Tropical Storm Arthur (1996)
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| Tropical Storm (SSHS) | ||
|---|---|---|
.gif/235px-Tropical_Storm_Arthur_(1996).gif) Tropical Storm Aruthr |
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| Formed | June 17, 1996 | |
| Dissipated | June 21, 1996 | |
| Highest winds |
|
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| Lowest pressure | 1004 mbar (hPa; 29.66 inHg) | |
| Fatalities | None | |
| Damage | $1 million (1996 USD) $1.4 million (2008 USD) |
|
| Areas affected |
North Carolina | |
| Part of the 1996 Atlantic hurricane season |
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Tropical Storm Arthur was the first tropical cyclone of the 1996 Atlantic hurricane season. Arthur originated from an area of increased convection east of the Bahamas on June 16. Gradually, the system increased in organization, and became a tropical depression on June 17. The derpession tracked north-northwest and became a tropical storm on June 19, and reached a peak intensity of 45 miles per hour (72 km/h) before making landfall on North Carolina and tracking out to sea. Arthur had only minor impact, and produced light rainfall and moderate surf. Total damage amounted to $1 million dollars (1996 USD).[1]
Contents |
[edit] Storm history
On June 16, 1996 satellite imagery discovered an area of increased convection east of the Bahamas, which was believed to have been associated with a tropical wave.[2] On July 17, the convection increased in organization at low-levels of the atmosphere. At 1800 UTC the system had organized sufficiently to be designated as a tropical depression, the first of the season. Initially, the depression tracked north-northwest under the steering currents of the low-level flow around the western periphery of the Atlantic subtropical ridge. Strong wind shear due to fast upper-level winds associated with a cold low over the eastern Gulf of Mexico hindered further intensification for a time, but on June 18, an area of deep convection developed north of the center of circulation. Based on analysis of reconnaissance data, the tropical depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Arthur at 1900 UTC on June 19.[3]
Further strengthening took place, and the storm's peak strength of 45 mph (72 km/h) was attained.[2] With time, Arthur gradually turned northeast and made landfall near Cape Lookout, North Carolina early on June 20. Locally heavy rainfall occurred over the Carolinas as the cyclone continued to the northeast. The center moved over the Pamlico Sound and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and exited into the Atlantic. Although the storm contained minimal deep convection, satellite imagery indicated that Arthur had a well-defined low-level center. The tropical storm weakened to a tropical depression about 100 mi (160 km) northeast of Cape Hatteras. The depression accelerated towards the northeast when westerly steering currents increased. Deep convection increased once again on June 21, although the lack of symmetry indicated that the remnants of Arthur were losing tropical characteristics. Forward speed increased to 40 miles per hour (64 km/h) and the storm subsequently lost all tropical characeristics at 1200 UTC on June 21, while centered about 350 mi (560 km) north-northeast of Bermuda. The extratropical remnants tracked northeastward for 36 hours, and were last identified about midway between Newfoundland and the Azores, where it was absorbed by a much larger extratropical cyclone over the North Atlantic.[3]
[edit] Preparations and impact
On June 18, a tropical storm warning was issued for coastal locations from Edisto Beach, South Carolina to Cape Lookout, North Carolina. Shortly after, a tropical storm watch was issued north of Cape Lookout to the North Carolina/Virginia border, including Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds. Early on June 19, that tropical storm watch was upgraded to a tropical storm warning, although the warning was discontinued south of Cape Romain, South Carolina. A tropical storm watch was soon issued from the North Carolina/Virginia border to Cape Charles, Virginia, including Virginia Beach. By late on June 19 all advisories were discontinued.[3]
One tornado touched down in Florida, causing no known fatalities or injuries.[4] As the center of Arthur passed 75 mi (121 km) east of Cape Romain, South Carolina, minor increases in surf were reported. In North Carolina, swells of up to 7 ft (2.1 m) occurred.[1] Rainfall peaked at about 5 in (130 mm), although because it fell gradually, no flooding was reported.[5] Rainfall of several inches caused minor ponding of water on roads, although no significant floding occurred.[6] Sustained winds of 40 knots (46 mph) were reported. Offshore, the ship Atlantic Huron reported a sustained wind of 48 mph (77 km/h) at 1500 UTC on June 19 while located 35 mi (56 km) southeast of the cyclone's center.[3]
The name Arthur was not retired in the spring of 1997, and it was reused again in 2002 and is on list of names for the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b National Climatic Data Center (1996). Event report for Tropical Storm Arthur (2). Retrieved on 2008-04-08.
- ^ a b RICHARD J. PASCH AND LIXION A. AVILA (1996). Atlantic hurricane season of 1996. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2008-04-08.
- ^ a b c d Max Mayfield (1996). Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Arthur. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2008-04-08.
- ^ TornadoProject. List of Known Tropical Cyclones Which Have Spawned Tornadoes. Retrieved on 2008-04-14.
- ^ National Climatic Data Center (1996). Event report for Tropica Storm Arthur. Retrieved on 2008-04-08.
- ^ National Climatic Data Center (1996). Event report for Tropical Storm Arthur (3). Retrieved on 2008-04-08.
