| tropical storm (SSHS) | |
|---|---|
| Debby on September 9 | |
| Formed | September 9, 1994 |
| Dissipated | September 11, 1994 |
| Highest winds | 1-minute sustained: 70 mph (110 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 1006 mbar (hPa; 29.71 inHg) |
| Fatalities | 9 direct, 2 missing |
| Damage | $230 million (1994 USD) |
| Areas affected | Leeward Islands, Dominican Republic |
| Part of the 1994 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Tropical Storm Debby, was the fourth named storm of the 1994 Atlantic hurricane season. Debby lasted only two days, reaching peak winds of 70 mph before being sheared apart on September 11. Despite the short duration, however, the heavy rains and gusty winds from Debby managed to cause nine deaths.
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The origins of Tropical Storm Debby were from a tropical wave that moved off the coast of Africa on September 4. By September 6, satellite images indicated a vigorous tropical wave about midway between Africa and the Lesser Antilles, and temperatures of the cloud tops within the convection was already as low as -112° F (-80° C). Encountering northwesterly vertical wind shear, convection markedly decreased and weakened on the following day. Convection began to redevelop along the axis of the tropical wave on September 8, after the wind shear became westerly and decreased. Post-analysis indicate that the sixth tropical depression of the season developed on September 9 1200 UTC,[1] although it was not operationally classified as Tropical Depression Six until almost 24 hours later.[2] Early on September 10, it was suggested by satellite images that a surface circulation was developing east of Barbados. Because of a developing surface circulation, a reconnaissance flight was sent to investigate the system, which reported winds between 60 and 70 mph (95 to 115 km/h), and 58 mph (93 km/h) winds at the surface. While passing over Martinique a few hours later, winds were reported at 69 mph (111 km/h), and the system had become a tropical storm at that time in post-analysis, although not operationally recognized as such due to disorganization.[1]
Finally, the National Hurricane Center initiated advisories on Tropical Depression Six at 0300 UTC on September 10.[2] Six hours after advisories were initiated, the National Hurricane Center upgraded the tropical depression to Tropical Storm Debby, although it had already been a tropical storm for about nine hours. Simultaneously, Tropical Storm Debby had made landfall on St. Lucia with winds of 65 mph (100 km/h). After becoming a tropical storm, Debby rapidly intensified, and nearly reached hurricane status on September 10 at 0600 UTC. Approaching hurricane status, Tropical Storm Debby attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 1006 mbar (hPa; 29.71 inHg),[1] which was twice as high as operationally observed at the time.[3] Three hours after post-analysis indicated peak intensity, Tropical Depression Six was then upgraded to Tropical Storm Debby, operationally.[4] It is possible that sustained winds associated with Tropical Storm Debby may fluctuated after passing the Windward Islands, although it is estimated that sustained winds remained between 60 and 70 mph (95 to 115 km/h).[5]
Increasing wind shear began to disrupt the circulation of Tropical Storm Debby on September 11, although strong winds were still being reported. With wind shear affecting the system, a well-defined center of circulation became unidentifiable, as noted by the crew of another reconnaissance flight at 0200 UTC. Due to lack of well-defined center of circulation, Tropical Storm Debby dissipated at 0600 UTC on that day,[5] although the National Hurricane Center issued advisories until 1500 UTC.[6] The remnants of Tropical Storm Debby continued westward, bringing heavy rains and gusty winds to Hispaniola and the rest of the Caribbean before dissipating over Mexico on September 15.[7]
Officials issued tropical storm warnings from Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic and a tropical storm watch for Jamaica. Because of Debby's close proximity to the Leeward Islands, heavy rain was expected for the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.[8] After the storm struck the Windward Islands and dissipated, forecasters predicted that the remnants of Debby might swing northward and enter either the Atlantic or continue westward and enter the Florida Straits.[9]
Debby brought heavy rains to Martinique with totals reaching as high as 7.2 in (183.8 mm) and winds gusts as high as 90 mph (145 km/h). In the Dominican Republic, a weather station reported a 63 mph (101 km/h) gust although Debby had already been officially downgraded to a tropical wave when this reading took place.[5]
In St. Lucia, Debby's heavy rains caused several landslides that killed four people and injured more than 600 others. The landslides blocked main roads and closed an airport and flooding was reported in Anse La Raye. In Martinique, about 200,000 people were left without power and there was moderate tree damage. Debby's winds damaged much of the banana crop in St. Lucia and Martinique. Debby then brought 44 mph (71 km/h) winds to Puerto Rico, and caused coastal damage that amounted to $50,000 (1994 USD; $74.1 thousand 2012 USD) and high seas left a ferry stranded. The remnants of Debby also caused isolated flooding in the Dominican Republic. There were three fatalities (all from electrocutions).[7][10][11]
In all, Debby killed nine people and left two missing. Five were unaccounted for and more than a hundred people had been left homeless. The damage total from Debby was $230 million (1994 USD; $341 million 2012 USD).
