Hurricane Gabrielle (2001)

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This article is about the Atlantic hurricane of 2001. For other storms named Gabrielle, see Hurricane Gabrielle
Hurricane Gabrielle
Category 1 hurricane (SSHS)
Hurricane Gabrielle at peak intensity

Hurricane Gabrielle at peak intensity
Formed September 11, 2001
Dissipated September 19, 2001
Highest
winds
80 mph (130 km/h) (1-minute sustained)
Lowest pressure 975 mbar (hPa; 28.8 inHg)
Fatalities 2 direct, 1 indirect
Damage $230 million (2001 USD)
$280 million (2008 USD)
Areas
affected		 Florida, Newfoundland
Part of the
2001 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Gabrielle was, at the time of landfall near Venice, Florida, a strong tropical storm that produced a torrential amount of rain. The storm caused 3 deaths, one of those indirect.

Contents

[edit] Storm history

Storm path
Storm path

By September 5, a weak low- to mid-level trough was nearly stationary a short distance off the southeastern coastline of the United States. It remained stationary for several days,[1] and on September 11 a low-level circulation developed about 125 miles (201 km) south-southeast of Charleston. With minimal associated convection,[2] the system degenerated into an open trough as it drifted southwestward due to weak steering currents.[3] The broad feature extending from the Bahamas to the eastern Gulf of Mexico gradually developed a mid-level center by September 9 over Florida.[1] A surface low pressure area developed on September 10 over the eastern Gulf of Mexico,[4] and despite disorganized convection conditions favored further development.[5] The low gradually became better organized,[6] and by September 11 the low was well-organized enough with sufficiently organized convection for the National Hurricane Center to classify it as Tropical Depression Eight[7] while located about 170 miles (270 km) west-northwest of Key West, Florida.[1]

Located in an environment of weak steering currents, the depression drifted to the west-southwest. Northerly wind shear and the presence of an upper-level low near the system initially prevented further organization,[7] leaving the center of the depression poorly defined with minimal convection.[8] The depression gradually became better organized as it slowly executed a small counter-clockwise loop,[1] and early on September 12 the system developed increased banding features over the eastern half of its circulation.[9] By early on September 13 the upper level outflow over the depression became much more conducive for intensification, though at the surface the circulation initially remained very broad with light winds around the center.[10] Shortly thereafter, deep convection developed and persisted near the center,[11] and at 1200 UTC on September 13 the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Gabrielle while located about 200 miles (320 km) southwest of Venice, Florida. Under the influence of a mid-level trough, the storm accelerated northeastward and quickly intensified despite increasing amounts of westerly wind shear.[1] Its center reformed several times under the deep convection, and on September 14 Gabrielle made landfall near Venice, Florida with winds of 70 mph (110 km/h). At the time, Hurricane Hunters reported gusts to hurricane force,[12][13] and the National Hurricane Center indicated the possibility that Gabrielle made landfall as a hurricane.[1]

Gabrielle at its landfall in Florida
Gabrielle at its landfall in Florida

Land interaction and vertical wind shear quickly weakened Gabrielle over land; its convection decreased markedly with the strongest remaining convection remaining well to the northeast of the center.[14] Upon reaching the Atlantic Ocean 18 hours after it made landfall with winds of 45 mph (72 km/h),[1] one forecaster at the National Hurricane Center remarked that the storm resembled an occluded frontal low, with a large circulation devoid of convection in a non-symmetric wind field.[15] Another forecaster likened the storm to a subtropical cyclone due to dry air continuing to limit organization.[16] On September 15, convection gradually developed closer to the center, though operationally forecasters were unsure whether the convection was in association with Gabrielle or to a cold front to its west.[17] A Hurricane Hunters flight into the system reported the center of Gabrielle became elongated, resembling a trough, with one forecaster considering the storm on the verge of becoming an extratropical cyclone.[18] Shortly thereafter, convection increased near the center as the storm became stronger and better organized.[19]

Despite strong amounts of wind shear, Gabrielle intensified to attain hurricane status early on September 17 while located about 350 miles (560 km) to the west of Bermuda. Continuing northeastward, the hurricane strengthened slightly further to reach peak winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) about 230 miles (370 km) northwest of Bermuda.[1] Shortly thereafter, a banding eye briefly developed in the center of the convection.[20] However, increased wind shear diminished the convection, and Gabrielle weakened to tropical storm status September 18.[21] By early on September 19, wind shear dissipated nearly all of the associated deep convection, and Gabrielle transitioned into an extratropical cyclone about 350 miles (560 km) south of Newfoundland. The extratropical remnant continued to the northeast, passing a short distance southeast of Newfoundland before restrengthening to reach winds of 75 mph (121 km/h). The storm weakened, and on September 21 the extratropical remnant of Gabrielle merged with another extratropical storm over the far northern Atlantic Ocean.[1]

[edit] Preparations

Shortly after Gabrielle become a tropical storm, the National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning from Craig Key through the Dry Tortugas in the Florida Keys and along the Florida west coast from Flamingo to the mouth of the Suwanee River. Additionally, a hurricane watch was issued from Chokoloskee to Tarpon Springs. The next day, a tropical storm warning was issued for Lake Okeechobee and the Florida east coast from Jupiter to Saint Augustine.[1]

The government of Bermuda issued a gale warning for the island before changing it to a tropical storm warning on September 16.[22]

The Newfoundland Weather Center issued severe weather warnings for portions of Atlantic Canada prior to the arrival of the extratropical remnant of Gabrielle.[23] Rough sea warnings were issued for waters off of the Avalon Peninsula of eastern Newfoundland, and fishermen were recommended to remain away from the ocean.[24]

[edit] Impact

[edit] United States

Daytona Beach during Gabrielle
Daytona Beach during Gabrielle

Upon making landfall, Gabrielle produced moderate winds along coastal areas of western Florida, reaching 58 mph (93 km/h) at Venice.[1] High tides from rough waves and the storm surge reached 6.2 feet (1.9 m), the highest tide since 1926. The tide flooded the northern shoreline of Charlotte Harbor and at the entrance to the Peace River, while further to the south a surge of greater than 3 feet (0.91 m) inundated the barrier island at Fort Myers Beach and flooded some cars. Beach erosion was common in the areas where the storm surge was greatest, as well.[25]

While crossing the state, the storm produced locally strong winds along the Atlantic Florida coastline, peaking at 59 mph (95 km/h) at Saint Augustine.[1]

Gabrielle, at the time a tropical storm, produced a torrential amount of rain over the state of Florida. Amounts added up to between the 4-7 inch range along its track. A foot of rain fell in Volusia and Lake counties in northeast Florida. Other reports of urban flooding and river flooding was also acknowledged throughout the state. In addition to the severe flooding of up to one foot, many reports of tornadoes also poured in. In all, there were eighteen reports of twisters as Gabrielle came ashore.

Rainfall totals for Gabrielle
Rainfall totals for Gabrielle

The FAA had grounded private aircraft following the tragic events of the terrorist attacks on the very day that this storm formed. As the storm approached an exemption was issued for Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama. Owners were able to evacuate their aircraft and provide emergency relief flights after the storm passed. [1]

In all, Gabrielle killed two people directly and one indirectly. A fifteen-year-old boy died of drowning in Winter Springs, Florida. Another died due to a rip current off the coastline of Alabama. The indirect death was the cause of an individual falling off a boat and drowning due to intoxication.

[edit] Bermuda and Canada

In Bermuda, the combination of Gabrielle and the cold front to its west dropped about 1.8 inches of precipitation in a 4 day period. Wind gusts peaked at 55 mph (89 km/h) in an outer rainband. No damage was reported in the territory.[26]

The extratropical remnant of Gabrielle passed a short distance south of Newfoundland, the second cyclone in less than a week to affect the area. The storm produced moderately strong wind gusts of over 60 mph (100 km) across the southern portion of the island, including a peak gust of 80 mph (130 km/h) at Cape Race. The storm also produced rough seas of up to 36 feet (11 m) in height.[23] The remnant of Gabrielle dropped heavy rainfall in a short amount of time across Newfoundland, with one station at Cape Race recording 1.9 inches (48 mm) in just 1 hour.[1] The rainfall set the all time 6 hour precipitation record at St. John's, with a total of 3.54 inches (90 mm).[27] Rainfall peaked at 6.9 inches (175 mm) at the Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John's.[23]

In St. John's, the rainfall caused severe flooding, with the mayor of the city considering Gabrielle "the worst storm in 100 years".[23] There, the flooding washed out roads and parking lots, and also flooded some basements with several feet (1 m) of water. There were multiple reports of sewers unable to accompany the excess of water. Hurricane force wind gusts canceled flights[24] and left thousands without power, telephone, or heat.[28] Hundreds of homes and buildings were damaged by the passage of Gabrielle, totaling several million dollars in damage.[29]

[edit] Aftermath

In response to the flooding in St. John's, Newfoundland, the city mayor activated the city's Emergency Preparedness Program.[23] On September 27, about a week after the passage of the storm, the Emergency Measures Organization began accepting applications for flood-related damage.[30] By about a month after the storm, 169 applications were processed, with an additional 1,762 received by the Emergency Measures Organization. Eligibility for the disaster assistance included restoration to property or household items of an essential nature.[31] A few days after the passage of the storm, the government of Newfoundland appealed to the federal government for federal disaster relief fund;[29] the government later approved.[32] Ultimately, disaster relief assistance totaled $6.3 million (2001 CAD), primarily to individual assistance.[33]

The name Gabrielle was not retired, and was re-used in 2007.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Miles Lawrence and Eric Blake (2001). Hurricane Gabrielle Tropical Cyclone Report. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2007-02-27.
  2. ^ Avila (2001). September 8 Tropical Weather Outlook. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  3. ^ Beven (2001). September 8 Tropical Weather Outlook. NHC. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  4. ^ Stewart (2001). September 10 Tropical Weather Outlook. NHC. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  5. ^ Pasch & Franklin (2001). September 10 Tropical Weather Outlook (2). NHC. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  6. ^ Pasch (2001). September 11 Tropical Weather Outlook. NHC. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  7. ^ a b Pasch (2001). Tropical Depression Eight Discussion One. NHC. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  8. ^ Franklin (2001). Tropical Depression Eight Discussion Two. NHC. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  9. ^ Stewart (2001). Tropical Depression Eight Discussion Three. NHC. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  10. ^ Franklin (2001). Tropical Depression Eight Discussion Six. NHC. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  11. ^ Stewart (2001). Tropical Depression Eight Discussion Seven. NHC. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  12. ^ Avila (2001). Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Eleven. NHC. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  13. ^ Beven (2001). Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Twelve. NHC. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  14. ^ Beven (2001). Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Thirteen. NHC. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  15. ^ Avila (2001). Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Fifteen. NHC. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  16. ^ Beven (2001). Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Sixteen. NHC. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  17. ^ Beven (2001). Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Seventeen. NHC. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  18. ^ Pasch (2001). Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Nineteen. NHC. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  19. ^ Stewart (2001). Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Twenty. NHC. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  20. ^ Stewart (2001). Hurricane Gabrielle Discussion Twenty-Five. NHC. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  21. ^ Avila & Cobb (2001). Hurricane Gabrielle Discussion Twenty-Six. NHC. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  22. ^ Lawrence (2001). Hurricane Gabrielle Discussion Twenty-Two. NHC. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  23. ^ a b c d e Canadian Hurricane Centre (2002). 2001 Tropical Cyclone Season Summary. Retrieved on 2007-02-27.
  24. ^ a b Staff Writer. "Hurricane-force Gabrielle smashes Newfoundland", CBC News, 2001-09-20. Retrieved on 2007-02-27. 
  25. ^ Tampa, Florida National Weather Service (2001). Report on Tropical Storm Gabrielle. Retrieved on 2007-03-01.
  26. ^ Bermuda Weather Service (2001). September 2001 Tropical Cyclone Summary. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
  27. ^ Canadian Hurricane Centre (2001). Backgrounder: 2001 Canadian Hurricane Season. Retrieved on 2007-02-27.
  28. ^ Canadian Hurricane Centre (2002). The Top 10 Canadian Weather Stories for 2001. Retrieved on 2007-03-01.
  29. ^ a b Staff Writer. "Newfoundland seeks federal help for flood damage", CBC News, 2001-09-21. Retrieved on 2007-02-27. 
  30. ^ Sean Kelly (2001-09-27). Minister provides update on disaster assistance resulting from Hurricane Gabrielle. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Municipal and Provincial Affairs. Retrieved on 2007-02-27.
  31. ^ Lynn Hammond (2001-10-19). Questions and answers concerning assistance for damages caused by Tropical Storm Gabrielle. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Municipal and Provincial Affairs. Retrieved on 2007-02-27.
  32. ^ Staff Writer (2001-11-26). Ottawa offering aid to Gabrielle victims. CBC News. Retrieved on 2007-02-27.
  33. ^ Newfoundland and Labrador Fire & Emergency Services (2006). Recent Disasters in Newfoundland. Retrieved on 2007-02-27.

[edit] External links

Tropical cyclones of the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season
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Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
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