1948 Atlantic hurricane season
 | |
| Season summary map | |
| First system formed | May 22, 1948 |
|---|---|
| Last system dissipated | November 11, 1948 |
| Strongest storm | Six and Eight – 940 mbar (hPa) (27.77 inHg), 130 mph (215 km/h) (1-minute sustained) |
| Total storms | 10 |
| Hurricanes | 6 |
| Major hurricanes (Cat. 3+) | 4 |
| Total fatalities | 94 |
| Total damage | $30.9 million (1948 USD) |
| Atlantic hurricane seasons 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950 | |
The 1948 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 15, 1948, and lasted until November 15, 1948.[1] These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin.
The 1948 Atlantic hurricane season featured 10 tropical cyclones; six storms attained hurricane status, and four storms intensified into major hurricanes with winds of at least Category 3 intensity. Operationally, 10 tropical disturbances were noted; a weak tropical disturbance formed over the southeast Bahamas in May and moved northwest into the Georgia coast near Savannah, producing winds of 30 miles per hour (48 km/h).
Season summary
The 1948 Atlantic hurricane season was slightly below average, and it featured a total of nine storms, which fell below the climatological seasonal average of ten. All of the hurricanes formed during the latter half of the season, and the number of intense hurricanes surpassed the average of two.[2] The season featured one tropical storm in May, and it was among 18 tropical systems that formed during that month in the Atlantic basin. Of the 10 tropical disturbances detected operationally, five struck the United States with winds of 39 miles per hour (63 km/h) or greater, while the other tropical systems affected islands, remained over the open ocean, or affected the country with winds below tropical storm intensity. Three hurricanes made landfall in the United States, while the three other storms with winds of at least 74 mph (119 km/h) largely remained at sea.
The strongest storms of the season attained Category 4 intensity; two of the major hurricanes formed in the western Caribbean Sea and affected the United States in late September and October. A minimal hurricane struck southern Louisiana, causing tides of five feet and winds of 78 mph (126 km/h) in New Orleans. A minimal tropical storm made landfall near Destin in July. An intense hurricane attained Category 4 strength and produced extensive damage and 100 mph (160 km/h) wind gusts on Bermuda in mid-September. A Category 4 hurricane struck the Florida Keys and the Everglades, resulting in $12 million of damages in the state. After the passage of one week, another hurricane affected the region as a Category 2 storm, after crossing Cuba with winds of 125 mph (201 km/h). Only three direct fatalities occurred in the United States, largely because of improved evacuations and adherence to warnings and advisories.[3]
Storms
Tropical Storm One
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Duration | May 22 – May 29 | ||
| Peak intensity | 50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min) ≤ 1004 mbar (hPa) | ||
Ten days preceding the start of the season, a broad area of low pressure in the central Caribbean Sea developed into a tropical depression early on May 22. The circulation moved northeast, and it made landfall in southwest Haiti with winds of 35 mph (56 km/h) during the morning hours.[2] The system crossed Hispaniola and strengthened into a tropical storm as it entered the southwest Atlantic. On May 24, the tropical cyclone turned to the north. On May 25, the storm's forward motion slowed to a crawl; within a few hours, the storm attained its estimated peak intensity of 50 miles per hour (80 km/h), as reported by reconnaissance aircraft.[3][2] The next day, the cyclone started to weaken, and on May 27, the system began to accelerate northward. The system diminished to a tropical depression on May 29 shortly prior to dissipation.
The tropical system brought widespread precipitation to Hispaniola, and widespread flooding took place across the region. 80 people died during the events, though other impacts are unknown; however, this storm still ranks as the deadliest Atlantic storm to form in the off-season.[3][4] The storm was one of only two May tropical storms to affect Guantanamo Bay.[5]
Tropical Storm Two
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Duration | July 7 – July 11 | ||
| Peak intensity | 40 mph (65 km/h) (1-min) ≤ 1007 mbar (hPa) | ||
After nearly two months of inactivity, an area of disturbed weather developed in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The area organized into a weak tropical storm on July 9, and on the same day, the system made landfall east of Pensacola, but quickly weakened to a depression as it moved inland. The remnants moved north through southeastern Alabama on July 10, and the circulation dissipated over southern Tennessee on July 11.[2]
The system produced minimal effects along the Florida Panhandle. Winds of 35 miles per hour (56 km/h) were measured at Pensacola during the passage of a thunderstorm, and the tropical cyclone caused heavy precipitation over northern Florida, southern Alabama, and southern Georgia. Overall damage was minimal.[3]
Hurricane Able
| Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Duration | August 26 – September 5 (Extratropical on September 1) | ||
| Peak intensity | 120 mph (195 km/h) (1-min) ≤ 983 mbar (hPa) | ||
After one month of inactivity, the first hurricane of the season formed in late August. A strong tropical storm, named Able by the Air Weather Service in real time,[6] was first identified on August 26 600 miles (970 km) northeast of Saint John, as ship reports indicated winds of Force 9 (although it is likely it formed much farther east, possibly as a Cape Verde-type hurricane). The tropical cyclone quickly intensified to a hurricane, and it continued to steadily progress northwest. The storm strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane on August 27, and it continued to intensify until it attained its estimated peak intensity as a Category 3 hurricane on August 28.[3][2] Its forward motion slowed on August 29, and it began to weaken as it turned to the north on August 30. The tropical system weakened to a minimal hurricane, and it accelerated to the northeast on August 31. The storm soon became extratropical, and the remnants dissipated east of southern Greenland on September 5.[2]
In anticipation of the storm, the U.S. Weather Bureau posted hurricane warnings from Wilmington to Cape Hatteras.[7] On August 30, as the tropical cyclone began to turn to the north, the center was expected to pass over or near Cape Hatteras.[8] The hurricane caused high tides on the North Carolina coastline, which prompted evacuations and precautions in the area. No damages or fatalities were reported.[3]
Tropical Storm Four
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Duration | August 30 – September 1 | ||
| Peak intensity | 60 mph (95 km/h) (1-min) ≤ 1007 mbar (hPa) | ||
The season's activity increased during late August. Four days after the formation of Hurricane Three, a 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) tropical storm was detected on August 30 east of Saint Lucia, as a ship reported high easterly seas and winds of Force 10. The small system moved rapidly to the west, and it slowly weakened to a marginal tropical cyclone on August 31. On the morning of September 1, the circulation passed between Saint Lucia and Martinique, when a reconnaissance aircraft mission reported a minimum pressure of 1007 mbar (29.73 inHg).[2] Subsequent missions failed to detect a center of circulation, and the tropical cyclone quickly degenerated to a tropical depression. It dissipated over the eastern Caribbean Sea.[3]
The short-lived tropical storm resulted in no reports of damages, and heavy precipitation affected the islands. The rainfall was beneficial, notably in Puerto Rico; water supplies and crops were replenished. Minor flooding occurred on the islands and caused minimal damage.[3]
Hurricane Five
| Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Duration | September 1 – September 6 | ||
| Peak intensity | 80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min) 983 mbar (hPa) | ||
As the peak of hurricane season arrived, an area of disturbed weather organized to a 39 miles per hour (63 km/h) tropical storm on September 1 over the southern Gulf of Mexico. On the morning of September 2, the poorly defined center moved northeast, and the tropical cyclone gradually intensified.[9] It attained hurricane intensity on September 3, and it slowly accelerated toward the upper Gulf Coast. It rapidly reached its peak intensity of 80 mph (130 km/h), and it crossed the coastline west of Golden Meadow, Louisiana, on September 4. The center moved inland over Orleans Parish, and the weakening tropical cyclone diminished to a strong tropical storm prior to moving over southern Mississippi. It continued to weaken as it approached Hattiesburg on September 5, and it moved over the area with winds of 40 miles per hour (64 km/h). The remnants turned to the north, and the circulation dissipated over northwestern Indiana on September 6.[3][2]
On September 4, the U.S. Weather Bureau advised residents that the storm was expected to strike land between Morgan City and Grand Isle around midnight, as its forward motion had increased to 15 miles per hour (24 km/h).[10] The weather service also noted that abnormally high tides were expected from the Mississippi River to Pensacola, as the center was predicted to pass east of New Orleans and move to the west of Biloxi shortly before dawn. 1,000 people left their homes in Terrebonne Parish and took shelter in a courthouse and school buildings in Houma. As winds increased, city officials in New Orleans ordered 2,000 people to evacuate from a wartime housing project into an auditorium for shelter.[11] The hurricane produced gusts of 78 miles per hour (126 km/h) at Moisant Airport, and tides ranged from 6 to 3.4 feet (1.0 m) along the coast from Mississippi to the Florida Panhandle. The maximum tide reached 4.7 feet (1.4 m) in New Orleans, and winds caused damage to small boats, trees, and power and communication lines. At Grand Isle, the heaviest damage occurred to oil rigs and drilling equipment from high tides. Total damage in the United States reached $900,000, but no loss of life was reported.[3]
Hurricane Six
| Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Duration | September 4 – September 17 (Extratropical on September 15) | ||
| Peak intensity | 130 mph (215 km/h) (1-min) ≤ 940 mbar (hPa) | ||
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Storm Six was a Cape Verde-type hurricane that formed from a tropical wave off Africa on September 3 and strengthened into a hurricane on September 11. It moved steadily west-northwest across the Atlantic, gradually strengthening. The storm became a major hurricane while northeast of the Windward Islands. It began to make a broad curve to the north over a three-day period. During that period, the storm continued to strengthen, peaking at Category 4 strength with winds of 135 miles per hour (217 km/h). Shortly after, the hurricane passed almost directly over Bermuda, bringing 100+ mph (160 km/h) winds to the island. Damage was heavy but no figures currently exist. No people are known to have died. The hurricane continued north and curved gently to the northeast, passing south of Cape Race, Newfoundland, before becoming extratropical.[2]
Tropical Storm Seven
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Duration | September 7 – September 10 (Extratropical on September 10) | ||
| Peak intensity | 65 mph (100 km/h) (1-min) ≤ 993 mbar (hPa) | ||
Hurricane Eight
| Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Duration | September 18 – September 26 (Extratropical on September 24) | ||
| Peak intensity | 130 mph (215 km/h) (1-min) 940 mbar (hPa) | ||
A tropical wave in the northwestern Caribbean Sea developed into a tropical storm on September 18. It moved northwestward, rapidly strengthening into a strong Category 3 hurricane before hitting Cuba south of Havana early on September 21. It hit the Florida Keys near Boca Chica Key the next day, and made landfall on September 22 on the Florida peninsula near Chokoloskee as a Category 4 hurricane.[2] It weakened over Florida, and turned northeast, becoming extratropical on September 24. The hurricane was responsible for $12 million in damage (1948 dollars) and three deaths in Florida and 10 deaths and "several million dollars" in damage in Cuba.
Hurricane Nine
| Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Duration | October 3 – October 16 | ||
| Peak intensity | 125 mph (205 km/h) (1-min) ≤ 971 mbar (hPa) | ||
A tropical storm formed in the Western Caribbean Sea on October 3. It turned northward, hitting western Cuba on October 5 as a major hurricane, an area recently affected by the previous hurricane two weeks prior. It continued northeastward, weakening before hitting the Florida Keys near Marathon on October 5 as a Category 2 hurricane with winds of 105 mph (169 km/h).[2] Weakening over land, the hurricane passed over the Miami area and moved offshore early on October 6. It later struck Bermuda on October 7 as a Category 2 hurricane. It later weakened to a tropical storm, looped northward, and dissipated on October 16. The hurricane caused $11 million in damage (1948 dollars) and 11 casualties.
Hurricane Ten
| Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Duration | November 8 – November 11 | ||
| Peak intensity | 75 mph (120 km/h) (1-min) 990 mbar (hPa) | ||
The final storm of the season formed in early November over the open ocean southwest of Bermuda and made a curve to the north while slowly strengthening. The storm peaked with 75 mph (121 km/h) winds before the center began to fall apart. The weakening storm passed by the Outer Banks with minimal effects before degenerating into a squall line off the Virginia coast early on November 11.[2]
Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) rating
| ACE (104kt²) (Source) — Storm: | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 35.9875 | Six | 6 | 3.8 | One | ||||||||
| 2 | 20.66 | Eight | 7 | 3.755 | Nine | ||||||||
| 3 | 17.5825 | Seven | 8 | 1.145 | Four | ||||||||
| 4 | 17.53 | Three | 9 | 0.98 | Two | ||||||||
| 5 | 4.62 | Five | |||||||||||
| Total: 106.06 | |||||||||||||
The table on the right shows the ACE for each storm in the season. ACE is, broadly speaking, a measure of the power of the hurricane multiplied by the length of time it existed, so storms that last a long time, as well as particularly strong hurricanes, have high ACEs. ACE is only officially released for full advisories on tropical systems at or exceeding 34 knots (39 miles per hour (63 km/h) or tropical storm strength. Subtropical storms are not included in season totals.
Season effects
| Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale | ||||||
| TD | TS | C1 | C2 | C3 | C4 | C5 |
| Storm name |
Dates active | Storm category
at peak intensity |
Max 1-min wind mph (km/h) |
Min. press. (mbar) |
Areas affected | Damage (millions USD) |
Deaths | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One | May 22 – May 28 | Tropical storm | 50 (85) | Unknown | Hispaniola, Bermuda | Unknown | 80 | |||
| Two | July 7 – July 11 | Tropical storm | 40 (65) | Unknown | Southeastern United States | Minimal | None | |||
| Three (Able) | August 26 – September 4 | Category 3 hurricane | 120 (195) | Unknown | Atlantic Canada | ≥0.99 | None | |||
| Four (Baker) | August 31 – September 1 | Tropical storm | 60 (95) | 1009 | Lesser Antilles | Minimal | None | |||
| Five (Charlie) | September 1 – September 7 | Category 1 hurricane | 80 (130) | 989 | Southeastern United States, Midwestern United States | 0.9 | None | |||
| Six (Dog) | September 4 – September 15 | Category 4 hurricane | 135 (215) | ≥958 | Bermuda, Atlantic Canada | 0.4 | 2 | |||
| Seven (Easy) | September 18 – September 25 | Category 3 hurricane | 120 (195) | 963 | Cuba, Florida, Bermuda | 12 | 13 | |||
| Eight (Fox) | October 3 – October 16 | Category 4 hurricane | 135 (215) | 975 | Cuba, Florida, Bermuda | 11 | 11 | |||
| Nine (George) | November 8 – November 11 | Category 1 hurricane | 80 (130) | Unknown | None affected | None | None | |||
| Season Aggregates | ||||||||||
| 9 cyclones | May 22 – November 11 | 135 (215) | 958 | 25.29 | 106 | |||||
See also
- List of tropical cyclones
- List of Atlantic hurricane seasons
References
- ↑ Associated Press. Mobile Joins Teletype Hurricane Warning System. Retrieved on 2008-06-06.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 2.11 National Hurricane Center; Hurricane Research Division (March 2, 2015). "Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)". United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 H. C. Sumner (1948). "North Atlantic Hurricanes and Tropical Disturbances of 1948" (PDF). U.S. Weather Bureau. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
- ↑ National Hurricane Center (1997). "The Deadliest Atlantic Tropical Cyclones, 1492-1996". Retrieved 2010-03-02.
- ↑ A.J. Compton and J.D. Jarrell (2006). "ANALYSIS OF THE TROPICAL CYCLONE THREAT AT GUANTANAMO BAY". U.S. Navy. Retrieved 2010-03-04.
- ↑ Andrew B. Hagen (December 2010). "A Reanalysis of the 1944-1953 Atlantic Hurricane Seasons - The First Decade of Aircraft Reconnaissance" (PDF). University of Miami. p. 49. Retrieved 2011-01-25.
- ↑ Warren Times-Mirror (1948). "Storm Moving Up Coast May Miss The Mainland Entirely". The Associated Press. Retrieved 2007-06-09.
- ↑ The Progress (1948). "Late News Flashes". The Associated Press. Retrieved 2007-06-09.
- ↑ Unisys. "1948 Atlantic tropical cyclone data". Archived from the original on 10 June 2007. Retrieved 2007-06-09.
- ↑ Kingsport News (1948). "Louisiana Battens Down as Hurricane Nears Coast". The Associated Press. Retrieved 2007-07-01.
- ↑ The Daily Messenger (1948). "Thousands Flee Gulf Coast". The Associated Press. Retrieved 2007-07-01.
External links
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