1932 Storm #1 – 2012 Revision
25615 05/05/1932 M= 7 1 SNBR= 570 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
25620 05/05* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*120 800 35 0*125 786 35 0
25620 05/05* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*147 750 25 0*148 748 30 0
*** *** ** *** *** **
25625 05/06*131 771 35 0*139 756 35 0*147 741 35 0*160 725 35 0
25625 05/06*149 745 35 0*150 741 35 0*153 735 40 0*160 725 40 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** ** *** **
25630 05/07*174 712 40 0*185 702 40 0*197 695 35 0*210 688 35 0
25630 05/07*170 715 40 0*183 705 40 0*197 695 45 0*210 688 45 0
*** *** *** *** ** **
25635 05/08*224 682 35 0*237 677 40 0*248 673 40 0*258 671 40 0
25635 05/08*224 682 50 0*237 677 50 0*248 673 55 0*258 671 55 0
** ** ** **
25640 05/09*266 670 45 0*274 670 45 0*281 671 45 0*286 672 40 0
25640 05/09*266 670 55 0*274 670 55 0*281 671 55 0*289 672 55 0
** ** ** *** **
25645 05/10*291 673 40 0*296 675 40 0*302 679 40 0*308 686 35 0
25645 05/10*298 673 50 0*308 675 45 0*320 679 40 0*334 686 35 0
*** ** *** ** *** ***
25650 05/11*317 699 30 0*320 708 25 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
25650 05/11E350 699 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
**** *** *** **
25655 TS
Major changes to the track, but only minor alterations to the intensity shown in
McAdie et al. (2009). A major change is to indicate a brief extratropical transition
phase during the decay of the system. Evidence for these changes comes from the
Historical Weather Map series, the COADS ship database, and the Monthly Weather Review.
May 5: HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm at 12.0N, 80.0W at 12 UTC.
Station highlight: No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
May 6: HWM indicates a low near 16N, 68.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm
at 14.7N, 74.1W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 15 kt and 1003 mb at 12Z at 12.9N 69.7W (COA, HWM – likely
unreliable pressure reading); 20 kt ESE 1004 mb at 09Z at 15.5N 70.5W (COA).
May 7: HWM indicates a closed low near 20N, 68.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical
Storm at 19.7N, 69.5W at 12 UTC. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Lows shows the
system at 19N 70W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 35kt NE with pressure of 1015mb at 25.5N, 67.5W at 1200 UTC (HWM).
May 8: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 995mb near 25N, 67.5W. HURDAT lists
this as a Tropical Storm at 24.8N, 67.3W at 12 UTC. The MWR Tracks of Centers of
Lows shows the system at 23N 69W with 1001 mb pressure. Station highlight: No
gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: 30kt SE with pressure of 997mb at 26.5N,
67.5W at 1200 UTC (MWR); 35kt NNE with pressure of 1011mb at 27.0N, 71.5W at 1200
UTC (HWM). “There was considerable cyclonic activity in the vicinity of the
Bermudas, from the 8th to the 10th” (MWR).
May 9: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 995mb near 27.5N, 67W. HURDAT lists
this as a Tropical Storm at 28.1N, 67.1W at 12 UTC. The MWR Tracks of Centers of
Lows shows the system at 29N 68W with 995 mb pressure. Station highlight:
No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: 25kt W with pressure of 995mb at 27N,
67W at 1200 UTC (HWM).
May 10: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 33N, 63.5W with a warm
front extending east from the low. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm at 30.2N,
67.9W at 12 UTC. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Lows shows the system at 32N 68W.
Station highlight: No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: 30kt SW with
pressure of 996mb at 27.2N, 63.1W at 0800 UTC (MWR); 45 kt NW near 27.2N 63.1W
(no time available – MWR).
May 11: HWM shows a closed low (not the original system) of at most 1010 mb at
32N 78W with a warm front extending east from the low and a cold front to the
southwest. HURDAT lists this a a Tropical Depression at 32N 70.8W at 06 UTC
(last position). The MWR Tracks of Centers of Lows shows the system at 34N
72W with 1007 mb pressure. There are no gale force winds (or equivalent in
pressure) observed.
Major changes are introduced to the genesis location of this tropical storm,
with the new position about 300 nm to the east-northeast of the original HURDAT.
This is due to numerous observations on the 5th which indicates a secondary
center in the southwestern Caribbean near the original genesis point, but a
more prominent low center to the east-northeast. The system is begun as a
25 kt tropical depression (down from a 35 kt tropical storm) based upon
numerous ship and station observations. Minor track alterations made for
all days of the duration of the cyclone, except for major changes northward
on the last two positions retained in HURDAT. A 1004 mb peripheral pressure
at 09Z on the 6th suggests winds of at least 39 kt from the Brown et al.
south of 25N pressure-wind relationship. Due to low environmental pressures,
winds at 12Z are boosted to just 40 kt (from 35 kt originally). The first
observed gale in association with this system was a 12Z on the 7th 35 kt and
1015 mb observation from a ship about 350 nm from the center. This may
indicate that the cyclone exhibited some subtropical cyclone characteristics
and/or was in part forced by the strong synoptic-scale pressure gradient north
of the system. A 997 mb peripheral pressure at 12Z on the 8th suggests winds
of at least 53 kt and 49 kt from the south and north of 25N pressure-wind
relationship, respectively. Winds are chosen to be 55 kt at 12Z, up from 40 kt
originally. A 995 mb peripheral pressure at 12Z on the 9th suggests winds of
at least 52 kt from the north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. 55 kt is
chosen for the winds at 12Z, up from 45 kt originally. A ship – the Florida II
(IY003665 in COADS) – reported SW 30 kt with simultaneous minimum pressure of
996 mb on the 10th and subsequently (no time available) reported a peak wind of
NW 45 kt. Further inspection of this ship reveals extreme inconsistency between
its winds, pressures, and positions with several nearby ships on the 8th, 9th,
and 10th. As it cannot be determined whether the data is right and the position
wrong (or vice versa), the observations from this ship are not utilized in the
reanalysis. 55 kt is the new peak intensity for the system lasting from 12Z on
the 8th to 18Z on the 9th. The system weakened during the 10th and became
extratropical early on the 11th before being absorbed in a frontal boundary.
This extratropical phase is newly added into HURDAT. The scenario of the system
continuing several more days as an extratropical system moving northeastward
across the north Atlantic as suggested by the MWR Tracks of Centers of Lows is
discounted, as this was a separate, baroclinic development.
*******************************************************************************
1932 Storm #2 – 2012 Revision
25660 08/12/1932 M= 4 2 SNBR= 571 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=4
25665 08/12*220 903 35 0*230 908 40 0*240 913 45 0*247 917 50 0
25665 08/12*220 903 35 0*230 908 40 0*240 913 45 0*247 916 50 0
***
25670 08/13*254 921 55 0*263 927 65 0*272 933 90 0*281 940 110 0
25670 08/13*254 919 55 0*261 923 65 0*270 928 90 0*279 937 110 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
25675 08/14*289 947 125 942*296 953 90 0*303 960 60 987*310 967 35 0
25675 08/14*286 946 125 942*291 955 100 942*297 963 65 987*305 971 40 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ** *** *** **
25680 08/15*319 975 25 1002*329 984 25 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
25680 08/15*314 979 30 1002*324 987 25 0*335 995 25 0*3451003 20 0
*** *** ** *** *** *** *** ** ******* **
25685 HRCTX4
25685 HRCTX4BTX1
****
U.S. Continental Hurricanes:
----------------------------
#/Date Time Lat Lon Max Saffir RMW Central States
Wind Simpson Pressure Affected
8/14/1932 0400Z 29.0N 95.2W 130kt 4 10nmi 935mb CTX4,BTX1
Minor changes to the track and to the intensity shown in McAdie et al. (2009).
Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps series,
the COADS ship database, Monthly Weather Review, the Original Monthly Records,
Texas Climatological Data, Connor (1956), Dunn and Miller (1960), Schwerdt et al.
(1979), Ho et al. (1987), Jarrell et al. (1992), and Perez et al. (2000).
Aug 11- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 18N, 87.5W. The MWR
Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 19N, 88W. HURDAT did not
begin the system until 00 UTC on the 12th. Station highlight: No gales or
low pressures. Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures. “Its origins may be
tentatively traced to a slightly disturbed condition on the evening of the 10th,
between Belize and Tela in Honduras” (MWR). Perez et al. (following Ortiz)
suggested a formation of the cyclone at 12Z on the 11th near 23.3N 85.6W.
Aug 12-HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 22.5, 92.5W. HURDAT lists
this as a Tropical Storm at 24.0N, 91.3W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of
Cyclones showed a center near 23N, 92W. Station highlight: No gales or low
pressures. Ship highlight: 45kt SSE at 27.1N, 92.0W (no time given) (MWR).
“On the morning of the 12th, vessels in the northern Gulf indicated a disturbed
condition over the middle Gulf” (MWR).
Aug 13- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 26N, 93W. HURDAT lists
this as a Category 2 hurricane with 90kt winds at 27.2N, 93.3W at 12 UTC. The MWR
Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 27N, 94W with pressure of 978mb.
Station highlight: 51kt SE at Galveston (no time given) (MWR). Ship highlight:
50kt NE with pressure of 1000mb at 26.7N, 91.6W at 1200 UTC (MWR); 45kt SW with
pressure of 978mb at 27.0N, 93.0W in the morning (MWR). “The Gulf storm of
August 13, 1932, was phenomenal in that it lacked hurricane characteristics
until the 12th and even early on the 13th it seemed to be of only moderate
intensity, at which time it was some 75 to 90 miles southeast of Galveston”
(Texas Climatological Data).
Aug 14- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 30N, 98.5W. HURDAT lists
this as a Tropical Storm at 30.3N, 96.0W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of
Cyclones showed a center near 30N, 97W with pressure of 999mb. Station highlight:
938 mb at Velasco, TX (Texas Climatological Data); 941 mb at Angelton, TX (Texas
Climatological Data); 942mb and calm at East Columbia, TX, 29.1N, 95.6W, at 0640
UTC (MWR). Ship highlight: 942mb and calm at 29.0N, 94.8W at 0130 UTC (MWR); 949
mb at 0325Z and >70 kt from 0310 to 0629Z at 28.9N 95.3W (MWR). “During the night
of the 13th, the center crossed the coast line near and slightly to the east of
Freeport, passing almost over East Columbia (Brazoria County) in the interior.
Winds of hurricane force were experienced near the center even for some distance
inland” (MWR). “From that point until it struck the coast near Velasco, Brazoria
County, it developed marked energy, moving inland almost directly over East
Columbia. Reports indicate that winds were of full hurricane force in Brazoria
County, diminishing thereafter as it advanced in a north-northwesterly direction
over the State attended by heavy to excessive rains on the 14-15th…Deaths
directly due to storms (mostly in Brazoria County), forty; many injured;
probably 200. Property damage, largely buildings and crops in Galveston, Harris,
Brazoria, Fort Bend, Wharton, and Matagorda counties (heaviest in Brazoria County),
about $7,500,000. The most serious Houston damage was the destruction of a
hangar and several planes at Airport. Cotton and rice suffered most in rural
districts” (Texas Climatological Data). “Aug 13 1932, Center Crossed Coast –
Freeport, Estimate Lowest - 941 mb” (Connor). “Tropical Cyclones in Texas –
Aug. 13, Freeport, Major [“Major” indicates winds between 88 and 117 kt],
40 killed, damage $7.5 million” (Dunn and Miller). “1013 mb environmental
pressure, 110 kt equivalent 1 min surface winds at landfall” (Schwerdt et al.).
“Aug. 14, 942 mb central pressure, observed at East Columbia, TX, 12 nm RMW,
15 kt translational speed, landfall at 29.1N 95.1W, S.S. Nicarao recorded lowest
pressure of 942 mb near 29.0N 94.8W at 0130Z” (Ho et al.). “N Texas,
Category 4, 941 mb” (Jarrell et al.).
Aug 15 – HWM shows a trough of low pressure over Texas and Oklahoma. HURDAT lists
this system as a Tropical Depression at 32.9N 98.4W at 06 UTC (last position
available). The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 32N, 99W at
00Z (last position available). No tropical storm force winds (or equivalent in
pressure) were observed.
No changes are made to the genesis of this major hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico.
(The alternative scenario by Perez et al. of the system forming near western Cuba
on the 11th was examined, but not incorporated due to lack of observations to
confirm their suggested change.) Only minor alterations are made to its track for
the short (four day) duration of the system. The cyclone apparently rapidly
intensified after genesis early on the 12th. A 975 mb peripheral pressure around
12Z on the 13th suggests winds of at least 82 kt from the Brown et al. north of
25N intensifying pressure-wind relationship. Winds of 90 kt are retained in HURDAT.
The cyclone moved north-northwestward toward Texas. The ship Nicarao measured
942 mb in the eye at 0130Z on the 14th just a short distance offshore from the Texas
coast. This pressure suggests winds of 118 kt from the north of 25N intensifying
pressure-wind relationship.
The hurricane made landfall at 29.0N 95.2W just east of Freeport around 04Z on the
14th. A peripheral pressure of 949 mb was measured by a ship at Freeport, TX at
0325Z with hurricane-force winds lasting from 0310 to 0629Z. A pressure reading –
which may have been in the eye – just after landfall of 938 mb was recorded at
Velasco (at an unknown time). A central pressure reading of 942 mb definitely in
the eye was measured farther inland at East Columbia, TX at 0640Z. A backwards
run of the Ho et al. inland pressure decay model from the 942 mb central pressure
at East Columbia suggests 932 mb at landfall. Given that the system was undergoing
rapid intensification, it is likely and reasonable that there was some additional
deepening between the time of the 942 mb central pressure measured just offshore at
0130Z and landfall around 04Z. It is estimated that the hurricane made landfall
with central pressure of around 935 mb. This pressure suggests winds of 125 kt
from the north of 25N intensifying pressure-wind relationship. Given the near
average (~15 kt) speed along with the small sized (200 nm radius of outer closed
isobar and ~10 nm RMW, compared with 18 nm climatological RMW from Vickery et al.),
winds of 130 kt are analyzed at landfall at 04Z on the 14th. The winds at 00Z
(derived from the 942 mb central pressure ship observation) are also slightly above
the pressure-wind relationship value and are selected to be 125 kt. (Thus the
winds at landfall are not the same – slightly higher – than the previous synoptic
time.) The 130 kt at landfall retains the cyclone as a Category 4 on the
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale at landfall in the United States. A run of
the Schwerdt et al. parametric wind model suggests that minimal (Category 1) winds
extended along the Texas coast to Matagorda Bay. Thus the central Texas coast
(BTX) is now included as a Category 1 impact in HURDAT.
After landfall, runs of the Kaplan-DeMaria inland wind decay model suggest winds
of 103 kt at 06Z on the 14th, 69 kt at 12Z, 48 kt at 18Z, and 35 kt at 00Z on the
15th. Highest observed winds within two hours of synoptic time were no greater
than 70 kt at 06Z, and below tropical storm force for the other times. Given the
small size of the system (suggesting somewhat faster weakening than Kaplan-DeMaria)
and very sparse observations near the track of this small tropical cyclone
(suggesting that the observed winds are quite low biased), winds are analyzed to
be 100 kt at 06Z (up from 90 kt originally), 65 kt at 12Z (up from 60 kt originally),
40 kt at 18Z (up from 35 kt originally), and 30 kt at 00Z on the 15th (up from 25 kt
originally). The weakening of the system below major hurricane, hurricane, and
tropical storm intensity are all delayed by six hours. The original HURDAT had
central pressure values of 987 mb at 12Z on the 14th and 1002 mb at 00Z on the 15th.
There are no such observations that can be located with these values, so it is
suspected that someone had included these in as analyzed values. As they do appear
reasonable and it cannot be confirmed that they are not measurements, they are
retained in HURDAT. Based upon available observations, the cyclone appeared to
still have a closed circulation by 12Z on the 15th, so the dissipation of the
system is delayed by 12 hours compared to the original HURDAT.
*******************************************************************************
1932 Storm #3 – 2012 Revision
25690 08/26/1932 M=10 3 SNBR= 572 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=1
25695 08/26* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*205 698 35 0
25695 08/26* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*205 692 30 0
*** **
25700 08/27*208 705 35 0*211 712 35 0*215 718 35 0*219 727 35 0
25700 08/27*208 700 30 0*211 717 30 0*214 725 30 0*216 733 35 0
*** ** *** ** *** *** ** *** ***
25705 08/28*223 737 35 0*226 742 40 0*229 748 40 0*233 756 40 0
25705 08/28*217 740 35 0*218 748 40 0*220 755 40 0*224 762 40 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
25710 08/29*236 764 45 0*239 772 50 0*242 780 50 0*246 789 55 0
25710 08/29*229 770 45 0*234 777 50 0*240 783 50 0*245 790 55 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
25715 08/30*250 798 55 0*254 807 55 0*259 815 50 0*265 826 55 0
25715 08/30*250 798 55 0*255 807 55 0*260 818 50 0*264 830 55 0
*** *** *** *** ***
25720 08/31*272 838 65 0*277 845 70 0*281 851 70 0*289 862 70 0
25720 08/31*268 841 65 0*272 850 70 0*278 858 70 0*286 866 70 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
25725 09/01*297 873 70 0*304 882 70 0*311 888 60 0*317 892 50 0
25725 09/01*295 874 75 0*303 882 75 979*311 886 60 0*319 890 50 0
*** *** ** *** ** *** *** *** *** ***
25730 09/02*323 896 45 0*331 900 40 0*341 901 35 0*353 901 30 0
25730 09/02*326 894 40 0*333 898 35 0E341 901 30 0E352 901 30 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** * ** ****
25735 09/03*366 900 30 0*374 897 25 0*382 894 25 0*400 880 25 0
25735 09/03E364 899 30 0E377 895 30 0E390 890 30 0E405 876 35 0
**** *** **** *** ** **** *** ** **** *** **
25740 09/04*426 850 20 0*430 820 20 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
25740 09/04E422 850 40 0E440 820 45 0E460 780 45 0E480 740 45 0
**** ** **** ** **** *** ** **** *** **
25745 HR AL1
25745 HR AFL1 AL1 MS1
**** ***
U.S. Continental Tropical Storm and Hurricanes Impacts:
--------------------------------------------------------
#/Date Time Lat Lon Max Saffir RMW Central States
Wind Simpson Pressure Affected
8/30/1932 0400Z 25.3N 85.3W 55kt TS ----- ----- FL
9/01/1932 0500Z 30.2N 88.1W 75kt 1 ----- 979mb AFL1,AL1
Minor changes to the track and to the intensity shown in McAdie et al. (2009) while
this system was a tropical cyclone. A major change is to indicate a day delay in the
intensification to a tropical storm after genesis. Another large alteration was to
introduce an extratropical cyclone stage for the last two and a half days of its
existence. Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps
series, the COADS ship database, Monthly Weather Review, the Original Monthly Records,
West Indies and Caribbean Service Climatological Data, Florida/Alabama/Mississippi
Climatological Data, Mexican synoptic maps, Connor (1956), Dunn and Miller (1960),
and Jarrell et al. (1992).
Aug 24 – HWM shows no features of interest near the northeastern Caribbean Sea.
No gales or low pressures. “A tropical disturbance of very slight intensity appeared
southeast of Puerto Rico on the 24th, and advanced on a course of about northwest
by west with an average speed of about 10 miles per hour, gradually increasing in
intensity until it passed across the extreme southern part of Florida. The center
passed over the southwestern part of the Island of Puerto Rico without causing
damage” (MWR).
Aug 25 – HWM shows no features of interest near the northeastern Caribbean Sea.
The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 18N 66W. No gales or
low pressures.
Aug 26 – HWM shows no features of interest near the Bahamas or Hispaniola. HURDAT
first lists this system as a Tropical Storm at 20.5N 69.8W at 18UTC. The MWR Tracks
of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 20N 69W. No gales or low pressures.
“Two cyclonic formations developed in the Eastern Caribbean, near the Virgin Islands,
during the latter days of the month. The first of these moved westward to the Gulf of
Mexico, passing inland at Pensacola, but without serious damage” (Climatological Data –
West Indies and Caribbean Service).
Aug 27- HWM indicates there is a low near 22N, 72.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical
Storm at 21.5N, 71.8W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center
near 22N, 72W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: No gales
or low pressures.
Aug 28-HWM indicates there is a low near 22N, 75W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical
Storm at 22.9N, 74.8W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center
near 23N, 75W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: No gales
or low pressures. “It was not attended by strong winds until the 28th, on the
evening of which date it was about 100 miles south-southeast of Nassau, Bahamas” (MWR).
Aug 29-HWM indicates there is a closed low of at most 1010mb near 23N, 78W. HURDAT
lists this as a Tropical Storm at 24.2N, 78.0W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers
of Cyclones showed a center near 24N, 78W. Station highlight: no gale force winds
or low pressures. Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures. “Strong northeast winds,
reaching gale force between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., began during the early afternoon and
continued at midnight. The center of a tropical disturbance passed about 20 miles
south of Miami shortly before midnight of the 29th” (OMR – Miami). “During the next
12 hours its center advanced to the south of Andros Island…on the evening of the
29th, when the center was about 50 miles south-southeast of Miami” (MWR).
“Tropical Cyclones in Florida – Aug. 29, Extreme S FL” (Dunn and Miller).
Aug 30- HWM indicates there is a closed low of at most 1005mb near 24.5N, 82.5W.
HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm at 25.9N, 81.5W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of
Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 25N, 82W. Station highlight: 77 kt NE (max
wind) at 0245Z at Fowey Rocks Lighthouse (OMR), 31 kt NE and 1002 mb (min pressure)
02Z and 35 kt NE (max wind) at 00Z at Miami (OMR); 38 kt E (max wind) at 20Z and
30 kt E and 1005 mb (min pressure) at Tampa (OMR). Ship highlight: 50kt SE with
pressure of 1006mb at 25.9N, 79.5W at 0500 UTC (MWR). “The disturbance crossed
extreme south Florida on the night of the 29th-30th and continued its northwest
movement…As far as could be learned, no damage occurred along the Florida Keys due
to ample and direct warnings. An unofficial velocity of 85 to 88 miles an hour from
the Northeast occurred at Fowey Rocks Lighthouse on the 29th. The highest wind
occurred at 9:45pm and the wind shift was NE-E-SE where it remained. The wind had
reached SE by 12:15 a.m. of the 30th” (OMR – Key West). “With the passage of the
tropical storm center south of Miami shortly before midnight of the 29th, the wind
shifted to southeast and rapidly decreased in force. The total rainfall for the 24
hours ending at 10 a.m., 10.24 inches, greatly exceeded any previous 23-hour
rainfall recorded at this station during the month of August” (OMR – Miami).
“An unofficial estimate of 85 to 88 miles per hour from the northeast was reported
from Fowey Rocks lighthouse, about 15 miles south-southeast of Miami, shortly
before 10 p. m…Damage in the south portion of the state was confined almost
entirely to that portion south of latitude 27 degrees. Seed beds and recently
planted truck were badly washed by the heavy rains and in many cases completely
destroyed…The loss of avocados and citrus from trees by high winds ranged from 2
to 25 per cent near the path of the storm, though much of this was available for
local consumption” (Florida Climatological Data). “The center, which was quite
small, passed about 35 miles south of Miami attended near, but only quite near,
the center by winds of hurricane force. The disturbance continued its northwestward
course, being central on the morning of the 30th, about 30 miles south of Fort Myers” (MWR).
Aug 31- HWM indicates there is a low near 28N, 87W along a stationary front
extending east and west from the low. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 hurricane
at 28.1N, 85.1W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center
near 27N, 85.5W. Station highlight: 47 kt E and 998 mb at Pensacola 30.4N, 87.2W at
22Z (OMR). Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures. “By the following morning
[31st] it was about 110 miles south by west of Apalachicola” (MWR). “The outstanding
feature of the month’s weather was the tropical disturbance which reached the coast
of northwest Florida on the last day of the month… With the veering of the wind to
the southeast between 9 and 10 a.m. the tide began to rise rapidly and reached +4.5
feet by 2 p.m., after which it fell slowly and had reached normal by night…The
damage was confined mostly to small craft moored at the wharves…Damage in the
business and residential sections was of little consequence…The damage from both
wind and water in and about Apalachicola will total approximately $1000.00”
(Apalachicola OMR).
Sept 1- HWM indicates there is a closed low of at most 1005mb near 30N, 88.5W near
the Alabama coastline. The low is shown with a warm front extending southeast from
the low center and a stationary front to the southwest. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm at 31.1N, 88.8W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed
a center near 31N, 89W with pressure of 998mb. Station highlight: 55 kt SE and 995 mb
(min pressure) at 0340Z and 60 kt SE (max wind) and 996 mb at 05Z at Pensacola (OMR);
pressure of 983mb (min pressure) at Bayou le Batre 30.6N, 88.2W at 0745 UTC (MWR);
987 mb (min pressure) at Fort Morgan at 0430Z (OMR); 44 kt E (max wind) at 06Z and
42 kt E and 989 mb (min pressure) at 0745Z at Mobile (OMR). Ship highlight: 45kt E at
Mobile 30.7N, 88.1W (no time given) (MWR); pressure of 979mb at 30.2N, 88.0W at
0450 UTC (MWR). “In the extreme northwestern portion of the state the damage was
confined entirely to the coast section from Apalachicola westward, except in Okaloosa
and Escambia counties, where cotton still in the fields was badly damaged by wind and
rain and much of the pear crop was blown from the trees…In the Pensacola area the
estimated total loss was somewhat less than $100,000, which includes damage to small
craft, waterfront property, buildings, and residences, power and telephone lines, plate
glass, and the cotton crop. One death was reported in Pensacola” (Florida Climatological
Data). “Strong winds accompanying the tropical disturbance that moved inland from the
Gulf near the Alabama-Mississippi border on the afternoon and night of the 31st
extensively damaged pear and pecan trees and partially defoliated the orange trees in
the coast section. They also blew down much corn, and some cotton was blown out in the
more southern and central-western counties. The heavy rains occurring in these areas
beat out some cotton and flooded the crops planted along the rivers and creeks.
Preliminary reports indicate that the damage to crops was serious; otherwise, the
damage was light” (Alabama Climatological Data). “The center passed inland a short
distance west of Mobile about 11 p. m. of the 31st, and recurved to the north and
northeastward over western Tennessee and northwestern Ohio, with greatly diminished
intensity…The disturbance was attended by shifting gales and winds probably reaching
hurricane force near the center” (MWR). “Tropical Cyclones in Florida – Extreme NW FL,
Minimal; Tropical Cyclones in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama – MS and AL, Minimal”
(“Minimal” – 64 to 87 kt – Dunn and Miller). “Sep 1 1932, Center Crossed Coast – Near
Mobile, Estimate Lowest – 28.90” (979 mb)” (Connor). “AL1, 979 mb central pressure at
landfall” (Jarrell et al.).
Sept 2- HWM indicates there is a low over land near 34N, 90W with a warm front extending
southeast from the low and a stationary front extending southwest from the low. HURDAT
lists this as a Tropical Storm at 34.1N, 90.1W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of
Cyclones showed a center near 34N, 90W with pressure of 1006mb. Station highlight:
No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Sept 3- HWM indicates there is a low over land near 37N, 86.5W with a warm front extending
southeast from the low and a stationary front extending southwest from the low. HURDAT
lists this as a Tropical Depression at 38.2N, 89.4W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of
Cyclones showed a center near 38N, 89W with pressure of 1004mb. Station highlight: No gales
or low pressures. Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Sept 4- HWM indicates there is a low of at most 1005mb over land near 47N, 78W with a
warm front extending southeast from the low and a cold front extending south from the
low. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 46N, 79W with a pressure
of 1001mb. Station highlight: 43kt SW at Buffalo 45.9N, 78.9W (no time given) (MWR).
Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
No changes are made to the timing of genesis on the 26th of August. Despite discussion
in the Monthly Weather Review that the system began on the 24th, no closed circulation
was evident before late on the 26th. Minor track changes were introduced on every day
that the system was a tropical cyclone, from the 26th until the 2nd of September. The
cyclone is started as a tropical depression at genesis rather than a tropical storm, based
upon numerous ship and station observations suggesting a slightly weaker vortex. The system
is brought up to tropical storm intensity at 18Z on the 27th. The system apparently
gradually intensified, but had minimal impact on the Bahamas as it was moving toward the
west-northwest on the 28th and 29th. No intensity changes were made on the 28th and early
on the 29th.
The cyclone made landfall in southeast Florida along Key Largo around 04Z on the 30th,
which is the same as previously suggested from HURDAT’s synoptic entries. The Miami
Weather Bureau Office recorded peak winds of 35 kt from the northeast with minimum
pressure of 1002 mb early on the 30th. However, the unofficial observations from the
Fowey Rocks Lighthouse southeast of Miami indicated 77 kt winds. Despite the rather
precise original observed values of “85 to 88 mph”, it is strongly suspected that these
were visually estimated winds, not measured, from the lighthouse keeper. (This
interpretation is supported by the writeup in the Florida Climatological Data, which
called these winds “estimates”.) It is noted that this system was characterized as
being a hurricane at landfall in the Monthly Weather Review assessment. Because of the
uncertainty with this estimate, intensity at landfall in southeast Florida is retained
at 55 kt, though alternatively it could have been a minimal hurricane. The cyclone’s
center only remained over southeast Florida (specifically, the Everglades) for a few
hours and a weakening to 50 kt at 12Z on the 30th is unchanged from that previously
shown. The system then moved northwestward over the Gulf of Mexico for about 48 hours.
The cyclone made a second landfall in the United States around 05Z on the 1st of September
near 30.2N 88.1W, just west of Fort Morgan, Alabama. A ship just offshore of Fort Morgan
measured a pressure of 979 mb, which may have been a central pressure. Fort Morgan itself
observed a minimum pressure of 987 mb at 0430Z, while the more inland location of Bayou le
Batre measured 983 mb at 0745Z. Peak observed winds were 60 kt (5 min) SE from Pensacola,
Florida at 05Z. Assuming that 979 mb is the central pressure at landfall, this suggests
winds of 74 kt from the Brown et al. north of 25N pressure-wind relationship and 77 kt from
the subset of intensifying systems. Given a moderately slow translational speed (8 kt) and
a moderately low outer closed isobar (1009 mb) that is counterbalanced by a moderately small
cyclone (200 nm radius of OCI), 75 kt is analyzed to be the maximum 1 min wind at and just
before landfall. This makes the system a Category 1 hurricane for both Alabama and
northwestern Florida, agreeing with the original assessment. Given the intensity at landfall,
location of landfall, and translational speed of the system, this hurricane is also analyzed
to have made a Category 1 impact in Mississippi, which is new. Runs of the Kaplan-DeMaria
inland wind decay model suggest winds of 50 kt at 12Z on the 1st, 37 kt at 18Z, and 28 kt at
00Z on the 2nd. Peak observed winds within 2 hr of synoptic time were 48, 47, and less than
tropical storm force, respectively. Winds in HURDAT are retained at 60 kt at 12Z and 50 kt
at 18Z, but lowered by 5 kt to 40 kt at 00Z on the 2nd. After landfall the system gradually
recurved over the eastern United States. Despite frontal features being analyzed in the
Historical Weather Maps from August 31st onward with this cyclone, actual frontal boundaries
do not appear to be present until the 2nd. Thus extratropical transition is indicated for
12Z on the 2nd, while HURDAT previously did not have an extratropical phase for this cyclone.
Moderate intensification occurred to the extratropical cyclone on the 3rd and 4th, as
indicated by the U.S. and Canadian surface observations. The system is retained an additional
12 hours as a distinct extratropical storm compared to the previous HURDAT, before being
absorbed by a larger extratropical cyclone after 18Z on the 4th.
*******************************************************************************
1932 Storm #4 – 2012 Revision
25750 08/30/1932 M=15 4 SNBR= 573 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
25750 08/30/1932 M=19 4 SNBR= 573 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
**
25755 08/30* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*192 616 35 0
25755 08/30* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*188 636 30 0
*** *** **
25760 08/31*199 636 35 0*200 642 40 0*202 647 40 0*204 653 40 0
25760 08/31*193 644 30 0*198 652 35 0*202 660 40 0*204 666 45 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
25765 09/01*206 660 40 0*207 665 45 0*209 671 45 0*211 677 50 0
25765 09/01*206 671 50 0*207 676 50 0*209 680 50 0*211 683 50 0
*** ** *** ** *** ** ***
25770 09/02*213 682 55 0*215 687 55 0*217 692 60 0*219 697 65 0
25770 09/02*213 686 55 0*215 689 55 0*217 692 60 0*219 697 65 0
*** ***
25775 09/03*220 701 70 0*222 705 80 0*224 709 85 0*227 715 95 0
25775 09/03*220 703 70 0*222 710 80 0*224 715 85 0*227 719 95 0
*** *** *** ***
25780 09/04*230 722 100 0*232 726 110 0*235 732 115 0*239 740 120 0
25780 09/04*230 722 100 0*235 726 110 0*240 732 115 0*244 740 120 0
*** *** ***
25785 09/05*243 748 125 0*247 756 130 0*252 764 135 0*257 770 140 0
25785 09/05*247 748 125 0*251 756 130 0*255 764 135 0*260 770 140 0
*** *** *** ***
25790 09/06*263 774 140 0*271 776 140 0*279 774 140 0*284 769 135 0
25790 09/06*265 774 140 0*270 776 140 0*275 774 140 0*281 772 135 0
*** *** *** *** ***
25795 09/07*289 763 130 0*293 758 125 0*298 753 125 0*303 746 120 0
25795 09/07*287 769 135 0*293 765 130 0*298 760 130 0*305 750 125 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
25800 09/08*312 734 115 0*332 714 110 0*355 696 105 0*372 689 100 0
25800 09/08*317 736 115 0*335 718 110 0*355 701 100 0*372 695 90 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
25805 09/09*386 683 95 0*395 677 95 0*403 670 90 0E414 650 85 0
25805 09/09*386 692 85 0*395 682 85 0*403 670 80 0E414 650 80 0
*** ** *** ** ** **
25810 09/10E424 625 80 0E429 610 75 0E434 596 70 0E439 583 70 0
25810 09/10E424 625 75 0E429 610 75 0E434 596 70 0E437 586 70 0
** *** ***
25815 09/11E444 569 65 0E450 555 65 0E456 542 60 0E468 519 60 0
25815 09/11E438 578 65 0E440 570 65 0E447 560 60 0E460 540 60 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
25820 09/12E485 488 60 0E503 458 55 0E520 430 55 0E537 407 55 0
25820 09/12E478 510 60 0E500 470 55 0E520 430 55 0E537 402 55 0
*** *** *** *** ***
25825 09/13E552 387 50 0E565 368 50 0E578 350 50 0E600 320 50 0
25825 09/13E552 385 50 0E565 368 50 0E578 350 50 0E593 325 50 0
*** *** ***
(The 14th to the 17th are new to HURDAT.)
25825 09/14E610 300 50 0E630 270 50 0E650 240 50 0E670 190 50 0
25825 09/15E690 120 50 0E708 40 50 0E7203550 50 0E7253460 50 0
25825 09/16E7253380 50 0E7233320 50 0E7203280 50 0E7153250 45 0
25825 09/17E7103230 40 0E7053215 35 0E7003200 35 0E6953185 30 0
25830 HR
U.S. Tropical Storms:
-------------------------------------------------
#/Date Time Lat Lon Max States
Wind Affected
9/09/1932 0000Z 38.6N 69.0W 50kt MA (time of closest point of approach)
Major alterations to the track and minor changes the intensity shown in McAdie et al.
(2009). Another major change is to include four additional days at the end of the
system while an extratropical cyclone. Evidence for these changes comes from the
Historical Weather Map series, the COADS ship database, and the Monthly Weather Review.
Aug 30 – The HWM shows no features of interest near the northeastern Caribbean.
HURDAT starts this system as a Tropical Storm at 19.2N 61.6W at 18 UTC. No gales
or low pressures. “This disturbance was first noted north of the Virgin Islands the
evening of August 30, at which time it was of minor intensity” (MWR).
Aug 31- The HWM shows no features of interest near the northeastern Caribbean. HURDT
lists this as a tropical storm at 20.2N 64.7W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of
Cyclones showed a center near 20N, 65W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 45kt SE with a pressure of 1009mb at 20.5N, 65.5W at 2000 UTC (COA).
Sept 1- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 21N, 67.5W with a stationary
frontal boundary northeast of the cyclone. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm at
20.9N, 67.1W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 21N,
67W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: 50kt SSE with
pressure of 1010mb at 20.5N, 65.5W at 0000 UTC (COA).
Sept 2- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 21N, 69W. HURDAT lists this
as a Tropical Storm at 21.7N, 69.2W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones
showed a center near 22N, 70W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures. Ship
highlight: 30kt S with pressure of 1008mb at 22.0N, 67.54W at 1200 UTC (HWM). “Its
center passed a short distance north of Turks Island, West Indies, and moved
west-northwestward during the night of September 2-3, while the storm increased to
moderate intensity”(MWR).
Sept 3- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 22.5N, 72W. HURDAT lists
this as a Category 2 hurricane at 22.4N, 70.9W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of
Cyclones showed a center near 23N, 72W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 65kt with pressure of 985mb at 22.5N, 73.2W at 2300 UTC (MWR).
Sept 4- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000mb near 23N, 75W. HURDAT lists this
as a Category 4 hurricane winds at 23.5N, 73.2W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of
Cyclones showed a center near 24N, 74W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 70kt E with pressure of 981 mb at 24.7N, 73.0W at 1200 UTC (COA).
Sept 5- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 23N, 77.5W. HURDAT lists this
as a Category 4 hurricane at 23.5N, 73.2W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of
Cyclones showed a center near 25N, 77W. Station highlight: pressure below 931mb at Great
Abaco Island 26.2N, 77.1W in the afternoon (MWR). Ship highlight: 65kt ESE with pressure
of 981mb at 24.7N, 73.0W at 1200 UTC (MWR). “During the next three days it increased
greatly in intensity, passed east of Nassau, Bahamas, the morning of the 5th, moving
northwestward, then recurved to the north and northeast and passed over Great Abaco
Island the afternoon of the 5th; with a reported pressure of below 27.50 inches. Great
damage was done by the storm on this island; 16 persons were reported killed and about
300 injured. Capt. H.B. Roberts, master of the Government steamer Priscilla and a
resident of Green Turtle Cay for 40 years declared, according to the Miami Daily News,
that the storm was the worst in his memory. He said that two churches, both built of
heavy stone walls almost 3 feet in thickness, were demolished, and the wind, estimated
by him at over 200 m. p. h., carried some of the heavy stone blocks nearly half a mile.
Photographs published in the News indicate that winds in excess of 150 m. p. h. must
have prevailed at Green Turtle Cay” (MWR).
Sept 6- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000mb near 26.5N, 78W. HURDAT list this
as a Category 5 hurricane winds at 27.9N, 77.4W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of
Cyclones showed a center near 27N, 77.5W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 70kt E with pressure of 967mb at 28.6N, 77.5W at 2100 UTC (COA);
65kt E with pressure of 961mb at 28.6N, 77.5 at 2100 UTC (COA).
Sept 7- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 990mb near 29N, 76W with a stationary front
located north of the cyclone. HURDAT lists this as a Category 4 hurricane at 29.8N,
75.3W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 30N, 76W with
pressure of 933mb. Station highlight: 41kt N at Cape Hatteras 35.2N, 75.7W no time give
(MWR). Ship highlight: 70kt NE with pressure of 989mb at 29.3N, 78.2W at 0000 UTC (COA);
65kt W with pressure of 934mb at 29.6N, 76.5W at 1100 UTC (MWR).
Sept 8- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 980mb near 35N, 68.5W with a stationary front
located well northeast of the cyclone. HURDAT lists this as a Category 3 hurricane at 35.5N,
69.6W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 35.5N, 70W with
pressure of 963mb. Station highlight: 49kt NE at Nantucket 41.3N, 70.1W no time give (MWR).
Ship highlight: 70kt NW with pressure of 990mb at 36N, 72W at 1200 UTC (COA); 50kt E with
pressure of 961mb at 37N, 70W no time given (MWR). “…the storm moved northeastward over
the ocean during the next few days” (MWR).
Sept 9- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 990mb near 39N, 66W with a stationary front
located well northeast of the cyclone. HURDAT lists this as a Category 2 hurricane at 40.3N,
67.0W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 40N, 65W. Station
highlight: No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: 65kt N at 38.8N, 70W after 0300 UTC
(MWR); 60kt ENE with pressure of 971mb at 38.8N, 70W at 0300 UTC (MWR).
Sept 10- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 990mb near 42.5N, 69W with a stationary front
extending northeast of the cyclone and a cold front extending south of the system. HURDAT
lists this as an Extratropical Storm at 43.4N, 67W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of
Cyclones showed a center near 42N, 60W with pressure of 964mb. Station highlight: No gales
or low pressures. Ship highlight: 60kt N with pressure of 979mb at 42.8N, 61.3W at 1000 UTC (MWR).
Sept 11- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 990mb near 44N, 57W with a warm front
extending east of the cyclone and a cold front extending south of the system. HURDAT lists
this as an Extratropical Storm at 45.6N, 54.2W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones
showed a center near 44N, 54W with pressure of 976mb. Station highlight: No gales or low
pressures. Ship highlight: 60kt NNE with pressure of 980mb at 45.8N, 58.5W at 0000 UTC (MWR);
35kt NW with pressure of 976mb at 43.3N, 57.4W at 1200 UTC (COA). “The storm passed over and
south of Newfoundland during the 11th” (MWR).
Sept 12- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 985mb near 52N, 44W with a warm front extending
east and a cold front extending south of the cyclone. HURDAT lists this as an Extratropical
Storm at 52N, 43W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 51N,
45W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: 10kt SSE with pressure of
989mb at 54.5N, 37.5W at 1200 UTC (COA).
Sept 13- HWM indicates a low of at most 985mb near 57N, 34W with an occluded front extending
east and south of the cyclone. HURDAT lists this as an Extratropical Storm near 57.8N, 35W at
12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 57N, 35W with pressure of
981mb. Station highlight: 40kt ESE with pressure of 998mb at Vestmannaeyjar 63.4N, 20.2W at
1200 UTC (HWM). Ship highlight: 35kt NNW at 54.2N, 41.0W at 1200 UTC (COA); 15kt S with pressure
of 987mb at 56.5N, 29.5W at 0600 UTC (COA).
Sept 14- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 985mb near 65N, 24W with an occluded front
extending east and south of the cyclone. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center
near 64N, 25W with pressure of 978mb. Station highlight: 30kt E with pressure of 1008mb at
Jan Mayen Island 70.5N, 09W at 1200 UTC (HWM). Ship highlight: 25kt W with pressure of 999mb
at 56.4N, 28.4W at 0600 UTC (COA). “…reached Iceland on the 14th” (MWR).
Sept 15- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 985mb near 72N, 5E with an occluded front
extending east and south of the cyclone. Station highlight: 40kt NNW with pressure of 990mb
at Jan Mayen Island at 1200 UTC (HWM). Ship highlight: 25kt E with pressure of 993mb at
74.5N, 17.5W at 1800 UTC (COA). “…and passed Jan Mayen Island on the 15th” (MWR).
Sept 16 – HWM indicates a closed low of at most 995 mb near 72N, 32E with an occluded front
extending to its south. Station highlight: 45 kt W and 1012 mb at Jakobstad, Finland at
1200 UTC (HWM); 15 kt W and 994 mb at Hammerfest, Norway at 1200 UTC (HWM).
Sept 17 – HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000 mb near 68W, 40E with an occluded front
extending to its east and south. Station highlight: 25 kt WNW and 1002 mb at Hammerfest,
Norway at 1200 UTC (HWM).
The timing of genesis for this major hurricane is unchanged, though the initial position
is adjusted west-southwestward slightly more than two degrees from the original HURDAT –
a major track change. The remainder of the track alterations are minor during the duration
of the system as a tropical cyclone. System is begun as a 30 kt tropical depression, down
from a 35 kt tropical storm, for the first two entries in HURDAT. Only a minor upward
alteration of the intensity is indicated from late on the 31st of August through the 1st
of September, due to some ship observations late on the 31st and early on the 1st. A 985
mb peripheral pressure from a ship just before 00Z on the 4th suggests winds of at least
71 kt from the Brown et al. south of 25N pressure-wind relationship. A 981 mb peripheral
pressure ship observation at 12Z on the 4th suggests winds of at least 76 kt from the
south of 25N and at least 71 kt from the north of 25N pressure-wind relationships. A
931 mb pressure - likely not a central pressure as the barometer measurement bottomed out
at 27.50" and it is unknown whether the observation was taken in the eye - measured at
Great Abaco in the Bahamas late on the 5th suggests winds of at least 123 kt from the north
of 25N and at least 128 kt from the intensifying subset of north of 25N pressure-wind
relationships. No changes are made to the intensities shown in HURDAT between late on the
1st and late on the 6th, which show a gradually intensifying system ramping up from a
tropical storm to a Category 5 major hurricane. Impacts in the Bahamas are consistent
with an extremely intense hurricane. After passing through the Bahamas, the cyclone turned
toward the northeast. A ship measured a peripheral pressure of 934 mb at 11Z on the 7th,
which suggests winds of at least 120 kt from the north of 25N pressure-wind relationship.
Winds boosted from 125 to 130 kt in HURDAT at both 06 and 12Z on the 7th. A peripheral
pressure of 961 mb was observed by a ship sometime on the 8th. This suggests winds of at
least 88 kt from the Landsea et al. north of 35N pressure-wind relationship. However,
given that the cyclone was very large, the intensity is analyzed to be 100 kt at 12Z on the
8th (down from 105 kt originally) and 90 kt at 18Z (down from 100 kt originally). The
system – a rather large cyclone – produced tropical storm force winds from North Carolina
northward to Massachusetts along the U.S. Atlantic coast. Maximum impact was about 50 kt
in Massachusetts early on the 9th. No change is made to the extratropical transition of
this system around 18Z on the 9th. Intensities are unchanged from early on the 8th to the
end of the original HURDAT on the 13th. A major change to this system is to incorporate
four additional dates from the 14th to the 17th as an extratropical cyclone. This is
csistent with what was also discussed in the Monthly Weather Review for this system.
*******************************************************************************
1932 Storm #5 – 2012 Addition
25835 09/04/1932 M= 4 5 SNBR= 574 NOT NAMED XING=0
25840 09/04*368 472 45 0*369 480 45 0*370 488 50 0*371 497 55 0
25840 09/05*373 506 55 0*375 514 60 0*377 520 60 0*380 526 55 0
25840 09/06*384 532 55 0*389 538 50 0*395 540 50 0*403 539 45 0
25840 09/07*413 534 40 0*424 528 35 0*435 520 30 0E447 510 30 0
25885 TS
This is a new tropical storm, not previously included in HURDAT or McAdie et al. (2009).
Evidence for the existence of this system comes from the Monthly Weather Review, the
Historical Weather Map series, and the COADS ship database.
Sept 3 – HWM indicates a stationary frontal boundary extending from 45N, 43W
southwestward to 35N, 60W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Sept 4- HWM indicates a low of at most 1015mb near 35N, 52.5W with a stationary front
boundary extending northeast from the cyclone. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 50kt SW at 36.5N, 48.6W at 1200 UTC (COA).
Sept 5- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1015mb near 37.5N, 54W with a warm front
shown east of the cyclone and a cold front to its south. Station highlight: No gales or
low pressures. Ship highlight: 50kt N with 992mb at 37.8N, 51.7W at 0400 UTC (MWR).
Sept 6- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 40N, 54W with a warm front
extending to its northeast and a cold front to its east and south. Station highlight:
No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: 30kt S with pressure of 1002mb at
39.2N, 52W at 1200 UTC (HWM).
Sept 7- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 43N, 55W with a complex
frontal boundary to its north and a dissipating cold front to its south and east.
Station highlight: No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: 25kt W with pressure
of 1010mb at 42.5N, 52.2W at 1200 UTC (HWM).
Genesis of this previously unrecognized tropical storm is analyzed to be early on the
4th of September, though it may have actually formed farther southeast before the 4th
in the relatively data void subtropical North Atlantic. Despite frontal boundaries
being shown by the Historical Weather Maps, inspection of the observations indicates
that no significant temperature gradients were present from the 4th through early on
the 7th. On the 4th and early on the 5th, the system did exhibit some subtropical
structure. However, the wind structure of the cyclone as shown by the observations
by late on the 5th through the 7th indicates a symmetric system with maximum winds
near the center – a true tropical storm. Winds at the start of the system at 00Z on
the 4th are estimated to be 45 kt, based upon a 50 kt ship report at 12Z. A 992 mb
peripheral pressure on the 5th suggests winds of at least 60 kt from the Landsea et al.
north of 35N pressure-wind relationship – winds are selected as 60 kt on this date, as
the cyclone was moving relatively slowly. The system weakened on the 6th and 7th and
was absorbed by a frontal boundary after 18Z on the 7th. There were no impacts to land
from this oceanic-only tropical storm.
*******************************************************************************
1932 Storm #6 – 2012 Revision
25835 09/09/1932 M= 9 5 SNBR= 574 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=0
25835 09/09/1932 M=10 6 SNBR= 574 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=0
** *
25840 09/09* 0 0 0 0*192 933 35 0*208 932 35 0*214 932 35 0
25845 09/10*218 931 35 0*221 931 35 0*224 930 35 0*229 930 35 0
25850 09/11*233 930 35 0*236 930 35 0*239 929 35 0*243 928 35 0
25850 09/11*235 930 35 0*242 930 35 0*248 929 35 0*251 928 35 0
*** *** ***
25855 09/12*247 927 35 0*249 926 35 0*252 925 35 0*256 923 35 0
25855 09/12*253 927 35 0*254 926 35 0*255 925 40 0*256 923 40 0
*** *** *** ** **
25860 09/13*261 920 35 0*266 916 35 0*270 910 40 0*272 906 40 0
25860 09/13*257 920 45 0*258 916 45 0*260 910 50 0*263 906 50 0
*** ** *** ** *** ** *** **
25865 09/14*274 902 40 0*276 899 40 0*278 892 45 0*283 872 45 0
25865 09/14*267 902 50 0*272 899 50 0*278 892 50 0*285 877 50 0
*** ** *** ** ** *** *** **
25870 09/15*292 848 45 0*302 825 45 0*314 802 40 0*327 783 35 0
25870 09/15*293 857 50 0*302 833 45 0E314 808 40 0E327 786 40 0
*** *** ** *** * *** * *** **
25875 09/16*340 767 35 0E354 752 35 0E369 737 35 0E383 724 35 0
25875 09/16E340 770 45 0E354 756 50 0E367 742 55 0E380 726 60 0
* *** ** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
25880 09/17E401 710 35 0E423 693 35 0E445 677 35 0E467 660 35 0
25880 09/17E395 710 65 0E415 693 65 0E440 677 55 0E475 660 45 0
*** ** *** ** *** ** *** **
(The 18th is new to HURDAT.)
25880 09/18E520 665 40 0E560 670 35 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
25885 TS
U.S. Tropical Storms:
-------------------------------------------------
#/Date Time Lat Lon Max States
Wind Affected
9/15/1932 0400Z 30.0N 83.9W 50kt FL
Minor changes to the track and to the intensity shown in McAdie et al. (2009),
originally storm #5. Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical
Weather Maps series, the COADS ship database, Monthly Weather Review, the Original
Monthly Records, Florida Climatological Data, Mexican synoptic maps, and Dunn and
Miller (1960).
Sept 9- HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm at 20.8N, 93.2W at 12 UTC. The MWR
Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 21N, 92.5W. Station highlight:
No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: 20 kt SSE and 1008 mb at 12 UTC at 22N
92W (HWM) . “A disturbance of moderate intensity that was first located some
distance north of Frontera, Mexico, in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico on
September 9, moved very slowly northward for two days” (MWR).
Sept 10- HWM indicates a low near 22N, 93W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm
at 22.4N, 93W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near
22.5N, 92W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Sept 11- HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm at 23.9N, 92.9W at 12 UTC. The MWR
Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 24.5N, 91.5W. Station highlight:
No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: 30 kt NW and 1011 mb at 00 UTC at
24.2N, 94.1W (COA).
Sept 12- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 24N, 92.5W. HURDAT list
this as a Tropical Storm at 25.2N, 92.5W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of
Cyclones showed a center near 26N, 91W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Sept 13- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 23N, 93W. HURDAT lists
this as a Tropical Storm at 27N, 91W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones
showed a center near 27N, 90W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 25kt SSW with pressure of 999mb at 26.1N, 90.4W at 1300 UTC (COA).
Sept 14- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 26N, 89W. A stationary
frontal boundary exists east of the cyclone. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm
at 27.8N, 89.2W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near
28N, 88.5W. Station highlight: 30 kt NE (max wind - no time, but likely early UTC 15th)
and 1002 mb (min pressure – no time, but likely early UTC 15th) at Apalachicola
(Florida Climatological Data). Ship highlight: 50kt S at 27.2N, 88.3W after 0500 UTC
(MWR); 20kt W with pressure of 1000mb at 26.1N, 90.3W at 0000 UTC (COA). “…then
slowly northeastward for three days, being central about 100 miles south of the mouth
of the Mississippi River on the morning of the 14th” (MWR). “Tropical Cyclones in
Florida, Sept. 14, Cedar Keys, Minor [“Minor” indicates less than hurricane force]”
(Dunn and Miller).
Sept 15- HWM indicates a low of at most 1010mb near 30N, 80W with a warm front extending
toward the east-northeast and a cold front extending southwest of the cyclone’s center.
HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm at 31.4N, 80.2W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers
of Cyclones showed a center near 31.5N, 80W. Station highlight: 34 kt SW (max wind - no
time given) and 1002 mb (min P - no time given) at Jacksonville (Florida Climatological
Data). Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures. “This disturbance moved as far during
the ensuing 24 hours as it had in the preceding five days, the center passing into the
Atlantic Ocean near Jacksonville, Fla., on the morning of the 15th” (MWR). “The wettest
period in most sections of the peninsula was between the 11th and 15th, in connection with
the movement of a Gulf disturbance that appeared in the southwest Gulf of Mexico on the
10th and crossed the northeast portion of the peninsula between the night of the 14th and
the morning of the 15th, moving inland from the Gulf near Taylor County, and passing into
the Atlantic to the north of Jacksonville. Its northeastward movement was attended by
moderate gales on the northeast Gulf coast, from Apalachicola to Cedar Keys, on the afternoon
and night of the 14th, and on the northeast Florida coast in the early morning of the 15th…
The damage in Apalachicola, mostly the result of torrential rain, was estimated at somewhat
less than $2,000…There was considerable damage to crops along the path of the storm by
washing rains and high winds” (Florida Climatological Data).
Sept 16- HWM indicates a low of at most 1005mb near 36N, 73.5W with a warm front extending
northeast and a cold front extending south of the cyclone’s center. HURDAT lists this as an
Extratropical Storm at 36.9N, 73.7W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a
center near 36.5N, 73W with pressure of 996mb. Station highlight: 41kt NW at New York (40.7N,
74W) no time given (MWR). Ship highlight: 50kt W with pressure of 993mb at 36.2N, 74.7W at
1200 UTC (COA). “The highest wind velocities reported at land stations were 40 m. p. h. at
Hatteras and Atlantic City, and 48 m. p. h. at New York City” (MWR).
Sept 17- HWM indicates a low of at most 1000mb near 44N, 70W with a warm front extending north
and a cold front extending southeast of the cyclone’s center. HURDAT lists this as an
Extratropical Storm at 44.5N, 67.7W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a
center near 44N, 68W with pressure of 993mb Station highlight: No gales or low pressures. Ship
highlight: 65kt SW with pressure of 970mb at 38.5N, 71.2W at 0100 UTC (MWR). “It continued to
move northeastward, passing inland over the coast of Maine on the 17th, then moved northward
and later northwestward, reaching western Hudson Strait on the morning of the 19th” (MWR).
No changes are made to the timing or location of genesis for this tropical storm in the Gulf
of Mexico. Minor track changes were introduced from the 11th throughout the remainder of its
life cycle. Data are sparse on the 9th and 10th of September for this system while in the
southwestern Gulf of Mexico. At 12 UTC on the 9th, there is a ship about 75 nm from the
estimated center with 20 kt SSE winds and 1008 mb pressure. This and other data are not
inconsistent with a 35 kt tropical storm, thus no changes are made to the intensity on the
9th and 10th.] 999 mb peripheral pressure simultaneous with 25 kt SSW wind at 13Z on the
13th suggests maximum winds of at least 49 kt from the Brown et al. south of 25N and 45 kt
from the north of 25N relationships. A 50 kt S wind was observed after 05Z on the 14th from
a ship. Winds are boosted slightly to 50 kt from 12Z on the 13th to 00Z on the 15th.
On the 14th, the cyclone began accelerating toward the east-northeast.
The tropical storm made landfall around 04Z on the 15th near 30.0N 83.9W in north Florida.
1002 mb minimum pressure (likely peripheral) observation from Apalachicola suggests winds
of at least 40 kt from the north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. 50 kt is analyzed to be
the landfall intensity based upon the earlier ship observations, which is consistent with
the moderate impact by the storm noted in the Florida Climatological Data. This is up
slightly from the 45 kt in HURDAT originally at 00Z on the 15th. The cyclone remained
over land for only about 6 hours before reemerging over the Atlantic. Frontogenesis was
occurring across the cyclone on this date and it is analyzed that it became fully
extratropical around 12Z on the 15th, which is 18 hours earlier than originally indicated.
Ship and coastal stations along the Atlantic seaboard from the Carolinas northward
indicate that the system reintensified as an extratropical cyclone, despite no secondary
peak originally shown in HURDAT. A peak observation of 65 kt SW with simultaneous 970 mb
pressure early on the 17th was measured by a ship. Winds are boosted to 65 kt as an
extratropical cyclone around 00Z on the 17th, a major upward change from the 35 kt
originally in HURDAT. It appears that the strongest of these winds, however, remained
offshore as the peak observed winds in the United States were 41 kt NW in New York City.
By early on the 18th, this brief reintensification had diminished and the system was
weakening as it quickly moved northward over eastern Canada. The cyclone merged with
another extratropical cyclone after 06Z on the 18th.
The dissipation indicated is 12 hours later than originally shown in HURDAT.
*******************************************************************************
1932 Storm #7 – 2012 Addition
25835 09/16/1932 M= 4 7 SNBR= 574 NOT NAMED XING=0
25835 09/16*304 416 35 0*307 428 35 0*310 440 40 0*313 452 40 0
25835 09/17*317 464 40 0*321 475 40 0*325 485 40 0*328 492 40 0
25835 09/18*331 496 45 0*335 498 45 0*340 500 45 0*346 503 45 0
25835 09/19*353 508 50 0*361 514 50 0*370 520 50 0*380 527 50 0
25835 09/20*392 534 50 0*403 542 50 0*410 550 50 0*410 561 50 0
25835 09/21*403 576 55 0*393 593 55 0*385 610 55 0*385 622 55 0
25835 09/22*387 630 50 0*391 635 50 0*395 640 50 0*398 645 50 0
25835 09/23E401 650 45 0E405 654 45 0E410 655 40 0E420 654 40 0
25835 09/24E440 650 35 0E460 645 35 0E480 640 35 0E505 635 40 0
25835 09/25E532 630 45 0E560 625 45 0E590 620 50 0E615 612 50 0
25835 09/26E635 600 50 0E650 580 45 0E660 550 45 0E667 510 40 0
25885 TS
This is a new tropical storm, not previously included in HURDAT or McAdie et al. (2009).
Evidence for the existence of this system comes from the Monthly Weather Review,
the Historical Weather Map series, and the COADS ship database.
Sept 15 – HWM shows a stationary frontal boundary extending from 43N, 25W southwestward
to 27N,42W. No gales or low pressures.
Sept 16- HWM shows a frontal boundary transitioning from a cold front to a warm front near
30N 40W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: 35kt E with
pressure of 1021mb at 35.5N, 40.8W at 1200 UTC (HWM).
Sept 17- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1015mb near 31.5N, 47W with a warm front
extending east of the cyclone’s center. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 35kt NW at 33N, 50.8W at 1200 UTC (HWM).
Sept 18- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 33N, 53W with a warm front
extending east of the cyclone’s center. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a
center near 34N, 48.5W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight:
40kt E with pressure of 1020mb at 39.6N, 48.3W at 1200 UTC (HWM).
Sept 19- HWN indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 36N, 52W with a warm front
extending east of the cyclone’s center. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a
center near 37N, 51.5W with pressure of 1000mb. Station highlight: No gales or low
pressures. Ship highlight: 35kt NNW at 33.7N, 61W at 1200 UTC (HWM); 30 kt W and
1000 mb at 35.5N 51.4W at 1200 UTC (HWM). “Four tropical storms occurred in September,
as described in detail on pp. 177-179 in this issue of the Review, and as indicated
by the storm tracks shown in Chart VII” (Chart VII shows a track of a previously not
included tropical cyclone – number VI on the map - originating east of Bermuda on the
19th, moving generally northwestward during the next four days, making landfall in
Canada early on the 24th, and recurving to the northeast late on the 24th) (MWR).
Sept 20- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 41.5N, 56W with a warm
front extending east of the cyclone’s center. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones
showed a center near 41.5N, 56W with a pressure of 1003mb. Station highlight: No
gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: 45kt N at 42.4N, 63.2W no time given (MWR);
5 kt WNW and 998mb at 42.5N, 59.5W at 1800 UTC (COA).
Sept 21- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 990mb near 38N, 64W with a stationary
front extending east of the cyclone’s center. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones
showed a center near 39N, 61W with pressure of 999mb. Station highlight: No gales or
low pressures. Ship highlight: 35kt NE with pressure of 994mb at 39.4N, 63.7W at
0000 UTC (COA).
Sept 22- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 37.5N, 65W with a stationary
front extending east of the cyclone’s center. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed
a center near 37.5N, 63W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 50kt N with pressure of 1005mb at 40.5N, 66.5W at 0600 UTC (COA).
Sept 23- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 42N, 66W with a cold front
extending south and a warm front extending east of the cyclone’s center. The MWR Track
of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 41.5N, 66W with pressure of 1004mb. Station
highlight: No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: 35kt S at 41.1N, 64.6W at
1200 UTC (COA).
Sept 24- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 48N, 64W with a cold front
extending south and a warm front extending southeast of the cyclone’s center. The MWR
Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 48N, 64W with pressure of 1003mb.
Station highlight: No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Sept 25- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 995mb near 58.5N, 64W with a weakening
occluded low extending southeast of the cyclone’s center. The MWR Track of Centers of
Cyclones showed a center near 59N, 65W with pressure of 994mb. Station highlight:
25kt NE with pressure of 994mb at Resolution Island 61.3N, 64.9W at 1200 UTC (HWM).
Ship highlight: 50kt ESE with pressure of 1001mb at 60.5N, 50.5W at 1100 UTC (COA);
50kt SE with pressure of 999mb at 60.5N, 51.5W at 1500 UTC (COA).
Sept 26- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 60.5N, 56W with frontal
boundaries east of the cyclone detached from the cyclone’s center. Station highlight:
No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: 45kt E with pressure of 997mb at 59.5N,
45.5W at 1900 UTC (COA); 35kt E with pressure of 988mb at 59.5N, 45.5W at 2300 UTC (COA).
This cyclone likely originated from a frontal boundary in the central North Atlantic.
In either case, the system is started in the database as a 35 kt tropical storm at 00Z
on the 16th. Given that it apparently was moving toward the west-northwest, the cyclone
may have existed before the 16th over the more data sparse eastern North Atlantic. Despite
the HWM showing frontal boundaries throughout the entire lifecycle of this system, the
cyclone does not appear to be baroclinic from the 16th to the 19th and the fronts do not
exist in reality. Numerous gales were observed for this system from the 16th through the
19th. Peak observed winds for this system as a tropical cyclone were 40 kt on the 18th.
A 1000 mb peripheral pressure simultaneous with 30 kt W winds on the 19th suggests maximum
winds of at least 49 kt from the Landsea et al. north of 35N pressure-wind relationship.
On the 20th, a possible central pressure of 998 mb at 18Z suggests an intensity of at
least 52 kt. Given the relatively slow motion of the cyclone on these dates for its latitude,
winds are analyzed to be 50 kt on the 19th and the 20th. By the 20th, the cyclone’s wind
field becomes asymmetrically tilted NW-SE and frontal boundaries appeared to have been
developing in the system, though some of the baroclinicity may have been due to proximity
to the Gulf Stream. However, during the 21st and 22nd a more symmetric structure and
minimal baroclinicity were observed in the system as it continued moving westward at high
latitudes. On the 21st, a ship measured 994 mb simultaneous with 35 kt NE winds. This
pressure suggests winds of at least 58 kt. Again the slow motion of the system is the
reason that 55 kt is selected for the intensity during the 21st, which is the peak
intensity of the lifetime of the system. It is analyzed that the cyclone made a full
transition to an extratropical cyclone around 00Z on the 23rd. Early on the 24th, the
extratropical storm made landfall in Nova Scotia, Canada with minimal gales. As it
recurved northeastward, the system reintensified some as an extratropical cyclone with
peak observed winds of 50 kt, which is the analyzed intensity. The system dissipated
over Greenland on the 26th. The track of the cyclone was quite erratic and unusual,
as it moved northwestward at a quite high latitude for four days as a tropical cyclone,
moved southwestward as an extratropical cyclone on the 21st, before gradually recurving
toward the north-northeast on the 24th. It is possible that this system today – with
the availability of satellite imagery – may have been considered a subtropical storm
from the 16th and 17th and also from the 20th to the 22nd of September,
instead of a tropical storm on those dates.
*******************************************************************************
1932 Storm #8 – 2012 Revision
25890 09/18/1932 M= 4 6 SNBR= 575 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=0
25890 09/18/1932 M= 4 8 SNBR= 575 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=0
*
25895 09/18* 0 0 0 0*216 945 35 0*231 941 35 0*241 938 35 0
25895 09/18*208 950 30 0*216 945 35 0*225 941 40 0*236 938 45 0
*** *** ** *** ** *** **
25900 09/19*253 935 35 0*266 931 35 0*280 927 35 0*294 921 35 0
25900 09/19*250 934 50 0*265 928 55 0*280 923 55 0*294 919 55 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** **
25905 09/20*310 915 35 0*339 902 30 0*366 886 30 0*376 877 25 0
25905 09/20*310 915 40 0*334 902 35 0*360 883 30 0*376 871 25 0
** *** ** *** *** ***
25910 09/21*383 867 20 0*389 856 20 0*395 844 15 0*398 794 15 0
25910 09/21E383 863 20 0E387 853 20 0E388 840 20 0E388 825 20 0
* *** **** *** **** *** ** **** *** **
25915 TS
U.S. Tropical Storms:
-------------------------------------------------
#/Date Time Lat Lon Max States
Wind Affected
9/19/1932 1900Z 29.6N 91.9W 55kt LA
Major changes to the track and to the intensity shown in McAdie et al. (2009),
originally storm #6. Another major alteration is to indicate an extratropical
cyclone stage during the last day of the system’s existence. Evidence for these
alterations comes from the Daily Weather Maps, the Historical Weather Maps series,
the COADS ship database, Monthly Weather Review, the Original Monthly Records,
Louisiana Climatological Data, Mississippi Climatological Data, Mexican synoptic
maps, and Dunn and Miller (1960).
Sept 18- HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm at 23.1N, 94.1W at 12 UTC. The MWR
Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 24N, 95W. Station highlight:
No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures. “Disturbed
conditions prevail over the western and central Gulf of Mexico, but no definite
center can yet be located” (DWM). “Another disturbance of slight to moderate
intensity moved north-northeastward over the western Gulf of Mexico during the
18th and 19th” (MWR).
Sept 19- HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm at 28N, 92.7W at 12 UTC. The MWR
Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 28N, 93W. Station highlight:
1005 mb (minimum pressure) at Morgan City, LA (no time given) (MWR); 30 kt SE
(maximum wind) at Port Eads, LA (no time given) (Louisiana Climatological Data).
Ship highlight: 55kt ENE with pressure of 998mb at 28.6N, 91.9W at 1400 UTC (MWR).
“The Gulf disturbance is apparently central this morning about 125 miles southeast
of Galveston, Tex., and moving north-northeastward…No winds of gale force are yet
reported” (DWM). “A tropical storm of slight intensity moved northward over the
south-central and eastern portions of the State on the 19th. No wind damage
occurred in Louisiana except where cane was prostrated and these losses were not
serious” (Louisiana Climatological Data). “…and passed inland over the Louisiana
coast a short distance west of Morgan City shortly after noon of the 19th.
No winds of gale force were reported” (MWR). “Tropical Cyclones of Louisiana,
Mississippi, and Alabama, Sept. 19, Morgan City, LA, Minor [“Minor” indicates
less than hurricane force]” (Dunn and Miller).
Sept 20- HWM indicates a low near 35N, 88W with a frontal boundary extending west
and north of the center. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Depression at 36.6N,
88.6W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 37N,
88.5W with pressure of 1006mb. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures. “The Gulf disturbance has moved
north-northeastward to the middle Mississippi Valley, Cairo, Ill. 29.72 inches,
and it was attended by general, and in many places heavy, rains from the Gulf
coast northward to the lower Ohio and middle Mississippi Valleys, Vicksburg, Miss.,
reporting the greatest amount, 3.01 inches” (DWM).
Sept 21- HWM indicates a low near 37N, 85W with a dissipating frontal boundary
extending south of the center. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Depression at
39.5N, 84.4W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center
near 38N, 82W with pressure of 1011mb. Station highlight: No gales or low
pressures. Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures. “The disturbance moved
northeastward during the next two days [20th and 21st] and dissipated over
southwestern Pennsylvania during the 21st” (MWR).
Genesis for the system is begun six hours earlier as a tropical depression in
the same general location of the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Available ship
and coastal observations – as is typical for this part of the basin during
this era – are quite sparse on the 18th of September and it is ambiguous if
the system began as a 35 kt tropical storm or weaker at 06 UTC. Given the
prominent ship observations taken the next day indicating a high end tropical
storm, no changes are made to the timing of when tropical storm intensity is
reached. Minor alterations to the track were made for the lifetime of this
system, except for a large change at the last position which corrected an
unrealistically fast translational speed. The cyclone quickly moved off towards
the north-northeast after formation. A ship at 14Z on the 19th measured 55 kt
ENE winds with simultaneous 998 mb pressure. This pressure suggests maximum
winds of at least 47 kt from the Brown et al. north of 25N pressure-wind
relationship. Winds are analyzed to 55 kt be at 06Z and 12Z on the 19th,
a large upward change from the 35 kt originally in HURDAT.
The tropical storm made landfall around 19Z on the 19th at 29.6N 91.9W south of
Morgan City, Louisiana. Winds are kept at 55 kt up until landfall and impact is
consistent with description in the Louisiana Climatological Data of the storm
coming ashore in a sparsely part of the state. Weakening to tropical depression
intensity is indicated at 12Z on the 20th, 6 hours after originally shown in
HURDAT given a stronger system making landfall. Despite the HWM indicating
frontal boundaries extending through the system on the 20th, inspection of the
observations instead shows the frontal boundary substantially northwest of the
cyclone at that time. It is analyzed that the cyclone became extratropical
around 00Z on the 22nd when the front reached the cyclone’s center. Previously
there was no extratropical stage shown for this system. Dissipation after 18Z
on the 21st is unchanged, as observations still (weakly) show a closed
circulation in HWM at 12Z on that date.
*******************************************************************************
1932 Storm #9 – 2012 Revision
25920 09/25/1932 M= 9 7 SNBR= 576 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
25920 09/25/1932 M= 9 9 SNBR= 576 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
*
25925 09/25* 0 0 0 0*163 563 50 0*169 580 65 0*172 590 80 0
25925 09/25* 0 0 0 0*168 567 50 0*169 580 65 0*170 593 80 0
*** *** *** ***
25930 09/26*174 600 90 0*177 610 100 948*180 620 105 0*182 632 100 0
25930 09/26*172 607 90 0*174 619 105 0*177 630 120 948*179 640 125 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
25935 09/27*182 647 95 0*182 662 90 0*182 676 85 0*181 689 80 0
25935 09/27*180 650 125 943*182 662 100 0*182 676 90 0*181 689 90 0
*** *** *** *** *** ** **
25940 09/28*180 702 70 0*180 719 60 0*180 735 55 0*179 744 50 0
25940 09/28*180 704 90 0*180 721 75 0*180 737 60 0*179 749 50 0
*** ** *** ** *** ** ***
25945 09/29*179 752 45 0*179 765 40 0*179 777 40 0*179 788 40 0
25945 09/29*178 759 45 0*177 767 40 0*176 777 40 0*175 788 40 0
*** *** *** *** *** ***
25950 09/30*180 799 40 0*180 811 40 0*180 823 40 0*179 836 40 0
25950 09/30*174 799 40 0*173 811 40 0*172 823 40 0*171 836 40 0
*** *** *** ***
25955 10/01*179 849 40 0*179 858 40 0*178 867 40 0*177 878 40 0
25955 10/01*170 849 40 0*169 861 40 0*168 872 40 1003*167 883 40 0
*** *** *** *** *** **** *** ***
25960 10/02*176 890 40 0*178 904 35 0*181 918 35 0*184 930 35 0
25960 10/02*165 894 35 0*163 905 30 0*160 915 30 0*157 925 25 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
(The 3rd is removed from HURDAT.)
25965 10/03*187 941 35 0*190 952 35 0*193 962 35 0*196 973 30 0
25970 HR
Major changes to the track and to the intensity shown in McAdie et al. (2009),
originally storm #7. Another major change is dissipating the cyclone 24 hours
earlier than originally indicated. Evidence for these alterations comes from the
Historical Weather Maps series, the COADS ship database, Monthly Weather Review,
the Original Monthly Records, an original letter from Saba to the Weather Bureau
obtained at NCDC, Mexican synoptic maps, Perez (1971), and Boose et al. (2004).
Sept 25- HWM indicates a trough along 60W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1
hurricane at 16.9N, 58W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Sept 26- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 17N, 63.5W. HURDAT
lists this as a Category 3 hurricane at 18N, 62W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of
Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 17Nm, 62W. Station highlight: 1001 mb
at 11Z, 957 mb (not a central pressure) at 1230Z at Saba (letter); 1004 mb (min
pressure) at St. Bartholomew at 13Z(Perez/MWR). Ship highlight: No gales or low
pressures. "With extraordinarily high pressure prevailing over the entire
Atlantic and the eastern half of the continent, this storm departed from a normal
course and traveled slightly north of west from near St. Barthelemy to Puerto Rico…
The first information received at San Juan was from Antigua on the morning of the
26th, indicating that a moderate disturbance had passed there about 3 a. m…St.
Barthelemy was near the vortex with a pressure of 29.65 inches [1004 mb] and an
estimated velocity of 60 to 90 miles per hour…Current reports at 8 a. m. of the
26th located the vortex as having passed between St. Kitts and St. Martin. By
evening the reports indicated that the vortex was passing between St. Thomas and
St. Croix…Advisory 7 p. m. Storm center passing between St. Thomas (29.58 inches
[1002 mb]) and St. Croix (29.54 inches [1000 mb]) apparently moving west-northwest
about 10 miles per hour….Velocities up to 60 miles per hour reported from both St.
Croix and St. Thomas. Moderate damage was done on at Barthelemy, on Tortola, also
on St. Thomas and St. John of the United States Virgin Islands. St. Croix reports
no damage. Culebra and Vieques, important islands off the east coast of Puerto
Rico both suffered heavily" (MWR). “24th February, 1933. Dear. Dr. Marvin, With
respect to the account of the “San Ciprian” hurricane, September 26-27, 1932, in
the September number of your Monthly Weather Review I should like to remark that
particulars about that hurricane, received in October last from Curacao, seem to
indicate that the centre passed very near our small island of Saba. News about
that fact may have failed to reach your as radio-communication was interrupted by
the blowing down of the antennes [sic]. I include copy of the barometerreadings
[sic], which the local physician published in the “Amigoe de Curacao” of 8th
October 1932. It is a pity that the readings of the minimum fail, because at
that time the hurricane ruined the church and the reporter only returned, when
the rise had already begun. It looks however as if the lowest reading might
have been about 710 [mm]. The instrument is evidently an aneroid. The readings
before and after the storm will enable you to correct its error. It would
seem therefore as if the path of the centre was not so straight as indicated
in Map VIII, and that is my reason for communicating you these particulars.
Barometerreadings [sic] 26th September 1932 Saba. 7h00 751 [mm], 8h00 745
Wind NW, 8h30 718, 9h45 720 Wind W, 10h00 730 Wind S, 10h15 735, 10h45 742,
11h20 746, 12h45 747, 16h45 749, 18h00 752.5. Yours faithfully, [Signature
not decipherable] Koninklijk Nederlands Meteorologisch Instituut”
(Letter obtained from NCDC).
Sept 27- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 16.5N, 66.5W. HURDAT
lists this as a Category 2 hurricane at 18.2N, 67.6W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of
Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 17.5N, 68W. Station highlight: 52 kt and
1002 mb at St. Thomas at 00Z (MWR); 52 kt and 1000 mb at St. Croix at 00Z (MWR);
78kt at San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic 18.4N, 69.3W, no time given (MWR);
980mb (min pressure) at San Juan (18.5N, 66.1W) at 0600 UTC (MWR). Ship highlight:
938 mb and 948 mb at 18.2N, 65.6W at 0300 UTC (MWR). "The vortex entered the
Island of Puerto Rico near Ceiba at 10 p. m. of September 26, probably directly
over the harbor of Ensenada Honda, where the steamers Jean and Acacia had taken
refuge. The former reported 27.70 inches [938 mb] and the latter 28 inches [948 mb]
as the low pressure, with a diametric windshift and brief lull. The vortex passed
a short distance south of San Juan (28.95 inches [980 mb] at 1 a. m.) and left the
island near Aguadilla about 5:30 a. m. of the 27th. The maximum wind velocity at
San Juan is estimated at not less than 120 miles per hour. Unfortunately, the
wind-instrument tower, an old one already in course of replacement, was blown down
at 12:08 a. m., when the record was 66 miles per hour from the northeast…Many lives
were lost from collapse of buildings which were supposed to be safe; some from flying
debris, some from drowning, the loss from the first cause being by far the greatest.
As usual, first reports of loss of life were wildly exaggerated, but it would be
difficult to exaggerate the effect of the storm on buildings… Casualties were 225
dead and 3,000 more or less injured. Property damage, including crops, will total
near $30,000,000…Of crop losses the greatest percentage was citrus, as the citrus
belt is almost wholly within the zone of heavy damage…After passing Puerto Rico,
the southern part of Santo Domingo and Haiti felt the storm on the 27th" (MWR).
"San Cipriano II, September 26-27, Numerous F3 Fujita scale structural damages,
Analyzes 120 kt at Puerto Rico landfall" (Boose et al.).
Sept 28- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 18N, 74W. HURDAT lists
this as a Tropical Storm at 18N, 73.5W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of
Cyclones showed a center near 17N, 72W. Station highlight: No gales or low
pressures. Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures. "This storm diminished greatly
in intensity after leaving Puerto Rico, and no strong winds were reported west of
Haiti" (MWR).
Sept 29- HWM indicates a low near 16N, 78W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm at
17.9N, 77.7W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near
16.5N, 77WStation highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Sept 30- HWM indicates a low near 16N, 83.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm at
18N, 82.3W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 16.5N,
81.5W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Oct 1- HWM indicates a low of at most 1010mb near 14N, 88W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm at 17.8N, 86.7W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed
a center near 16N, 87W. Station highlight: 15 kt N and 1005 mb at Belize City (HWM).
Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures. "…thence slightly south of west in almost
a direct line to the coast of Yucatan south of Belize" (MWR).
Oct 2- HWM indicates a low near 14.5N, 99W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm at
18.1N, 91.8W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 18N,
91.5W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Oct 3- HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm at 19.3N, 95.2W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track
of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 19N, 95W. Station highlight: No gales or
low pressures. Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures. "After passing inland near
Belize, British Honduras, on October 1, the disturbance moved slightly north of west
and dissipated near Vera Cruz, Mexico on October 3" (MWR).
No changes are made to the genesis time of this major hurricane, though the initial
position at 06Z on the 25th of September is adjusted to provide a realistic initial
motion (too fast with a discontinuity with the next 6 hour motion). The days before
the 25th were searched to see if the system began earlier, but the lack of observations
makes it unknown where and when the cyclone actually formed. Thus the first intensity
of 50 kt is not altered, but it is possible that it formed earlier with a weaker
windspeed. Minor track changes were made from the 25th through early on the 2nd of
October, with major revisions to the position introduced late on the 2nd. The cyclone
was listed in HURDAT as reaching 948 mb central pressure at 06Z on the 26th, just 24
hours after genesis. It is likely that this is derived from observations from the
island of Saba provided in a letter from the Meteorological Institute in Saba to the
U.S. Weather Bureau, which include an uncertain minimum pressure of 710 mm of mercury
(947 mb) and a bit more certain reading of 718 mm (957 mb) near 1230 UTC. While it is
unknown if these observations have been corrected, the data shows that the pressure
fell 44 mb in 90 minutes prior to the 957 mb reading, showing that the small inner
core was already established at that time. The letter suggests that these were not
central pressures, as there is no mention of a lull and the winds shifted from
northwest to west to south. Thus the 948 mb central pressure originally in HURDAT –
while uncertain given that the hurricane’s center did not go directly over the island
– is reasonable and is retained, but moved to the 12 UTC slot. Closest approach to
Saba is around 13 UTC on the 26th and the track is adjusted slightly to the
west-southwest. A 948 mb central pressure suggests 113 kt from the Brown et al.
south of 25N pressure-wind relationship. Given the very small size (44 mb pressure
drop in 90 minutes before the recorded 957 mb), the intensity is boosted to 120 kt
at 12 UTC on the 26th (up from 105 kt originally). The rather small tropical cyclone
did apparently rapidly intensify as it was moving through but not making a direct
hit some of the other Leeward Islands. Peripheral pressures of 1004, 1002, and
1000 mb were observed at St. Bartholomew, St. Thomas, and St. Croix, respectively,
late on the 26th and early on the 27th. (The 52 kt reported both in St. Thomas and
St. Croix at 00Z on the 27th may have been estimates, not anemometer-based observations.)
By the time that the system reached Puerto Rico around 04Z on the 27th around 18.2N 65.7W
near Ensenada Honda, the cyclone was a major hurricane. Two ships at that location reported
938 and 948 mb, a distinct lull, and a “diametric” wind shift (likely ~180 degrees). Given
that both ships were at the same location, it is unknown which – if either – had an accurate
barometer and recorded the true central pressure. In the absence of better information, the
average of these two measurements – 943 mb – is taken as the central pressure of the hurricane
at landfall in Puerto Rico and included into HURDAT at the 00Z 27th slot. This hurricane
clearly had an extremely small core as its center passed between the islands of St. Thomas
and St. Croix, which are 40 n mi apart, and neither island appears to have experienced
hurricane-force winds. This would imply a radius of hurricane force winds of less than
20 n mi and a radius of maximum winds (RMW) of perhaps less than 10 n mi. 943 mb suggests
maximum winds of 118 kt from the Brown et al. south of 25N pressure-wind relationship.
Given the small size (climatology for this central pressure and latitude is 12 nm –
Vickery et al.), 125 kt is thus selected for HURDAT at 18Z on the 26th, 00Z on the 27th
and at landfall at 03Z. This is a Category 4 hurricane impact for Puerto Rico, which is
significantly higher than the 95 kt Category 2 implied previously. Major – at least 20 kt
– upward changes are thus introduced for 18Z on the 26th and 00Z on the 27th. The cyclone’s
center remained over the island for about seven hours, making oceanfall just south of
Aguadilla. Winds in HURDAT are boosted upward from 12Z on the 26th onward, accordingly.
The hurricane then made a second landfall in the Dominican Republic. Peak winds obtained
were 78 kt (unknown whether this was an estimate or observed) from San Pedro de Macoris
late on the 27th. Runs of the Kaplan-DeMaria inland wind decay model suggest 100 kt at 06Z
on the 27th and 89 kt at oceanfall at 10Z on the 27th. Thus the intensity at 06Z is
analyzed to be 100 kt and for 12Z until landfall in Dominican Republic are analyzed to be
90 kt. After this second major landfall the cyclone apparently weakened rather
dramatically, as no hurricane – or even tropical storm force – winds were observed
through the remainder (an additional four days) of its lifetime. Winds in HURDAT of
40 kt were retained from the 29th through the 1st, though it is possible that the
system was weaker – possibly a tropical depression – on the 29th or 30th. On the
1st, just before the cyclone impacted Belize, the system appeared to be slightly
more organized and 15 kt N winds with 1005 mb pressure was observed at Belize City
at 12Z. This would suggest about 1003 mb central pressure, as it is possible that
the measurement was inside the RMW. If so, this central pressure would suggest 41 kt
from the Brown et al. south of 25N pressure-wind relationship. Thus the original
40 kt appears to be reasonable and is retained in HURDAT. The tropical storm made
landfall with 40 kt winds around 18Z on the 1st at 15.7N 92.5W south of Belize City.
This position is about a degree south of that originally indicated in HURDAT.
On the 2nd, available ship and coastal observations show that the system continued
moving west-southwest into Central America, rather than going west-northwest over
the southernmost Gulf of Mexico. The changes in position on 12 and 18Z on the 2nd
are major revisions. It is analyzed that the cyclone dissipated over southeastern
Mexico after 18Z on the 2nd. HURDAT originally maintained the cyclone during the
3rd and took it to landfall near Veracruz. However, the small pressure drop and
no wind shift at that station (going from 1010 mb down to 1009 mb between the 2nd
and 3rd while maintaining west winds both days) was in response to synoptic-scale
pressure drops over Mexico and south central United States due to a large
extratropical system. Dissipation is indicated to have occurred 24 hours earlier
than originally shown.
*******************************************************************************
1932 Storm #10 – 2012 Addition
25975 09/28/1932 M= 3 10 SNBR= 577 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
25980 09/28*355 490 35 0*353 493 35 0*350 495 40 0*347 497 40 0
25980 09/29*344 499 40 0*342 501 40 0*340 500 40 0*344 495 40 0
25980 09/30*352 487 35 0*365 477 35 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
This is a new tropical storm, not previously included in HURDAT or McAdie et al.
(2009). Evidence for the existence of this system comes from the Monthly Weather
Review, the Historical Weather Map series, and the COADS ship database.
Sept 28- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 33.5N, 49.5W with a
stationary front to the northeast of the cyclone. Station highlight: No gales or
low pressures. Ship highlight: 35kt N with pressure of 1004mb at 35.2N, 50W at
1200 UTC (HWM).
Sept 29-HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 33N, 50W with a stationary
front to the northeast of the cyclone. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Sept 30- HWM indicates a low of at most 1010mb near 37N, 48W with dissipating frontal
boundary extending east from the cyclone’s center. Additionally a large extratropical
cyclone is northwest of the low. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 35 kt SE with pressure of 1017mb at 43.3N, 44.1W at 1200 UTC (HWM).
The genesis of this system is begun at 00Z on the 28th, though it may have formed
earlier than this over the relatively data sparse eastern Atlantic. The system
exhibits a small amount of baroclinicity and a tight inner core on the 28th with
two separate ships measuring 35 kt N winds and 1004 mb pressure and 25 kt S winds
and 1004 mb pressure. This peripheral pressure suggests maximum winds of at least
36 kt from the Brown et al. north of 25N and at least 42 kt from the Landsea et al.
north of 35N pressure-wind relationships. Winds are analyzed to be 40 kt at 12Z,
which is the peak intensity for this short-lived, weak tropical cyclone. Inner
core observations are less comprehensive on the 29th and a 40 kt intensity is
maintained as the system drifted toward the southwest. The cyclone then interacted
with a large extratropical low which recurved the system toward the northeast and
subsequently absorbed it within the warm sector of the extratropical low after 06Z
on the 30th. The cyclone – with the benefit of satellite imagery today – may have
been classified as a subtropical cyclone on the 28th, before transitioning to a
fully tropical system on the 29th and 30th.
*******************************************************************************
1932 Storm #11 – 2012 Revision
25975 10/07/1932 M=12 8 SNBR= 577 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=0
25975 10/07/1932 M=12 11 SNBR= 577 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
** *
25980 10/07* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*160 832 35 0*162 836 35 0
25980 10/07*156 824 30 0*158 828 30 0*160 832 35 0*162 836 35 0
*** *** ** *** *** **
25985 10/08*164 840 35 0*165 844 35 0*166 848 35 0*168 854 35 0
25985 10/08*164 840 35 0*167 844 35 0*170 848 35 0*172 854 40 0
*** *** *** **
25990 10/09*170 860 40 0*171 864 40 0*173 868 40 0*175 874 40 0
25990 10/09*173 860 45 0*175 864 50 0*177 868 55 0*179 872 60 0
*** ** *** ** *** ** *** *** **
25995 10/10*178 880 40 0*180 884 40 0*181 888 40 0*182 892 35 0
25995 10/10*180 876 60 0*182 880 50 0*183 885 40 0*182 890 35 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ***
26000 10/11*183 896 35 0*185 900 35 0*186 904 35 0*187 907 35 0
26000 10/11*181 895 35 0*180 900 35 0*180 904 30 0*180 907 30 0
*** *** *** *** ** *** **
26005 10/12*188 910 35 0*189 912 35 0*189 914 35 0*191 918 35 0
26005 10/12*180 908 30 0*180 909 30 0*180 910 30 0*182 912 30 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26010 10/13*193 922 35 0*195 925 40 0*197 929 40 0*201 935 40 0
26010 10/13*186 915 30 0*190 918 30 0*195 922 35 0*200 928 35 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26015 10/14*208 942 40 0*218 949 40 0*230 953 45 0*243 954 45 0
26015 10/14*206 935 40 0*212 940 40 0*220 943 40 0*231 944 45 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** ** *** ***
26020 10/15*256 950 45 0*272 940 45 0*286 928 40 0*293 918 40 0
26020 10/15*246 940 45 0*261 934 50 0*275 925 50 0E287 915 50 0
*** *** *** *** ** *** *** ** **** *** **
26025 10/16*299 907 40 0*308 894 40 0*318 882 35 0*325 873 30 0
26025 10/16E298 904 50 0E308 893 45 0E318 882 40 0E325 874 40 0
**** *** ** * *** ** * ** * *** **
26030 10/17*332 866 25 0*338 860 25 0*344 854 20 0*351 847 20 0
26030 10/17E332 868 35 0E338 863 35 0E344 857 35 0E351 849 35 0
* *** ** * *** ** * *** ** * *** **
26035 10/18*359 840 20 0*366 833 15 0*373 827 15 0*380 821 15 0
26035 10/18E359 840 35 0E366 830 35 0E373 818 35 0* 0 0 0 0
* ** * *** ** * *** ** *** *** **
26040 TS
Minor changes to the track and but major alterations to the intensity shown in
McAdie et al. (2009), originally storm #8. A major change is also to introduce
an extratropical storm stage for the last four days of its existence. Evidence
for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps series, the COADS
ship database, Monthly Weather Review, Mexican synoptic maps, Connor (1956), and
Dunn and Miller (1960).
Oct 7- HWM indicates a very broad closed low of at most 1010 mb near 13.5N, 81W.
HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm at 16N, 83.2W at 12 UTC. Station highlight:
No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: 45kt ENE with pressure of 999mb at
17.7N, 81.3W at 1200 UTC (COA). “A disturbed condition made its appearance over
the western Caribbean on the 7th between Swan Island and Cape Gracias” (MWR).
Oct 8- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 14N, 84W. HURDAT lists
this as a Tropical Storm at 16.6N, 84.8W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of
Cyclones showed a center near 17.5N, 84W. Station highlight: No gales or low
pressures. Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Oct 9- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 16N, 84W. HURDAT lists
this as a Tropical Storm at 17.3N, 86.8W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of
Cyclones showed a center near 17N, 86W with pressure of 989mb. Station highlight:
15 kt NNW and 1004 mb at Belize City at 12Z (HWM). Ship highlight: 45kt SE with
pressure of 987mb at 17.3N, 87.3W at 1900 UTC (COA); 982mb at 17.1N, 87.3W at
2000 UTC (COA). “…during the next two days [8th and 9th] moved slightly north
of west, with slowly decreasing pressure at the center” (MWR).
Oct 10- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 17N, 87W. HURDAT lists
this as a Tropical Storm at 18.1N, 88.8W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of
Cyclones showed a center near 17.5N, 88W. Station highlight: 15 kt W and 1002 mb
at Belize City at 12Z (HWM). Ship highlight: 35kt E with pressure of 1005mb at
19N, 86W at 1200 UTC (HWM); 20kt WSW with pressure of 994mb at 16.7N, 87.5W at
0000 UTC (COA). “It was central on the evening of the 9th a short distance east
of Belize” (MWR).
Oct 11- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 17N, 88W. HURDAT lists
this as a Tropical Storm at 18.6N, 90.4W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of
Cyclones showed a center near 18.5N, 89W. Station highlight: 35 kt N with pressure
of 1008mb at Vera Cruz (19.2N, 96.1W) at 1200 UTC (HWM); 10 kt S and 1003 mb at
Belize City at 12Z (HWM). Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures. “It continued
to move slowly westward until the 11th, when it was central near Carmen (Mexico)” (MWR).
Oct 12- HWM indicates two closed lows – one near 17N 89W with at most 1005 mb
pressure and another near 16N 94W in the Northeast Pacific with at most 1005 mb
pressure. HWM also shows a stationary front in the Gulf of Mexico north of the
first low. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm at 18.9N, 91.4W at 12 UTC. The
MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 19N, 91.5W. Station highlight:
45 kt N with pressure of 1006 mb at Vera Cruz at 1200 UTC (HWM); 15 kt SE and
1004 mb at Belize City at 12Z (HWM). Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Oct 13- HWM indicates a broad trough of low pressure over southern Mexico to the
Yucatan of Mexico with a stationary front just north of Yucatan. HURDAT lists this
at a Tropical Storm at 19.7N, 92.9w at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones
showed a center near 19.5N, 94W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Oct 14- HWM indicates a low near 23N, 97W with a warm front extending east and a cold
front extending south of the cyclone’s center. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm
with 45kt winds at 23N, 95.3W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed
a center near 24N, 96W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight:
10 kt SSE and 1002 mb at 20.7N 93.3W at 12Z (COA). “It then turned more toward the
northwestward, and on the 14th, 8 a. m., it was located about 200 miles southeast
of Brownsville” (MWR).
Oct 15- HWM indicates a low near 25N, 93W with a warm front extending east and a cold
front extending south of the cyclone’s center. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm
with 40kt winds at 28.6N, 92.8W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed
a center near 28N, 94W. Station highlight: 39kt SE at Pensacola (30.4N, 87.2W) no time
given (MWR); 991 mb (min pressure) at Gulfport, MS (no time given) (Connnor). Ship
highlight: 30 kt SE with pressure of 1004mb at 28N, 88N at 1200 UTC (HWM); 15kt SSE
with pressure of 999mb at 28.7N, 91.2W at 2100 UTC (MWR). “By 8 p. m. of the 14th …
information placed the center about 150 miles east by south of Brownsville. During
the next 12 hours the disturbance advanced northeastward and on the morning of the
15th was located about 120 miles southeast of Galveston … The disturbance moved inland
across the Louisiana coast during the afternoon of the 15th. While attended by gales
no winds of hurricane force were reported at any time during its history” (MWR).
“Tropical cyclones in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama – Oct. 15, Louisiana and
Mississippi, Minor [“Minor” indicates less than hurricane intensity]” (Dunn and Miller).
Oct 16- HWM indicates this as a closed low of at most 1000mb near 30.5N, 87.5W with a
warm front extending east and a cold front extending south of the cyclone’s center.
HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 31.8N, 88.2W at 12 UTC. The
MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 32N, 88.5W with pressure of 995mb.
Station highlight: 33 kt SE (max wind) at Charleston (no time given) (MWR); 20 kt S
and 996 mb at Pensacola at 12Z (HWM); 15 kt W and 997 mb at Burrwood at 12Z (HWM).
Ship highlight: 45 kt SW (unknown time), 35 kt SSW and 995 mb at 07Z at 28.6N 88.9W
(MWR); 35 kt SW and 996 mb at 28.7N 87.9W at 12Z (COA); 35 kt SSW and 996 mb at
29.3N 87.8W at 12Z (COA); 25 kt WSW and 990 mb at 28.0N 87.8W at 12Z (COA).
Oct 17 – HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000 mb near 34N 86W with a warm front
extending east-northeast and a cold front extending south from the center of the cyclone.
HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Depression at 34.4N 85.4W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of
Centers of Cyclones showed both a center near 34N 86W with a 996 mb pressure and new
center forming near 35N 81W with a 1001 mb pressure. Station highlight: 32 kt SE
(max wind) at Elkins (no time given) (MWR); 10 kt S and 997 mb at Atlanta, GA at 12Z
(HWM). Ship highlight: 20 kt W and 999 mb at 28.3N 88.0W at 00Z (COA).
Oct 18 – HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005 mb near 36N 79W with a warm front
extending east from the cyclone’s center and a stationary front extending south. HURDAT
lists this as a Tropical Depression at 37.3N 82.7W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers
of Cyclones shows two centers – one at 37N 83W with 1006 mb pressure and a second one at
38N 78W with 1005 mb pressure. Station highlight: 10 kt NNW and 1004 mb at Asheville, NC
at 12Z (HWM). Ship highlight: 35 kt SSE and 1007 mb at 00Z at 36.2N 74.8W (COA).
Oct 19 – HWM indicates an elongated low of at most 1010 mb near 37N 73W with a stationary
front extending east-northeast and a dissipating cold front extending south from the
cyclone’s center. HURDAT no longer listed this system on the 19th. The MWR Track of
Centers of Cyclones had dissipated the original low and continued the secondary low
center near 38N 73W with 1009 mb pressure. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 5 kt SSW and 1005 mb pressure at 37.5N 76.5W at 01Z (COA).
Genesis begun at 00Z on the 7th of October in the western Caribbean, twelve hours earlier
than shown in HURDAT originally. Minor track changes are introduced from the 8th until
the dissipation of this cyclone on the 18th. A ship reported 45 kt and 999 mb on the 7th.
The observation appears to be inconsistent with the other measurements that show an
elongated west-east trough, all of which show winds 10-15 kt and pressures 1008-1010 mb.
Additionally, the ship only reported once in the several days of this system’s lifetime,
which is suspicious (most ships report once daily or four times a day) and also does not
allow for inspection of a time series for the ship. Thus this ship’s observation is
discarded. A ship – “US097284” – from COADS provided hourly observations with peak
observations of 45 kt SE at 19Z on the 9th and 982 mb with SSE winds (of unknown magnitude)
at 21Z. The ship also reported a twenty hour pressure drop of 19 mb (from 1001 down to
982 mb). Yet the highest wind reported from the ship from its hourly observations was
45 kt, despite several pressure readings below 995 mb, the lowest of which (at the time
of the 45 kt measurement) was 987 mb. Moreover, comparison of these observations with
nearby ships – especially ship “Car.” in the HWM that had nearly the same wind speed and
same direction at a location about 20 nm apart - suggests that these pressures were likely
low biased by about 7-9 mb. Thus 990 mb may be the likely true lowest pressure provided
by this ship, which suggests maximum winds of at least 64 kt from the Brown et al. south of
25N pressure-wind relationship. Because of the slow motion and low environmental
pressures, the intensity is analyzed at 18Z on the 9th and 00Z on the 10th to be 60 kt,
slightly lower than suggested by the pressure-wind relationship. These are major changes
upward in intensity at these times (originally 40 kt) and the intensity is gradually
ramped up from late on the 8th to early on the 9th accordingly.
The cyclone continued west-northwestward and made landfall near the border of Belize and
Mexico near 18.1N 87.9W at 04Z on the 10th with peak winds of 60 kt. After landfall in
Central America on the 10th, the synoptic situation became somewhat complex, though
additional observations available from the Mexican synoptic maps helped to reduce the
uncertainty in the system’s evolution. At 12Z the 11th, the Historical Weather Map
indicates an elongated low pressure area with continued low pressure near Belize City
(with 1003 mb) but also with 1003 mb on the Pacific coast of Mexico near the Gulf of
Tehauntepec as well. Further complicating the picture, winds in the Bay of Campeche
reached gale force out of the north. This same pattern continued on the 12th. The
interpretation is that the tropical cyclone moved quite slowly after landfall and
remained near Belize while a second low pressure system was trying to develop in the
Northeast Pacific near the Gulf of Tehauntepec. The gale force northerlies in the Bay
of Campeche were likely a combined result of the secondary low pressure along with cold
air advection from behind an (unanalyzed) cold front extending across the Gulf of Mexico.
By the 13th, unfortunately, the Mexican observations were incomplete in the likely
location of the cyclone, though available data are not incompatible with the tropical
cyclone entering the Gulf of Mexico, as suggested originally by HURDAT. Thus the revised
data slowly weakens the system after landfall in Central America and brings it to tropical
depression status by 12Z on the 11th as it moved slowly west-southwestward on that date
and due westward on the 12th. HURDAT had originally brought the tropical cyclone into
Central America with a 40 kt intensity and maintained it as a 35 kt minimal tropical
storm for the next two days while remaining over land. A ship observed 10 kt SSE and
1002 mb at 12Z on the 14th, which suggests at least 43 kt from the south of 25N
pressure-wind relationship – 40 kt is chosen for that time because of the low
environmental pressure (down from 45 kt originally). The system is brought back up
to tropical storm intensity by 12Z on the 13th, about 12 hours after the center may
have moved over the Gulf of Mexico. The Historical Weather Maps depict frontal
boundaries in direct association with the cyclone on the 14th. However, despite some
elongation of the wind circulation and some baroclinicity, the system is still judged
to have been a tropical cyclone at that date. However, around 18Z on the 15th the
cyclone had clearly transitioned to an extratropical cyclone and this transition is
analyzed to have occurred at that time. Indicating an extratropical stage is a major
change as the previous HURDAT kept it as a tropical cyclone throughout its lifetime.
The system did become somewhat stronger as it was transitioning to an extratropical
storm over the Gulf of Mexico. Late on the 15th and early on the 16th, the highest
observed winds were 45 kt from a ship and 39 kt from Pensacola and lowest pressures
were 990 mb from a ship and 991 mb from Gulfport, MS. Winds are boosted to 50 kt
(from 40 kt originally) up until 00Z on the 16th, which is just after landfall of
the extratropical cyclone on the Gulf coast. The extratropical cyclone retained
minimal gale force winds late on the 16th until the 18th over the southeastern U.S.
with a few stations and ship reports up to 35 kt. Winds in HURDAT are thus
increased for these dates with increases at 06 and 12Z on the 18th being major
upward revisions (from 15 to 35 kt). On late on the 17th, a secondary center in
the extratropical cyclone began forming to the southeast of the original center,
as depicted in the Monthly Weather Review Tracks of Centers of Cyclones and in the
Historical Weather Maps. After 12Z on the 18th, this secondary center had replaced
with original one and the system continued for several more days off to the
northeast as a vigorous extratropical storm. However, since the original center
had dissipated after 12Z on the 18th, the lifetime of the system that began as a
tropical cyclone is ended at that point. This scenario is in general agreement
with the original HURDAT and the Monthly Weather Review. Dissipation is
indicated to be six hours earlier than the original HURDAT.
(Previous paragraph included about extreme uncertainties has been removed, as the
additional observations available from the Mexican synoptic maps help to confirm
the evolution suggested by the reanalysis.)
*******************************************************************************
1932 Storm #12 – 2012 Revision
26045 10/08/1932 M= 5 9 SNBR= 578 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
26045 10/08/1932 M= 5 12 SNBR= 578 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
**
26050 10/08* 0 0 0 0*218 563 35 0*228 581 35 0*233 589 35 0
26050 10/08*236 570 30 0*238 577 35 0*240 585 35 0*242 593 35 0
*** *** ** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26055 10/09*238 596 35 0*244 602 35 0*251 608 40 0*260 614 40 0
26055 10/09*245 601 35 0*249 608 35 0*255 615 40 0*265 620 40 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26060 10/10*271 620 40 0*293 625 45 0*314 629 45 0*324 630 45 0
26060 10/10*280 623 40 0*298 626 45 0*314 629 45 0*324 632 50 0
*** *** *** *** *** **
26065 10/11*334 630 45 0*345 630 40 0*357 628 40 0*372 620 35 0
26065 10/11*332 635 50 0*339 637 50 0*348 635 50 0*363 625 45 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26070 10/12*390 605 35 0*418 565 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
26070 10/12*385 607 45 0E415 575 40 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
*** *** ** **** *** **
26075 TS
Major changes to the track and minor changes to the intensity shown in McAdie et al.
(2009), originally storm #9. Another major alteration is the introduction of an
extratropical cyclone stage at the last position of the system. Evidence for these
alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps series, the COADS ship database,
and the Monthly Weather Review.
Oct 7- HWM indicates no features of interest northeast of the Lesser Antilles.
Station highlight: No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Oct 8- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 24.5N, 58W. HURDAT lists
this as a Tropical Storm at 22.8N, 58.1W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: No gales
or low pressures. Ship highlight: 25 kt SSE and 1010 mb at 24.5N 57.0W (HWM, COA).
Oct 9- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 26N, 59W. HURDAT lists this
as a Tropical Storm at 25.1N, 60.8W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones
showed a center near 23N, 55W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Oct 10- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 30N, 63W. HURDAT lists
this as a Tropical Storm at 31.4N, 62.9W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of
Cyclones showed a center near 31N, 62W with pressure of 998mb. Station highlight:
20kt N with pressure of 1002mb at Bermuda (32.3N, 64.8W) at 1200 UTC (HWM). Ship
highlight: 45kt ENE at 31.1N, 61.4W before 0900 UTC (MWR).
Oct 11- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000mb near 35N, 65W with an
approaching cold front east of the cyclone. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm
with 40kt winds at 35.7N, 62.8W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones
showed a center near 36N, 62W. Station highlight: 35kt W with pressure of 1002mb at
Bermuda at 1200 UTC (HWM). Ship highlight: 30kt S with pressure of 997mb at 34.5N,
63.3W at 1200 UTC (COA).
Oct 12 – HWM indicates a cold front extending south of Newfoundland. HURDAT lists
this as a Tropical Storm at 41.8N 56.5W at its last position at 06 UTC. The MWR
Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 43N 55W. Station highlight:
No gales. Ship highlights: 35 kt SSW and 1006 mb at 39.0N 53.8W at 12Z (COA);
15 kt WSW and 999 mb at 44.5N 55.5W at 18Z (COA).
Genesis of this system is begun six hours than originally shown in HURDAT, as a
30 kt tropical depression. The initial position is repositioned toward the
northwest based upon a ship observation near the cyclone, with a major change
introduced at 06Z (which is the only major track change for this system). Minor
track alterations are introduced for the remainder of the cyclone’s lifetime.
A 1002 mb peripheral pressure accompanied by 20 kt N winds at Bermuda at 12Z on
the 10th suggests maximum winds of at least 40 kt from the north of 25N Brown et
al. pressure-wind relationship. Winds of 45 kt are retained in HURDAT on the
10th (and are unchanged from genesis on the 8th to 12Z on the 10th). A ship with
997 mb peripheral pressure with simultaneous 30 kt S winds at 12Z on the 11th
suggests at least 49 kt maximum winds from the north of 25N and at least 53 kt
from the Landsea et al. north of 35N pressure-wind relationships. Given the low
environmental pressures, the intensity is analyzed at 50 kt at 12Z on the 11th
(up from 40 kt originally), which is the new peak intensity for this system
(previously 45 kt). Late on the 11th and early on the 12th, the cyclone recurved
north then northeastward over the open Atlantic. The system weakened on the 12th,
but not as quickly as that shown originally in HURDAT. By 06Z on the 12th, the
cyclone had transitioned to an extratropical cyclone before being absorbed in a
strong cold frontal boundary. There are some indications – especially from the
9th to the 11th – that the cyclone had some subtropical cyclone characteristics
and may have been classified as such if satellite imagery were available back
in 1932.
*******************************************************************************
1932 Storm #13 – 2012 Addition
26080 10/18/1932 M= 4 13 SNBR= 579 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
26160 10/18*255 420 35 0*272 425 40 0*290 430 45 0*310 435 50 0
26160 10/19*326 436 55 0*340 434 60 0*350 430 60 0*355 422 55 0
26160 10/20*357 410 50 0*359 396 45 0*360 380 40 0*358 364 35 0
26160 10/21*353 350 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
26165 TS
This is a new tropical storm, not previously included in HURDAT or McAdie et al. (2009).
Evidence for the existence of this system comes from the Monthly Weather Review,
the Historical Weather Map series, and the COADS ship database.
Oct 17- HWM indicates a dissipating stationary front extending from 40N40W to 25N48W.
Station highlight: No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
“On the 17th a disturbance took definite form in a previously existent trough of low
pressure over mid-ocean, moved slowly northeastward past the Azores during the four
days that followed, and caused the strongest gale reported from the Atlantic area
during the month” (MWR).
Oct 18- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 31N, 43W. Station
highlight: No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: 35 kt SW and 1001 mb at 27.5N
42.5W at 12Z (COA); 50kt SE with pressure of 1004mb at 33.5N, 39.5W at 1800 UTC (COA).
Oct 19- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 34N, 43W with a dissipating
stationary front north of the cyclone. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 60kt NNW with pressure of 999mb at 36.8N, 45W at 0900 UTC (MWR);
50 kt N and 1005 mb at 35.5N 46.3W at 12Z (COA); 50 kt NNW and 1010 mb at 35.9N
47.9W at 12Z (HWM).
Oct 20- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 34N, 38W with a cold front
northeast of the cyclone. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Oct 21 – HWM indicates a trough of low pressure in the vicinity of 27N, 42W to
29N, 32W. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
This tropical storm began along a preexisting frontal boundary over the open Atlantic
Ocean. The system began around 00Z on the 18th of October, at which time the
baroclinicity had diminished and at 12Z on that day the cyclone exhibited a fairly
symmetric, though large circulation. Numerous gales and low pressures were recorded
from ships on the 18th and 19th. A 1001 mb peripheral pressure simultaneous with
35 kt SW winds at 12Z on the 18th suggests maximum winds of at least 42 kt from the
Brown et al. north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. Another ship at 18Z on the
same date reported 50 kt SE winds. The intensity is analyzed at 45 kt at 12Z and
50 kt at 18Z on the 18th. A 60 kt NNE wind and 999 mb pressure were reported by a
ship at 09Z on the 19th. This pressure suggests winds of at least 50 kt from the
Landsea et al. north of 35N pressure-wind relationship. Winds are analyzed to be
60 kt at 06 and 12Z on the 19th, which is the peak intensity for the cyclone.
Weakening likely commenced late on the 19th and no gales or low pressures were
observed on the 20th or 21st. The system dissipated after 00Z on the 21st though
observations are sparse on this date, so it is possible that the system continued
slightly longer than indicated here. It should be noted that the MWR summary for
this system differs considerably from the assessment described here, as this cyclone
did not “move slowly northeastward past the Azores”. This system, if observed with
satellite imagery available today, might have been considered a subtropical cyclone.
*******************************************************************************
1932 Storm #14 – 2012 Revision
26080 10/30/1932 M=16 10 SNBR= 579 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
26080 10/30/1932 M=16 14 SNBR= 579 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
**
26085 10/30* 0 0 0 0*177 546 35 0*176 563 35 0*175 572 35 0
26085 10/30* 0 0 0 0*150 554 25 0*150 563 25 0*150 572 30 0
*** *** ** *** ** *** **
26090 10/31*173 582 40 0*171 593 40 0*167 605 45 0*162 617 50 0
26090 10/31*149 582 30 0*149 593 30 0*148 605 30 0*148 617 35 0
*** ** *** ** *** ** *** **
26095 11/01*157 628 55 0*152 640 60 0*147 651 65 0*142 662 70 0
26095 11/01*147 630 40 0*146 645 45 0*145 660 50 0*143 672 55 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26100 11/02*138 673 70 0*135 683 75 0*133 691 75 0*131 697 80 0
26100 11/02*141 682 60 0*139 690 65 0*137 695 70 0*135 700 75 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26105 11/03*130 703 80 0*130 708 85 0*129 713 85 0*129 721 85 0
26105 11/03*134 705 80 0*133 710 85 0*133 715 85 0*134 721 85 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26110 11/04*129 729 90 0*130 737 90 0*131 744 90 0*132 750 90 0
26110 11/04*135 729 90 0*137 737 90 0*138 744 90 0*138 750 100 0
*** *** *** *** ***
26115 11/05*133 756 95 0*135 764 95 0*137 772 95 0*139 780 100 0
26115 11/05*138 758 110 0*139 768 120 0*140 778 130 0*141 785 140 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26120 11/06*141 787 100 0*143 792 100 0*144 795 105 0*146 799 105 0
26120 11/06*142 789 150 0*143 792 150 0*144 795 150 0*146 798 150 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26125 11/07*148 802 105 0*150 804 105 0*153 807 110 0*158 809 110 0
26125 11/07*149 801 145 0*152 804 145 0*155 807 145 0*158 809 145 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26130 11/08*164 811 110 0*171 811 110 0*177 810 110 0*183 808 115 0
26130 11/08*162 811 140 0*167 811 140 0*173 810 140 0*181 808 140 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26135 11/09*189 806 115 0*195 803 115 0*202 797 115 0*214 784 115 0
26135 11/09*191 806 135 0*200 798 135 0*208 789 130 918*215 777 120 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26140 11/10*227 769 110 0*235 756 105 0*244 742 100 0*253 726 95 0
26140 11/10*221 765 115 0*230 753 110 0*238 740 105 0*246 725 100 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26145 11/11*262 709 90 0*271 694 90 0*281 680 85 0*290 668 85 0
26145 11/11*254 713 95 0*263 703 90 0*273 693 85 0*283 682 85 0
*** *** ** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26150 11/12*299 656 80 0*307 645 80 0*315 635 75 0*330 619 75 0
26150 11/12*293 670 85 0*303 657 85 0*313 643 85 0*326 623 80 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26155 11/13*350 596 70 0*373 564 65 0*393 533 60 0*402 507 60 0
26155 11/13*345 600 75 0*370 568 70 0*393 533 60 0*402 500 60 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** ***
26160 11/14E403 480 55 0E402 453 50 0E400 427 45 0E398 389 45 0
26160 11/14E403 470 55 0E402 435 50 0E400 400 45 0E398 360 45 0
*** *** *** ***
26165 HR
Major changes to the track and intensity shown in McAdie et al. (2009), originally storm #10.
Another major change is to delay the transition to a tropical storm by 36 hours after genesis.
Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps series, the COADS ship
database, Monthly Weather Review, the Original Monthly Records, the Nassau Guardian (provided
by Rodger Demeritte of the Bahamian Weather Serrice), Millas (1933), Tannehill (1952),
Tucker (1995), and Perez et al. (2000).
Oct 30- HWM shows no features of interest east of the Lesser Antilles. HURDAT lists this as
a Tropical Storm at 17.6N, 56.3W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures. “The first evidence of this cyclone circulation was noted
on October 30 about 200 miles east of the island of Guadeloupe, West Indies” (MWR).
Oct 31- HWM indicates a closed low with at most 1010mb near 15N, 63W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm at 16.7N, 60.5W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures. Ship
highlight: No gales or low pressures. “The disturbance, which was yet of slight intensity,
passed over or near Guadeloupe during the 31st” (MWR).
Nov 1- HWM indicates a closed low with at most 1005mb near 13N, 67W. HURDAT lists this as a
Category 1 hurricane at 14.7N, 65.1W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 20 kt N and 1002 mb at 14.5N 71.5W at 18Z (COA).
Nov 2- HWM indicates a closed low with at most 1005mb near 13.5N, 70W. HURDAT lists this as a
Category 1 hurricane at 13.3N, 69.1W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 25 kt W and 1002 mb at 12.5N 69.5W at 12Z (Millas); 10 kt NNW and 1002 mb at 12.5N 74.5W
at 18Z (COA). “During the next two days [1st and 2nd] its direction of movement was unexpected,
and, for this low latitude, unprecedented. Instead of passing westward a short distance south of
Puerto Rico, it moved almost directly southwestward, apparently reaching hurricane intensity on
November 2, at is was central approximately 75 miles north of Willemstad, Curacao, Dutch West
Indies, the morning of that date” (MWR).
Nov 3- HWM indicates a closed low with at most 1005mb near 11.5N, 72W. HURDAT lists this as a
Category 2 hurricane at 12.9N, 71.3W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 40 kt ENE with pressure of 1000mb at 14.5N, 71.5W at 1200 UTC (HWM); 45 kt ENE and
1004 mb at 15.5N 71.5W at 12Z (COA). “The next day its center passed westward about 50 miles
north of Punta Gallinas, Columbia, the northernmost point of South America … Press dispatches
indicate that some damage resulted along the northern coasts of Venezuela and Columbia” (MWR).
Nov 4- HWM indicates a closed low with at most 1005mb near 13.5N, 74W. HURDAT lists this as a
Category 2 hurricane at 13.1N, 74.4W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 35 kt W with pressure of 1008mb at 12N, 74.7W at 1200 UTC (HWM).
Nov 5- HWM indicates a closed low with at most 995mb near 13.5N, 78.5W. HURDAT lists this as a
Category 2 hurricane at 13.7N, 77.2W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 70 kt (force 12) NE at 14N 79W at 19Z (Tannehill); 35 kt NW with pressure of 990mb at
14N, 78.5W at 1200 UTC (HWM). “For three days – November 2 to November 5, inclusive – the
disturbance moved very slowly westward with steadily increasing intensity” (MWR). “The S.S.
Phemius, on voyage from Savannah to Colon, became involved in the center of the storm on
November 5, was severely damaged, and was carried in an unmanageable condition along with the
hurricane during the four succeeding days, or until the storm reached Cuba…the observing officer,
Mr.H. Nicholas, secured readings from a standard mercurial barometer placed on the ship by the
British Meteorological Service… ‘At 2 p.m. [November 5, 1932] the wind shifted to N.E. blowing
with hurricane force accompanied by blinding squalls and a very high sea. The barometer was then
falling rapidly reaching the low point of 914.6 mb [27.01 inches] by 8 p.m. A fierce hurricane
was blowing a very high sea running. The ship was enveloped in spindrift, reducing the visibility
to Nil, the No. 1 hatch not being visible from the bridge. The vessel was rolling heavily, the
helm being of little use. So great was the force of the wind that shortly before 8 p.m. the funnel
was blown overboard. The ship was rendered helpless and from then on was carried with the hurricane
in an unmanageable state. It would not be overestimating to put the wind force at 200 miles per
hour. Hatches were blown overboard like matchwood, derricks and lifeboats wrecked, upper and lower
bridges blown in. [additional extracts continue for two more days]’ ” (Tannehill).
Nov 6- HWM indicates a closed low with at most 995mb near 14N, 80W. HURDAT lists this as a
Category 3 hurricane at 14.4N, 79.5W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 70 kt (force 12) NE with pressure of 915mb at 14N, 79W at 0100 UTC (Tannehill).
“…just as the disturbance started [6th] to recurve to the north” (MWR). “At 4 a.m. barometer
927.9 mb. [27.40 inches], wind S.S.E. force 12. Precipitous sea. The sea lay heading southwest
laboring heavily and rolling through an arc of 70 degrees. 8 a.m. barometer 938.0 mb.
[27.70 inches], wind S.E. 12. Conditions remained unchanged. Shortly after 8 a.m. the barometer
commended to fall and at 9:30 a.m. was reading 921.1 mb. the wind remaining steady in force
and direction” (Tannehill).
Nov 7- HWM indicates a closed low with at most 990mb near 15N, 81W. HURDAT lists this as a
Category 3 hurricane at 15.3N, 80.7W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: 30kt W with pressure of 998mb
at C. Gracias (15N, 83.1W) at 1200 UTC (HWM). Ship highlights: 70 kt (force 12) SSE and 952 mb at
17Z (no position) (Tannehill); 70 kt (force 12) WNW at 15.6N, 81.5W no time given (MWR); 60kt NW
with pressure of 980mb at 15.6N, 81.5W at 1700 UTC (MWR). “The statement in the log that the ship
was carried along with the hurricane is evidently correct for the following conditions were noted
at noon of the 7th … ‘By noon [7th] the barometer had again fallen. The reading being 951.6 mb.
[28.10 inches], wind S.S.E., hurricane force. Precipitous seas.”
Nov 8- HWM indicates a closed low with at most 990mb near 16.5N, 82.5W. HURDAT lists this as a
Category 3 hurricane at 17.7N, 81W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: 65 kt NE and 989 mb at 17Z at Cayman
Islands (Millas); 20 kt NE with pressure of 999mb at Swan Island (17.5N, 83.9W) at 1200 UTC (HWM).
Ship highlight: 70 kt NW with pressure of 947mb at 17N, 80W at 0800 UTC (MWR). “the damage on the
island of Jamaica was comparatively small, except that there was over a 50 per cent loss to banana
trees in some localities” (MWR).
Nov 9- HWM indicates a closed low with at most 990mb near 20.5N, 79W. A cold front is approaching the
cyclone from the northwest. HURDAT lists this as a Category 4 hurricane at 20.2N, 79.7W at 12 UTC.
The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 21N, 79W with pressure of 950mb. Station
highlight: 939 mb at Cayman Brac (no time given) at 19.7N, 79.8W (Perez et al.); 940 mb at Nuevitas
at 2145Z at 21.5N, 77.3W (Millas, Perez et al.); 944 mb at Camaguey at 1730Z at 21.4N, 77.9W (Millas,
Perez et al.); 953 mb at Agramonte at 16-17Z at 21.4N 77.8W (Millas). Ship highlight: 45kt SW with
pressure of 1003mb at 17.4N, 79.4W at 1300 UTC (COA); 20kt NE with pressure of 999mb at 24.8N, 80.6W
at 1200 UTC (COA). “During the night of the 8th-9th the storm recurved to the northeast and began
to move more rapidly, the center passing near Cayman Brac on the early morning of the 9th. Later in
the forenoon it passed inland over Cuba near Santa Cruz del Sur and between 1 p. m. and 2 p. m., it
passed to sea again near Nueviatas, where a barometer reading of 28.85 inches [977 mb] and an
estimated wind velocity of 125 miles per hour were reported … [some damage resulted] on Providence
Island and Cayman Brac in the western Caribbean Sea. On Providence Island 36 houses were reported
destroyed and crops ruined, while on Cayman Brac 69 persons were reported killed, hundreds were
injured, and the island almost completely devastated. The storm damage at Santa Cruz del Sur, Cuba,
reached the proportions of a major catastrophe. According to the Associated Press the number of
deaths reached 2,500 and less than 10 per cent of the town’s 4,000 inhabitants escaped unhurt. The
survivors stated that the hurricane began about 3 a. m. of the 9th, later driving the sea into the
town and ‘converting it into a great lake,’ with scarcely a house left standing. Damages are
estimated tentatively at several millions of dollars.” (MWR). “At Nuevitas an experienced observer
of the Pan American Airways estimated the wind velocity of 210 miles an hour which agrees closely
with the statement in the log of the S.S. Phemius that it was not overestimating to put the wind
force at two hundred mile an hour” (Tannehill). “Huracan de Santa Cruz del Sur – Terrible disaster,
peak observed storm surge of 6.8 m, 3,500 fatalities.” Using the Schloemer equation, 918 mb
(using 944 mb peripheral pressure at Camaguey) and 917 mb (using 940 mb peripheral pressure at
Nuevitas) were obtained. Furthermore, runs were made with the Cuban storm surge model – MONSAC3.1
– with a 918 mb central pressure at landfall and radius of maximum wind of 32 nm – obtained a close
match to the observed storm surge in Santa Cruz del Sur. Analyzed maximum 1 min winds are 137 kt
(Perez et al.). “Miami, 2p.m. - Gray advises barometer at Nuevitas 28.85 at 1.30p.m.
No further information available from there” (Nassau Guardian).
Nov 10- HWM indicates a closed low with at most 985mb near 24N, 73.5W with a dissipating cold front
northwest of the cyclone. HURDAT lists this as a Category 3 hurricane at 24.4N, 74.2W at 12 UTC. The
MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 24N, 74W with pressure of 962mb. Station
highlight: 956 mb (min pressure) at 07 UTC at Long Island, Bahamas (23.1N, 75.0W) (Nassau Guardian);
999 mb (min pressure) at unknown time and 60 kt (max winds) at 07 UTC at Cat Island (24.3N, 75.4W)
(Nassau Guardian). Ship highlight: 50 kt W with pressure of 1004mb at 21N, 73.5W at 12 UTC (HWM);
40 kt ESE with pressure of 990mb at 24.2N, 72.5W at 1200 UTC (HWM). “The Commissioner at Clarence
Town telegraphed on Thursday that a severe hurricane had passed over Long Island between 9p.m. on
Wednesday [the 9th] and 7a.m. on Thursday [the 10th], the wind, which was from the southeast, blowing
hardest between 10 and 11 o’clock. The lowest barometer reading at 2a.m. Thursday 28.23 [956 mb].
At about 3.15 the wind change and blew from south-west. Many kitchen and barns were blown down and a
number of houses were damaged. There was slight damage to public buildings at Clarence Town, but at
Galloway they were destroyed. Crops are badly damaged…. A report from Cat Island on Thursday said
that the Commissioner had been at Port Howe during the storm but had returned to the Bight at mid-day
on Thursday. The barometer at the Bight fell during the storm to 29.50 [999 mb]. The highest wind
velocity at 2a.m. Thursday was 70 miles per hour… The operator at the Bight reported that Rum Cay was
almost destroyed, many houses being down… The Commissioner at George Town reported that 11 houses are
down and 14 badly damaged. Crops are totally destroyed… Further information given by Mr. E. C. Mosely
shows that from the records of the barometer readings and wind directions taken by the Commissioner at
Exuma, the storm appears to have passed Exuma to the northeast. From observations from the air it was
clearly apparent that the wind velocity was stronger towards the eastern end of Exuma and it is estimated
that the wind reached a velocity of 80 or 90 miles per hour in that vicinity. Georgetown experienced the
worst part of the storm between 11p.m. of the 9th and 2a.m. of the 10th… The Commissioner reported
considerable damage to the Government Wharf [in Inagua] and to surrounding areas, including a portion of
the front street, sustained on the night of the 9th instant. Most of the damage is attributed to very
heavy seas” (Nassau Guardian – 12 November 1932).
Nov 11- HWM indicates a closed low with at most 990mb near 28.5N, 68W with a cold front north of the
cyclone. HURDAT lists this as a Category 2 hurricane at 28.1N, 68W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers
of Cyclones showed a center near 28N, 68W with pressure of 957mb. Station highlight: No gales or low
pressures. Ship highlight: 70 kt S with pressure of 973mb at 27.6N, 68.8W at 2100 UTC (MWR);
50kt SE with pressure of 965mb at 25.3N, 71.4W at 0100 UTC (MWR).
Nov 12- HWM indicates a closed low with at most 985mb near 30.5N, 64W with a stationary front northwest
of the cyclone. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 hurricane at 31.5N, 63.5W at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of
Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 33N, 63W. Station highlight: 76kt at St. Georges, Bermuda (32.4N,
64.7W) at forenoon (MWR); pressure of 972mb at St. Georges, Bermuda at 1200 UTC (Tucker). Ship highlight:
45 kt W with pressure of 978mb at 30.5N, 64W at 1200 UTC (HWM). “The hurricane was nearest Bermuda at
10.20 A.M. when the centre was eighty miles SE. The disturbance then veered to the east and later on
Saturday afternoon was one hundred miles east of the islands…As the hurricane approached, howling gusts
of wind played havoc with telephone and electric light cables, and branches of trees” (Tucker).
Nov 13- HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm at 39.3N, 53.3W at 12 UTC with a stationary front just
west of the cyclone. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 39N, 53W with pressure
of 990mb. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: 50kt SSW with pressure of 995mb
at 39.3N, 52.2W at 12 UTC (MWR); 45 kt S with pressure of 991mb at 39.5N, 51.5W at 12 UTC (HWM).
“During the next several days [10th to 13th] the storm moved almost directly northeastward, and finally
merged on the 13th with an extensive disturbance that passed eastward over the Canadian maritime
Provinces and Newfoundland during the 12th-13th” (MWR).
Nov 14- HWM indicates a low with at most 1010mb near 40N, 42W with a warm front extending north and a
cold front extending west of the cyclone’s center. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm at 40N, 42.7W
at 12 UTC. The MWR Track of Centers of Cyclones showed a center near 48.5N, 43W with pressure of 1002mb.
Station highlights: no gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: 35kt WNW with pressure of 1015 mb at
42.9N 45.1W at 12 UTC (COA).
Other notes: “This storm was remarkable not only for its great intensity so late in the hurricane season,
but also because of its unusual path during its early history and its moving into the Caribbean Sea at
least two weeks later than any other tropical disturbance of hurricane intensity during the last 50 or
more years” (MWR).
There is no change to the genesis timing of this major (and catastrophic) hurricane. The lowest observed
pressure in the Lesser Antilles on the 31st of October was 1008 mb at Port Castries, St. Lucia, and the
maximum 24 hour pressure falls in the area were south of Guadeloupe, which is where the original track
and the Monthly Weather Review suggest the center was. Major southward adjustments to the track of the
cyclone are thus made for the 30th and 31st. Minor track changes are introduced for the remainder of the
cyclone’s life cycle while it was a tropical cyclone. Observations from the Lesser Antilles on the 31st
also indicate that the system was likely a tropical depression while crossing the islands. Cyclone is
begun as a tropical depression and tropical storm intensity is now achieved at 18Z on the 31st, 36 hours
later than originally indicated. A ship with 1002 mb peripheral pressure and 20 kt N winds at 18Z on the
1st of November. Given that the ship reported 1002-1003 mb for four observations during the 1st at a
location about 300 nm west of the cyclone, either the position of the ship is erroneous or the pressure
values are biased low. It is concluded that the latter is the case and these values are not utilized for
intensity changes. Given that there are no inner core measurements from the 1st until the 5th, the
intensity is begun at 00Z on the 1st as a 40 kt tropical storm (based upon evidence that the system was
still a tropical depression around 12Z on the 31st crossing the Lesser Antilles) and then ramping up
5 kt per each six hours until the original intensity in HURDAT is matched at 00Z on the 3rd at 80 kt.
This delays the onset of hurricane intensity by 18 hours, from 12Z on the 1st to 06Z on the 2nd. These
changes also agree with the assessments described in the Monthly Weather Review. From the 5th to the 7th,
a ship – the S.S. Phemius – was severely impacted by the hurricane. Fortunately, the ship (and crew)
survived and provided some extreme observations of the hurricane. At 01Z on the 6th, the ship reported
NE hurricane force (force 12) winds simultaneous with 915 mb peripheral pressure. (The ship never
reported being in the eye of the hurricane and the central pressure may have been substantially lower
than this already extremely deep value.) This pressure suggests maximum winds of at least 143 kt from
the south of 25N pressure-wind relationship. 150 kt is the analyzed intensity for the 6th, a major
increase from the 100-105 kt in HURDAT originally on that date. The intensity is revised upward late
on the 4th and on the 4th assuming a rather rapid intensification rate of 10 kt per 6 hours reaching
up to 150 kt by 00Z on the 6th. This then provides a major intensity change for the 5th as well.
The same ship reported a second minimum in pressure on the 7th with 952 mb and SSE hurricane force
winds, as the disabled crew were being carried along by the slow moving, recurving hurricane. A
separate ship recorded hurricane force winds with simultaneous 947 mb peripheral pressure on the 8th.
The Cayman Islands experienced a major hurricane strike, as Cayman Brac observed a 939 mb
peripheral pressure early on the 9th.
The hurricane made landfall on mainland Cuba around 14Z on the 9th near 21.1N 78.5W. Two other stations
recorded peripheral pressure measurements – 944 mb in Camaguey and 940 mb in Nuevitas. (The 977 mb
observed in Nuevitas mentioned in Monthly Weather Review was what was reported from Cuba to Miami
before the communication lines were lost – see fortuitous newspaper article from the Nassau Guardian.
940 mb was the observed minimum pressure at the station provided by Millas and Perez et al.)
The Perez et al. analysis obtained central pressure estimates at landfall in Cuba of 918 mb and 919 mb
from the Schloemer equation from the track and these two pressure readings, respectively.
The 918 mb central pressure, revised track, and a radius of maximum wind of 30-35 nm provided a
close match from a storm surge model to the observed 6.8 m storm surge in southern Cuba. This
pressure suggested maximum winds of 140 kt from the Brown et al. south of 25N pressure-wind relationship.
Given the rather large size (the RMW climatology for this latitude and central pressure would be 12 nm
– Vickery et al.), low environmental pressures (1008 mb outer closed isobar) and near average – 13 kt
– translational velocity, an intensity of 130 kt is analyzed for the landfall in Cuba. This is Category 4
on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale and is somewhat less than the 137 kt estimated by Perez et al,
but substantially higher than the 115 kt in HURDAT originally. (It is to be noted that the 210 mph
[~185 kt] winds estimated by the observer at the Pan American Airlines station in Nuevitas are not
credible. There is no way in the 1930s that observers could reliably calibrate winds visually estimated
above about 100 mph.) On the 7th to the 8th, no inner core observations were available, thus the
intensity analyzed simply interpolates between the better information available on the 5th and 9th.
Thus the maximum winds are indicated to be 145 kt on the 7th (up from 105-110 kt previously) and
140 kt on the 8th (up from 110-115 kt previously), both are major upward revisions. A reasonable
analogue to this hurricane would be Hurricane Katrina when it made landfall in the U.S. Gulf Coast,
where the intensity was reduced considerably from the typical pressure-wind relationship because
of the large RMW size of the cyclone.
After the hurricane was making landfall in Cuba, it began accelerating off toward the northeast,
exiting Cuba and making oceanfall over the Atlantic around 20Z on the 9th. The hurricane then
struck the central Bahamas and, as documented by the Nassau Guardian newspaper, severely affected
Long Island, Cat Island, Rum Cay, and Great Exuma. Observations from Clarence Town in Long Island
were most useful, as these indicated 956 mb peripheral pressure at 07 UTC on the 10th preceded by
SE winds and followed by SW winds. This pressure suggests winds of at least 105 kt from the south
of 25N Brown et al. pressure wind relationship (at least 102 kt from the subset of weakening
hurricanes). Given the fast translational speed (17 kt), intensity is analyzed to be 110 kt at
06 UTC and at landfall at 07 UTC near 23.5N 75.2W in Long Island, just north of Clarence Town.
This makes the hurricane a high end Category 3 hurricane, 5 kt stronger than originally estimated.
On the 11th, a ship measured a peripheral pressure of 965 mb with winds of SE 50 kt. This pressure
suggests maximum winds of at least 96 kt and 90 kt from the south and north of 25N pressure-wind
relationships, respectively (and at least 93 kt and 86 kt from the weakening subsets). Winds of
90 kt for 00Z on the 11th are analyzed, unchanged from the 90 kt originally. On the 12th, the
hurricane affected Bermuda. While on the weak side of the cyclone, Bermuda recorded peak winds
of 76 kt (forenoon) and minimum pressure of 972 mb at 12Z, while a ship just south of Bermuda
observed 978 mb with simultaneous 45 kt W winds at 12Z. 972 mb suggests winds of at least 82 kt
from the north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. Intensity of 85 kt is analyzed for 12Z (up from
75 kt originally) on the 12th, based upon the pressure-wind relationship. By the 13th, the cyclone
was becoming entangled with a large baroclinic system. A 991 mb peripheral pressure measurement
with simultaneous 45 kt S winds suggests maximum winds of at least 61 kt from the Landsea et al.
north of 35N pressure-wind relationship. The intensity at 12Z on the 13th is unchanged from
60 kt, as the environmental pressures were quite low (outer closed isobar of only about 1000 mb).
By 00Z on the 14th, the cyclone became extratropical in structure, which is unchanged from HURDAT
originally. Large changes to the final two positions in HURDAT on 12 and 18Z on the 14th are
introduced due to ship observations showing that the system was significantly farther east than
originally shown. The decaying extratropical cyclone dissipated after 18Z on the 14th,
not changed from HURDAT.
With the 3,500 fatalities, this hurricane - Huracan de Santa Cruz del Sur –
is the worst one ever experienced in Cuba.
*******************************************************************************
1932 Storm #15 – 2012 Revision
26170 11/03/1932 M= 8 11 SNBR= 580 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
26170 11/03/1932 M= 8 15 SNBR= 580 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
**
26175 11/03* 0 0 0 0*132 478 35 0*149 480 35 0*165 482 35 0
26175 11/03* 0 0 0 0*138 478 35 0*149 480 35 0*160 482 35 0
*** ***
26180 11/04*180 479 35 0*194 472 35 0*207 462 40 0*220 450 40 0
26180 11/04*170 479 35 0*180 472 35 0*190 462 40 0*200 454 40 0
*** *** *** *** ***
26185 11/05*230 440 40 0*237 437 40 0*244 439 45 0*251 443 45 0
26185 11/05*210 448 40 0*220 445 40 0*230 445 45 0*240 450 50 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** **
26190 11/06*257 448 45 0*261 451 50 0*263 456 50 0*265 461 55 0
26190 11/06*249 458 55 0*257 468 60 0*263 475 60 0*267 479 65 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** *** **
26195 11/07*267 466 55 0*270 473 55 0*275 480 60 0*282 480 65 0
26195 11/07*270 481 65 0*271 481 70 0*275 480 75 0*280 479 80 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** ** *** *** **
26200 11/08*291 474 70 0*306 464 75 0*322 454 80 0*328 450 85 0
26200 11/08*287 476 85 0*300 466 85 0*315 454 85 0*327 444 85 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** ***
26205 11/09*332 442 85 0*346 429 85 0*358 407 80 0*368 378 75 0
26205 11/09*336 436 85 0*344 429 85 0*350 420 80 0*356 400 75 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26210 11/10*373 348 70 0E375 318 65 0E376 287 65 0E377 260 60 0
26210 11/10*362 370 70 0E369 335 70 0E376 295 70 0E384 260 60 0
*** *** *** *** ** *** ** ***
26215 HR
Major changes to the track and minor changes to the intensity shown in McAdie et al. (2009),
originally storm #11. Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps
series, the COADS ship database, and the Monthly Weather Review.
Nov 3- The HWM shows no features of interest in the central Atlantic Ocean. HURDAT lists this
as a Tropical Storm at 14.9N, 48W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures. “…a second hurricane sprang up in lower middle Atlantic.
It was first observed with moderate gales, on the 3d, central near 15N, 48W. By a devious route
it cut its way northward against a bank of high pressure, gathering energy” (MWR).
Nov 4- HWM indicates a closed low with at most 1010mb near 16.5N, 47W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm at 20.7N, 46.2W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Nov 5- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 21N, 45W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical
Storm at 24.4N, 43.9W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 50kt NE with pressure of 1020mb at 27.5N, 50.5W at 1200 UTC (COA).
Nov 6- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 23.5N, 47W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical
Storm at 26.3N, 45.6W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 60kt NE at 29.5N, 50.5W at 0600 UTC (COA).
Nov 7- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 990mb near 27N, 49W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical
storm at 27.5N, 48W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 60kt NNE with pressure of 1007mb at 29.5N, 50.5W at 0000 UTC (COA);
60kt NE with pressure of 973mb at 29N, 48W at 2300 UTC (MWR).
Nov 8- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 980mb near 31.5N, 45.5W. HURDAT lists this as a
Category 1 hurricane at 32.2N, 45.4W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 50kt ENE with pressure of 1004mb at 34N, 46.5W at 1200 UTC (HWM);
45kt S with pressure of 992mb at 30.5N, 43.5W at 1200 UTC (HWM).
Nov 9- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 995mb near 35N, 42.5W with a warm front situated
northeast of the cyclone and a cold front located northwest of the cyclone. HURDAT lists this
as a Category 1 hurricane at 35.8N, 40.7W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Ship highlight: 50kt SW with pressure of 1006mb at 32.5N, 41.5W at 1200 UTC (HWM);
35kt WNW with pressure of 998mb at 32N, 44.8W at 1200 UTC (COA).
Nov 10-HWM indicates a closed low of at most 980mb near 38N, 29W with a warm front extending
northeast from the cyclone’s center and a cold front extending south from the cyclone’s center.
HURDAT lists this as an extratropical cyclone at 37.6N, 28.7W at 12 UTC. Station highlight: No
gales or low pressures. Ship highlight: 70kt NW at 36.7N, 29.8W at 1200 UTC (COA); 65kt WNW with
pressure of 977mb at 36.7N, 29.7W at 1500 UTC (MWR). “By the 10th the cyclone had advanced on a
northeasterly course to the Azores, attended by hurricane winds in southern quadrants.
On the 11th, to the northward, it coalesced with a disturbance of higher latitudes” (MWR).
No alterations are made to the timing of genesis of this late season hurricane. Track changes
are introduced for all days that it existed with major alterations introduced on the 4th, 5th, 9th,
and 10th. No changes are made to the intensity for the first three days of its lifetime. The
intensity is increased to 60 kt (up from 50 kt) at 06 and 12Z on the 6th on the basis of a couple
60 kt ship reports on that date. At 23Z on the 7th a ship reported 60 kt NE winds and 973 mb pressure.
This pressure suggests winds of at least 81 kt from the Brown et al. north of 25N pressure-wind
relationship. The intensity is analyzed to be 85 kt at 00Z on the 8th, up from 70 kt originally.
85 kt is the peak intensity of the hurricane (unchanged from HURDAT originally) and is maintained
from 00Z on the 8th through 06Z on the 9th. The extratropical transition occurred at
06Z on the 10th, the same as shown in HURDAT originally. The cyclone maintained hurricane-force
intensity as an extratropical cyclone on the 10th, as 65 kt WNW winds with 977 mb were recorded at
15Z. After 18Z on the 10th, the system merged with another extratropical cyclone to its north.
Dissipation is thus not altered from that shown originally.
1932 Additional Notes:
1) May 17-23: On May 17th an area of low pressure started to form along a frontal boundary.
No tropical storm force winds were observed on that date. On the 18th, it intensified, however
a temperature gradient remained. Both Pensacola and a ship at 27.5 N and 90.5 W had winds of
25 kt, and a second ship - the Tor. - had a pressure of 1006 mb at 28.5 N and 89.3 W. On the
19th, the system intensified, though remained extratropical. Westerlies of 25 kt were observed
on the Dixie (26.3 N and 86.5 W) and Cartago (27.8N and 87.2 W). The Cartago also had a pressure
of 1003 mb. On the 20th, the temperature gradient started to relax, although the system was still
extratropical. On the 20th, Pensacola had 25 kt out of the SSW with New Orleans having a pressure
of 1006 mb. Mobile and Pensacola reported peak 35 kt southeasterly winds on 19-20 May. On the
21st, the system occluded and weakened. Several land stations and ships reported winds of 15 kt
with New Orleans, Shreveport, and Galveston having the lowest pressure of 1009 mb. On the 22nd,
the system had little change in intensity located near the Texas/Louisiana coastline. On the
23rd, the cyclone moved little and weakened. This was the last day the system could be identified.
DAY LOCATION CATEGORY
17-May 25 N 92 W EXTRATROPICAL
18-May 28 N 88 W EXTRATROPICAL
19-May 29 N 88 W EXTRATROPICAL
20-May 30 N 90 W EXTRATROPICAL
21-May 29 N 91 W EXTRATROPICAL-OCCLUDED
22-May 29 N 92 W EXTRATROPICAL-OCCLUDED
23-May 30 N 94 W EXTRATROPICAL-OCCLUDED
24-May DISSIPATED