1938 Storm 1(new to HURDAT) – Added in 2012
30571 01/01/1938 M= 6 1 SNBR= NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
30572 01/01* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0E323 406 40 0E323 397 40 0*
30572 01/02E323 388 45 0E323 380 50 0E322 371 50 0E320 364 50 0*
30572 01/03E317 358 50 0E304 352 50 0E285 348 50 0*275 353 55 0*
30573 01/04*266 359 55 0*257 365 60 0*249 376 65 0*243 392 70 0*
30573 01/05*238 408 70 0*229 418 65 0*218 425 60 0*206 432 55 0*
30573 01/06*193 439 50 0*180 446 45 0*168 453 40 0*158 460 35 0*
30574 HR
HWM, MWR and COADS indicate that a hurricane, previously undocumented in HURDAT, occurred
from 2-6 January in the central Atlantic.
January 1: HWM analyzes a SSW-NNE front from 31N, 46W to beyond 39N, 39W. HURDAT did not
previously list this system. Ship highlights: 35 kt WSW with 1009 mb at 12Z at 30.5N, 39.5W (COA).
January 2: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 1015 mb centered near 32N, 38W. The SSW end
of a front is plotted about 150 nmi NNE of the low extending north-northeastward. Ship highlights:
30 kt WSW with 1006 mb at 05Z at 31.0N, 37.4W (ship experienced max wind of 40 kt after 05Z) (MWR);
45 kt WNW with 1018 mb at 11Z at 30.4N, 38.4W (COA); 45 kt NW with 1019 mb at 15Z at 29.5N, 38.5W
(COA); 35 kt NNW with 1013 mb at 19Z at 31.0N, 38.1W (COA).
January 3: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 1015 mb near 27.2N, 33.8W. Ship highlights:
20 kt WNW with 1006 mb at 00Z at 31.5N, 36.5W (COA); 35 kt N with 1013 mb at 18Z at 31.3N, 38.5W (COA).
January 4: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 1005 mb centered near 22.4N, 35.0W. Ship
highlights: 35 kt NE with 1014 mb at 12Z at 29.6N, 41.3W (COA); 20 kt WNW with 1010 mb at 12Z
at 23.2N, 39.9W (HWM, COA).
January 5: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 1005 mb centered near 21.1N, 42.5W. Ship
highlights: 30 kt WNW with 999 mb at 00Z at 23.6N, 41.1W (COA); 50 kt NE with 997 mb at 01Z
at 23.7N, 41.0W (ship experienced max wind of hurricane force NE) (MWR); 35 kt ENE with 1008 mb
at 12Z at 23.7N, 41.5W (COA, HWM).
January 6: HWM does not analyze any features of interest on this day. Ship highlights: 10 kt NW
with 1009 mb at 07Z at 14.5N, 45.5W (COA); 30 kt ENE with 1016 mb at 19Z at 21.5N, 52.5W (COA).
An extratropical low formed along the southwest end of an eastward moving front in the central
north Atlantic several hundred miles southwest of the Azores on 1 January. As the cyclone moved
eastward and then southeastward through 06Z on 3 January, temperatures on the west, south and
east sides of the cyclone were in the 60s, but temperatures a couple hundred nmi north of the
cyclone were in the 50s. Also during that time, remnants of the front could be seen north of
the cyclone. The cyclone kept moving southward, and by 18Z on 3 January it is determined that
the cyclone became tropical – a 55 kt tropical storm. It should be noted, however, that the
timing of tropical transition is somewhat ambiguous. A southwestward motion commenced at 18Z
on the 3rd. Although gales were recorded every day through the 5th in association with this
cyclone there was a lack of data near the center from around 12Z on 3rd until 01Z on 5th, when
a ship recorded hurricane force winds near the center and a minimum pressure of 997 mb (with
simultaneous 50 kt winds). A time series of this ship reveals that it experienced a 115 degree
wind shift in 1 hour. The 997 mb pressure with simultaneous 50 kt winds suggests that the
central pressure might have been around 992 mb, but it may have been lower than that. A 992 mb
central pressure would suggest 61 kt according to the Brown et al. (2006) southern pressure-wind
relationship. A peak intensity is 70 kt is analyzed from 18Z on the 4th through 00Z on the 5th
due to the hurricane force wind observation. The cyclone is analyzed to be a hurricane from
12Z on the 4th through 06Z on the 5th. The synoptic map at 12Z on the 5th shows temperatures
in the 70s surrounding the cyclone. The cyclone might have been subtropical on the 3rd and
perhaps early on the 4th before transitioning to a purely tropical cyclone. The last gale
recorded in association with the cyclone was 35 kt at 12Z on the 5th. The cyclone continued
southwestward and observations on the 6th suggest the system was several hundred miles east
of the Lesser Antilles. Data obtained on the 7th shows that there is no longer evidence of a
closed circulation. The intensity was decreased by 5 kt per 6 hours from the time of the
hurricane force observation, and a 35 kt intensity is reached at 18Z on the 6th. This
corresponds nicely with the time when observations no longer indicate a closed circulation,
so the final point is at 18Z on the 6th as a 35 kt tropical storm.
There are at least four noteworthy analogs to this January hurricane. Most recently, Tropical
Storm Zeta attained its peak intensity of 55 kt and 994 mb on 3 January 2006 at 12Z in the same
location as this 1938 hurricane achieved its peak intensity of 70 kt on 5 January at 00Z,
albeit the genesis of Zeta was very different from this case. A subtropical storm with a peak
intensity of 40 kt occurred in January, 1978. That system moved westward between 20-25N in
the central Atlantic. Hurricane Alice (December 1954-January 1955) was the only tropical
cyclone that was a hurricane during the month of January besides the 1938 system. Alice moved
west-southwestward, similar to the 1938 system. Zeta (2005-2006), the January 1978 system,
and Alice (1954-1955) are all in HURDAT. A fourth system, found during the reanalysis of the
1951 hurricane season (not yet added to HURDAT) occurred during January 1951. It attained a
peak intensity of 55 kt just north of Puerto Rico. It had been moving southwestward toward
Puerto Rico and then it turned west-northwestward and northwestward at about 21N latitude.
This 1938 January hurricane would be the only tropical cyclone on record that occurred
entirely within the month of January that also became a hurricane during its lifetime.
*******************************************************************************
1938 Storm 2 (originally Storm 1) – Revised in 2012
30575 08/08/1938 M= 2 1 SNBR= 674 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
30575 08/08/1938 M= 2 2 SNBR= 674 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
*
30580 08/08* 0 0 0 0*174 623 60 0*180 633 60 0*184 648 55 0*
30580 08/08* 0 0 0 0*175 623 60 0*182 634 60 0*189 646 55 0*
*** *** *** *** ***
30585 08/09*185 666 50 0*187 681 35 0*196 717 30 0* 0 0 0 0*
30585 08/09*191 663 50 0*192 682 45 0*192 705 35 0*192 728 35 0*
*** *** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
30590 TS
Minor track changes and minor intensity changes are analyzed. Evidence for these alterations
comes from the Historical Weather Maps Series, the COADS ships database, Climatological Data
for West Indies and Caribbean Service, and Monthly Weather Review.
August 8: HWM does not analyze a closed low. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 60kt
winds at 18N, 63.3W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones shows the center at about 18N,
64W (am) with a pressure of 1004mb and at 19N, 68W (pm). Ship highlights: 70 kt E near 21N, 64W
sometime between 00Z-12Z (MWR). Station highlights: 1002 mb (min p) at 1744Z at Tortola (18.6N,
64.6W) (MWR). “The first clearly defined tropical disturbance of the 1938 season appeared on the
morning of August 8 among the islands to the eastward of Puerto Rico. Early in the day, the Am.
S. S. West Isleta experienced heavy squalls of hurricane intensity and rough, heavy sea and
swell from the east-southeast. The ship was then near 21N, 64W. During the 8th the center of the
disturbance passed some distance to the northward of Tortola and caused some damage on the island
of Anegada. The lowest barometer reading reported from Tortola was 29.58 inches at 1:44pm (local
time) of the 8th” (MWR). “A slight tropical disturbance that was first observed between St.
Martin and St. Thomas on the 8th moved west-northwestward with remarkable rapidity, causing
squalls over the southern Bahamas and Florida Straits on the 9th” (Climatological Data).
August 9: HWM does not analyze a closed low. HURDAT lists this as a 30 kt tropical depression at
19.6N, 71.7W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones shows the center at about 20.5N, 72W
(am) and at 22N, 77W (pm). Ship highlights: 35 kt E at 08Z at 21.5N, 67.5W (COA); 35 kt E before
18Z [likely north of] 21.3N, 74.3W (MWR); 40kt E with a pressure of 1010mb at 22.2N, 74.4W at
20Z (MWR). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “On the 9th and 10th squally conditions
progressed rapidly west-northwestward, along the northern coasts of Haiti and Cuba, and into the
Florida Straits. Its progressive movement probably exceeded 20 miles an hour. However, no
definite cyclonic circulation was charted after the 8th” (MWR).
August 10: HWM indicates a wave/trough. HURDAT no longer lists a system on this day.
Ship highlights: 30 kt E with 1013 mb at 03Z at 22.2N, 74.3W (COA).
On 8 August, observations from the northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, and ships indicate
that a fast-moving tropical cyclone, likely of tropical storm intensity, was moving
west-northwestward through the area that day. The COADS data was obtained for the period 5-7
August from that location eastward through the tropical Atlantic, but no closed circulation
could be found due to lack to data. It appears likely that the genesis of the cyclone was not
captured by observational data, and it may have occurred some days earlier. Observations at
12Z on the 8th indicate that the circulation was closed. No change is made to the timing of
genesis. There was a report of a ship that experienced easterly hurricane force squalls well
north of the center sometime between 00Z-12Z on the 8th, but the minimum pressure experienced
by this ship was 1013 mb, so it is believed that these winds were somewhat overestimated.
The cyclone passed near the British Virgin Islands around 18Z on the 8th. Tortolla (18.6N,
64.6W) recorded a minimum pressure of 1002 mb. MWR commentary states that the center passed
north of Tortola and that there was damage reported on Anegada (18.7N, 64.3W). Anegada is
located ENE of Tortolla and was closer to the center than Tortola, if the storm passed to the
north of Tortolla on a WNW course. The original HURDAT track had the center passing south of
Tortolla. The track is adjusted to the right by about half a degree to show that the center
passed about 0.3 degrees north of Tortolla and about 0.1 degree north of Anegada. A peripheral
pressure of 1002 mb suggests winds of greater than 43 kt according to the Brown et al. (2006)
southern pressure-wind relationship. There is evidence that the cyclone was small and it was
also very fast moving. The 55 kt intensity shown in HURDAT originally at 18Z on the 8th is
retained. The 60 kt intensities shown in HURDAT earlier that day at 06Z and 12Z are also not
changed. The original HURDAT track had the center of the cyclone moving inland along the
northern coast of Puerto Rico with a 50 kt intensity around 00Z on 9 August. However, San
Juan’s maximum wind speed for the month was only 28 kt on the 7th. The position is adjusted
northward at 00Z on the 9th, in agreement with the northward track adjustments implemented
late on the 8th. After making a bend towards the west, the cyclone is analyzed to have made
landfall on 9 August at 09Z in the Dominican Republic at 19.2N, 69.2W as a 45 kt tropical storm.
The only intensity change made to HURDAT is to increase the intensity at 06Z on the 9th from
35 to 45 kt since the system was over water the whole time up until landfall in Hispaniola.
Observations at 12Z on the 9th, after landfall, indicate there is not much left of the cyclone,
and it is rather difficult to locate a center of circulation at 12Z. Because of landfall in
Hispaniola just three hours previous, the intensity is adjusted upward to 35 kt at 12Z
(originally 30 kt). However, the 12Z position is adjusted eastward by 1.2 degrees as the
original HURDAT showed an unrealistic acceleration during the last six hours. The revised
track indicates that the cyclone dissipated over Hispaniola with a final point at 18Z on the
9th as a 35 kt tropical storm (six hours later than HURDAT). Just before the time of
dissipation, a ship recorded 35 kt E north of the system’s center. The remnant of this
cyclone was still associated with a tropical wave that continued to progress rapidly westward.
The next day, on the 10th at 20Z, a 1002 mb ship observation at 23.3N, 83.4W appears to be
a bad observation, as one hour and 35 nm apart from the 1002 mb ship, another ship - HO008166
- reported 1016 mb, which fits in better with other observations. It should be noted that
Perez has this cyclone continuing until 00Z on the 11th, making landfall in Cuba as a 35 kt
tropical storm on the 10th with a final position of 22.5N, 90.0W at 00Z on the 11th.
However, observations on the 10th show that although some strong winds were observed along
the wave axis, there was not a closed circulation present.
*******************************************************************************
1938 Storm 3 (originally Storm 2) – Revised in 2012
30595 08/10/1938 M= 6 2 SNBR= 675 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=1
30595 08/10/1938 M= 6 3 SNBR= 675 NOT NAMED XING-1 SSS=1
*
30600 08/10*112 586 35 0*116 605 40 0*122 628 45 0*131 647 45 0*
30600 08/10*112 586 35 0*116 607 40 0*122 628 45 0*131 650 45 0*
***
30605 08/11*139 669 50 0*146 694 55 0*153 720 60 0*160 744 65 0*
30605 08/11*141 673 50 0*154 699 55 0*168 727 60 0*180 755 65 0*
*** *** *** *** *** ***
30610 08/12*168 768 70 0*176 791 75 0*184 813 80 0*192 834 80 0*
30610 08/12*187 781 70 0*190 800 80 0*191 817 85 0*196 831 85 0*
*** *** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
30615 08/13*200 850 85 0*209 863 85 0*219 875 85 0*230 888 85 0*
30615 08/13*204 844 85 0*214 857 85 0*225 870 80 0*236 884 80 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** ** *** *** **
30620 08/14*241 900 85 0*252 911 85 0*263 919 80 0*274 925 75 0*
30620 08/14*247 900 75 0*258 914 70 0*269 923 65 0*282 929 60 0*
*** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
30625 08/15*290 929 65 0*303 936 35 0*315 949 20 0*330 960 20 0*
30625 08/15*295 933 65 0*310 936 35 0*330 932 20 0* 0 0 0 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** **
30630 HR LA1
US landfall: 8/15/1938 – 01Z – 29.8N, 93.4W – 65 kt – (995 mb estimated central pressure) – LA1
Minor track changes and minor intensity changes are made to this hurricane. Evidence for
these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps Series, the COADS ships database,
Monthly Weather Review, the Original Monthly Records from NCDC, US Weather Bureau
observations, the Jamaica Weather Report, observations from NCDC, Mexican observations and
synoptic maps from the Mexican meteorological service, Dunn and Miller (1960), Jarrell
et al. (1992), Louisiana (1972), and Perez et al. (2000).
August 8: “The activity is increasing in the Caribbean, a disturbance of moderate intensity
is located close to Saint Martin (Lesser Antilles)” (Mexico).
August 9: HWM shows some area of disturbed weather near 12N, 62W. Ship highlights: No gales
or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “The activity remains in the
subtropical zone, and even though the disturbance located yesterday near Saint Martin (Lesser
Antilles) has not become better defined, there are areas of strong showers to the north of
Haiti and in the Gulf of Honduras” (Mexico).
August 10: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 11.5N, 62W. HURDAT lists this
as a Tropical Storm with 45kt winds at 12.2N, 62.8W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “It is not possible with reports at
hand to trace the center of the disturbance with any assurance of accuracy beyond 14N, 67W,
which was its approximate position at 7pm (EST) of the 10th” (MWR). “The weather remains
unstable in the Caribbean Sea, which is likely to accentuate due to the great increase in
pressures in the central and northern areas of the United States, and this indicates the
movement of cold air to the equatorial areas” (Mexico).
August 11: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 15N, 71W. HURDAT lists this as
a Tropical Storm with 60kt winds at 15.3N, 72W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 25 kt ENE at 00Z at
15.5N, 68.5W (COA). Station highlights: 24 kt SW (max winds) and 1011 mb (min P) at Kingston,
Jamaica (18.0N 76.8W) at 2130Z (Jamaica). “Its rapid progressive movement westward and the
subsequent appearance of a rapidly moving tropical cyclone in the western Caribbean Sea on
the 12th, indicates the probability that it continued to move west-northwestward on the 11th
and is identical with the latter” (MWR). “Evidence of a moderate tropical disturbance was,
from local observation observed to be developing to the westward of Haiti in the afternoon of
the 11th” (Jamaica). “The weather remains unstable in the Caribbean Sea, an area of showers
is present between Yucatan and Florida” (Mexico).
August 12: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 995mb near 19N, 82W. HURDAT lists this as a
Category 1 hurricane with 80kt winds at 18.4N, 81.3W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of
Cyclones shows the center at about 19N, 82W (am) with a pressure of 996mb and at 20N, 84.5W
(pm). Ship highlights: 35kt E with a pressure of 1012mb at 21.2N, 82.9W at 14Z (MWR); 35 kt
SE with 1013 mb at 18Z at 21.1N, 82.6W (COA). Station highlights: 1006 mb (min p) at 0030Z
and SE “gale” at 0030Z at Kempshot, Jamaica (18.4N, 78.1W) (NCDC, Jamaica); 1008 mb (min p)
at 0200Z at Negril Point, Jamaica (18.3N 78.3W); 83 kt E (max w) at Grand Cayman before 12Z
(MWR); 70 kt SE with 996 mb at Grand Cayman (19.2N, 81.4W) at 12Z (HWM). “On the morning of
August 12 a disturbance of marked intensity was centered near Grand Cayman Island, where
shortly before 7am (EST) the wind reached a maximum velocity of 95 miles an hour from the
east” (MWR). “The storm moved on a track to the near north of Jamaica in a WNW course
arriving at a short distance west of Grand Cayman in the forenoon of the 12th. Some
appreciable loss to cultivation along the northern section of Jamaica was experienced, high
winds were reported from several locations…At Grand Cayman…about nine houses were destroyed
and the hurricane caused injury to several persons…The storm centre was very much nearer to
Kempshot than when north of Kingston, about 25 miles, hence Kempshot’s lower barometer...
Cayman Islands…In the early morning of August 12th there was a cyclone which lasted about a
half an hour with wind velocity approaching hurricane force and followed by heavy rains.
The centre passed within the vicinity of the Island” (Jamaica). “An intense tropical cyclone
is located to the south and near Grand Cayman, moving WNW, and it is a threat to the eastern
coast and the Yucatan Channel in the next 36 hours” (Mexico).
August 13: HWM indicates a closed low near 21N, 86W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 2 hurricane
with 85kt winds at 21.9N, 87.5W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones shows the center
at about 22N, 87W (am) and at 23N, 90W (pm). Ship highlights: 40kt E with a pressure of 1014mb
at 22.2n, 85.2W at 3Z (MWR); 35 kt SSE (MWR); 35 kt SSE with 1015 mb at 18Z at 23.0N, 87.3W
(COA). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “Maintaining marked intensity , but with
rather small diameter, the storm passed through the Yucatan Channel on the night of August 12-13,
moved rapidly northwestward to the Central Gulf and thence north-northwestward into western
Louisiana” (MWR). “The Caribbean cyclone crossed last night the Yucatan Channel and it is
located this morning about 200 nm to the NE of Progreso, moving WNW” (Mexico). No entry is
listed in the Cuban hurricane history for this cyclone (Perez et al.).
August 14: HWM indicates a closed low near 26n, 92.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 hurricane
with 80kt winds at 26.3N, 91.9W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones shows the center at
about 26N, 93W (am) and at 30N, 93W (pm). Ship highlights: 0kt with a pressure of 1003mb at 26.6N,
92.1W at 10Z (MWR); 60kt S at 27.1N, 91.9W at 14Z (MWR); 40 kt S with 1010 mb at 20Z at 28.3N,
91.7W (MWR). Ten other gales between 35-50 kt. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
“The disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico will probably move inland between Galveston and New
Orleans, United States” (Mexico).
August 15: HURDAT lists this as a 20kt tropical depression at 31.5N, 94.9W at 12Z. The MWR
tracks of lows dissipated the cyclone prior to 12Z. Ship highlights: 35kt S with a pressure
of 1014mb at 27.8N, 91.8W at 1Z (COA). Station highlights: hurricane force (estimated) at 00Z
at Grand Chanier (29.8N, 93.0W) (MWR); 48 kt SE (max w) gust 52 kt at 0110Z at Lake Charles,
LA (30.2N, 93.2W) (OMR); 1001 mb (min p) at 0130Z at Lake Charles (MWR); 17 kt SE (max w/5-min)
with 1007 mb at 0630Z at Leesville, LA (31.1N, 93.3W) (OMR); 1009 mb (min p) at 09Z at
Shreveport, LA (32.5N, 93.8W) (OMR). “The storm passed inland over Cameron and Calcasieu
Parishes, during the evening of the 14th with the center a short distance west of Lake Charles
at about 8:30pm (EST)” (MWR). “A wind velocity of 50 mph with gusts to 60 mph were reported
at Lake Charles while Grand Cheniere reported winds of hurricane force. The lowest pressure
recorded was 29.56 inches at Lake Charles” (Louisiana 1972). “Tropical hurricane hit station
at 7:10 pm CST with wind velocity 55 mph – gusts to 60 mph” (Lake Charles OMR). “The tropical
disturbance of the 14th caused much uneasiness and while no actual hurricane winds were
experienced necessary precautions were taken. Highest winds were 34 miles from the SE.
Lowest barometer 29.73 inches. No loss of life. None injured” (Port Arthur, TX OMR). “1938
Aug. 14, W LA, Minor, Damage $243,000” (Dunn and Miller – “Minor” is equivalent to winds
<64 kt and pressure >996 mb). “Aug, LA 1, 985 mb” (Jarrell et al. 1992). “The cyclone over
the Gulf of Mexico moved inland between Galveston and New Orleans, likely to dissipate over
the interior of the United States” (Mexico).
The original HURDAT indicates that a tropical cyclone formed at 00Z on 10 August east of the
Lesser Antilles as a 35 kt tropical storm and moved very rapidly west-northwestward across the
Caribbean at eight to nine degrees per day. Data was obtained for 9 August, but there the
limited observations do not indicate an earlier genesis time. Although there are no observed
gales, low pressures, or west winds on 10th or 11th, available observations from the Windward
Islands and ships on the 10th indicate the possibility that the circulation may have been
closed, and the amount of data on the south side of the system on both days is quite sparse,
so no changes are made to the timing and position of genesis. From the 9th at 12Z to 10th at
12Z, the pressure rose at Barbados and the winds on the 10th were from the south at 15 kt.
This, combined with a ship observation near 13.7N, 64.8W, both indicate that no change should
be made to the HURDAT position at 12Z on the 10th. On the 11th, ships on the outer periphery
indicate a position slightly west-southwest of the original position. The forward speed of
the cyclone was 25 kt. On the 12th at 0030Z, Kempshot, Jamaica recorded a maximum wind of
40 kt and a minimum pressure of 1006 mb. The position at 00Z on the 12th is adjusted about
1.4 degrees WNW of the original HURDAT position due to this data. Observations from Grand
Cayman indicated that this system was definitely a hurricane when it passed just south of
them around or slightly before 12Z on the 12th. Prior to 12Z, Grand Cayman recorded its max
wind of 95 mph (83 kt) E, and at 12Z, the winds were hurricane force from the SE with a 996 mb
pressure. An 85 kt intensity is chosen for 12Z on the 12th based on the winds at Grand Cayman
(up from 80 kt originally). The position at 12Z on the 12th is adjusted to show the center
passing closer to Grand Cayman. On the 13th, the cyclone is analyzed to have moved through
the Yucatan Channel with the hurricane force winds for this small system not impacting Cuba
or Mexico. This is consistent with both the Cuban and Mexican analyses for this cyclone.
The system then entered the south Gulf of Mexico and made a northwestward turn. On the 13th,
the highest wind recorded was 40 kt and the lowest pressure of 1009 mb. The forward speed of
the cyclone continued to be above average as it moved north-northwestward toward the west
Louisiana coast. On the 14th at 10Z, a ship recorded calm winds with a 1003 mb pressure.
It is possible that this value is a central value, but this possibility was dismissed due to
a 60 kt wind from a ship at 14Z on the 14th and information that indicates a central pressure
likely near 995 mb 14 hours later at landfall. If the 1003 mb was a central pressure, it
would indicate winds of 38 kt according to the Brown et al. north of 25N pressure-wind
relationship. A 65 kt intensity is analyzed at 12Z on the 12th (down from 80 kt originally)
due to the observed winds of 60 kt, and the 1003 mb value is not added to HURDAT as a
central pressure.
The tropical cyclone is analyzed to have made landfall on 15 August at 01Z at 29.8N, 93.4W.
The cyclone made landfall between Lake Charles, LA and Port Arthur, Texas, which are located
only 45 nmi from each other. An unofficial wind estimated at hurricane force near the beach
at Grand Cheniere (29.8N, 93.0W) occurred at 00Z. The highest official wind recorded on land
was 48 kt (believed to be a 1-minute wind) SE at Lake Charles (30.2N, 93.2W) at 0110Z
(anemometer height 8 m AGL). The lowest pressure recorded on land was 1001 mb at Lake Charles
20 minutes after their max wind. Due to a lack of available hourly observations at Lake
Charles, it is unknown if the RMW was experienced there. Port Arthur, TX, located on the left
side of the storm, did not experience tropical storm force winds and recorded a minimum
pressure of 1007 mb at 0120Z. A peripheral pressure of 1001 mb yields a wind speed of greater
than 42 kt according to the Brown et al. (2006) north of 25N pressure-wind relationship.
The analyzed track takes the center about 0.2 degrees west of Lake Charles, but the RMW is
uncertain. Assuming that Lake Charles could have been slightly inside the RMW, at the RMW,
or outside the RMW. The Schloemer equation was run assuming Lake Charles was at the RMW, and
this yields a central pressure of 996 mb. Since this occurred slightly inland, the Ho et al.
inland-pressure decay model indicates a filling of 1 mb from the time of landfall until the
1001 mb reading was recorded, so this yields a 995 mb landfall central pressure with a likely
range between 992-996 mb. A possible 995 mb central pressure (but not added into HURDAT
because of the uncertainty) equals 52 kt according to the north of 25N pressure-wind
relationship. The ROCI of the cyclone was a tiny 100 nmi and the forward speed was 14 kt.
One final note about the landfall is that a large, broad synoptic low pressure area was
approaching from the west, so the winds on the west side at landfall were not particularly
strong, but the gradient on the east side was stronger as 1019 mb pressures were located about
250 nmi to the east. Given the very small size, high environmental pressures, and estimated
hurricane force winds on the coast, a 65 kt intensity is retained for landfall. This keeps
the system as a Category 1 hurricane. Jarrell et al. listed this as a Category 1 for
Louisiana with a 985 mb central pressure at landfall. Jarrell et al. obtained the 985 mb
value from Connor (1956), who listed 985 mb as the estimate of the lowest lifetime intensity
of the cyclone. Jarrell et al. apparently misinterpreted this as being the U.S. landfall
intensity. Since the peak observations during the lifetime of the cyclone occurred at Grand
Cayman, Connor likely was estimating a 985 mb central pressure on the 12th. After landfall,
observations over western Louisiana indicate that the cyclone turned north-northeastward
after 06Z rather than northwestward, as shown in HURDAT originally. Shreveport recorded a
minimum pressure of 1009 mb at 09Z on the 15th and then the wind there changed to
northwesterly. HURDAT originally listed a final position at 18Z on the 15th near the
Texas-Oklahoma border as a 20 kt tropical depression, but the revised final position is at
12Z near the Louisiana-Arkansas border as a 20 kt tropical depression. Dissipation is
therefore shown to have occurred 6 hours earlier than in HURDAT originally.
*******************************************************************************
1938 Storm 4 (originally Storm 3) – Revised in 2012
30635 08/23/1938 M= 6 3 SNBR= 676 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
30635 08/23/1938 M= 7 4 SNBR= 676 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
* *
30640 08/23* 0 0 0 0*141 723 60 0*150 750 60 0*156 763 65 0*
30640 08/23* 0 0 0 0*139 738 45 0*142 752 50 0*149 765 50 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
30645 08/24*162 777 70 0*167 792 75 0*172 806 80 0*176 817 85 0*
30645 08/24*158 779 55 0*166 793 60 0*172 806 65 0*177 817 70 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** ** *** **
30650 08/25*180 827 85 0*184 838 85 0*189 848 85 0*196 861 85 0*
30650 08/25*181 827 75 0*186 837 85 0*191 848 95 0*196 859 105 0*
*** ** *** *** *** ** *** ***
30655 08/26*203 876 85 0*209 889 80 0*214 902 80 979*218 912 80 0*
30655 08/26*202 870 105 0*208 884 80 0*214 898 75 979*218 910 80 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** ** ***
30660 08/27*221 922 75 0*225 933 75 0*228 944 75 0*230 952 75 0*
30660 08/27*222 921 75 0*225 932 75 0*228 943 75 0*232 954 75 0*
*** *** *** *** *** ***
30665 08/28*231 960 70 0*231 971 60 0*230 987 55 0*2261003 35 0*
30665 08/28*236 964 75 0*239 974 75 0*241 984 55 0*241 994 40 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ******* **
The 29th is new to HURDAT
30667 08/29*2411004 25 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
30670 HR
Minor track changes and major intensity alterations are made to the hurricane, which made
two Mexican landfalls. Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather
Maps Series, the COADS ships database, Monthly Weather Review, the Original Monthly Records
from NCDC, Jamaican observations from NCDC, and Mexican observations from the Mexican
meteorological service courtesy of Michael Rosengaus.
August 21: HWM indicates no features of interest in the Caribbean. HURDAT does not yet
list this system. No gales or low pressures.
August 22: HWM indicates no features of interest in the Caribbean. HURDAT does not yet
list this system. No gales or low pressures.
August 23: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 13.5N, 75W. HURDAT lists this
as a Tropical Storm with 60kt winds at 15N, 75W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 30 kt ESE with
1007 mb at 14Z at 16.2N, 75.6W (COA). Station highlights: 35 kt E at Morant Point, Jamaica
(17.9N, 76.2W) either late on the 23rd or early on the 24th (NCDC). “Vessel reports showed
disturbed conditions in the central Caribbean Sea on the morning of August 23 with some
evidence of cyclonic circulation central about 250 miles southeast of Jamaica. On crossing
Yucatan the storm was of full hurricane intensity” (MWR).
August 24: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 15.5N, 80W. HURDAT lists this
as a Category 1 hurricane with 80kt winds at 17.2N, 80.6W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 30 kt ESE
with 1008 mb at 19.3N, 80.5W (MWR). Station highlights: 25 kt NE with 1009 mb at Grand Cayman
at 12Z (HWM); 12 kt NNW with 1004 mb at Swan Island at 22Z (OMR).
August 25: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 19N, 85W. HURDAT lists this as
a Category 2 hurricane with 85kt winds at 18.9N, 84.8W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of
Cyclones show the center at about 19N, 85W (am) and at 20N, 87.5W (pm). Ship highlights:
15 kt WNW with 1005 mb at 12Z at 17.6N, 87.1W (COA). Station highlights: 17 kt NW with 1003 mb
at 02Z at Swan Island (OMR); 35kt SSE with a pressure of 1008mb at Grand Cayman (19.3N, 81.4W)
at 12Z (HWM); 75 kt NE and 982 mb at Cozumel at 20Z (Mexico). “The tropical cyclone in the
Caribbean Sea is located this morning at about 220 km to the SE of Cozumel and it is likely
that it will cross the Yucatan Peninsula tonight with hurricane-force winds near the center.
Torrential rainfall is expected in Yucatan and the rain will increase across the eastern of
the country” (Mexico).
August 26: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 995mb near 22N, 90W. HURDAT lists this as a
Category 1 hurricane with 80kt winds at 21.4N, 90.2W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of
Cyclones show the center at about 21N, 90W (am) with a pressure of 991mb and at 21.5N, 92W
(pm). Ship highlights: center fix around ~1137Z near 21.4N, 89.7W with 979 mb central
pressure and calm winds with N hurricane force before and S hurricane force after with
highest winds experienced estimated at 90 mph (78 kt) (MWR); 70 kt NE before 14Z at 22.0N,
89.9W (MWR); 50 kt ENE with 990 mb at 14Z at 22.0N, 89.9W (MWR). Station highlights:
79 kt NE with 964 mb at Cozumel at 01Z, 72 kt SE with 969 mb at Cozumel at 03Z (Mexico);
50 kt S with 989 mb at Progreso (21.3N, 89.8W) 13Z (NCDC, Mexico); 30 kt S with 995 mb at
Merida (21.0N, 89.5W) 13Z (NCDC, Mexico); 40 kt W with 997 mb at Campeche at 13Z (Mexico).
“The Am. S.S. Agwistar was in the center on the morning of the 26th, while anchored
7 miles north of Progreso. Winds of hurricane force were experienced from 4am to 7am
(local time) but with a dead calm from 5:15 to 6am. Lowest pressure was 28.92in during the
calm” (MWR). “The tropical cyclone that crossed last night the northern portion of Yucatan
is moving rapidly toward the west and it is a significant menace to the coastline between
Soto la Marina and Veracruz. Cloudiness and rain is expected over most of the country” (Mexico).
August 27: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000mb at 22N, 94W. HURDAT lists this as
a Category 1 hurricane with 75kt winds at 22.8N, 94.4W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers
of Cyclones show the center at about 22N, 94W (am) with a pressure of 992mb and at 22.5N,
96.5W (pm). Ship highlights: 78 kt (estimated max encountered) between 02Z-06Z likely
within 1 degree of 22.5N, 93.5W (MWR); 991 mb (min p) at 09Z-10Z likely within 0.5 degrees
of 22.5N, 93.5W (MWR). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “The ship Nic. M. S.
Sama was very near the center at 4am of the 27th, at 22.5N, 93.5W, barometer 29.26 inches”
(MWR). “The tropical cyclone continues to be of importance and it is moving toward the
central portion of the Tamaulipas coast. The rain will be abundant in the northeast region
of the country and will be increasing across most of the republic” (Mexico).
August 28: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 23N, 97.5W. HURDAT lists this
as a Tropical Storm with 55kt winds at 23N, 98.7W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones
show the center at about 22.5N, 98.5W (am) and at 23.5N, 100.5W (pm). Ship highlights:
65-70 kt estimated near 24.8N, 97.7W (MWR). Station highlights: Estimated landfall point
near 24.5N, 97.7W (MWR); 10kt SW with a pressure of 1001mb at Tampico (22.3N, 97.8W) at 12Z
(HWM). “The following is taken from the report of the official in charge of the Weather
Bureau office at Brownsville, regarding the passage of the storm into Mexico and the damage
resulting there: ‘Reports from Capt. Durst, Pan American Airways pilot, through Mr. Ronning
their meteorologist, and from local fishermen who apparently were in the northern portion
of the storm track, the center apparently went inland in the vicinity of Boca Jesus Maria
[24.5N, 97.7W], and the width of path of damage on the beach was about 75 to 80 miles.
The little village of La Pesca [23.8N, 97.8W] on the beach in the same latitude as Soto La
Marina appears to have had winds strong enough to blow their palm-thatched huts down or
badly damage them. Fishermen, who happened to be on the beach or on an island some 20 miles
north of Boca Jesus Maria, estimate the wind velocity around 75 to 80 mph from NW to N into
the E. The center reached the coastline probably shortly after midnight Saturday. [In
Brownsville and vicinity,] velocities in some of the squalls along the coast, according to
Brazos Coast Guard personnel, were estimated at 45 mph… reports from at or near the beach
at Del Mar, a resort on the beach a short distance south of Port Isabel [indicate] the water
was very rough and swells occasionally swept entirely across Padre and Brazos islands in
places, washing away a few inexpensive structures at Del Mar – the only damage as a result
of the storm in the vicinity of which we have any knowledge’” (MWR). “The tropical cyclone
over the Gulf of Mexico moved inland to the north and close to Puerto de Tampico a bit after
midnight, thus it is likely that rain will be found over most of the North of the country,
and isolated over the southern half” (Mexico).
August 29: HWM no longer analyzes a closed low, but analyzed a spot low near 23.5N, 100.0W.
HURDAT no longer lists the system on this day. The MWR tracks of centers of cyclones shows
a final position (am) near 24N, 102W with a 1006 mb pressure. Station highlights: 15 kt W
with 1006 mb at 12Z at 23.8N, 102.0W (HWM). “The tropical cyclone from the Gulf of Mexico
dissipated over the interior of the country allowing for better weather conditions over the
northeast states, and increasing clouds and rain over the rest of the republic” (Mexico).
The original HURDAT indicates that a tropical cyclone formed on 23 August at 06Z in the
central Caribbean with a 60 kt intensity. Data was obtained for the area and east of that
location beginning on 21 August. There is no evidence to change the timing of genesis;
however, the timing of genesis is uncertain, and it may have occurred earlier. Based on
data from the 23rd, the position at 06Z on the 23rd is adjusted 1.5 degrees west of the
original position, and this eliminates an unrealistic deceleration during the first 12
hours in the original HURDAT track. A 0.8 degree southward adjustment is implemented at
12Z on the 23rd. This cyclone moved west-northwestward through the Caribbean until it
made landfall in the Yucatan Peninsula in the vicinity of Cozumel around 00Z on the 26th.
The largest track change from 18Z on the 23rd until the Yucatan landfall at 00Z on the
26th is only 0.4 degrees. The first observed west wind was from the north coast of South
America on the 23rd at 12Z, and the first observed west wind from a ship was at 18Z on
the 23rd. On the 23rd, the highest observed wind was 30 kt and the lowest observed
pressure was 1006 mb. There were a decent number of ships surrounding the cyclone about
100 nmi or less from the center that day, and it appears that the cyclone was not as
intense on the 23rd as listed in HURDAT originally. The intensities from 06-18Z on the
23rd are lowered by 10-15 kt from the original HURDAT. The first gale was recorded from
Morant Point, Jamaica around 00Z on the 24th – a 35 kt east wind. The minimum pressure
at Kingston was 1008 mb around that time. The cyclone is analyzed to be about 120 nmi
south of Jamaica at that time with a 55 kt intensity (down from 70 kt originally at 00Z
on the 24th). Based on data from the 26th (discussed later) as well as from the 23rd
through 25th, the cyclone is analyzed to have attained hurricane strength at 12Z on the
24th (18 hours later than originally) when it was south of the Cayman Islands. On the
24th, ship data in the vicinity of the cyclone is lacking, and there were no gales or
low pressures recorded from ships that day. On the 25th, although observations 75-200
nmi from the center allow for a more accurate placement of the position compared to the
24th, there are also no observations close to the center. Swan Island recorded 17 kt
NW with 1003 mb at 02Z on the 25th with a significant wind shift as the cyclone passed
about a degree northeast of the island. A 35 kt gale was reported at Grand Cayman on
the 25th well after the cyclone had passed well south of the island.
The cyclone’s center passed just to the south of Cozumel and made landfall along the
Yucatan Peninsula at 02Z on the 26th at 20.4N, 87.4W. Cozumel had peak synoptic
observations of 79 kt NE with 964 mb at 01Z (but no recording of the peak wind or lowest
pressure). 964 mb suggests an intensity of at least 97 kt from the south of 25N Brown et
al. pressure-wind relationship. 105 kt is analyzed at landfall as well as the 18Z 25th/00Z
26th before landfall, making this a Category 3 hurricane at landfall in Mexico. These are
major changes from the 85 kt originally included in HURDAT at these times. A run of the
Kaplan-DeMaria inland wind decay model suggests 74 kt at 06Z. The hurricane made oceanfall
over the Gulf of Mexico around 10Z on the 26th for about eight hours over land. On the
26th just before 12Z, a ship anchored off the coast from Progreso near 21.4N, 89.7W,
recorded a central pressure of 979 mb with 45 minutes of dead calm in the eye. Hurricane
force winds began for this stationary ship at 1000Z followed by dead calm from 1115Z-1200Z.
After that, hurricane force winds from the opposite direction were experienced until 1300Z
when winds fell below hurricane force. Maximum winds experienced by this ship were
estimated at 90 mph (~78 kt). The central pressure of 979 mb listed in HURDAT originally
at 12Z on the 26th is retained, and this value equals 79 kt from the pressure-wind
relationship. Given that the hurricane had just moved back over water, the intensity at
12Z is reduced slightly to 75 kt (from 80 kt) and the overland 06Z intensity is analyzed
to be 80 kt (unchanged).
From 26-28 August, the cyclone moved west-northwestward in the Bay of Campeche before making
its final Mexican landfall. In addition to the ship that recorded the center fix, two
separate ships subsequently recorded hurricane force winds – one at 14Z on the 26th and the
other on the 27th sometime between 02Z-06Z. In the latter case, highest winds were estimated
at 90 mph (~78 kt). On the 26th and 27th, the largest position change is only 0.4 degrees;
however, on the 28th, changes in excess of 1 degree are implemented around the time of
landfall Mexico. HURDAT originally showed landfall in Mexico occurring near latitude 23.1N.
Commentary from MWR strongly suggests landfall occurred well to the north of that location –
near 24.5N, 97.7W. Hurricane force winds of 65-70 kt were estimated near 24.8N, 97.7W.
Damage was reported as far south as 23.8N, 97.8W. Because the pressure was 7 mb lower at
Tampico than at Brownsville at 12Z on the 28th, a landfall point slightly south of that
suggested by MWR, but still well north of the original HURDAT, is chosen. The landfall is
estimated at 24.1N, 97.7W on 28 August at 08Z. Due to the effects of this cyclone on land
described in MWR, the hurricane force winds were recorded by the hip on the 27th, and the
hurricane force winds were estimated at landfall, a 75 kt intensity is chosen at 06Z on the
28th (up from 60 kt originally) and for landfall. No changes were made to the 75 kt
intensity on the 27th, and it appears that the original HURDAT was interpolating the intensity
downward between 12Z on the 27th and 12Z on the 28th. Instead, the 75 kt intensity is now
maintained until landfall, and it is possible that it could have been stronger, as this
hurricane still produced a sizeable storm surge as far north as south Texas where a few
homes were reported washed away. No tropical storm force winds were recorded in Texas,
and this hurricane is not analyzed to have produced a tropical storm impact in Texas (the
maximum wind recorded at Brownsville was 26 kt). After landfall, the cyclone moved due
westward along 24.1N and weakened as it moved inland. Runs of the Kaplan and DeMaria
inland decay model yield 56 and 42 kt for 12 and 18Z, respectively, on the 28th. The 55
and 35 kt intensities originally listed in HURDAT at those times are unchanged. At 18Z on
the 28th, the analyzed position is about 1.7 degrees NNE of the original HURDAT, which bent
the track southwestward. An inspection of the HWM map at 12Z on 29 August reveals a 24-hour
pressure fall of 3.7 mb at the station near 23.8N, 102.0W, and a wind direction that changed
from north on the 28th to west on the 29th. Since there were no other areas of low pressure
approaching Mexico from the west or north, this pressure drop is entirely due to the remnant
circulation of the TC. Although the cyclone is analyzed to have been a remnant low at 12Z
on the 29th, the dissipation of the cyclone is analyzed to have occurred 6 hours later than
the original HURDAT (now after 00Z on 29 August). The final point at 00Z on the 29th is over
Mexico as a 25 kt tropical depression before it weakened to a remnant low and thereafter dissipated.
*******************************************************************************
1938 Storm 5 (new to HURDAT) – Added in 2012
30671 09/09/1938 M= 6 5 SNBR= NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
30672 09/09* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*130 460 25 0*135 471 25 0*
30672 09/10*140 482 25 0*145 494 25 0*150 505 30 0*155 516 30 0*
30672 09/11*161 528 30 0*166 539 30 0*172 550 30 0*179 561 30 0*
30673 09/12*186 572 30 0*193 584 30 0*200 595 30 0*205 607 30 0*
30673 09/13*209 620 35 0*211 632 35 0*214 643 35 0*219 651 35 0*
30673 09/14*225 657 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
30674 TS
HWM, MWR, and COADS indicate that a tropical storm, previously undocumented in HURDAT,
occurred during September in the tropical Atlantic.
September 5: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 1010 mb centered near 16N, 22.4W.
HURDAT did not previously list this system. No gales or low pressures.
September 6: HWM suggests a tropical wave/trough from 20N, 21W to 12N, 25W.
No gales or low pressures.
September 7: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1010 mb near 16N 21W. Station highlight:
25 kt NNW with 1013 mb at Sao Tiago, Cape Verde Islands at 12Z (HWM).
September 8: HWM does not show any features of interest on this day.
No gales or low pressures.
September 9: HWM shows two ship observations near 45W that suggest a possible weak
vortex near 13N, 46W. No gales or low pressures.
September 10: HWM does not show any features of interest on this day.
No gales or low pressures.
September 11: HWM does not show any features of interest on this day.
No gales or low pressures.
September 12Z: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 1010 mb centered near 20.0N, 59.0W.
September 13: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 1005 mb (not the feature of interest)
near 29.6N, 64.7W. A closed 1010 mb encompasses much of the area from 19-32N, 59-75W.
Ship highlights: 35 kt E with 1009 mb at 13Z at 21.4N, 64.5W (COA); 35 kt SE with
1011 mb at 19Z at 22.4N, 63.5W (COA).
September 14: HWM analyzes a closed 1010 mb isobar encompassing much of the area between
22-36N, 64-74W. No gales or low pressures.
A tropical wave emerged off the African coast around 4-5 September. (It is noted that
Sao Tiago in the Cape Verde Islands recorded a NNW 25 kt with 1013 mb at 12Z on the 7th
and that HWM indicated a low east of there. However, this appears to be a separate system
from the new tropical cyclone being added to HURDAT here. No further development of this
second system apparently occurred.) The tropical wave moved westward and a tropical
depression is analyzed to have formed at 12Z on 9 September several hundred miles east of
the Lesser Antilles. The analyzed intensity at that time is 25 kt. The intensity is
increased to 30 kt on the 10th when a ship well north of the center reported a 25 kt wind.
On the 11th, there was very little data near the system, but observational coverage on the
12th and 13th was much better. Observations on the 12th indicate a closed circulation
continued at 12Z, but no tropical storm force winds had been observed by that point, so
the 30 kt intensity is held through the 12th. On the 13th, there were two gales of 35 kt
recorded from the same ship six hours apart. At 13Z, the ship recorded 35 kt E with
1009 mb as the cyclone passed just south of the ship. At 19Z, it recorded 35 kt SE with
1011 mb and the cyclone was located farther from and WSW of the ship at that time. West
winds were also recorded south of the center on the 13th. On the 13th, a separate broad
area of low pressure or trough, which was located to the northwest of the cyclone, moved
eastward so that they began to interact around 00Z on the 14th. On the 14th, there are
no longer any observations that show any signs of the tropical cyclone’s whereabouts.
A peak intensity of 35 kt is analyzed for a day from 00Z on the 13th to 18Z on the 13th.
The cyclone is analyzed to have weakened to a 30 kt tropical depression at 00Z on the 14th
with a position a couple hundred miles north of Puerto Rico. Dissipation is analyzed after
00Z on the 14th. It is noted that the evidence for including this new system into HURDAT
is not definitive, but it is enough to conclude that a tropical storm did exist for
about a day.
****************************************************************************************
1938/04 - 2008 REVISION:
29495 09/10/1938 M=13 4 SNBR= 653 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=3
29500 09/10* 0 0 0 0*142 215 35 0*144 238 35 0*146 250 35 0*
29505 09/11*148 262 35 0*149 274 35 0*150 285 35 0*152 297 35 0*
29510 09/12*153 310 40 0*154 324 40 0*155 337 40 0*156 348 40 0*
29515 09/13*157 358 40 0*158 371 45 0*160 383 45 0*161 394 50 0*
29520 09/14*162 406 50 0*164 419 55 0*167 432 55 0*169 445 60 0*
29525 09/15*172 457 65 0*174 468 70 0*176 478 75 0*179 490 80 0*
29530 09/16*183 502 80 0*186 516 85 0*189 530 85 0*192 540 90 0*
29535 09/17*194 550 95 0*197 563 100 0*200 575 105 0*202 586 115 0*
29540 09/18*204 596 120 0*207 607 125 0*210 620 125 0*213 636 130 0*
29545 09/19*217 656 130 0*223 678 135 0*232 700 135 0*241 716 140 0*
29550 09/20*250 727 140 0*259 736 140 0*267 743 135 0*280 748 130 0*
29555 09/21*298 749 120 0*322 744 110 0*352 731 100 938E390 730 85 940*
29555 09/21*298 749 120 0*322 744 110 0*352 731 100 938*390 730 85 940*
*
29560 09/22E434 731 70 967E453 735 45 988E473 770 35 987E454 791 35 0*
29565 HR NY3 CT3 RI3 MA3
In the course of revising the Atlantic track book, a discrepancy was discovered
between HURDAT and the existing (Neumann et al. 1999) track book map for 1938.
The track map for that year showed 1938 #4 making landfall as a hurricane
(NY3, CT3, RI3, MA3) and then becoming extratropical. HURDAT had the hurricane
becoming extratropical at 18Z on the 21st, prior to landfall. The committee agreed,
pending any further reanalysis, to make HURDAT consistent with the track map by
changing the 18Z position to tropical.
1938 Storm 6 (originally Storm 4) – Revised in 2012
29185 09/10/1938 M=13 4 SNBR= 647 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=3
29185 09/09/1938 M=15 6 SNBR= 647 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=3
** ** *
(The 9th is new to HURDAT.)
29190 09/09* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*128 193 30 0*130 203 30 0
29190 09/10* 0 0 0 0*142 215 35 0*144 238 35 0*146 250 35 0
29190 09/10*132 213 30 0*134 233 35 0*136 243 40 0*138 253 40 0
*** *** ** *** *** *** *** ** *** *** **
29195 09/11*148 262 35 0*149 274 35 0*150 285 35 0*152 297 35 0
29195 09/11*140 263 45 0*142 274 45 0*145 285 45 0*147 297 45 0
*** *** ** *** ** *** ** *** **
29200 09/12*153 310 40 0*154 324 40 0*155 337 40 0*156 348 40 0
29200 09/12*149 310 45 0*152 324 45 0*155 337 45 0*159 347 45 0
*** ** *** ** ** *** *** **
29205 09/13*157 358 40 0*158 371 45 0*160 383 45 0*161 394 50 0
29205 09/13*164 357 45 0*169 367 45 0*172 377 45 0*173 388 50 0
*** *** ** *** *** *** *** *** ***
29210 09/14*162 406 50 0*164 419 55 0*167 432 55 0*169 445 60 0
29210 09/14*173 400 50 0*174 412 55 0*175 423 55 0*176 433 60 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
29215 09/15*172 457 65 0*174 468 70 0*176 478 75 0*179 490 80 0
29215 09/15*177 443 65 0*178 453 70 0*179 463 75 0*181 473 80 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
29220 09/16*183 502 80 0*186 516 85 0*189 530 85 0*192 540 90 0
29220 09/16*183 483 85 0*186 494 90 0*189 505 95 0*195 516 100 0
*** ** *** ** *** ** *** *** ***
29225 09/17*194 550 95 0*197 563 100 0*200 575 105 0*202 586 115 0
29225 09/17*205 527 110 0*210 538 115 0*212 550 115 0*213 565 115 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
29230 09/18*204 596 120 0*207 607 125 0*210 620 125 0*213 636 130 0
29230 09/18*213 580 120 0*214 596 125 0*217 615 125 0*222 635 130 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
29235 09/19*217 656 130 0*223 678 135 0*232 700 135 0*241 716 140 0
29235 09/19*228 655 130 0*235 675 135 0*242 695 135 0*248 711 140 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
29240 09/20*250 727 140 0*259 736 140 0*267 743 135 0*280 748 130 0
29240 09/20*252 724 140 0*258 734 140 0*267 743 135 0*280 748 130 0
*** *** *** ***
29245 09/21*298 749 120 0*322 744 110 0*352 731 100 938E390 730 85 940
29245 09/21*298 749 120 0*322 744 120 0*352 731 110 940*393 729 105 940
*** *** ******* *** ***
29250 09/22E434 731 70 967E453 735 45 988E473 770 35 987E454 791 35 0
29250 09/22E434 731 60 969E465 745 40 0E477 773 35 987E470 778 35 0
** *** *** *** ** *** *** *** *** ***
(The 23rd is new to HURDAT.)
29252 09/23E450 770 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
29255 HR NY3 CT3 RI3 MA3
29255 HR NY3 CT3 RI3 MA2
***
Landfall:
September 21 1945Z: 40.7N, 72.9W, 941 mb, 105 kt, 40 nmi RMW, 1011 mb OCI, 350 nmi ROCI, 41 kt forward speed
September 21 2040Z: 41.3N, 72.9W, 946 mb, 100 kt, 40 nmi RMW, 1011 mb OCI, 350 nmi ROCI, 41 kt forward speed
Major changes to the track and major alterations to the intensity shown in Neumann et al.
(1999). Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Map series,
Monthly Weather Review, Original Monthly Records from NCDC, the COADS ship database,
Tannehill (1938), Pierce (1939), Wexler (1939), Myers and Jordan (1956), Dunn and Miller
(1960), Schwerdt et al. (1979), Ho et al. (1987), Jarrell et al. (1992), Boose et al. (2001),
Kaplan and DeMaria (2001), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (1939).
September 9: HWM analyzes a trough extending west-southwest out of West Africa. HURDAT does
not yet list this system. No gales or low pressures.
September 10: HWM does not analyze a closed low on this day. HURDAT listed this as a 35 kt tropical
storm at 14.2N, 21.5W. Available observations suggest that the 40 kt tropical storm was centered at
13.6N, 24.3W. Ship highlights: 30 kt ENE with 1009 mb at 12Z at 15.5N, 24.3W (COA); 25 kt NE with
1005 mb at 18Z at 14.2N, 26.7W (COA). Land highlights: No gales or low pressures in Cape Verde Islands.
September 11: HWM analyzes an open trough located at 15N, 27W on this day. HURDAT listed this as a
35 kt tropical storm at 15.0N, 28.5W. Available observations suggest that the 45 kt tropical storm
was centered at 14.5N, 28.5W. Ship highlights: 40 kt S at 1 UTC at 12.5N, 25.2W (COA); 35 kt SW with
1012 mb at 10 UTC at 11.5N, 27.5W. Land highlights: No gales or low pressures in Cape Verde Islands.
September 12: HWM does not analyze a closed low on this day. HURDAT listed this as a 40 kt tropical
storm at 15.5N, 33.7W. Available observations suggest that the 45 kt tropical storm was centered at
15.5N, 33.7W. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
September 13: HWM does not analyze a closed low on this day. HURDAT listed this as a 45 kt tropical
storm at 16.0N, 38.3W. Available observations suggest that the 45 kt tropical storm was centered at
17.0N, 33.7W. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures due to lack of ships in the area. “There
was some evidence of cyclonic circulation central about 19N, 37W, on the morning of September 13, 1938,
but the storm has not been definitely charted prior to the evening of September 16, when it appears to
have become a full developed hurricane" (1938 MWR).
September 14: HWM does not analyze a closed low on this day. HURDAT listed this as a 55 kt tropical
storm at 16.7N, 43.2W. Available observations suggest that the 55 kt tropical storm was centered at
17.2N, 42.3W. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures due to lack of ships in the area.
September 15: HWM does not analyze a closed low on this day. HURDAT listed this as a 75 kt hurricane
at 17.6N, 47.8W. Available observations suggest that the 75 kt hurricane was centered at 17.9N, 46.3W.
Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures due to lack of ships in the area.
September 16: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 1010 mb centered near 22.5N, 50.0W. HURDAT listed
this as an 85 kt hurricane at 18.9N, 53.0W. Available observations suggest that the 95 kt hurricane was
centered at 18.9N, 50.5W. Ship highlights: 20 kt NW with 1006 mb at 15Z at 18.9N, 50.6W (COA); 30 kt
ENE with 1012 mb at 18Z at 23.8N, 51.5W (COA). Regarding the intensity: "There was some evidence of
cyclonic circulation central about 19N, 37W, on the morning of September 13, 1938, but the storm has not
been definitely charted prior to the evening of September 16, when it appears to have become a full
developed hurricane. At about 9:30 p.m., ships time, on September 16 [September 17 at 0130 UTC], the
Brazilian S.S. Alegrete was near the center in approximately 21 12 N., 52 46 W., barometer 28.31
(uncorrected) [958 mb], wind force 12 [70 kt], shifting from east-northeast to east-southeast” (1938 MWR).
September 17: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 995 mb centered near 21.5N, 54W. HURDAT listed this
as a 105 kt hurricane at 20.0N, 57.5W. The MWR Track of the Hurricane of September 16-22, 1938 (Chart IX)
shows a center near 21N, 55.2W at 12 UTC on this day. Available observations suggest that the 115 kt
hurricane was centered at 21.2N, 55.0W. Ship highlights: 70 kt ENE with 958 mb at 0130Z at 21.2N, 52.8W
(MWR); 45 kt NE and 996 mb at 12 UTC at 22.5N, 54.7W (HWM); 35 kt NE and 1012 mb at 16 UTC at 23.5N, 57.5W
(COA); 45 kt NE and 1008 mb at 20 UTC at 22.5N, 58.5W (COA). Regarding the intensity: "Early on the
morning of September 17, the Netherlands S.S. Socrates encountered the storm while near 21N, 59W, and had
increasing winds, backing from east-northeast to northwest and then to west-southwest, lowest barometer
29.29 inches [992 mb]" (1938 MWR).
September 18: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 995 mb centered near 21.5N, 61W. HURDAT listed this as
a 125 kt hurricane at 21.0N, 62.0W. The MWR Track of the Hurricane of September 16-22, 1938 (Chart IX) shows
a center near 21.2N, 58W at 0 UTC. The MWR Track of the Hurricane of September 16-22, 1938 (Chart IX) shows
a center near 21.5N, 62W at 12 UTC. Available observations suggest that the 125 kt hurricane was centered
at 21.7N, 61.5W. Ship highlights: 60 kt ENE and 1003 mb at 0 UTC at 22.5N, 58.5W (COA); 60 kt W with 992 mb
at 0135Z at 20.6N, 59.3W (MWR); 50 kt E and 1011 mb at 8 UTC at 22.5N, 58.5W (COA); 35 kt NW-W and 1004 mb
at 20 UTC at 21.2N, 66.3W (MWR Robin Goodfellow); 945 mb (time and location unknown) (MWR). "The highest
wind experienced [by British S.S. Socrates] was W-11 [60 kt] at 9:35 p.m. [September 18 at 0035 UTC], ships
time, in latitude 20 38 N, longitude 59 17 W" (1938 MWR). Regarding the intensity: "A vessel reporting by
radio gave [a] barometer reading[s] below 28 inches, the British S.S. Corrales, 27.90 inches [945 mb] on
the 18th" (1938 MWR).
September 19: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 990 mb centered near 24.5N, 70W. HURDAT listed this
as a 135 kt hurricane at 23.2N, 70.0W. The MWR Track of the Hurricane of September 16-22, 1938 (Chart IX)
shows a center near 21.8N, 65.5W at 0 UTC. The MWR Track of the Hurricane of September 16-22, 1938 (Chart
IX) shows a center near 23.7N, 70.2W at 12 UTC. Available observations suggest that the 135 kt hurricane
was centered at 24.2N, 69.5W. Ship highlights: 35 kt NE and 1005 mb at 2 UTC at 28.4N, 69.3W (MWR Pan
America); 35 kt W and 1001 mb at 9 UTC at 23.6N, 73.8W (COA); 50 kt NE and 988 mb at 12 UTC at 25.7N,
70.0W (COA); 70 kt E and 982 mb at 14 UTC at 25.5N, 69.9W (MWR Gulfhawk); 45 kt SSW and 1006 mb at 15 UTC
at 24.3N, 72.7W (COA); 35 kt SE and 1006 mb at 18 UTC at 23.5N, 69.5W (COA); 45 kt NE and 1007 mb at
21 UTC at 27.4N, 73.4W (COA); 45 kt NE and 1007 mb at 21 UTC at 27.0N, 73.0W (COA); 35 kt S with 1007 mb
at 21 UTC at 25.6N, 72.8W (COA); 35 kt ENE and 1006 mb at 22 UTC at 27.2N, 74.1W (COA).
September 20: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 990 mb centered near 27.5N, 75W. HURDAT listed this as
a 135 kt hurricane at 26.7N, 74.3W. The MWR Track of the Hurricane of September 16-22, 1938 shows a center
near 25.2N, 73W at 0 UTC. The MWR Track of the Hurricane of September 16-22, 1938 (Chart IX) shows a center
near 28.8N, 75.2W at 12 UTC. Available observations suggest that the 135 kt hurricane was centered at
26.7N, 74.3W. Ship Highlights: 65 kt NE at 2 UTC at 26.3N, 74.2W (COA); 50 kt E and 986 at 5 UTC at 33.4N,
74.4W (COA); 50 kt SW at 6 UTC at 26.0N, 74.1W (COA); 70 kt SSE and 992 mb at 9 UTC at 27.8N, 72.6W (MWR
Jean Lafitte); 45 kt NE and 956 mb at 9 UTC at 27.1N, 73.9W (MWR Antigua); 70 kt E and 1005 mb at 9 UTC at
27.4N, 72.4W (COA); 70 kt E and 953 mb at 12 UTC at 27.1N, 74.6W (MWR Atlantida); 50 kt SE and 1008 mb at
12 UTC at 27.6N, 72.6W (HWM); 60 kt S at 12 UTC at 25.6N, 73.9W (COA); 70 kt SSE and 986 mb at 12 UTC at
27.6N, 73.8W (COA); 60 kt SE and 980 mb at 12 UTC at 27.8N, 72.5W (COA); 70 kt SSE and 995 mb at 12 UTC at
27.8N, 72.5W (COA); 50 kt SE and 1009 mb at 13Z at 27.4N, 72.4W (COA); 55 kt SE and 1009 mb at 13Z 27.0N,
72.0W (COA); 70 kt S and 976 mb at 15 UTC at 27.6N, 74.0W (MWR Phobos); 70 kt ENE and 950 mb at 23 UTC at
30.0N, 75.7W (MWR India Arrow); 943 mb (time and location unknown) (MWR). Several gales of 35 kt-45 kt
observed. Regarding the intensity: "a vessel reporting by radio gave a barometer reading below 28 inches...
the British S. S. Carinthia, 27.85 [943 mb] on the 20th" (MWR).
September 21: HWM analyzes an extratropical closed low of at most 990 mb centered near 37.5N, 74.5W attached
to a N-S cold front. HURDAT listed this as a 100 kt hurricane at 35.2N, 74.4W. The MWR Track of the
Hurricane of September 16-22, 1938 (Chart IX) shows a center near 30.2N, 76.0 W at 0 UTC. The MWR Track of
the Hurricane of September 16-22, 1938 (Chart IX) shows a center near 35.5N, 75.0W at 12 UTC. Available
observations suggest that the 110 kt hurricane was centered at 35.2N, 73.1W. Ship highlights: 60 kt S and
1005 mb at 4 UTC at 30.5N, 72.5W (MWR); 70 kt W and 954 mb at 9 UTC at 33.4N, 74.4W (COA); 60 kt N and
969 mb at 15Z at 36.2N, 74.6W (MWR); 70 kt SE and 952 mb at 17 or 18 UTC at 38.9N, 72.0W (MWR Birmingham
City); 70 kt NW and 970 mb at 17Z or 18Z at 39.3N, 73.8W (MWR Stewart); 45 kt NW with 972 mb at 17 UTC at
38.2N, 74.5W (COA). Land highlights: 53 kt at 9 UTC at Hatteras, North Carolina at 35.3N, 75.6W (NCDC);
53 kt W with 982 mb at 17 UTC at Atlantic City, New Jersey at 39.4N, 74.5W (NCDC, MWR); 40 kt SE at 17 UTC
at Providence, Rhode Island at 41.8N, 71.3W (NCDC); 44 kt N at 17 UTC at New York City, New York at 40.8N,
74.0W (NCDC); calm center from 1850Z-1950Z at Brentwood, Long Island,NewYork (40.8N, 73.2W) (MWR); 981 mb
at 19 UTC at Newark Airport, New Jersey at 40.8N, 74.3W (NCDC); 45 kt SE with 995 mb at 19 UTC at Nantucket,
Massachusetts at 41.3N, 70.1W (NCDC); 946 mb at 1945 UTC at Bellport, Long Island, New York at 40.75N,
72.9W (NCDC); 76 kt SW and 979 mb at 20 UTC at Providence, Rhode Island at 41.8N, 71.3W (NCDC); 95 kt
(1-min/anemometer height unknown) at 2020Z at Fishers Island (41.3N, 72.0W) (Army Corps); 33 kt SE and
996 mb at 21 UTC at Nantucket, Massachusetts at 41.3N, 70.1W (NCDC); 63 kt S and 985 mb at 21 UTC at
Boston at 42.4N, 71.0W (NCDC); 40 kt SE with 979 mb (min p) at 22 UTC at Concord, New Hampshire at 43.2N,
71.5W (NCDC); 40 kt S with 975 mb (min p) at 22 UTC at Albany, New York at 42.7N, 73.8W (NCDC). "It was
not until September 21 that the hurricane approached any coastal or island area close enough to be felt
seriously. At about 7:30 a.m. E.S.T. [1230 UTC] of that day, the center was about 75 miles east or
slightly north of east from Cape Hatteras, where the barometer reading at that time was 29.30 and the wind
velocity 50 miles an hour from the northwest. With the center approximately the same distance east of
Atlantic City, at about 1 p.m. [18 UTC], the hurricane caused a maximum wind velocity of 61 miles an hour
from the west at 12:55 p.m. [1755 UTC], simultaneously with the lowest barometer reading, 28.99 inches.
At Sandy Hook, the lowest reading was 28.71 inches, shortly after 2 p.m., maximum wind 56 N at 1 p.m.
The calm center was felt at Brentwood, Long Island, between 1:50 p.m. and 2:50 p.m. Drizzling rain was
reported at intervals, with the sun shining during or three 5-minute periods. The wind movement was so
slight during that time that a cigarette could have been lighted in the open without difficulty. Shortly
before 4 p.m. the center reached the Connecticut coast passing between New Haven and Bridgeport; lowest
pressure at New Haven was 28.11 at 3:50 p.m. At Hartford the minimum pressure, 28.04, was reached at
4:30 p.m. Moving at a very rapid rate, the center crossed Vermont between 6 and 9 p.m., its course
having changed from north by east to north by west, while crossing Massachusetts. At Northfield the
lowest barometer reading was 28.77 at 7:30 p.m. and at Burlington at 8 p.m." (1938 MWR). "NY, CT, RI,
MA - All Category 3 - 946 mb central pressure" (Jarrell et al.). "Environmental pressure - 1015 mb,
Estimated maximum sustained (equivalent 1 min) surface wind at landfall - 110 kt” (Schwerdt et al. 1979).
"Sep. 21, 1938, 943 mb central pressure, 946 mb observed in Bellport, NY, RMW of 45 nmi, movement 48 kt,
landfall at 40.7N, 72.9W, ‘storm becoming extratropical’” (Ho et al. 1987). "1938 Sep 21, All sections
of New England, Extreme Intensity ["Extreme" being 948 mb or less, maximum winds 136 kt and higher]"
(Dunn and Miller). "F2/F3 damages observed from wind-caused impacts, Suggests boosting winds at 21st/12Z
from 100 to 110 kt, 18Z 85 to 110 kt, landfall at 20Z with 110 kt, 22nd/00Z from 70 to 90 kt, 06Z from 45
to 60 kt" (Boose et al. 2001). "Suggest maximum sustained surface winds of 85 kt" (Kaplan and DeMaria 2001).
September 22: HWM analyzes an extratropical closed low of at most 985 mb centered near 47.5N, 75.5W attached
to a stationary front. HURDAT listed this as a 35 kt extratropical low at 47.3N, 77.0W. The MWR Track of
the Hurricane of September 16-22, 1938 (Chart IX) shows a center near 43.5N, 73W at 0 UTC. The MWR Track
of the Hurricane of September 16-22, 1938 (Chart IX) shows a center near 46.5N, 77W at 12 UTC. Available
observations suggest that the 35 kt extratropical low was centered at 47.7N, 77.3W. Land highlights: 41 kt
S and 971 mb at 2330Z at Burlington, Vermont at 44.5N, 73.2W (NCDC); 973 mb at 0 UTC at Burlington, Vermont
at 44.5N, 73.2W (NCDC); 995 mb at 0 UTC at Portland, Maine at 43.65N, 70.25W (NCDC); 996 mb at 0 UTC at
Providence, Rhode Island at 41.8N, 71.3W (NCDC); 993 mb at 0 UTC at Boston, Massachusetts at 42,4N, 71.0W
(NCDC); 982 mb at 0 UTC at Albany, New York at 42.7N, 73.8W (NCDC); 993 mb at 6 UTC at Burlington, Vermont
at 44.5N, 73.2W (NCDC); several other gales and low pressures.
September 23: HWM analyzes an extratropical closed low of at most 1005 mb centered near 42.5N, 72.5W attached
to a stationary front. HURDAT does not list a position for this day. The MWR Track of the hurricane of
September 16-22, 1938 shows a center near 45.0N, 77.0W at 0 UTC. Available observations suggest that the
30 kt extratropical low was centered at 45.0N, 77.0W.
Genesis is begun 18 hours earlier, based upon land and ship observations on the 9th showing a closed low had
developed just off of the West African coast. Following a thorough examination of all available data and
records for each day of the storm’s existence, recommendations were made for moderate to major track
modifications to the HURDAT database. These include: 1) removal of unrealistic acceleration at the track
beginning, 2) removal of speed problem on the 12th, 3) added a stairstep track on the 17th, 4) only minor
changes to timing and position of landfall in New England, 5) added an additional 6 hr position for more
realistic end of track.
Recommendations were also made for generally minor intensity alterations to the HURDAT database for the 10th
to the 12th, the 16th and 17th, and the 21st and 22nd, with the exception of a major increase of 20 kt at 18Z
on the 21st. On the 10th at 18Z with the system located just southwest of the Cape Verde Islands, a 1005 mb
peripheral pressure was recorded in association with the cyclone, and on the 11th at 01Z, a 40 kt wind was
recorded. The analyzed intensity at 00Z on the 11th is 45 kt (up from 35 kt originally). (It is of note that
the 40 kt S wind is listed as being in nearly the same spot as the 20 kt S wind. However, given the rather
poor navigational tools available in 1938, it is quite likely that the relative positions of the two ships
with regards to the storm’s center may be off by 30 or even 60 nm.) After that, observations near the cyclone
were lacking until 17 September at 0130Z, when the SS Alegrete recorded a peripheral pressure of 958 mb with
hurricane force winds at 21.2N, 52.8W. A 958 mb peripheral pressure reading suggests maximum winds of greater
than 103 kt according to the Brown et al. (2006) southern pressure-wind relationship and greater than 105 kt
for its intensifying subset. Winds are boosted from 95 to 110 kt at 00 UTC on the 17th and adjusted upward
accordingly on the 16th. Additional ships encountered the storm during the days following this period. On
the 18th at 12Z, the hurricane was located a few hundred miles north of the Lesser Antilles. On this day,
the British S.S. Corrales recorded a pressure of 945 mb (it is uncertain whether this is a peripheral or
central pressure). The 945 mb pressure suggests maximum winds of at least 116 kt from the Brown et al.
(2006) southern pressure-wind relationship. The 125 kt intensity in HURDAT at 12Z on the 18th is not changed.
On the 20th at 12Z, with the hurricane located northeast of the Bahamas, the Atlantida recorded a 953 mb
pressure with simultaneous hurricane force winds, and at 23Z, the ship India Arrow recorded 950 mb with
simultaneous hurricane force. Those two ships did not experience 180 degree wind shifts. The British S.S.
Carinithia recorded a 943 mb pressure sometime on the 20th, but it is uncertain whether this is a peripheral
or central pressure measurement. The 943 mb pressure on the 20th suggests maximum winds of at least 112 kt
according to the Brown et al. (2006) north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. The 135 kt intensity in
HURDAT at 12Z on the 20th is not changed. No changes are made to the original HURDAT intensities from the
18th through the 20th. The peak intensity of 140 kt is retained from 18Z on the 19th through 06Z on the 20th.
It is of note that the original HURDAT assessment of a 140 kt peak intensity is not directly supported by any
data. However, the current data is not sufficient to justify changing this, but considerable uncertainty
remains as to the peak intensity obtained by this major hurricane. A 938 mb central pressure value is listed
in HURDAT at 12 UTC on the 21st. This value may be partially based on the work of Myers and Jordan in the
July 1956 MWR. They extrapolated the ship pressures and the observed pressure gradient to derive an estimated
pressure of 27.75 in (939.8 mb) at 1200 EST (17Z) 21 September and this combined with the observed changes
may have been used for the HURDAT value. It is noted that they derive a similar central pressure for the
afternoon of 20 September, which was not used in HURDAT. Thus based upon the Myers and Jordan work, the
central pressure value at 12Z on the 21st is changed to 940 mb. At 12Z on the 21st, the hurricane was just
east of North Carolina, and it was accelerating northward. A 940 mb central pressure equals 115 kt according
to the Brown et al. (2006) north of 25N pressure-wind relationship and 103 kt according to the Landsea et al.
(2004) north of 35N pressure-wind relationship. A 110 kt intensity is chosen for 12Z on the 21st (up from
100 kt originally). Ship data from prior to landfall as well as station data from landfall suggest that the
940 mb central pressure in HURDAT 18Z on the 21st should be retained in HURDAT.
At landfall (1945Z on the 21st), a pressure of 946 mb likely with calm or light winds measured in Bellport,
Long Island, New York (40.7N, 72.9W) was the lowest pressure recorded on land. A landfall central pressure
of 941 mb is analyzed here, which is in agreement with Jarvinen’s analysis which used SLOSH. This is close
to Ho et al.'s (943 mb) and HURDAT's 18Z (940 mb) values and somewhat deeper than Jarrell et al. (946 mb),
who apparently assumed that Bellport observed the central pressure. The position at 1945Z was determined to
be 40.7N, 72.9W, which is essentially over Bellport, Long Island. As described in Myers and Jordan, the
pressure center and the wind center for this hurricane were offset by about 15 nmi (with the wind center
southwest of the pressure center) due to its extreme translational speed. As is usually indicated in HURDAT,
the best track positions here are based upon the wind (circulation) center. Based on observations and
commentary from primary and secondary sources, the wind center is analyzed to have made landfall essentially
right where the 946 mb was recorded at Bellport, and the pressure center likely came through about 0.1 degrees
east of that location (near 72.8W when it made landfall on Long Island). Brentwood (40.8N, 73.2W) recorded
calm or very light winds lasting for 1 hour. 941 mb suggests maximum winds of 103 kt from the Landsea et al.
(2004) northern-pressure wind relationship. The RMW of the hurricane at landfall is estimated to be 40 nmi,
somewhat smaller than Ho et al.'s assessment. This is slightly larger than the 30 nmi RMW which would be
average given the central pressure and latitude (Vickery et al. 2000). However, the speed of the hurricane
was about 41 kt at landfall, which would significantly increase the winds on the right side of the storm.
Another consideration is that extratropical transition had been well underway and was nearly complete at
landfall, and the pressure-wind relationship is not valid for extratropical cyclones. There are no available
wind measurements from anemometers on Long Island to the right of the path of the center. There were only a
few wind estimates there in commentary from secondary sources.
It is estimated that the central pressure filled slightly - to 946 mb - at the second landfall in Connecticut.
The hurricane's second landfall was around 2040 UTC at 41.3N, 72.9W near New Haven. A central pressure of
946 mb equals 99 kt according to the Landsea et al. (2004) northern pressure-wind relationship. At both
landfalls the OCI and ROCI are analyzed at 1011 mb and 350 nmi, respectively. From a pressure-wind
relationship standpoint, the large size of the storm and the larger than average RMW are counteracted by
the very fast speed of the cyclone. Another consideration is that extratropical transition had been well
underway and was nearly complete at landfall, and the pressure-wind relationship is not valid for
extratropical cyclones. The highest official reliable wind observation recorded on land that was not
influenced by terrain effects was 95 kt (1-minute) at Fishers Island, NY (41.3N, 72.0W) at 2020Z. An
investigation into obtaining the height of this anemometer reveals that it was likely in the range of 10
to 15 meters. The observer at Fishers Island noted that the anemometer failed at 2020Z, right after the
95 kt value was recorded. The observer estimated a highest one-minute wind of 104 kt at 2035Z. Estimated
maximum velocity reported by the observer at the Watch Hill Coast Guard Station (41.3N, 71.8W) in Westerly,
Rhode Island was 105 kt. A secondary source states that the anemometer of a ship in the harbor at New
London, CT at 41.35 degrees N, 71.1W recorded a value of exactly 87 kt before the anemometer blew away.
The RMW of this hurricane was located between New London, CT and Westerly, RI. At Block Island, RI (41.2N,
71.6W), a maximum 5-minute wind of 71 kt SE (14 m) converts to a 10 m 1-min wind of 74 kt. Block Island’s
fastest mile wind was measured at 79 kt, which converts to a 10m 1-min wind of 76 kt. Block Island was
located about 10 to 15 nmi outside of the right RMW. Other stations’ maximum winds, after converting to
10m 1-min values are: Providence, RI: 68 kt; Boston, MA: 64 or 71 kt (depending whether you convert from
5-min or from fastest mile). It is estimated that the maximum surface sustained winds at the Long Island,
NY landfall were about 105 kt, which is slightly below the Schwerdt et al.'s and Boose et al.'s value
(110 kt) and significantly above that suggested by Kaplan and DeMaria (85 kt) and that shown originally
in HURDAT (also 85 kt). (Kaplan and DeMaria's analysis focused solely upon observed wind values, and did
not utilize the Army Corps source where the 95 kt observation was found. Other than the winds mentioned
above, the wind data coverage on the right side of the hurricane was rather sparse. The right RMW is
analyzed to have crossed eastern Long Island. This retains the hurricane as a Category 3 at the first
(NY) landfall. For the Connecticut landfall, winds are suggested to have dropped slightly to 100 kt.
Category 3 winds are likely to have been felt along the immediate coast of eastern Connecticut and
extreme western Rhode Island in a tiny area between 72.0W-71.8W. However, Massachusetts impact was
analyzed to be about Category 2, which is a downgrade from Category 3 originally estimated in HURDAT.
An additional post-landfall central pressure was added for the 00Z 22nd HURDAT of 969 mb based on a
971 mb reading from Burlington, Vermont. This replaced a value of 967 mb originally in HURDAT. Following
landfall, the peak observed winds within two hours of the 00Z and 06Z on the 22nd synoptic times were
land-based observations of 60 kt from Boston, Massachusetts and 30 kt from Burlington, Vermont. The
Kaplan and DeMaria (2001) inland decay algorithm for New England suggested winds of 62 and 40 kt at 00Z
and 06Z, respectively. Consequently, winds in HURDAT were decreased from 70 to 60 kt at 00Z and from
45 to 40 kt at 06Z.
An application of SLOSH for this hurricane was provided by Brian Jarvinen. For his run, he utilized the
pressure center positions, which as mentioned earlier were about 15 nmi northeast of the wind center.
Using central pressures of 941 mb at landfall in New York and 946 mb at landfall in Connecticut and an
RMW of 26 nmi (from the pressure center), SLOSH's output closely matches the observed storm surges at
Providence, Rhode Island and Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. The SLOSH model gave maximum 1 min surface
winds of 113 kt at the southern shoreline on eastern Long Island and 104 kt at the shoreline in
Connecticut. However, these values do not take into account any increases in stability due to the cool
water near New England. Thus the SLOSH model output is consistent with a large Category 3 at landfall.
One last consideration was whether the system was extratropical before or after landfall in New England.
Oddly, it was listed as extratropical in HURDAT at 18 UTC on the 21st (right before landfall), but the
track is shown in Neumann et al. (1999) as still retaining hurricane status until just after landfall.
It has been officially considered a hurricane at landfall in Jarrell et al. and in the Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Scale designation in HURDAT. Pierce (1939) considered it extratropical, as he even showed
frontal boundaries when the system was as far south as 35N at 12 UTC on the 21st. However, ship
observations near the core of the system were lacking on the 21st. While it is clear that the system
was extratropical soon after landfall in New England (and was likely completely transitioned by 00 UTC
on the 22nd), the lack of observations makes knowing its true character at landfall ambiguous. Perhaps
Ho et al.'s assessment of "becoming extratropical" at landfall is most appropriate. Therefore, the
1938 Great New England hurricane will be retained with hurricane status just up to landfall.
A final note is that the track for the 1938 New England Hurricane was extended an extra six hours on
the 23rd to accommodate some Historical Weather Map data showing that the system was still in existence
on this date and also to provide a more realistic velocity at its conclusion.
*******************************************************************************
1938 Storm 7 (originally Storm 5) – Revised in 2012
30750 10/11/1938 M= 7 5 SNBR= 678 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=0
30750 10/10/1938 M= 8 7 SNBR= 678 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=0
** * *
(The 10th is new to HURDAT.)
30755 10/10* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*160 875 30 0*
30755 10/11*162 877 35 0*173 881 40 0*184 885 35 0*195 890 35 0*
30755 10/11*164 877 35 0*174 879 40 0*187 881 35 0*198 888 30 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** **
30760 10/12*207 896 35 0*215 900 35 0*222 902 35 0*236 905 35 0*
30760 10/12*208 896 30 0*218 900 35 0*228 902 35 0*238 903 35 0*
*** ** *** *** *** ***
30765 10/13*248 901 35 0*252 897 40 0*253 890 40 0*253 881 45 0*
30765 10/13*248 900 35 0*252 896 40 0*253 887 40 0*252 877 45 0*
*** *** *** *** ***
30770 10/14*253 872 45 0*251 861 50 0*250 851 50 0*253 847 50 0*
30770 10/14*251 869 45 0*250 860 50 0*250 851 50 0*253 848 50 0*
*** *** *** *** ***
30775 10/15*256 846 50 996*259 847 50 0*262 850 45 0*263 853 45 0*
30775 10/15*256 846 50 996*259 847 50 0*261 849 45 0*261 853 45 0*
*** *** ***
30780 10/16*265 860 40 0*269 878 40 0*273 897 40 0*276 909 35 0*
30780 10/16*261 861 40 0*262 876 40 0*264 891 40 0*270 907 40 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** **
30785 10/17*279 921 35 0*284 936 35 0*288 950 35 1006*293 969 30 0*
30785 10/17*277 921 40 0*284 934 40 0*292 947 40 1004*299 961 30 0*
*** ** *** ** *** *** ** **** *** ***
30790 TS
US landfall: 10/17/1938 – 13Z – 29.3N 94.8W – 40 kt – 1004 mb
Minor track changes and minor alterations to intensity are made to this tropical storm that
made landfall at Galveston, TX. Evidence for the changes comes from the Historical Weather
Maps Series, the COADS ships database, Monthly Weather Review, Mexican synoptic maps and
observations from NCDC, the State Monthly Climatological Data Summaries for Florida and Texas
from NCDC, Dunn and Miller (1960), and Connor (1956).
October 10: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 1005 mb over the eastern Pacific near 13N,
90W and observations on HWM show cyclonic turning over the southwestern Caribbean near 13N,
83W. HURDAT does not yet list a system on this day. “The first evidence of unsettled
conditions was noted on the evening of October 10, at which time a cyclonic circulation was
centered a short distance to the southwest of Tela, Honduras, with a barometer reading of
29.69 inches” (MWR). “The pressures remain high over the eastern portion of the United States
and descending in the Gulf of Tehuantepec, therefore, clouds and rains will be increasing
over the southern half of the country, especially in the Pacific south coast” (Mexico).
October 11: HWM indicates a closed low near 19N, 87.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm
with 35kt winds at 18.4N, 88.5W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones shows the center
at about 20N, 88.9W (pm). Ship highlights: 30 kt ESE before 20Z and 20 kt SE with 1010 mb at
20Z at 19.6N, 86.0W (MWR). Station highlights: 1005 mb around 00Z at Tela, Honduras (15.8N,
87.5W) (MWR). “For the next 48 hours, while this depression pursued a north-northwest course,
ship in the central and east Gulf regions experienced only moderate east and north winds” (MWR).
“The pressures remain high over the eastern region of the United States and are rapidly
decreasing in the Yucatan Channel, which likely means that a weak disturbance is to the north
of the peninsula. Clouds and rain will decrease over most of the country” (Mexico).
October 12: HWM indicates a closed low with at most 1005mb near 23.2N, 89.5W. HURDAT lists this
as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 22.2N, 90.2W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones
shows the center at about 23.5N, 89.5W (am) and at 25N, 90W (pm). Ship highlights: 30 kt ESE
with 1014 mb at 10Z at 24.4N, 86.4W (COA); 10 kt NNW with 1008 mb at 22Z at 23.5N, 90.5W (COA).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “At 7pm of the 12th, the center was located near
25N and 90W. The disturbance recurved to the east-northeast during the evening of October 12”
(MWR). “About 300 km to the north of Progreso, Yucatan, we find a weak disturbance moving to
the northwest, which will allow for dry weather over most of the country with frosts over the
central highlands” (Mexico).
October 13: HWM indicates a closed low with at most 1005mb near 25N, 87.5W. HURDAT lists this as
a Tropical Storm with 40kt winds at 25.3N, 89W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones shows
the center at about 25N, 89W (am) and at 25.3N, 86W (pm). Ship highlights: 35 kt NE with 1008 mb
at 00Z at 26.5N, 90.8W (COA); 30 kt N with 1006 mb at 12Z at 25.7N, 89.8W (COA); 45kt NE with a
pressure of 1006mb at 26.1N, 87.6W at 18Z (COA); 35 kt E with 1005 mb at 23Z at 26.0N, 86.1W (MWR).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “The S. S. El Estero at 11am of October 13, reported
a fresh gale [35 kt] from the northeast accompanied by heavy rain, while near latitude 26N, and
longitude 87W, barometer 29.71 inches. At 1pm of the same day the S. S. El Isleo giving her position
as 25°05’N and 87°36’W, reported northeast wind, force 9, the highest thus far reported in
connection with this disturbance” (MWR). “The disturbance over the Gulf of Mexico is located about
300 km to the north of Progreso, Yucatan. The system is of moderate intensity and appears to be
recurving” (Mexico).
October 14: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000mb near 26N, 84W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm with 50kt winds at 25N, 85.1W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones shows
the center at about 25N, 84.5W (am) with a pressure of 994mb and at 27.5N, 87.5W (pm). Ship
highlights: 35 kt NE before 07Z and 25 kt S with 1003 mb at 07Z at 25.2N, 84.7W (MWR); 35kt NNE
with a pressure of 1015mb at 27N, 90.4W at 12Z (COA); 25kt N with a pressure of 1000mb at 25.5N,
85W at 18Z (COA); center fix at 23Z at 25.7N, 84.7W with 996 mb central pressure and calm winds
(MWR). Station highlights: 1006 mb at Key West (MWR). “At 6pm of the 14th, the S. S. Wallace E.
Pratt reported a “calm center” at 25.42’N and 84.42’W, pressures 29.41 inches, the lowest
barometer reading of record in connection with this disturbance” (MWR). “The disturbance over
the Gulf of Mexico is located about 300 km NNW of Havana, Cuba, and it’s likely to move today
across southern Florida. The weather will be generally dry over most of the country” (Mexico).
October 15: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000mb near 25.5N, 84.5W. HURDAT lists this as
a Tropical Storm with 45kt winds at 26.2N, 85W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones
shows the center at about 26N, 85W (am) with a pressure of 1002mb and at 27N, 86.5W (pm). Ship
highlights: 30 kt NNE with 1006 mb at 00Z at 25.8N, 85.6W (COA); 15kt WSW with a pressure of
1002mb at 25N, 85.5W at 12Z (HWM). Station highlights: 23 kt NE (max 5-min wind) at both
Apalachicola and Pensacola (climo). “The depression then moved in a northerly direction until the
morning of the 15th with it again recurved, this time toward the west-northwest with an increased
progressive movement, causing generally disturbed conditions over the northern Gulf” (MWR). “The
disturbance over the Gulf of Mexico is slowly weakening to the west of south Florida, which will
lead to an increase in clouds and rain over the country” (Mexico).
October 16: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 25.5N, 90W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm with 40kt winds at 27.3N, 89.7W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones shows
the center at about 27N, 89W (am) and at 27.5N, 91W (pm). Ship highlights: 20 kt SSE with 1005 mb
at 01Z at 26.0N, 85.9W (COA); 30 kt ENE with 1010 mb at 10Z at 28.4N, 88.4W (COA). Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures. “The disturbance of moderate intensity is located about
500 km north of Progreso, Yucatan. The rain will increase over the states in the SE and dry
weather will dominate the rest of the country” (Mexico).
October 17: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 29N, 95W. HURDAT lists this as
Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 28.8N, 95W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones shows
the center at about 29N, 94W (am) with a pressure of 1005mb. Ship highlights: 25 kt ESE with
1010 mb at 06Z at 28.3N, 92.3W (COA). Station highlights: 37 kt E (max w/5-min/41m) (36 kt after
converting to 1-min 10m) at 1145Z at Port Arthur, TX (29.9N, 94.0W) (MWR, Connor); 25kt NE with
a pressure of 1005mb at Galveston, TX at 12Z (HWM); 37 kt (max w/1-min/12m/single register) at
1211Z at Fort Crockett, TX (29.3N, 94.9W) (MWR); 1006 mb (min p) around ~1220Z at Fort Crockett
(MWR); 1005 mb (min p) at 1220Z at Galveston, TX (29.3N, 93.8W); 9 kt (min wind inside lull) at
1244Z at Fort Crockett (MWR); lull at 1310Z at Virginia Point, TX (29.3N, 94.9W) (MWR); 24 kt NE
(max w/5-min/69m) at Dallas, TX (32.8N, 96.8W) (MWR). “The center passed inland a short distance
to the southwest of Galveston, Tex., at about 7:45am of October 17” (MWR). “Extracts from a
report by the official in charge at Galveston, Tex., follow: ‘Wind at the Galveston station and
over the western portion of the city veered from northerly to southerly. At the Galveston
Municipal Airport, at the San Luis Coast Guard Station, and at Freeport, the wind backed from
northeasterly to westerly. Mr. Stearns, storm warning displayman at Seabrook, Tex., on his way
to Galveston at the time, reported strong and increasing northeast winds south of Dickinson,
Tex. When nearing Virginia Point at the mainland end of the causeway at about 8:10 am, he
encountered a distinct lull for a few minutes with the wind veering sharply to the south and
increasing again. At the Fort Crockett Airport, about 3 ¾ miles southwest of the Weather Bureau
the wind velocity recorded from a single register shows a maximum velocity of 36 miles at 7:11 am
and an extreme velocity at the same time of 42 miles, decreasing to 11 miles at 7:44 am and
increasing to 26 miles at 8:04 am. From the above it is believed that the center crossed the
coast of Galveston Island at or very near Fort Crockett Airport at about 7:45 am EST, on the
17th and moved toward the mainland near the causeway in a west-northwesterly direction reaching
the mainland about 8 am EST. The lowest sea level reading at the Weather Bureau was 29.68 inches
about 7:20 am. The reading at Fort Crockett at approximately the same time was 29.71 inches.
The barograph at Fort Crockett is set to run with a high grade mercurial barometer in that office’”
(MWR). “Tropical cyclones in Texas – Upper coast – Minor” (Dunn and Miller 1960 – “minor”
indicates wind <64 kt and pressure >996 mb). “The weak cyclone over the Gulf of Mexico moved
inland this morning making landfall near Galveston, TX, and will be dissipating rapidly in the
next 24 hours. A strong anticyclone is starting to move over the northwest of the United States
and remain generally low across the aforementioned country” (Mexico).
October 18: HWM analyzed a cold front reaching northern Texas, but with no closed low indicated.
No gales or low pressures were present.
HURDAT originally began this cyclone at 00Z on 11 October as a 35 kt tropical storm just off the
Honduras coast near Tela. Data was obtained for the 10th. While the observations obtained are
ambiguous regarding genesis by 12Z on the 10th, a measurement from Tela, Honduras of a minimum
pressure of 1005 mb around 00Z on the 11th (along with 1010 mb obs from that city at 12Z on the
10th and 11th) suggests genesis occurred before 00Z on the 11th. Thus this cyclone’s formation
is now indicated to be 18Z on the 10th. The cyclone promptly moved north-northwestward and made
landfall at San Pedro, Belize on 11 October at 08Z as a 40 kt tropical storm. It made landfall
at 18.8N, 88.1W (on the mainland in Mexico north of Chetumal) four hours later, at 12Z as a 35 kt
tropical storm. This 12Z position on the 11th is a 0.4 degree shift from the original position,
and this adjustment is warranted by land and ship observations at 12Z. The cyclone moved
north-northwestward over the Yucatan and was overland until 03Z on the 12th. The cyclone is
analyzed to have weakened to a 30 kt tropical depression while over land- shown from 18Z on the
11th through 00Z on the 12th (down from 35 kt originally). After the cyclone emerged back into
the Gulf it strengthened back to a minimal tropical storm, and it moved on an erratic path
through the Gulf of Mexico. This erratic path shown by the original HURDAT is analyzed to be
correct for the most part with only minor track changes. No intensity changes are made from the
12th at 06Z through the 16th at 12Z. There was an observed wind of 45 kt with a simultaneous
1006 mb pressure at 18Z on the 13th. A ship was in the center of the cyclone at 23Z on the 14th
and measured a 996 mb central pressure with calm. The 996 mb pressure shown in HURDAT originally
at 00Z on 15 October is retained, and this value equals 54 and 50 kt, according to the Brown et al.
(2006) southern and north of 25N pressure-wind relationships, respectively. The peak intensity
of 50 kt shown in HURDAT originally from 06Z on the 14th through 06Z on the 15th is not changed.
After the cyclone meandered in the eastern half of the Gulf for a few days it turned westward and
then west-northwestward. Very detailed observations from several stations on and near Galveston
Island indicate that the center of this tropical cyclone made landfall on Galveston Island near
29.3N, 94.8W around 13Z on 17 October. The strongest official winds recorded on land (after
converting to 10m 1-min values) were: 37 kt at Fort Crockett (29.3N, 94.9W) and 36 kt at Port
Arthur (29.9N, 94.0W). The lowest pressures recorded were 1005 mb at the Galveston Weather Bureau
and 1006 mb at Fort Crockett. Based on all of the data, the landfall central pressure is analyzed
at 1004 mb and the analyzed wind speed at landfall is 40 kt. The 35 kt intensities originally
listed in HURDAT from 18Z on the 16th through 12Z on the 17th are all increased to 40 kt. A
1004 mb central pressure is added to HURDAT at 12Z on the 17th which replaces the 1006 mb value
listed there originally. The position at 12Z on the 17th is also adjusted by 0.4 degrees, and
this is based on good data, much of which is contained in MWR commentary above in the October
17th paragraph. After landfall, the cyclone continued west-northwestward, weakened to a tropical
depression and then dissipated (no changes to the time of dissipation).
*******************************************************************************
1938 Storm 8 (originally Storm 6) – Revised in 2012
30795 10/17/1938 M= 4 6 SNBR= 679 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
30795 10/16/1938 M= 6 8 SNBR= 679 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
** * *
(The 16th is new to HURDAT.)
30800 10/16* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*320 640 25 0*324 636 25 0*
30800 10/17* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*327 634 35 0*316 651 35 0*
30800 10/17*327 633 25 0*330 632 25 0*329 636 25 1008*323 648 25 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** **** *** *** **
30805 10/18*306 666 35 0*297 679 35 0*289 691 35 0*283 700 35 0*
30805 10/18*310 664 30 0*297 681 30 0*288 698 30 1007*282 709 30 0*
*** *** ** *** ** *** *** ** **** *** *** **
30810 10/19*278 710 40 0*272 722 40 0*262 749 40 0*260 767 40 0*
30810 10/19*276 720 35 0*270 738 35 0*265 758 35 0*265 770 35 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
30815 10/20*263 779 40 0*274 788 35 0*283 787 35 0*299 781 30 0*
30815 10/20*267 780 35 0*273 788 35 0*279 787 35 1005*290 781 30 0*
*** *** ** *** *** **** ***
The 21st is new to HURDAT
30817 10/21*300 776 30 1004* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
30820 TS
Minor track changes and minor intensity changes are analyzed for this tropical storm.
A major alteration is to indicate genesis a day earlier than originally shown. Another
major change is made to the time that the cyclone attained tropical storm strength.
Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps Series, the COADS
ships database, Monthly Weather Review, and Original Monthly Records.
October 15: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 1010 mb at 25N 65W. HURDAT does not yet
list this as a system on this day. No gales or low pressures.
October 16: HWM analyzes a trough of low pressure from about 34N, 62W to SSW of 28N, 65W.
HURDAT does not yet list as a system on this day. No gales or low pressures.
October 17: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 30N, 64W. HURDAT lists this
as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 32.7N, 63.4W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of
Cyclones shows a center at about 32N, 62W (am) with a pressure of 1010mb and at 31N, 66W
(pm). Ship highlights: 35kt NE at 37.5N, 66.5W at 20Z (COA). Station highlights: 10 kt W
with 1010 mb at 12Z at Bermuda (HWM). “A rather weak cyclonic circulation, possibly not
of tropical nature, was charted a short distance to the northeast of Bermuda on the
morning of October 17. It moved in a general southwesterly direction toward the Bahama
Islands for the succeeding 48 hours” (MWR).
October 18: HWM shows no features of interest in the area. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical
Storm with 35kt winds at 28.9N, 69.1W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones shows a
center at about 29N, 69W with a pressure of 1009mb and at 27N, 72W (pm). Ship highlights:
25 kt N at 06Z at 31.5N, 71.5W (COA); 15 kt S with 1009 mb at 12Z at 28.3N, 69.8W (HWM).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
October 19: HWM shows no features of interest in the area. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical
Storm with 40kt winds at 26.2N, 74.9W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones shows a
center at about 26N, 75W (am) and at 26N, 77W (pm). Ship highlights: 30 kt NE with 1011 mb
at 00Z at 29.2N, 74.9W (COA); 25 kt ESE with 1008 mb at 21Z at 28.0N, 76.0W (COA). Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures. “During the 19th it crossed the northern part of Great
Abaco Island and over the northeast portion of the Grand Bahama Island” (MWR).
October 20: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 26.5N, 79W. HURDAT lists this
as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 28.3N, 78.7W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of
Cyclones shows a center at about 27N, 79W (am) with a pressure of 1007mb. Ship highlights:
20 kt E with 1009 mb at 06Z at 29.0N, 78.2W (COA); 5 kt NE with 1006 mb at 12Z at 27.9N,
79.0W (COA). Station highlights: 17 kt NW (max w) at Miami, FL at 1851Z (OMR); 1007 mb (min p)
at 20Z at Miami, FL (OMR). “From that point it moved northwestward and was located near 28N
and 79W at 7am of October 20. The disturbance then recurved to the north and northeast and
merged with an extratropical low-pressure trough along the Atlantic coast” (MWR).
October 21: HWM analyzes a NNE-SSW occluded front extending from 39N, 66W to a triple point near
36N, 69W. A warm front extends southward from the triple point to 25N, 70W, and a cold front
extends southwestward from the triple point to 32N, 75W to 28N, 83W. HURDAT no longer lists a
system on this day. The MWR tracks of centers of cyclones had dissipated the system on the 20th
after 12Z. Ship highlights: 15 kt SE with 1005 mb at 00Z at 30.3N, 77.5W (COA); 20 kt NW with
1007 mb at 00Z at 28.1N, 79.7W (COA).
The original HURDAT indicates that a tropical storm formed at 12Z on 17 October east of Bermuda.
Although it is somewhat difficult to trace the precise origin of the cyclone, it appears to have
originated from a trough that was present in that same general area on 15 October. Data was
obtained back to 15 October, and the data indicate that there is no evidence of a closed
circulation on the 15th. However, ship and Bermuda observations at 12Z on the 16th are
sufficient to indicate genesis had begun by that time, a day earlier than originally indicated.
The cyclone moved west-southwestward for the next two and a half days, reaching just north of
the Bahamas by 12Z on 19 October. All track changes on the 17th and 18th are less than 1
degree changes, but a 1.6 degree westward track adjustment is shown at 06Z on the 19th. After
that, the cyclone curved towards the northwest, reaching a farthest west point just east of
south Florida at 06Z on the 20th before it recurved toward the north-northeast. For intensity,
sufficient observational coverage on the 17th and 18th suggests that the cyclone was only a
tropical depression during those days. At 12Z on the 17th, four observations near the center
show light winds, suggesting a broad center. A central pressure of 1008 mb is analyzed and
added to HURDAT at 12Z on the 17th based on the ship observations near the center. A central
pressure of 1008 mb equals 28 kt according to the Brown et al. (2006) north of 25N
pressure-wind relationship. A 25 kt intensity is chosen for HURDAT (down from 35 kt originally).
A COADS ship shows a 35 kt NE wind at 20Z on the 17th 340 nmi NNW of the center. This
observation is analyzed to be too far away and not directly part of the circulation.
Furthermore, this observation may have possibly contained an error (wrong time or position)
because another observation with the same ship identifier at the same time showed a position
farther away with 20 kt winds. On the 18th at 06Z a 25 kt N wind was observed 210 nmi WNW of
the center, and this wind is the highest observed so far that is considered to be part of the
system. The depression is analyzed to have strengthened to 30 kt at 00Z on the 18th. At 12Z
on the 18th, observational coverage is really good near the center and all of the ships show
weak winds. A central pressure of 1007 mb is analyzed and added to HURDAT at 12Z on the 18th,
and this value equals 30 kt according to the north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. On the
19th and early on the 20th, observational coverage within 100 nmi of the center is not nearly
as good as it was on the previous two days. The first 30 kt wind considered to be part of the
system was recorded at 00Z on the 19th 180 nmi WNW of the center. A 35 kt intensity is
analyzed beginning at 00Z on the 19th (down from 40 kt originally) since the observational
coverage is not as good on the 19th and because a 30 kt wind was observed. Therefore, the
cyclone is analyzed to have become a tropical storm 36 hours later than originally – a major
change. Observational coverage is decent at 12Z on the 19th, and the weak winds surrounding
the system suggest the intensity was still 35 kt rather than the 40 kt shown in HURDAT
originally. On the 20th at 12Z, a 1006 mb ship with 5 kt NE winds is analyzed to be inside
the RMW, and the center is placed just east of central Florida – 0.3 degrees from that ship
and 0.4 degrees south of the original HURDAT position. Based on this ship and other data, a
1005 mb central pressure is analyzed and added to HURDAT at 12Z on the 20th. This value
equals 34 kt according to the north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. The 35 kt intensity
listed in HURDAT originally is not changed. A peak lifetime intensity of 35 kt is analyzed
from 00Z on the 19th through 12Z on the 20th (original peak intensity of 40 kt from 00Z on
the 19th through 00Z on the 20th). HURDAT originally listed the cyclone weakening to a
tropical depression at 18Z on the 20th with a position of 29.9N, 78.1W. No change is made to
the timing of weakening to a depression, and the position is analyzed to be 0.9 degrees south
of the original position. The 20th is 18Z is also the last point shown in HURDAT originally
for this system. Around 00Z on the 21st, a cold front was emerging off the east coast of the
United States and the tropical depression was likely getting sheared apart. However,
observations indicate that the weak circulation was still closed at 00Z on 21 October east of
north Florida. A 1004 mb central pressure is analyzed and added to HURDAT at 00Z on the 21st
due to two ship observations very close to the center. A 1004 mb central pressure equals
36 kt according to the north of 25N pressure-wind relationship; however, the environmental
pressure was low in all quadrants, and 30 kt is analyzed. Dissipation is analyzed to have
occurred after 00Z on the 21st (six hours later than originally). By 06Z on the 21st, the
low was no longer closed on the north side and a new, separate baroclinic low was forming to
the north in association with the frontal system.
Of note is that this system could have been a subtropical cyclone for part of all of its lifetime.
Also of note is that there were no observed gales for the entire lifetime of this cyclone that are
considered to be directly part of the circulation. Given the 30 kt wind observed on the 19th at
00Z, the sparse coverage on the 19th and early on the 20th, and the 1005 mb analyzed central
pressure on the 20th, there is not nearly enough evidence that it never attained tropical storm
strength to remove it from HURDAT.
*******************************************************************************
1938 Storm 9 (originally Storm 8) – Revised in 2012
30850 11/06/1938 M= 5 8 SNBR= 681 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0 L
30850 11/07/1938 M= 4 9 SNBR= 681 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0 L
** * *
(The 6th is removed from HURDAT.)
30855 11/06* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*172 704 40 0*
30860 11/07*183 713 35 0*195 725 40 0*208 737 50 0*219 747 60 0*
30860 11/07* 0 0 0 0*202 724 50 0*213 733 60 0*222 740 60 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** ***
30865 11/08*228 755 60 0*237 766 60 0*239 776 55 0*238 782 55 0*
30865 11/08*229 750 60 0*235 760 55 0*239 771 50 0*238 782 45 0*
*** *** *** *** ** *** ** **
30870 11/09*234 788 50 0*227 796 50 0*221 803 45 0*217 808 40 0*
30870 11/09*234 789 45 0*227 796 45 0*221 802 40 0*216 808 35 0*
*** ** ** *** ** *** **
30875 11/10*212 813 40 0*205 818 35 0*198 824 35 0*181 836 30 0*
30875 11/10*211 813 30 0*205 818 30 0*198 824 25 0*191 830 25 0*
*** ** ** ** *** *** **
30880 TS
Minor track changes and minor intensity changes are analyzed for this tropical cyclone.
Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps Series, the Daily
Weather Maps Series, the COADS ships database, Monthly Weather Review, the Original
Monthly Records, and Perez.
November 6: HWM analyzes a W-E stationary front along 20N extending from 73W eastward to
beyond 58W. HURDAT first lists a system at 18Z as a 40 kt tropical storm at 17.2N, 70.4W.
The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones shows a 00Z position near 18.5N, 71W. The MWR Tracks
of Centers of Cyclones shows a center at about 19N, 72W (am) with a pressure of 1008mb and
at 20N, 73W (pm). Ship highlights: 35kt E with a pressure of 1009 mb at 23.2N, 67.8W at 20Z
(MWR). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “Save for brief periods over limited
areas the winds were not very intense, but two vessels, near the Bahamas, noted force 11” (MWR).
November 7: HWM analyzes a W-E dissipating stationary front extending from 20N, 71W to east
of 20N, 60W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 50kt winds at 20.8N, 73.7W at 12Z.
The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones shows a center at about 21N, 74W (am) with a pressure
of 1003mb and at 23N, 75W (pm). Ship highlights: 50 kt E (highest wind 60 kt E) with 1005 mb
at 09Z at 24.0N, 68.9W (MWR); 50 kt NNE with lowest pressure encountered 1004 mb (wind and
pressure not simultaneous) near 24.0N, 74.0W [no time but wind might have occurred after 12Z
with pressure occurring between 18Z and 23Z] (MWR); 60 kt N with 1006 mb at 18Z at 24.1N, 74.6W
(MWR, COA); 45 kt ESE with 1008 mb at 18Z at 23.5N, 70.5W (COA); 35 kt ESE with 1003 mb at
22Z ay 24.2N, 74.6W (MWR, COA). Station highlights: 43 kt at 1830Z at San Salvador (24.0N, 74.5W)
(MWR); 30-43 kt at Antilla, Cuba (20.8N, 75.7W) (no time) (MWR); 1000 mb at Ragged Island
(22.2N, 75.7W) (no time) (MWR). “Indications of an organized wind circulation about a center
were incomplete until the 6th when at the 7 pm EST [00Z on the 7th] observation, a center
could be located, with some depression of the barometer, over west-central Haiti, with
accompanying squalls at a considerable distance to the northward, along the southern edge of
the strong anticyclone. After the organization of the storm center on the 6th, the disturbance,
increasing in extent, and with slowly falling central pressure, moved northwestward. November
7 was the stormiest day in connection with it. During the day several ships east and southeast
of the southern Bahamas, and to the north, northeast, and east of the storm center, reported
gales of strength varying between force 8 and force 11. Among these, the Dutch S.S. Bacchus,
near 24N, 69W had a force 10 east gale, with squalls of force 11, lowest barometer 29.68, at
4 am; the American S.S. Arizonan, near 24N, 74W experienced a force 10 gale from NNE, lowest
barometer 29.65; while a short distance to the westward at 1 pm the Panamanian S.S. Maravi
reported the severest gale of the storm, a north wind force 11, barometer 29.63” (MWR).
“The following quotations are taken from the report of Forecaster Dunn, Jacksonville, FL:
‘During the passage of the storm… on the 7th… San Salvador Island reported a 50 mile
velocity at their 1:30 pm observation. While the strong winds reported during this
disturbance were largely gradient winds and mostly north of the center, much less frequent
but occasionally heavy squalls were reported south of the center. The Cuban Telephone Co.
reports damage to lines in the vicinity of Baracoa [20.4N, 74.5W] on the 7th, also a 35 to
50 mile wind at Antilla [20.8N, 75.7W] and a heavy rainstorm at Caimaniera [20.0N, 75.2W]
during the afternoon of the same day’” (MWR).
November 8: HWM indicates troughing from 25N, 76W to 21N, 80W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm with 55kt winds at 23.9N, 77.6W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones
shows a center at about 24N, 77W (am) with a pressure of 1003mb and at 23.5N, 78W (pm). Ship
highlights: 15kt SE with a pressure of 1002mb at 22.4N, 74.4W at 0Z (COA); 45kt E with a
pressure of 1012mb at 25.3N, 74.3W at 0Z (COA); 35 kt E with 1006 mb at 06Z at 24.7N, 74.5W
(COA); 40 kt E (no time or position given) (MWR). Station highlights: 25 kt NE (max w) at
0856Z at Miami, FL (MWR); 16 kt NE with 1006 mb (min p) at 2000Z at Miami, FL (OMR); 1007 mb
(mean pressure for day) at Key West (MWR). “The following quotations are taken from the
report of Forecaster Dunn, Jacksonville, FL: ‘The lowest reported reputable pressure was
29.54 inches at Ragged Island in the Bahamas’” (MWR).
November 9: HWM analyzes a warm front extending from 29N, 78W south-southwestward to 21N,
82.5W, where it becomes a dissipating cold front which extends southwestward to Honduras.
HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 45kt winds at 22.1N, 80.3W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks
of Centers of Cyclones shows a center at about 22.5N, 79.5W (am) with a pressure of 1005mb
and at 21N, 80.5W (pm). Ship highlights: 30 kt NNW with 1007mb at 01Z at 23.0N, 82.0W (COA);
30 kt N with 1006 mb at 09Z at 24.4N, 81.4W (COA); 25 kt NE with 1008 mb at 13Z at 24.0N,
80.0W (COA). Station highlights: 1005 mb at 12Z at Cienfuegos, Cuba (22.1N, 80.4W) (DWM);
25 kt N at 12Z at Havana (HWM).
November 10: HWM indicates a broad, closed low of at most 1010mb centered in the general
vicinity of 19N, 83W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 19.8N, 82.4W
at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones shows a center at about 19N, 81.5W (am) with
a pressure of 1010mb. Ship highlights: 25 kt NNW with 1012 mb at 01Z at 21.4N, 84.7W (COA);
20 kt NNE with 1012 mb at 13Z at 23.2N, 83.3W (COA). Station highlights: 15 kt NE with
1008 mb at Nueva Gerona (Isle of Pines) at 12Z (HWM).
According to the original HURDAT, a tropical cyclone formed at 18Z on 6 November south of
Hispaniola with a 40 kt intensity. Observations near Hispaniola on the 6th at 12Z suggest
that the system did not yet have a closed circulation. Genesis is delayed 12 hours with the
formation occurring off of the north coast of Hispaniola. For the first few days of the
cyclone’s lifetime, there was synoptic high pressure located to the north, and there also may
have been an E-W stationary front located east of the cyclone that extended almost to the
cyclone on the 6th and 7th. The strongest observed winds late on the 6th and early on the 7th
occurred between 200-300 nmi north of the cyclone. Beginning later on the 7th, this distance
was reduced to between 100-200 nm. Maximum winds of 35 kt were observed on the 6th, before
genesis occurred. This cyclone was likely subtropical for much of its lifetime – at least on
the 7th and 8th. At 06Z on the 7th when the cyclone formed off the coast north of Hispaniola,
the intensity is begun at 50 kt (up from 40 kt originally). During the morning of the 7th,
60 kt winds were observed approximately 300 nm NNE of the center. The center make landfall
at 11Z on the 7th at Inagua Island in the Bahamas at 21.1N, 73.1W as a 60 kt tropical storm.
At 18Z on the 7th, another ship recorded 60 kt winds about 120 nm NNW of the center. At
approximately the same time, yet another ship recorded 50 kt winds about 130 nm north of the
center. The cyclone made its next landfall at 19Z on the 7th at Crooked Island (22.3N, 74.2W)
as a 60 kt tropical storm. The lowest pressure recorded by a ship on the 7th was 1003 mb;
however, there were important observations from land stations as well. San Salvador recorded
winds of 43 kt at 1830Z on the 7th. Sometime late on the 7th or early on the 8th, Antilla,
Cuba reported winds between 30-43 kt, and some damage was reported at a couple of locations
in eastern Cuba. Although the available ship observations south of the center show only
weak west winds, the damage reports from Cuba suggest that tropical storm force winds existed
on the south side of the cyclone as well – but also with a large RMW of perhaps 100 nmi or
more. The lowest pressure recorded for the entire lifetime of the cyclone was 1000 mb at
Ragged Island in the Bahamas, and based on the revised track and intensity this likely
occurred early on the 8th. This pressure (likely peripheral) of 1000 mb suggests maximum
winds of at least 47 kt according to the Brown et al. (2006) southern pressure-wind relationship.
A peak intensity of 60 kt is analyzed for 18 hours from 12Z on the 7th through 00Z on the 8th
(the original peak intensity of 60 kt for 18 hours was from 18Z on the 7th through 06Z on the
8th). The revised track is to the right of the original track on the 7th and reaches the
same latitude peak of 23.9N at 12Z on the 8th, before the cyclone curved southwestward and
made landfall in Cuba early on the 9th. Although observational coverage near the center is
not quite as good on the 8th compared to the 7th, there is good evidence that the cyclone
began to weaken on the 8th. After winds of 45 kt were observed at 00Z on the 8th, the
highest wind recorded for the rest of the day was only 40 kt. At Miami, the highest observed
winds were 25 kt and the lowest pressure was 1006 mb on the 8th. The highest winds to impact
the Florida Keys and south Florida were likely about 30 kt, so a tropical storm impact is
not analyzed for Florida. As the cyclone weakened, it turned southwestward and make landfall
in Cuba at 22.8N, 79.6W on 9 November at 06Z as a 45 kt tropical storm. Perez does not
classify this system as a tropical storm for Cuba, as the Cuban tropical cyclone record
treats this more like a monsoon depression (like they did Nicole of 2010). However, Perez
estimated a central pressure of 1001 mb at Cuban landfall. A 1005 mb pressure was observed
at Cienfuegos, Cuba at 12Z on the 9th, and the analyzed position has the center passing
about 0.1 degrees from that city. Although the highest available observed wind from any
ship or station on the 9th is 30 kt, the 1005 mb pressure at Cienfuegos along with the
information from Perez suggest that the 45 kt intensity at 06Z on the 9th is appropriate
(this is down from 50 kt in HURDAT originally). The cyclone was over Cuba until 14Z on
the 9th. The cyclone continued moving southwestward and weakening. It weakened to a
tropical depression at 00Z on the 10th (18 hours earlier than originally) south of central
Cuba. The highest observed wind on the 10th was 25 kt at 00Z, and the circulation
continued to weaken after that. No changes are made to the timing of dissipation – 18Z
on the 10th – but the intensity is lowered to 25 kt at the final point (down from 35 kt
originally), and the position is corrected due to an unrealistic acceleration during the
last 6 hours of the original HURDAT track. Troughing apparent in the northwestern Caribbean
Sea on the 11th and 12th may be a combination of the remnants of the cyclone along with a
former frontal boundary.
*******************************************************************************
1938 additional notes:
1) HWM indicates a long-lived extratropical low moved across the Atlantic during mid-April.
The system exhibited gale to storm force winds and central pressure below 987 mb. While the
cyclone may have gotten some of its energetics from convective processes, the system remained
too baroclinic to have transitioned to a tropical (or subtropical) cyclone. Thus the cyclone
will not be added to HURDAT.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Apr 13 30N 64W Extratropical
Apr 14 31N 58W Extratropical
Apr 15 31N 56W Extratropical
Apr 16 29N 53W Extratropical
Apr 17 28N 43W Extratropical
Apr 18 38N 40W Extratropical
Apr 19 38N 32W Extratropical
Apr 20 37N 37W Extratropical
Apr 21 35N 30W Extratropical
Apr 22 33N 30W Extratropical
Apr 23 34N 25W Extratropical
2) HWM, COADS and the MWR tracks of lows indicate a tropical depression formed around 00 UTC
on the 2nd moving north-northwest and recurving around 12 UTC to the north-northeast. This
depression was extratropical by 00 UTC on the 4th. On the 4th, there is no evidence that the
low is still closed. There were no gales or low pressures with this system. Thus, this system
will not be added to HURDAT.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Jun 1 Open trough
Jun 2 31N 66W Tropical depression
Jun 3 36N 63W Tropical depression
Jun 4 Open trough and extratropical
3) HWM, COADS and the MWR monthly gale chart indicate that a tropical depression formed in the
southern Caribbean Sea and drifted west-northwestward for a few days until a much stronger
documented tropical cyclone (original Storm #2) coming with speed from the east absorbed this
depression into its circulation around 00 UTC on the 12th. (Also of note is that original Storm
#1 dissipated on the 9th near 19.2N, 70.5W.) There is not clear evidence that the low was closed
from 12 UTC on the 10th to the time of absorption. This was probably a closed low for approximately
36 hours. There was one gale of 40 knots associated with this system either on the 6th or the 7th
not far from 16N, 76W, however the lowest pressure from the ship that reported the gale was 1014 mb.
Also, there is no evidence of a closed circulation at the time. There were some 30 kt winds and
some low pressures within 10 degrees latitude or longitude of this system at various times, but
none were near the center at any time. Thus, this system will not be added to HURDAT.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Aug 6 Open wave
Aug 7 Open wave
Aug 8 14N 79W Tropical depression?
Aug 9 14N 79W Tropical depression
Aug 10 16N 81W Tropical depression?
4) Observations from HWM, COADS, and MWR indicate a possible tropical cyclone located near 19N,
53W on 18 August. The observed shifts in wind direction from ships north of the center from 18
to 19 August along with observed wind speeds and pressures suggest the possibility that a 35-40 kt
tropical storm was moving in a direction between WNW and NW from 19N, 53W on the 18th to near 26N,
63W on the 20th. A 35 kt gale was observed on the 18th (MWR gale table) at 20Z at 20.5N, 55.2W, and
this observation fits in with HWM and COADS observations that indicate a cyclone moving in the
aforementioned direction. There were no other gales or low pressures observed. Also, there were
only three observations south of the center with westerly wind components (although data was rather
sparse) – two of which were 5 kt SW winds on the 18th. This system is not added to HURDAT because
there is only one piece of evidence.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Aug 18 19N 53W Possible tropical storm
Aug 19 23N 59W Possible tropical storm
Aug 20 26N 63W Tropical depression
Aug 21 Dissipated
5) HWM, COADS, and the MWR tracks of lows indicate that a low formed in association with a front on
28 August off the North Carolina coast. Although HWM still analyzes fronts attached to the low on
the 29th, observations suggest that the frontal features may have disappeared on the 29th. HWM’s
analysis on the 30th no longer has a front extending to the low center, and on the 30th the center
was near 38N, 67W. On the 31st, the low or cyclone became extratropical again near 42N, 58W as
another approaching front reached the location of the low. The extratropical low moved eastward
until it dissipated or was absorbed on the 4th. There are no gales or low pressures from any sources
associated with this system from the 28th-31st. Thus, this system is not added to HURDAT.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Aug 28 36N 72W Extratropical
Aug 29 36N 72W Tropical depression
Aug 30 38N 67W Tropical depression
Aug 31 42N 58W Extratropical
Sep 01 47N 45W Extratropical
Sep 02 52N 32W Extratropical
Sep 03 46N 19W Extratropical
Sep 04 Dissipated
6) HWM, COADS, the MWR tracks of lows, and the MWR monthly gale chart indicate that a tropical wave
east of Florida crossed the southern Florida peninsula on the 7th and continued westward across the
Gulf of Mexico. It may have become a tropical depression on the 9th or 10th and moved inland over
Texas just after 00 UTC on the 11th. There was a 35 kt gale associated with this system that occurred
in the Florida Straits early on the 8th when the area of lowest pressure was just off the west coast
of south Florida, however, the low was not closed at that time. Port Arthur, TX recorded its maximum
wind for the month of 37 kt E on the 9th (MWR). However, this observation well north of the system
occurred with a thunderstorm squall associated with the northern end of the tropical wave. A sea
level pressure minimum of 1008 mb was recorded with this system at 2230Z on the 10th in Corpus Christi
(the lowest of any coastal Texas location), but with peak winds out of the N of only 17 kt. Thus,
this system will not be added to HURDAT.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Sep 7 Open wave near southeast coast of Florida
Sep 8 Open wave near southwest coast of Florida
Sep 9 Open wave in Gulf of Mexico
Sep 10 26N 94W Tropical Depression
Sep 11 29N 100W Tropical Depression
Sep 12 Dissipated
7) An area of low pressure moving westward may have been located in the Bay of Campeche on the 9th
and 10th before moving inland, but there were no gales or low pressure observed from ships or from
any Mexican stations. This feature may have been part of the tropical wave axis from suspect
number 5 (above). This system may have either been a small tropical depression or some funneling
of the flow along the Mexican coast to enhance the Veracruz wind observations of 25 kt NW on the
10th. This is not added to HURDAT.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Sep 9 19N 93W Wave/Tropical Depression?
Sep 10 19N 96W Tropical Depression?
Sep 11 Dissipated
8) HWM, COADS and the MWR tracks of lows indicate that a tropical depression existed from the 12th
through the 14th of September. On the 11th of September, a stationary frontal boundary was located
just south of Bermuda. From the 12th through the 14th, a small closed low occurred after the frontal
boundary had dissipated. On the 15th, the system was absorbed into a frontal boundary. Peak winds
observed within the cyclone were 25 kt and lowest pressure of 1006 mb. As there is no indications
of gale force winds, this system is not added into HURDAT.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Sep 12 28N 68W Tropical Depression
Sep 13 30N 66W Tropical Depression
Sep 14 33N 65W Tropical Depression
9) HWM, COADS and the MWR tracks of lows indicate that a trough of low pressure was located in the
Gulf of Mexico with area of lowest pressure and some cyclonic turning noted near 25N, 88W on
28 September. It moved inland on the Gulf coast of Florida sometime around 00Z on the 29th and
appears to have become extratropical later on the 29th as it moved northeastward. During the
portion of its lifetime over the Gulf of Mexico, the structure was very asymmetric and it might
have actually been frontal from the time of formation. In addition, no gales or low pressures
were observed from any sources on the 27th-28th during the time when it possibly may have been
tropical. Thus, this system is not added to HURDAT.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Sep 27 23N 87W Broad low/trough
Sep 28 25N 88W Broad low/trough
Sep 29 32N 81W Extratropical
Sep 30 37N 73W Extratropical
Oct 1 47N 62W Extratropical
Oct 2 Absorbed
10) A tropical wave, a trough, or perhaps a closed low was located near 18N, 65W on 11 October.
It moved westward to near 18N, 68W on the 12th. Southerly winds on the east side, easterly winds
on the north side, and northerly winds on the west side accompanied this potential system on the
11th and 12th, but there was not much data near and south of where a center might have been.
There was only one ship that reported a westerly wind component south of the possible center.
However, that ship wasn’t very close to the system and a time series of that ship reveals that
its reported wind directions are questionable. The highest wind recorded with this system was
30 kt E with 1013 mb at 18Z on the 11th at 19.5N, 64.5W. COADS lists a ship with a 1005 mb
pressure and 10 kt winds at 01Z on the 11th at 19.8N, 65.5W, but other observations in the area
suggest that the 1005 mb is likely an error or the ship’s pressure was biased too low. The
highest wind recorded at San Juan was 25 kt E on the 11th. There are no gales or reliable low
pressures associated with this system and there is not really evidence that the circulation was
ever closed. Thus, this system is not added to HURDAT.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Oct 10 Tropical wave/trough near eastern Caribbean
Oct 11 18N 65W Possible tropical depression
Oct 12 18N 68W Possible tropical depression
Oct 13 Dissipated
11) 1938 Storm 7 – Removed from HURDAT
30825 10/23/1938 M= 3 7 SNBR= 680 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=0
30830 10/23* 0 0 0 0*238 939 35 0*248 924 35 0*258 904 35 0*
30830 10/23* 0 0 0 0E238 945 25 0E248 924 25 0E258 900 30 0*
* *** ** * ** * *** **
30835 10/24*274 876 40 0*296 837 40 0E322 798 40 0E351 764 35 0*
30835 10/24E272 873 35 0E295 837 40 0E322 798 40 0E353 763 40 0*
**** *** ** **** *** *** **
30840 10/25E385 731 35 0E424 695 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
30840 10/25E390 720 40 0E425 680 45 0E485 630 50 0* 0 0 0 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** **** *** **
30845 TS
This system was an extratropical cyclone and is thus removed from HURDAT. Otherwise, minor track
changes and minor intensity changes are recommended for this cyclone. Evidence for these
alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps Series, the Daily Weather Maps Series (DWM),
the COADS ships database, Monthly Weather Review, the Original Monthly Records, Dunn and Miller
(1960) and Connor (1956).
October 23: HWM indicates a low near 19.5N, 94.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 35kt
winds at 24.8N, 92.4W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones shows a center at about 24N,
94W (am) with a pressure of 1009mb and at 27.5N, 87W (pm). Ship highlights: 35kt NNW with a pressure
of 1007mb at 25.9N, 89.6W at 23Z (MWR). Station highlight: No gales or low pressures. “A very
shallow low developed near 24N, and 93W on the morning of October 23” (MWR).
October 24: HWM analyzes an elongated, closed low of at most 1005 mb centered in the general
vicinity of 32.5N, 80.5W with a warm front extending north-northeastward from the low and a cold
front extending southward and then southwestward from the low. HWM plotted another WNW-ESE warm
front extending from 50 nmi east of the low east-southeastward. HURDAT lists this as an
extratropical storm with 40kt winds at 32.2N, 79.8W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones
shows a center at about 32N, 79.5W (am) with a pressure of 1005mb and at 38.5N, 77W (pm). Ship
highlights: 35 kt NNW with 1008 mb at 00Z at 26.0N, 89.5W (MWR); 25 kt SSW with 1008 mb at 06Z
at 27.9N, 84.6W (COA); 25kt S with a pressure of 998mb at 36.3N, 75.3W at 20Z (MWR); 35kt S before
21Z and 30 kt WSW with 1000 mb at 21Z at 34.6N, 75.7W (MWR). Station highlights: 35 kt SW
(max w/5-min/60 m) at 1145Z at Tampa (MWR); 37 kt SE (max w/5-min/15 m) at Cape Hatteras and
1000 mb (min p) at Cape Hatteras [not simultaneous] (MWR); 37 kt N (max w/5-min/16 m) at Cape
Henry, VA (MWR). “This depression moved northeastward and at 7pm of the same day [23rd] was
centered about 225 miles south of Pensacola, Fla. At the same time, the S. S. Bertha Brovig near
26N and 89.5W reported a fresh north-northwest gale, barometer 29.77 inches. Several other
vessels in the vicinity reported encountering strong to high winds. During the early morning of
the 24th, the disturbance crossed the Florida coast line north of Tampa with a maximum wind
velocity of 38 miles an hour at Tampa at 6:45am. During the evening of the 23rd and the morning
of the 24th, disturbed conditions had overspread the northeast portion of the Gulf of Mexico and
the area adjacent to the Georgia and South Carolina coasts. By 7pm of October 24, the disturbance
had moved into a trough of low pressure over the New England States” (MWR). “Oct 23-24, FL,
N of Tampa, Minor” (Dunn and Miller 1960 – “minor” indicates pressure > 996 mb and winds < 64 kt).
October 25: HWM analyzes a closed low [not the feature of interest] of at most 975 mb centered
near 57N, 65W with an occluded front extending from 61N, 62W to 63N, 57W to 61N, 53W to 58N, 54W,
becoming a warm front at 54N, 58W, extending to 50N, 63W. A cold front extends from this point
southward to a triple point at 42.5N, 62.5W. A warm front extends south-southeastward from this
triple point, and a cold front extends south-southwestward. HWM plots another occluded front
extending from 50N, 66W southwestward to 43N, 78W. HURDAT lasts this the system at 06Z as a
30 kt extratropical cyclone at 42.4N, 69.5W. The MWR tracks of centers of cyclones shows the
low of interest with a 12Z position near 47N, 63W with a 981 mb pressure. The MWR tracks of
centers of cyclones shows another low at 12Z located near 53N, 67W with a 981 mb pressure.
MWR indicates that by 00Z on 26 October, the 2 lows had merged and become one with a position
of 59.5N, 60.5W at 00Z on 26 October. Ship highlights: 35 kt SSE with 995 mb at 08Z at 42.5N,
63.5W (COA); 50 kt S with 1004 mb at 12Z at 42.5N, 58.9W (COA). Station highlights: 993 mb at
Nantucket, MA (MWR); 20 kt W with 992 mb at 12Z at Halifax (HWM, MWR); 15 kt N with 984 mb at
12Z at Anticosti Island, Quebec (~49.7N, 63.7W) (DWM, HWM).
HURDAT originally listed this cyclone as being tropical for 30 hours – from 06Z on the 23rd through
06Z on the 24th. A broad cyclonic circulation appeared in the western Gulf of Mexico on 23 October
and it moved rapidly east-northeastward and then northeastward. Observations from 12Z on the 23rd
through 00Z on the 24th indicate that a warm front extended eastward from the low. Temperatures
were cool along the Gulf Coast. The accelerating extratropical low made landfall near the big bend
of Florida around 06Z or 07Z on the 24th, and by 12Z, it was centered just off the South Carolina
coast. Observations on the 24th beginning around 00Z indicate that a warm front and a cold front
extended from the low. At 18Z on the 24th, the cyclone was near Cape Hatteras. The analyzed
position at 12Z on the 25th is just north of Nova Scotia, Canada as a 50 kt extratropical cyclone,
and it merged with another extratropical low shortly after 12Z on the 25th. The baroclinicity, the
asymmetry wind structure, and the temperature gradients never relaxed for the entire lifetime of
the cyclone. This cyclone never contained tropical characteristics; thus, it is removed from HURDAT.
11) Hector indicates that there may have been a low in the eastern Caribbean Sea south of Puerto
Rico on 11-12 December. HWM shows only a trough, but it also shows a 1006 mb ship on the 11th with
20 kt NE winds at 15.0N, 70.5W. MWR p. 431, the MWR December table of ship gales, HWM, and COADS
data indicate that a low located in the central Caribbean on the 14th moved northward over Haiti
on the 15th, continued moving northward, and “gained sufficient force on the 16th to cause whole
gales over the waters east and northeast of the Bahamas” (MWR). It is not certain whether the
system mentioned by Hector is the same system discussed by MWR a few days later. There is no
evidence of a closed circulation from the 11th-14th. On the 15th, observations indicate a broad,
weak closed low or trough near Haiti and the eastern tip of Cuba. The highest observed winds in
the area of this potential system were 20-25 kt on the 11th-12th and only 15-20 kt on the 13th-15th.
On the 15th, while this low was located near 19N, 75W, a complex frontal system to the north
extended from 35N, 64W to 28N, 70W to 26N, 75W to 26N, 78W to 23N, 83W. Observations suggest that
a low may have been developing along this frontal system on the 15th near 26N, 78W. While this
low was intensifying, the low of interest moved northward from western Haiti, merging with the
frontal low on the 16th. After the two lows merged, the new low was located near 26N, 74W on the
16th, and it was extratropical. The first gales were recorded during the early morning on the
16th, in association with the deepening baroclinic low. All gales on the 16th occurred north of
28N after the systems were merged and the new low was extratropical. On the 17th, the combined
extratropical low was very large and broad, extremely elongated, and covered a huge area of the
western Atlantic. By the 18th, this extratropical low was centered near 37N, 66W. This suspect
is not added to HURDAT and there is no evidence that it was ever a tropical cyclone.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Dec 11 14N 70W Open trough/spot low
Dec 12 13N 71W Open trough/spot low
Dec 13 13N 73W Open trough
Dec 14 14N 75W Open trough
Dec 15 19N 75W Broad low/trough
Dec 16 Absorbed