1940 Atlantic hurricane season

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1940 Atlantic hurricane season
1940 Atlantic hurricane season summary map.png
Season summary map
Seasonal boundaries
First system formedMay 19, 1940
Last system dissipatedNovember 8, 1940
Strongest storm
NameFour
 • Maximum winds110 mph (175 km/h)
(1-minute sustained)
 • Lowest pressure961 mbar (hPa; 28.38 inHg)
Seasonal statistics
Total depressions14
Total storms9
Hurricanes6
Major hurricanes
(Cat. 3+)		0
Total fatalities71
Total damage$29.329 million (1940 USD)
Related articles
Atlantic hurricane seasons
1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942

The 1940 Atlantic hurricane season was a generally average period of tropical cyclogenesis in 1940. [nb 1] Though the season had no official bounds, most tropical cyclone activity occurred during August and September. Throughout the year, fourteen tropical cyclones formed, of which nine reached tropical storm intensity; six were hurricanes. None of the hurricanes reached major hurricane intensity. Tropical cyclones that did not approach populated areas or shipping lanes, especially if they were relatively weak and of short duration, may have remained undetected. Because technologies such as satellite monitoring were not available until the 1960s, historical data on tropical cyclones from this period are often not reliable. As a result of a reanalysis project which analyzed the season in 2012, an additional hurricane was added to HURDAT. [nb 2] The year's first tropical storm formed on May 19 off the northern coast of Hispaniola. At the time, this was a rare occurrence, as only four other tropical disturbances were known to have formed prior during this period; [2] since then, reanalysis of previous seasons has concluded that there were more than four tropical cyclones in May before 1940. [3] The season's final system was a tropical disturbance situated in the Greater Antilles, which dissipated on November 8.

Contents

All three hurricanes in August brought flooding rainfall to areas of the United States. The first became the wettest tropical cyclone recorded in Louisiana history. The second hurricane impacted regions of the Southeastern United States, producing record precipitation and killing at least 52 people. Despite not making landfall, the third hurricane in August interacted with a stationary front over the Mid-Atlantic states, resulting in localized flooding and thus making the tropical cyclone the wettest in New Jersey history. This hurricane would also be the strongest in the hurricane season, with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph (180 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 961  mbar (hPa; 28.39  inHg), making it a high-end Category 2 hurricane on the modern-day Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale. Activity decreased in September, though a damaging hurricane swept through areas of the Canadian Maritimes, resulting in large crop and infrastructural losses. Two tropical cyclones of at least tropical storm strength were recorded in October, though neither resulted in fatalities. Collectively, storms in the hurricane season caused 71 fatalities and $29.329 million in damages. [nb 3] The 1940 South Carolina hurricane, which swept through areas of the Southeastern United States in August, was the most damaging and deadly of the tropical cyclones.

The season's activity was reflected with an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) rating of 68 units, [4] below the 1931–1943 average of 91.2. [5] ACE is a metric used to express the energy used by a tropical cyclone during its lifetime. Therefore, a storm with a longer duration will have high values of ACE. It is only calculated at six-hour increments in which specific tropical and subtropical systems are either at or above sustained wind speeds of 39 mph (63 km/h), which is the threshold for tropical storm intensity. Thus, tropical depressions are not included here. [4]

Timeline

1940 Nova Scotia hurricane1940 New England hurricane1940 South Carolina hurricane1940 Louisiana hurricaneSaffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale1940 Atlantic hurricane season

Systems

Tropical Storm One

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
1940 Atlantic tropical storm 1 track.png  
DurationMay 19 – May 25
Peak intensity65 mph (100 km/h) (1-min);
<996  mbar  (hPa)

On May 18, a weak low-pressure area was detected south of Hispaniola. [6] Moving northward, the low became sufficiently organized to be classified as a tropical storm at 1200 UTC on May 19, [3] southeast of Turks Island. [2] At the time, ship observations indicated that the disturbance had a well-defined cyclonic circulation, with the strongest winds situated in the northern semicircle of the cyclone. [2] Continuing northward, the tropical storm gradually intensified and attained maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (105 km/h) by 0000 UTC on May 22. [3] The Belgian ship M.S. Lubrafol recorded a peripheral barometric pressure of 996  mbar (hPa; 29.42  inHg); this was the lowest pressure measured in connection with the storm. [2] [6] The following day, the tropical storm temporarily curved towards the east-southeast before recurving back towards a northeast direction. [3] [2] At the same time, the storm expanded in size and began to transition into an extratropical cyclone. [6] By 1200 UTC, the cyclone completed its extratropical transition, [3] due to the entrainment of colder air. [6] The remnant system persisted until 0600 UTC on May 27. [3]

Hurricane Two

Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS)
1940 Louisiana hurricane analysis 7 Aug 1940.png   1940 Atlantic hurricane 2 track.png
DurationAugust 3 – August 10
Peak intensity100 mph (155 km/h) (1-min);
972  mbar  (hPa)

The 1940 Louisiana Hurricane

On August 3, an extratropical cyclone developed into a tropical depression off the west coast of Florida. [2] [3] Initially a weak disturbance, it moved generally westward, slowly gaining in intensity. Early on August 4, the depression attained tropical storm intensity. [3] Ships in the vicinity of the storm reported a much stronger tropical cyclone than initially suggested. [6] After reaching hurricane strength on August 5 south of the Mississippi River Delta, the storm strengthened further into a modern-day Category 2 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (160 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 972 mbar (972 hPa; 28.7 inHg) at 0600 UTC on August 7. The hurricane moved ashore near Sabine Pass, Texas later that day at peak strength. [6] Once inland, the storm executed a sharp curve to the north and quickly weakened, degenerating into a tropical storm on August 8 before dissipating over Arkansas on August 10. [3]

Reports of a potentially destructive hurricane near the United States Gulf Coast forced thousands of residents in low-lying areas to evacuate prior to the storm moving inland. [7] [8] Offshore, the hurricane generated rough seas and a strong storm surge, peaking at 6.4 ft (2.0 m) on the western edge of Lake Pontchartrain. [9] The anomalously high tides flooded many of Louisiana's outlying islands, inundating resorts. Strong winds caused moderate infrastructural damage, primarily in Texas, though its impact was mainly to communication networks along the U.S. Gulf Coast which were disrupted by the winds. However, much of the property and crop damage wrought by the hurricane was due to the torrential rainfall it produced in low-lying areas, setting off record floods. Rainfall peaked at 37.5 in (950 mm) in Miller Island off Louisiana, making it the wettest tropical cyclone in state history. Nineteen official weather stations in both Texas and Louisiana observed record 24-hour rainfall totals for the month of August as a result of the slow-moving hurricane. [9] [10] Property, livestock, and crops – especially cotton, corn, and pecan crops – were heavily damaged. Entire ecosystems were also altered by the rainfall. [11] Overall, the storm caused $10.75 million in damages and seven fatalities. [9] [10]

Hurricane Three

Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS)
August 1940 rainfall.png   1940 Atlantic hurricane 3 track.png
DurationAugust 5 – August 14
Peak intensity100 mph (155 km/h) (1-min);
972  mbar  (hPa)

The 1940 South Carolina Hurricane

A storm of potentially Cape Verde origin was detected in the Virgin Islands at 1800 UTC on August 5. Initially moving westward, the tropical storm gradually gained in intensity before making a sharp curve towards the north on August 8. The storm continued in a northerly motion before a second curvature brought it in a generally westward direction on August 9. Shortly after, the tropical storm reached hurricane intensity as a modern-day Category 1 hurricane. [3] The hurricane eventually made landfall at peak intensity on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina at 2030 UTC on August 11. [6] At the time, the storm had maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (160 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 972 mbar (972 hPa; 28.7 inHg), equivalent to a modern-day Category 2 hurricane. [3] Once inland, the tropical cyclone gradually weakened, [2] and recurved northeastward before dissipating over the Appalachian Mountains on August 14. [3]

The hurricane dropped torrential rainfall over the Southeast United States, causing unprecedented devastation in the region. [2] The storm was considered the worst to impact in the region in at least 29 years. [12] Precipitation peaked at 20.65 in (525 mm) in Idlewild, North Carolina. [13] The heavy rainfall caused streams to greatly exceed their respective flood stages, damaging waterfront property. [14] Many of the deaths occurred in North Carolina, where 30 people died. [2] Transportation was disrupted as a result of the debris scattered by the wind and rain. In Caldwell County alone, 90 percent of bridges were swept away. [15] Overall, the storm caused 50 fatalities and $13 million in damages. [2]

Hurricane Four

Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS)
1940 New England hurricane analysis 1 Sep 1940.png   1940 Atlantic hurricane 4 track.png
DurationAugust 26 – September 2
Peak intensity110 mph (175 km/h) (1-min);
961  mbar  (hPa)

On August 26, a low-pressure area in the open Atlantic Ocean became sufficiently organized to be classified as a tropical cyclone. Moving slowly in a general west-northwest motion, the disturbance intensified, reaching tropical storm strength on August 28 and subsequently hurricane intensity on August 30. [3] The hurricane passed within 85 mi (137 km) of Cape Hatteras before recurving towards the northeast. [6] However, the hurricane continued to intensify, and reached peak intensity as a modern-day Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph (180 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 961 mbar (961 hPa; 28.4 inHg), though these statistical peaks were achieved at different times on September 2. Afterwards, the tropical cyclone began a weakening trend as it proceeded northward, and had degenerated into a tropical storm by the time it made its first landfall on Nova Scotia later that day. [3] The storm transitioned into an extratropical cyclone the next day while making another landfall on New Brunswick. The extratropical remnants persisted into Quebec before merging with a larger extratropical system late on September 3. [2] [6]

Despite not making landfall on the United States, [2] the hurricane caused widespread damage. [16] Extensive precautionary measures were undertaken across the coast, particularly in New England. The heightened precautions were due in part to fears that effects from the storm would be similar to that of a devastating hurricane which struck the region two years prior. [17] Most of the damage associated with the hurricane occurred in New Jersey, where the combination of moisture from the hurricane and a stationary front produced record rainfall, peaking at 24 in (610 mm) in the town of Ewan. This would make the storm the wettest in state history. [18] The resultant floods damaged infrastructure, mostly to road networks. Damage in the state amounted to $4 million. [16] Further north in New England, strong winds were reported, though damage remained minimal. [6] Although the storm made two landfalls in Atlantic Canada, damage there too was minimal, and was limited to several boating incidents caused by strong waves. [19] Overall, the hurricane caused $4.05 million in damage, primarily due to flooding in New Jersey, and seven fatalities. [16]

Hurricane Five

Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS)
1940 Nova Scotia hurricane analysis 13 Sep 1940.png   1940 Atlantic hurricane 5 track.png
DurationSeptember 7 – September 17
Peak intensity100 mph (155 km/h) (1-min);
<988  mbar  (hPa)

A tropical depression was first detected east of the Lesser Antilles on September 7, [3] though at the time weather observations in the area were sparse. [2] [6] The disturbance gradually intensified throughout much of its early formative stages, attaining tropical storm strength on September 10; further strengthening into a hurricane north of Puerto Rico occurred two days later. Shortly thereafter, the hurricane recurved northward, and reached peak intensity the following day as a modern-day Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (160 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of at least 988 mbar (988 hPa; 29.2 inHg). [2] [6] The cyclone steadily weakened thereafter before making landfall on Nova Scotia on September 17 with winds of 85 mph (137 km/h). [20] Moving into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence later that day, the storm transitioned into an extratropical cyclone. The remnant system curved eastward and passed over Newfoundland before dissipating over the Atlantic on September 19. [3]

While off of the United States East Coast, the hurricane caused numerous shipping incidents, most notably the stranding of the Swedish freighter Laponia off of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina on September 16. Two other boat incidents resulted in two deaths. [21] The hurricane also brought strong winds of tropical storm-force and snow over areas of New England. In Atlantic Canada, a strong storm surge peaking at 4 ft (1.2 m) above average sunk or damaged several ships and inundated cities. In New Brunswick, the waves hurt the lobster fishing industry. In Nova Scotia, strong winds disrupted telecommunication and power services. The winds also severely damaged crops. [20] Roughly half of apple production in Annapolis Valley was lost during the storm, resulting in around $1.49 million in economic losses. [22] Strong winds in New Brunswick caused moderate to severe infrastructural damage, and additional damages to crops occurred there. [20] Overall, the hurricane caused three fatalities, with two off of the United States and one in New Brunswick. [20] [21]

Tropical Storm Six

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Tropical Storm Six analysis 23 Sep 1940.jpg   1940 Atlantic tropical storm 6 track.png
DurationSeptember 18 – September 25
Peak intensity50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min);
1002  mbar  (hPa)

A westward moving tropical depression developed in the southwestern Caribbean Sea just west of Bluefields, Nicaragua at 1200 UTC on September 18. [2] [3] The following day, the depression intensified into a tropical storm at 0600 UTC. [3] The tropical storm made landfall on the Mosquito Coast of Nicaragua at 1400 UTC, with winds of 40 mph (64 km/h). [3] [6] The cyclone weakened to a tropical depression over land, but reintensified back to tropical storm strength upon entry into the Gulf of Honduras on September 20. [3] The cyclone's northwest motion caused it to make a second landfall near the border of Mexico and British Honduras at 0300 UTC on September 21 as a slightly stronger system with winds of 50 mph (80 km/h); [nb 4] [6] this would be the storm's peak intensity. Over the Yucatán Peninsula, the tropical storm re-weakened, but later intensified once again once it reached the Gulf of Mexico. In the Gulf, the storm made a gradual curve northward, [3] before making a final landfall near Lafayette, Louisiana at 0900 UTC on September 24 with winds of 45 mph (72 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 1,002 mbar (1,002 hPa; 29.6 inHg). [2] [6] Once inland, the tropical cyclone curved eastward and weakened before dissipating the next day, after becoming absorbed by a frontal boundary. [6]

Upon making landfall, the tropical storm produced strong winds over a wide area. The strongest winds were reported by a station in San Antonio, Texas, which reported 40 mph (64 km/h) winds, far removed from the storm's center; these strong winds were likely due to squalls. [6] Heavy rainfall was also reported, though the rains mainly occurred to the east of the passing tropical cyclone. Precipitation peaked at 10 in (250 mm) in Ville Platte, Louisiana. [18] The tropical storm produced three tornadoes over the Southern United States which collectively caused $39,000 in damage and caused two fatalities. Two of the tornadoes formed in Mississippi while one formed in Louisiana. Several other people were also injured by the tornadoes. [24]

Hurricane Seven

Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS)
Hurricane Seven analysis 24 Sep 1940.jpg   1940 Atlantic hurricane 7 track.png
DurationSeptember 22 – September 28
Peak intensity100 mph (155 km/h) (1-min);
<977  mbar  (hPa)

In late September, a tropical wave persisted in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. The low-pressure area later became sufficiently organized to be classified as a tropical storm at 0000 UTC on September 22. [6] [3] The disturbance quickly organized after tropical cyclogenesis, and reached a strength equivalent to a modern-day Category 1 hurricane strength at 1800 UTC later that day. [6] The American steamship Otho encountered the system that day, and reported gale-force winds in conjunction with a peripheral barometric pressure of 996 mbar (996 hPa; 29.4 inHg). [25] The tropical cyclone continued to the east-northeast, where it gradually intensified. At 1200 UTC on September 23, the hurricane attained modern-day Category 2 hurricane intensity with winds of 100 mbar (155 km/h); a peak which would be maintained for at least the following 12 hours. [3] A second steamship, the Lobito, reported hurricane-force winds along with a minimum pressure of 977 mbar (977 hPa; 28.9 inHg); this would be the lowest pressure measured associated with the tropical cyclone. [25] After reaching peak intensity, the hurricane began a weakening trend, and degenerated to a Category 1 hurricane at 0600 UTC as it passed over the Azores. [3] The following day, the hurricane recurved westward, where it weakened before transitioning into an extratropical cyclone on September 28. [6] This remnant system subsequently dissipated. [3]

As the hurricane passed over the Azores, several weather stations reported low barometric pressures, [25] with the lowest being a measurement of 984 mbar (984 hPa; 29.1 inHg) on Terceira Island at 0600 UTC on September 25. [6] [3] As a result of the impending storm, several Pan Am Clipper flights to the archipelago were suspended for three consecutive days. [26] The maximum reported gust in the Azores was an observation of 65 mph (105 km/h) on September 25. As a result of moving slowly over the islands, torrential rainfall was also reported. At Angra do Heroísmo, 13.11 in (333 mm) of precipitation was reported in a four-day, accounting for a third of the station's yearly average rainfall. Strong storm surge was reported at the same location. The waves swept boats away from the coasts of islands. Further inland, there was extensive damage to homes and crops, though no people died. [25] Despite evidence that the system had distinct tropical characteristics, it was not operationally added to HURDAT. [6]

Hurricane Eight

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
1940 Atlantic hurricane 8 track.png  
DurationOctober 20 – October 24
Peak intensity80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min);
<983  mbar  (hPa)

On October 19, a low-pressure area moved into the southwestern Caribbean Sea. [2] The area of disturbed weather quickly became well-organized, [2] and was analyzed to have become a tropical depression at 0000 UTC on October 20. [3] Initially, the tropical cyclone moved very slowly towards the west and then the northwest. Shortly after formation, the disturbance intensified into a tropical storm at 1800 UTC later that day. [3] The S.S. Cristobal provided the first indications of a tropical cyclone in the region, after reporting strong gusts and low pressures north of the Panama Canal Zone during that evening. [2] Continuing to intensify, the storm reached hurricane intensity at 0600 UTC on October 22. [3] Several vessels in the storm's vicinity reported strong gusts and rough seas generated by the storm. [2] Later that day at 1200 UTC, the ship S.S. Castilla reported a minimum pressure of 983 mbar (983 hPa; 29.0 inHg) near the periphery of the storm. Based on this observation, the hurricane was estimated to have reached intensity at the same time with winds of 80 mph (130 km/h). [6] The hurricane subsequently curved west and then southwest, before making its only landfall in northern Nicaragua at 1900 UTC on October 23 at peak intensity. Once inland, the tropical cyclone rapidly weakened over mountainous terrain, and dissipated at 1200 UTC the following day. [3] Reports of damage were limited, though a report stated that considerable damage had occurred where the hurricane made landfall. [2]

Tropical Storm Nine

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
1940 Atlantic tropical storm 9 track.png  
DurationOctober 24 – October 26
Peak intensity45 mph (75 km/h) (1-min);
<1007  mbar  (hPa)

On October 23, an open trough was centered north of Hispaniola near the Turks and Caicos islands. [6] At 0000 UTC the following day, [3] the area of disturbed weather became organized and was analyzed to have become a tropical storm southeast of Inagua, based on nearby vessel reports. Initially, the storm drifted northward, but later began to accelerate towards the northeast after a roughly 12-hour period. [2] [3] At 0600 UTC on October 25, the disturbance slightly gained in intensity to attain maximum wind speeds of 45 mph (72 km/h); these would be the strongest winds associated with the storm as a fully tropical cyclone. [3] A reanalysis of the system indicated that due to a lack of definite tropical features, the storm may have had been a subtropical cyclone. On October 26, the system became increasingly asymmetric and had developed frontal boundaries, [6] allowing for it to be classified as an extratropical cyclone at 0600 UTC that day. Once transitioning into an extratropical system, the storm continued to intensified as it moved northward. [3] On October 27, the system was analyzed to have a minimum pressure of at least 985 mbar (985 hPa; 29.1 inHg) after passing to the southeast of Bermuda. [3] [6] At 1200 UTC later that day, the cyclone reached an extratropical peak intensity with winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) just east of Newfoundland. Had the storm been tropical at the time, it would have been classified as a modern-day Category 1 hurricane. Subsequently, the extratropical storm curved eastward, where it persisted before dissipating by 1800 UTC on October 29. [3]

Tropical depressions

A tropical depression off the east coast of Florida on October 14 Tropical Depression analysis 14 Oct 1940.png
A tropical depression off the east coast of Florida on October 14

In addition to the storms which attained at least tropical storm strength in 1940, five additional tropical depressions were analyzed by the HURDAT reanalysis project to have developed during the season. Due to their weak intensity, however, they were not added to HURDAT. [6] On September 2, a closed low-pressure area was detected in the open Atlantic Ocean southeast of Bermuda and was analyzed as a tropical depression. At the time, the disturbance had a minimum pressure of at least 1,015 mbar (1,015 hPa; 30.0 inHg). The depression initially moved to the southeast, but later recurved towards the northwest over the next two days. [6] On September 4, the S.S. West Kebar en route for Boston, Massachusetts reported winds of 40 mph (64 km/h), [27] which would be considered as tropical storm-force winds. The depression later moved to the northeast before it was absorbed by a stationary front on September 7. Since there was only one report that the disturbance may have reached tropical storm intensity, it was not included in HURDAT. Later on September 10, a trough was detected in a similar region in the Atlantic where the first depression formed. The trough later became sufficiently organized to be classified as a tropical depression. The cyclone moved slowly to the east and did not further intensify before dissipating on September 13. [6]

On October 7, a large elongated extratropical cyclone extended across the Atlantic Ocean with a pressure of at most 1,015 mbar (1,015 hPa; 30.0 inHg). The following day, the low-pressure area became more narrow and well-defined, with its central pressure deepening to 1,000 mbar (1,000 hPa; 30 inHg). On October 9, the extratropical system was analyzed to have become a tropical depression. The low moved slowly to the northeast and gradually weakened before dissipating on October 10. On October 14, offshore observations indicated that a tropical depression had developed north of The Bahamas. The following day, however, the depression became less defined and degenerated into a trough of low pressure. On October 16, two ships listed in the International Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set reported winds of 40 mph (64 km/h) off the coast of North Carolina. However, since these reports occurred in a higher pressure gradient, the system was not included in HURDAT. [6]

On November 2, a trough of low-pressure was analyzed near the Lesser Antilles. The system moved westward into the Caribbean Sea without much organization. On November 7, the low-pressure area moved south of Cuba and became sufficiently organized to be considered a tropical depression with a pressure of at least 1,010 mbar (1,010 hPa; 30 inHg). The depression moved over Cuba and into the Atlantic, where it dissipated the following day. On November 9, a second system was detected northeast of Bermuda with a pressure of 1,005 mbar (1,005 hPa; 29.7 inHg), though it remained unclear whether the two systems were related. [6]

Season effects

Saffir–Simpson scale
TDTSC1C2C3C4C5
1940 North Atlantic tropical cyclone season statistics
Storm
name		Dates activeStorm category
at peak intensity		Max 1-min
wind
mph (km/h)		Min.
press.
(mbar)		Areas affectedDamage
(USD)		DeathsRef(s)
OneMay 19 – May 25Tropical storm65 (100)<995NoneNoneNone
Two August 3 – August 10Category 2 hurricane100 (155)972 Southern United States (Texas, Louisiana)$10.75 million7 [9] [10]
Three August 5 – August 14Category 2 hurricane100 (155)972 Southeastern United States (South Carolina), Mid-Atlantic states $13 million52 [2]
Four August 26 – September 2Category 2 hurricane110 (175)961Mid-Atlantic states, New England, Atlantic Canada $4.05 million7 [16]
Five September 7 – September 17Category 2 hurricane100 (155)<988New England, Atlantic Canada$1.49 million3 [20] [21] [22]
SixSeptember 18 – September 25Tropical storm50 (85)1002 Central America, Southern United States$39,0002 [24]
SevenSeptember 22 – September 28Category 2 hurricane100 (155)<977 Azores NoneNone
EightOctober 20 – October 24Category 1 hurricane80 (130)<983 Nicaragua UnknownNone
NineOctober 24 – October 26Tropical storm45 (75)<1007NoneNoneNone
Season aggregates
9 systemsMay 19 – October 26 110 (175)961$29.3 million71 

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ An average season, as defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has twelve tropical storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes. [1]
  2. ↑ HURDAT is an official database listing the locations and intensities of Atlantic hurricanes since 1851.
  3. ↑ All damage totals are in 1940  United States dollars unless otherwise noted.
  4. ↑ British Honduras, formerly a British Overseas Territory, attained its independence in 1981, becoming the country of Belize. [23] The region is referred as British Honduras in the article.

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The 1925 Atlantic hurricane season was a below-average Atlantic hurricane season during which four tropical cyclones formed. Only one of them was a hurricane. The first storm developed on August 18, and the last dissipated on December 1. The season began at a late date, more than two months after the season began. The official start of the season is generally considered to be June 1 with the end being October 31; however, the final storm of the season formed nearly a month after the official end. Due to increased activity over the following decades, the official end of the hurricane season was shifted to November 30.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1921 Atlantic hurricane season</span> Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean

The 1921 Atlantic hurricane season was an active hurricane season, with 12 tropical cyclones forming. Among them, seven became tropical storms, of which five strengthened into hurricanes. Furthermore, two of these strengthened into a major hurricane, Category 3 or higher on the modern-day Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale, the most since the 1917 season. The first system, a tropical depression, developed on June 1, while the last, a tropical storm, dissipated on November 25. Of note, three tropical cyclones co-existed with another during the season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1920 Atlantic hurricane season</span> Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean

The 1920 Atlantic hurricane season featured tropical storms and hurricanes only in the month of September. The first system, a hurricane, developed on September 7 while the last, a tropical depression, transitioned into an extratropical cyclone on October 27. Of note, four of the six cyclones co-existed with another tropical cyclone during the season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1919 Atlantic hurricane season</span> Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean

The 1919 Atlantic hurricane season was among the least active hurricane seasons in the Atlantic on record, featuring only five tropical storms. Of those five tropical cyclones, two of them intensified into a hurricane, with one strengthening into a major hurricane Two tropical depressions developed in the month of June, both of which caused negligible damage. A tropical storm in July brought minor damage to Pensacola, Florida, but devastated a fleet of ships. Another two tropical depressions formed in August, the first of which brought rainfall to the Lesser Antilles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1918 Atlantic hurricane season</span> Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean

The 1918 Atlantic hurricane season was inactive, with a total of six tropical storms developing, four of which intensified into hurricanes. Two of the season's hurricanes made Landfall in the United States, and one became a major hurricane, which is Category 3 or higher on the modern-day Saffir–Simpson scale. Additionally, there were four suspected tropical depressions, including one that began the season on June 19 and one that ended the season when it dissipated on October 19. The early 20th century lacked modern forecasting and documentation, and thus, the hurricane database from these years may be incomplete. Four previously unknown tropical cyclones were identified using records, including historical weather maps and ship reports, while information on the known storms was amended.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1917 Atlantic hurricane season</span> Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean

The 1917 Atlantic hurricane season featured nine known tropical cyclones, four of which became tropical storms. The first system appeared on July 6 east of the Windward Islands. After crossing the islands and traversing the Caribbean Sea, the storm struck Honduras, Belize, and Mexico, before dissipating on July 14. After more than three weeks without tropical cyclogenesis, another tropical storm developed west of Bermuda. As the storm brushed eastern New England, four ships sank near Nantucket, causing 41 fatalities. The same cyclone brought damaging winds to Nova Scotia before transitioning into an extratropical cyclone on August 10.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1913 Atlantic hurricane season</span> Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean

The 1913 Atlantic hurricane season was the third consecutive year with a tropical cyclone developing before June. The first system, a tropical depression, developed on May 5 while the last transitioned into an extratropical cyclone on October 30. Of note, the seventh and eighth cyclones existed simultaneously from August 30 to September 4.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1912 Atlantic hurricane season</span> Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean

The 1912 Atlantic hurricane season was an average hurricane season that featured the first recorded November major hurricane. There were eleven tropical cyclones, seven of which became tropical storms; four of those strengthened into hurricanes, and one reached major hurricane intensity. The season's first cyclone developed on April 4, while the final dissipated on November 21. The season's most intense and most devastating tropical cyclone was the final storm, known as the Jamaica hurricane. It produced heavy rainfall on Jamaica, leading to at least 100 fatalities and about $1.5 million (1912 USD) in damage. The storm was also blamed for five deaths in Cuba.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1911 Atlantic hurricane season</span> Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean

The 1911 Atlantic hurricane season was a relatively inactive hurricane season, with only six known tropical cyclones forming in the Atlantic during the summer and fall. There were three suspected tropical depressions, including one that began the season in February and one that ended the season when it dissipated in December. Three storms intensified into hurricanes, two of which attained Category 2 status on the modern-day Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale. Storm data is largely based on the Atlantic hurricane database, which underwent a thorough revision for the period between 1911 and 1914 in 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timeline of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season</span>

The 2011 Atlantic hurricane season was an event in the annual hurricane season in the north Atlantic Ocean. It was well above average, with 19 tropical storms forming. Even so, it was the first season on record in which the first eight storms failed to attain hurricane strength. The season officially began on June 1, 2011, and ended on November 30, 2011, dates that conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones develop in the Atlantic basin. The season's first storm, Tropical Storm Arlene did not form until June 28. The final storm to develop, Tropical Storm Sean, dissipated on November 11.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timeline of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season</span>

The 2012 Atlantic hurricane season was an event in the annual hurricane season in the north Atlantic Ocean. For the third year in a row there were 19 named storms. The season officially began on June 1, 2012, and ended on November 30, 2012, dates that conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones develop in the Atlantic basin. Surprisingly, two preseason storms formed: Alberto on May 19, and Beryl on May 26. This was the first such occurrence since the 1951 season. The final storm to dissipate was Sandy, on October 29. Altogether, ten storms became hurricanes, of which two intensified into major hurricanes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1940 Louisiana hurricane</span> Category 2 Atlantic hurricane in 1940

The 1940 Louisiana hurricane caused record flooding across much of the Southern United States in August 1940. The second tropical cyclone and hurricane of the annual hurricane season, it formed from a frontal low off the west coast of Florida on August 3. Initially a weak disturbance, it moved generally westward, slowly gaining in intensity. Early on August 4, the depression attained tropical storm intensity. Ships in the vicinity of the storm reported a much stronger tropical cyclone than initially suggested. After reaching hurricane strength on August 5 south of the Mississippi River Delta, the storm strengthened further into a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph and a minimum barometric pressure of 972 mbar at 0600 UTC on August 7. The hurricane moved ashore near Sabine Pass, Texas later that day at peak strength. Once inland, the storm executed a sharp curve to the north and quickly weakened, degenerating into a tropical storm on August 8 before dissipating over Arkansas on August 10.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1940 New England hurricane</span> Category 2 Atlantic hurricane in 1940

The 1940 New England hurricane moved off of the U.S. East Coast and Atlantic Canada in August and September 1940, producing strong winds and torrential rainfall. The fourth tropical cyclone and third hurricane of the season, the storm originated from a well-defined low-pressure area in the open Atlantic Ocean on August 26. Moving slowly in a general west-northwest motion, the disturbance intensified, reaching tropical storm strength on August 28 and subsequently hurricane intensity on August 30. The hurricane passed within 85 mi (137 km) of Cape Hatteras before recurving towards the northeast. The hurricane continued to intensify, and reached peak intensity as a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph (180 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 961 mbar, though these statistical peaks were achieved at different times on September 2. Afterwards, the hurricane began a weakening trend as it proceeded northeastward, and had degenerated into a tropical storm by the time it made its first landfall on Nova Scotia later that day. The storm transitioned into an extratropical cyclone the next day while making another landfall on New Brunswick. The extratropical remnants persisted into Quebec before merging with a larger extratropical system late on September 3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1935 Cuba hurricane</span> Category 4 Atlantic hurricane in 1935

The 1935 Cuba hurricane was an intense and deadly tropical cyclone which caused devastation across many areas of the western Atlantic, particularly Cuba and The Bahamas, in September and October 1935. The fifth tropical storm and third hurricane of the 1935 Atlantic hurricane season, the storm formed from a tropical depression in the central Caribbean Sea on September 23. The disturbance gradually organized as it moved to the west, and strengthened to tropical storm intensity less than a day after formation and further to a hurricane by September 25. Subsequently, the hurricane curved northward from its initial westward motion. On September 27, the storm reached major hurricane intensity before making landfall near Cienfuegos, Cuba as a modern-day Category 3 hurricane the next day. After passing the island, the hurricane reintensified, and reached a peak intensity with a minimum barometric pressure of at least 945 mbar and maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (220 km/h), making it a modern-day Category 4 hurricane. At the same time, the tropical cyclone passed over the Bahamian island of Bimini before moving out to sea. As it progressed northeastward, the hurricane gradually weakened before transitioning into an extratropical storm by October 2. The extratropical remnants made landfall on Newfoundland shortly after before dissipating late that day.

References

  1. ↑ "Tropical Cyclone Climatology". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 5, 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Gallenne, J.H. (1940). "Tropical Disturbance of May 18–27, 1940; Tropical Disturbances of August 1940; Tropical Disturbances of September 1940; Tropical Disturbances of October 1940". Monthly Weather Review. 68 (5, 8–10). Washington, D.C.: American Meteorological Society: 148, 217–218, 245–247, 280. Bibcode:1940MWRv...68..280G. doi: 10.1175/1520-0493(1940)068<0280:tdoo>2.0.co;2 . Retrieved October 5, 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 "Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)" (Database). United States National Hurricane Center. April 5, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2024.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
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  5. ↑ Landsea, Christopher W.; et al. (August 15, 2014). "A Reanalysis of the 1931–43 Atlantic Hurricane Database" (PDF). Journal of Climate. 27 (16). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: 6111. Bibcode:2014JCli...27.6093L. doi: 10.1175/JCLI-D-13-00503.1 . S2CID   1785238 . Retrieved October 4, 2021.
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  7. ↑ "Gale Blows 90 Miles Per Hour". San Jose News. Port Arthur, Texas. United Press. August 7, 1940. p. 1. Retrieved April 22, 2013.
  8. ↑ "Port Arthur Citizens Flee Coming Storm". The Tuscaloosa News. Port Arthur, Texas. Associated Press. August 7, 1940. p. 1. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Roth, David M; Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Louisiana Hurricane History (PDF). United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service . Retrieved April 23, 2013.
  10. 1 2 3 Roth, David M; Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Texas Hurricane History (PDF). United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service . Retrieved April 22, 2013.
  11. ↑ "Hurricanes in Louisiana History". thecajuns.com. March 25, 2013. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
  12. ↑ Ivan Ray Tannehill (1943). Hurricanes. Princeton University Press. pp. 250–251.
  13. ↑ Roth, David M.; Weather Prediction Center. "Southeast Hurricane - August 10-18 1940". Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima. Silver Spring, Maryland: United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
  14. ↑ Roth, David M.; Weather Prediction Center. "Early Twentieth Century". Silver Spring, Maryland: United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
  15. ↑ "Laurelmor and Landslides". WNCSOS. March 5, 2008. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
  16. 1 2 3 4 "New Jersey Fights To Prevent Disease". Daytona Beach Morning Journal. Camden, New Jersey. Associated Press. September 2, 1940. p. 1. Retrieved May 5, 2013.
  17. ↑ "Storm Veers Away From New England". St. Petersburg Times. Associated Press. September 2, 1940. p. 1. Retrieved May 2, 2013.
  18. 1 2 Schoner, R.W.; Molansky, S.; Hydrologic Services Division (July 1956). "Rainfall Associated With Hurricanes (And Other Tropical Disturbances)" (PDF). Washington, D.C.: National Hurricane Research Project. pp. 262–263. Retrieved May 2, 2013.
  19. ↑ Environment Canada (November 12, 2009). "1940-4". Storm Impact Summaries. Government of Canada. Archived from the original on July 3, 2013. Retrieved May 2, 2013.
  20. 1 2 3 4 5 Environment Canada (November 13, 2009). "1940-5". Storm Impact Summaries. Government of Canada. Archived from the original on July 3, 2013. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
  21. 1 2 3 "Hurricane Hits Steamer; Rescue Ship Draws Near". The Evening Independent. New York, New York. Associated Press. September 16, 1940. p. 1. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
  22. 1 2 "Hurricane Diminishes After Causing $1,000,000 Damage in Canadian Area". St. Petersburg Times. Halifax, Nova Scotia. United Press. September 18, 1940. p. 3. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
  23. ↑ "Belize country profile". BBC News. August 2, 2012. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
  24. 1 2 Souder, Mary O. (September 1, 1940). "Severe Local Storms". Monthly Weather Review. 68 (9). American Meteorological Society: 268. Bibcode:1940MWRv...68..268.. doi: 10.1175/1520-0493(1940)068<0268:SLS>2.0.CO;2 . Retrieved October 5, 2021.
  25. 1 2 3 4 Hunter, H.C. (September 1, 1940). "Weather On The North Atlantic Ocean". Monthly Weather Review. 68 (9). American Meteorological Society: 253–254. Bibcode:1940MWRv...68..253H. doi: 10.1175/1520-0493(1940)068<0253:WOTNAO>2.0.CO;2 . Retrieved October 5, 2021.
  26. ↑ "Clippers Again Are Delayed". The New York Times. September 27, 1940. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  27. ↑ "Ocean Gales and Storms". Monthly Weather Review. 68 (9). American Meteorological Society: 255. September 1, 1940. Bibcode:1940MWRv...68..255.. doi: 10.1175/1520-0493(1940)068<0255:OGAS>2.0.CO;2 . Retrieved October 5, 2021.
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