"Minor" intensity changes are less than 20 kt
"Minor" position changes are less than 2 degrees
37265 08/03/1942 M= 3 1 SNBR= 820 UNNAMED XING=0 SSS=0
37265 08/03*162 852 30 0*163 860 30 0*165 870 35 0*170 883 35 0*
37265 08/04*176 898 30 0*183 914 30 0*190 930 30 0*197 944 35 0*
37265 08/05*204 957 45 0*211 969 50 0*218 980 40 0*225 990 25 0*
37265 TS
A new tropical storm has been added to HURDAT, not previously shown in
McAdie et al. (2009). Evidence for its existence comes from the
Historical Weather Map series, the COADS ship database, the Mexican
synoptic maps, and the Monthly Weather Review.
Storm 1
August 1: HWM indicates a low near 13N, 81W. Ship highlights: No gales
or low pressures. Station highlights: 40kt NW with a pressure of
1009mb at Puerto Cabezas (14N, 83.3W) at 12Z (HWM).
August 2: HWM indicates a closed low with a pressure of at most 1010mb
near 11.5N, 81.5W. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures.
August 3: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm near 16.5N, 86W. Ship
highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: 25kt NE and
1009mb at Belize City, and 10kt SSW and 1008mb at Tela, Honduras. All
observations from HWM.
August 4: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm near 19N, 94W. Ship
highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: 25kt NNE
and 1010mb at Veracruz at 12Z, and 10kt SW and 1009mb at Coatzacoalcos
at 12Z. All observations from HWM.
August 5: HWM indicates a closed low with a pressure of at most 1005mb
near 22N, 97.5W. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station
highlights: 25kt ESE with a pressure of 1004mb at Tampico (22.1N,
97.8W) at 12Z (HWM). "HURRICANE HITS NEAR TAMPICO...Fear was felt here
today for the safety of nine Texas people...who were caught at the
Eighth Pass on the coast of Mexico yesterday by a hurricane which
lashed the coast of Mexico from Tampico on north to the vicinity of
the fishing pass...The party went to the Eighth pass last Saturday by
plane, being flown there by De Leon, who is a regular operator of the
plane in transporting both anglers and fish to and from the Eighty
Pass area...De Leon said after flying over the area that there was an
extremely high tide and water everywhere. The center of the
hurricane, according to sketchy reports received here, was believed to
have hit at or near Tampico, extending far enough north to blast the
little fishing village of La Pesca, near the mouth of the Soto La
Marina river, and on north to the Eighth Pass. Although there was a
minor 'hurricane scare' in Brownsville yesterday, the only effect here
was rain, which further damaged the grade of Valley cotton. The
valley had only a few gusts of wind" (The Brownsville Herald,
Thursday, August 6th).
Genesis for this new tropical storm is begun at 00Z on the 3rd of
August in the northwest Caribbean Sea. It is possible, however, that
the system had become a tropical cyclone on the 1st, as Puerto Cabezas
observed 40 kt NW winds with 1009 mb at 12Z. The evidence is
inconclusive though whether a closed circulation was present at that
time as well as whether this wind was a transient more long-lived
feature. After genesis, the cyclone moved west-northwestward toward
Belize. At 12Z on the 3rd, Tela, Honduras reported a 5 mb 24 hour
pressure drop (down to 1008 mb with SSW 10 kt winds) and Belize City
reported a 3 mb 24 hour pressure drop (down to 1009 mb with NE 25 kt
winds). It is analyzed that the system had intensified to a minimal
tropical storm (35 kt) at that time. Landfall then occurred around
17Z on the 3rd at 17.0N 88.2W in Belize with 35 kt intensity. The
system weakened some during its 12 hour trek across Central America
and likely was a tropical depression at 00 and 06Z on the 4th. On the
4th at 12Z, numerous Mexican stations - but no ship observations -
indicate that the system was in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. The
cyclone continued moving west-northwest and made a second landfall
around 09Z on the 5th just south of Tampico, Mexico near 21.4N 97.4W.
Tampico recorded 1004 mb with ESE 25 kt winds at 12Z on the 5th, which
was a 12 mb pressure drop in 24 hours. 1004 mb peripheral pressure
measurement suggests maximum winds of at least 39 kt from the Brown et
al. south of 25N pressure-wind relationship. Additionally, the
qualitative information from the Brownsville newspaper is consistent
with at least a moderate tropical storm and - perhaps (as the
newspaper implied) - a hurricane. The intensity just before and at
landfall is assessed conservatively at 50 kt, which is also the peak
intensity of the system for its lifetime. It is also worth noting
that this determination of a tropical cyclone making landfall in
Mexico is consistent with the Mexican meteorologists' synoptic maps
which depicted the system as "Ciclon" at 12Z on August 5th near
Tampico. The system likely continued west-northwestward over the
mountains of eastern Mexico and dissipated after 18Z on the 5th. It is
worth noting that because of the World War that there was not a single
ship measurement available at any point in this system's lifetime.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
31830 08/17/1942 M= 7 1 SNBR= 701 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=1
31830 08/17/1942 M= 7 2 SNBR= 701 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=1
*
31835 08/17* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*213 855 35 0*
31835 08/17* 0*190 855 30 0*200 857 35 0*
*** *** ** *** ***
31840 08/18*222 860 35 0*231 865 40 0*240 870 45 0*252 876 50 0*
31840 08/18*212 860 35 0*225 865 40 0*240 870 45 0*254 876 50 0*
*** *** ***
31845 08/19*265 883 55 0*274 893 60 0*279 903 65 0*280 908 70 0*
31845 08/19*265 883 55 0*274 893 60 0*279 901 65 0*280 908 70 0*
***
31850 08/20*281 913 70 0*281 917 70 0*282 922 70 0*284 929 70 0*
31850 08/20*281 913 70 0*281 917 70 0*282 922 70 0*284 927 70 0*
***
31855 08/21*287 936 70 0*291 942 70 0*294 947 65 0*298 951 55 0*
31855 08/21*287 933 70 0*290 939 70 0*294 945 65 0*300 951 55 0*
*** *** *** *** ***
31860 08/22*305 958 35 0*315 961 25 0*330 958 25 0*343 952 20 0*
31860 08/22*307 957 35 0*315 959 25 0*328 958 25 0*343 952 20 0*
*** *** *** ***
31865 08/23*357 938 20 0*368 927 15 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
31865 08/23*357 938 20 0E365 918 20 0E370 875 20
**** *** ** **** *** **
31870 HRCTX1
U.S. Hurricane:
Aug 21st - 13Z - 29.5N 94.6W - 65 kt - Category 1 - 992 mb - 1010 mb
OCI - 125 nm ROCI
Minor track changes and minor intensity changes are analyzed for this
hurricane that made landfall in the northern Texas coast.
Additionally, an extratropical stage is now indicated for the last 12
hours of its existence. 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, Louisiana and Texas Climatological
Data, Connor (1956), Ho et al. (1987), and Jarrell et al. (1992).
Storm 2 (Old Storm 1)
August 15: HWM indicates a spot low pressure near 17.7N, 82.8W at 12Z.
Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
August 16: HWM indicates a closed low pressure of at most 1010mb near
17.5N, 83W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
August 17: HWM indicates a closed low pressure of at most 1010mb near
19.5N, 84W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at
21.3N, 85.5W at 18Z. Micro shows a closed low pressure of at most
1011mb near 18.5N, 85W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
August 18: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1010mb near 24N, 88W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 45kt
winds at 24N, 87W at 12Z. Micro shows a low pressure near 23.5N, 88.5W
at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures.
August 19: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1010mb near 27N, 90W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 hurricane with
65kt winds at 27.9N, 90.3W at 12Z. Micro does not show an organized
system at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures. "The disturbed conditions with
squally weather and thunderstorms which prevailed along the Louisiana
coast on the 19th, were doubtless associated with the northwestward
movement of a wave formation which had been detected in the
northwestern Caribbean on August 17" (MWR). "The moderate tropical
disturbance experienced on the upper Texas coast the morning of August
21st, 1942, was first noted off the Louisiana coast on August 19th, and
reported in the "Conic" Advisory issued by the New Orleans office at
4:20pm, EST, on the same day. It apparently moved in a west-
northwesterly direction until crossing the coast line near or over
Gilchrist, Texas, on the Bolivar Peninsula, thence more northerly,
with center passing very slightly west of High Island, and near or
over Anahuac, Tex" (OMR). "Disturbed conditions, first noted off the
Louisiana coast about noon of August 19th" (Texas).
August 20: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1005mb near 28N, 92W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 hurricane with
70kt winds at 28.2N, 92.2W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a
center at 25N, 90W (am) and at 26N, 92W (pm). Micro shows a closed low
pressure of at most 1011mb near 27.5N, 92.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights:
No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low
pressures.
August 21: HWM indicates a closed low with a pressure of at most
1000mb near 30N, 94.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 hurricane
with 65kt winds at 29.4N, 94.7W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed
a center at 29N, 94W (am) with a pressure of 1002mb and at 30N, 95W
(pm). Micro shows a closed low pressure of at most 1002mb near 29.7N,
94.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station
highlights: 994 mb (no time given) at Gilchrist (MWR); 57 kt S and 997
mb at High Island (no time given); 61kt SE (1 min wind) at Port Arthur
(29.9N, 93.9W) no time given, but ~15Z (OMR); 35kt W at Galveston at
14Z (5 min wind) (OMR); 42kt SW with a pressure of 1000mb at Galveston
(1 min wind) at 1315Z (OMR). "No definite characteristics of a
tropical storm were observed until about midnight of the 20th. Moving
west-northwestward toward the Texas coast, and giving few advance
indications because of its small diameter, the disturbance passed
inland over the Bolivar Peninsula near Gilchrist as a storm of near-
hurricane intensity" (MWR). "The weather [did not] disclose anything
definite regarding a threat to this section of the coast (Galveston)
until the night of August 20-21, when shortly before 1am a shift in
the wind from east to northeast was accompanied by a steady fall in
barometric pressure of about .04 of an inch an hour. This shift in
winds was also accompanied by light to moderate intermittent
precipitation, which continued until 4:35pm EST, of August 21st" (OMR).
"Curving northward, after crossing the coast, the storm center
traversed Chambers, Liberty, San Jacinto and Polk Counties with gale
winds prevalent along the north Texas coast as far south as Galveston.
The storm quickly lost intensity as it moved inland toward Palestine,
where a wind of only 22 miles per hour was reported" (MWR). "The
lowest pressure reported during the passage of the storm was 993.9mb
at Gilchrist, and the maximum recorded wind velocity, for a 5-minute
period, was 66 miles per hour (extreme 72) from the southeast reported
form the Port Arthur Office at 9:20 am (CWT) August 21" (MWR). "The
wind at Galveston backed, E, NE, N, NW, W, SW, and S, with a maximum
velocity of 41 miles per hour from the southwest at 9:09am, EST, on
the 21st. The lowest barometer reading occurred at 8:15am EST, when a
pressure of 29.53 inches was reached. Inundation was mostly confined
to beaches and very low uninhabited places" (OMR). "...finally acquired
the definite characteristics of a tropical storm about midnight of
August 20th, and quickly moved in over the Bolivar Peninsula on the
morning of August 21st. The center apparently moved in a north-
northwestward direction, traversing Chambers, Liberty, San Jacinto,
and Polk counties, with winds of gale force general over water front
and immediately adjacent areas from Galveston County to Jefferson
County. Port Arthur reported a maximum wind velocity of 66 miles per
hour from the southeast. No known loss of life resulted from the
storm. Winds damaged property to the extent of about $180,000, and
crops in excess of $400,000, while high tides were responsible for
damage amounting to about $21,000" (Texas). "Aug. 20, 1942, Landfall
near Galveston, Estimated lowest pressure 992 mb, Movement W to WNW 11
kt" (Connnor). "1942 Aug TX, 1N, 992 mb" (Jarrell).
August 22: HWM indicates a low near 33N, 96W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Depression with 25kt winds at 33N, 95.8W at 12Z. The MWR
Tracks of lows showed a center at 32N, 95W (am) with a pressure of
1007.5mb and at 36N, 90.5W (pm). Micro shows a closed low pressure of
at most 1011mb near 33N, 96W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. "Wind damage
to property has been estimated at $180,000 and to crops, principally
rice, in excess of $400,000, while high tides were responsible for
damage amounting the about $21,000. No loss of life or serious injury
was reported" (MWR). "Only coastal reports were available on the 20th,
and the storm was so small and had so little effect on its
surroundings that its true character was not seen until the winds
increased materially with its arrival on the coast" (MWR). "Damage to
crops in Galveston County was negligible. Two shell barges and a tow
boat capsized at redfish reef in Galveston Bay, and three oil derricks
on Bolivar Peninsula were blown down. Otherwise, damage was confined
mostly to small pleasure boats, and piers. As far as known, no lives
were lost as a result of this storm" (OMR).
August 23: HWM indicates a front near 37N, 87W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Depression with 15kt winds at 36.8N, 92.7W at 06Z (last
position). The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 37.5N, 89W (am)
with a pressure of 1012mb. Micro shows a closed low pressure of at
most 1011mb near 37N, 87W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Genesis for this hurricane is begun at 12Z on the 17th of August, six
hours earlier than indicated in HURDAT based upon ship and coastal
data showing a closed circulation was then present (though the exact
time of genesis is uncertain). It is possible that the system formed
as early as the 16th, however, data on that date (and many dates for
this cyclone) was quite sparse. (It is of note that the observations
corroborating the system's existence during its first few days were
quite sparse. If the cyclone's best track were being put together
from scratch, it is likely that the system would not have been started
until the 19th.) Minor track changes have been introduced for all
dates of this system's existence. However, the small alterations on
the 19th and 20th were introduced simply to create a smoother track,
rather than because of observations on those dates. The cyclone is
begun as a 30 kt tropical depression, though this is quite uncertain
due to the lack of inner core measurements. Likewise, as the track of
the cyclone took it over the data void Gulf of Mexico, almost no
intensity information was available from late on the 17th until just
before landfall on the 21st. Thus no changes were made to the
intensities from 18Z on the 17th until 00Z on the 23rd.
The cyclone made landfall around 13Z on the 21st, just west of
Gilchrist, Texas. Peak observations were 61 kt SE at Port Arthur,
Texas around 15Z, 994 mb at Gilchrist (no time available), and 997 mb
with 57 kt S at High Island, Texas (no time available). A central
pressure of 992 mb was estimated by Connor and was also utilized by
Jarrell et al. This appears reasonable for this small hurricane,
given the observations available. (It is of note that Ho et al. did
not list this hurricane, implying that the central pressure was higher
than 982 mb.) The central pressure of 992 mb suggests maximum winds
of 56 kt from the Brown et al. north of 25N pressure-wind relationship
(59 kt for the subset of intensifying cyclones). The system was a
small hurricane with a radius of outer closed isobar of only about 125
nm and an outer closed isobar of 1010 mb. Given the small size of the
cyclone, landfall intensity is estimated to be 65 kt - Category 1.
Port Arthur's peak winds of 61 kt occurred about 60 nm from the center
of the hurricane likely outside of the radius of maximum wind (no lull
occurred in the hourly winds). This also along with the impacts of
the system along the coast supports Category 1 hurricane intensity at
landfall. Runs of the Kaplan-DeMaria inland decay model suggest an
intensity of 47 kt at 18Z on the 21st and 35 kt at 00Z on the 22nd.
Peak observed winds within two hours of synoptic time were 56 kt (at
16Z) and 30 kt, respectively. The intensity is assessed to be 55 kt
at 18Z and 35 kt at 00Z - both unchanged. After landfall the cyclone
recurved to the northeast and gradually weakened. Transition to a
tropical depression occurred by 06Z on the 22nd, unchanged from HURDAT
originally. By 06Z on the 23rd, a cold frontal boundary had reached
the cyclone's center and a transition to an extratropical cyclone had
occurred. (At 06Z on the 23rd, the only intensity change is made for
the lifetime of this cyclone - 20 kt up from 15 kt originally.) At
12Z on the 23rd, the extratropical cyclone was still present and this
last position is added into HURDAT. Dissipation occurred after 12Z on
the 23rd, six hours later than originally shown.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
31875 08/21/1942 M=11 2 SNBR= 702 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=3
31875 08/24/1942 M=9 3 SNBR= 702 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=3
** * *
31880 08/21* 0 0 0 0*139 599 35 0*139 608 35 0*139 617 35 0*
31880 08/21* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31885 08/22*140 628 35 0*141 641 35 0*141 654 35 0*142 664 35 0*
31885 08/22* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31890 08/23*144 674 40 0*146 688 40 0*148 703 40 0*150 713 45 0*
31890 08/23* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*148 740 30 0*150 751 30 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** **
31895 08/24*152 723 50 0*154 737 55 0*157 750 55 0*158 760 60 0*
31895 08/24*152 761 30 0*154 771 30 0*157 780 35 0*158 786 35 0*
*** ** *** ** *** ** *** **
31900 08/25*160 770 65 0*164 782 70 0*168 793 75 0*170 798 80 0*
31900 08/25*160 792 40 0*164 799 40 0*168 805 45 0*170 809 50 0*
*** ** *** ** *** ** *** **
31905 08/26*172 803 80 0*175 811 85 0*179 819 85 0*184 827 90 0*
31905 08/26*172 814 50 0*174 818 50 0*176 822 55 0*178 828 55 0*
*** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31910 08/27*188 835 90 0*191 841 90 0*194 846 90 0*198 854 90 0*
31910 08/27*180 835 60 0*183 841 70 0*188 846 80 0*194 854 90 0*
*** ** *** ** *** ** ***
31915 08/28*204 863 90 0*213 876 85 0*222 888 90 0*229 896 95 0*
31915 08/28*203 863 90 0*212 876 70 0*222 888 80 0*230 896 90 0*
*** *** ** ** *** **
31920 08/29*236 905 95 0*245 917 100 0*255 928 100 0*265 938 100 0*
31920 08/29*238 905 95 0*246 917 100 0*255 928 100 0*263 939 100 0*
*** *** *** ***
31925 08/30*274 947 95 0*284 958 70 0*293 970 60 0*300 978 45 0*
31925 08/30*271 950 100 0*279 961 100 950*288 972 85 952*294 986 65 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ** *** *** *** **
31930 08/31*307 987 35 0*314 998 25 0*3221010 20 0* 0 0 0 0*
31930 08/31*3021000 45 0*3101014 40 0*3171025 35 0*3221036 35 0*
(September 1st is new to HURDAT)
31933 09/01*3231040 30 0*3251043 25 0*3301045 25 0* 0 0 0 0*
31935 HRBTX3CTX2
U.S. Hurricane:
Aug 30th - 09Z - 28.3N 96.6W - 100 kt - Category 3 - 950 mb - 1007 mb
OCI - 250 nm ROCI
Major track and intensity changes are analyzed for this hurricane that
made landfall in the central Texas coast. Additionally, a major
alteration is to remove the first two days. Also, one additional day
is added at the end of the cyclone's lifetime. 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, the Mexican
synoptic maps, Texas Climatological Data, Connor (1956), Ho et al.
(1987), and Jarrell et al. (1992).
Storm 3 (Old Storm 2)
August 20: HWM indicates a spot low near 12.5N, 59.5W. Ship
highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or
low pressures.
August 21: HWM indicates a closed low with a pressure of at most
1010mb near 14N, 60W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 35kt
winds at 13.9N, 60.8W at 12Z. Micro shows a closed low pressure of at
most 1011mb at 12.5N, 61.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. "The wave,
from which this storm formed, passed over the Windward Islands near
Santa Lucia on August 21, attended by heavy squalls but with no
indications of organized circulation" (MWR).
August 22: HWM indicates a spot low near 14N, 63.5W. HURDAT lists this
as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 14.1N, 65.4W at 12Z. Micro
shows a closed low pressure of at most 1011mb at 13.5N, 63.5W at 12Z.
Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No
gales or low pressures.
August 23: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 16N, 76W.
HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 40kt winds at 14.8N, 70.3W
at 12Z. Micro does not show an organized system. Ship highlights: No
gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
August 24: HWM indicates a spot low pressure near 16.5N, 79.5W. HURDAT
lists this as a Tropical Storm with 55kt winds at 15.7N, 75W at 12Z.
Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Micro shows a spot low at
17.5N, 79.8W at 12Z. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
"Moving rapidly westward through the central Caribbean Sea, the wave
formation passed south of Jamaica during the night of the 24th, where
its progress became slower and the first indications of development
were noted" (MWR). "Carson from Navy - 11 pm 8/23/42. 'Ship 50-60
miles S of SE tip Dominican Republic 1 am - Wind force 6 - pressure
one inch below normal reading" (Micro).
August 25: HWM indicates a spot low pressure near 16N, 81.5W. HURDAT
lists this as a Category 1 Hurricane with 75kt winds at 16.8N, 79.3W
at 12Z. Micro shows a closed low pressure of at most 1008mb at 17.4N,
80.6W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures. Aircraft highlights: Special
plane report, 40-45 kt, 1000 mb at 18Z (USWB). "Special Report from
Navy. Plane from Grand Caymen reports that at 2 pm - pressure was
999.7 Mbs. Wind 40 to 45 knots. (From Carson by phone 11.15 pm)"
(USWB).
August 26: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1005mb near 17N, 82.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 2 Hurricane
with 85kt winds at 17.9N, 81.9W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed
a center at 17N, 79W (am) with a pressure of 1003.4mb and at 17.5N,
80W (pm). Micro shows a closed low pressure of at most 1008mb at
17.5N, 82W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures.
August 27: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1000mb near 19N, 85W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 2 Hurricane with
90kt winds at 19.4N, 84.6W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a
center at 18N, 82W (am) with a pressure of 1003.4mb and at 19N, 86W
(pm). Micro shows a closed low pressure of at most 1002mb at 18.5N,
85W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station
highlights: 15kt W with a pressure of 1003mb at Swan Islands at 0Z
(USWB); 25kt S with pressure of 1005 mb at 6Z at Swan Islands at 06Z
(USWB); 40kt NNE with a pressure of 1004mb at 18Z near 20.5N, 86.9W
(USWB); 40kt NE with a pressure of 996mb at Cozumel, Mexico at 21Z
(USWB); and 35kt NNW at Cozumel, Mexico at 22Z (USWB). "It passed
north of Swan Island as a moderate storm but with definite indications
of rapidly increasing intensity, and crossed the tip of Yucatan
Peninsula during the night of August 27, attended by full hurricane
winds" (MWR). "A moderate tropical weather disturbance to the
southward of Jamaica, moving to westward between the 24th and 25th
causing heavy rainfall over the Island and considerable flood damages.
The barometric pressure fell about 0.150 inch below the normal, also
low pressure reported at Morant Point and Negril Point Lighthouses,
Beyond a heavy rainsquall ay Kingston and Morant Point, there was no
very severe damage, owing to gale winds over the island" (JAMAICA).
August 28: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1000mb near 23N, 89.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 2 Hurricane
with 90kt winds at 22.2N, 88.8W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed
a center at 20.5N, 89.5W (am) with a pressure of 999.9mb and at 22N,
91W (pm). Micro shows a closed low pressure of at most 1002mb at
22.5N, 88.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: 10kt NNE with a pressure of 1002mb at Progreso at
0Z (USWB); 989mb with 40 kt NE at Cozumel at 00Z (USWB); 10kt W with a
pressure of 1005mb at Merida (21N, 89.8W) at 12Z (HWM); 20kt W with a
pressure of 1004mb at Pregreso at 18Z (USWB). "Passing into the Gulf
of Mexico, and moving northwestward in an almost straight line it
reached the Texas coast, approximately two days later, as a large and
severe storm attended by full hurricane winds over a path nearly 150
miles in width" (MWR). "Evidence of this disturbance began to appear
at Galveston the afternoon of the 28th. A bank of cirrus clouds began
to appear on the southern horizon. The movement was slow and difficult
to observe but appeared SSW or SW. These clouds had become at the tame
of the 7:30pm EST observation. The Gulf of Mexico also presented
evidence of disturbed conditions late on the 28th with the tide
somewhat above normal and a moderately rough sea with a count of about
8 swells per minute at the foot of 25th street." (OMR).
August 29: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
995mb near 25.5N, 93W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 3 Hurricane
with 100kt winds at 25.5N, 92.8W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed
a center at 23N, 93W (am) and at 25N, 95W (pm). Micro shows a closed
low pressure of at most 1008mb at 25N, 93W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No
gales or low pressures. Station highlights: 24kt N with a pressure of
1004mb at Corpus Christi Naval Air Station (27.7N, 97.3W) at 21Z
(MAR); 40kt E at Galveston (29.3N, 94.8W) no time given (OMR); 40kt
NNE at Foster Field (28.9N, 96.9W) no time given (OMR).
August 30: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 990mb near 29.5N,
98W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 60kt winds at 29.3N,
97W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 27N, 97W (am)
with a pressure of 993.2mb and at 29N, 99.9W (pm). Micro shows a
closed low pressure of at most 990mb at 29N, 97.5W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: A fairly
complete calm with a pressure of 952mb at Seadrift (28.4N, 96.7W) at
0955Z (MWR); A pressure of 983mb at San Antonio (Min P) at 1615Z
(OMR); 64kt NE (1-min wind) at San Antonio at 16Z (OMR); A pressure of
986mb at Corpus Christi (27.8N, 97.4W) at 0830Z (OMR). 77kt ENE at
Kelly Field (29.4N, 98.5W) no time given (OMR); 74kt NNE at Foster
Field (28.9N, 96.9W), no time given (OMR). "The lowest barometer at
the Galveston airport, 5 miles southwest of the city office, was 29.49
inches at 1:30am EST on the 30th. Winds were easterly at Galveston on
the 28th, shifting to northeast most of the 29th except the last few
hours which were east. Southeasterly winds prevailed on the 30th and
most of the 31st. The maximum velocity of SE-50 occurred at 4:57am EST
on the 30th and the extreme velocity was 61" (Galveston OMR). "Tides
continued to increase throughout the 29th until a maximum of 7.6 feet
on the U.S. Engineer gage at Fort Point was reached at 3am EST on the
30th. The beach and a considerable portion of the Island west of the
city was inundated. Tide water covered the Municipal Airport and
entered the Administration Building. Water covered the Galveston-
Houston highway at the "Y" on the mainland 10 miles from the city
until late afternoon of the 30th, and since the Bolivar ferry service
was suspended, the city was entirely cut off by highway" (Galveston
OMR). "The barometer began to fall slowly during the afternoon of the
28th and a rapid fall set in about 10am EST, on the 29th. The lowest sea
level pressure at the city office was 29.53 inches at 12:55am EST on
the 30th, and thereafter the barometer rose rapidly until 1 pm EST and
more slowly thereafter" (Galveston OMR). "The tropical disturbance of
August 29-30, 1942, was undoubtedly one of the most severe on record
on the Texas coast with gales and hurricane winds over a path at least
250 miles wide, and storm tides along the coast from near the central
region of the path northeastward into southwestern Louisiana"
(Galveston OMR). "Seadrift, in Calhoun County, where a fairly complete
calm occurred, reported the lowest pressure along the coast, 951.6mb,
August 30, at 4:55am. The highest wind at Seadrift was estimated at
115 miles per hour. Hurricane winds accompanied the storm as far
inland as Atascosa County. At San Antonio, 120 miles from the coast,
the storm still retained great strength and caused considerable
damage" (MWR). "Estimates of damage from the hurricane have been
placed at $11,500,000 to property and $15,000,000 to crops" (MWR).
"During the early morning hours of August 30, a tropical disturbance
of hurricane proportions swept inland over the Matagorda Bay section,
moved rapidly west-northwestward, and finally diminished over the
Edwards Plateau region during the late afternoon. Winds estimated in
excess of 100 mile per hour occurred along the coast from Austwell to
Matagorda, and hurricane proportions of the storm were retained as far
westward as Atascosa County. Winds of gale force extended well into
the Edwards Plateau region, and covered a wide area on either side of
the path of the storm center. Eight deaths were attributed to the
storm. Damage estimated at $11,500,000 occurred to property, while
crops, principally cotton and rice, suffered damage estimated at
$15,000,000. Due to the rain accompanying and following the storm,
several thousand freshly shorn goats were lost in the Edwards Plateau
region" (Texas). "Landfall near Seadrift, estimated lowest pressure
950 mb (just lower than the 952 mb observed in Seadrift), movement WNW
13 kt" (Connor). "Aug TX, 3C, 950 mb" (Jarrell et al.). "Aug. 30,
1942, 951 mb central pressure at landfall, based upon observed 952 mb
at Seadrift, 18 nm RMW, 14 kt motion, landfall point 28.5N, 96.2W" (Ho
et al.)
August 31: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 31N,
103W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Depression with 20kt winds at
32.2N, 101W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 31N,
101W (am) with a pressure of 999.7mb and at 32N, 105W (pm). Micro
shows a closed low pressure of at most 999mb at 32N, 103W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: 15kt W with
a pressure of 1003mb at Alpine (30.4N, 103.7W) at 12Z (HWM); 17kt S
with a pressure of 1004mb at San Antonio (29.4N, 98.5W) at 03Z (OMR);
15 kt NW and 1000 mb at Pecos (31.4N 103.5W) (USWB). "Much damage was
done by the wind in the vicinity of San Antonio and southward to the
coast from which came the storm. About $1,500,000 damage resulted from
torn roofs, windows, sings, windmills, etc. Many trees were uprooted
or broken by the wind. Many airplanes were destroyed due to lack of
hanger space, although the planes were well anchored. Power lines were
down over many sections of the city and southward to the coast" (San
Antonio OMR).
September 1: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 33N,
105W. Micro shows a closed low pressure of at most 1002mb at 31.5N,
104W at 0Z. Station highlights: 10kt S with a pressure of 1004mb at
Alpine at 0Z (USWB); 10kt NE with a pressure of 1004mb at Roswell at
0Z (USWB), and 10kt NW with a pressure of 1005mb at El Paso at 0Z
(USWB).
Genesis for this major hurricane is delayed by more than two days. As
is commonplace during the 1942 hurricane season, almost no ship
observations were available either in real-time or for the reanalysis
efforts. As the system crossed the Lesser Antilles, the observations
are fairly conclusive that a closed low had not yet developed within
the strong easterly wave. Thus the positions on the 21st are removed
from HURDAT (which began at 06Z on this date originally). This
revision is very consistent with the Monthly Weather Review writeup
for the hurricane as well. Knowing when genesis did occur over the
next few days is problematic, as the system was traversing the open
waters of the Caribbean. The first indications that a tropical
cyclone had formed - while still ambiguous - were a report on the
night of the 23rd in the microfilm which indicated 25 kt winds south of
Dominican Republic. More substantial evidence is from Jamaica on the
24th, which also is in agreement with the Monthly Weather Review
writeup. Thus the first entry into HURDAT is now at 12Z on the 23rd as
a 30 kt tropical depression, though the exact genesis time remains
uncertain. Track changes were made for all of the remaining days of
its existence. Major track changes were introduced on the 23rd to the
25th based primarily upon station observations. A "special report"
from a Navy aircraft at 18Z on the 25th indicated 1000 mb and wind 40
to 45 kt (unknown whether this was a surface wind estimate or flight
level estimate and also unknown if it was measured simultaneous to the
1000 mb pressure). This pressure indicates maximum winds of at least
47 kt from the Brown et al. south of 25N pressure-wind relationship.
The intensity is reduced to 50 kt, a major reduction from the 80 kt
originally. (It is noteworthy that this was one of the first - if not
the very first - set of quantitative aircraft observations taken
within a tropical cyclone.) The modification to the position on the
26th put the cyclone's center 40 nm northeast of Swan Island around 00Z
on the 27th. Swan Island at that time only reported 1003 mb with 15 kt
W winds. Thus the intensity is brought down at that time to 60 kt,
from 90 kt originally. Likewise, the intensities now have major
downward revisions from 12Z on the 24th through 06Z on the 27th. The
cyclone made landfall in the Yucatan of Mexico around 03Z on the 28th.
While no specific observations showing hurricane conditions occurred
in Yucatan, the Monthly Weather Review impacts do suggest a hurricane
landfall. 90 kt is retained in HURDAT for the Mexican landfall,
making this a Category 2 impact. A run of the Kaplan and DeMaria
inland wind decay model gave 69 kt at 06Z. Intensity at this time is
reanalyzed to be 70 kt, down from 85 kt originally. The hurricane
moved back over water to the Gulf of Mexico after just six hours over
land. No inner core measurements were then available until the
hurricane made a second landfall in the United States nearly two days
later.
The hurricane made landfall in Texas around 09Z on the 30th at 28.3N
96.6W. A likely central pressure of 952 mb was observed in Seadrift,
Texas almost an hour later. The central pressure at landfall may have
been slightly deeper - 950 mb. This is in agreement with the original
Connor estimate of 950 mb, which was repeated in the Jarrell et al.
tech memo. 950 mb suggests maximum winds at landfall of 105 kt from
the Brown et al. north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. The RMW of
~20 nm is about the same as climatology for this latitude and central
pressure (Vickery et al.). The hurricane was moving at a near average
12 kt at landfall, but had a rather large outer closed isobar of 1007
mb with ROCI of 250 nm. Thus the intensity at landfall is estimated
to be 100 kt, making this a Category 3 landfall for central Texas
("BTX3"). HURDAT originally had 70 kt at the 06Z slot, which makes
this a major intensity boost. A run of the Ho et al. parametric wind
model suggests peak winds of about 90-95 kt at the western end of the
north Texas coast (which starts east of Matagorda Bay). Thus north
Texas ("CTX") is listed as Category 2 impact from this hurricane.
After landfall, the hurricane was able to maintain significant
strength well-inland as noted by the 983 mb peripheral pressure
observation and 64 kt 1 min NE wind around 16Z on the 30th at San
Antonio. This peripheral pressure suggests maximum winds of at least
69 kt from the north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. Given its
overland location, this would be equivalent to at least 60 kt given
over land conditions. Runs of the Kaplan and DeMaria inland decay
model suggest intensities of 74 kt at 12Z on the 30th, 50 kt at 18Z,
and 33 kt at 00Z on the 31st. Peak observed winds within 2 hr of
synoptic time are 53 kt at 12Z, 64 kt at 18Z, and no tropical storm
force winds at 00Z. The intensities are reanalyzed to be 85 kt at
12Z, 65 kt at 18Z, and 45 kt at 00Z (up from 60, 45, and 35 kt,
originally). (It should be noted that the Kelly Air Force Base, where
a 77 kt wind was reported, is southwest of the San Antonio Airport and
downtown San Antonio. This would put it closer to the center than the
San Antonio observation and supports the 85 kt at 12Z.) Thus major
intensity upgrades were also made at 12Z and 18Z on the 30th.
Observations from HWM and the microfilm maps indicate that the cyclone
continued west-northwestward through 12Z on the 1st of September as a
weakening tropical cyclone. In fact, Pecos, Texas recorded 1000 mb
with NW 15 kt at 12Z on the 1st. This peripheral pressure suggests
maximum winds of at least 44 kt from the Brown et al. north of 25N
pressure-wind relationship. Given that this is valid over a water
exposure, a lower intensity value of 35 kt is analyzed at this time.
The system weakened to a tropical depression - as no extratropical
transition occurred - around 18Z on the 1st and continued through 12Z
on the 2nd. Thus an additional 24 hours are added to the lifetime of
this system - another major change.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
31940 08/25/1942 M= 9 3 SNBR= 703 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
31940 08/25/1942 M=10 4 SNBR= 703 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
** *
31945 08/25* 0 0 0 0*275 625 65 0*286 630 65 0*302 635 75 0*
31945 08/25* 0 0 0 0*275 625 65 0*286 630 65 0*300 634 75 0*
***
31950 08/26*314 635 90 0*323 631 95 0*332 622 95 0*342 604 95 0*
31955 08/27*351 587 90 0*356 578 90 0*359 572 85 0*363 567 85 0*
31960 08/28*368 562 80 0*373 557 80 0*377 552 75 0*382 546 75 0*
31960 08/28*368 562 80 0*373 557 80 0*378 552 75 0*382 545 75 0*
***
31965 08/29*388 539 70 0*391 529 70 0*392 519 65 0*391 513 60 0*
31965 08/29*386 539 70 0*389 534 70 0*390 530 65 0*391 527 60 0*
*** *** *** *** ***
31970 08/30*389 509 55 0*385 507 55 0*381 506 50 0*377 507 45 0*
31970 08/30*391 524 55 0*390 522 55 0*390 520 50 0*388 520 45 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31975 08/31*373 510 45 0*370 514 45 0*367 519 45 0*365 522 45 0*
31975 08/31*385 522 45 0*382 526 45 0*380 530 45 0*378 532 45 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31980 09/01*364 525 40 0*362 530 40 0*360 537 35 0*357 545 35 0*
31980 09/01*376 534 40 0*373 536 40 0*370 540 35 0*364 547 35 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31985 09/02*355 555 30 0*353 567 30 0*352 579 25 0*352 595 25 0*
31985 09/02*360 552 35 0*356 565 35 0*352 579 35 0*348 592 35 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** ** *** *** **
(September 3rd is new to HURDAT)
31988 09/03*343 602 30 0*337 607 30 0*330 610 25 0*325 612 25 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31990 HR
Minor track and intensity changes are analyzed for this hurricane over
the central Atlantic. A major alteration is to add an additional day
at the end of the cyclone's lifetime. Evidence for these alterations
comes from the Historical Weather Maps Series, the COADS ship
database, Monthly Weather Review, and USWB/NHC microfilm of synoptic
weather maps.
Storm 4 (Old Storm 3)
August 24: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1010mb near 20N, 61W. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
August 25: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1005mb near 27N, 62W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 Hurricane with
65kt winds at 28.6N, 63W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a
center at 28N, 62W (am) and at 31N, 62W (pm). Ship highlights: No
gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
August 26: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1000mb near 33N, 63W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 2 Hurricane with
95kt winds at 33.2N, 62.2W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a
center at 33N, 61W (am) and at 35N, 59W (pm). Micro shows a closed low
pressure near 33.5N, 62.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 40kt NNW with a
pressure of 1003mb at Bermuda at 06Z (USWB); 55kt and 1004mb at
Bermuda (32.4N, 64.7W) at 07Z (MWR). 25kt NW with a pressure of 1004mb
at 32.5N, 65.5W at 16Z (COA). Station highlights: No gales or low
pressures. "A storm, apparently of hurricane intensity and with gales
over a wide area, passed a short distance east of Bermuda during the
night of August 25. No previous history is available on this storm.
Bermuda reported a maximum wind velocity of 64 miles per hour at 3am
(EWT)" (MWR).
August 27: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1005mb near 34N, 55.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 2 Hurricane
with 85kt winds at 35.9N, 57.2W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed
a center at 37N, 57W (am) and at 37.5N, 56W. Ship highlights: No gales
or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
August 28: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1005mb near 36N, 54W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 Hurricane with
75kt winds at 37.7N, 55.2W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a
center at 38N, 55W (am). Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
August 29: HWM indicates Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1005mb near 37N, 54W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 Hurricane with
65kt winds at 39.2N, 51.9W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a
center at 39N, 54W (am). Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
August 30: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 37N, 54W.
HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 50kt winds at 38.1N, 50.6W
at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 41N, 53W (am). Ship
highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or
low pressures.
August 31: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 35.5N,
55W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 45kt winds at 36.7N,
51.9W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures.
September 1: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 36N,
55W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 36N,
53.7W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures.
September 2: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 36N,
58.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Depression with 25kt winds at
35.2N, 57.9W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
September 3: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 33.5N,
59.5W. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights:
No gales or low pressures.
September 4: HWM indicates a spot low near 36N, 59W. Ship highlights:
No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low
pressures.
No change to the genesis of this hurricane. It is noted that the HWM
shows this system as a tropical storm as early as 24 August. While
the HWM does not show a closed circulation, it does show two
observations of northerly winds suggesting at least a trough near or
northeast of the Leeward Islands. However, without data showing a
closed circulation (or strong winds or low pressures), providing an
earlier genesis is not justified. As was noted in the Monthly Weather
Review, no observations for this system were available before it
impacted Bermuda early on the 26th of August. Thus while the cyclone
is begun as a 65 kt hurricane at 06Z on the 25th (unchanged from
original HURDAT), it is quite possible (or likely) that the system
existed earlier and may have been a Cape Verde hurricane. Minor track
changes were introduced on all days of its existence, except no change
on the 26th and 27th. A frontal boundary was indicated in HWM southwest
of the cyclone on the 26th and 27th (and again on the 31st and 1st of
September), but the limited observations available do not suggest that
the system was extratropical on those dates. The only inner core data
available throughout the lifetime of this hurricane was early on the
26th, as the system passed about 90 nm east of Bermuda. Bermuda's peak
sustained winds were 55 kt at 07Z and lowest pressure of 1003 mb (with
40 kt NNW wind) at 06Z. HURDAT had 95 kt intensity at that time (peak
intensity for the hurricane), which is unchanged by the reanalysis.
Intensity is unchanged for all days except for a minor increase on the
2nd, based upon winds at Bermuda. Definitive observations of a closed
circulation do not exist on the 3rd of September. However, with
Bermuda showing N 20 kt with 1012 mb (down from 1014 mb the day
before), it is very likely that the system did continue as a tropical
cyclone on the 3rd. Thus an additional 24 hours is now indicated as a
weakening tropical depression.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
31995 09/15/1942 M= 8 4 SNBR= 704 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
31995 09/15/1942 M= 9 5 SNBR= 704 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
* *
32000 09/15* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*141 580 35 0*
32000 09/15* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*125 588 35 0*
*** ***
32005 09/16*143 603 35 0*146 620 35 0*148 637 40 0*151 651 40 0*
32005 09/16*133 605 35 0*140 621 35 0*145 637 40 0*149 654 40 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
32010 09/17*153 665 40 0*157 684 45 0*161 703 45 0*164 719 45 0*
32010 09/17*153 671 40 0*157 687 45 0*161 703 45 0*163 719 45 0*
*** *** ***
32015 09/18*167 733 45 0*170 745 45 0*172 755 45 0*173 763 45 0*
32015 09/18*164 733 45 0*165 745 45 0*165 755 45 0*165 763 45 0*
*** *** *** ***
32020 09/19*174 771 45 0*174 779 45 0*175 787 45 0*175 793 45 0*
32020 09/19*165 771 45 0*165 779 45 0*165 787 45 0*165 794 45 0*
*** *** *** *** ***
32025 09/20*176 799 45 0*176 807 45 0*176 816 45 0*176 826 45 0*
32025 09/20*165 802 45 0*166 810 45 0*167 818 45 0*168 826 45 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
32030 09/21*176 835 45 0*175 843 40 0*175 850 40 0*174 856 40 0*
32030 09/21*168 834 45 0*168 842 40 0*168 850 40 0*168 858 40 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
32035 09/22*174 863 40 0*174 872 40 0*173 880 35 0*172 885 30 0*
32035 09/22*168 866 40 0*168 873 40 0*168 880 35 0*168 887 30 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
(September 23 is new to HURDAT)
32037 09/23*168 894 30 0*168 902 25 0*168 910 25 0* 0 0 0 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
32040 TS
Minor track, but no intensity changes, are analyzed for this tropical
storm that traversed the Caribbean. A major alteration is to add an
additional day at the end of the cyclone's lifetime. Evidence for
these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps Series, the
COADS ship database, Monthly Weather Review, and USWB/NHC microfilm of
synoptic weather maps.
Storm 5 (Old Storm 4)
September 15: HWM indicates a spot low near 15.5N, 62.5W. Ship
highlights: No gales or low pressures. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical
Storm with 35kt winds at 14.1N, 58.0W at 18Z. Micro shows a low
pressure near 13N, 58.5W at 12Z. Station highlights: No gales or low
pressures. "Between the 15th and the 22nd, a partially-developed wave
moved westward through the Caribbean from the Windward Islands, near
Santa Lucia, to British Honduras" (MWR). "Place where first reported:
Windward Islands near Santa Lucia. Max wind velocity reported:
Beaufort force 6. Lowest barometer reported: 1002.4mb in Swan Island.
Place of dissipation: Central British Honduras. Intensity: Not of
hurricane intensity. Remarks: No gales reported" (MWR).
September 16: HWM indicates a spot low near 15N, 64.5W. HURDAT lists
this as a Tropical Storm with 40kt winds at 14.8N, 63.7W at 12Z. Micro
shows a closed low pressure of at most 1008mb near 14.2N, 64.3W at
12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights:
15kt NE and 1008mb at St Lucia at 0Z (USWB).
September 17: HWM indicates a spot low near 15N, 70W. HURDAT lists
this as a Tropical Storm with 45kt winds at 16.1N, 70.3W at 12Z. Micro
shows a low pressure near 17.5N, 72W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales
or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
September 18: HWM indicates a closed low with a pressure of at most
1010mb near 16.5N, 75.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with
45kt winds at 17.2N, 75.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. "A moderate
barometric depression passed to the far south about the 18th and 19th,
causing heavy seas and rainsqualls with a 30 miles per hour easterly
wind at Morant Point on the 18th and in the forenoon and afternoon of
the 19th. The barometric pressure at Kingston at 7 am on the 19th read
29.804 inches or nearly one-tenth of an inch below normal. No serious
damages were reported" (JAMAICA).
September 19: HWM indicates a spot low near 17.5N, 79.5W. HURDAT lists
this as a Tropical Storm with 45kt winds at 17.5N, 78.7W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or
low pressures. Aircraft report: 35kt SE at 18N, 80W at 2322Z (USWB).
"6 22 p - Surface wind 39 mph...Sct CB" (USWB).
September 20: HWM indicates a spot low near 17N, 81.5W. HURDAT lists
this as a Tropical Storm with 45kt winds at 17.6N, 81.6W at 12Z. Micro
shows a closed low pressure of at most 1002mb near 16.8N, 82.8W at
12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights:
15kt E with a pressure of 1002mb at Swan Island at 2030Z (MWR/USWB);
15kt E with a pressure of 1005mb at Swan Island at 18Z (USWB). "At
Swan Island, on the 20th, pressure fell to 1002.4mb but no wind higher
than Beaufort force 6 was reported in any observation" (MWR).
September 21: HWM indicates a low near 16N, 85W. HURDAT lists this as
a Tropical Storm with 40kt winds at 17.5N, 85W at 12Z. Micro shows a
low pressure near 16N, 86W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: 20kt SE with a pressure of 1005mb at 0Z
(USWB); 10kt N with a pressure of 1005mb at Belize City at 18Z (USWB).
September 22: HWM indicates a low near 16N, 88W. HURDAT lists this as
a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 17.3N, 88W at 12Z. Micro shows a
low pressure near 16.2N, 88.2W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or
low pressures. Station highlights: 10kt N with a pressure of 1005mb at
Belize City at 0Z (USWB); 1005mb at Tela, Honduras at 0Z (USWB).
September 23: Micro shows a low pressure near 17.5N, 90W at 12Z.
Station highlights: 10kt SE with a pressure of 1005mb at Belize City
at 0Z (USWB);
No changes to the timing of genesis for this tropical storm. Minor
track changes were introduced for each day of its existence, with the
largest adjustments made late on the 15th and early on the 20th. The
track is consistently around a degree south of the original one, based
upon observations from the Lesser Antilles (on the 15th and 16th),
Jamaica (on the 18th), Swan Island (on the 20th), and Belize (British
Honduras) (on the 22nd). No definitive evidence confirmed that it was a
tropical storm while going across the Lesser Antilles. However, the
pressure dropped by 4 mb at St. Lucia in twelve hours (from 1012 to
1008 mb at 00Z on the 16th), which is suggestive that it was a tropical
storm at that time. An intensity of 35 kt at that time is retained.
It is of note that an aircraft provided estimated surface winds of
about 35 kt SE north of the revised center late on the 19th. 1002 mb
and 15 kt E wind was observed at Swan Island at 2030Z on the 20th.
This pressure suggests maximum winds of at least 42 kt from the Brown
et al. south of 25N pressure-wind relationship. 45 kt is retained in
HURDAT for the 19th, 20th, and 21st. (No changes were made to the
intensity at any time in the cyclone's lifetime.) 45 kt intensity is
also the peak for the lifetime of the cyclone. As the system
approached Central America on the 22nd, pressures both at Belize City,
British Honduras and Tela, Honduras actually went up slightly. This
would suggest that the cyclone was weakening before landfall and
HURDAT showed the intensity dropping to 35 kt before landfall. This
too is unchanged. The system made landfall around 15Z in southern
British Honduras as a 35 kt tropical storm. Observations indicate
that the system continued as a closed low for an additional 18 hours
through 12Z on the 23rd, before dissipating over Guatemala.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
32690 09/18/1942 M= 8 5 SNBR= 716 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
32690 09/18/1942 M= 8 6 SNBR= 716 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
*
32695 09/18* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*301 658 35 0*306 660 35 0*
32695 09/18* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*350 650 35 0*344 652 35 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** *** ***
32700 09/19*310 661 35 0*314 662 40 0*318 663 40 0*321 664 45 0*
32700 09/19*337 660 35 0*330 672 40 0*325 680 40 0*327 685 45 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
32705 09/20*323 664 45 0*326 665 45 0*330 666 45 0*335 667 45 0*
32705 09/20*332 689 45 0*339 692 45 0*345 695 45 0*349 695 45 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
32710 09/21*340 668 45 0*345 669 45 0*350 670 40 0*359 670 40 0*
32710 09/21*352 692 45 0*356 689 45 0*360 685 40 0*367 681 40 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
32715 09/22*370 670 40 0*378 669 40 0E387 665 35 0E400 652 35 0*
32715 09/22E377 677 40 0E389 671 40 0E400 665 35 0E408 655 35 0*
**** *** **** *** *** *** ***
32720 09/23E413 635 35 0E423 615 35 0E430 599 35 0E435 590 35 0*
32720 09/23E414 642 35 0E420 628 35 0E425 615 35 0E430 606 35 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
32725 09/24E439 582 35 0E443 573 35 0E448 563 35 0E457 549 35 0*
32725 09/24E437 597 35 0E445 588 35 0E455 580 35 0E470 569 35 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
32730 09/25*472 528 35 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
32730 09/25E490 550 35 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
**** ***
32735 TS
Major changes to the track but no changes at all to the intensity of
this tropical storm over the Atlantic. Evidence for these alterations
comes from the Historical Weather Maps Series, the COADS ship
database, Monthly Weather Review, and USWB/NHC microfilm of synoptic
weather maps.
Storm 6 (Old Storm 5)
September 17: HWM indicates that a cold front was located between the
US East Coast and Bermuda, and a warm front along longitude 68W.
HURDAT does not list this system. Ship highlights: 20kt W and 1011mb
at 36.5N, 71.5W at 13Z (COADS).
September 18: HWM indicates a spot low near 30N, 68W. Also shows a
cold front north of the low stretching from the US East Coast to
northeast of Bermuda and a warm front stretching from the northeast of
Bermuda to the central Atlantic. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm
with 35kt winds at 30.1N, 65.8W at 12Z (first position). The MWR
Tracks of lows showed a center at 30N, 66W (am). Microfilm shows a
closed low pressure of at most 1014mb near 35N, 64W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or
low pressures.
September 19: HWM indicates a closed low with a pressure of at most
1005mb near 32N, 68W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 40kt
winds at 31.8N, 66.3W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center
at 32N, 67W (am). Microfilm shows a closed low pressure of at most
1008mb near 34N, 68W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 20kt NNW with a pressure
of 1004mb at 31.5N, 72.5W at 17Z (COA); 20kt NW with a pressure of
1005mb at 31N, 71.1W at 12Z (HWM); 20kt NW with a pressure of 1005mb
at 31.5N, 71.5W at 13Z (COA). Station highlights: 25kt SW and 1008mb
at Bermuda at 18Z (MICRO). "Don't know what this is or where it came
from. Apparently has backed slowly Southwest. Bermuda shows pretty dry
on Rasonde (rawinsonde?). Told Washington they could issue advisory if
they thought necessary. G.N. [Grady Norton]"
September 20: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000mb near 34.5N,
68.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 45kt winds at 33N,
66.6W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 34N, 67W (am).
Microfilm shows a spot low pressure of near 33N, 69W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: 20kt NNE with a pressure of 1001mb at 33.5N, 72.5W at 01Z
(COA). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
September 21: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000mb near 36N,
67W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 40kt winds at 35N, 67W
at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 36N, 67W (am) and at
37N, 67W (pm). Microfilm shows a closed low pressure of at most 1008mb
near 36N, 68.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
September 22: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000mb near 40.5N,
66.5W. HURDAT lists this as an Extratropical Storm with 35kt winds at
38.7N, 66.5W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 38.5N,
66W (am) and at 41N, 64W (pm). Microfilm shows a closed low pressure
of at most 1005mb near 41N, 66W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or
low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
September 23: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000mb near 42N,
60W. HURDAT lists this as an Extratropical Storm with 35kt winds at
43N, 59.9W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 43N, 60W
(am) and at 44N, 58W (pm). Microfilm shows a closed low pressure of at
most 1005mb near 41.5N, 62W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 25kt NW with a
pressure of 998mb at 41.5N, 61.5W at 16Z (COA). Station highlights:
25kt E with a pressure of 1005mb at Sable Island, Canada at 12Z
(USWB).
September 24: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 46.5N,
58W. HURDAT lists this as an Extratropical Storm with 35kt winds at
44.8N, 56.3W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 45N,
55W (am) and at 47N, 52W (pm). Microfilm shows a closed low pressure
of at most 1014mb near 44.5N, 55.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 10kt SE
with a pressure of 1005mb at 48.5N, 54.5W at 16Z (COA). Station
highlights: 25kt N with a pressure of 1005mb at Sydney (46.1N, 60.4W)
at 12Z (HWM).
September 25: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 990mb near 58N,
48W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 47.2N,
52.8W at 0Z (last position). Microfilm shows a spot low near 46N,
55.5W. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights:
No gales or low pressures.
Limited ship and station observations are somewhat suggestive that
genesis occurred on the 17th, about a day earlier than originally shown
in HURDAT. However, without more definitive evidence genesis time is
retained at 12Z on the 18th. Major track changes are introduced for
nearly every day of the system's existence, except for the 22nd and
23rd. Despite the frontal boundaries being portrayed near the cyclone
on the 18th [and 17th] observations suggest instead that no frontal
features were in reality present. At 01Z on the 20th, a ship reported
1001 mb pressure with 20 kt NNE wind. This peripheral pressure
supports at least 42 kt from the Brown et al. north of 25N pressure-
wind relationship. 45 kt is retained at 00Z on the 20th. Other than
this observation, few measurements were available near the center of
the cyclone and no changes were made to the intensity of the system at
any time. The peak intensity of this tropical storm is 45 kt from 18Z
on the 19th through 06Z on the 21st, which also is not altered. The
original HURDAT had the cyclone becoming extratropical at 12Z on the
22nd. While the data are sparse, this appears to be somewhat late and
extratropical transition is now listed as occurring at 00Z on the 22nd,
12 hours earlier. No changes are made to the dissipation timing of
the cyclone.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
32740 09/27/1942 M= 4 6 SNBR= 717 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
32740 09/27/1942 M= 4 7 SNBR= 717 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
*
32745 09/27* 0 0 0 0*282 608 35 0*290 627 35 0*285 649 35 0*
32745 09/27* 0 0 0 0*298 635 35 0*300 640 35 0*302 645 35 0*
*** *** *** *** *** ***
32750 09/28*287 665 35 0*297 677 40 0*306 682 40 0*314 682 45 0*
32750 09/28*304 650 35 0*307 655 40 0*310 660 40 0*315 663 45 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
32755 09/29*322 680 45 0*330 676 45 0*339 671 40 0*348 664 40 0*
32755 09/29*322 666 45 0*330 669 45 0E339 669 40 0E348 664 40 0*
*** *** * *** *
32760 09/30*355 655 35 0*364 641 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
32760 09/30E356 655 35 0E364 641 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
**** *
32765 TS
Major changes to the track but no changes at all to the intensity of
this tropical storm over the Atlantic. A major alteration is to
indicate an extratropical cyclone stage for the last day of its
existence. Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical
Weather Maps Series, the COADS ship database, Monthly Weather Review,
and USWB/NHC microfilm of synoptic weather maps.
Storm 7 (Old Storm 6)
September 26: HWM indicates a weak low at 27N, 62W with no data or
observations nearby. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
September 27: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at
most 1010mb near 30N, 64W and a weakening, stationary cold front to
the north. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at
29N, 62.7W at 12Z. Microfilm shows no features of interest. Ship
highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or
low pressures.
September 28: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at
most 1010mb near 30.5N, 66W and a strong cold front stretching off the
US East coast. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 40kt winds
at 30.6N, 68.2W at 12Z. Microfilm shows a closed low pressure of at
most 1005mb near 32N, 67.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: 35kt ESE with a pressure of 1012mb at
Bermuda (32.4N, 64.7W) at 12Z (HWM).
September 29: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at
most 1015mb near 34N, 66.5W and a stationary cold front just to the
west of the cyclone. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 40kt
winds at 33.9N, 67.1W at 12Z. Microfilm shows a spot low near 30.5N,
68W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 35kt N with a pressure of 1023mb at
33.5N, 73.5W at 17Z (COA). Station highlights: No gales or low
pressures.
September 30: HWM indicates a stationary front two degrees west of
Bermuda. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 30kt winds at
36.4N, 64.1W at 06Z (last position). Ship highlights: 35kt NE with a
pressure of 1024mb at 35.2N, 73.1W at 12Z (HWM). Station highlights:
No gales or low pressures.
October 1: HWM indicates a baroclinic low near 47N, 43W.
No change is made to the timing of genesis for this tropical storm.
Large position changes were made on the 27th and 28th, based upon ship
and Bermuda observations, with smaller alterations on the 29th and 30th.
A warm frontal feature indicated on the 27th very near the cyclone's
center does not appear to actually occur. 35 kt ESE winds with 1012
mb pressure at Bermuda at 12Z on the 28th confirm that the system was a
tropical storm. The intensity is kept at 40 kt at that time. (It
should be noted that ship #22002, which reported 1005 mb on the 28th
and 29th was about 5 mb too low after comparison with the Bermuda
observations.) Like most systems in 1942, very few observations were
available near the center of the cyclone throughout its lifetime. No
changes were made to the intensity at any point. Thus the 45 kt peak
intensity from 18Z on the 28th through 06Z on the 29th is not adjusted
either. On the 29th a strong cold front approached the cyclone from
the west and it is estimated that the front reached the center of the
cyclone around 12Z on the 29th. An extratropical stage is then added
beginning at 12Z on the 29th, which was not indicated previously. No
change is made to the dissipation of the system after 06Z on the 30th.
It is noted that there was a baroclinic low near 47N 43W at 12Z on the
1st of October, but the observations are too sparse to know if the ex-
tropical cyclone and this baroclinic low were the same system.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
32770 10/01/1942 M= 5 7 SNBR= 718 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
32770 09/30/1942 M= 6 8 SNBR= 718 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
** ** * *
(September 30th is new to HURDAT)
32773 09/30* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*240 710 30 0*245 708 30 0*
*** *** ** *** *** **
32775 10/01* 0 0 0 0*231 719 35 0*250 700 35 0*255 694 35 0*
32775 10/01*250 706 35 0*255 704 40 0*260 700 45 0*266 691 45 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** *** **
32780 10/02*265 684 40 0*278 670 40 0*291 656 40 0*304 642 45 0*
32780 10/02*272 680 45 0*281 668 50 0*291 656 55 0*302 644 60 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** ** *** *** **
32785 10/03*317 629 45 0*327 619 50 0*338 610 50 0*352 599 50 0*
32785 10/03*313 633 60 0*325 622 60 0*338 610 60 0*356 594 55 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** ** *** *** **
32790 10/04*367 587 50 0*382 577 45 0E397 566 40 0E417 550 40 0*
32790 10/04*376 576 50 0*397 556 45 0E420 540 40 0E441 530 45 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** **
32795 10/05E440 530 35 0E463 509 35 0E487 488 35 0E510 467 35 0*
32795 10/05E452 522 50 0E473 516 55 0E490 510 60 0E511 505 60 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
32800 TS
Major changes to the track and minor intensity alterations (during the
tropical cyclone stage) of this tropical storm over the Atlantic.
Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps
Series, the COADS ship database, Monthly Weather Review, and USWB/NHC
microfilm of synoptic weather maps.
Storm 8 (Old Storm 7)
September 29: HWM indicates an open low near 26N 72W with a cold
frontal boundary extending from west of Bermuda to south Florida to
the north and west of the open low. Additionally, a tropical cyclone
is indicated just northwest of Bermuda (storm #7) along the frontal
boundary. No low pressures or gale force winds.
September 30: HWM indicates a closed low with a pressure of at most
1005mb near 24N, 71W and a weakening cold front to the northeast and
southwest of the circulation. Microfilm shows a closed low pressure
with a pressure of at most 1011mb near 27N, 70W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or
low pressures.
October 1: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
995mb near 26N, 70W and a weakening cold front to the southwest of the
circulation. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at
25N, 70W at 12Z. Microfilm shows a closed low with a pressure of at
most 1005mb near 26N, 70W at 18Z. Ship highlights: 20kt SE with a
pressure of 991mb [996mb] at 25.5N, 69.5W at 17Z (COA); 25kt SSE with
a pressure of 995mb [1000mb] at 26N, 69.2W at 12Z (HWM). Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures. "On October 1 a circulation
developed northeast of the Bahama Islands, and moved northeastward as
a storm of wide extent and considerable intensity" (MWR).
October 2: HWM indicates a Hurricane with a pressure of at most 995mb
near 30N, 65W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 40kt winds
at 29.1N, 65.6W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 31N,
63W (pm). Microfilm shows a closed low with a pressure of at most
1002mb near 29N, 65.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: 30kt NE with a pressure of 1002mb at
Bermuda (32.4N, 64.7W) at 18Z (USWB).
October 3: HWM indicates a Hurricane with a pressure of at most 990mb
near 36N, 60W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 50kt winds
at 33.8N, 61W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 33N,
61W (am) and at 35N, 58.5W (pm). Microfilm shows a closed low pressure
with a pressure of at most 1002mb near 34N, 61W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: 50kt NE with a pressure of 995mb [1000mb] at 32.5N, 65.5W
at 00Z (COA); 35kt NNW with a pressure of 999mb [1004mb] at 32.5N,
65.5W at 12Z (COA); and 50kt S at 33.5N, 57.3W at 22Z (USWB). Station
highlights: 40kt NE with a pressure of 1000mb at Bermuda (32.4N,
64.7W) at 0Z (USWB); 35kt NE with a pressure of 1002mb at Bermuda
(32.4N, 64.7W) at 06Z (USWB); 35kt NNW with a pressure of 1006mb at
Bermuda (32.4N, 64.7W) at 12Z (HWM); and 35kt NNW with a pressure of
1008mb at Bermuda (32.4N, 64.7W) at 18Z (USWB). "It passed east of
Bermuda during the night of October 2-3, attended by a large gale
area, but with no available reports showing winds of hurricane force"
(MWR).
October 4: HWM indicates a Hurricane with a pressure of 985mb near
42.5N, 54W. HURDAT lists this as an Extratropical Storm with 40kt
winds at 39.7N, 56.6W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center
at 38N, 54W (am) and at 42N, 51W (pm). Microfilm shows a closed low
pressure with a pressure of at most 996mb near 39N, 55W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: 35kt SE with a pressure of 1012mb at 38N, 50W at 03Z
(USWB); 40kt SSE with a pressure of 1010mb at 38N, 50W at 06Z (USWB);
40kt NE with a pressure of 999mb at 44N, 55W at 12Z (HWM); 20kt ESE
with a pressure of 992mb at 44.5N, 53.5W at 16Z (COA). Station
highlights: 25kt N with a pressure of 1005mb at Sable Island, Canada
(USWB).
October 5: HWM indicates a Hurricane with a pressure of at most 960mb
near 51N, 47W. HURDAT lists this as an Extratropical Storm with 35kt
winds at 48.7N, 48.8W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center
at 47N, 49W (am). Ship highlights: 50kt W with a pressure of 993mb at
46.5N, 51W at 12Z (HWM); 35kt SSE with a pressure of 972mb at 44.5N,
54.5W at 00Z (COA); 45kt NW with a pressure of 977mb at 48.5N, 52.5W
at 11Z (COA). Station highlights: 40kt W and 990mb at St. Johns at 12Z
(HWM).
October 6: HWM indicates a closed low with a pressure of at most 980mb
near 61.5N, 30W. Ship highlights: 20kt SSW with a pressure of 967mb at
61.5N, 25.5W at 22Z (COA); 45kt NNE with a pressure of 1007mb at
64.5N, 22.5W at 21Z (COA). Station highlights: No gales or low
pressures.
* Information in brackets [] is a corrected pressure adjusted for a
5mb low bias in the original observation.
A low pressure was indicated in HWM to be in place on the 29th of
September, the data is too ambiguous to conclusively close the system
off. Genesis for this tropical storm is now indicated to be 18 hours
earlier than originally shown in HURDAT based upon ship and land
observations on the 30th of September. While it is the case that a
significant temperature gradient existed over Florida on this date,
this temperature gradient and associated cold air advection did not
extend to the vicinity of the cyclone. The Bahamian observations and
the couple of available ships show that the temperatures across the
system were isothermal in the low 80s on the 30th. Thus it is likely
that the front did not reach the location of the cyclone and that the
cold air advection remained substantially farther west. It is also of
note that the Bahamian pressures showed a 3-4 mb drop between the 29th
and 30th, consistent with genesis occurring on the 30th. (It is noted
here that the front in question the one that absorbed storm #7 on the
same day.) Major track changes were introduced on the 1st while the
system was a tropical storm and on the 4th and 5th while the cyclone was
undergoing extratropical transition. Ship #59049 reported 991 mb
pressure and 20 kt SE winds at 17Z on the 1st. Comparison of this ship
with subsequent other ship/land measurements suggest that its
barometer was about 5 mb too low. (The bias for this ship was
determined at 12Z on the 2nd with two very closely located ships and
Turks and Caicos station.) A 996 mb peripheral pressure suggests
maximum winds of at least 54 kt from the Brown et al. south of 25N
pressure-wind relationship and at least 50 kt from north of 25N.
Given the slow movement of the cyclone and the rather low
environmental pressures, a 45 kt intensity is estimated at 18Z, which
is up 10 kt from HURDAT originally. At 00Z on the 3rd, ship #22002
reported 50 kt NE winds and a pressure of 995 mb. As was seen from
storm #7, this ship also had a bias of about 5 mb too low. (The bias
for this ship was determined by the average of multiple close
observations from Bermuda at 00 and 12Z on the 2nd and 00Z and 12Z on
the 3rd.) At the same time, Bermuda reported 40 kt NE winds with 1000
mb pressure. The intensity is estimated at this time to be 60 kt, as
the 50 kt NE wind report was on the weak side of the cyclone as the
system was moving northeastward at about 15 kt. This is a boost of 15
kt from HURDAT originally and 60 kt is now the peak intensity for this
cyclone. Due to the lack of observations, it cannot be ruled out that
this system became a hurricane. The system underwent extratropical
transition around 12Z on the 4th, which is unchanged from that
originally shown. On the 5th, ship and Canadian observations indicated
that the cyclone deepened as an extratropical low. The intensity is
boosted to 60 kt on the 5th, a major upward shift from 35 kt originally
shown. The HWM and COADS observations indicate that this vigorous
extratropical low continued northeastward across the North Atlantic.
The low apparently merged with another baroclinic cyclone on the 6th
and the last position is now given at 18Z on the 5th.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
32805 10/10/1942 M= 3 8 SNBR= 719 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=0
32805 10/10/1942 M= 4 9 SNBR= 719 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
* * *
32810 10/10* 0 0 0 0*292 705 35 0*300 720 35 0*304 727 35 0*
32810 10/10* 0 0 0 0*296 713 35 0*300 720 35 0*304 727 35 0*
*** ***
32815 10/11*310 735 35 0*315 742 35 0*323 750 35 0*333 754 35 0*
32815 10/11*310 733 35 0*318 739 40 0E330 745 40 0E339 750 45 0*
*** *** *** ** **** *** ** *** *** **
32820 10/12*343 757 25 0*350 759 25 0E358 762 25 0E365 770 25 0*
32820 10/12E346 754 45 1000E351 757 40 0E355 759 40 0E356 763 35 0*
**** *** ** ******** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
(October 13th is new to HURDAT)
32820 10/13E354 768 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
**** *** **
32825 TS
Minor track and intensity (during the tropical cyclone stage)
alterations were introduced for this tropical storm that made landfall
as an extratropical cyclone in North Carolina. Another major change
is to indicate extratropical transition 24 hours earlier than
previously shown in HURDAT. 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
Monthly Meteorological Summary, and the Climatological Data for North
Carolina.
Storm 9 (Old Storm 8)
October 9: HWM indicates a low near 24N, 78W. Ship highlights: No
gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
October 10: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1010mb near 27.5N, 71W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with
35kt winds at 30N, 72W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center
at 30N, 70W (am) and at 31.5N, 71W (pm). Microfilm shows a closed low
with a pressure of at most 1011mb near 28N, 71.5W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or
low pressures. "This storm also formed northeast of the Bahamas, but
moved north-northwestward to a position off the North Carolina Capes
where its northward progress was blocked" (MWR).
October 11: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1000mb near 33N, 75W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 35kt
winds at 32.3N, 75W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at
33N, 72W (am) with a pressure of 1006.4mb and at 34N, 74W (pm).
Microfilm shows a closed low with a pressure of at most 1002mb near
34N, 73.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 20kt SW with a pressure of 1004mb
at 31N, 73.2W at 12Z (HWM); 20kt SW with a pressure of 1004mb at
31.5N, 73.5W at 13Z (COA). Station highlights: 25kt NNE with a
pressure of 1003mb at Cape Hatteras at 18Z (USWB).
October 12: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1005mb near 36N, 76W. HURDAT lists this as an Extratropical Storm with
25kt winds at 35.8N, 76.2W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a
center at 35N, 75W (am) with a pressure of 1006.4mb and at 36N, 77W
(pm). Microfilm shows a closed low with a pressure of at most 1005mb
near 35.8N, 75.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: 40kt NE at Cape Henry (36.9N, 76W) no time given
(MWR); 20kt NE with a pressure of 1002mb at Cape Hatteras at 00Z
(USWB); 1001mb, no time given - likely between 00Z and 06Z (MMS) at
Cape Hatteras, 15kt NE with a pressure of 1004mb at Cape Hatteras at
06Z (USWB), 15 kt S with 1006 mb at Cape Hatteras at 12Z (USWB); 35kt
NE at Cape Henry at 12Z (HWM); 36kt NE at Atlantic City (39.4N, 74.4W)
no time given (MWR). "It then curved inland over the northeastern
North Carolina coast and gradually dissipated on the 12th. Heavy
rainfall was recorded over northeastern North Carolina and to the
northward, but no damaging winds were reported" (MWR).
October 13: HWM shows no feature of interest; a large, strong high
dominates with NE winds over SE United States. The MWR Tracks of lows
showed a center at 36N, 77W (am) (last position). Microfilm shows a
low pressure near 35.5N, 76.5W at 0Z. Ship highlights: No gales low
pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. "Maximum
wind velocity reported: Gale winds near center. Intensity: Probably
not of hurricane intensity. Remarks: No damaging winds reported, heavy
rainfall over northeastern North Carolina" (MWR).
No changes to the genesis timing at 06Z on the 10th of October. The
initial position is adjusted slightly northwestward for a more
realistic motion. Minor position alterations were introduced for all
days in the short lifetime of the system. As the cyclone approached
the United States it moved into a significant baroclinic environment
on the 11th. This along with an elongated NE-SW stretching of the
vortex indicates that the system became extratropical around 12Z on
the 11th. This is 24 hours earlier than previously indicated in
HURDAT. Peak observations were the following: Cape Henry with 40 kt
(5 min) early on the 12th (Z time), Atlantic City with 35 kt on the
12Z, and Cape Hatteras with a minimum pressure of 1001 mb. The time
series at Cape Hatteras suggest that the pressure there reached a
minimum before the center passed through around 08Z. This was likely
due to the system filling rather quickly on the 12th. A central
pressure is thus estimated to be 1000 mb around 00Z on the 12th. The
wind measurements collectively indicate that the system retained gale
force intensity on the 11th and the 12th, with peak intensity analyzed
to be 45 kt at 18Z on the 11th and 00Z on the 12th. The boost of
intensity at 00Z on the 12th was a major increase (20 kt higher than
the 25 kt originally shown). Peak intensity as a tropical cyclone was
40 kt at 06Z on the 11th just before extratropical transition (up 5 kt
from HURDAT), but it was slightly stronger as an extratropical cyclone
with 45 kt. After landfall around 08Z on the 12th, the cyclone slowed
and turned toward the west-southwest before dissipating after 00Z on
the 13th. This extended the lifecycle of this system an additional six
hours beyond that shown in HURDAT originally.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
32830 10/13/1942 M= 6 9 SNBR= 720 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
32830 10/13/1942 M= 6 10 SNBR= 720 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
**
32835 10/13* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*193 761 40 0*
32835 10/13* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*194 769 30 0*202 764 30 0*
*** *** ** *** *** **
32840 10/14*217 763 35 0*230 763 40 0*242 763 45 0*249 763 45 0*
32840 10/14*212 761 30 0*225 760 35 0*237 760 35 0*246 760 35 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
32845 10/15*253 762 45 0*259 762 45 0*264 761 45 0*272 757 45 0*
32845 10/15*250 760 35 0*254 761 35 0*260 761 35 0*267 759 35 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
32850 10/16*282 752 45 0*289 747 45 0*297 741 45 0*308 734 45 0*
32850 10/16*274 754 40 0*282 748 40 0*290 741 45 0*300 734 45 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ***
32855 10/17*319 726 45 0*329 721 45 0*339 718 45 0*356 709 40 0*
32855 10/17*310 726 45 0*320 721 45 0*330 718 45 0*340 709 40 0*
*** *** *** ***
32860 10/18*374 696 40 0*388 687 35 0*401 677 35 0E425 638 35 0*
32860 10/18*350 696 40 0*360 683 35 0*370 670 35 0E380 660 35 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
32865 TS
Major changes to the track and but minor alterations to the intensity
of this October tropical storm. 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
and Perez et al. (2000).
Storm 10 (Old Storm 9)
October 10: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 17N,
74W. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights:
No gales or low pressures.
October 11: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1010mb near 16N, 75W. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
October 12: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1010mb near 17.5N, 79W. Microfilm shows a low pressure near 16N, 79.5W
at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures.
October 13: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1010mb near 20.5N, 78W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with
40kt winds at 19.3N, 76.1W at 18Z. Microfilm shows a low pressure near
24N, 76.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station
highlights: 10kt SSW and 1006mb at Santiago de Cuba at 18Z (USWB).
"Forming in the northern Caribbean this disturbance moved over eastern
Cuba on the 13th and, after crossing the Bahamas, curved northeastward
over the Atlantic passing some distance west of Bermuda on the 17th"
(MWR). "October 13, Tropical Storm for Cuba" (Perez et al. (2000)).
October 14: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1010mb near 23N, 77W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 45kt
winds at 24.2N, 76.3W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center
at 24N, 76W (am) with a pressure of 1009mb and at 26N, 76W (pm).
Microfilm shows a closed low with a pressure of at most 1008mb near
24N, 76.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station
highlights: 25kt WSW and 1008mb at Mayari at 0Z (USWB).
October 15: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1005mb near 27.5N, 75.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with
45kt winds at 26.4N, 76.1W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a
center at 27N, 76W (am) with a pressure of 1005mb and at 28.5N, 75W
(pm). Microfilm shows a closed low with a pressure of at most 1005mb
near 26N, 76.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: 25kt W with a pressure of 1005mb at Eleuthera
Island at 12Z.
October 16: HWM indicates a Hurricane with a pressure of 1000mb near
31N, 75W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 45kt winds at
29.7N, 74.1W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 34N,
71W (am) with a pressure of 1011.5mb and at 36N, 70.5W (pm). Microfilm
shows a low pressure near 28N, 74W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales
or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
October 17: HWM indicates a Hurricane with a pressure of at most
1000mb near 33.5N, 71.5W with a warm front northeast of the cyclone.
HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 45kt winds at 33.9N, 71.8W
at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 38N, 70W (am) with a
pressure of 1013.2mb and at 39N, 69W (pm). Microfilm shows a low
pressure near 32.5N, 72W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
October 18: HWM indicates a Hurricane with a pressure of at most 985mb
near 39N, 66.5W with an approaching cold front to the west and a warm
front to the northeast of the cyclone. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical
Storm with 35kt winds at 40.1N, 67.7W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows
showed a center at 40.5N, 67W (am) with a pressure of 1003.1mb and at
42N, 63W (pm). Microfilm shows a closed low with a pressure of at most
999mb near 40.5N, 68W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 20kt S with a pressure
of 1001mb at 39.5N, 62.5W at 16Z (COA). Station highlights: 20kt NE
with a pressure of 1003mb at Martha's Vineyard (41.4N, 70.6W) at 12Z
(HWM); 33kt N at Block Island (no time given) (MWR); 28kt NE (no time
given) at Boston (MWR); 29kt NE (no time given) at Nantucket, and 20kt
NE with a pressure of 1001mb at Yarmouth, Canada at 18Z (USWB). "On
the 18th it was absorbed into a stronger disturbance southeast of New
England. This storm increased only slightly in intensity after
leaving the Bahama region and, so far as is known, did not attain
hurricane intensity" (MWR).
October 19: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 975mb near 46N, 60W
with a warm front to the east and cold fronts to the south and west.
The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 44N, 59W (am) with a
pressure of 989.7mb and at 47N, 55W (pm). Microfilm shows a closed low
with a pressure of at most 990mb near 43N, 63W at 0Z [last available].
Ship highlights: 40kt W with a pressure of 992mb at 39.5N, 63.5W at
00Z (COA); 15kt ENE with a pressure of 975mb at 46.5N, 60.5W at 12Z
(COA). Station highlights: 25kt NE with a pressure of 993mb at
Halifax, Canada at 0Z (USWB); 35kt W with a pressure of 990mb at Sable
Island at 12Z (HWM).
October 20: HWM indicates a closed low with a pressure of at most
980mb near 49N, 54W with a warm front to the north and cold front to
the south. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 50.5N, 53W (am).
"Maximum wind velocity reported: No winds over strong (25-38mph).
Intensity: Not of hurricane intensity. Remarks: No reports of damaging
winds" (MWR).
October 21: HWM shows a complex low with one low center at 54N, 42W,
but there are no observations showing a closed low.
It was considered to show genesis at 12Z on the 12th of October, 30
hours earlier than indicated in HURDAT originally. The observations
on the 12th - primarily from land stations in the Caribbean - are
somewhat suggestive that a closed low had formed by that date.
Genesis is now shown at 12Z on the 13th, six hours earlier than that
shown in HURDAT. The key piece of evidence is the 1006 mb and 10 kt
SSW in Santiago de Cuba at 18Z on the 13th, which indicates that the
system was just making landfall a couple of hours before this time.
Rather than showing the first point over Cuba, a position between Cuba
and Jamaica is indicated at 12Z. It is noted that the system still
was somewhat elongated at 12Z on the 13th. But given the evidence for
a tropical cyclone (over Cuba) is strong at 18Z, genesis at 12Z on the
13th appears to be the best solution given the uncertainties. Another
possibility is that the system became a tropical cyclone on the 14th
over the Bahamas, instead of just south of Cuba on the 13th. The
system is begun as a 30 kt tropical depression. Around 16Z on the
13th, the cyclone made landfall in southeastern Cuba. HURDAT
originally had it making landfall as a 40 kt tropical storm. Evidence
to retain it as a tropical storm include the 4 mb pressure drop in six
hours at Santiago de Cuba (1010 to 1006 mb between 12 and 18Z on the
13th) as well the 25 kt W winds and 1008 mb pressure at Mayari at 00Z
on the 14th. However, the slow movement of the cyclone and the low
environmental pressure suggest a weaker intensity. The system is
analyzed to have been a 30 kt tropical depression at landfall, which
is a slight downgrade from that shown in HURDAT originally. Position
changes were introduced on every day of its existence and were all
minor for the tropical cyclone portion, but were major for the last
existing position in HURDAT at 18Z on the 18th when the system was
extratropical. Numerous observations in the Caribbean on the 14th and
15th indicate that the cyclone was at most a minimal tropical storm.
Tropical storm intensity is estimated to have been achieved around 06Z
on the 14th, 12 hours later than that originally shown in HURDAT. The
intensity is brought down some from 45 to 35 kt on the 14th and 15th.
On the 16th and 17th, virtually no observations were available (in both
real-time and in the reanalysis) to determine the track and intensity.
Intensity is thus kept at 45 kt on those dates, which is the peak
intensity for the lifetime of the system as a tropical storm. The
microfilm maps clearly show a baroclinic low moving northeastward over
the Carolinas on 16-17 October. The data does not allow subsequent
tracking until the 0600 UTC 18 October map, where the real-time
analyses available in the microfilm suggested two lows were present -
one just northwest of Bermuda and the other just south of New England.
Indeed, the Monthly Weather Review summary suggested that the latter
cyclone was a new development that absorbed the pre-existing tropical
storm. However, the original HURDAT instead indicated that the vortex
near New England was a continuation of the existing tropical storm.
The reanalysis concurs with MWR, although there remains significant
uncertainty in the exact evolution of the system. Absorption of the
system after 18Z on the 18th is indicated (same as in HURDAT and MWR),
but with positions on the 18th close to that suggested by the MWR.
Major track changes are then introduced on all times on the 18th and
extratropical transition is retained at 18Z.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
32870 11/05/1942 M= 7 10 SNBR= 721 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0 L
32870 11/05/1942 M= 7 11 SNBR= 721 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0 L
**
32875 11/05*179 651 35 0*199 682 40 0*211 700 40 0*221 718 45 0*
32875 11/05*218 720 35 0*222 722 40 0*225 725 40 0*228 733 45 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
32880 11/06*227 735 50 0*230 747 60 0*229 758 65 997*225 773 70 994*
32880 11/06*230 745 50 0*230 757 60 0*227 768 65 0*223 778 70 0*
*** *** *** *** *** * *** *** *
32885 11/07*220 787 60 0*214 799 60 0*207 810 60 0*199 820 60 0*
32885 11/07*218 791 60 0*211 804 60 0*203 817 65 0*196 829 70 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** ** *** *** **
32890 11/08*191 830 65 0*185 841 70 0*181 853 80 0*179 866 85 0*
32890 11/08*190 840 75 0*184 850 80 0*179 860 85 0*178 870 95 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
32895 11/09*178 878 85 992*179 887 65 0*182 895 55 0*187 902 50 0*
32895 11/09*178 881 95 0*179 889 65 0*182 897 50 0*186 902 40 0*
*** ** * *** *** ** *** **
32900 11/10*192 908 45 999*197 913 40 0*202 918 40 0*214 919 40 0*
32900 11/10*190 907 40 0*195 911 40 0*200 915 40 0*205 917 40 0*
*** *** ** * *** *** *** *** *** ***
32905 11/11*219 918 40 0*215 910 35 0*206 900 35 0*200 888 25 0*
32905 11/11*208 918 40 0*206 915 40 0*200 910 40 0*193 898 30 0*
*** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
32910 HR
Major changes are introduced to the track, but only minor change to
the intensity for this late season hurricane that struck both Cuba and
Belize. Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical
Weather Maps Series, the COADS ship database, Monthly Weather Review,
the Mexican synoptic maps, and Perez et al. (2000).
Storm 11 (Old Storm 10)
November 4: HWM indicates two separate areas of low pressure, one
located near 15N, 67.W and the other at 20.5N, 71W. No gales or low
pressures. "A disturbance developed over the extreme southeast Bahamas
in a katallabaric wave that had moved up from the West Indies during
November 3 and 4"(MWR).
November 5: HWM indicates a low near 21N, 72W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm with 40kt winds at 21.1N, 70W at 12Z. Ship highlights:
30kt NNE with a pressure of 999mb [1003mb] at 25.5N, 73.5W at 17Z
(COA). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
November 6: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1005mb near 20.5N, 78W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 Hurricane
with 65kt winds at 22.9N, 75.8W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed
a center at 22N, 75W (am) with a pressure of 1004mb and at 21.5N, 78W
(pm). Ship highlights: 10kt SE with a pressure of 1002mb at 26.5N,
75.5W at 01Z (COA); 35kt NW at 23.5N, 79.5W at 17Z (COA). Station
highlights: 40kt NE and 997 mb (no time given) at Georgetown, Bahamas
(MWR); 61kt NE with a pressure of 994mb at Cay Paredon Grande (22.5N,
78.2W) at 19Z (MWR); 40kt SSW with a pressure of 1000mb at Camaguey
(21.4N, 77.9W) no time given (MWR). "The lowest pressure observed
during its passage over the southern Bahamas was 997mb, accompanied by
a northeast wind force 9, at Georgetown, Exuma Island ... Blocked from
entering the Gulf of Mexico by a ridge aloft, the disturbance turned
southwestward and, increasing to hurricane or near hurricane force,
crossed the north coast of Cuba a short distance southeast of Cay
Paredon Grande where, in the 2pm observation of the 6th, a wind of 70
miles per hour from the northeast, and pressure 994mb, was reported.
Camaguey, in the interior of south-central Cuba, recorded a low
pressure of 999.7mb with gusts of wind up to 46 miles per hour from
the south-southwest" (MWR). "November 6-7, Cat 1 for Cuba" (Perez et
al. (2000).
November 7: HWM indicates a closed low with a pressure of at most
1000mb near 19N, 82.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with
60kt winds at 20.7N, 81W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a
center at 21N, 81W (am) with a pressure of 1002mb and at 19N, 83W
(pm). Ship highlights: 35kt NE at 23.5N, 79.5W at 01Z (COA). Station
highlights: 15kt SSW with a pressure of 1002mb at Grand Cayman (19.2N,
81.4) at 12Z (HWM). "The disturbance weakened somewhat as it crossed
the mountainous region of Cuba, but still retained an active cyclonic
circulation as it passed into the Caribbean" (MWR).
November 8: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1000mb near 18N, 86W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 Hurricane with
80kt winds at 18.1N, 85.3W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a
center at 18N, 85W (am) with a pressure of 1007.1mb and at 17N, 87W
(pm). Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights:
No gales or low pressures.
November 9: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 19N,
89.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 55kt winds at 18.2N,
89.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station
highlights: 47kt and 992mb at 01Z at Belize City, and 40kt E with a
pressure of 999mb at Campeche (19.9N, 90.3W). All observations from
the MWR. "Moving southwestward it regained hurricane intensity and, on
approaching the Yucatan Peninsula, turned westward and struck inland
over British Honduras between 6 and 8pm of the 8th ... The lowest
pressure, throughout the history of the storm, was 991.5mb recorded at
6 and 7pm of the 8th in the observatory at Belize, with winds ranging
up to 54miles per hour. North of Belize [City] severe damage was
reported from a coastal area 100 miles long and 40 to 50 miles deep.
The center passed inland near or over the small village of San Pedro
which was 90 percent destroyed. From Caye Corker came a report that a
tidal wave had cut the island into three distinct parts carrying away
everything in its path...Damage throughout the affected area of British
Honduras has been estimated at four million dollars. Of this total,
one million is listed as destruction to private property, dwellings
and public buildings, and the remaining three million as damage to
coconut and other plantations and possible losses to the mahogany and
chicle industries. Nine lives were lost in the northern district, but
as many small fishing boats were dashed on shore or driven out to sea,
the total loss of life is still unknown...The center emerged into the
Bay of Campeche on the 9th, with lowest pressure at Campeche 998.9mb
and a highest wind of force 9 from the east. There is no evidence that
the disturbance regained hurricane intensity while in the Gulf of
Mexico" (MWR)."
November 10: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 20N,
91.5W with a strong cold front over the northwest Gulf of Mexico.
HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 40kt winds at 20.2N, 91.8W
at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station
highlights: A pressure of 1004 at Campeche at 12Z (HWM).
November 11: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 20N,
91W with a vigorous cold front stretching across the southern Gulf of
Mexico just a degree from the cyclone. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical
Storm with 35kt winds at 20.6N, 90W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales
or low pressures. Station highlights: 5kt SSE with a pressure of 1004
at Campeche at 12Z (HWM). "On the 10th its northwest movement was
blocked by high pressure at the surface and aloft and, being forced
back southeastward, it reentered Yucatan and dissipated on the 11th in
the interior of the peninsula" (MWR).
November 12: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 14N,
92W. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights:
No gales or low pressures.
Genesis is retained at 00Z on the 5th as originally shown in HURDAT.
However, the system may have begun on the 4th, but the data are
inconclusive. Major changes are made to the track on the 5th and minor
alterations are introduced for the remainder of the cyclone's
lifetime. A ship at 17Z on the 5th measured 999 mb pressure and 30 kt
NE winds. In comparison with other observations, it appears that this
ship's barometer recorded about 4 mb too low. 1003 mb peripheral
pressure suggests maximum winds of at least 41 kt from the Brown et
al. south of 25N pressure-wind relationship and at least 38 kt north
of 25N. 45 kt is retained as the intensity at 18Z on the 5th. The
small cyclone intensified to a hurricane on the 6th as it progressed
through the Bahamas. Georgetown at Exuma Island in the Bahamas
observed 997 mb pressure with NE 40 kt winds (likely were simultaneous
measurements) early on the 6th. This peripheral pressure suggests an
intensity of at least 53 kt from the south of 25N pressure-wind
relationship. 60 kt at 06Z on the 6th is retained. (This pressure
value is removed from HURDAT as it was likely not a central pressure.)
At 19Z on the same date, 994 mb pressure was measured with 61 kt NE at
Cay Paredon Grande, Cuba as the cyclone was making landfall. This
peripheral pressure suggests intensity of at least 58 kt. (Again this
pressure value was not a central pressure and is removed from HURDAT.)
The 70 kt originally in HURDAT is retained, making this a Category 1
hurricane for Cuba. This assessment agrees with that of Perez et al.
in their atlas of Cuban hurricanes. The hurricane moved west-
southwestward into the Caribbean Sea, about six hours after landfall
in Cuba. The cyclone continued moving in that direction and made a
second landfall in Belize around 00Z on the 9th. Belize City measured
992 mb pressure along with 47 kt winds at that time. This peripheral
pressure suggests winds of at least 61 kt. (For a third time, a
peripheral pressure measurement is removed from HURDAT.) Given the
severe impact of the hurricane within British Honduras (now Belize),
the intensity is estimated to be a high end Category 2 (95 kt), though
the system may have been significantly stronger. This is a minor
change to the 85 kt originally shown in HURDAT. It is worth noting
that in the region where the cyclone formed, a portion of the track
that it took, and the time of the year is similar to Hurricane Kate in
1985.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Notes for 1942:
May 12-14: Historical Weather Maps indicated that a closed low with a
pressure of at most 1005mb formed near 21N, 94W on May 12. There was
no indication of the low on the 13th but the low reappeared as a broad
area of low pressure on the 14th near 22N, 96W. There were no gales in
the Historical Weather Maps, Monthly Weather Review or COADS to
support the formation of a Tropical Storm.
DAY LAT LONG STATUS
May 12 21N 94W Low?
May 13 21N 95W Low?
May 14 22N 96W Low?
June 2-5: Historical Weather Maps first indicated a low forming near
24N, 85W on June 2nd. Starting on June 3rd, Historical Weather Maps
indicated the storm with a Tropical Storm symbol located near 26N,
87W. The storm then moved northward about two degrees on the 4th and
then began its move westward on the 5th until it became Extratropical
over NE Texas on June 6th. It is of note that the lowest pressure
observed was 1006 mb at Lake Charles, LA on the 5th and that peak 5 min
winds for the month were measured at Apalachicola on the 4th (E at 26
kt) and at New Orleans on the 4th (E at 23 kt). This system remained a
Depression throughout its duration; there were no gales found in
Historical Weather Maps, Monthly Weather Review, Climatological Data
or COADS.
DAY LAT LONG STATUS
June 2 24N 85W Low
June 3 26N 87W Tropical Depression
June 4 28N 88.5 Tropical Depression
June 5 29N 92W Extratropical
September 11-13: The MWR mentions a disturbance near the Bahamas on
12 September. The HWM shows a trough/tropical wave on the 11th, 12th,
and 13th. However, MWR, HWM, microfilm and COADS data indicate that
there were no low pressures or gale force winds.
DAY LAT LONG STATUS
September 11 --- 77W Trough
September 12 --- 78W Trough
September 13 --- 75W Trough
October 14-18: Historical Weather Maps indicated a low formed near
15N, 57.5W on October 14. On the 15th, the storm moved NW about 1.5
degrees and Historical Weather Maps displayed it with a Tropical Storm
symbol. There was a 4mb pressure drop between the 15th and 16th and the
data indicate a closed circulation with a central pressure near 1008
mb on the 16th. From the 16th to the 18th, Historical Weather Maps
indicated the storm as a closed low again and it moved northward until
it dissipated in the Atlantic on the 18th. There were no gales found in
the Historical Weather Maps, Monthly Weather Review, or in COADS.
DAY LAT LONG STATUS
October 14 15N 57.5W Low
October 15 16N 59W Tropical Depression
October 16 18N 62W Tropical Depression
October 17 20N 59W Tropical Depression
October 18 26N 58W Tropical Depression