Tropical Storm Barry (2001)

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Tropical Storm Barry
Florida Panhandle on August 5, near peak intensity
Meteorological history
FormedAugust 2, 2001
Remnant lowAugust 7
DissipatedAugust 8, 2001
Tropical storm
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds70 mph (110 km/h)
Lowest pressure990 mbar (hPa); 29.23 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities2 direct, 7 indirect
Damage$30 million (2001 USD)
Areas affectedCuba, Southeastern United States (Especially Florida, Alabama)
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata

Part of the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season

Tropical Storm Barry was a strong

Gulf Coast before degenerating into a remnant low on August 7. On the next day, Barry's remnants dissipated over Missouri
.

Unlike the devastating

Mississippi Valley received light precipitation. Barry caused an estimated $30 million (2001 USD
) in damage.

Meteorological history

Track map of tropical storm. The Florida Panhandle is situated near the center of the map.
Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
  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

On July 24, 2001, a

Hurricane Hunter aircraft investigating the system discovered that the low had organized into a tropical storm, which received the name Barry. Post-hurricane season reanalysis, however, revealed that the low had become a tropical depression six hours earlier. There is uncertainty as to whether Barry actually held tropical characteristics at the time of designation, because of an upper-level low that was situated over the cyclone's surface center.[1]

When Barry became a tropical cyclone, its convection wrapped around roughly half of the center. Outflow in the eastern semicircle was good, although due to upper-level wind shear, it was restricted to southeast of the circulation.[2] The cyclone became embedded within a mid- to-upper-level trough between the ridge over the central U.S. and the ridge over the northwestern Caribbean. A strong, upper-level cyclonic shear axis extended from just south of Cape Hatteras to near Brownsville, Texas, which prevented Barry from accelerating in forward speed.[3] The ridge over the United States weakened, thus collapsing the steering pattern; this resulted in a west-southwestward drifting motion of the tropical storm by around August 3.[1] Early on August 3, strong westerly winds prevailed, and separated the center of circulation from what limited convection remained.[4] The storm quickly regained some convection, although maximum sustained winds remained weak, at about 40 mph (60 km/h).[5] Despite a slight drop in barometric pressure, post-season analysis revealed Barry weakened into a tropical depression early on August 4 due to the persistent wind shear and falling external pressure.[1]

At 1800 UTC on August 4, the cyclone re-intensified slightly, and was upgraded to a tropical storm[1] as the shear decreased.[6] Early on August 5, a strengthening period began as deep convection ignited over and near the low-level center.[7] Prior to landfall, banding features developed on the eastern half of the circulation, despite some residual westerly shear.[8] Within seven hours, the barometric pressure dropped from 1004 mb to 990 mb and overall satellite presentation had begun to improve. Barry reached its peak intensity at 1800 UTC on August 5 with winds of 70 mph (110 km/h), just shy of hurricane status.[1] An eye formed at around the same time. At 0500 UTC on August 6, Barry increased in forward speed and made landfall at Santa Rosa Beach, Florida with winds of 70 mph (110 km/h).[9] Moving inland, the system weakened rapidly to a tropical depression; the National Hurricane Center issued its last advisory on the storm early on August 6.[10] By the evening hours, maximum sustained winds near the center were around 5 mph (8.0 km/h) to 10 mph (16 km/h), as the system slowed significantly and drifted northwest at about 7 mph (11 km/h).[11] The depression turned northwestward, and steadily weakened to a remnant low near Memphis, Tennessee on August 7, and the remnant low dissipated on August 8, over southeastern Missouri.[1]

Preparations

Radar image of storm making landfall on the Florida Panhandle. The storm's eye is visible near the center.
Radar image of the storm making landfall on the Florida Panhandle

In advance of the storm, the National Hurricane Center issued tropical storm watches and warnings for much of the U.S. Gulf Coast. They were upgraded to a hurricane warning when the storm was predicted to reach hurricane intensity. Because that strengthening failed to occur, the hurricane warning was downgraded to a tropical storm warning shortly before landfall. Westward, the warnings for

Georgia.[11] A tornado watch was issued for the eastern Florida Panhandle, southern Georgia, as well as portions of central and eastern Alabama.[12]

As Barry approached the Florida Panhandle, voluntary evacuations took place in eight counties.

Impact

Cuba and Florida

Map of rainfall totals from tropical storm. Map is mainly focused on the Southeast United States.
Rainfall totals across the United States

The precursor tropical wave to Barry dropped widespread rainfall in western Cuba, but no damage was reported. Offshore, high seas sank a Cuban refugee boat, drowning 6 of its 28 passengers.[1]

Three people in Florida were killed by the storm, and total damage is estimated at around 30 million (2001 USD).[19] In southern Florida, the precursor to Barry produced 3 in (75 mm) to 8 in (200 mm), with rainfall peaking at 13 in (330 mm). The rain helped relieve persistent drought conditions;[1] however, it caused significant flooding in Martin County on August 2, where a total of 300 homes received water damage. About 63 structures and 6 mobile homes in the county sustained major damage.[20] In the Treasure Coast, catfish reportedly swam through flooded streets.[21] Winds downed a 60 ft (18 m) radio tower, striking a house.[22]

Due to the initial slow movement of the storm, outer rainbands began affecting the Florida Panhandle on August 4, with the heaviest rainfall observed on August 5–6. The storm dropped 5 in (125 mm) to 9 in (225 mm); the highest official report was 8.9 in (230 mm) at Tallahassee, though unofficial reports ranged as high as 11 in (175 mm).[1] The rainfall inundated several structures in Bay County due to roof damage. Flooding occurred in Leon County and parts of Apalachicola National Forest, where torrential rains flowed into the Cascade Lakes, Lake Bradford and Munson Slough; the Munson Slough rose to its highest level since 1994. Numerous county and secondary roads were closed by floodwater in Walton, Washington, and Bay counties,[19] as well as in the Tallahassee area.[23] In and around Tallahassee, 100 vehicles were stalled by flood waters and towed, while four residents of an apartment complex on Allen Road were forced to evacuate due to rising waters.[24] Sporadic flooding also occurred in Franklin County and Wakulla County.[25] An indirect death occurred from a traffic accident due to heavy rain in Jackson County.[1]

Wind gusts peaked at 79 mph (127 km/h) at the

beach erosion as a result.[26] As a tropical system, Barry spawned a few weak tornadoes that caused minor damage. In an outer rain band, a lightning strike in Jacksonville killed one person. Another death is blamed on a rip current off of Sanibel Island.[1] In total, the storm left 34,000 customers in the state without power.[28]

Elsewhere

Tropical Storm Barry dropped light to moderate rainfall across Alabama, peaking at 4.57 in (116 mm) near the town of Evergreen.[30] About 2 in (50 mm) fell over the state's peanut-growing region, helping to alleviate drought conditions.[31] Heavy showers were also reported in the Birmingham area.[32] Despite moderate rainfall totals inland, coastal locations received very little precipitation.[33] Minor street flooding occurred in Geneva, Enterprise and New Brockton.[34] Wind gusts peaked at 39 mph (63 km/h) at Montgomery,[35] although damage was light, mostly from downed trees. Damage to awnings and small structures was reported in Florala.[36] Barry's remnants produced light rainfall across Mississippi and Georgia, though no damage was reported. As the storm continued to track inland, it dropped up to 3 in (75 mm) of rain throughout Arkansas, Missouri and western Tennessee.[11]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Jack Beven (April 22, 2001). "Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Barry" (PDF). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  2. ^ Stacy Stewart (August 2, 2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 2". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  3. ^ Jack Beven (August 2, 2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 3". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  4. ^ Lixion Avila (August 3, 2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 4". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  5. ^ Stacy Stewart (August 3, 2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 5". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  6. ^ Lixion Avila (August 4, 2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 8". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  7. ^ Stacy Stewart (August 5, 2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 12". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  8. ^ James Franklin (August 5, 2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 15". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  9. ^ Stewart (August 6, 2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 17". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  10. ^ James Franklin (August 6, 2001). "Tropical Depression Barry Discussion Number 18". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  11. ^ a b c Pereira (August 6, 2001). "HPC Storm Summary #20 for T.D. Barry". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Archived from the original on October 8, 2006. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  12. ^ Roth (August 6, 2001). "HPC Storm Summary #19 for T.D. Barry". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Archived from the original on October 8, 2006. Retrieved 2008-07-18.
  13. ^ a b Bill Kaczor (August 5, 2001). "Tropical Storm Barry prompts preparations in Florida". The Florida Times-Union. Archived from the original on August 12, 2011. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  14. ^ State Emergency Response Team (August 5, 2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Situation Report #2" (PDF). Red Cross. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 27, 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  15. ^ Janet McConnaughey (August 5, 2001). "Residents prepare sandbags for Tropical Storm Barry". The Topeka Capital-Journal. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  16. ^ a b Stephanie Kriner (August 5, 2001). "Barry Strengthens as it Roars Toward Gulf Coast". Red Cross. Archived from the original on October 28, 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-31.
  17. ^ Staff Writer (August 6, 2001). "Tropical storm hits Florida". BBC. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  18. ^ Thom Smith (October 12, 2001). "'N Sync to play benefit concert in South Beach". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved 2008-07-22.[dead link]
  19. ^ a b National Climatic Data Center. "Tropical Storm Barry Florida Event Report (2)". Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved 2008-07-18.
  20. ^ National Climatic Data Center (2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Florida Event Report". Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved 2008-07-21.
  21. ^ Sarah Eisenhauer & Jill Taylor (August 3, 2001). "Homes flooded". Palm Beach Post. Retrieved 2008-07-25.
  22. ^ Michael Barbaro (August 2, 2001). "Heavy rain, gusts whipping S. Florida". The Miami Herald. Retrieved 2008-07-31.
  23. ^ a b The Florida State Emergency Response Team (August 6, 2001). "Tropical Depression Barry Situation Report # 06" (PDF). Red Cross. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 27, 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-21.
  24. ^ National Climatic Data Center. "Tropical Storm Barry Florida Event Report (3)". Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved 2008-07-21.
  25. ^ The Florida State Emergency Response Team (August 8, 2001). "Tropical Depression Barry Situation Report # 10" (PDF). Red Cross. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 26, 2006. Retrieved 2008-07-21.
  26. ^ a b National Climatic Data Center. "Tropical Storm Barry Florida Event Report (4)". Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved 2008-07-22.
  27. ^ National Climatic Data Center. "Tropical Storm Barry Florida Event Report (5)". Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved 2008-07-22.
  28. ^ a b The Florida State Emergency Response Team (August 6, 2001). "Tropical Depression Barry Situation Report # 5" (PDF). Red Cross. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 27, 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-21.
  29. ^ David Firestone (August 7, 2001). "Storm Loses Its Punch, and a Region Relaxes". New York Times. Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  30. ^ David Roth. "Tropical Cyclone Rainfall for the Gulf Coast". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved 2008-07-23.
  31. ^ Garry Mitchell (August 8, 2001). "Alabama welcomes rains from Barry". Associated Press. Retrieved 2008-07-31.
  32. ^ "Remnants of Barry bring heavy rain to Alabama". CNN. Associated Press. August 7, 2001. Archived from the original on March 17, 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-23.
  33. ^ National Climatic Data Center (2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Alabama Event Report". Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved 2008-07-23.
  34. ^ National Climatic Data Center (2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Alabama Event Report (2)". Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved 2008-07-23.
  35. ^ National Climatic Data Center (2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Alabama Event Report (3)". Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved 2008-07-23.
  36. ^ National Climatic Data Center (2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Alabama Event Report (4)". Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved 2008-07-23.

External links