1940 Storm 1 – Revised 2012
30320 05/19/1940 M= 9 1 SNBR= 670 NOT NAMED XING=0
30325 05/19* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*211 719 35 0*219 719 35 0*
30325 05/19* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*220 710 35 0*227 713 35 0*
*** *** *** ***
30330 05/20*228 721 35 0*239 721 35 0*250 722 40 0*260 723 40 0*
30330 05/20*234 715 35 0*242 717 35 0*250 719 40 0*260 721 40 0*
*** *** *** *** *** ***
30335 05/21*270 723 45 0*280 723 45 0*289 724 50 0*298 725 50 0*
30335 05/21*270 722 45 0*280 723 45 0*290 724 50 0*301 725 50 0*
*** *** ***
30340 05/22*306 727 50 0*326 729 45 0*343 728 40 0*347 723 40 0*
30340 05/22*315 727 55 0*335 728 55 0*350 728 55 0*356 726 55 0*
*** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** *** **
30345 05/23*349 719 35 0*351 714 35 0*353 710 35 0*354 707 35 0*
30345 05/23*359 723 50 0*360 719 50 0*360 715 50 0*360 711 45 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
30350 05/24*355 701 35 0*356 699 35 0*357 698 35 0*362 692 35 0*
30350 05/24*359 707 40 0*357 703 40 0*357 698 35 0*362 692 35 0*
*** *** ** *** *** **
30355 05/25*369 685 35 0*374 679 35 0*379 673 35 0*385 667 35 0*
30355 05/25*367 685 35 0*373 679 35 0E379 673 30 0E385 667 30 0*
*** *** * ** * **
30360 05/26*392 662 35 0*397 657 35 0*402 652 30 0*411 643 30 0*
30360 05/26E391 662 30 0E396 657 30 0E402 652 30 0E411 643 30 0*
**** ** **** ** * *
30365 05/27*422 631 25 0*435 615 20 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
30365 05/27E422 631 25 0E435 615 20 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
* *
30370 TS
Minor changes to both the track and intensity shown in McAdie et al. (2009). A major alteration
is to indicate an extratropical stage on the 25th through the 27th. Evidence for these
alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps series, the COADS ship database, Original
Monthly Records, and Monthly Weather Review.
May 18: HWM indicates a spot low near 17.5N 72W south of Hispaniola. HURDAT does not yet
list this system. The MWR tracks of lows does not yet show this system as a cyclone (first
position is at 12Z on the 19th). No gales or low pressures.
May 19: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1005mb near 22N, 71W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 21.1N, 71.9W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at
22N, 71W (am) with a pressure of 1007mb and at 23N, 72W (pm). Ship highlights: No gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “The depression originated a short
distance to the southeast of Turks Island during the evening of May 18 and moved in a general
northerly direction for a period of about 4 days; thereafter its progressive motion was toward
the east and northeast, where its identity was lost in the area between Nova Scotia and
Newfoundland on the morning of May 27. A slight fall in barometric pressure was charted in the
region near Puerto Plata and Turks Island on the evening of May 18. At the time cloudy weather,
gentle east winds, and a barometric reading of 1007.8mb where observed at Turks Island. However,
during the next 12 hours the wind at that station shifted to the southwest, increasing to force
5, while the barometer continued to fall gradually to 1007.1mb. On the morning of May 19, a
rather well-defined cyclonic circulation was observed, with the center of low pressure near
latitude 22.45’ N and longitude 71.30’W. Winds of force 5-6 were noted in the northerly quadrant
of the disturbance at this stage” (MWR).
May 20: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1000mb near 25N, 73W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm with 40kt winds at 25N, 72.2W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at 25N,
72.5W (am) with a pressure of 1003mb and at 27N, 72.5W (pm). Ship highlights: 15kts NNW with a
pressure of 1000mb at 23.5N, 79.2W at 12Z (HWM). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
“During the next 36 hours the disturbance moved in a general northerly direction and reports from
ships during that period indicate that strong to high winds were experienced over a considerable
area” (MWR).
May 21: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1000mb near 29N, 72W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm with 50kt winds at 28.9N, 72.4W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at
29N, 72W (am) and at 31N, 72.5W (pm). Ship highlights: 35kts SE with a pressure of 1003mb at 30.2N,
71W at 11Z (MWR). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “Between 5am and 6am on May 21,
the Belgian M.S. Good Gulf near latitude 30.12’N and long 71W reported a barometer reading of
1002.7mb; wind southeast, force 8; heavy rain an very rough seas. The Belgian M.S. Lubrafol at
midnight of the same day reported an easterly gale with a barometer reading of 995.6mb when near
lat 32.21’N and long 71.52’W. This is the lowest barometer reading of record in connection with
the disturbance. Several other vessels reported strong shifting winds and disturbed conditions
on May 21” (MWR).
May 22: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 995mb near 34.5N, 72W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm with 40kt winds at 34.3N, 72.8W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at
33.5N, 71W (am) with a pressure of 999mb and at 35N, 71W (pm). Ship highlights: 35kts E with at
32.3N, 71.9W, no times given (MWR); 30kts NW with a pressure of 995mb at 12Z (COA).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
May 23: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 995mb near 36N, 71.5W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 35.3N, 71W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at 36N,
71W (am) with a pressure of 995mb. Ship highlights: 30kts NNW with a pressure of 995mb at 36.5N,
72.5W at 12Z (HWM); 35kts NNE at 37.8N, 74.3W no time given (MWR). Station highlights: No gales or
low pressures. “At the morning observation of May 23, the disturbance was centered near lat 36.15’N,
and long 71.15’W. The progressive motion was taken toward the east or slightly east-southeast, and
on the following morning the center was at approximately 36N, and 69.45’W. From that point it moved
toward the northeast for the next 3 days and apparently merged with an area of low barometric
pressure to the southwest of Newfoundland” (MWR).
May 24: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1000mb near 35.5N, 69.8W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 35.7N, 69.8W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at
35.5N, 70W (am). Ship highlights: 5kts SW with a pressure of 1003mb at 34.6N, 75.4W at 6Z (COA).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
May 25: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 38N, 67.5W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 37.9N, 67.3W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at
38N, 69W (am) with a pressure of 1005mb and at 39N, 68W (pm). Ship highlights: 5kts NNE with a
pressure of 1004mb at 39.1N, 69.5W at 0Z (COA). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
May 26: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1010mb near 40.5N, 65W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm with 30kt winds at 40.2N, 65.2W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at
40N, 65W (am) with a pressure of 1005mb and at 42N, 64W (pm). Ship highlights: 25kts SW with a
pressure of 1002mb at 39.2N, 67W at 0Z (COA); 35kt SE with a pressure of 1020mb at 39N, 59.5W at
12Z (HWM). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
May 27: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1005mb near 43.5N, 62W. The MWR track of lows
showed a center at 46N, 61W (am) with a pressure of 1006mb and at 48N, 54W (pm). Ship highlights:
No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Despite HWM indicating a spot low on the 18th of May, observations do not indicate that a closed
low had yet formed for this system south of Hispaniola. Thus genesis for this pre-season tropical
storm is unchanged from that originally shown in HURDAT at 12Z on the 19th. Only minor alterations
were made to the track for every day, except for the 27th when no changes were made to the positions.
While the cyclone had a rather large size to it for most of its lifetime (and thus may have been
analyzed as a subtropical storm in the satellite era), it did not contain any significant
baroclinicity especially from the 19th until the 21st. A peripheral pressure reading of 1003 mb
on the 20th suggests winds of at least 41 kt from the Brown et al. south of 25N pressure-wind
relationship and at least 38 kt from the north of 25N relationship. 40 kt is retained in HURDAT
at 12Z on the 20th because of the rather low environmental pressure. A 999 mb peripheral pressure
reading on the 21st suggests winds of at least 45 kt from the north of 25N relationship. 50 kt
is retained at 12Z. Beginning on the 22nd through the 25th, substantial cool air was present
west of the cyclone along the mid-Atlantic seaboard. However, it appears that the frontal
boundary (not shown in HWM, but may have occurred in actuality on the 22nd and 23rd) did not
reach the inner core of this cyclone. A 995 mb peripheral pressure accompanied by 30 kt NW wind
was observed on the 22nd, which suggests winds of at least 52 kt from the Brown et al. north of
25N relationship and at least 56 kt from the Neumann et al. north of 35N relationship. 55 kt is
chosen for HURDAT at 12Z partly because of a fast forward velocity on that day, up from 40 kt
originally. On the 23rd, the cyclone nearly stalled and further expanded its size. Another
995 mb peripheral pressure with 35 kt NNW wind was observed on this date, but the winds at 12Z
were chosen to be 50 kt due to the slower translational speed and the larger size. By the 25th,
the cold air on the western flank of the cyclone had reached the inner core of the cyclone and
the wind and pressure field became symmetric. Extratropical transition is estimated to have
occurred at 12Z on the 25th. Originally in HURDAT, extratropical transition was not indicated
for this system. No change is made for the cyclone’s decay, except to indicate an extratropical
cyclone stage rather than a tropical depression.
*******************************************************************************
1940 Storm 2 – Revised 2012
31190 08/02/1940 M=10 2 SNBR= 688 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=2
31190 08/03/1940 M= 8 2 SNBR= NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=2
**
(The 2nd is removed from HURDAT.)
31195 08/02* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*305 795 35 0*301 801 40 0*
31200 08/03*296 810 35 0*289 822 35 0*284 833 35 0*281 842 35 0*
31200 08/03* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*285 831 25 0*281 841 30 0*
*** *** ** *** ** *** *** ** *** **
31205 08/04*279 849 40 0*278 855 40 0*277 861 40 0*277 868 45 0*
31205 08/04*279 847 35 0*278 853 40 0*278 859 40 0*278 865 45 0*
*** ** *** *** *** *** ***
31210 08/05*277 875 50 0*277 881 50 0*278 887 55 0*279 894 60 0*
31210 08/05*279 872 50 0*280 877 55 995*281 882 60 0*282 887 65 0*
*** *** *** *** ** *** *** *** ** *** *** **
31215 08/06*280 900 65 0*281 905 65 0*282 908 70 0*285 915 70 0*
31215 08/06*283 892 70 0*284 897 70 0*286 904 75 0*288 911 80 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31220 08/07*288 920 70 0*290 926 70 0*293 930 70 0*296 934 70 0*
31220 08/07*290 919 80 0*292 926 85 0*294 932 85 0*296 938 85 972*
*** *** ** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** ***
31225 08/08*299 937 70 972*301 938 65 0*303 940 60 0*307 944 55 0*
31225 08/08*298 943 65 0*301 945 50 0*305 945 45 0*309 945 45 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31230 08/09*313 948 50 0*319 949 40 0*325 950 35 0*331 950 30 0*
31230 08/09*313 945 40 0*318 945 35 0*324 945 30 0*329 945 25 0*
*** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31235 08/10*337 950 25 0*343 949 20 0*349 947 20 0*357 942 20 0*
31235 08/10*334 943 25 0*340 940 20 0*348 937 20 0*357 933 20 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
The 11th is removed from HURDAT
31240 08/11*366 935 15 0*377 925 15 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
31245 HRCTX2 LA2
U.S. landfall:
8/7/1940 – 21Z – 29.7N, 94.1W – 85 kt – 972 mb – 1011 mb OCI – 225 nm ROCI – 10 nm RMW
Minor track changes and minor intensity changes are analyzed for this hurricane that struck near
the Louisiana/Texas border. A major alteration is to delay genesis by 24 hours until after the
system reached the Gulf of Mexico. A major change is made to the timing that tropical storm
strength was first attained. Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather
Maps series, the COADS ship database, Monthly Weather Review, USWB/NHC microfilm of synoptic
weather maps, the Original Monthly Records from NCDC, Monthly State and Local Climatological
Data Summaries from NCDC, the USWB Daily Weather Maps series, the USWB operational advisories,
Schwerdt et al. (1979), Ho et al. (1987), Dunn and Miller (1960), Ellis (1988), Connor (1956),
and Jarrell et al. (1992).
Aug 2: HWM indicates an elongated closed low of at most 1015mb along a cold front along 31.5N
between 85W-77.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 30.5N, 79.5W at 12Z.
Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “A wave
developed on August 2, off Jacksonville, Fla., and moved southwestward across Florida into the
northeast portion of the Gulf of Mexico by the 3rd, where a rather shallow LOW 1012.5mb with
definite cyclonic wind circulation was charted” (MWR).
Aug 3: HWM indicates an elongated closed low of at most 1015mb along a front between 27-31N, 75-85W.
HURDAT lists this as Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 28.4N, 83.3W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows
showed a center at 28N, 82.5W (am) with a pressure of 1012.5mb and at 28N, 84W (pm). Microfilm at
12Z analyzes a closed low of at most 1014 mb near 27.5N, 83.3W (the feature of interest) with
another closed low of at most 1014 mb centered near 30N, 77.5W. A front runs from just north of
the first low through the second low. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station
highlights: 1010 mb (min p) at Tampa, FL (climo).
Aug 4: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1010mb near 27.4N, 86W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm with 40kt winds at 27.7N, 86.1W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at
28N, 85W (am) with a pressure of 1010mb and at 28N, 86W (pm). Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed
low of at most 1008 mb centered near 28.4N, 85.4W. Ship highlights: 35 kt NW with a pressure of
1010 mb at 26N, 88.1W at 21Z (MWR); 30 kt SW with 1008 mb at 22Z at 26.1N, 84.8W (COA). Station
highlights: 1010 mb at 2230Z at Apalachicola and 1010 mb at 23Z at Pensacola (MWR). “The
disturbance moved steadily west-southwestward with increased intensity during the next 24 hours
and ships’ reports indicate that it was centered on the morning of Aug. 4 near lat 28N, and long
87W, from where it progressed in a slight curve to the right during the 4-5th” (MWR).
Aug 5: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1005 mb near 28N, 88.5W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm with 55kt winds at 27.8N, 88.7W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at
28N, 88W (am) with a pressure of 1006mb and at 28.5N, 89W (pm). Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed
low of at most 1004 mb centered near 28.2N, 88.3W. Ship highlights: 40-50 kt with 1004 mb at 0550Z
at 26.8N, 88.1W and 60 kt S near same location just after 07Z (MWR); 20kt W with a pressure of
997 mb at 27.9N, 87.7W at 08Z and 50 kt S after 08Z (MWR). Station highlights: 41 kt NE with
1002 mb at 20Z at Port Eads (29.0N, 89.2W) (advisories); 30-35 kt ENE with 1005 mb at 22Z at
Burrwood (29.0N, 89.4W) (USWB). “Heavy rain squalls and fresh to strong shifting gales were
encountered by vessels in the central and north central portions of the Gulf of Mexico on Aug 5,
1940. At 12:50am of the 5th, the American S.S. Connecticut, near lat 26.45’N, and long 88.06’W
reported a barometer reading 1004mb, strong gales and rough sea; the wind increased to force 11
shortly after 2am. This is the highest wind record reported from any vessel in connection with
this disturbance. At 7am on Aug 5, the center of the storm was charted about 110 miles southeast
of Port Eads, La. The American motor vessel Rhode Island at 6:07pm, of the same day met
south-southwest winds of force 9, with rough sea and very heavy rain” (MWR).
Aug 6: HWM indicates a hurricane of at most 1005 mb near 28.3N, 90.5W. HURDAT lists this as a
Category 1 hurricane with 70kt winds at 28.2N, 90.8W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center
at 28.5N, 90.5W (am) and at 29N, 91.5W (pm). Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at most
1004 mb centered near 29.0N, 90.5W. Ship highlights: 50kts S after 00Z (MWR); 30 kt WNW with a
pressure of 1005 mb at 27.5N, 90.4W at 01Z and 50 kt S after 01Z (MWR); 45 kt SSW with 1006 mb at
18Z at 27.1N, 89.3W (COA). Station highlights: 997 mb at Port Eads (29.0N, 89.2W) (Connor); 996 mb
at Burrwood (29N, 89.4W) at 08Z (MWR); 994 mb at Grand Isle (29.2N, 90.0W) at 11Z (Connor); 49 kt
at Port Eads (Connor); 44 kt at Burrwood at 12Z (MWR); 52 kt SE at Grand Isle at 14Z (Connor);
999 mb around ~21Z at Morgan City (29.7N, 91.2W) and 39 kt winds there [not necessarily simultaneous]
(Connor). “The disturbance continued in a west-northwest direction during the 6th which carried the
center south of the Louisiana coast toward Texas, where it passed inland on Aug 7, just east of
Sabine. The storm at this point was of small diameter, with the path of hurricane winds about
20 miles wide in Port Arthur-Sabine area” (MWR).
Aug 7: HWM indicates a hurricane of at most 1000 mb near 29N, 94.1W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1
hurricane with 70kt winds at 29.3N, 93W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at 29.5N, 93W
(am) with a pressure of 993mb. Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at most 994 mb centered
near 29.6N, 93.4W. Ship highlights: 50 kt SSW with a pressure of 1007 mb at 28.7N, 91.2W at 06Z (COA);
35 kt S with a pressure of 1005 mb at 28.9N, 91.9W at 12Z (COA); 40 kt SSE with 1006 mb at 1830Z at
29.2N, 93.0W (USWB). Station highlights: 985 mb at 1110Z at Cameron (29.8N, 93.3) with maximum wind
there of 61-70 kt NE (not necessarily simultaneous) (Connor); 999 mb (min p) at 1230Z and 43 kt E
(max w) at 1430Z at Lake Charles (30.2N, 93.2W) (MWR); 71 kt (max w/5-min/41 meters) SE at Port Arthur
(29.9N, 93.9W) at 1747Z (MWR/OMR); 978mb (min p) at Port Arthur at 1815Z (OMR); 61 kt NNW at Sabine
(29.7N, 93.9W) (Connor) and 972 mb (central pressure) at Sabine (Connor, Ho). “During the evening of
Aug 7, the storm recurved to the right with accompanying marked increase in rainfall over southwest
Louisiana. At 7am of the 8th, it was centered a short distance northeast of Houston, TX with decreased
intensity. For the next 48 hours the disturbance moved rather slowly in a north-northeasterly direction,
dissipating on the evening of August 10 in north central Arkansas” (MWR). “There were no deaths or
serious injuries during the storm of the 7th. Property damage in Jefferson County, principally in Port
Arthur and suburbs, was estimated at almost $1,000,000. Estimates of crop damage in the same area were
from $450,000 to $500,000. Heaviest property damage occurred at the refineries near Port Arthur, but a
large per cent of the business and other structures suffered slight to considerable damage. Rice growers
suffered the heaviest losses among the agricultural interests” (OMR). “972 mb central pressure at
landfall, observed from Sabine, TX, 11 nm RMW, 8kt forward speed, landfall point of 29.7N, 93.7W” (Ho).
Aug 8: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1000 mb near 30.5N, 94.5W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm with 60kt winds at 30.3N, 94W at 12Z. The MWR tracks of lows showed a center at 31N,
94.5W (am) with a pressure of 1003mb. Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at most 1002 mb
centered near 30.4N, 94.4W. Ship highlights: 40 kt SSE before 05Z and 15 kt SE with 1004 mb at 05Z
at 29.0N, 93.5W (MWR); 25 kt WSW with a pressure of 1003 mb at 28.0N, 94.0W at 06Z (COA); 45 kt S
with 1009 mb at 28.9N, 92.5W at 19Z (COA). Station highlights: 999 mb at Galveston (29.3N, 94.8W) at
00Z (OMR); 37 kt S with 994 mb at Port Arthur at 0030Z (OMR); 35 kt NE around ~2130Z at Shreveport
(32.5N, 93.8W) (OMR).
Aug 9: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 32.8N, 94W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical
Storm with 35kt winds at 32.5N, 95W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at 33N, 94W (am)
with a pressure of 1007.8mb and at 34N, 93.5W (pm). Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at most
1008 mb centered near 32.4N, 94.3W. Ship highlights: 30 kt SW with 1009 mb at 00Z at 28.8N, 93.5W (COA).
Station highlights: 35 kt N (max w) around ~0030Z at Dallas (32.8N, 96.8W) (OMR).
Aug 10: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 34N, 93W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical
Storm with 20kt winds at 34.9N, 94.7W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at 34N, 93W (am)
with a pressure of 1010.5mb. Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at most 1010 mb centered near
34.3N, 93.2W. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
A weak low began to form along a stationary frontal boundary just off of the Georgia coast on 1st and
2nd of August. As the circulation was not closed, it is judged the system remained a frontal low on
these dates. Thus genesis is delayed by 24 hours until the system reached the Gulf of Mexico. There
is sufficient observational coverage on the 3nd that indicates a weaker initial intensity, and 25 kt
tropical depression is analyzed at 12Z (down from 35 kt originally). On the 3rd, the cyclone was
still somewhat asymmetric due to the interaction with the dissipating frontal boundary to the north,
but by 4 August the cyclone became more symmetric and more truly a tropical cyclone. It intensified
from the 4th through the 7th as it moved west-northwestward, staying south of the coast until it made
landfall near the Louisiana/Texas border on the 7th. The first gale force wind was recorded at 21Z on
the 4th from a ship (35 kt with 1010 mb) located about 130 nm SSW of the center. The cyclone is
analyzed to have attained tropical storm intensity at 00Z on the 4th (36 hours earlier than originally –
a major change). The analyzed intensity at 18Z on the 4th is 45 kt (no change to HURDAT originally)
with a position of 27.8N, 86.5W. A central pressure of 995 mb is added to HURDAT on the 5th at 06Z due
to the analysis of a ship that reported 20 kt with 997 mb inside the RMW. This value equals 52 kt
according to the Brown et al. (2006) north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. Since a ship recorded a
60 kt wind sometime after 07Z on the 5th, a 55 kt intensity is analyzed for 06Z and a 60 kt intensity
is analyzed for 12Z on the 5th (a 5 kt increase at both times from HURDAT originally). By 20Z on the
5th, gales were being recorded on land at Port Eads and Burrwood because the cyclone was centered 40 nm
due south of the southeastern tip of Louisiana by 00Z on the 6th. The cyclone is analyzed to have
become a hurricane at 18Z on the 5th (6 hours earlier than originally - mainly because the intensity
is increased from the original HURDAT at all times from 06Z on the 5th through 18Z on the 7th).
East-northeastward track changes of 0.8 degrees are made from 18Z on the 5th through 06Z on the 6th
based upon available observations. At 08Z on the 6th, Burrwood recorded its minimum pressure of 996 mb
when the center was 35-40 nm from there, and at 11Z, Grand Isle recorded 994 mb with the cyclone
located 40 nm from the station. The highest wind recorded in Louisiana on the 6th was 52 kt at Grand
Isle. On the 7th at 1110Z, Cameron, LA recorded 985 mb and winds of 61-70 kt occurred there [time
uncertain] according to Connor.
Although it is difficult to say exactly the point the center crossed the coastline, the best estimate is
about 10 nm west of the Texas/Louisiana border. The analyzed landfall occurred on 7 August at 21Z at
29.7N, 94.1W. A central pressure of 972 mb was recorded a Sabine, TX, and 972 mb is the analyzed landfall
central pressure. The 972 mb central pressure originally listed in HURDAT at 00Z on the 8th is removed
and this value is added at 18Z on the 7th instead. A central pressure of 972 mb equals 82 kt according
to the north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. Ho et al. lists a landfall RMW of 11 nm, and available
observations from Port Arthur support a small RMW in the ballpark of Ho’s estimate. This RMW is much
smaller than the climatological RMW of 23 nm for this latitude and central pressure. The speed of the
cyclone was a slow 7 kt, and the OCI and ROCI are analyzed at 1011 mb and 225 nm, respectively. The
highest observed wind, after converting to 10m 1-min was 69 kt at Port Arthur at 1747Z. Port Arthur
recorded its minimum pressure of 978 mb at 1815Z, and there is no evidence that Port Arthur was inside
the RMW. Sabine reported winds of 61 kt and Cameron, LA had earlier reported winds of 61-70 kt. A
landfall intensity of 85 kt is chosen for HURDAT and the intensity at 18Z on the 7th (up from 70 kt
originally). A peak lifetime intensity of 85 kt is analyzed from 06-18Z on the 7th (original peak
lifetime intensity 70 kt from 06Z on the 6th – 00Z on the 8th). A Category 2 impact is analyzed for
Louisiana and the north Texas coast (unchanged), and these Category 2 winds were likely confined to the
immediate coastline between the landfall point and a point 15 nm east of there. After landfall, the
cyclone curved northward, moving into Arkansas early on the 10th. Runs of the Kaplan and DeMaria inland
decay model yield 64, 49, 39, and 33 kt at 00, 06, 12, and 18Z on 8 August. Highest winds within 2 hr
of synoptic times were 41, 30, 35, and 45 kt. Intensities of 65, 50, 45, and 45 kt are analyzed at the
synoptic times on the 8th. These are all decreased of 10-15 kt from the original HURDAT. The cyclone
is analyzed to have weakened to a tropical storm at 06Z on the 8th (6 hours earlier than originally).
At 2130Z on the 8th, Shreveport recorded a 5-min max of 35 kt and a fastest mile wind of 49 kt from the
NE. The final gale was reported from Dallas at 0030Z on the 9th – 35 kt N (5-min) when the center was
140 nm ESE of Dallas. However, the gale in Dallas may not have been representative of the cyclone’s
circulation given its large distance from the center. A 40 kt intensity is analyzed at 00Z on the 9th
(down from 50 kt originally). The cyclone is analyzed to have weakened to a tropical depression at 12Z
on the 9th (6 hours earlier than originally) at 32.4N, 94.5W. On the 10th, the depression weakened over
Arkansas, but it accelerated slightly. Eastward position adjustments up to 1 degree are made on the 10th.
6-hourly USWB/NHC microfilm synoptic maps show the cyclone progressively weakening and eventually becoming
a trough and dissipating after 18Z on the 10th. By the 11th, the windfield was too elongated to still
be considered a closed tropical cyclone. The dissipation is now shown to be after 18Z on the 10th (12
hours earlier than originally). This is in agreement with the MWR Tracks of Low, which shows a final
position of the tropical cyclone at 12Z on the 10th.
*******************************************************************************
1940 Storm 3 – Revised 2012
31250 08/05/1940 M=11 3 SNBR= 689 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=2
31250 08/05/1940 M= 9 3 SNBR= 689 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=1
** *
31255 08/05* 0 0 0 0*182 622 35 0*186 635 40 0*189 648 40 1012*
31255 08/05* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*189 648 40 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** ****
31260 08/06*194 664 40 0*202 683 40 0*210 702 40 0*218 717 45 1003*
31260 08/06*191 664 40 0*198 682 40 0*206 700 40 0*216 714 40 1003*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** **
31265 08/07*225 728 45 0*230 734 50 0*235 738 50 0*244 740 55 0*
31265 08/07*220 726 40 0*225 734 45 0*232 737 45 0*243 738 45 0*
*** *** ** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31270 08/08*254 741 55 0*263 741 65 0*270 741 65 0*274 741 70 0*
31270 08/08*253 739 50 0*262 738 55 0*271 738 55 0*279 738 60 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31275 08/09*278 742 70 0*282 743 75 0*286 746 75 0*288 750 80 0*
31275 08/09*284 738 60 0*289 742 65 0*292 748 65 0*294 753 70 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31280 08/10*290 756 80 0*293 762 80 0*296 768 80 0*301 774 80 0*
31280 08/10*295 759 70 0*296 764 75 0*299 769 80 0*303 774 80 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ***
31285 08/11*306 780 75 0*313 786 70 0*319 793 70 0*322 802 65 975*
31285 08/11*307 779 85 0*313 785 85 0*318 793 85 0*321 803 85 972*
*** *** ** *** ** *** ** *** *** ** ***
31290 08/12*323 812 60 0*324 820 55 0*325 828 40 0*329 834 40 0*
31290 08/12*322 813 65 977*324 824 50 0*326 835 35 996*332 842 30 1003*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** *** ** ****
31295 08/13*334 840 35 0*340 845 35 0*346 849 35 0*355 850 35 0*
31295 08/13*337 847 30 1005*343 848 30 1007*349 848 25 1008*355 848 25 0*
*** *** ** **** *** *** ** **** *** *** ** **** *** **
31300 08/14*365 849 35 0*376 839 35 0E376 829 35 0E370 818 35 0*
31300 08/14*360 846 25 0*364 839 25 0*368 829 25 0*370 818 25 0*
*** *** ** *** ** **** ** * **
The 15th is removed from HURDAT
31305 08/15E364 808 35 0E360 800 35 0E357 792 35 0E356 783 35 0*
31310 HR GA2 SC2
31310 HR GA1 SC2
***
U.S. landfall:
8/11/1940 – 2030Z – 32.1N, 80.8W – 85 kt – 972 mb – 25 nm RMW – 1014 mb OCI – 225 nm ROCI
Minor track changes and major intensity changes are analyzed for this hurricane that made
landfall near Hilton Head Island, SC. Major changes are made to the timing of dissipation
24 hours earlier than analyzed and for the removal of its extratropical phase. Evidence for
these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps Series, the COADS ship database,
Monthly Weather Review, USWB/NHC microfilm of synoptic weather maps, Original Monthly Records
from NCDC, Monthly State Climatological Data Summaries from NCDC, COOP observations,
Caribbean station observations, Schwerdt et al. (1979), Ho et al. (1987), Dunn and Miller
(1960), and Jarrell et al. (1992).
Aug 5: HWM indicates a spot low near 16N, 64.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with
40kt winds at 18.6N, 63.5W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at 18N, 63.5W (am)
with a pressure of 1011.2mb and at 19.5N, 67.5W (pm). Ship highlights: 35 kt E with 1012 mb
at 21Z at 19.6N, 65.8W with max wind of 40kt E (no time given) (MWR). Station highlights:
38kt at San Juan (18.5N, 66.1W) at 1404Z (MWR). “The morning charts of August 5 showed some
indications of a slight disturbance centered between St. Martin and St. Thomas Islands.
Severe squalls of 44miles an hour were recorded at 10:04 am at San Juan. By 6 pm of the 5th,
the depression was located a short distance north of Mona Passage, having moved very rapidly
in a west-northwestward direction during the preceding 10 hours. The Dutch motor vessel
Pygmalion, near lat 19.36’N and long 65.48’ W at 5pm of August 5, reported fresh easterly
gales with barometric pressure 1012.5 mb” (MWR).
Aug 6: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1010mb near 21N, 70W. HURDAT lists this as
a Tropical Storm with 40kt winds at 21N, 70.2W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center
at 20.5N, 70.5W (am) and at 21.5N, 72W (pm). Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: 26kt with a pressure of 1003mb at Turks [1003 mb and 26 kt not necessarily
simultaneous obs] (21.5N, 71.1W) at 17Z (MWR). “Cloudy weather with high winds and moderate
to rough seas was encountered by ships in the vicinity of the path of the disturbance as it
continued to move in a west by north direction during the 6th. The center passed a short
distance to the south of Turks Island at noon of Aug 6, with deepening pressure, 1003mb
accompanied by winds of 30 miles an hour” (MWR). “The tropical storm of the 11th began as a
slight disturbance on August 6th near the Virgin Islands” (OMR - Savannah).
Aug 7: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1010mb near 22.8N, 75.9W. HURDAT lists this
as a Tropical Storm with 50kt winds at 23.5N, 73.8W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a
center at 23N, 74W (am) and at 24N, 74.5W (pm). Ship highlights: 30 kt ENE before 09Z and
3 kt W with 1010 mb at 09Z at 22.5N, 74.4W (MWR); 30 kt SE with 1011 mb at 12Z at 24.0N,
72.5W (COA). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “During the next 3 days the
disturbance showed little tendency to increase in intensity as it moved to the northward” (MWR).
Aug 8: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1010mb near 27N, 74W. HURDAT lists this as
a Category 1 hurricane with 65kt winds at 27N, 74.1W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a
center at 26N, 74W (am) and at 27N, 74W (pm). Ship highlights: 40 kt ENE with 1011 mb at 14Z
at 26.2N, 74.1W [ob looks bad] (MWR); 45kt (or 60 kt?) NNW at 27.9N, 74.2W at 1830Z (USWB).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Aug 9: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1005mb near 29.5N, 75W. HURDAT lists this as
a Category 1 hurricane with 75kt winds at 28.6N, 74.6W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a
center at 28.5N, 74W (am) with a pressure of 1002mb and at 29.5N, 75W (pm). Ship highlights:
25 kt SSE with 1008 mb at 09Z at 30.8N, 73.8W and 35kt SW after 09Z (MWR); 30kt S with a
pressure of 1000 mb at 29N, 74.8W at 1230Z (USWB). One other low pressure of 1003 mb.
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “It was located near lat 29.41’N and long
74.15’W on the morning of Aug 9” (MWR).
Aug 10: HWM indicates a hurricane of at most 995mb near 30N, 77W. HURDAT lists this as a
Category 1 hurricane with 80kt winds at 29.6N, 76.8W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a
center at 30N, 76W and at 31N, 77W (pm). Ship highlights: 25kt W with a pressure of 1002mb at
29N, 76.1W at 00Z (COA); 70kt ESE at 32N, 77.3W at 21Z (MWR); 60 kt ESE with 1005 mb at 23Z at
32.0N, 77.3W (MWR). 7 other gales of 35-45 kt and one other low pressure of 1005 mb. Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures. “At 4am of Aug 10, the American tanker Meton, near lat
32.12’N and long 77.42’ W recorded a barometer pressure reading of 1008.5mb with overcast
squally weather, east winds of force 8, and high seas. The first indications that this storm
had developed to hurricane intensity were received from the American S. S. Maine, giving her
noon position as approximately 32.03’N and long 77.18’W. The ship’s daily journal of Aug 10th
shows that the vessel met east-southeast wind, force 10 increasing to full hurricane strength
at 4pm (local ship’s time), with very high and rough east-southeasterly sea, large heavy swell
and poor visibility. The barometer fell very rapidly until about 8pm, when it became steady
and began to rise slowly” (MWR).
Aug 11: HWM indicates a hurricane of at most 995mb near 31N, 78.5W. HURDAT lists this as a
Category 1 hurricane with 70kt winds at 31.9N, 79.3W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a
center at 31.5N, 79W with a pressure of 974.7mb and at 31.5N, 81.5W (pm). Ship highlights:
50 kt E with 999 mb at 04Z at 31.0N, 77.0W (MWR); 70kt W with 1002 mb at 30.7N 79.4W (USWB);
50kt ENE with a pressure of 993mb at 32.3N, 78.5W at 07Z, with a max wind of 70 kt ESE after
07Z (MWR); 50 kt E with 996 mb at 12Z at 31.7N, 78.7W (COA); 70 kt ESE with 994 mb at 16Z and
70 kt SE with 996 mb at 1645Z at 32.0N, 79.4W (USWB). 17 other gales between 35-60 kt and
10 other low pressures between 996-1005 mb. Station highlights: 56 kt N with 998 mb at 1735Z
at Beaufort, SC (32.4N, 80.7W) (OMR); 1004 mb (min p) at 1930Z at Charleston, SC (climo, OMR);
57 kt E (max 5-min wind, with fastest mile 63 kt- both at anemometer height 28 meters) at
1945Z at Charleston, SC (climo, OMR); 63kt N (max 5-min wind, with fastest mile 78 kt- both
at anemometer height 48 meters) at Savannah (32.1N, 81.1W) at 2005Z (OMR); 8 kt with 975 mb
(min pressure) at Savannah at 2230Z (MWR, OMR). About 20 other gales from Charleston,
Savannah, and Beaufort, and at least two other low pressures. “The hurricane crossed the
coast at about 4pm [21Z] of Aug 11, near Beaufort, S.C., where moving inland, its course
curved to the westward, passing just north of Savannah, Ga., between 5 and 6pm [22-23Z] on
the same day. During the afternoon of Aug 11, a sea-level pressure reading of 974.7 mb was
recorded at Savannah, Ga. This is the lowest ever recorded at the Weather Bureau Office at
that place” (MWR). “The outstanding feature of the weather for August was the hurricane, the
center of which crossed the coastline near Beaufort, S.C. about 3:00pm EST on August the 11th.
No lives were lost in the Charleston District, but property damage was estimated at about
$2,000,000.00 in Charleston County alone. The storm caused wind of over 30 miles per hour
from 1am of the 11th until 4:30am of the 12th, with winds of whole gale force from 11:30am
to about 3:30pm of the 11th. The wind shifted gradually from NE as the storm approached, to
easterly as it reached the highest velocity and to SE as the storm passed. The barometer
began falling about 11:00pm on Saturday the 10th and fell gradually until 2:30pm of the
11th when it stopped abruptly and rose rapidly until about 11pm” (OMR - Charleston). “On
[the 11th] the wind increased to gale force about noon and to a maximum of 73 miles per
hour from the north at 3:05 pm [2005Z]; about 5:30 pm it dropped as low as 9 mph after the
lowest pressure (28.78) was reached, then rose to high again when the pressure increased.
Scores of buildings were leveled or damaged, trees uprooted or broken, windows smashed in,
tin roofs, signs, and other debris sent flying through the air. One person died from
injuries due to flying glass and another from a heart attack due to the excitement of the
storm. Estimated damage was $850,000” (OMR – Savannah). From the Beaufort, SC coop
observer… “Aug 11 – Severe Hurricane” (Beaufort, SC coop observations). From the South
Carolina Monthly Climatological Data Summary… “Total crop damage in the state has been
estimated around $3,000,000. Property losses along the southern coast have been estimated
at around $3,500,000. Timber losses were around $113,000 throughout the state. Thirty-four
persons perished in the hurricane.” “The coastal area from Charleston southward was
visited by a hurricane afternoon of 11th. Property damage along the South Carolina
southern coast was heavy, especially severe at Folly Beach near Charleston, Edisto Island
Beach and City and County of Beaufort, including U.S. Marine corps base on Parris Island
and Town of Port Royal, where water front buildings, communication and power lines were
wrecked, many trees uprooted and high tides flooded street and ground floors of buildings.
Over 200 houses in Beaufort County were totally wrecked and over 1,000 were damaged.
Beaufort residents said it was the worst blow since 1893. The extreme high tide at
Charleston was accurately determined as 10.71 feet above mean low water. Crop losses,
including corn, hay, cotton and truck were severe in the coastal section of these two
counties. Trees and roofs were damaged to some extent 50 miles inland. As a result of
the hurricane 25 negroes perished on St. Helena Island, near Beaufort, with 8 other
negroes on nearby Ladies Island and one person on Hunting Island” (August 1940 South
Carolina climatological data).
Aug 12: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000mb near 32.5N, 84W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm with 40kt winds at 32.5N, 82.8W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at
32N, 83W (am) with a pressure of 999.7mb and at 33.5N, 85W (pm). Ship highlights: 35 kt SSE with
1008 mb at 02Z at 31.6N, 79.0W with highest wind experienced 40 kt (MWR). Station highlights:
48-49 kt S-SSW with 984 mb at 0030Z at Savannah (OMR); 49 kt SE around ~0130Z at Charleston (OMR);
43 kt S around ~0230Z at Savannah (OMR); 34 kt SE at 06Z at Charleston (OMR); 19 kt NE with a
pressure of 1000 mb at Macon (32.8N, 83.6W) at 12Z (HWM, OMR). “During the next 4 to 5 days, as
the storm moved overland, it diminished rapidly in intensity and its progressive motion was
rather erratic. Its positive identity was lost on August 15” (MWR).
Aug 13: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 35N, 85W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical
Storm with 35kt winds at 34.6N, 84.9W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at 35N, 85W with
a pressure of 1009.5mb and at 35.5N, 84.5W (pm). Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Aug 14: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 36N, 82W. HURDAT lists this as an extra
tropical storm with 35kt winds at 37.6N, 82.9W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at 36N,
83W (am) with a pressure of 1008.1mb and at 35N, 82W (pm). Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Aug 15: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 34N, 81W. HURDAT lists this as an extra
tropical storm with 35kt winds at 35.7N, 79.2W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at 35N,
80.5W (am) with a pressure of 1007.8mb.
Genesis of this tropical cyclone is analyzed to have occurred at 18Z on 5 August (12 hours later
than in HURDAT originally) just north of the Virgin Islands as a 40 kt tropical storm. A 15 kt ENE
wind at St. Kitts on the 5th at 12Z indicates that it was not yet a closed low at that time. The
1012 mb central pressure shown in HURDAT at 18Z on the 5th is removed because San Juan reported
15 kt NNE with 1012 mb at that time, and the cyclone is analyzed to be centered about 75 nm ENE of
San Juan at that time. The 40 kt intensity in HURDAT originally at 18Z on the 5th is maintained
because a ship reported a maximum wind of 40 kt late on the 5th about 40 nm NNW of the interpolated
analyzed position. The cyclone traveled west-northwestward, passing north of the Greater Antilles
on the 6th. It began a northward motion on the 7th just northeast of the southeastern Bahamas.
It traveled to 29.2N, 74.8W on the 9th before resuming a west-northwestward course, which brought
the cyclone to a landfall near the Georgia/South Carolina border on the 11th. All track changes
from the 6th-8th are half a degree or less. On the 9th, northward track adjustments of 0.6 degrees
are implemented. The rest of the track changes on the 10th and 11th for the over-water portion
of the track are half a degree or less, with a track change of only 0.1 degree around the time of
landfall. For intensity, a 1003 mb minimum pressure was recorded at Turks Island on the 6th at
17Z. The maximum wind recorded at Turks Island was only 26 kt. Commentary states that the center
passed over Turks Island, and although there is not definitive evidence that it is a central
pressure, the 1003 mb value is maintained in HURDAT as it was likely a central pressure. This
value equals 41 kt according to the Brown et al. (2006) southern pressure-wind relationship, and
40 kt is chosen for HURDAT at 18Z on the 6th (down from 45 kt originally). Available observations
on the 7th and 8th indicate that the cyclone was likely not as strong yet as indicated in HURDAT
originally (the intensity is reduced by 5 to 10 kt on those days). The first hurricane force wind
was reported from a ship at 21Z on the 10th at 32.0N, 77.3W. By the time this wind was recorded,
the analyzed intensity is 80 kt (no change to HURDAT) on the 10th from 12Z-18Z. The cyclone is
analyzed to have attained hurricane intensity at 06Z on the 9th (24 hours later than originally
– a major change). On the 11th, as the hurricane was approaching landfall, two other ships
reported hurricane force winds.
The hurricane made landfall on Hilton Head Island, SC (32.1N, 80.8W) on 11 August at around 20Z
moving on a course between west and west-northwest at a speed of 9 kt. Complete records of wind
and pressure are available from Savannah and Charleston, but not from Beaufort, as observations
stopped there a few hours before the height of the storm. The maximum wind at Savannah (32.1N,
81.1W) was 68 kt N at 2005Z and at Charleston was 59 kt (after converting the fastest mile wind
to a 10m 1-min value). The minimum pressure at Savannah was 974.7 mb (inside the RMW). The
minimum wind at Savannah inside the RMW was 8 kt. The time of the min pressure and min wind were
likely very close. Although Savannah experienced a 180 degree wind shift from north to south,
the center is analyzed to have passed about 5 nm north of the station (the track was moved 0.1
degrees closer to Savannah – originally it was shown passing slightly further north). A good
time series from Savannah reveals that the RMW of this hurricane was at least 22 nm (if Savannah
was in the geometric center). Since Ho et al. listed a 27 nm RMW for this hurricane, a 25 nm RMW
is selected as the landfall RMW after rounding to the nearest 5 nm. A 974 mb central pressure is
analyzed at 2230Z (two hours after landfall). A run of the Ho et al. inland-pressure decay model
yields 972 mb for landfall if the Florida decay rate is used (because of the swampy terrain in that
region). Using the Atlantic coast decay rate, which is valid north of the GA/SC border according
to Ho et al., a 970 mb landfall central pressure is yielded. Jarrell et al. lists a 970 mb central
pressure for landfall. A 972 mb landfall central pressure is selected because the Florida decay
rate is more appropriate to use in this situation. The 975 mb central pressure in HURDAT at 18Z on
the 11th is replaced by a value of 972 mb. A 972 mb central pressure equals 82 kt according to
the north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. The 25 nm RMW is near average. The OCI is 1014 mb
and the ROCI is 225 nm. The speed of the cyclone is slightly slower than normal – about 9 kt.
Examination of the SLOSH display program Maximum Envelope of Water data suggests that a Category 1
hurricane would not normally caused the observed surge in Charleston, South Carolina, even if the
RMW passed over the station. Based upon all of the above, an 85 kt intensity is analyzed at
landfall. This retains the hurricane as a low end Category 2 impact for South Carolina. The
best track winds on the 11th were boosted by 10-20 kt with the largest change at 18Z just before
landfall. However, because the landfall just north of the Georgia-South Carolina border and the
peak winds likely to the north of the landfall point (right front quadrant of the hurricane),
Category 1 sustained winds likely were the peak to occur in Georgia. Thus Georgia’s impact is
reduced from Category 2 to a Category 1.
Runs of the Kaplan and DeMaria inland decay model yield 65, 48 and 35 kt for 00, 06 and 12Z on the 12th.
Highest observed wind within 2 hr of those synoptic times are 57, 34, and 25 kt for 00, 06, and 12Z,
respectively. Analyzed intensities are 65 (up from 60 kt originally), 45 (down from 55 kt) and 35 (down
from 40 kt) at 00, 06, and 12Z, respectively. The 65 kt intensity is selected for 00Z because of the
cyclone’s trek over marshy terrain during the first few hours of its landfall and because the 57 kt
observed around 00Z from Charleston was likely well outside the RMW, so stronger winds could have still
been occurring closer to the center. Based on an analyzed central pressure of 974 mb at 2230Z and an
observation of 984 mb with 48 kt from Savannah at 0030Z around the time of the back RMW there, a 977 mb
central pressure is added to HURDAT at 00Z on the 12th. A 996 mb central pressure is added to HURDAT
at 12Z on the 12th based on a Macon, GA observation of 1000 mb with 19 kt NE. Westward track adjustments
of 0.7-0.8 degrees are implemented from 12Z on the 12th – 00Z on the 13th due to the Macon data as well
as evidence from other stations of a more westward position. Central pressures of 1003, 1005, 1007,
and 1008 mb are analyzed and added to HURDAT from 18Z on the 12th through 12Z on the 13th. The cyclone
is analyzed to have weakened to a tropical depression at 18Z on the 12th while it was still located in
Georgia, and this cyclone did not produce a tropical storm impact in any additional states (HURDAT
originally listed this as a tropical storm through 06Z on the 14th – so that is a major change). This
tropical depression is analyzed to have degenerated into a trough over western Virginia after 18Z on
the 14th. The 15th is eliminated from HURDAT (a major change to the dissipation), which includes the
removal of the extratropical phase for the last day and a half of the original HURDAT (another major change).
*******************************************************************************
1940 Storm 4 – Revised 2012
31315 08/30/1940 M= 5 4 SNBR= 690 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=0
31315 08/26/1940 M= 9 4 SNBR= NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
** * *
The 26th-29th are new to HURDAT
31316 08/26* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*262 653 25 0*264 655 25 0*
31317 08/27*266 658 25 0*268 660 25 0*270 663 25 0*272 666 25 0*
31318 08/28*274 669 25 0*275 671 30 0*276 674 30 0*278 677 35 0*
31319 08/29*280 680 40 0*282 684 45 0*284 688 50 0*286 693 55 0*
31320 08/30* 0 0 0 0*275 693 60 0*289 711 60 0*301 721 65 0*
31320 08/30*289 698 60 0*294 704 65 0*301 711 75 0*308 720 80 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** *** **
31325 08/31*310 729 65 0*316 735 70 0*323 740 70 0*330 744 70 0*
31325 08/31*315 728 80 0*320 733 80 0*324 737 85 0*330 739 85 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** **
31330 09/01*338 746 70 0*345 747 70 0*352 746 70 0*365 734 70 0*
31330 09/01*337 742 90 0*345 743 95 0*352 735 95 0*365 725 90 0*
*** *** ** *** ** *** ** *** **
31335 09/02*381 719 70 0*398 703 70 0*417 688 70 0*430 679 65 0*
31335 09/02*381 713 90 961*398 700 80 0*417 685 70 0*435 668 60 0*
*** ** *** *** ** *** *** *** **
31340 09/03*446 667 55 0*464 655 45 0*482 640 35 0*510 615 20 0*
31340 09/03E453 657 55 0E471 650 45 0E489 644 35 0E508 632 25 0*
**** *** **** *** **** *** **** *** **
31345 HR
U.S. Tropical Storm Impacts:
9/2/1934 – 0830Z - 40.6N, 69.2W – 55 kt (55 kt winds occurred at Nantucket, MA while the 85 kt hurricane passed well offshore)
9/2/1934 – 2000Z – 44.1N, 66.4W – 40 kt (Eastport, Maine experienced 40 kt winds as the 70 kt hurricane passed to the east of Maine).
Mostly minor track changes but major intensity changes are analyzed for this hurricane. Another
major change is to show genesis occurring 90 hours earlier than originally. A final major change
is to add in an extratropical phase for the final day of the cyclone’s lifetime. Evidence for these
alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps Series, the COADS ships database, Monthly Weather
Review, USWB/NHC microfilm of synoptic weather maps, the Original Monthly Records from NCDC, Boose et
al. (2001), and observations/impacts from Environment Canada.
August 26: HWM does not analyze any features of interest on this day. HURDAT does not yet list a system.
The MWR tracks of cyclones shows a 12Z position near 26.5N, 64.5W with a 1013 mb pressure. Microfilm (USWB)
at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at most 1016 mb centered near 26.3N, 65.5W. Ship highlights: 15 kt WSW with
1013 mb at 12Z at 25.5N, 65.5W (COA, USWB).
August 27: HWM does not analyze any features of interest on this day. HURDAT does not yet list a system.
The MWR tracks of cyclones shows a position in the general vicinity of 27.5N, 67W. Microfilm at 12Z analyzes
a closed low of at most 1016 mb centered near 27.1N, 64.1W. Ship highlights: Highest observed wind on this
day was 15 kt and lowest observed pressure 1015 mb.
August 28: HWM analyzes a spot low in a trough of low pressure near 23N, 70W. HURDAT does not yet list a
system on this day. The MWR tracks of cyclones shows a position in the general vicinity of 28N, 67.7W.
Microfilm at 12Z analyzes an open trough but at 00Z had analyzed a closed low of at most 1016 mb near 28.3N,
66.7W. Ship highlights: highest observed wind on this day 15 kt and lowest observed pressure 1015 mb.
August 29: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 1015 mb centered near 27.3N, 70.7W. HURDAT does not yet list
a system on this day. The MWR tracks of cyclones shows a position in the general vicinity of 28.5N, 68.5W.
Microfilm at 12Z shows an open trough from roughly 27N, 69W to 25N 70W. Ship highlights: highest observed wind
on this day 15 kt and lowest observed pressure 1014 mb.
August 30: HWM analyzes a tropical storm of at most 1015 mb near 29.1N, 70.4W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical
Storm with 60kt winds at 28.9N, 71.1W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at 30N, 70.5W (am) and at
31N, 71.5W (pm). Microfilm analyzes a closed low of at most 1018 mb centered near 28.5N, 72.7W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: 50kt ESE with a pressure of 979mb at 32.2N, 72.4W at 22Z (MWR). Station highlights: No gales or
low pressures. “The first indications of probable origin of this hurricane appeared on the morning of August
30, as a mild depression central about 225 miles off the Florida east coast. A slow progressive movement toward
the north-northwest with rapid development, was indicated by the report of an unidentified vessel near 32.12’N,
and 72.4’W at 5pm of that day, which recorded an east-southeast wind, force 10, with barometer reading of
978.9mb” (MWR).
August 31: HWM analyzes a hurricane of at most 1005 mb near 32.3N, 73.6W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1
hurricane with 70kt winds at 32.3N, 74W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at 32N, 72.5W (am) with
a pressure of 989mb and at 33.5N, 73W (pm). Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at most 1004 mb centered
near 32.3N, 73.3W. Ship highlights: 50kt NW with a pressure of 985mb at 32.2N, 72.4W at 06Z (COA); 45 kt S with
989 mb at 12Z at 32.0N, 73.0W (COA, USWB); 40 kt NW with 999 mb at 18Z at 32.8N, 74.2W (MWR). Ten other gales
between 35-40 kt and four other low pressures between 988-1005 mb. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
“During the next day the disturbance was attended by severe squalls and strong shifting gales over a large area
and by winds of hurricane strength near its center” (MWR).
September 1: HWM analyzes a hurricane of at most 1000mb near 34.9N, 72.9W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1
hurricane with 70kt at 35.2N, 74.6W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at 35N, 73W (am) and at 38N,
72W (pm). No 12Z microfilm map is available, but microfilm at 00Z analyzes a closed low of at most 1006 mb
near 33.6N, 74.4W and at 18Z a closed low of at most 1002 mb near 36.8N, 72.8W. Ship highlights: 50kt NNE
with a pressure of 995mb at 35.8N, 73.8W at 13Z and 70 kt NNW after 13Z (MWR); 60 kt S before 20Z and 60 kt
SSW with 995 mb at 20Z at 36.2N, 71.3W (MWR); 70 kt N with 1000 mb at 21Z at 37.8N, 72.8W (MWR). 13 other
gales between 35-50 kt and 13 other low pressures between 998-1005 mb. Station highlights: No gales or low
pressures. “Shortly after the morning observation of September 1, the course of the disturbance seems to have
change from north-northwest to north-northeast. The American S. S. Dungannon reported that she encountered
north-northeast winds, force 10, at 8am of September 1, near 35.50’N, and 73.45’W with pressure reading 993mb
and that the wind shifted to northwest and increased to force 12 shortly thereafter. During the evening of
the same day, the tanker Franklin K. Lane, on a voyage from New York to Corpus Christi, reported that she met
an east-southeast hurricane which shifted to west-northwest near 38.17’N, and 70.32’W. She also reported that
a pressure reading of 965.1mb was noted during the passage of the hurricane. This is the lowest barometer
reading of record in connection with the disturbance. Several other vessels reported winds of force 8 or
higher, on the 1st” (MWR).
September 2: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000mb near 41.2N, 68.3W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1
hurricane with 70kt winds at 41.7N, 68.8W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at 41.5N, 69W with a
pressure of 993 mb and at 44N, 66W (pm). Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at most 1000 mb centered
near 41.2N, 68.9W with a front 250 nm WNW of the cyclone extending north-northwestward and another front 400
nm south of the cyclone extending west-southwestward. Ship highlights: 35kt W with a pressure of 965 mb at
38.3N, 70.5W at 02Z [ship had 70 kt ESE before this and 70 kt WNW after this] (MWR). One other gale of 35 kt
and four other low pressures between 1002-1005 mb. Station highlights: 57kt (max 1-min wind at 27 meters –
53 kt converted to 10m) at Nantucket at 0830Z and 993 mb (min p) at 0915Z (MWR, OMR); 41 kt NE (max 1-min
wind at 26 meters – 39 kt converted to 10m) at Eastport, ME at 2024Z (MWR, OMR). Several other hourly gales
from Nantucket between 06Z-12Z. “The disturbance was centered at 7:30am, Sept 2, about 75 miles east-northeast
of Nantucket, Mass., moving rapidly north-northeastward. The Weather Bureau office, Nantucket, Mass., recorded
a maximum velocity, for a 5-minute period, of 57 miles an hour on Sept. 2. This exceeds all previous September
wind records at that station. The storm moved inland a short distance to the northwest of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia,
with rapidly diminishing intensity, during the evening of the 2nd, and apparently dissipated in the region north
of Anticosti Island, Quebec, on Sept 3” (MWR). “Sep 2 – Caused isolated F0 [35-49 kt] and F1 [50-68 kt]
structural damage” (Boose et al. 2001).
September 3: HWM analyzes a tropical storm of at most 1010 mb near 48.9N, 65.2W with a warm front extending
eastward from the center of the cyclone. HWM also analyzes an approaching cold front from 57N, 68W to 52N,
75W to 49N, 81W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 48.2N, 64W at 12Z. The MWR track of
lows showed final position at 12Z at 49.7N, 66W with a pressure of 1008mb. Microfilm at 00Z analyzes a closed
low of at most 1002 mb centered near 45.5N, 64.3W and then the cyclone travels off the microfilm map. Ship
highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: 9 kt NW with 1005 mb at Eastport, ME at 0030Z
(OMR). “Vessels experienced damage in southern Nova Scotia and one man was injured in a car accident during
the storm in New Brunswick” (Canada).
HURDAT originally began this cyclone on 30 August at 06Z as a 60 kt tropical storm at 27.5N, 69.3W. The MWR
tracks of lows begins the system four days earlier (on the 26th) and there is observational evidence from
microfilm maps and COADS that a closed low existed from the 26th at 12Z – the 27th at 00Z, the 27th at 12Z,
the 28th at 00Z, the 28th at 18Z, and then on the 30th (there were no observations in the area on the 29th).
The circulation on the 26th at 12Z was compact enough to be considered a tropical cyclone at that time.
Genesis of a 25 kt tropical depression is now shown at 12Z on the 26th (90 hours earlier than originally –
a major change) at 26.2N, 65.3W. The highest observed wind from the 26th – 29th was 15 kt and the lowest
observed pressure was 1013 mb. On the 26th and 00Z on the 27th, there were observations within a degree or
so from the center, but after that, there were no ships within 100 nm of the center through the 29th. The
cyclone moved slowly northwestward, and on the 30th at 22Z, a ship at 32.2N, 72.4W recorded a 979 mb
pressure with simultaneous 50 kt winds. A peripheral pressure of 979 mb yields winds greater than 74 kt
according to the Brown et al. (2006) north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. An 80 kt intensity is chosen
for HURDAT at 18Z on the 30th. The intensity is decreased by one T number per day backwards from 18Z on the
30th. There were no observations near the center on the 28th – early on the 30th that would indicate a
weaker intensity than what was yielded. The cyclone is now shown to have attained tropical storm strength
at 18Z on the 28th (36 hours earlier than originally – a major change). The cyclone is shown to have
attained hurricane strength at 06Z on the 30th (12 hours earlier than originally) at 29.4N, 70.4W. The
only major track change analyzed for the existing portion of the HURDAT track is a 2.1 degree
north-northwestward adjustment at 06Z on the 30th. This hurricane recurved early on 1 September about
75 nm ESE of Cape Hatteras, NC and it failed to produce tropical storm force winds there. The original
HURDAT track showed it passing slightly closer to Cape Hatteras. Hurricane force winds were recorded
from two ships on the 1st. On the 2nd at 02Z, a ship recorded a pressure of 965 mb with 35 kt W winds
inside the RMW at 38.3N, 70.5W. The ship experienced ESE hurricane force before this and WNW hurricane
force after this. Based on the observations from that ship, a 961 mb central pressure is added to HURDAT
at 00Z on the 2nd. This value equals 89 kt according to the Landsea et al. (2004) north of 35N
pressure-wind relationship. Observations indicate that the cyclone was smaller than average. Because of
the compact size and the system being near recurvature, a peak lifetime intensity of 95 kt is analyzed for
06 and 12Z on the 1st (up from 70 kt originally at both times – major 25 kt upward adjustments). The
original peak intensity was 70 kt from 06Z on the 31st through 12Z on the 2nd. The cyclone passed about
a degree southeast of Nantucket around 0830Z on the 2nd. A maximum wind of 53 kt (already converted to
10m and 1-min) and a minimum pressure of 993 mb were recorded at Nantucket (at 0830 and 0915Z,
respectively). The cyclone is analyzed to have produced winds of 55 kt in Massachusetts. Later on the
2nd, around 20Z, Eastport, ME recorded its maximum wind of 39 kt (already converted to 10m 1-min). The
cyclone is analyzed to have also produced a tropical storm impact in Maine with 40 kt winds being
experienced there. Impacts in Canada are relatively minor and at 21Z on the 2nd, the cyclone is analyzed
to have made landfall in Canada as a 60 kt tropical storm at 44.3N, 66.3W (5 kt weaker than originally
suggested in HURDAT). The cyclone is analyzed to have become extratropical around 00Z on the 3rd (HURDAT
originally did not list any extratropical phase), which is the same time the center made landfall in New
Brunswick near 45.3N, 65.7W with a 55 kt intensity. The cyclone continued north-northeastward and was
absorbed by another extratropical low to its north-northwest after 18Z on the 3rd. No changes are made
to the timing of dissipation and the final point – 18Z on the 3rd – is 50.8N, 63.2W as a 25 kt
extratropical cyclone.
*******************************************************************************
1940 Storm 5- Revised 2012
31350 09/10/1940 M=10 5 SNBR= 691 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
31350 09/08/1940 M=12 5 SNBR= NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
** **
The 7th - 9th are new to HURDAT
31352 09/07* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*152 473 25 0*
31353 09/08*154 484 25 0*157 495 25 0*162 505 25 0*167 514 25 0*
31354 09/09*172 523 30 0*177 532 30 0*182 541 30 0*187 550 30 0*
31355 09/10* 0 0 0 0*194 565 35 0*197 577 35 0*199 585 35 0*
31355 09/10*191 559 30 0*194 568 35 0*196 577 35 0*197 585 35 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ***
31360 09/11*200 592 35 0*201 598 35 0*202 605 35 0*204 616 40 0*
31360 09/11*198 593 40 0*199 601 40 0*201 610 45 0*204 622 45 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** **
31365 09/12*206 629 40 0*209 642 45 0*212 655 55 0*216 668 65 0*
31365 09/12*207 633 50 0*211 644 50 0*215 656 55 0*218 669 65 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** *** ***
31370 09/13*220 682 70 0*226 695 80 0*233 706 85 0*242 712 85 0*
31370 09/13*222 682 70 0*226 695 80 0*232 706 85 0*240 712 85 0*
*** *** ***
31375 09/14*253 715 85 0*265 712 85 0*277 706 85 0*288 703 85 0*
31375 09/14*253 715 85 0*266 712 85 0*278 706 85 0*290 701 85 0*
*** *** *** ***
31380 09/15*299 701 85 0*311 700 85 0*325 699 85 0*340 698 80 0*
31380 09/15*301 701 85 0*314 700 85 0*328 698 85 0*342 696 80 0*
*** *** *** *** *** ***
31385 09/16*357 694 80 0*377 685 75 0*397 676 70 0*413 669 70 0*
31385 09/16*357 692 80 0*373 685 75 0*390 676 75 0*408 666 75 0*
*** *** *** ** *** *** **
31390 09/17*428 660 65 0*447 642 55 0*465 624 45 0*474 611 40 0*
31390 09/17*430 657 75 0*452 647 65 0E465 635 60 0E474 620 60 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** **** *** ** * *** **
31395 09/18*478 596 40 0*480 574 35 0E481 552 35 0E479 530 30 0*
31395 09/18E477 603 60 0E479 583 55 0E480 560 50 0E481 534 40 0*
**** *** ** **** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31400 09/19E478 507 35 0E480 463 30 0E488 420 30 0E500 370 30 0*
31400 09/19E482 505 35 0E484 467 30 0E488 420 30 0E495 370 30 0*
*** *** *** *** ***
31405 HR
U.S. Tropical Storm Impact:
9/16/1940 – 15Z – 39.9N, 67.1W – 40 kt (40 kt tropical storm impact analyzed for Massachusetts
while center of 75 kt hurricane passed well offshore).
Minor track changes but major intensity changes (but only during the extratropical phase) are
analyzed for this tropical cyclone. Additional major changes are made to the genesis of this
cyclone to begin it two and a half days earlier and transition to an extratropical cyclone a
day earlier near the end of its lifecycle. Evidence for these alterations comes from the
Historical Weather Maps Series, the CODS ships database, Monthly Weather Review, NHC microfilm
of synoptic weather maps, the Original Monthly Records from NCDC, the Monthly State Climatological
Data Summaries from NCDC, the U.S. Weather Bureau Daily Weather Maps, and observations/impacts
from Environment Canada.
September 7: Ship highlight: 15 kt WNW with 1015 mb at 17Z at 15.4N, 48.2W (COA).
September 8: HWM does not analyze any features of interest on this day. HURDAT does not yet list a system.
Ship highlights: 20 kt S with 1013 mb (or 1008 mb as HWM has ship 5 mb lower in the 12Z obs) at 00Z at 13.8N, 47.8W (COA).
September 9: HWM analyzes a spot low near 16.3N, 56.1W. HURDAT does not yet list a system.
No gales or low pressures.
September 10: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1010mb near 19.1N, 58.9W. HURDAT lists this
as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 19.7N, 57.7W at 12Z. Microfilm at 12Z analyses a closed low
of at most 1010 mb centered near 19.2N, 59.0W. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures.
September 11: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1010mb near 20N, 61W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 20.2N, 60.5W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at 20.5N,
59W (am) and at 20.5N, 61W (pm). Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at most 1008 mb centered
near 18.3N, 61.8W. Ship highlights: 30kt WNW with a pressure of 1005mb at 18.8N, 63.6W at 19Z (MWR).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “On the 7:30 am chart of September 11, 1940, there
were some indications of a disturbance of slight intensity about 250 miles northeast of St. Thomas,
moving in a west-northwesterly direction. During that afternoon, an unidentified vessel near lat 20N,
and long 64W, reported cloudy weather, northwest wind, force 6, with a barometric pressure reading 1007mb” (MWR).
September 12: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1005mb near 20.9N, 65.7W. HURDAT lists this
as a Tropical Storm with 55kt winds at 21.2N, 65.5W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at
21N, 63W (am) with a pressure of 1001.7mb and at 22N, 67W (pm). Microfilm at 12Z suggests a closed
low of at most 1006 mb centered near 21.2N, 65.1W. Ship highlights: 30kt W with a pressure of 1005mb
at 19.2N, 63.8W at 00Z (COA, USWB); 50kt [or 70 kt?] ESE with a pressure of 1002mb at 22.5N, 66.5W at
1830Z (USWB). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “The depression developed very rapidly
during the 12th, causing moderate gales over a large area to the right of its path. At 7:30pm the
center was near 22.30’N and 68W, from which point it continued to move in a west-northwesterly direction
until the following morning” (MWR).
September 13: HWM indicates a tropical cyclone of at most 995mb near 23.2N, 71.2W. HURDAT lists this as
a Category 2 hurricane with 85kt winds at 23.3N, 70.6W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at
23N, 70W (am) and at 25N, 70.1W (pm). Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at most 1006 mb centered
near 23.1N, 70.7W. Ship highlights: 35kt SW with a pressure of 1008mb at 20.9N, 68.5W at 12Z (HWM, COA);
35 kt SSW with 1008 mb at 1230Z at 22.0N, 68.3W (USWB). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
“During the 13th it curved to the north and northeast attended by strong gales and continued falling pressure” (MWR).
September 14: HWM indicates a hurricane of at most 990mb near 28N, 71W with the WSW end of a WSW-ENE warm
front located 250 nm north of the cyclone. HURDAT lists this as a Category 2 hurricane with 85kt winds at
27.7N, 70.6W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at 27N, 70W (am) and at 30N, 70W (pm). Microfilm
at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at most 1004 mb centered near 27.6N, 70.2W. Ship highlights: 50kt E with a
pressure of 1000mb at 29.5N, 68.5W at 18Z (COA); 70kt NNE with a pressure of 988mb at 30.4N, 71W at 22Z (MWR).
Five other gales between 35-50 kt and two other low pressures between 1002-1003 mb. Station highlights:
No gales or low pressures. “At the morning of Sept 14 the storm was central about 475 miles east-northeast
of Nassau, moving at a rate of about 12 to 14 miles an hour. An observation from the S.S. Borinquen
indicated that the disturbance developed to full hurricane strength during that day. The vessel met a
north-northeast wind, force 12, at 5pm, near lat 30.24’N, and long 71W with barometer reading 988.3mb.
Her daily journal from local noon to midnight of Sept 14 reads: ‘Overcast, heavy rain, ship hove to;
vessel laboring and shipping water.’ The S. S. Coamo also became involved in the hurricane on the 14th,
reporting that she encountered an east-northeast wend, force 11, at 11pm, near 30.14’N and 72W” (MWR).
September 15: HWM indicates a hurricane of at most 990mb near 33.1N, 70.3W with the west end of a W-E
warm front plotted 200 nm NNW of the cyclone. HURDAT lists this as a Category 2 hurricane with 85kt winds
at 32.5N, 69.9W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at 32N, 70W (am) and at 34N, 69.8W (pm).
Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at most 992 mb centered near 32.6N, 69.3W. Ship highlights:
60kt ENE with a pressure of 991mb at 30.9N, 69.8W at 00Z (COA, USWB); 60 kt ENE before 04Z and 50kt NW
with a pressure of 990mb at 04Z at 30.2N, 72.2W (MWR); 50 kt NW with 999 mb at 0630Z at 30.5N, 70.8W
(USWB). Four other gales between 35-50 kt and six other low pressures between 993-1005 mb.
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
September 16: HWM indicates a hurricane of at most 990mb near 39.3N, 67.9W with the west end of a W-E
warm front plotted 150 nm north of the cyclone. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 hurricane with 70kt
winds at 39.7N, 67.6W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at 39N, 68.5W (am) and at 43N, 64W
(pm). Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at most 994 mb centered near 38.7N, 67.3W. Ship
highlights: 45kt N with a pressure of 995mb at 35N, 71.3W at 01Z (COA); 45 kt S with 1003 mb at 15Z at
38.0N, 63.5W (COA, USWB). Several other gales between 35-45 kt and several other low pressures of
1001-1005 mb. Station highlights: 43 kt N (max w/1-min/27 m) at Nantucket, MA around ~1530Z (OMR).
“For the next 48 hours the storm moved rapidly in a north-by-east direction and was centered near
39.30’N, and 68W at 7:30am of Sept 16, attended by moderate to heavy rain, in the vicinity of Nantucket,
Mass., and by gales over a very wide ocean area” (MWR).
September 17: HWM indicates a hurricane of at most 990mb near 46.5N, 64.8W with the NW end of a NW-SE
warm front plotted 200 nm ENE of the cyclone. A 2nd warm front extends from 53N, 71W to 52N, 67W to
51N, 61W to 50N, 57W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 45kt winds at 46.5N, 62.4W at 12Z.
The MWR track of lows showed a center at 46N, 63W (am) with a pressure of 996.4mb and at 47N, 62W (pm).
Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at most 1000 mb centered in the general vicinity of 46.7N,
63.1W. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: 25 kt NW with 993 mb (min p)
at Eastport, ME at 0445Z (OMR, climo); 30kt ESE with a pressure of 999mb at Magdalen Islands (47.4N,
61.9W) at 12Z (HWM); 30 kt NW with 1001 mb at 12Z at 46.9N, 68.0W (HWM). “Around the Maritimes,
reports included structural damage and uprooted trees. In New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, there was
also flooding, higher tides, coastal damage to infrastructure and vessels, and damaged utilities; and
in Nova Scotia there was much damage to the apple crop…Tides [in Nova Scotia] were 1.3 m higher than
normal high tides…Chimneys blown down all over Saint John” (Canada).
September 18: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1000mb near 47.9N, 56.9W with a W-E cold front
plotted 150 nm north of the cyclone. HURDAT lists this as an extratropical storm with 35kt winds at
48.1N, 55.2W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at 48N, 58W (am) with a pressure of 1002mb.
Ship highlights: No gales low pressures. Station highlights: 52 kt (gust) at Yarmouth, Canada (Canada);
60 kt (gust) at Lockeport, Canada (Canada); 70-74 kt (gust) at Lakeburn Airport, Canada (Canada);
35kt N with a pressure of 1013mb at Magdalen Islands at 12Z (HWM). “Scattered ship reports indicate
that thick weather, with rough seas, and heavy rain squalls were associated with the disturbance as
it moved inland during the evening of Sept 18, a short distance north of Cape Race, Newfoundland”
(MWR). “Many small buildings blew over in Nova Scotia…High tides made Lockeport a temporary island…
Hundreds of boats in the Northumberland straight were set adrift or sunk” (Canada).
September 19: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 47N, 42W, where HWM analyzes a triple
point. A dissipating stationary front extends eastward from there, a warm front extends
south-southeastward, and a cold front extends west-southwestward. HURDAT lists this as an extratropical
storm with 30kt winds at 48.8N, 42W at 12Z. Ship/station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
HURDAT originally indicated genesis on 10 September at 06Z at 19.4N, 56.5W as a 35 kt tropical storm.
However, COADS data indicates that a closed circulation was already present at 18Z on the 7th at 15.2N,
47.3W. Therefore, genesis is indicated at that time (60 hours earlier than originally – a major change)
as a 25 kt tropical depression. Data was rather sparse from that point until the 11th of September when
the cyclone was passing north of the northernmost Leeward Islands. Therefore, it is suggested that the
depression strengthened to a tropical storm at 06Z on the 10th (no change to timing of tropical storm
strength in HURDAT). The largest track change for the entire tropical portion of the lifetime of this
cyclone is only 0.7 degrees. On the 11th at 19Z a ship recorded 30 kt WNW with a 1005 mb pressure.
A peripheral pressure of 1005 mb yields greater than 37 kt according to the Brown et al. (2006)
southern pressure-wind relationship, and 45 kt is chosen for HURDAT at 18Z on the 11th (up from 40 kt
originally). On the 12th at 18Z, with the cyclone near 21.8N, 66.9W, a ship recorded 50 kt with
simultaneous 1002 mb pressure. The 65 kt intensity shown in HURDAT originally at that time is not
changed (thus, no change is made to the timing hurricane strength was attained). The cyclone recurved
at 00Z on the 14th, reaching a furthest west point of 25.3N, 71.5W. The strongest wind and lowest
pressure recorded during the lifetime of this hurricane was a ship observation at 22Z on the 14th of
988 mb with simultaneous hurricane force winds. A peripheral pressure of 988 mb yields greater than
62 kt according to the north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. The 85 kt intensity shown in HURDAT
originally is not changed. No changes are made to the original HURDAT intensity from 12Z on the 12th
through 18Z on the 15th. Therefore, the peak intensity of 85 kt shown from 12Z on the 13th through 12Z
on the 15th is not changed. Decent observational coverage on the 16th indicates that the cyclone
weakened a little faster than indicated in HURDAT originally as extratropical transition was underway.
The highest observed wind on the 16th was 45 kt and the lowest observed pressure that day was 995 mb
(with 45 kt simultaneously) at 01Z. A peripheral pressure of 995 mb yields greater than 52 and 56 kt
according to the north of 25N and Landsea et al. (2004) north of 35N pressure-wind relationships,
respectively. The original HURDAT intensities are decreased by 5-10 kt from 00Z on the 16th through
06Z on the 17th. Nantucket recorded a maximum wind of 40 kt (after converting to 10m/1-min) from the
north around 1530Z on the 16th. A 40 kt tropical storm impact is analyzed for Massachusetts as the
75 kt hurricane was passing 150 nm offshore of Nantucket. The minimum pressure at Eastport, ME was
993 mb but the maximum winds there were only 29 kt from the north. A tropical storm impact is thus
not analyzed for Maine. The hurricane maintained its intensity until landfall in Canada, as
evidenced by the strong winds and significant impact to both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Landfall is analyzed to be at 75 kt around 02Z on the 17th near 43.7N 65.4W (HURDAT originally had
landfall as a 65 kt hurricane). The cyclone is analyzed to have become extratropical at 12Z on the
17th (24 hours earlier than originally – a major change) at 43.0N, 65.7W. Impacts in Canada on the
18th indicate that the system maintained significant intensity on that date as an extratropical cyclone.
Intensity significantly boosted late on the 17th and on the 18th. The cyclone turned eastward on the
18th near 48N, 56W, and by the 19th at 18Z, the analyzed position is 49.5N, 37.0W as a 30 kt
extratropical cyclone. The timing of dissipation is not changed because there is no data in the area
to confirm or refute the timing of dissipation, which HURDAT lists after 18Z on the 19th.
*******************************************************************************
Storm 6 – Revised in 2012
30990 09/19/1940 M= 7 6 SNBR= 684 NOT NAMED XING=1
30990 09/18/1940 M= 8 6 SNBR= 684 NOT NAMED XING=1
** *
(The 18th is new to HURDAT.)
30995 09/18* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*120 815 25 0*122 819 25 0*
30995 09/19* 0 0 0 0*121 826 35 0*132 834 40 0*140 841 35 0*
30995 09/19*124 824 30 0*127 829 35 0*132 834 40 0*140 841 35 0*
*** *** ** *** ***
31000 09/20*148 848 35 0*155 854 35 0*163 860 35 0*171 870 40 0*
31000 09/20*148 848 30 0*155 854 30 0*163 860 35 0*171 867 40 0*
** ** ***
31005 09/21*180 880 40 0*188 888 35 0*196 896 35 0*206 906 35 0*
31005 09/21*179 874 45 0*186 882 40 0*194 890 30 0*202 900 30 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31010 09/22*217 916 35 0*229 926 40 0*240 936 40 0*249 944 40 0*
31010 09/22*210 910 30 0*219 920 35 0*230 930 40 0*242 939 40 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** *** ***
31015 09/23*258 950 40 0*268 953 40 0*277 954 40 0*285 953 40 0*
31015 09/23*256 947 40 0*269 951 40 0*280 951 40 0*288 950 40 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31020 09/24*291 949 40 0*296 939 40 0*298 929 35 0*303 918 30 0*
31020 09/24*293 945 40 0*297 938 40 0*302 929 35 1004*308 918 30 0*
*** *** *** *** *** **** ***
31025 09/25*308 905 20 0*320 885 15 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
31025 09/25*314 905 20 0*320 885 15 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
***
31030 TS
U.S. Tropical Storm
September 24 – 09Z – 29.8N 93.4W – 40 kt – LA
Minor track and intensity changes are analyzed for this tropical storm from that shown in
McAdie et al. (2009). Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps
Series, the COADS ships database, Monthly Weather Review, Mexican synoptic maps from NCDC,
USWB microfilm maps at NHC, the Louisiana Climatological Data, the Texas Climatological Data,
Airways Weather Reports, and Dunn and Miller (1960).
September 18: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 1010 mb near 13N 81.5W. HURDAT did not yet
list this system on the 18th. Ship and station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
September 19: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1010 mb near 13N 83.5W. HURDAT lists
this as a Tropical Storm with 40kt winds at 13.2N, 83.4W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or
low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “A rather weak tropical disturbance,
1006mb, formed on the morning of Sept 19, 1940, in the vicinity of Bluefields, Nicaragua” (MWR).
September 20: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1005mb near 16.9N, 85.6W. HURDAT lists
this as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 16.3N, 86W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “It progressed in a northwestward direction
over the Gulf of Honduras during the next 24 hours and moved inland over Quintana Roo during the
night of September 20” (MWR).
September 21: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1010mb near 20.2N, 89W. HURDAT lists this
as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 19.6N, 89.6W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center
at 20N, 89W (am) and at 21N, 90.1W (pm). Ship highlights: 30kt SW with a pressure of 1000mb at
18.5N, 87W at 0030Z (USWB); 35kt ESE with a pressure of 1011mb at 19N, 83W at 12Z (COA). Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures. “By the afternoon of September 21 the depression had entered
the Gulf of Mexico, northwest of Progresso, Yucatan, attended by winds of force 4-5 (Beaufort Scale)” (MWR).
September 22: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1005mb near 22.8N, 93.2W. HURDAT lists this
as a Tropical Storm with 40kt winds at 24N, 93.6W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at
23N, 91W (am) and at 26N, 94W (pm). Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights:
No gales or low pressures.
September 23: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1005mb near 27N, 95W. HURDAT lists this as
a Tropical Storm with 40kt winds at 27.7N, 95.4W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed a center at
28N, 95W (am) and at 29N, 85W (pm). Ship highlights: 20kt WNW with a pressure of 1005mb at 27.5N,
95.5W at 12Z (COA); 40kt NW at 28N, 96.7W at 11Z (USWB, MWR). Station highlights: 1006 mb at
Galveston (no time, lowest pressure for the month). “The disturbance continued to move northwestward
increasing slowly in intensity after passing into the Gulf of Mexico. On the morning of September 23,
it was centered near lat 27.45’N and long 95.30’W. An unidentified vessel in the western portion of
the Gulf of Mexico at 5am of the 23rd, encountered a fresh gale from the northwest. That afternoon,
the depression moved very slowly and curved rather sharply to the northeast. The tanker Dannedaike met
a fresh southwest gale near 28N, and 95W, at 7pm of the 23rd, with the lowest pressure reading of the
storm, 1004mb” (MWR). “Upper Texas coast, Minor, Center remained offshore” (“Minor” is defined as
winds less than 74 mph and central pressure above 996 mb – Dunn and Miller).
September 24: HWM indicates a tropical storm near 30N, 92W with a cold front approaching from the northwest.
HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 29.8N, 92.9W at 12Z. The MWR track of lows showed
a center at 30N, 92W (am) and at 32N, 88W (pm). Ship highlights: 40kt SW with a pressure of 1004mb at 28N,
95W at 00Z (MWR). Station highlights: 35 kt N (max wind for month, no time), 1007 mb(minimum pressure for
month, no time) at San Antonio, TX (Texas Climatological Data); 1003.4 mb (minimum pressure for month) with
NE 8 kt at 1035Z at Lake Charles, LA (Louisiana Climatological Data, Airways Weather Reports); 1005 mb
(minimum pressure for month, no time) at Vicksburg, MS (Louisiana Climatological Data). “During the early
morning of September 24 the disturbance passed inland over southwestern Louisiana, a short distance to
the west of Lafayette. Heavy rains were associated with this storm over southern Louisiana and along the
upper coast to Texas, the heaviest amount reported being 7.10 inches at Cheneyville, La. The depression,
decreasing in intensity after passing inland, continued to move northeastward and merged with a
low-pressure trough which dominated the south-central and eastern portions of the US, during the evening
of September 24…Maximum wind velocity reported – Force 8, southwest, Tanker Dannedaike. Lowest barometer
reported – 1,004 millibars Tanker Dannedaike. Intensity – Not of hurricane intensity. Remarks – No
loss of life nor property loss” (MWR). “A slight tropical disturbance moved northeastward on the morning
of the 24th, passing slightly west of Lafayette. A squall evidently associated with the disturbance,
occurred at 2 a.m. near Swords, in St. Landry Parish, unroofing a few houses and causing damage of about
$200. Farther on, a tornado developed near New Roads at 4:45 a.m., causing property damage of about
$6000, and injuries to a child who later died” (Louisiana Climatological Data).
September 25: HWM indicates a strong cold front extending from Maine to Louisiana with an extended
area of low pressure along the front. HURDAT’s last position of this system was at 06Z at 32N 88.5W
as a 15 kt dissipating tropical depression. The MWR tracks of low indicates a new low of 1003 mb had
formed farther north near 37N 81W (a.m.). Ship and station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Genesis of this tropical cyclone occurred around 12Z on the 18th in the southwestern Caribbean Sea,
about 18 hours earlier than originally indicated. Minor track changes are introduced for the duration
of the cyclone, the largest of which are on the 20th of just more than a degree to the south-southeast.
The original HURDAT immediately began the cyclone as a 35 kt tropical storm just east of Nicaragua.
The observational data do not confirm this, but are too sparse to warrant any changes before its first
landfall in Central America. The system made a first landfall around 14Z on the 19th with 40 kt, which
is unchanged from the original HURDAT. The intensity is lowered slightly to tropical depression status
at 00 and 06Z on the 20th while over Nicaragua and Honduras to accommodate typical weakening while over
land. The cyclone emerged over the northwestern Caribbean Sea late on the 20th and reintensified, as
confirmed by the 25 kt SW and 1000 mb ship observation early on the 21st. The 1000 mb peripheral
pressure suggests maximum winds of at least 47 kt from the Brown et al. south of 25N pressure-wind
relationship. The intensity at 00Z on the 21st is analyzed to be 45 kt, because of the low
environmental pressures. This is the peak intensity for the system, which originally was 40 kt.
The cyclone made a second landfall near the Belize-Mexico border around 03Z on the 21st near 18.2N
87.8W with 45 kt intensity. The system weakened to a tropical depression by 12Z on the 21st, based
upon typical decay rates. The center emerged over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico by 06Z on the 22nd.
Two ships reporting 40 kt of wind at 11Z on the 23rd and 00Z on the 24th corroborate the original
intensity of 40 kt in HURDAT on those dates. The system made a final landfall in western Louisiana
around 09Z on the 24th near 29.8N 93.4W. Peak observed winds were 35 kt N in San Antonio on the 24th,
but these winds well removed from the cyclone’s center were a transient event (likely a squall line)
as prevailing winds on the 24th were quite weak. A 1003.4 mb pressure with NE 8 kt wind at 1035Z on
the 24th in Lake Charles supports a central pressure of 1002 mb, which is now included in the 12Z slot.
1002 mb indicates a maximum wind of 40 kt from the north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. A 40 kt
intensity for landfall is analyzed (unchanged from that originally in HURDAT). The system was absorbed
by a cold front on the 25th and dissipated after 06Z (unchanged from HURDAT originally).
*******************************************************************************
1940 Storm 7 (new to HURDAT) – Addition in 2012
24596 09/22/1940 M= 7 7 SNBR= 550 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
24597 09/22*293 494 50 0*295 476 55 0*300 455 60 0*310 430 65 0
24598 09/23*330 400 75 0*352 368 80 0*370 340 85 0*376 315 85 0
24599 09/24*379 293 85 0*380 273 80 0*380 262 80 0*381 259 75 0
24597 09/25*383 260 70 0*385 265 65 984*387 275 65 0*389 286 60 0
24598 09/26*391 297 55 0*393 310 55 0*395 325 55 0*397 342 55 0
24599 09/27*398 362 50 0*399 382 45 0*400 400 40 0*401 410 35 0
24597 09/28*402 415 35 0*403 418 30 0E405 420 30 0* 0 0 0 0
24599 HR
Storm 7 is a new system, not previously documented in McAdie et al. (2009). Evidence for the addition
comes from the Historical Weather Maps series, the COADS ship database, and the Monthly Weather Review.
September 10-17: HWM indicates an open wave. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures
September 18: HWM indicates a ridge between 20-25N, near 61W. It also still shows an open wave.
Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures
September 19: HWM indicates a ridge from 25-30N, near 60W. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures
September 20: HWM indicates a low with a pressure of at most 1015mb near 30N, 55W. Ship highlights:
No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures
September 21: HWM indicates a tropical storm with a pressure of at most 1010mb at 32N, 52W.
Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures
September 22: HWM indicates a hurricane with a pressure of at most 1000mb near 31.5N, 45.5W.
Ship highlights: 45kt S with a pressure of 996mb at 29.5N, 46.5W at 07Z (MWR); 50kt SSW at 29.5N,
46.5W (MWR). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “A low of unusual interest was noted
early on the 22nd, when the American steamship Otho, westbound, near 29.5N, 46.5W, met a south-southwest
whole gale, the barometer dropping to 995.6mb. The wind shifted south to west-northwest” (MWR).
September 23: HWM indicates a hurricane with a pressure of at most 990mb near 37N, 33W. Ship highlights:
75kt SW at 36.6N, 33.2W at 12Z (HWM); 70kt SW with a pressure of 977mb at 36.5N, 33.7W at 13Z (MWR).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “Late in the forenoon of the 23rd this storm was
encountered by the Portuguese steamship Lobito, about 700 miles to east-northeastward of the Otho’s
position, the wind blowing with full hurricane force from the southwest, while the barometer was 977.0
millibars. Later on the 23rd this storm was felt in the westernmost Azores” (MWR).
September 24: HWM indicates a storm with a pressure of at most 990mb near 38N, 26.5W. Ship highlights:
No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: 35kt SSE with a pressure of 991mb at Sao Miguel (37.7N,
25.7W) at 12Z (HWM); a pressure of 984mb at Sao Miguel at 14Z (MWR). “The following extract is from a
report kindly furnished to this office by the Meteorological Service of the Azores, Angra do Heroismo,
Terceira Island: The storm came over the Azores, passing south of Flores and Fayal—minimum pressure, at
Horta 992mb at 4h. the 24th—and turning northeast passed over Sao Miguel—minimum 984mb at 13h. the 24th.
(Hours herein are 30th meridian time.)” (MWR). “Many damages were caused to houses and crops, and some
boats were taken by the heavy seas from the places where they had been pulled ashore. An uncommonly high
swell was remarked at Angra do Heroismo, running from the southwest on the morning of the 24th. No lives
lost” (MWR).
September 25: HWM indicates a storm with a pressure of at most 995mb near 38.5N, 28W. Ship highlights:
No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: calm, with a pressure of 984mb at Terceira (38.7N, 27.2W)
at 1030Z (MWR); 35kt N with a pressure of 994mb at Horta (38.5N, 28.6W) at 12Z (HWM); a pressure of 991mb
at Faial (38.5N, 28.7W) at 2030Z (MWR). “It went then around, coming west-southwest to Terceira where the
central cam was well felt near 7h. 30m. the 25th—minimum 984mb—passed again south of Faial—second minimum
991mb at 19h. 30min.—and it disappeared westward on the 26th, after being felt a second time at Flores Island.
Wind attained force 9 and sometimes 10 (Beaufort), stronger before the passing of the center. Maximum
105 kilometers (65miles) per hour at 4h. 45min. on the 25th, from the north—a gust, not steady velocity” (MWR).
September 26: HWM indicates a tropical storm with a pressure of at most 1000mb near 39N, 34.5W. Ship
highlights: 50kt NE with a pressure of 1002mb at 40.1N, 31.7W at 06Z (MWR); 45kt ESE with a pressures of 1007mb
at 40.2N, 31.4W at 10Z (COA). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “Rain was unusually heavy from the
22nd to the 26th. At Angra do Heroismo 333mm. (13.11 inches) of rain were collected, that is, one-third of the
average total rain in a year” (MWR).
September 27: HWM indicates a tropical storm with a pressure of at most 1000mb near 39.5N, 42W. Ship
highlights: 25kt NNE with a pressure of 1005mb at 41.1N, 44.1W at 12Z (HWM); 35kt E with a pressure of 1021mb
at 40N, 27.7W at 02Z (COA). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “By the latter part of the 27th this
cyclone was within the southward extending trough of a large low area near southern Greenland, an it apparently
thereafter drew away to the northeastward with lessening force” (MWR).
September 28: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 38N, 43W. Ship highlights: No gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
It is unknown when genesis occurred with this hurricane. There is some evidence that the system might have
had a closed low on the 19th and 21st, but it is not observed well enough to indicate a tropical cyclone.
The first position included in the best track is 00Z on the 22nd, as definitive evidence of a tropical storm
was available shortly thereafter. After the cyclone was identified, it moved off to the east-northeast
across the North Atlantic until reaching the Azores on the 24th. Development of the cyclone into a tropical
storm was confirmed from the observations on the 22nd from the steamship, the Otho. The ship measured 996 mb
and S wind of 40 kt (peak wind of 50 kt SSW). 996 mb peripheral pressure suggests winds of at least 50 kt
from the Brown et al. north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. 55 kt chosen for 06Z on the 22nd. From these
observations, it is estimated that the cyclone reached tropical storm strength around 00Z on the 21st. On
the 23rd, the cyclone was encountered by the steamship Lobito, which measured 977 mb and concurrent SW force
12 (hurricane) winds. 977 mb peripheral pressure suggests winds of at least 76 kt from the northern (N of
35N) pressure-wind relationship. Winds at 12Z are estimated to be at 85 kt, with a significant contribution
from the rather quick translational velocity. This may have been the peak intensity of the cyclone. On the
24th and 25th, the cyclone impacted the Azores with quite significant damages noted in the Monthly Weather
Review. The cyclone nearly stalled over the islands for over a day, which may have contributed toward the
impact. A central pressure reading of 984 mb was obtained when the cyclone passed over Terceira, Azores on
the morning of the 25th. This suggests winds of 69 kt from the northern pressure-wind relationship. 65 kt
is chosen at 06Z on the 25th, due to the slow motion of the cyclone relative to average systems. The cyclone
moved westward and weakened slowly from the 26th until the 28th, when it was absorbed by a strong cold front.
It is curious that this system was not included into the 1940 Monthly Weather Review “North Atlantic Tropical
Cyclones of 1940” summary. The cyclone was clearly non-baroclinic throughout most of its lifetime; numerous
gale and hurricane observations were recorded in MWR, HWM, and COADS; significant impacts were produced in the
Azores; and the Historical Weather Maps series even used tropical storm and hurricane symbols for this cyclone
in their synoptic hemispheric analyses. The lack of inclusion of this system in the 1940 MWR summary is likely
why it was never included in future compilations and HURDAT, despite it clearly being a hurricane.
*******************************************************************************
Storm 8 (was 7) – Revised 2012
31035 10/20/1940 M= 4 7 SNBR= 685 NOT NAMED XING=0
31035 10/20/1940 M= 5 8 SNBR= 685 NOT NAMED XING=0
* *
31040 10/20* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*105 789 35 0*
31040 10/20*120 791 30 0*120 793 30 0*120 795 30 0*120 797 35 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** ***
31045 10/21*110 792 35 0*114 794 40 0*118 796 40 0*122 798 45 0*
31045 10/21*121 799 40 0*121 801 45 0*122 804 50 0*124 806 55 993*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** ***
31050 10/22*127 801 45 0*131 804 45 0*134 807 40 0*137 811 40 0*
31050 10/22*127 809 60 0*131 812 65 0*134 815 70 0*137 818 70 0*
*** ** *** ** *** ** *** **
31055 10/23*139 817 40 0*138 824 35 0*136 832 35 0*133 843 30 0*
31055 10/23*140 821 70 0*141 824 70 0*142 828 70 0*140 833 70 0*
*** *** ** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
(The 24th is new to HURDAT.)
31055 10/24*137 839 50 0*133 846 35 0*128 853 25 0* 0 0 0 0*
31060 TS
31060 HR
**
Minor track changes, but major intensity revisions are analyzed for this cyclone from that shown in McAdie et
al. (2009). Additionally, the intensity changes also boost the peak intensity from a 45 kt tropical storm to
a 70 kt hurricane. Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps Series, the COADS
ships database, Monthly Weather Review, Mexican synoptic maps from NCDC, and USWB microfilm maps at NHC.
October 19: HWM indicates a spot low near 11.5N 76W. HURDAT does not yet begin this system.
Ship and station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
October 20: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1005mb near 12.1N, 79.3W. HURDAT began the system at 18Z
at 10.5N 78.9W as a 35 kt tropical storm. Ship and land highlights: No gales or low pressures. “The earliest
indications of this disturbance were contained in an observation from the S. S. Cristobal during the evening
of October 20. The vessel, which was a short distance north of the Canal Zone at that time, reported that she
experienced cloudy weather with southwest wind, force 5 (Beaufort Scale) and a barometer reading of 1008mb” (MWR).
October 21: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1005mb near 14N, 79.8W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical
Storm with 40kt winds at 11.8N, 79.6W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 40kt NE at 12.6N, 80.6W no time given (MWR);
15kt W with a pressure of 995mb at 12.6N, 80.6W at 21Z (MWR). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
“The depression progressed in a northwesterly direction and was centered near lat 11.30’N, long 79.30’W, on
the morning of the 21st. Later that day reports of high winds and gales, accompanied by moderate to heavy
rains, were received from several vessels in the central Caribbean. The Honduran S. S. Contessa reported a
barometer reading of 995.3mb and northeast gales, force 9, with very rough seas, near lat 12.35’N long
80.25’W, during the afternoon of October 21” (MWR).
October 22: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1000mb near 13.6N, 81W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical
Storm with 40kt winds at 13.4N, 80.7W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 30kt NNE with a pressure of 983mb at 12.8N,
81.8W at 12Z (MWR); 45kt ESE with a pressure of 986mb at 14.1N, 81.6W at 18Z (COA); 35 kt NNW at 13.4N 83.1W
(no time – MWR). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “The lowest barometer, 982.7mb was read on
the Hawaiian S. S. Contessa [typo: ship should be “S. S. Castilla”, which may be of Honduran registry
instead of Hawaiian according to the MWR Ocean Gales and Storms table] during the morning of the 22nd in
lat 12.50’N, long 81.45’W. The disturbance continued to move in a northwesterly direction during the next
36 hours, attended by fresh to strong gales” (MWR).
October 23: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1005mb near 14.2N, 83W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical
Storm with 35kt at 13.6N, 83.2W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No
gales or low pressures. “At 7:30am on the 23rd, the center of the disturbance was located near 14.15’N, 82.45’W,
from which point it curved to the west and southwest, passing inland a short distance to the south of Puerto
Cabezas. A report received by the Standard Fruit Co. indicates that considerable damage occurred on the
northern coast of Nicaragua” (MWR).
October 24: HWM indicates a low of at most 1010 mb near 14N 86W. HURDAT’s last position for this system
was at 18Z on the 23rd. Ship and station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Genesis for this system is begun at 00Z on the 20th of October- 18 hours earlier than shown in HURDAT -based
upon the well-defined circulation already present in the 12Z analysis. Minor track changes are introduced
throughout the lifetime of this system, though the largest changes are late on the 20th, early on the 21st,
and late on the 23rd. Transition to a tropical storm is retained at 18Z on the 20th. The ship “Contessa”
(HO010169) reported 15 kt W and 995 mb at 21Z on the 21st suggests a central pressure of about 993 mb, which
has been added to HURDAT in the 18Z slot. This central pressure would indicate maximum winds around 59 kt
from the Brown et al. south of 25N pressure-wind relationship. The intensity is selected to be 55 kt at 18Z
(10 kt higher than HURDAT originally), as the cyclone was moving very slowly toward the northwest. On the 22nd
at 12Z, the ship “Castilla” (HO010317) reported 30 kt NNE winds with 983 mb pressure. (Note that the Monthly
Weather Review writeup incorrectly attributed these observations to the Hawaiian S. S. Contessa. Instead, the
ship was the “S. S. Castilla”. To make things even more confused, this ship may have been of Honduran
registry instead of Hawaiian according to the MWR Ocean Gales and Storms table.] This peripheral pressure
reading suggests at least 74 kt from the pressure-wind relationship. 70 kt (up from 35 kt originally) is
analyzed to be the intensity at this time, making the system a hurricane (peak wind of only 45 kt previously).
The cyclone continued westward and made landfall around 19Z on the 23rd in northern Nicaragua, near 14.0N
83.4W as a 70 kt hurricane (previously in HURDAT as 35 kt in the last synoptic time before landfall). This
assessment is consistent with the impacts described in the Monthly Weather Review in northern Nicaragua.
Major intensity increases are thus indicated between 06Z on the 22nd to 18Z on the 23rd. Runs of the
Kaplan-DeMaria inland wind decay model suggest intensities of 55 kt at 00Z on the 24th, 43 kt at 06Z, and
34 kt at 12Z, though observations are not available for any meaningful comparison. The intensities after
landfall are selected to be 50 kt at 00Z on the 24th, 35 kt at 06Z and 25 kt at 12Z, as the mountainous
terrain of Nicaragua would likely induce a quicker decay than the standard in Kaplan-DeMaria.
Dissipation is indicated to be after 12Z on the 24th, 18 hours after that originally indicated in HURDAT.
*******************************************************************************
Storm 9 (was 8) – Revised 2012
31065 10/24/1940 M= 3 8 SNBR= 686 NOT NAMED XING=0 L
31065 10/24/1940 M= 6 9 SNBR= 686 NOT NAMED XING=0
* * *
31070 10/24* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*205 728 35 0*
31070 10/24* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*220 725 35 0*
*** ***
31075 10/25*222 727 35 0*235 721 40 0*248 710 40 0*260 697 40 0*
31075 10/25*225 722 35 0*235 717 40 0*250 705 40 0*267 680 40 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31080 10/26*271 681 35 0*283 664 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
31080 10/26*295 640 40 0E335 590 45 0E365 560 50 0E390 535 55 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** **** *** ** **** *** **
(The 27th through the 29th are new to HURDAT.)
31080 10/27E410 520 60 0E430 510 65 0E450 500 70 0E465 496 70 0*
31080 10/28E472 494 70 0E477 493 65 0E480 490 60 0E483 480 55 0*
31080 10/29E486 465 50 0E488 448 45 0E490 430 40 0E492 410 40 0*
31085 TS
Major track changes but only minor intensity changes are analyzed for this tropical storm from that shown
in McAdie et al. (2009). Another major change is to indicate an extratropical storm stage that lasted for
three and a half days that was previously not part of this system. Evidence for these alterations comes
from the Historical Weather Maps Series, the COADS ships database, and Monthly Weather Review.
October 23: HWM indicates an open low near 20N 71W. HURDAT does not yet list this system, nor does the MWR
Tracks of Centers of Cyclones. No gales or low pressures.
October 24: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1010 mb near 20.8N, 71.5W with a warm front boundary
north of the system extending from 24N 73W east-northeastward. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones showed
a center at 19.5N, 74W (am) with a pressure of 1010.5 mb and at 22N, 71.5W (pm). Ship highlights: No gales
or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “On the morning of Oct 24, and area of low
pressure was general in the vicinity of the Greater Antilles. Subsequent ships’ reports of that day
indicated that a slight disturbance, 1008 mb, with definite cyclonic wind circulation, had formed
southeast of Inagua” (MWR).
October 25: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1005 mb near 25.9N, 68.5W with a frontal boundary
extending SW-NE just to the northwest of the system. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 40 kt winds
at 24.8N, 71W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones showed a center at 25N, 70W (am) with a pressure
of 1007 mb and at 29.9N, 64W (pm). Ship highlights: 30 kt ENE with 1013 mb at 27.5N 70.5W at 00Z (COA).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “The depression moved toward the north and north-northeast
for a period of about 12 hours, then recurved sharply to the northeast and was centered near lat 25N, long
70.30’W, on the morning of the 25th” (MWR).
October 26: HWM indicates a closed extratropical low of at most 1000 mb near 36N, 56W with four fronts
extending from the center of this cyclone. HURDAT’s last position for this system was at 06Z at 28.3N 66.4W.
The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones showed a center at 35N, 56W (am) with a pressure of 1002 mb and at
39.5N, 47W (pm). The track of lows also showed a new cyclone forming near 45N 66W with a pressure of 1009 mb
(am) and near 44N 58W (pm). Ship highlights: 30 kt ESE with 1009 mb at 34.3N 59.6W at 00Z (COA); 20 kt SW
with a pressure of 1000 mb at 33.4N, 57.5W at 12Z (COA); 35 kt SW with a pressure of 1002 mb at 33.2N, 57W
at 12Z (HWM). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. “During the following day it moved very rapidly
over the extra tropical waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, where, due to a lack of vessel reports, its
identity was lost near 35N, 55W. From reports at hand, indications are that no unusually low barometer
readings were noted. No reports of loss of life were received in connection with these disturbances
[Storms #8 and 9], and it is doubtful if either developed to hurricane strength…Maximum wind velocity
reported – Force 7 [30 kt], northeast, unidentified ship. Lowest barometer reported – 1,008 mb.
Unidentified ship. Remarks – No loss of life, nor property damage” (MWR).
October 27: HWM indicates a closed extratropical low of at most 985 mb near 45N 51W with a warm front
extending east-northeast and a complex frontal feature extending southeast of the cyclone. The MWR Tracks
of Centers of Cyclones showed a center of this cyclone near 44N 53W (am) with a second low indicated to be
at 44N 53W with 992 mb pressure (am) and at 46N 50W (pm). Station highlights: 25 kt ENE with 992 mb at
Cape Race, Canada at 12Z (HWM). Ship highlights: 35 kt W with 997 mb at 02Z at 39.3N 57.8W (MWR);
NW 50 kt (no time) at 39.3N 57.8W (MWR); 35 kt SW and 989 mb at 40.5N 44.1W at 11Z (MWR); 70 kt SSW
(no time) at 40.5N 44.1W (MWR).
October 28: HWM indicates an occluding extratropical low centered near 48N 50W. The MWR Tracks of Centers
of Cyclones indicates t low near 48N 48W. Station highlights: 30 kt NNW with 982 mb at Cape Race at 12Z (HWM).
Ship highlights: 35 kt SW with 1003 mb at 40.5N 43W at 12Z (HWM); 30 kt NW with 982 mb at 47.5N 54.5W at 12Z (COA).
October 29: HWM indicates an occluded extratropical low centered near 47.5N 44W with a developing extratropical
low well to its northeast. Station highlights: 20 kt NNW with 1003 mb at Cape Race at 12Z (HWM). Ship
highlights: 30 kt SW with 1001 mb at 43N 39.5W at 12Z (HWM).
While HWM indicates an “L” north of Hispaniola on the 23rd of October, there are no observations to support this.
Instead a broad trough is evident centered around 71-72W. Genesis timing for the system is unchanged, though
sparse ship and island observations make the timing (and location) somewhat ambiguous. The track of the system
began slowly off toward the northeast late on the 24th and early on the25th before accelerating rather
dramatically in the same direction late on the 25th and early on the 26th. Track changes introduced are minor
on the 24th and early on the 25th, but are large late on the 25th (more than a degree) and major (more than
two degrees on the 26th). The system never had a classic tropical cyclone structure to it as it was elongated
NNE-SSW on the 24th through the 26th, and may have been a subtropical cyclone. The strongest winds observed
in the system between 18Z on the 24th until 00Z on the 26th were only two 30 kt reports. The peak intensity
as a tropical cyclone is retained as 40 kt on the 25th and early on the 26th, though it is possible that the
system never attained tropical storm intensity. However, given that the observations are sparse on this date,
there is not enough evidence to remove the system from HURDAT. Observations on 26th indicate that the system
had transitioned into an extratropical cyclone, as the asymmetry of the winds and pressures increased and
frontal boundaries had developed with the cyclone. It is estimated that extratropical transition was complete
by 06Z on the 26th, though there are almost no observations available at that synoptic time. After
extratropical transition, the cyclone intensified and reached a peak of around 70 kt late on the 27th and
early on the 28th as indicated by observations taken by the U.S.C.G. Sebago. The extratropical cyclone moved
north-northeastward on the 27th at a slower rate of speed, before turning eastward on the 28th and 29th.
The lifecycle depicted here is very different from that originally indicated in the Monthly Weather Review as
well as what was recorded in HURDAT. The HURDAT data ended the cyclone after 06Z on the 26th as a weakening
tropical depression. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Lows instead showed two separate cyclones: the first
being the extratropical portion of the tropical storm accelerating even quicker than indicated here off to
the northeast with a second cyclone developing near New England and then moving eastward. Synoptic analyses
do not support either the HURDAT or the MWR scenarios, as the observations indicate that there was only one
system which continuously merges the existing tropical cyclone with an extended extratropical phase. Thus
three additional days are added to the end of this cyclone’s lifetime, which includes the extratropical
intensification to a hurricane-force cyclone.
*******************************************************************************
1940 additional notes:
1) April 26-30: HWM, The April MWR tracks of lows, the MWR gale chart on p. 115, and COADS indicate that a low
formed just east of Florida on 26 April. It moved eastward and looped around the western Atlantic for a few days.
It intensified until the 28th when the central pressure was 998 mb or possibly slightly lower. It is possible
that this could have been a subtropical cyclone on the 27th before becoming extratropical on the 28th. There
were no observed gales from any sources on the 26th or 27th while it may have been subtropical, although Bermuda
reported a 30 kt wind in HWM at 12Z on the 27th. There is one low pressure of 1004 mb in COADS at 00Z on the
26th, but this may be dubious. There is one other low pressure of 1004 mb – a reliable observation – in COADS
on the 27th at 17Z at 32.4N, 64.5W. There are several observed gales on the 28th, but the system was
extratropical by then. Thus, this suspect is not added to HURDAT.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Apr 26 29N 77W Broad low/trough
Apr 27 32N 69W Subtropical/Extratropical – 30 kt
Apr 28 37N 63W Extratropical Storm
Apr 29 35N 65W Extratropical
Apr 30 34N 59W Extratropical
2) June 7-11: Historical Weather Maps indicated that a closed low pressure of 1005mb developed along a cold front
near 40N, 60W on the 7th. The closed low then moved south and then made a turn to the east and northeast. The
low then merged with a stationary front on the 11th. The Tracks of Lows map in the Monthly Weather Review also
shows the low following a similar path to the one on the Historical Weather Maps. In the Tracks of Lows, the
lowest pressure indicated was 1000mb on the 7th. This system is most likely an extratropical storm. However, it
could have been a tropical storm on the 9th and 10th because of a gale found in the Monthly Weather Review and
because the system became more barotropic (non-frontal). Highest winds observed were NNW 35kt on the 9th (MWR);
they were observed by the ship Pontchartrain. The COADS was also obtained, and there were no additional gales
on COADS. There were no low pressures after the 8th. Because there is only 1 piece of evidence while this
system may have possibly been tropical, it is not added to HURDAT.
Day LAT LONG STATUS
June 7 40N 60W Extratropical Low
June 8 37N 59W Extratropical Low
June 9 36N 56W Tropical Storm?
June 10 38N 54W Tropical Storm?
June 11 40N 50W Absorbed by front
3) June 14-16: The MWR tracks of lows suggests a weak low moved inland into Texas in the vicinity of Galveston
from the Gulf of Mexico on 15 June. Climatological data indicates that the lowest pressure for month at
Galveston was 1007 mb on the 15th. Port Arthur had its lowest pressure for the month of 1008 mb on the 15th.
HWM shows a front over the area on the 14th or 15th, and observations do not allow for the following of any
closed low. Furthermore, there are no observed gales or low pressures from any source in the ocean or on
land. Thus, this suspect is not added to HURDAT. (There was a low indicated over the Gulf of Mexico by the
Historical Weather Maps on the 17th, but it appears that this was an elongated north-south trough from the
available observations which might have been related to the cyclone from the 14th through the 16th.)
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Jun 14 Over western Gulf
Jun 15 28 94 Tropical depression/weak trough
Jun 16 Over Texas
Jun 17 Trough over western Gulf
4) July 7-9: HWM, the MWR gale chart and commentary on p. 195, and COADS indicate that a cyclone formed
along a frontal boundary on the 7th and stayed rather potent there through 9 July. There is a slight
chance it was a tropical cyclone on the 7th, but it was more likely an extratropical cyclone. It was
definitely extratropical on the 8th and 9th. There are three gales in association with the cyclone- all
with simultaneous 1006 mb pressure- a 50 kt ob on the 7th, and 35 kt obs on the 8th and 9th. It is
judged that this cyclone was extratropical throughout its lifetime. Thus, this system is not added to
HURDAT.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Jul 7 38N 58W Extratropical/tropical Storm
Jul 8 40N 58W Extratropical Storm
Jul 9 43N 57W Extratropical
5) August 14-16: USWB/NHC microfilm of synoptic weather maps suggest there may have been a low near 30N,
58Z on the 14th at 00Z, and perhaps near 36N, 54W on the 14th at 12Z. If there was a low there, it may
have combined with a low forming along a frontal boundary to produce a single low near 40N, 55W at 12Z on
the 15th. There were no observed gales or pressures in COADS and there were no gales or low pressures on
microfilm with the first system on the 14th. However, there were gales on microfilm beginning on the 15th
after it was extratropical. This suspect is not added to HURDAT because there were no gales or low pressures
observed prior to the time it became extratropical. Also, there is not much evidence that a closed tropical
cyclone existed on the 14th either.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Aug 14 36N 54W ?
Aug 15 40N 55W Extratropical
Aug 16 44N 47W Extratropical
6) September 2-7: Historical Weather Maps indicated that a closed low of at most 1015mb developed near
28N, 52W on the 2nd. It moved half a degree south on the 3rd and it then moved north-northeast. On the
5th, the closed low had a pressure of at most 1010mb and it made a turn to the northwest. The low slowly
continued its northwest track on the 6th and then merged with a stationary front on the 7th. There was one
observed gale in the Monthly Weather Review: SW 35kt on the 4th, observed by the ship West Kebar, Am. S. S.
There are no additional gales or low pressures found in COADS. Since there is only one piece of evidence,
this suspect is not added to HURDAT.
Day LAT LONG STATUS
September 2 28N 52W Tropical Depression
September 3 27N 52W Tropical Depression
September 4 32N 50W Tropical Storm?
September 5 38N 55W Tropical Depression
September 6 40N 53W Tropical Depression
September 7 absorbed by stationary front
7) September 10-13: This system began on the 10th with a front located around 35N, extending from about
42W to 60W, according to the Historical Weather Maps. However, the front analyzed on the 10th to the 12th
may not be real. On the 11th, it became a closed low with a pressure of at most 1015mb located near 39N,
50W. The system pretty much remains stationary, moving only one degree to the east from the 11th to the
12th and it then dissipated on the 13th near the same area. No gales were found in COADS, Monthly Weather
Review or Historical Weather Maps.
Day LAT LONG STATUS
September 10 35N 42W-60W Trough
September 11 39N 50W Tropical Depression
September 12 39N 49W Tropical Depression
September 13 Dissipated
8) September 18-22: Historical Weather maps indicated a wave around 25N, 78W on the 18th. On the 19th a
more defined wave axis is observed near 86W. It moves slightly towards the west on the 20th and it then
becomes a closed low on the 21st with a pressure of at most 1010mb located around 26N, 95W. The low is
right off the coast of Texas on the 22nd (near 27N, 96W) and on the 23rd, it appears to have been absorbed
by Storm 6 near the TX coast. One gale was found in the Original Monthly Records in Port Arthur, TX at
11pm on the 20th: NE 39 mph peak 5 minute winds, but these winds are not believed to be part of the system.
There is not enough evidence that this was a tropical storm to add it to HURDAT.
Day LAT LONG STATUS
September 18 25N 78W Trough
September 19 25-30N 86W Trough
September 20 26N 90W Tropical Storm?
September 21 26N 95W Tropical Storm?
September 22 27N 96W Tropical Storm?
9) September 27-October 2: HWM and MWR p. 254, the MWR tracks of lows, and COADS show that an interesting
system formed from a frontal boundary east of the Florida/Georgia coast on 27 September. It moved slowly
northeastward through 2 October. On the 27th, it was elongated and could still be considered an open trough.
Three gales of 35 kt were observed on the 27th. It was closed beginning on the 28th. On the 28th and 29th,
no gales or low pressures were observed from any source although there were many 30 kt observations. There
is a slight chance that one could argue that this might have been tropical on the 27th-29th, but it was
definitely extratropical beginning on 30 September. It is more likely that it was also extratropical from
27-30 September as well. The wind structure was fairly asymmetric and there was a decent temperature
gradient across the low on the 29th, but by the 30th, both the asymmetry and the temperature gradient became
more pronounced. On the 30th, there were 3 low pressures of 1004-1005 mb observed, and there was one gale of
50 kt with 1006 mb (in the MWR table). Since there are no observed gales or low pressures on the 28th and
29th – the only days when this system might have been both closed and tropical – this suspect is not added to HURDAT.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Sep 27 Broad low/trough
Sep 28 29N 77W Tropical depression/extratropical low
Sep 29 32N 75W Tropical depression/extratropical low
Sep 30 32N 75W Extratropical storm
Oct 01 35N 73W Extratropical
Oct 02 39N 68W Extratropical
10) HWM suggests a slight possibility there might have been a tropical cyclone located near 12.5N, 78W on
3 October. There is one 35 kt gale in HWM on the 3rd. Moreover, there was a persistent area of low
pressure in the western Caribbean for most of the first week of October. The COADS was obtained, but no
gales or low pressures could be found. It is unknown where this potential system was the day before or the
day after. This suspect is not added to HURDAT.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Oct 03 12N 78W Tropical depression/Tropical Storm?
11) October 7-10: On the 7th, Historical Weather Maps indicated a wide closed low pressure system (30-40N,
45-65W) with at most 1015mb. On the 8th, the closed low becomes more defined and narrow and had a pressure
of at most 1000mb. The low then moves towards the northeast on the 9th with a pressure of 1010mb and on the
10th it pretty much remains stationary but the pressure goes up to 1015mb. There were no gales found in COADS,
Monthly Weather Review or Historical Weather Maps.
Day LAT LONG STATUS
October 7 30-40N 45-65W Front
October 8 37N 54W Extratropical Low
October 9 40N 50W Tropical Depression?
October 10 40N 49W Tropical Depression
12) October 14-16: HWM indicates a likely closed low near 27N, 74W, and observations indicate this could be
classified as a tropical depression on the 14th. On the 15th, it weakened, became less defined, and
degenerated into a broad low/trough. It stayed like this through the 16th. There were 2 observed gales
of 35 kt on the 16th from COADS ships off the North Carolina coast in an area of high synoptic pressure
gradient. This suspect is not added to HURDAT.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Oct 14 27N 74W Tropical depression
Oct 15 28N 77W Broad low/trough
Oct 16 30N 77W Broad low/trough
13) November 2-8: Historical Weather Maps indicated a closed low of at most 1010mb near 15N, 63W on the 3rd.
The low doesn’t appear again until the 7th near 20N, 76W and it moves to the northwest on the 8th, always
with a pressure of at most 1010mb. No gales were found in COADS, Monthly Weather Review or Historical
Weather Maps. On 9 November, HWM shows something near 38N, 58W, and it is uncertain if the two systems are
related. COADS lists a 1005 mb low pressure on 11/9 at 18Z at 33.3N, 58.1W, but no gales from the 2nd
through the 9th.
Day LAT LONG STATUS
November 2 -- 60W Trough
November 3 -- 64W Trough
November 4 -- 68W Trough
November 5 -- 70W Trough
November 6 -- 71W Trough
November 7 19.5N 76.5W Tropical Depression
November 8 22N 71W Tropical Depression
14) November 14-16: Historical Weather Maps, Monthly Weather Review, and COADS indicate the existence of
a extratropical cyclone/possible subtropical storm. The origins of this system were from a stationary
frontal boundary east of Bermuda. Three separate gale force winds were observed on the 13th, but it is
not clear if the system had a closed circulation on that date, nor had it lost most of its baroclinicity
by then. On the 14th, the system had definitely developed a closed low and – despite the frontal boundary
displayed in the Historical Weather Maps – was located in a minimally baroclinic environment. Two separate
gale force winds were observed on the 14th. These are also the basis for the estimated peak intensity of
only 35 kt, though observations are fairly sparse on the 15th as the tropical storm moved toward the
northwest. It is on the 14th and 15th that the cyclone came closest to becoming a subtropical storm.
The system became extratropical on the 16th just east of New England as it merged with a cold frontal
boundary and then became absorbed in a large extratropical cyclone. Because of uncertainties of whether
this system transitioned to a tropical (subtropical) status, the cyclone will not be added into HURDAT.
Day LAT LONG STATUS
November 14 32N 59W Extratropical Low/Subtropical Storm?
November 15 34N 63W Extratropical Low/Subtropical Storm?
November 16 41N 66W Extratropical Low
November 13- HWM indicates a warm front extending from 28.5N, 58W to 32N, 39W. Ship highlights: 35kt NE
with a pressure of 1024mb at 35N, 47.9W at 00Z (COA). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
November 14- HWM indicates a warm front from 31N, 60W to 31N, 41W and a ridge between 30-35N, and 50-65W.
Ship highlights: 35kt E with a pressure of 1020mb at 35N, 57W at 12Z (HWM); 35kt ESE with a pressure of
1021mb at 34.8N, 56.6W at 13Z (COA). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
November 15- HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1015mb near 34N, 62W. Ship highlights: No gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
November 16: A cold front is analyzed in HWM, starting from about 48N and extending almost directly southward
and then southwestward until about 20N. Ship highlights: A pressure of 1003mb at 42.7N, 69.7W at 18Z (COA).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.