Hurricane Gaston (2004)

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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

The origins of Gaston were from a cold front that exited the east coast of the United States on August 22, the same system that also spawned Tropical Storm Hermine. The front left the Carolinas and weakened as it drifted southward, until stalling on August 24. A broad low pressure area developed within the front on August 25 off the southeast coast of the United States. Another area of convection, or thunderstorms, developed along the front near Bermuda, which would become Hermine. [1] [2] As late as August 26, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) dismissed the potential for development. [3] That day however, the western area of thunderstorms became more organized as it developed rainbands. By 12:00  UTC on August 27, the system organized enough to be designated Tropical Depression Seven, located about 130 mi (210 km) east-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina. Upon its formation, the depression was in an area of weak steering currents, resulting in a southwest drift. [1] Situated over warm ocean temperatures, the depression was in an area favorable for further strengthening. Its thunderstorms became more organized, signaling that the system intensified into Tropical Storm Gaston early on August 28. [1] [4]

By early on August 29, Gaston developed an eye feature as it continued to strengthen. [5] Around that time, the storm's track shifted to the northwest and later north. It was steered by a ridge to its northeast and an approaching trough. [1] Gaston continued to strengthen as it approached the coast, and it attained hurricane status around 12:00 UTC on August 29, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 km/h). About two hours later, Gaston made landfall at Awendaw, South Carolina, between Charleston and McClellanville, as a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Operationally, the NHC assessed Gaston as a strong tropical storm at landfall, before upgrading it in a post-season analysis based on Doppler radar. The storm rapidly weakened over land as it turned to the northeast, falling to tropical depression status by early on August 30. [1] Around that time, the NHC issued what the agency believed would be the final advisory on Gaston. The agency anticipated that the system would interact with the approaching trough and remain inland over the eastern United States. [6]

Radar image of Gaston after landfall on August 29 Ddrain.png
Radar image of Gaston after landfall on August 29

While progressing inland, Gaston increased wind shear over Tropical Storm Hermine, which was moving toward New England. [2] Gaston drew moisture from the coast near Virginia Beach to produce supercell thunderstorms over central Virginia, a sign that the depression was re-intensifying. Around 00:00 UTC on August 31, Gaston regained tropical storm status while the center was over Virginia. Shortly thereafter, the storm crossed the Delmarva Peninsula and emerged back into the Atlantic Ocean. [7] [1] The thunderstorms were limited as Gaston accelerated northeastward and interacted with the frontal system. [1] [8] [9] Late on August 31, the storm passed about 70 mi (110 km) south of Nantucket, Massachusetts. On the next day, Gaston transitioned into an extratropical storm while located south of Nova Scotia. It continued to the northeast, remaining southeast of Atlantic Canada, before reaching the north Atlantic Ocean. The extratropical remnants of Gaston were absorbed by a larger extratropical system on September 3, located south-southeast of Iceland. [1]

Preparations

Soon after Gaston first formed, the NHC began issuing tropical cyclone watches and warnings for the southeast United States coast, beginning with a tropical storm watch between Fernandina Beach, Florida and Surf City, North Carolina to Fernandina Beach, Florida. Initially, the NHC did not anticipate that Gaston would become a hurricane, but after the storm intensified, the agency issued a hurricane warning between the mouth of the Savannah River to Little River Inlet about 14 hours before landfall. A tropical storm warning extended northeastward to Surf City. [1] By August 29, flood watches were in effect for eastern South Carolina and eastern and southern North Carolina. [10] South Carolina officials recommended that residents evacuate from mobile homes, coastal and low-lying areas, and barrier islands. Across the Charleston area, six shelters opened and held more than 100 people during the storm. [11] In Charleston and surrounding areas, bridges were closed to large vehicles and trucks. [12] Historic sites in the Charleston area were closed during the storm. [13] In Charlotte, North Carolina, an estimated 30 National Guard soldiers were activated to assist in helping in flooded areas. [14]

When Gaston was weakening while moving inland, local National Weather Service offices in Virginia did not anticipate flooding rains, and as a result did not issue flood watches. However, flash flood warnings were issued in advance of the most severe floods. [7] By late on August 30, flood warnings were issued for portions of central Virginia, and tornado watches were put into effect for parts of southeast Virginia and northern North Carolina. [15]

Impact

Across the eastern United States, Hurricane Gaston produced rainfall from South Carolina to parts of New England. [16] Damage throughout the United States was estimated around $130 million. [1] Gaston was the third of five hurricanes to make landfall in the country in 2004. [17]

Hurricane Gaston struck South Carolina two weeks after Hurricane Charley hit the state, marking the first time since the 1959 season that two tropical cyclones struck the state in the same year. [18] The highest recorded winds related to Gaston was a wind gust of 82 mph (131 km/h) on Capers Island. [1] The hurricane also spawned a tornado near Wallace, rated an F1 on the Fujita scale, which was on the ground for about 1 mi (1.6 km). The tornado damaged the roof of a house while also knocking down trees and a fence. [1] [19] While moving ashore, the hurricane also produced a 4.5 ft (1.4 m) storm surge, or rise in tidal waters, at Bulls Bay. [1] The storm caused erosion along Lake Moultrie, with piers and seawalls wrecked at Bonneau Beach. The highest rainfall in the state from Gaston was 10.98 in (279 mm), recorded in Kingstree, where floodwaters reached 5 ft (1.5 m) deep. Gaston's rains added to the rainfall produced by Hurricane Charley, causing road closures and river flooding, with some areas inundated for weeks. The floods forced evacuations in Quinby and northern Berkeley County, while also affecting Darlington and Lake City. The Lumber River crested nearly 8 ft (2.4 m) above flood stage, resulting in record floods along the river. Throughout South Carolina, Gaston left about 172,000 people without power, mostly near Charleston. More than 3,000 buildings sustained damage due to the hurricane, including 8 buildings that were destroyed in Charleston County due to fallen trees. The winds also knocked down signs, fences, and mailboxes, and several cars were damaged by fallen trees. [20] [18] [21] There was at least $20 million in insured damage in the state. [1]

While crossing North Carolina as a tropical depression, Gaston dropped heavy rainfall, reaching 6.21 in (158 mm) near Jackson Springs. [20] The rains flooded several roads, including portions of Interstate 95, ramps leading to I-40, and street flooding that stranded a few trucks. [22] Wind gusts in North Carolina reached 45 mph (72 km/h) at Carolina Beach. [1] The winds were strong enough to knock down trees, including one that fell onto a home in Clayton, one that hit a post office, and another that fell onto a vehicle in Selma. [23] These winds knocked out power to 6,500 customers. [24] Gaston also spawned several tornadoes in the state, all of them rated F0. The first touched down near Laurinburg, which damaged a roof and shingles. Near Raeford, a tornado damaged four houses along its 1 mi (1.6 km) path. There was a brief twister near Anderson Creek that downed a few trees. [1] [25] There was at least $15 million in insured damage in the state. [1]

This section of E. Grace Street in Richmond washed out as a result of the heavy rainfall. Hurricane Gaston landslide damage.jpg
This section of E. Grace Street in Richmond washed out as a result of the heavy rainfall.

The heaviest rainfall from Gaston was in Virginia, with a peak of 12.60 in (320 mm) measured in the West End of the state capital, Richmond. Most of the rainfall occurred over an eight-hour period, causing flash flooding across the Greater Richmond Region that contributed to nine fatalities. Five of the deaths were drivers who entered flooded areas, and three people died while attempting to rescue others. Another death was indirectly related to Gaston. The floods damaged or destroyed 580 buildings across the region, with at least $30 million in insured damage across the state. Richmond's drainage system was unable to handle the high rainfall. [1] [16] [7] In the city's Shockoe Bottom district, floodwaters reached 10 ft (3.0 m) deep. The floods left 20 city blocks condemned near downtown. The floods destroyed a brick building and significantly damaged dozens of buildings. [26] Hundreds of roads across the Richmond area were closed due to floods, [27] including parts of the Powhite Parkway, [28] and part of I-95. At least 14 people required rescue from flooded cars or buildings. [29] Six bridges were washed out across the area. [27] The floods shut down passenger and freight rail traffic through the city. [30] The floods also created a 30 ft (9.1 m) sinkhole, closing an intersection. [31] Waters overtopped a dam along the Falling Creek, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate. Officials opened two shelters to house the evacuees. The floods also triggered several landslides, including one in Church Hill that damaged a house so much, it was condemned. [32] [33] About 52,000 people lost power in Virginia, mostly nearly Richmond. [30] At the Richmond battlefield, a foot of standing water left $32,500 (2004 USD) in damage. [34]

Wind gusts in Virginia reached 55 mph (89 km/h) in Kiptopeke State Park while Gaston was restrengthening over the state. The storm also spawned 16 tornadoes in the state, all of them rated an F0. The first was in Dinwiddie County, which lifted and threw a shed. An intermittent 6 mi (9.7 km) tornado hit a hospital in New Kent County, causing minor damage. A twister damaged the roof of a church in Nottoway County. There were two tornadoes in York County, both of which caused roof damage. A tornado hit Richmond, causing minor damage to cars and buildings at the University of Richmond. Two tornadoes touched down in James City, and weak tornadoes also hit Chesterfield, Hanover, New Kent, Prince George, Surry, and York counties, each knocking down a few trees. [1] [35]

Rains in Maryland peaked at 2.57 in (65 mm) in Oakland. [36] Floods entered a post office and covered several roads, including State Route 219. [37] Rainfall in Delaware reached 1.82 in (46 mm) in Greenwood. [36] The rains caused floods along rivers and streams in northern Delaware. The Christina River swelled to a crest of 10.55 ft (3.22 m), slightly above flood stage. [38] Rains in Pennsylvania reached 3.75 in (95 mm) in Sinnemahoning. [36] The rains caused a rise in streams and rivers, causing road flooding in Montgomery County. [39] Two families were displaced by floods in Hollidaysburg and were housed by the American Red Cross. [40] Several basements were flooded in Wellsboro, and a driver required rescue from a stranded vehicle. [41] The highest rainfall in New Jersey was 3.94 in (100 mm) in New Lisbon. [36] The rains caused floods of streams in Burlington County. [42] Rains in New York reached 4.71 in (120 mm) in Kingston, where the precipitation created a sinkhole. [36] [43] Several roads and buildings were destroyed in Orange County, prompting states of emergency in Port Jervis and Deer Park. [44] Rainfall in New England peaked at 3.69 in (94 mm) in Chatham. [45]

On August 30, Gaston's heaviest rainfall remained just offshore Nova Scotia, although Sable Island recorded 72 mm (2.8 in) of rainfall in four hours. [46]

Aftermath

The floods in Richmond left behind a layer of silt and debris. [47] On August 31, Virginia Governor Mark Warner declared a state of emergency. [48] Due to Gaston's damaging effects across Virginia, President George W. Bush designated eight counties and four cities as a federal disaster area on September 3. The federal government provided about $30 million to the state, including $9.2 million in individual assistance. [49] In the months following the floods, businesses in Shockoe Bottom began reopening, although it two years to restore everything. Residents created a fundraising drive to help businesses, few of which had flood insurance. The efforts raised more than $350,000, helped partly by a benefit concert held in November 2004 called the Back the Bottom Relief Concert. [50] [51] The Virginia Department of Emergency Management launched a Spanish-language website in 2007, in part because of language barriers during the floods. [52] From 2008–2010, Richmond improved several flood mitigation projects, including three new sewage gates, 100 modified curb inlets, and the purchase and removal of several homes in a floodplain. [33]

The flooding from Gaston also affected VDOT's emergency road repair fund. VDOT estimated that repairing the wrecked roads and bridges would cost $10 to $20 million, and that did not cover damage to streets and roads that the city of Richmond and Henrico County maintain. Already stretching its budget thin, VDOT had to set $16 million aside for major projects other than snow removal, leaving very little to pay for storm damage.[ citation needed ]

After the storm, Richmond stepped up the frequency of its inspections and cleanings of the existing drain system, and installed a new flash flood warning system. $8.7 million was spent to help the victims of the storm, much of it from FEMA.[ citation needed ]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 James L. Franklin, Daniel P. Brown and Colin McAdie (2004). "Hurricane Gaston Tropical Cyclone Report" (PDF). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 15, 2008.
  2. 1 2 Lixion A. Avila (October 20, 2004). Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Hermine (PDF). National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved January 11, 2015.
  3. ↑ Richard Pasch (August 26, 2004). "Tropical Weather Outlook" . Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  4. ↑ Stacy Stewart; Jack Beven (August 27, 2004). "Tropical Depression Seven Discussion Number 1". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved May 15, 2008.
  5. ↑ Miles Lawrence (August 28, 2004). "Tropical Storm Gaston Discussion Number 6". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  6. ↑ Miles Lawrence (August 30, 2004). "Tropical Depression Gaston Public Advisory 9A". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  7. 1 2 3 John Billet; Keith Lynch (2006). A Look at Tropical Storm Gaston Flooding in Virginia (PDF) (Report). Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  8. ↑ Jack Beven (August 31, 2004). "Tropical Storm Gaston Discussion Number 15". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  9. ↑ Richard Pasch (August 31, 2004). "Tropical Storm Gaston Discussion Number 17". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  10. ↑ Timothy Halbach (August 29, 2004). "Tropical Storm Gaston Advisory Number 10". Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
  11. ↑ Tropical Storm Gaston Post-Tropical Storm Report (Report). Charleston, South Carolina National Weather Service. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
  12. ↑ "S.C Hit by Tropical Storm Gaston". Insurance Journal. Associated Press. August 30, 2004. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
  13. ↑ "Tropical Storm Gaston". National Park Service. September 1, 2004. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
  14. ↑ "Weakened Gaston to bring North Carolina wind, rain". Associated Press. 2004. Archived from the original on October 25, 2004. Retrieved April 22, 2008.
  15. ↑ Rick Lader (August 30, 2004). "Tropical Storm Gaston Advisory Number 13". Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved April 22, 2008.
  16. 1 2 David Roth (2004). "Hurricane Gaston rainfall summary". Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
  17. ↑ "Monthly Weather Tropical Summary... Corrected". National Hurricane Center. December 1, 2004. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  18. 1 2 Hope Mizzell (October 11, 2004). Tropical Storm Gaston (Report). South Carolina State Climatology Office. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
  19. ↑ "Marlboro County, South Carolina Tornado Event Report". National Climatic Data Center. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
  20. 1 2 Roth, David M (May 12, 2022). "Tropical Cyclone Rainfall in the Southeastern United States". Tropical Cyclone Rainfall. United States Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved January 6, 2023.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  21. ↑
  22. ↑
  23. ↑
  24. ↑ "Gaston Recap". The Palm Beach Post. Associated Press. Retrieved April 24, 2008.
  25. ↑
  26. ↑ "Richmond County, Virginia Flash Flood Event Report". National Climatic Data Center. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
  27. 1 2 "Flooded buildings condemned; toll rises to seven in Virginia". Lawrence Journal-World. Associated Press. September 2, 2004. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  28. ↑ Mike Bergazzi; Rob Cardwell (August 30, 2024). "Richmond Remembers: How Gaston flooded Shockoe Bottom". WTVR-TV . Retrieved January 3, 2026.
  29. ↑ "Torrential rains from remnants of Gaston cause widespread flooding". The Press Democrat. Associated Press. August 31, 2004.
  30. 1 2 "Flood wracks historic Richmond". Lewiston Sun Journal. Associated Press. September 1, 2004. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  31. ↑ "Flooding devastates historic Richmond, Va". NBC News. Associated Press. August 30, 2004. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  32. ↑ "Virginia Declares State of Emergency After Gaston". Claims Journal. Associated Press. September 1, 2004. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  33. 1 2 Richmond-Crater Multi-Region Hazard Mitigation Plan (PDF) (Report). Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. July 2022. p. 132. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  34. ↑ Civil War News (2004). "Winds And Rain Hit City Point & Richmond". Archived from the original on October 11, 2008. Retrieved May 2, 2008.
  35. ↑
  36. 1 2 3 4 5 Roth, David M (May 12, 2022). "Tropical Cyclone Rainfall in the Mid-Atlantic United States". Tropical Cyclone Rainfall. United States Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved January 6, 2023.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  37. ↑ "Garrett County, Maryland Flash Flood Event Report". National Climatic Data Center. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
  38. ↑ "New Castle County, Delaware Flash Flood Event Report". National Climatic Data Center. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
  39. ↑ "Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Flash Flood Event Report". National Climatic Data Center. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
  40. ↑ "Blair County, Pennsylvania Flash Flood Event Report". National Climatic Data Center. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
  41. ↑ "Tioga County, Pennsylvania Flash Flood Event Report". National Climatic Data Center. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
  42. ↑ "Burlington County, New Jersey Flash Flood Event Report". National Climatic Data Center. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
  43. ↑ "Ulster County, New York Flash Flood Event Report". National Climatic Data Center. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
  44. ↑ "Orange County, New York Flash Flood Event Report". National Climatic Data Center. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
  45. ↑ Roth, David M (May 12, 2022). "Tropical Cyclone Rainfall for the New England United States". Tropical Cyclone Rainfall. United States Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved January 6, 2023.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  46. ↑ "Archived: Canadian Tropical Cyclone Season Summary for 2004". Canadian Hurricane Centre. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  47. ↑ "Where The Newspaper Stands". Daily Press. Newport News, Virginia. September 4, 2004. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  48. ↑ Storm 2004 Hurricane Season: Gaston Archived October 22, 2005, at the Wayback Machine
  49. ↑
  50. ↑ Adam Stone (July 9, 2009). "Recovery: Area Struck by 2004 Hurricane Improves Drainage". Government Technology . Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  51. ↑ "Historic Richmond Facing Uncertain Future After Flooding". Insurance Journal. Associated Press. September 20, 2004. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  52. ↑ "En Español, Por Favor". Northwest Florida Daily News. Associated Press. October 6, 2004. p. 24. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
Hurricane Gaston
Gaston 2004-08-29 0710Z.jpg
Gaston shortly after moving ashore on August 29
Tropical cyclones of the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season
2004 Atlantic hurricane season summary.png
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