Tropical Storm Cindy (1993)

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For other storms of the same name, see
Hurricane Cindy (disambiguation)
.
Tropical Storm Cindy
Tropical Storm Cindy making landfall on the island of Hispaniola on August 16
Meteorological history
FormedAugust 14, 1993
DissipatedAugust 17, 1993
Tropical storm
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds45 mph (75 km/h)
Lowest pressure1007 mbar (hPa); 29.74 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities4 total
Damage$19 million (1993 USD)
Areas affectedLesser Antilles (Martinique), Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata
Part of the 1993 Atlantic hurricane season

Tropical Storm Cindy was a weak but unusually wet

tropical depression
on August 16, and dissipated over the territory the following day.

Despite its poor cloud structure, Cindy dropped torrential rain over portions of the northeastern Caribbean. The island of Martinique received a record 12 inches (300 mm) of rain over a 24-hour period, causing severe river flooding throughout northern villages and communes. Le Prêcheur was particularly devastated by an extensive debris flow, which dragged away entire structures. The storm wrought $19 million (1993 USD) in damage across Martinique, and left two people dead and hundreds homeless on the island. En route to Hispaniola, Cindy affected the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico with rough surf and moderate rain. Heavy downpours and flooding killed two people in the Dominican Republic, though the exact extent of the damage there is unknown.

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

The origins of Tropical Storm Cindy can be traced to a

tropical depression—a tropical cyclone with sustained winds of less than 39 mph (63 km/h)—and initiated public advisories on it soon thereafter.[1][2]

Steered by a mid- to low-level wind flow, the depression continued west-northwest toward Martinique,[1] decelerating in reaction to the island's northern mountain range.[3] Satellite images on the afternoon of August 14 showed the development of a central dense overcast, as greater atmospheric turbulence over the rugged terrain amplified the cyclone's convection;[1][3] the next reconnaissance flight revealed that wind speeds near the center had increased to gale force. Based on these observations, the NHC upgraded the depression to Tropical Storm Cindy around 18:00 UTC, at which time the cyclone was located over Martinique with winds of 40 mph (65 km). Although Cindy briefly developed a favorable outflow, its upper-level structure debilitated after it moved away from the Lesser Antilles, impeding further development.[1] Over the course of August 15, Cindy's cloud pattern remained disorganized due to unfavorable wind shear; the center of circulation became ill-defined, with the strongest thunderstorms confined to the eastern portion of the cyclone.[4][5] Despite the unfavorable conditions, the storm managed to strengthen marginally on August 16, attaining peak winds of 45 mph (72 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 1007 mbar (hPa; 29.74 inHg), roughly 85 mi (137 km) southeast of Santo Domingo.[1]

Shortly after peaking in strength, Cindy began to interact with the mountains of

Bahamas before dissipating the next day.[1][6]

Preparations

When Cindy became a tropical cyclone on August 14,

tropical storm watch was posted for Puerto Rico at the time.[7][8] As Cindy drifted farther north on August 15, the watch for Puerto Rico was upgraded to a tropical storm warning.[9] Officials issued flash flood warnings for parts of the island, and about 600 people living in flood-prone areas sought shelter ahead of the storm. Ferry service between Fajardo and the offshore islands of Culebra and Vieques was suspended, leaving about 400 passengers stranded for a day.[10] A price freeze was placed on emergency supplies such as wood, nails, batteries, kerosene, and lanterns.[11][12]

On August 15, a tropical storm warning was issued for the Dominican Republic, from Samaná to Cabo Engaño along the northern coast and westward to Isla Beata off the southwestern coast.[9] Thousands of residents stocked up on bottled water, canned goods, and gas, although many stores in and around the capital remained closed for the day.[13] The Santo Domingo International Airport suspended all flight operations on the morning of August 16.[14] The tropical storm warning for the island was discontinued when Cindy made landfall as no more than a weak tropical depression.[9] In Cuba, a storm alert was issued for eastern provinces as forecasters warned of possibly heavy rainfall.[15]

Impact

Wettest tropical cyclones and their remnants in Martinique
Highest-known totals
Precipitation Storm Location Ref.
Rank mm in
1 680.7 26.80
Dorothy 1970
 Fourniols [16]
2 567.0 22.32 Klaus 1990 Le Morne-Rouge [17]
3 475.0 18.07 Beulah 1967 Les Anses-d'Arlets [18]
4 450.1 17.72 Iris 1995 Ducos [19]
5 349.0 13.74 David 1979 Saint-Joseph [20]
6 332.0 13.07 Dean 2007 Fort-de-France [21]
7 305.0 12.01 Cindy 1993 Le Prêcheur [22]
8 301.5 11.87 Edith 1963 Saint-Pierre [23]
9 280.0 11.02 Allen 1980 Grand-Rivière [24]
10 230.1 9.059 Marilyn 1995 Le Morne-Rouge [25]

Martinique

On August 14, Cindy passed over Martinique with rough winds and particularly violent rain, amplified by the storm's interaction with the rising terrain.[3] The greatest quantities fell to the northeast of a line between Sainte-Marie and Fort-de-France, with day totals of more than 4 in (100 mm) recorded at every weather station in that region. The highest 1- and 24-hour rainfall rates were observed in Le Prêcheur, totaling 5.79 and 12.0 in (147 and 305 mm), respectively.[26][27] These amounts were well above the September average of 9.29 in (236 mm), making Cindy one of the most extreme rain events in the island's history.[26][28] A maximum gust of 40 mph (64 km/h) was recorded during the storm, though sustained winds onshore did not reach tropical storm force.[22]

Initially, Cindy's brisk winds downed banana trees and power lines across northern Martinique.

Rivière Roxelane rapidly topped its banks and inundated much of Saint-Pierre.[36] Farther south, a combination of torrential rainfall and poor storm drains resulted in flood damage to private property and an aquafarm in Le Morne-Vert.[37]

In all, Cindy killed 2 people, injured 11, and destroyed more than 150 homes across Martinique.[11][32] Monetary losses reached ₣107 million ($19 million), with road damage comprising ₣68 million ($12 million).[3] After the storm's passage, thousands of people on the island sought refuge in emergency shelters, and about 3,000 residents became homeless.[11][29] La Capricieuse, a French Navy ship stationed in French Guiana, delivered disaster relief supplies to Fort-de-France; the goods included 250 packages with clothing items, distributed by the Lions Club Association of Saint Barthélemy.[38] Unseasonable sea conditions in Cindy's wake hindered local fishers from selling their catch to trading vessels in Petite Martinique.[39] Due to the severity of the flooding in Martinique, waterways and harbors were dredged, and river banks and dykes were reinforced to prevent recurrence.[40]

Other islands in the Lesser Antilles

Minimal effects were felt elsewhere in the Lesser Antilles. In

Saint Croix.[12] Onshore, the island experienced wind gusts to 35 mph (56 km/h) and 1.48 in (38 mm) of rainfall.[22][44]

Greater Antilles

WPC

On August 16, Cindy made its closest point of approach to Puerto Rico, although its center remained well south of the island.

Río Cerrillos in Ponce; the highest measurement from the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) was 4.60 in (117 mm) at Puerto Real in Cabo Rojo.[12][44] Many other locations received rainfall amounts of 2.0–4.5 in (51–114 mm), which flooded some roads and low-lying areas.[12]

Cindy brought considerable rainfall to southern and eastern parts of the Dominican Republic, with totals of 4–10 in (100–250 mm).[14][22] Upon the storm's landfall in the country, winds reached 35 mph (56 km/h) in Barahona.[6] The rain filled rivers and caused scattered street flooding, affecting hundreds of houses.[13][14] In Villa Altagracia, one fatality occurred when a child drowned in flood waters; the final death toll for the country stood at two.[14][22] There were no reports of damage elsewhere after Cindy's rapid demise over Hispaniola, though its remnants likely produced localized showers in Haiti.[22]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Mayfield, Max (1993-10-25). "Tropical Storm Cindy: 14–17 August 1993". Storm Wallet for Tropical Storm Cindy, 1993 (Preliminary Report). National Hurricane Center. p. 1. Retrieved 2011-12-11.
  2. ^ Avila, Lixion (1993-08-14). "Tropical Depression Four Intermediate Advisory Number 1A". Storm Wallet for Tropical Storm Cindy, 1993 (Advisory). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-01-02.
  3. ^ a b c d e 1993 Cindy: Tempête tropicale. Pluies extrêmes aux Antilles (Report) (in French). Météo-France. n.d. Retrieved 2015-09-06.
  4. ^ Lawrence, Miles B. (1993-08-15). "Tropical Storm Cindy Discussion Number 4". Storm Wallet for Tropical Storm Cindy, 1993 (Advisory). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-01-02.
  5. ^ Sheets, Robert (1993-08-15). "Tropical Storm Cindy Discussion Number 6". Storm Wallet for Tropical Storm Cindy, 1993 (Advisory). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-01-02.
  6. ^ a b c Mayfield, Max (1993-10-25). "Tropical Storm Cindy: 14–17 August 1993". Storm Wallet for Tropical Storm Cindy, 1993 (Preliminary Report). National Hurricane Center. table 1, p. 3. Retrieved 2012-01-04.
  7. ^ Mayfield, Max (1993-08-14). "Tropical Storm Cindy Public Advisory Number 2A". Storm Wallet for Tropical Storm Cindy, 1993 (Advisory). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-01-02.
  8. ^ Lawrence, Miles B. (1993-08-14). "Tropical Storm Cindy Public Advisory Number 4A". Storm Wallet for Tropical Storm Cindy, 1993 (Advisory). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-01-01.
  9. ^ a b c Mayfield, Max (1993-10-25). "Tropical Storm Cindy: 14–17 August 1993". Storm Wallet for Tropical Storm Cindy, 1993 (Preliminary Report). National Hurricane Center. table 2, p. 4. Retrieved 2011-12-24.
  10. ^ "No floods, fatalities reported on island in wake of Cindy". The San Juan Star. 1993-08-17. Retrieved 2011-12-24.
  11. ^ a b c d "Storms near Puerto Rico and Hawaii". Houston Chronicle. 1993-08-16. p. 6A. Retrieved 2011-12-24. (subscription required)
  12. ^ a b c d e U.S. Geological Survey DCP's rainfall from 08-15-93 0000L thru 08-16-93 2400L (Report). United States Geological Survey. 1993. as archived by the National Hurricane Center in its Storm Wallet for Tropical Storm Cindy, 1993. Retrieved 2013-05-21.
  13. ^ a b Leon, Ricardo R. (1993-08-16). "Tropical storm threatens Hawaii". Sun Journal. Vol. 100 (3rd ed.). Lewiston, Maine. Associated Press. p. 3. Retrieved 2012-01-01.
  14. ^ a b c d "Cindy pierde fuerza hurácan Fernanda amienza". El Tiempo (in Spanish). Bogotá, Colombia. Reuters, Agence France-Presse. 1993-08-17. Retrieved 2012-01-01.
  15. ^ Times Wire Service (1993-08-17). "Hawaii on Hurricane Alert; storm plays wait-and-see: Weather: Forecasters warn course change could cause major problems as residents stock up. Dominican Republic also braces for winds, rain". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2012-01-01.
  16. ^ Perrusset, Marcell; Bouguen, Pierre (1970). La Tempête Tropicale Dorothy (Report) (in French). Météo-France. table 1 as archived by the National Hurricane Center in its Storm Wallet for Tropical Storm Dorothy, 1970. Retrieved January 24, 2012.
  17. ^ 1990 Klaus: Ouragan. Pluies extrêmes aux Antilles (Report) (in French). Météo-France. n.d. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
  18. ^ 1967 Beulah: Ouragan. Pluies extrêmes aux Antilles (Report) (in French). Météo-France. n.d. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
  19. ^ Rappaport, Edward N. (November 2, 2000). "Hurricane Iris: 22 August–4 September 1995" (PDF). 1995 Atlantic Hurricane Season (Preliminary Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
  20. ^ 1979 David: Ouragan. Pluies extrêmes aux Antilles (Report) (in French). Météo-France. n.d. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
  21. ^ Franklin, James L (January 31, 2008). Hurricane Dean (AL042007): August 13–23 2007 (PDF) (Technical report). National Hurricane Center. p. 4. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
  22. ^ a b c d e f Mayfield, Britt M (October 25, 1993). "Tropical Storm Cindy: 14–17 August 1993". Storm Wallet for Tropical Storm Cindy, 1993 (Preliminary Report). National Hurricane Center. p. 2. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
  23. ^ Roth, David M. (January 3, 2023). "Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima". Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Data. United States Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved January 6, 2023. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  24. ^ 1980 Allen: Ouragan. Pluies extrêmes aux Antilles (Report) (in French). Météo-France. n.d. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
  25. ^ Rappaport, Edward N (January 17, 1996). "Hurricane Marilyn: September 12–22, 1995" (PDF). 1995 Atlantic Hurricane Season (Preliminary Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
  26. ^ a b Frayssinet, Philippe (1993-10-25). Information about Tropical Storm Cindy in Martinique (Report). Météo-France. map 1 and annex 3 as faxed to the National Hurricane Center and archived in its Storm Wallet for Tropical Storm Cindy. Retrieved 2013-05-21.
  27. ^ "Histoire des cyclones de la Martinique" (Press release) (in French). Météo-France. 2009. Retrieved 2011-11-15.
  28. ISBN 2-7099-1555-3
    .
  29. ^ a b c d "Storm Cindy soaks Martinique, heads for Dominican Republic". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Vol. 327 (Metro ed.). Associated Press. 1993-08-16. p. 4A. Retrieved 2012-01-01.
  30. ^ Saffache, Pascal. "Caractéristiques typologiques et dynamiques des rivières de la Martinique" (PDF) (in French). University of the French West Indies and Guiana. p. 6. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-04-05.
  31. ^ DHA news. 13–17. United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs. 1995. p. 43.
  32. ^ a b "La Martinique : entre menace marine et terre instable". La Chaîne Météo (in French). Météo-France. 2009-05-11. Retrieved 2011-12-01.
  33. ISBN 978-2-86537-663-6
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  34. ^ a b Saffache, Pascal (2000). "Pour une protection et une gestion durables des rivières de l'île de la Martinique". Courrier de l'Environnement (in French) (39). French National Institute for Agricultural Research.
  35. ISBN 978-2-84586-756-7
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  36. OCLC 428086275
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  37. ^ "Cour Administrative d'Appel de Bordeaux: 1ere Chambre, 99BX02338 (Inédit au Recueil Lebon)". Légimobile. 2003-06-19. Archived from the original on 2013-12-03. Retrieved 2012-02-13.
  38. ^ "L'histoire du patrouilleur La Capricieuse (1983–1994)". Net-Marine (in French). Retrieved 2012-01-02.
  39. ^ Chakalall, Yuri S.; Mahon, Robin; Oxenford, Hazel A.; Ryan, Raymond (2005). Fish exporting in the Grenadine Islands: Activities of trading vessels and supplying fishers (Report). CARICOM Fishery Research Document. Vol. 18. Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism. p. 53. Archived from the original on 2012-04-15. Retrieved 2012-01-01.
  40. ISSN 0755-544X
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  41. ^ "Weather in Le Raizet Aero: August 1993, Guadeloupe". Geodata.us. 1993. Retrieved 2011-11-03.
  42. ^ "Weather in Canefield Airport: August 1993, Dominica". Geodata.us. 1993. Retrieved 2011-11-03.
  43. ^ "Weather in Vigie: August 1993, St. Lucia". Geodata.us. 1993. Retrieved 2011-11-03.
  44. ^ a b Roth, David M. (2010-05-10). Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Data. Weather Prediction Center. Tropical Storm Cindy – August 15–17, 1993. Retrieved 2011-11-06.
  45. ^ Leon, Ricardo R. (1993-08-17). "Cindy soaks Dominican Republic". The Gainesville Sun. Vol. 118, no. 43 (Metro ed.). Associated Press. p. 8A. Retrieved 2012-01-01.

External links

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