Hurricane Anita

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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
Disc Plain black.svg Tropical cyclone
Solid black.svg Subtropical cyclone
ArrowUp.svg Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

A tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on August 16. The wave axis tracked steadily westward, and on August 23 convection increased after the wave passed beneath a cold-core upper-level low. By August 27, the wave axis was located over Cuba, with the area of convection located between Florida and the Bahamas after tracking northwestward. The disturbance crossed southern Florida, and after entering the Gulf of Mexico an anticyclone provided favorable conditions for further development. It tracked slowly westward at 5 mph (7 km/h), and after developing a surface circulation the system developed into a tropical depression on August 29 while located about 230 miles (370 km) south-southwest of New Orleans, Louisiana. [1]

With a ridge of high pressure to its north, the depression tracked westward. Favorable conditions persisted for several days prior to the arrival of the depression, and as such the depression quickly intensified into Tropical Storm Anita. The storm tracked slowly over warm water temperatures, and throughout its duration it was embedded within warm, moist tropical air; Anita rapidly organized and attained hurricane status late on August 30; [1] this is the latest date for the first hurricane since 1967. [2] Initially it threatened to strike Texas, though building high pressures to the north of the hurricane turned Anita to the west-southwest. The hurricane developed a well-defined eye, and Anita began to rapidly intensify late on September 1 after attaining major hurricane status. During a two-day period up to its peak intensity, Anita deepened at a rate of 2  mbar per hour, and on September 2 the hurricane reached peak winds of 175 mph (280 km/h) while located just offshore northeastern Mexico, making Anita a Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. [1]

Hurricane Anita maintained its strength as it approached land, and at 1100  UTC on September 2 it made landfall on Soto la Marina, Tamaulipas, about 145 miles (235 km) south of Brownsville, Texas or 80 miles (130 km) north of Tampico, Mexico. Moving ashore with a pressure of 926  mbar, Anita was the third most intense tropical cyclone to strike the nation, and was the most intense hurricane to hit from the Gulf of Mexico. [2] [3] It rapidly weakened over the mountainous terrain of Mexico, and on September 3, about 25 hours after moving ashore, Anita emerged into the eastern Pacific Ocean as a tropical depression. Reclassified as Tropical Depression Eleven, the system continued to the west, and weakened further after encountering cooler water temperatures. The depression gradually lost its deep convection, and on September 4 it dissipated off of the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. [4]

Preparations

Hurricane Anita near its Mexico landfall Hurricane Anita near landfall.PNG
Hurricane Anita near its Mexico landfall

Shortly after first developing, one oil company evacuated its oil rigs off of Texas and Louisiana by helicopter, with several other companies beginning to evacuate unneeded workers. [5] Ultimately, 7,000 oil workers were removed from offshore oil platforms. [1] The threat of the developing disturbance prompted officials to close a state park in southern Louisiana. The National Hurricane Center advised small craft along the northern Gulf Coast to remain at port. [5] Initially, Anita was predicted to continue tracking west-northwestward and make landfall near the Texas/Louisiana border. As a result, schools in Cameron Parish, Louisiana were closed, [6] and on August 30 a hurricane watch was issued for the southwestern Louisiana and northeastern Texas coastlines. After the track shifted further to the south, the watch was replaced with a hurricane warning between Brownsville and just south of Corpus Christi, Texas. [1] An emergency shelter was opened in Brownwood, Texas, and Army trucks were prepared to assist in evacuations. [7] An official from the National Weather Service recommended evacuation for all residents east of Galveston, Texas living in an area below 5 feet (1.5 m) above sea level; about 20,000 left Cameron, Louisiana. [8] In all, about 58,000 people evacuated coastal locations in Louisiana and Texas. [1]

Though the National Hurricane Center did not issue hurricane warnings for Mexico, officials warned the Mexican government of the potential danger of the hurricane. Across the northeastern coastline of the country, 35,000 people evacuated prior to the arrival of the hurricane, [1] including all of the residents in the village where the hurricane struck. [9] The Mexican army assisted in evacuations and preparing emergency shelters. [10]

Impact

Rainfall Summary for Hurricane Anita Anita 1977 rainfall.gif
Rainfall Summary for Hurricane Anita

United States

As the precursor tropical disturbance crossed southern Florida, it dropped light rainfall of over 1 inch (25 mm) in the Miami area. [11] Later, as a developing tropical depression, the system produced gusty winds and heavy rainfall in southern Louisiana; [5] one station near Galliano reported over 3 inches (76 mm) of precipitation. [11] Hurricane Anita produced a storm tide of 2 feet (0.6 m) above normal in Grand Isle, which resulted in hundreds of families being asked to leave their homes. [8]

The hurricane produced above-normal tides along the Texas coastline, which closed several highways including Texas State Highway 87. [8] The northern periphery of Hurricane Anita produced light to moderate rainfall across the southern portion of the state, which peaked at 4.97 inches (126 mm) at Rio Grande City. [11] Damage in the state was minor; on South Padre Island damage was limited to a few broken windows. [12]

Mexico

Hurricane Anita near landfall Anita radar.PNG
Hurricane Anita near landfall

Hurricane Anita made landfall in a sparsely populated portion of Mexico; as a result, few meteorological statistics exist. A station near where the hurricane moved ashore recorded 17.52 inches (445 mm) of precipitation in six hours, which resulted in severe flooding and mudslides. [1] Winds along the eastern Mexico coastline were estimated at over 100 mph (160 km/h). [13]

The hurricane caused extensive damage to fishing and farming communities in northeastern Mexico. [1] Strong winds destroyed thousands of homes and left about 25,000 people homeless, according to newspaper reports from Mexico City. The winds destroyed the roofs of most buildings near where the hurricane moved ashore, [14] and also caused widespread power outages which disrupted communications. Heavy rainfall destroyed or obstructed roadways across the region, [15] with some flooded avenues in Tampico and reports of flooded highways near Ciudad Victoria. [13] Eleven people were killed in floods and mudslides across Tamaulipas. [16] In all, at least 50,000 people were affected by the hurricane in Mexico. [17]

Aftermath

Shortly after the hurricane made landfall, the government of Mexico sent two trucks of food to the areas of greatest impact. [13] Additionally, officials permitted full use of the Mexican railway system to facilitate the distribution of aid. [10] Three municipalities were also declared disaster areas following the storm. [16] In Texas, the combination of moderate rainfall and high tides in low-lying marshland led to a mosquito outbreak near Galveston following the storm. [18]

On account of the severe damage caused by the hurricane in the Atlantic basin, the name Anita was retired at the end of the 1977 season. It will never again be used to name a tropical storm in the basin. [19]

See also

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">1971 Atlantic hurricane season</span> Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean

The 1971 Atlantic hurricane season was an active Atlantic hurricane season overall, producing 13 named storms, of which 6 strengthened into hurricanes. The season officially began on June 1, 1971, and lasted until November 30, 1971. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. This season, the first storm, Arlene, developed on July 4, while the last, Laura, dissipated on November 22.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1973 Atlantic hurricane season</span> Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">1975 Atlantic hurricane season</span> Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean

The 1975 Atlantic hurricane season was a near average hurricane season with nine named storms forming, of which six became hurricanes. Three of those six became major hurricanes, which are Category 3 or higher systems on the Saffir–Simpson scale. The season officially began on June 1 and lasted until November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic Ocean.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1977 Atlantic hurricane season</span> Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean

The 1977 Atlantic hurricane season was a very inactive Atlantic hurricane season, with only six named storms. The season officially began on Wednesday, June 1, 1977 and lasted until Wednesday, November 30, 1977. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclogenesis occurs in the Atlantic basin. The first tropical cyclone of the season developed over the western Caribbean Sea on June 13, 12 days after the start of the season. Three more organized during July and early August. Then, on August 29, the first named storm, Hurricane Anita formed and rapidly intensified to a Category 5 hurricane on September 1, before weakening slightly and striking Mexico as a high-end Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall, causing 11 fatalities, and leaving at least 25,000 people homeless. Damage from Anita exceeded $956 million USD.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1978 Atlantic hurricane season</span> Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean

The 1978 Atlantic hurricane season was a slightly above average hurricane season in terms of number of named storms. Eleven tropical cyclones were named in all, and five of these became hurricanes; two of the five became a major hurricane. This was also the last Atlantic hurricane season to use an all-female naming list. The season officially began on June 1, 1978, and ended on November 30, 1978. These dates, adopted by convention, denote the period in each year when most tropical cyclogenesis occurs in the Atlantic basin. However, the formation of subtropical or tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year, as shown by the formation of an unnamed subtropical storm on January 18.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1947 Atlantic hurricane season</span> Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean

The 1947 Atlantic hurricane season was the first Atlantic hurricane season to have tropical storms labeled by the United States Air Force. The season officially began on June 16, 1947, and ended on November 1, 1947. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. However, the first tropical cyclone developed on June 13, while the final system was absorbed by a cold front on December 1. There were 10 tropical storms; 5 of them attained hurricane status, while two became major hurricanes, which are Category 3 or higher on the modern day Saffir–Simpson scale. Operationally, the third tropical storm was considered two separate tropical cyclones, resulting in the storm receiving two names. The eighth tropical storm went undetected and was not listed in HURDAT until 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1942 Atlantic hurricane season</span> Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">1941 Atlantic hurricane season</span> Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">1936 Atlantic hurricane season</span> Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean

The 1936 Atlantic hurricane season was a fairly active season, with 20 tropical cyclones recorded, 17 of which became tropical storms. Seven storms became hurricanes, of which one became a major hurricane. In addition, the season was unusual in the fact that no storms moved across large portions of the Caribbean Sea. Seven storms, including three hurricanes, struck the United States.

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

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hurricane Edith (1971)</span> Category 5 Atlantic hurricane

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tropical Storm Arlene (1993)</span> Atlantic tropical storm in 1993

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tropical Storm Gabrielle (1995)</span> Atlantic tropical storm in 1995

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hurricane Babe</span> Category 1 Atlantic hurricane in 1977

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hurricane Ingrid</span> Category 1 Atlantic hurricane in 2013

Hurricane Ingrid was one of two tropical cyclones, along with Hurricane Manuel, to strike Mexico within a 24-hour period, the first such occurrence since 1958. Ingrid was the ninth named storm and second hurricane of the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season. It formed on September 12 in the Gulf of Mexico from a broad disturbance that also spawned Manuel in the eastern Pacific. After initially moving westward toward Veracruz, Ingrid turned northeastward away from the coast. Favorable conditions allowed it to attain hurricane status on September 14, and the next day Ingrid attained peak winds of 140 km/h (85 mph). Subsequently, increased wind shear weakened the convection as the storm turned more to the northwest and west. On September 16, Ingrid made landfall just south of La Pesca, Tamaulipas in northeastern Mexico as a strong tropical storm, and dissipated the next day. The hurricane was also the last one to form in the Gulf of Mexico until Hurricane Hermine in 2016.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Lawrence, Miles B (April 1, 1978). "Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1977". Monthly Weather Review. 106 (4): 534–545. Bibcode:1978MWRv..106..534L. doi:10.1175/1520-0493(1978)106<0534:AHSO>2.0.CO;2.
  2. 1 2 "Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)" (Database). United States National Hurricane Center. April 5, 2023. Retrieved April 12, 2024.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  3. ↑ National Hurricane Center; Hurricane Research Division; Central Pacific Hurricane Center (April 4, 2023). "The Northeast and North Central Pacific hurricane database 1949–2022". United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. A guide on how to read the database is available here. PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  4. ↑ Gunther, Emil B (April 1, 1978). "Eastern North Pacific Tropical Cyclones of 1977". Monthly Weather Review. 106 (4): 546–558. Bibcode:1978MWRv..106..546G. doi: 10.1175/1520-0493(1978)106<0546:ENPTCO>2.0.CO;2 .
  5. 1 2 3 United Press International (August 30, 1977). "Hurricane depression rakes gulf".
  6. ↑ United Press International (August 30, 1977). "Storm Anita Could Grow".
  7. ↑ Baytown Sun (August 30, 1977). "Tide Alert Sounded; Brownwood Moving".
  8. 1 2 3 United Press International (August 31, 1977). "Hurricane Anita Heads for Texas".
  9. ↑ United Press International (September 2, 1977). "Hurricane Strikes Coast of Mexico".{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  10. 1 2 "Mexican Troops Begin Evacuating Matamoros". Associated Press. September 2, 1977.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  11. 1 2 3 David Roth (2007). "Rainfall Summary for Hurricane Anita". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved June 25, 2007.
  12. ↑ United Press International (September 3, 1977). "Anita's Damage in Texas Slight".{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  13. 1 2 3 "La Pesca Bears Brunt of Anita's Fury". Associated Press. September 2, 1977.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  14. ↑ "Remnants of Hurricane Move into the Pacific Ocean". Associated Press. September 4, 1977.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  15. ↑ "Storm slams into Mexico". Associated Press. September 2, 1977.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  16. 1 2 "El huracón "Anita" causadiez muertos y grandes daños materiales" (PDF) (in Spanish). The Spanish Guardian. September 6, 1977. Retrieved August 25, 2009.
  17. ↑ Organization of American States. "Chapter 12- Hurricane Hazards" . Retrieved June 26, 2007.
  18. ↑ Staff Writer (September 3, 1977). "Mosquitoes Left Behind by Anita". Galveston Daily News . Retrieved June 28, 2007– via Newspapers.com.
  19. ↑ "Tropical Cyclone Naming History and Retired Names". Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
Hurricane Anita
Tropical Depression Eleven
Hurricane Anita.jpg
Anita approaching the Gulf Coast of Mexico on September 2
Pacific→Atlantic
Atlantic→Pacific

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