipped over a truck and damaged four houses. Damage in Belize was estimated at $25 million (1978 USD
), and there were four deaths.

Meteorological history

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

A

hurricane hunter on September 14 indicated that the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Greta to the north of the Netherlands Antilles.[1]

After becoming a tropical storm, Greta intensified slowly due to a strong

UTC on September 18, the Hurricane hunters observed a minimum pressure of 947 mbar (28.0 inHg) just off the northern Honduras coast, which was the basis for the estimated peak intensity of 130 mph (210 km/h).[4] This made it a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale.[6]

Satellite image of Hurricane Olivia in the eastern Pacific

Despite the proximity to land, Greta initially maintained a well-defined structure. The hurricane continued generally west-northwestward due to the ridge to the north, and initially was expected to enter the Bay of Campeche.[7] After passing through the Bay Islands off northern Honduras,[5] Greta weakened slightly while approaching Belize, and made landfall near Dangriga at 00:00 UTC on September 19,[4] with winds of about 110 mph (180 km/h).[6] The calm of the eye was reported for three to five minutes there.[8] Rapidly weakening over land, the hurricane deteriorated to tropical depression status over Guatemala within 12 hours of landfall. A large high pressure area from the Carolinas to the central Gulf of Mexico turned Greta southwestward toward the eastern Pacific Ocean.[9] At 00:00 UTC on September 20, the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Center (EPHC) took over responsibility for issuing advisories while Greta was 30 mi (48 km) from the coast. Soon after, the depression emerged over the warm waters of the eastern Pacific and re-intensified. At 06:00 UTC, the depression re-attained tropical storm status and named Olivia by the EPHC. After initially moving to the north, Olivia began executing a slow counterclockwise loop. Based on observations from nearby ships and radar, it is estimated Olivia attained minimal hurricane status early on September 22. While tracking towards the Mexican coastline, the system weakened below hurricane threshold; between 19:00 and 20:00 UTC, Olivia made landfall about 60 mi (97 km) east of Salina Cruz. Early on September 23, Olivia dissipated over the Mexican state of Chiapas.[10]

Hurricane Greta–Olivia was a rare crossover storm from the Atlantic to the Pacific, one of only fourteen named storms to maintain tropical cyclone status during the crossing.[6][11]

Impact

Image of Hurricane Greta north of Honduras

Early in its duration, Greta produced heavy rainfall in the Netherlands Antilles, but the strongest winds remained north of the island.[1]

Late on September 17 when Greta's eye was just offshore Honduras, the country's government issued a

Hurricane Fifi in 1974.[15] However, unlike Fifi, which caused deadly floods in the region four years prior and took a similar track, Greta did not cause as significant river flooding in Honduras.[4][5]

Across much of Greta's track in Central America, the hurricane dropped locally heavy rainfall.[9] When Greta passed just offshore northeastern Honduras, it produced sustained winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) in Puerto Lempira, with gusts to 115 mph (185 km/h). Winds along the northern Honduras coast were diminished due to the eyewall passing to the north.[4] In Honduras, meteorologists estimated that upwards of 15 in (380 mm) of rain fell in mountainous regions. Many villages were isolated and communication with them was severely hampered.[16] In Puerto Lempira, roughly 1,500 of the town's 7,000 residents sought refuge in five large structures during the storm.[17] In twelve communities along the coastline, military officials reported that 656 homes were destroyed, of which 278 were in Punta Potuca.[18] In the offshore Bay Islands, the hurricane destroyed 26 houses on Guanaja, where many roofs were lost and several boats were destroyed. On nearby Roatán, about 75% of the houses lost their roofs after experiencing wind gusts of 80 mph (130 km/h).[19] There was one death in Honduras,[9] and nationwide, the hurricane damaged about 1,200 homes, washed out roads and bridges, and wrecked coconut and rice crops.[20]

At Greta's final landfall in Belize, the highest sustained winds were 55 mph (89 km/h) in

storm tides in Dangriga were 6 to 7 ft (1.8 to 2.1 m) above normal, which did not cause much flooding.[9] The strong winds destroyed 50 houses there and unroofed a further 75,[8] including damage to the hospital. There were also disruptions to power and water service. About 90% of the grapefruit crop was destroyed, and 50% of the orange crop was lost.[25] Tides were 2 to 4 ft (0.61 to 1.22 m) above normal in Belize City,[9] which caused flooding in conjunction with swollen rivers.[25] The United States embassy was flooded with about one foot of mud.[26] There was little damage in the city,[25] although a tornado in Belize City that damaged four houses and flipped over a truck.[27] During the storm, the Belize International Airport was closed.[28] Farther inland, strong winds caused heavy damage at Guanacaste National Park.[23] Damage throughout Belize was estimated at $25 million (1978 USD), and there were four deaths.[9] Three of the deaths were on offshore islands in areas without radios, and the other was due to electrocution.[29]

Aftermath

Following the storm damage in Honduras, the country requested help from the United States. The

Military of Honduras.[20]

In late October 1978, the United Methodist Church sent books and other supplies via aircraft to Belize, after a youth group rode out the storm there and desired to help residents.[30] Despite the hurricane damage, the economy of Belize continued to grow after Greta struck, including an increase in banana production.[31]

On account of the damage caused by the hurricane in the Atlantic basin, the name Greta was retired in the spring of 1979 by the regional hurricane committee of the World Meteorological Organization. It will never again be used to name a tropical system in the basin.[32]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Hurricane Greta and Hurricane Olivia Preliminary Report (JPG) (Report). National Hurricane Center. p. 1. Retrieved 2013-12-17.
  2. ^ John Hope (1978-09-14). Tropical Cyclone Discussion Tropical Storm Greta (JPG) (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2013-12-20.
  3. ^ Paul Hebert (1978-09-15). Tropical Cyclone Discussion Tropical Storm Greta (JPG) (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2013-12-20.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Hurricane Greta and Hurricane Olivia Preliminary Report (JPG) (Report). National Hurricane Center. p. 2. Retrieved 2013-12-20.
  5. ^ a b c Miles B. Lawrence (January 1978). "North Atlantic Tropical Cyclones, 1978". Climatological Data: National Summary. Vol. 29. Retrieved 2013-12-26.
  6. ^ a b c National Hurricane Center (2013-06-18). Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2) (TXT) (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2013-12-20.
  7. ^ John Hope (1978-09-20). Tropical Cyclone Discussion Hurricane Greta (JPG) (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2013-12-20.
  8. ^ a b Alvin (1978-09-19). HWDamage (JPG) (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2013-12-23.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h Hurricane Greta and Hurricane Olivia Preliminary Report (JPG) (Report). National Hurricane Center. p. 3. Retrieved 2013-12-20.
  10. doi:10.1175/1520-0493(1979)107<0911:ENPTCO>2.0.CO;2
    .
  11. ^ Stephen Caparotta; et al. (2011-05-31). "Subject: E15) What tropical storms and hurricanes have moved from the Atlantic to the Northeast Pacific or vice versa?". Frequently Asked Questions. Hurricane Research Division. Retrieved 2013-12-20.
  12. ^ Paul Hebert (1978-09-17). Hurricane Greta Intermediate Advisory (JPG) (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2013-12-22.
  13. ^ Joe Pelissier (1978-09-18). Hurricane Greta Intermediate Advisory (JPG) (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2013-12-22.
  14. ^ "Hurricane Greta Loses Strength, Hits Belize on Journey Inland". The Evening Independent. Associated Press. 1978-09-19. Retrieved 2013-12-26.
  15. ^ "Hurricane Greta Pounds Honduras Coast". Kingman Daily Miner. Associated Press. 1978-09-18. Retrieved 2013-12-26.
  16. ^ "Greta Downgraded to Tropical Storm". Spokane Daily Chronicle. Associated Press. 1978-09-18. p. 40. Retrieved 2010-04-26.
  17. ^ "Winds, Rain Pound Honduras As Greta Hits Coast". Toledo Blade. Associated Press. 1978-09-17. Retrieved 2010-04-28.[permanent dead link]
  18. ^ "Hurricane Greta subsides after lashing two nations". Eugene Register-Guard. Associated Press. 1978-09-19. Retrieved 2010-04-28.[permanent dead link]
  19. ^ George Singer (1978-09-18). HWDamage7 (JPG) (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2013-12-25.
  20. ^ a b "Bundles for Bolivia" (PDF). The Patriot. 5 (12). December 1978. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-12-27. Retrieved 2013-12-26.
  21. ^ Miles B. Lawrence (1978-09-19). Report from Belize Weather Service (JPG) (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2013-12-23.
  22. ^ George Singer (1978-09-18). HWDamage (JPG) (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2013-12-23.
  23. ^ a b Lydia Waight; Judy Lumb (1999-02-20). The First Thirty Years (PDF) (Report). Belize Audubon Society. pp. 44, 47. Retrieved 2013-12-26.
  24. S2CID 1844072
    .
  25. ^ a b c George Singer (1978-09-19). HWDamage7 (JPG) (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2013-12-25.
  26. ^ "A Farewell to Charms" (PDF). U.S. Department of State Magazine: 6. March 2007. Retrieved 2013-12-26.
  27. ^ George Singer (1978-09-18). HWDamage (JPG) (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2013-12-23.
  28. ^ George Singer (1978-09-19). HWDamage (JPG) (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2013-12-23.
  29. ^ Miles Lawrence (1978-09-23). HWDamage (JPG) (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2013-12-23.
  30. ^ Ann Weldon (1978-11-11). "Mission of Mercy". The Evening Independent. Retrieved 2013-12-26.
  31. ^ Christine Vellos; Nigeli Sosa (October 1996). The Development of the Financial System of Belize (1970-1995) (PDF) (Report). Central Bank of Belize. p. 4. Retrieved 2013-12-26.
  32. ^ "Tropical Cyclone Naming History and Retired Names". Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 4, 2024.

External links

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