1944 Atlantic Hurricane Season Reanalysis - Andrew Hagen and Chris Landsea
"Minor" intensity changes are less than 20 kt
"Minor" position changes are less than 2 degrees
Track/intensity changes made: #1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13
No changes: 5, 8, 9, 10, 14
More track changes for Joan: 1, 11
Track/intensity changes for HURDAT: 1, 5, 7, 11
1944 Storm 1 - 2013 Revision
31500 07/13/1944 M= 8 1 SNBR= 697 NOT NAMED XING=0
31505 07/13* 0 0 0 0*196 679 35 0*207 688 35 0*217 698 40 0*
31505 07/13* 0 0 0 0*196 686 35 0*207 695 35 0*215 704 40 0*
*** *** *** ***
31510 07/14*226 708 40 0*234 718 45 0*243 728 45 0*251 737 50 0*
31510 07/14*223 712 40 0*231 720 45 0*240 728 45 0*251 735 50 0*
*** *** *** *** *** ***
31515 07/15*259 744 50 0*274 755 55 0*289 762 60 0*296 762 60 0*
31515 07/15*262 741 50 0*274 746 50 0*285 750 55 0*294 753 55 0*
*** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31520 07/16*302 761 65 0*309 758 70 0*314 755 70 0*318 752 75 0*
31520 07/16*302 755 60 0*309 756 65 0*314 755 65 0*318 752 65 0*
*** ** *** ** ** **
31525 07/17*321 748 80 0*324 744 80 0*328 738 80 0*333 727 80 0*
31525 07/17*322 748 70 0*325 743 70 0*328 735 70 0*331 726 70 0*
*** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** *** **
31530 07/18*339 715 70 0*345 703 70 0E351 692 65 0E360 676 60 0*
31530 07/18*333 716 65 0*336 706 65 0*340 695 65 0*350 680 60 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** **** *** **** ***
31535 07/19E372 651 55 0E386 620 55 0E402 582 50 0E421 540 50 0*
31535 07/19E365 655 60 0E382 622 60 0E402 582 60 0E422 540 50 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** ** ***
31540 07/20E442 498 45 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
31545 HR
Minor track changes and minor changes to intensity were made on most days of this
storm compared with that shown originally in McAdie et al. (2009). Evidence for these
alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps series, the COADS ship database,
Monthly Weather Review, and NHC microfilm of synoptic weather maps.
July 12: HURDAT does not list a storm on this day, and HWM shows a possible wave axis
between 62 and 65W, but no closed low. Microfilm indicates a low with no isobars
analyzed near 15N, 65.5W. No gales or low pressures.
July 13: HWM analyzes a low in an open trough near 22N, 63.8W. HURDAT lists this as a 35 kt
tropical storm at 20.7N, 68.8W. The MWR post-season track map shows a 00Z center
near 17.2N, 67W and a 12Z center near 20.5N, 69.3W. Microfilm shows a closed low
analyzed near 20.7N, 69.1W. Aircraft highlights: 35 kt SE at 22.9N, 66.1W at 1230Z
(micro); 35 kt SE at 23.0N, 67.9W at 13Z (micro).
July 14: HWM shows a tropical storm of at most 1015 mb centered near 25.6N, 67.3W.
HURDAT lists this as a 45 kt tropical storm at 24.3N, 72.8W. The MWR post-season
track map shows a 00Z center near 22.2N, 71.4W and a 12Z center near 24.2N, 73.3W.
Microfilm shows a low of at most 1015 mb centered near 23.5N, 73.2W. No gales or low
pressures.
July 15: HWM shows a tropical storm of at most 1010 mb centered near 28.8N, 73.1W.
HURDAT lists this as a 60 kt tropical storm at 28.9N, 76.2W. The MWR tracks for
centers of cyclones shows a center near 27.2N, 73.8W. The MWR post-season track map
shows a 00Z position near 26N, 74.3W and a 12Z position near 28.6N, 76.2W.
Microfilm shows a low of at most 1005 mb centered near 28.1N, 74.4W. Aircraft
highlights: 50 kt ESE at 29.0N, 74.0W at 0930Z (micro); 40 kt SSW at 28.0N, 75.0W at
14Z (micro); 40 kt SE at 29.8N, 73.8W at 1550Z (micro). Seven additional observations
of gale force winds were found.
July 16: HWM shows a tropical storm of at most 1010 mb centered near 31.7N, 76.1W.
HURDAT lists this as a 70 kt hurricane at 31.4N, 75.5W. The MWR tracks for centers of
cyclones shows a center near 29N, 75W at 00Z and 31.2N, 75.5W at 12Z. The MWR
post-season track map shows a 00Z position near 30.3N, 76.1W and a 12Z position near
31.1N, 75.5W. Microfilm shows a low of at most 1002 mb centered near 31.6N, 76.3W.
Ship highlight: 35 kt SSE and 996 mb at 30.8N, 73.8W near ~00Z (micro). Aircraft
highlights: 45 kt SSE at 31.1N, 75.1W at 1410Z (micro); 45 kt WNW at 29.7N, 76.0W at
15Z (micro); 35 kt NE at 31.2N, 78.3W at 1610Z (micro).
July 17: HWM shows a tropical storm of at most 1010 mb centered near 32.2N, 72.3W with a
dissipating cold front a few hundred nm northwest of the cyclone. HURDAT lists this as
a 80 kt hurricane at 32.8N, 73.8W. The MWR tracks for centers of cyclones shows a 00Z
position near 32.2N, 74.8W and a 12Z position near 33N, 73W. The MWR post-season
track map shows a 00Z position near 31.9N, 75W and a 12Z position near 32.4N, 73.9W.
Microfilm shows a low of at most 999 mb centered near 32.8N, 73.1W. Aircraft
highlights: 60 kt at ~32N 71W at 19Z (micro); 35 kt SW at 29.9N, 70.3W at 14Z (micro);
35 kt NW at 32.0N, 73.3W at ~14Z (micro); 35 kt S at 33.5N, 70.0W at 19Z (micro).
"Pireps wind shift at 1840Z with drift change from 8 right to 15 left on 90 degree course
at 32N, 71W. Max wind estimated 70 mph. Sea relatively flat near center with spray in
fine parallel bands. Rvcd from WVI (Parrish)" (micro).
July 18: HWM shows a tropical storm of at most 1010 mb centered near 35.4N, 69.1W with
stationary fronts indicated to the southwest and northeast of the cyclone, but neither
analyzed to be extending into the cyclone. HURDAT lists this as a 65 kt extratropical
cyclone at 35.1N, 69.2W. The MWR tracks for centers of cyclones shows a 00Z position
near 33.8N, 70.5W and a 12Z position near 34N, 68.2W. The MWR post-season track
map shows a 00Z position near 33.5N, 71.5W and a 12Z position near 34.7N, 69W.
Microfilm shows a low of at most 996 mb centered near 33.3N, 68.8W. Ship highlights:
35 kt SE and 1013 mb at 35.5N, 68.5W at 01Z (COA); 45 kt SW and 1001 mb at 32.1N,
69.0W at 1045Z (micro); 45 kt S and 1014 mb at 33.5N, 65.5W at 12Z (COA); 45 kt S
and 1017 mb at 33.5N, 65.5W at 16Z (COA); 35 kt NE at 40.5N, 66.5W at 20Z (COA).
Land highlight: 35 kt at Bermuda (MWR). Aircraft highlight: 40 kt WSW at 32.0N,
70.0W at ~1830Z (micro) Regarding the position..."Bermuda reported winds of
approximately 40 miles per hour as the center passed about 250 miles to the northwest of
that station" (MWR).
July 19: HWM shows a tropical storm of at most 1005 mb centered near 42N, 56W with a warm
front indicated to the northeast of the cyclone and a cold front southwest of the cyclone,
but neither analyzed to be extending into the cyclone. HURDAT lists this as a 50 kt
extratropical storm at 40.2N, 58.2W. The MWR post-season track map shows a 00Z
position near 36.6N, 65.3W and a 12Z position near 40.2N, 58.2W. Microfilm shows a
center near 39.7N, 57.7W at 12Z with Beaufort wind force 11 (60 kt) analyzed to be near
the center at 17Z. Ship highlight: 35 kt NW and 992 mb at 39.0N, 59.0W at ~1830Z
(micro).
A low pressure area associated with a tropical wave apparently moved northwestward
from the eastern Caribbean Sea and became a tropical cyclone just north of the
Dominican Republic at 06Z on the 13th (no change in genesis). Minor track changes to
HURDAT are introduced on everyday of the cyclone's lifetime and are largest on the 15th
and 18th as the position was adjusted over a degree on these days. No changes are made
to the original intensities on the 13th and 14th, as sparse observations available cannot
justify any changes. Late on the 15th the tropical storm's forward motion slowed down
and turned toward the north-northwest, but strengthening continued. It became a
hurricane at 06Z on the 16th (six hours later than originally) and recurved on this date
with a position a few hundred miles east of Georgia. It remained a hurricane on the 17th
and the 18th as it moved slowly off to the northeast. Early on the 18th, the hurricane
began to accelerate, and by 18Z on the 18th the intensity had weakened to a 60 kt tropical
storm. While there are no explicit observations of hurricane intensity, a peak intensity of
70 kt on the 17th (down from 80 kt originally) is retained as aircraft reconnaissance did
estimate surface winds of 60 kt on the 17th. On the 17th at 18Z, and again around the 18th
at 00Z, reconnaissance flew towards the center of the hurricane. On both occasions, there
is no evidence that the plane reached the RMW. On the 17/18Z flight, the position given
in the aircraft message was at least 1.5 degrees away from the analyzed lat/lon, and on the
18/00 flight, the positions are about 0.8 degrees away. Both times, the aircraft reported
estimated surface winds reaching Beaufort force 11, but not hurricane force. Based on the
fact that no hurricane force winds were reported, along with the uncertainty as to how
close the plane actually got to the center, winds on the 17th are revised down from 80 kt
to 70 kt. 70 kt is the peak analyzed intensity. The cyclone became extratropical at 00Z
on the 19th (12 hours later than originally) a few hundred miles south of Halifax, Canada.
The surface analysis at 12Z on the 18th indicates warm temperatures on the northwest
side of the cyclone along the mid-Atlantic and northeast coast of the U.S. Additionally,
aircraft reconnaissance flights at 16Z on the 18th and again later on that evening state
"winds of near hurricane force around center and force 8-10 elsewhere [extending] to
over 200 mi. radius." It was also described as a "tropical storm" by in the aircraft recon
message. The surface map and the aircraft message justifies delaying the time of
extratropical transisiton by 12 hours. By the 19th at 00Z, the somewhat sparse data that is
available indicates it was likely extratropical by that time. On the 19th, the 50 kt intensity
of the extratropical cyclone is raised to 60 kt due to Weather Bureau analysis of Beaufort
force 11 near the center. It was absorbed by a larger extratropical low around 06Z on the
20th.
This hurricane is historic in that these were the very first planned aircraft reconnaissance
missions to occur with the flights from the 13th to the 17th of July.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1944 Storm 2 - 2013 Revision
31550 07/24/1944 M= 5 2 SNBR= 698 NOT NAMED XING=0
31550 07/24/1944 M= 4 2 SNBR= 698 NOT NAMED XING=0
*
31555 07/24* 0 0 0 0*114 561 35 0*117 584 40 0*123 610 45 0*
31555 07/24* 0 0 0 0*134 566 35 0*137 584 40 0*140 604 45 0*
*** *** *** *** ***
31560 07/25*130 630 50 0*141 643 55 0*151 656 55 0*158 671 55 0*
31560 07/25*143 622 50 0*147 639 55 0*151 656 55 0*156 673 55 0*
*** *** *** *** *** ***
31565 07/26*162 686 55 0*163 702 55 0*162 721 55 0*161 744 50 0*
31565 07/26*161 690 55 0*164 707 55 0*166 725 55 0*166 744 50 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31570 07/27*161 768 50 0*165 791 45 0*169 812 45 0*169 822 40 0*
31570 07/27*166 764 45 0*168 783 35 0*170 800 30 0*172 816 25 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
(The 28th is now removed from HURDAT.)
31575 07/28*170 830 35 0*171 844 30 0*172 858 25 0*169 872 25 0*
31580 TS
Major track changes and minor intensity changes were made to this tropical storm, as
originally shown in McAdie et al. (2009). Evidence for these alterations comes from the
Historical Weather Map series, the COADS ships database, Monthly Weather Review,
and NHC microfilm of synoptic weather maps.
July 23: HWM analyzes a low in an open wave near 11.4N, 57.6W. HURDAT does not list a
system on this day. There were no gales or low pressures
July 24: HWM analyzes a low in an open wave near 13.5N, 62W. HURDAT lists this as a 40 kt
tropical storm at 11.7N, 58.4W. Microfilm shows a low approaching the southern
Windward Islands by their 18Z map. No gales or low pressures.
July 25: HWM analyzes a low in an open wave near 15N, 65.5W. HURDAT lists this as a 55 kt
tropical storm at 15.1N, 65.6W. The MWR post-season track map shows a center near
14.6N, 65.4W. Microfilm shows a small tropical storm at 00Z centered at 14.5N, 61.7W.
At 12Z, microfilm shows a low of at most 1011 mb centered near 15.2N, 65.4W. Land
highlight: 48 kt at Fort de France at 00Z (MWR). Aircraft highlights: 40 kt E at 16.0N,
65.8W at 17Z (micro); 40 kt E at 16.9N, 67.0W at 18Z (micro); 35 kt SE at 15.0N,
65.8W at 19Z (micro); 45 kt SE at 17.0N, 65.8W at 20Z (micro).
July 26: HWM analyzes an open low near 16.7N, 72.2W. HURDAT lists this as a 55 kt tropical
storm near 16.2N, 72.1W. The MWR post-season track map shows a 00Z position near
16N, 68.8W and a 12Z position near 17.5N, 73W. Microfilm shows a low of at most 999
mb centered near 17.4N, 73.1W. No definitive gales or low pressures. Regarding the
intensity, "...There were positive evidences that it was near the coast of Haiti not far
south of Port Au Prince on the morning of the 26th. A wind of 70 knots was encountered
by an airplane near this point (exact location and elevation unknown), and the Port Au
Prince soundings showed winds aloft of hurricane force, with squalls of 35 miles per hour
at the surface. Considerable damage was reported from the town of Jacmel on the coast
south of Port Au Prince. Indications are that the small center struck the high mountains
of the Haitian Peninsula and were broken up. It is not believed that winds of hurricane
force accompanied the storm at the surface, but that velocities of about 60 miles per hour
marked its entire course" (MWR).
July 27: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 1010 mb centered near 17N, 79.6W.
HURDAT lists this as a 45 kt tropical storm at 16.9N, 81.2W. Microfilm analyzes a low
in an open wave near 17.7N, 80.8W. No gales or low pressures.
July 28: HWM analyzes a tiny tropical storm near 17.7N, 85.1W. HURDAT lists this as
a 25 kt tropical depression at 17.2N, 85.8W. Microfilm analyzes a low (not closed) near
17.2N, 84.5W. Microfilm showed a low over Honduras at 18Z. No gales or low
pressures.
July 29: HWM does not contain any evidence of a tropical cyclone. HURDAT ended the
storm at 18Z on July 28. No gales or low pressures.
This tropical storm formed east of the southern Windward Islands on the 24th apparently
originating from a tropical wave. It is possible that the cyclone was in existence farther
east, but the very sparse observations do not allow for this determination. Significant
track changes - 2 degrees farther north - were made on the 24th at the genesis of this
storm. On the 26th and 27th the storm tracked closer to Hispaniola and Jamaica than in
the original HURDAT. These more northerly positions are in agreement with microfilm
and the MWR post-season track map, as well as available observations. It reached a
maximum intensity of 55 kt (unchanged from original HURDAT) in the eastern and
central Caribbean on the 25th and 26th. On the 26th at 12Z, the tropical storm passed south
of the southern coast of Hispaniola at about its time of peak lifetime intensity. An
alternative scenario - one described by the Monthly Weather Review - was that the
cyclone struck Hispaniola and considerably weakened. However, the evidence available,
though somewhat ambiguous, is best for a track south of the island. On July 27th,
available observations suggest the storm weakened rapidly, perhaps due to strong vertical
wind shear. By 12Z on the 27th, it is estimated to have weakened to a 30 kt tropical
depression (revised downward from 45 kt) at 17.0N, 80W. On the 28th, available
observations indicate a westward moving tropical wave, with the remnants of the cyclone
apparently north of Honduras. There is no evidence of tropical storm force winds. The
28th is eliminated from HURDAT due to evidence from surface and aircraft observations
that a closed circulation no longer existed. Dissipation is indicated after 18Z on the 27th.
The elimination of a day of the original HURDAT constitutes a major change to
HURDAT.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1944 Storm 3 - 2013 Revision
31585 07/30/1944 M= 6 3 SNBR= 699 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=1
31590 07/30* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*227 700 40 0*
31590 07/30* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*215 690 35 0*225 705 40 0*
*** *** ** *** ***
31595 07/31*237 725 50 0*246 737 55 0*256 749 65 0*269 767 75 0*
31595 07/31*234 722 45 0*243 738 50 0*262 752 55 0*272 761 60 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31600 08/01*283 771 75 0*296 779 75 0*310 781 80 0*326 782 80 990*
31600 08/01*282 767 65 0*293 772 65 0*305 777 70 0*320 780 70 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** ***
31605 08/02*342 783 60 0*357 782 55 0*369 780 45 0*378 774 40 0*
31605 08/02*341 782 60 985*357 782 45 0*369 780 35 0*378 774 35 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** ** **
31610 08/03*385 762 35 0*392 745 35 0*398 728 35 0*403 710 35 0*
31615 08/04*408 694 35 0*413 679 35 0*419 665 30 0*423 654 30 0*
31615 08/04*408 694 30 0*413 679 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31620 HR NC1
Landfall:
8/1/1944 - 2300Z - 33.9N 78.1W - 985 mb - 70 kt - 12 nmi RMW - 1014 mb OCI - 175
nm ROCI
Minor changes to track and intensity were made, compared with that shown originally in
McAdie et al. (2009). Genesis is begun 6 hours earlier and dissipation occurs 12 hours
earlier than originally indicated. Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical
Weather Map series, the COADS ship database, Monthly Weather Review, the Original
Monthly Records from NCDC, NHC microfilm of synoptic weather maps, Dunn and
Miller (1960), Jarrell et al. (1992), and Barnes (2001).
July 27: HWM does not analyze a closed low. HURDAT does not list the system on this day. No
gales or low pressures.
July 28: HWM does not analyze a close low. HURDAT does not list the system on this day. No
gales or low pressures.
July 29: HWM analyzes a low, not closed, near 16N, 66.5W located in a trough of low pressure.
HURDAT does not list the system on this day. No gales or low pressures.
July 30: HWM analyzes an open wave containing a low near 21.5N, 69.5W. HURDAT first lists
this system at 18Z as a 40 kt tropical storm at 22.7N, 70.0W. The MWR tracks for
centers of cyclones shows a position near 24N, 74W. No gales or low pressures.
July 31: HWM analyzes a tropical storm of at most 1010 mb centered near 26.4N, 75.1W.
HURDAT lists this as a 65 kt hurricane at 25.6N, 74.9W. The MWR tracks for centers of
cyclones shows a 00Z position near 27N, 77W. The MWR post-season track map shows
a position near 26.3N, 75.4W. Microfilm shows a low of at most 1011 mb centered near
26.7N, 75.6W. Aircraft highlights: 45 kt S at 26.6N, 74.5W at 11Z (micro); 45 kt SE at
28.0N, 74.2W at 1205Z (micro); 35 kt S at 28.8N, 73.6W at 19Z (micro); 40 kt SE at
27.9N, 76.0W at 20Z (micro). There were four additional gale observations. Regarding
the position..."The center was definitely located by reconnaissance about 175 miles
northeast of Nassau at about 7 a.m. on the 31st" (MWR).
August 1: HWM analyzes a tropical storm of at most 1010 mb centered near 30.8N, 77.4W.
HURDAT lists this as a 80 kt hurricane at 31N, 78.1W. The MWR tracks for centers of
cyclones shows a position near 29.8N, 77.8W. The MWR post-season track map shows a
00Z position near 28N, 76.8W and a 12Z position near 30.6N, 78.2W. Microfilm shows
a center in the vicinity of 30.4N, 77.8W. Land highlights: 51 kt at ~21Z and 990 mb at
2330Z at Oak Island, NC (MWR). There was one other land gales and three other land
low pressures. Aircraft highlights: 50 kt SE at 30.5N, 75.9W at 14Z (micro); 35 kt SW at
30.7N, 76.5W at 1520Z (micro). Four other aircraft gales. "The storm approached the
North Carolina coast with slowly increasing intensity and moved inland south of
Southport at about 7 p.m. on August 1. The diameter of the storm was small but reports
indicate that winds were of hurricane force" (MWR). "A tropical disturbance of
moderate energy passed over the Wilmington area on the 1st. The center of the storm
reached the coast about 30 miles south of Wilmington in the vicinity of Southport about
7:00 pm. The wind at Wilmington reached an extreme velocity (1-min) of 52 miles per
hour at 7:41 p.m., with velocity in gusts estimated as high as 72 miles per hour. At the
Wilmington station the barometer fell rapidly through the afternoon and early evening
reaching the lowest point, 29.41 inches (sea level) at 6:55 pm. Damage at Carolina
Beach, 15 miles south of Wilmington, was extensive and due chiefly to the unusually
hide tide and heavy seas washing over the beach and battering to pieces many of the
dwelling houses and business places. Two fishing piers were demolished. Damage at
Wrightsville Beach was less extensive than at Carolina Beach, but here also two fishing
piers were partly wrecked and many roofs damaged. In the city of Wilmington many
roofs were damaged, power and communication lines broken down, several plate glass
windows smashed, and a few hundred large trees uprooted. Total damage to the city and
beach property and crops in four surrounding counties has been estimated at $1,600,000.
No fatalities resulted from this storm. Several persons were injured, but only a few
seriously (OMR)." Regarding the damage..."On the beaches, particularly at Carolina
and Wrightsville, many houses and cottages were destroyed or had their foundations
undermined by high tides and extremely high seas. Substantially built structures not
subject to undermining by water action went through the storm without damage" (MWR).
Regarding the position...from the Wilmington OMR..."Cloud observations during the
passage of the hurricane on the 1st: At 6:00 am (10Z 1st) cloud arc indicated center of
disturbance to lie slightly east of south. At 6:00 pm center of arc apparently slightly west
of south. 7:00 pm, stratus from east, center of cloud arc southwest of station. 8:30 pm,
cloud arc indicates center slightly north of west" (OMR). Regarding the damage... "The
most extensive damage occurred at Carolina Beach. Thirty-foot waves reportedly
pounded the beachfront and totally destroyed the town's famed boardwalk. According to
the Wilmington Morning Star, oceanfront homes were washed from their foundations.
Police officers who remained at Wrightsville through the storm reported that 'at one time,
the water measured 18 feet by the City Hall.' The total damage from the storm exceeded
$2 million" (Barnes). "Tropical Cyclones in the South Atlantic States - Carolinas and
Georgia: Aug 1 - N.C. - Minimal - Damage $2,000,000" (Dunn and Miller - "Minimal"
has maximum winds of 74 to 100 mph and central pressure 983 to 996 mb). "1944 Aug -
NC1 - 990 mb pressure" (Jarrell et al.).
August 2: HWM analyzes a tropical storm of at most 1010 mb centered inland over southeastern
Virginia near 37.5N, 77.5W. HURDAT lists this as a 45 kt tropical storm at 36.9N, 78W.
The MWR tracks for centers of cyclones shows a 00Z position near 34.0N, 77.8W and a
12Z position near 37.5N, 77.7W with a central pressure of 1007 mb. The MWR post-
season track map shows a 00Z position near 33.5N, 78.4W and a 12Z position near
36.2N, 78.2W. Microfilm shows a low of at most 1008 mb centered near 37.2N, 77.8W.
Land highlights: 37 kt SE at Wilmington, NC at 00Z (OMR); 45 kt (1-min) at
Wilmington, NC at 0041Z (OMR); 42 kt S at Wilmington, NC at 01Z (OMR); 33 kt (1-
min) E at Atlantic City, NJ at ~20Z (MWR, OMR). "The center began a recurve to the
northeastward, passed near Richmond and Washington about noon of the 2nd, and moved
out to sea near Atlantic City where an extreme wind (1-min) of 38 miles per hour was
recorded during the afternoon of the same day" (MWR).
August 3: HWM analyzes a tropical storm of at most 1010 mb centered near 39.8N, 73.2W.
HURDAT lists this as a 35 kt tropical storm at 39.8N, 72.8W. The MWR tracks for
centers of cyclones shows a 00Z position near 38.9N, 75.5W and a 12Z position near
39.8N, 72W with a 1010 mb central pressure. The MWR post-season track map shows a
00Z position near 38.9N, 75.2W and a 12Z position near 39.8N, 72.4W. Microfilm
shows a low of at most 1008 mb near 39.8N, 72.8W. No gales or low pressures.
However, there were two 30-kt ship obs, both within ~150 nm of the HURDAT position.
August 4: HWM no longer shows a closed low but instead analyses a NE-SW trough axis from
42N, 68W to 37N, 77W. HURDAT lists this as a 30 kt tropical depression at 41.9N,
66.5W. The MWR tracks for centers of cyclones shows a 00Z position near 41N, 69.4W
and a 12Z position near 42.5N, 65.7W with a central pressure of 1011 mb. The MWR
post-season track map has a 00Z position near 41N, 70.2W and a 12Z position near
42.4N, 66.9W. No gales or low pressures. Two obs of 30 kt and 1010 mb are in the
general vicinity of the HURDAT position.
Genesis of this cyclone is estimated to have occurred around 12Z on the 30th, 6 hours
earlier than originally indicated in HURDAT. Available observations from microfilm
and COADS do not provide enough evidence that a closed low existed prior to 12Z on
the 30th. However, westerly wind observations on the maps by 12Z provide evidence of a
closed circulation by that time. Only minor track changes are made from genesis through
the beginning of 2nd. Thereafter, no track changes to HURDAT are made. This system
formed from a vigorous tropical wave evident as early as 27 July east of the Lesser
Antilles. The tropical cyclone formed around 12Z on the 30th just north of the Mona
Passage, and it strengthed to 40 kt a tropical storm at 18Z the same day. By the 31st,
there were numerous reports from aircraft of gale force winds near the center, but the
system most likely attained hurricane status around 00Z August 1st (12 hours later than
original HURDAT) once it was north of 30N. On 31 July, an abundance of aircraft
observations and surface observations indicate that the cyclone had not yet reached
hurricane strength that day. The observations indicate a 45-55 kt tropical storm with weak
winds still on the southwest side.
The hurricane made landfall on Oak Island, North Carolina at 23Z (MWR). Peak
observed sustained winds were 51 kt from Oak Island before the anemometer failed.
Peak estimated winds at Oak Island after that were 60-70 kts at 2250Z. The minimum
pressure at Oak Island was 990 mb at 2330Z. "The wind veered from east through south
to southwest, which indicates that the center passed west [of Oak Island]" (WB Report).
There is no evidence as to whether the 990 mb was a central pressure or whether it even
occurred inside the RMW. Since the wind shift was not 180 degrees, it is more likely
that Oak Island was not in the eye. However, it may or may not have been in the RMW.
From the limited information available, the central pressure at landfall is estimated to be
985 mb. The 985 mb pressure suggests winds of 66 kt from the Brown et al. (2006) north
of 25N pressure-wind relationship. Given the small (12 nmi) RMW compared with
climatology for this pressure and landfall latitude (Vickery et al. 2000), winds at landfall
are estimated to be 70 kt - Category 1. This is a downgrade from the 80 kt in HURDAT
originally just before landfall. Category 1 at landfall in North Carolina is consistent with
damage reports. (It is noted that both Schwerdt et al. 1979 and Ho et al. (1987) did not
list this system in their US landfalling hurricanes, implying that the cyclone had central
pressure of 982 mb or greater.) Using the Inland Decay Model from Kaplan and
DeMaria (1995), the hurricane weakened to a 62 kt tropical storm one hour after it made
landfall (00Z 2nd). The inland decay model weakens the storm to 46 kt at 06Z and 35 kt
at 12Z. Peak observed winds within two hours of synoptic times were 42 kt at 00Z and
36 kt at 06Z. Given the sparse reports available, winds close to the Kaplan and DeMaria
model were chosen for the reanalyzed HURDAT: 60 kt at 00Z (no change), 45 kt at 06Z
(down from 55 kt), and 35 kt at 12Z (down from 45 kt). Since the storm reemerges over
the Atlantic near Atlantic City, NJ around 06Z on the 3rd, and a 33 kt 1-minute sustained
wind (30 kt after converting to 10m, 1-min) was observed at Atlantic City at 20Z on the
2nd, tropical storm status is maintained for the entire duration that this storm was over the
US. The cyclone is analyzed to have produced tropical storm impacts in Virginia,
Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. It is analyzed to have weakened to a tropical
depression over the open Atlantic at 00Z on the 4th and it dissipated by 12Z a few
hundred miles east of Cape Cod as a closed low was no longer evident. This storm was
tropical throughout its lifetime. The final two 6-hour points are eliminated from
HURDAT because the system is analyzed to have been dissipated by 12Z on the 4th. The
cyclone may have degenerated to an open trough as early as 00Z on the 4th though the
available observations are ambiguous, thus positions early on the 4th are retained.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1944 Storm 4 - 2013 Revision
31625 08/16/1944 M= 9 4 SNBR= 700 NOT NAMED XING=0
31630 08/16* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*123 570 40 0*
31630 08/16* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*121 595 50 0*
*** *** **
31635 08/17*125 587 45 0*127 598 45 0*129 608 50 0*132 622 55 0*
31635 08/17*121 605 60 0*123 615 65 0*127 625 70 0*133 635 75 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31640 08/18*136 638 60 0*142 652 65 0*147 666 75 973*152 680 80 0*
31640 08/18*140 645 80 0*147 655 85 0*152 666 90 973*155 678 90 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** *** **
31645 08/19*156 693 90 0*160 702 95 0*162 709 100 0*166 722 105 0*
31645 08/19*157 690 90 0*158 701 95 0*159 712 100 0*162 722 105 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31650 08/20*170 733 105 0*174 744 105 0*178 756 105 0*181 771 105 0*
31650 08/20*167 732 105 0*174 742 105 0*179 753 105 0*183 766 90 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31655 08/21*184 785 70 0*186 798 70 0*188 811 75 0*191 827 75 0*
31655 08/21*186 782 75 0*188 797 75 0*190 811 75 0*192 827 75 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ***
31660 08/22*194 843 80 0*199 859 80 0*204 875 80 0*206 885 65 0*
31660 08/22*194 843 80 0*197 860 80 0*200 877 80 0*202 893 65 0*
*** *** *** *** *** ***
31665 08/23*208 895 55 0*209 911 50 0*209 928 45 0*209 942 45 0*
31665 08/23*204 907 55 0*206 920 50 0*207 933 45 0*208 946 45 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31670 08/24*209 953 40 0*208 971 35 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
31670 08/24*207 958 40 0*206 970 35 0*205 982 25 0* 0 0 0 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** **
31675 HR
Major track changes and major intensity changes were implemented with this destructive
Jamaican hurricane, compared with that shown in McAdie et al. (2009) originally.
Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Map series, the
COADS ship database, Mexican synoptic maps and station data, Monthly Weather
Review, NHC microfilm of synoptic weather maps, a newspaper article provided by
Mike Chenoweth, Connor (1956), and the Jamaican Meteorological Office (1945).
August 16: HWM analyzes a wave axis between 55-60W, and a low at the southern end of the wave
axis near 11.7N, 56.8W. HURDAT first lists this at 18Z as a 40 kt tropical storm at
12.3N, 57.0W. "This small intense hurricane was first noted east of Barbados on the 16th
(MWR)." No gales or low pressures.
August 17: HWM analyzes two lows, both of at most 1010 mb. The one near 14N, 64.2W shows a
large area of below 1010 mb pressure extending from 11N, 68W northeastward to 17N,
63W where a wave axis, which extends northeastward to 22N, 59W, is plotted attached to
the low. The low is very small and located near 11.2N, 59.7W. HURDAT lists this as a
50 kt tropical storm at 12.9N, 60.8W. The MWR post-season track map shows a 00Z
position near 12.3N, 58.9W and a 12Z position near 12.5N, 62W. Microfilm shows a
low of at most 1002 mb near 13.2N, 62.7W. Aircraft highlights: Center fix: 13N, 62.5W
at 1140Z (micro); 40 kt ESE at 14.4N, 62.9W at 1430Z (micro); 35 kt SSW at 12.3N,
62.0W at 1630Z (micro). Two other aircraft gales. "Passing south of Barbados and over
the Grenada Islands during the night, it entered the Caribbean not far from St. Vincent
about 8:30 am on the 17th" (MWR).
August 18: HWM analyzes a low in a trough with a wave axis extending from the low
north-northeastward for several hundred kilometers. The position of the plotted low is
near 14N, 67.8W. HURDAT listed this as a 75 kt hurricane at 14.7N, 66.6W. The MWR
post-season track map shows a 00Z position near 13.3N, 64.6W and a 12Z position near
14.3N, 67.3W. Microfilm shows a center near 14.5N, 67.5W. Ship highlight: Calm and
973 mb at 15.2N, 66.7W (MWR). Aircraft highlights: 35 kt N at 15.2N, 68.3W, possibly
at 1330Z (micro); 40 kt S at 14.3N, 67.0W at 1350Z (micro); 35 kt SE at 14.1N, 65.7W at
16Z (micro). Three other aircraft gales.
August 19: HWM analyzes a tropical storm of at most 1010 mb near 16.8N, 72.3W.
HURDAT lists this as a 100 kt hurricane at 16.2N, 70.9W. The MWR post-season track
map shows a 00Z position near 14.8N, 69.3W, and a 12Z position near 15.8N, 71.3W.
Microfilm shows a center near 15.9N, 71.3W. Aircraft highlights: 35 kt SSE at 16.5N,
70.8W at 18Z (micro); 45 kt SSW at 16.1N, 72.1W at 1830Z (micro); 35 kt N at 16.7N,
73.7W at 2340Z. One other aircraft gale.
August 20: HWM analyzes a tropical storm approaching Jamaica near 17.6N, 75.2W.
HURDAT lists this as a 105 kt hurricane at 17.8N, 75.6W. The MWR post-season track
map shows a 00Z position near 16.4N, 73.3W and a 12Z position near 17.3N, 75.5W.
Microfilm shows a center near 17.7N, 75.4W. Land highlights: 987 mb (min p) at 1530Z
at Morant Point (17.9N, 76.2W) (Jamaica); 52 kt (max wind) WSW around 18Z at
Kingston, Jamaica (MWR); 999 mb (min p) around 18Z Kingston, Jamaica (MWR); 45
kt W and 1000 mb at Kingston, Jamaica at ~1830Z (micro); 980 mb (min p) around 21Z
at Harmony Hall, Duncans, Trelawny, Jamaica (18.5N, 77.5W) (Jamaica); 984 mb (min
p) around 2240Z at Montego Bay (18.5N, 77.9W) (Jamaica); 1001 mb (min p) at 2345Z
at Nergil (18.2N, 78.4W) (Jamaica). Aircraft highlights: 50 kt S at 17.5N, 74.3W at 15Z
(micro); 50 kt ESE at 18.3N, 73.6W at 1530Z (micro); 40 kt SSW at 17.3N, 75.4W at
1610Z. Three other aircraft gales. "The hurricane swept inland over the southeast coast
of Jamaica, in the Boston Bay area, shortly before noon on the 20th and passed off the
western coast near Montego Bay some hours later. The storm lost much of its intensity
as it crossed the island, for winds fell from an estimated 100 to 120 miles per hour on the
east coast to 80 miles per hour in the vicinity of Montego Bay where damage was not
serious. Press photos show that on some of the large coconut plantations, in the more
seriously affected areas, not a tree was left standing" (MWR). Regarding the course over
Jamaica... "It first struck the coast at Boston at about 11:30 am EST (1630 GMT) and
moved in a west northwesterly direction, which took it along the coast to Annotto Bay,
and then overland to some point between Falmouth and Montego Bay from whence it
passed out to sea some time between 5:30 and 6:00 pm (2230 and 2300 Z). Its average
speed over Jamaica was 18 mph, a high speed for such a destructive storm; but there is
some evidence that its speed over the eastern half of the island was of the order of 15
mph, gradually increasing to 20-22 mph in the western half. The exact track of the center
over the western parishes is rather difficult to determine" (Jamaica). Regarding pressure
observations in Jamaica during the storm... "No sequence of barometer readings from a
station it the path of the storm is available, but the minimum pressure at one point on the
path, Harmony Hall, Duncans, Trelawny was approximately 980 mb (28.84 inches). A
barograph record made at Montego Bay showed a minimum pressure of about 984 mb.
The center passed 2-3 miles north of Montego Bay, but the town appears to have
experienced the outer part of the eye of the storm as a definite lull was reliably reported"
(Jamaica). Regarding the pressure recorded at Morant Point versus an estimation of the
central pressure of the storm at 1530Z... "From 3 am (8Z), the pressure (at Morant Point)
fell with increasing rapidity until after 9 am (14Z) the graph became almost a straight
line, indicating a uniform rate of fall of 0.9 millibars per mile distance from the center
(Morant being approximately 27 and 12.5 miles from the center at 9 (14Z) and 10:30
(1530Z) respectively). Assuming that this rate of fall was maintained to the boundary of
the eye, that the eye was about 5 miles in diameter, and that the isobars were circular, the
pressure at the boundary of the eye at 10:30 am (1530Z would be 10 * 0.9 = 9.0 mb less
than at Morant where a minimum pressure of 987 mb was recorded at about 10:30 am
(1530Z). It can be assumed that there was no great change in pressure within the eye and
that therefore the (central pressure) at this time was of the order of 978 mb" (Jamaica).
"From the above readings (and other readings not included) and remarks the following
points may be noted: (a) The area of excessively large pressure gradient on the south side
of the hurricane was comparatively small, being of the order of 30-35 miles radius. The
area was probably slightly greater on the north side. (b) The minimum pressure at
Vernam Field and Nergil are evidence in favor of the theory that filling up occurred in the
western section of the landtrack, but that deepening was renewed once the hurricane
passed out to sea. (It had been over the sea some 1.5-2 hours when the Nergil minimum
was recorded)" (Jamaica). Regarding the wind speed... "No instrumental observations of
wind force or direction are available from places in the path of the hurricane, but it is
possible to make one fairly reliable estimate of the speed at Annotto Bay (18.3N, 76.8W)
shortly before the center passed that town, and after the hurricane had traveled along the
coast for some two hours. Two railway vans , weighing 14.5 tons each, situated
approximately 90 degrees to the wind direction, were overturned, from which fact it may
be deduced that the wind speed was of the order of 100-120 mph. The strongest winds
occurred between Manchioneal (18.0N, 76.3W) and western St. Mary (18.4N, 76.9W)"
(Jamaica). Regarding the state of the sea... "Very heavy swell on the open seas was
noted at Palisadoes (essentially Kingston) when the center was still 70 miles distant, and
appeared to be unchanged 2 hours later when the center was about 35 miles nearer.
Morant Point Lighthouse reported very heavy swell from an ENE direction when the
center was over 50 miles distant" (Jamaica). Regarding the damage... "Well over 30
people were killed (mostly due to the wind). The main damage to buildings occurred in
Portland, St. Mary, St. Ann, northern Trelawny, northern St. James, northern St.
Andrews, northern St. Catherine and eastern St. Thomas, the first three suffering heavy
destruction, and fourth one considerable damage to large buildings. Small single or
double roomed dwellings of light construction were either blown down or crushed by
falling trees. Larger dwellings, which were damaged, mostly remained intact until a
shutter or window was blown open, after which the roof was easy prey for the wind. In
some cases, where the wind was able to get beneath a building, it was lifted bodily
several yards. Several large buildings, particularly churches, had their roofs completely
removed and suffered much internal damage" (Jamaica). Regarding the diameter of the
eye... "The dimensions of the eye of the storm are of interest. It has been assumed that
the diameter was 5 miles before it struck the Island. This was based on reports that the
lull was of the order of 15-20 minutes in the extreme eastern districts. East of Anotto
Bay all the available reports come from coastal stations, and without exception report a
lull. West of Anotto Bay lulls of duration varying from 15 to 30 minutes are reported
from the places situated in a belt 8-10 miles wide. It therefore appears that the eye was
increasing in diameter in the west of the Island, and that this factor may be connected
with the weakening of the storm" (Jamaica).
August 21: HWM analyzes a low of at most 1005 mb near 19.3N, 81.1W. HURDAT
listed this as a 75 kt hurricane at 18.8N, 81.1W. The MWR post-season track map shows
a 00Z position near the western tip of Jamaica near 18.2N, 78.4W and a 12Z position
near 18.7N, 81.1W. Microfilm shows a low centered near 19.2N, 81.1W of at most 1002
mb claiming that the maximum gusts reported by a source were 85 mph out of the ENE.
It is unclear whether this report is the maximum gusts encountered by a ship or plane, or
whether it is the estimated maximum gusts of the storm. Land highlights: 40 kt ENE and
1003 mb at Cayman Islands at 12Z (micro); 40 kt ENE with maximum gusts to 78 kt and
1004 mb at Cayman Islands at 13Z (micro); 45 kt E and 1003 mb at Cayman Islands at
14Z (micro); 40 kt E and 1008 mb at Cayman Islands at 15Z (micro). Aircraft highlights:
45 kt ENE at 19.5N, 81.5W at 1330Z (micro); 35 kt E at 20.2N, 80.7W at 14Z (micro);
35 kt NE at 19.5N, 83.8W at 14Z (micro). "The hurricane center passed near Grand
Cayman Island on the 21st with winds of 80 to 90 miles per hour, in gusts" (MWR).
August 22: HWM analyzes a tropical storm inland over western Belize near 17.8N,
88.9W. HURDAT lists this as a 80 kt hurricane at 20.4N, 87.5W. The MWR post-
season track map shows a 00Z position near 19.1N, 83.8W and a 12Z position near
20.1N, 87.6W. Microfilm shows a low centered near 20.1N, 87.6W. Ship highlight: 40
kt SSE and 108 mb 20.1N, 86.1W (micro). Two other gales of 40 kt and one low
pressure of 1005 mb. Station highlight: 47 kt ENE (maximum 5 min wind - no time) at
Cozumel (Mexico). Regarding the track..."On the morning of the 22nd, the center moved
inland on the coast of Yucatan a short distance south of Cozumel Island, and while it lost
force in passing over the Peninsula, it emerged into the Gulf of Mexico intact and moved
westward into Mexico a short distance south of Tuxpan. According to press reports at
least 12 deaths were caused inland in Mexico as a result of floods that accompanied
dissipation of the storm" (MWR).
August 23: HWM analyzes a tropical storm of at most 1005 mb near 20.2N, 94.1W.
HURDAT lists this as a 45 kt tropical storm at 20.9N, 92.8W. The MWR post-season
track map shows a 00Z position near 20.6N, 90.4W and a 12Z position near 20.7N, 93W.
Microfilm shows a low of at most 1002 mb centered near 20.8N, 93.7W. Land
highlights: 35 kt E and 1007 mb at 01Z at Merida (21.0N, 89.7W) (micro); 35 kt E and
1008 mb at 02Z at Merida (micro).
August 24: HURDAT last listed this at 06Z as a 35 kt tropical storm at 20.8N, 97.1W.
The MWR post-season track map shows a 00Z position near 20.7N, 95.6W moving just
south of due west at about 265 degrees. Microfilm shows a low at 12Z centered near
20N, 98.2W. "A conservative estimate of fatalities resulting from this hurricane, taken
from incomplete statistics, places loss of life at 216" (MWR). Regarding the
damage..."Estimates of property damage are incomplete but will total several million
dollars. Extremely heavy crop losses were suffered on Jamaica. The most authoritative
estimate of the number of coconut trees destroyed on the whole island is 41 percent,
while banana trees which were concentrated in the stricken zone, were about 90 percent
destroyed" (MWR).
This tropical storm was first noticed east of Barbados due to the pressure falls observed at
Barbados on the 16th. The analysis indicates that it passed south of Barbados. HURDAT
started this storm at 18Z on the 16th, and no change is made to the timing of genesis. It is
possible that the cyclone existed east of the Lesser Antilles, but observations are very
sparse over the open Atlantic. A newspaper article describing the impacts in Grenada
indicates that 150 houses were destroyed on that island and that over a dozen schooners
and fishing vessels were capsized, destroyed or severely damaged. Based mainly upon
this article (a secondary source), it is estimated that the cyclone was at hurricane intensity
at its closest approach to Grenada at 06Z on the 17th. A 65 kt intensity is assigned at that
time (up from 45 kt originally - a major change). The largest track change is late on the
16th and early on the 17th, when the storm is analyzed to be substantially farther west (and
a little bit farther south - showing a track closer to Grenada) than in the original
HURDAT. All other track changes are minor and were introduced throughout the
lifetime of the cyclone. It moved west-northwestward through the Caribbean Sea. The
central pressure observation of 973 mb reported by a ship and reported by Monthly
Weather Review the morning of the 18th is crucial in determining the intensity changes
made to HURDAT. The pressure of 973 mb equals 88 kt according to the southern
pressure-wind relationship. The size of the storm is believed to be average or smaller
than average at this time, because at this ship, the pressure fell 40 mb in 3 hours and then
after the calm period, the pressure rose 40 mb in 3 hours. So an intensity of 90 kt is
chosen for 12Z on the 18th, upgraded from 75 kt in the previous HURDAT. Over the 30
hour period from 06Z on the 17th to 12Z on the 18th, the intensity is linearly increased by
5 kt per 6 hr from 65 kt at 06Z on the 17th to 90 kt at 12Z on the 18th. The cyclone
became a major hurricane with 100 kt winds by 12Z on the 19th (unchanged) near 16N,
71W. It struck Jamaica directly around 16Z on the 20th, as a 105 kt category 3 hurricane-
consistent with the impacts described in the report by the Jamaican Meteorological
Office, and the storm weakened to a category 1 before emerging back over water. (Note
that the 978 mb central pressure estimated based upon a 987 mb peripheral pressure
measurement discussed in the report is likely substantially too high because of the small
size of the hurricane.) Winds are reduced at 18Z on the 20th (from 105 to 90 kt), as the
hurricane had been over Jamaica for a couple of hours at that point and no weakening had
previously been indicated in HURDAT. The hurricane continued traveling towards the
WNW passing south of the Cayman Islands, where hurricane force gusts were reported.
The hurricane struck the Yucatan Peninsula on the 22nd at as category 1 hurricane. It
weakened to a tropical storm while over the Yucatan Peninsula, and it emerged into the
Bay of Campeche intact. The storm did not regain any strength over the Bay of
Campeche and made its 2nd Mexico landfall as a tropical storm early on the 24th. There
were no changes to the intensity from late on the 21st until early on the 24th. Dissipation
of the cyclone likely occurred around 18Z on the 24th - six hours later than originally
indicated, as observations show that the system retained a closed circulation at 12Z.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1944 Storm 5 - 2013 Revision
31680 08/19/1944 M= 5 5 SNBR= 701 NOT NAMED XING=0
31680 08/18/1944 M= 6 5 SNBR= 701 NOT NAMED XING=0
(The 18th is new to HURDAT.)
31682 08/18* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*205 850 25 0*209 856 25 0*
31685 08/19* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*228 877 35 0*
31685 08/19*213 862 30 0*217 868 30 0*220 875 30 0*223 883 35 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** ***
31690 08/20*228 890 35 0*229 895 40 0*230 900 40 0*230 906 45 0*
31690 08/20*226 892 35 0*229 901 40 0*230 910 40 0*230 919 45 0*
*** *** *** *** ***
31695 08/21*231 914 50 0*233 926 50 0*235 938 50 0*238 946 50 0*
31695 08/21*231 928 50 0*233 937 50 0*235 945 50 0*238 952 50 0*
*** *** *** ***
31700 08/22*240 954 50 0*243 964 50 0*247 973 45 0*250 982 45 0*
31700 08/22*240 958 50 0*243 964 50 0*247 971 50 0*250 978 50 0*
*** *** ** *** **
31705 08/23*253 989 35 0*256 998 25 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
31705 08/23*253 987 35 0*256 998 25 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
***
31710 TS
Tropical Storm impact for S TX - 40 kt winds occurred near Port Isabel and South Padre
Island
Minor track changes but no intensity alterations were made to this tropical storm in the
Gulf of Mexico, compared with that shown in McAdie et al. (2009) originally. Genesis is
begun 30 hours earlier than originally indicated. Evidence for these changes comes from
the Historical Weather Map series, the COADS ship database, Mexican synoptic maps
and station data, Monthly Weather Review, NHC microfilm of synoptic weather maps
and the Original Monthly Records from NCDC.
August 13: HWM analyzes a tropical wave axis from 12N, 61W to 18N, 55W in a trough
of low pressure. HURDAT does not list a system on this day. No gales or low pressures.
August 14: HWM analyzes a tropical wave axis from 13N, 64W to 22N, 57W in a trough
of low pressure. HURDAT does not list a system on this day. No gales or low pressures.
August 15: HWM analyzes a tropical wave axis from 16N, 68W to 23N, 62W in a trough
of low pressure. HURDAT does not list a system on this day. Microfilm shows a closed
low of at most 1011 mb centered near 17.5N, 68.2W. No gales or low pressures.
August 16: HWM analyzes a low, not closed, near 14.5N, 74W with a tropical wave axis
extending from the low north-northeastward to 24N, 70W. HURDAT does not list a
system on this day. No gales or low pressures.
August 17: HWM analyzes a tropical wave axis from 17N, 82W to 24N, 76W located in
a sharp trough of low pressure. HURDAT does not list a system on this day. No gales or
low pressures.
August 18: HWM analyzes a tropical wave axis from 15N, 85W to 26N, 83W in a sharp
trough of low pressure. HURDAT does not list a system on this day. Microfilm shows a
low in a trough located near 20.3N, 84.4W. Aircraft highlights: 25 kts SSE at 15.7N,
83W and 25 kt S at 14.5N, 83.5W around 16Z (micro).
August 19: HWM does not analyze any features of interest on this day. HURDAT initiates this
storm at 18Z at 22.8N, 87.7W with an intensity of 35 kt. No gales or low pressures.
"Development of a circulation and an increase in intensity was noted north of the
Yucatan Peninsula, in an isallobaric wave that for some time had been moving westward
through the Caribbean" (MWR).
August 20: HWM does not analyze any features of interest on this day. HURDAT lists this as a 40
kt tropical storm at 23.0N, 90.0W. The MWR post-season track map shows a 00Z
position near 22.4N, 88.7W and a 12Z position near 22.5N, 90.3W. Microfilm does not
show a closed low. Ship highlight: 35 kt ENE and 1014 mb at 24.7N, 86.8W at 0030Z
(micro).
August 21: HWM analyzes a low with no closed isobars plotted near 24.7N, 95.5W. HURDAT lists
this as a 50 kt tropical storm at 23.5N, 93.8W. The MWR post-season track map shows a
00Z position near 22.7N, 92.1W and a 12Z position near 23.1N, 93.8W. Microfilm
shows a closed low of at most 1011 mb centered near 23N, 94.5W. Aircraft highlight: 35
kt E at 24.5N, 95.2W at 19Z (micro).
August 22: HWM analyzes a tiny closed low of at most 1010 mb centered near 25.3N, 96.6W just
offshore of the Texas-Mexico border. HRUDAT lists this as a 45 kt tropical storm at
24.7N, 97.3W. The MWR post-season track map shows a 00Z position near 24N, 95.7W
and a 12Z position near 24.6N, 97.3W. Microfilm shows a low of at most 1008 mb
centered near 24.7N, 97.3W. Land highlight: 39 kt (1-min) NE at Brownsville at ~1730Z
(OMR). "The disturbance continued a westward or west-northwestward movement and
crossed the Mexican coast south of Brownsville about noon of the 22nd" (MWR).
August 23: HWM does not show any features of interest over Texas or Mexico on this day.
HURDAT last lists this storm at 06Z inland at 25.6N, 99.8W as a 25 kt tropical
depression. At 06Z, microfilm shows a low of at most 1008 mb centered near 25.7N,
99.6W. There was an inland observation of 1007 mb and 15 kt from the ESE at 26.0N,
99.2W at ~630Z (micro). "The disturbance did not develop winds of more than moderate
gale force" (MWR).
This storm formed from a strong tropical wave that can be tracked back to the eastern
Caribbean Sea on 13 August. The microfilm maps for 15-16 August show a low pressure
area near Puerto Rico and Hispaniola with evidence of a sharp wind trough and possibly
a closed circulation. The HWM on 17 August shows a low just east of Jamaica.
However, a closed circulation could not be definitely assessed on the 15th through the
17th. However, given the somewhat sparse data available on these dates, the possibility
exists that either this cyclone began earlier or there was a separate, short-lived tropical
cyclone on the 15th to the 17th. It did attain a closed circulation around 12Z on the 18th as
it was passing between Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula, based in part by the westerly
winds observed in Belize City and along the northern coast of Honduras. Thus a change
was made to begin this system as a tropical depression 30 hours earlier than originally in
HURDAT. Minor track changes were introduced for every day in its lifetime. It then
strengthened to a 50 kt tropical storm (unchanged from original HURDAT) as it moved
west-northwestward through the Gulf of Mexico. The storm made landfall around 18Z
on the 22nd in Mexico about 70 miles south of Brownsville with an intensity of 50 kt,
same as the peak intensity. The peak observed winds for this tropical cyclone were the
39 kt 1-minute winds in Brownsville, which is consistent with a 50 kt landfall intensity.
This cyclone is analyzed to have produced a 40 kt tropical storm impact in Texas. It then
weakened to a tropical depression over land and dissipated about 18 hours after landfall.
No changes were made to the dissipation phase of this tropical cyclone.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1944 Storm 6 - 2013 Revision
31715 09/09/1944 M= 3 6 SNBR= 702 NOT NAMED XING=1
31720 09/09*223 938 35 0*239 940 40 0*254 942 45 0*267 941 45 0*
31720 09/09*250 950 25 0*258 948 30 0*265 945 35 0*270 941 40 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** **
31725 09/10*277 933 45 0*283 921 40 0*289 908 40 0*300 896 35 0*
31725 09/10*272 935 45 0*277 926 45 0*284 915 50 0*291 896 55 992*
*** *** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** ****
31730 09/11*315 885 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
31730 09/11*307 881 40 0*314 870 30 0*320 868 25 0* 0 0 0 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31735 TS
First landfall:
9/10/1944 1900Z 29.3N, 89.4W 992 mb 55 kt
Second landfall:
9/10/1944 2300Z 30.3N, 88.3W 1001 mb 50 kt
Major changes to the track and minor alterations to intensity were made for this tropical
storm, compared with that shown in McAdie et al. (2009) originally. Evidence of these
changes comes from the Historical Weather Map series, the COADS ship database,
Monthly Weather Review, the Original Monthly Records from NCDC, NHC microfilm
of synoptic weather maps, the Louisiana and Alabama Climatological Data, Dunn and
Miller (1960), and Conner (1956).
September 8: HWM does not analyze a closed low on this day, but it does indicate a stationary front
lying across the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. HURDAT does not list a system on this
day. Microfilm shows a low of at most 1011 mb attached to a WSW-ENE frontal
boundary centered near 27.4N, 95.5W. No gales or low pressures. "A partial wind
circulation, evident early in the afternoon on September 7, developed and within the next
36 hours isobars with cyclonic curvature covered the entire western Gulf, and suggested a
complete wind circulation with center near latitude 23N, longitude 94W" (MWR).
September 9: HWM analyzes a low near 25.5N, 94.3W at the southwest end of a SW-NE warm front,
both of which lie in a pressure trough. HURDAT lists this as a 45 kt tropical storm at
25.4N, 94.2W. The MWR tracks for centers of cyclones shows a 00Z position near
23.5N, 94.1W and a 12Z position near 25.5N, 94.5W. The MWR post-season track map
shows a 00Z position near 22.5N, 94.1W and a 12Z position near 25.5N, 94.6W.
Microfilm has a tropical storm symbol plotted on the 00Z map near 23N, 94W, and on
the 12Z map microfilm shows a low of at most 1005 mb near 27N, 94.5W with two
boundaries extending from the low. One boundary extends from the low east-
northeastward, and the other boundary extends from the low south-southwestward. Both
of there boundaries lie in pressure troughs. No gales or low pressures.
September 10: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 1005 mb just south of Louisiana near 28.7N,
92.3W at the west end of a W-E warm front. HURDAT listed this as a 40 kt tropical
storm at 28.9N, 90.8W. The MWR tracks for centers of cyclones shows a 00Z position
near 27.3N, 93.8W and a 12Z position near 29N, 92W. The MWR post-season track map
shows a 00Z position near 27.7N, 93.7W and a 12Z position near 28.8N, 91.2W.
Microfilm shows a low of at most 1005 mb near 29N, 92.5W with the same 2 boundaries
analyzed as on the previous day. Ship highlights: 35 kt SSE at 27.5N, 88.5W at 18Z
(COA); 30 kt WSW and 1004 mb at 29.0N, 89.4W at 1830Z (micro). Land highlights:
47 kt at Pensacola, FL (MWR); 41 kt S at Pensacola, FL at ~21Z (OMR); 1003 mb at
1945Z Mobile (OMR); 1003 mb at Pensacola, FL at 2120Z (OMR). "No important
atmospheric phenomena, not easily susceptible of tabulation, occurred during month"
(New Orleans OMR). "On Sept. 9-10 a small tropical disturbance came northeastward
along the coast line and passed south of Mobile about the middle of the afternoon. Heavy
rain and fresh winds in squalls continued from 1030pm of the 9th until 405pm of the 10th.
24 hour rain was the heaviest since 1937. Damage to roads and bridges from the heavy
rain was considerable and the streets of Mobile were flooded...The tide in the Mobile
River reached a height of 3.8 ft above sea level, which was the highest tide since
September 1, 1932. The high tide occurred shortly before the regularly computed time of
low tide under normal conditions" (Mobile OMR). "The moderate tropical disturbance
that moved inland between Mobile and Pensacola on the afternoon of the 10th was
attended by continuous rain squalls during the day with extreme wind velocity at
Pensacola reaching 47 mph from the SSE at 6.33 p.m. EWT. Tides were about one foot
above normal. Damage caused by the storm in Pensacola amount to about $500, mainly
to roofs on frail dwellings in the southwestern part of the city" (Pensacola OMR). "Sep.
10, Landfall near Grand Isle, Estimated Minimum Central Pressure 999 mb" (Connor).
"Tropical cyclones in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama - Sept. 10 - Mobile - Minor
- 7 to 11 in. rain" ("Minor" - winds less than 74 mph, pressure greater than 996 mb-
Dunn and Miller).
September 11: HWM analyzes no features of interest over the southeast United States or
over the northern Gulf of Mexico. HURDAT last lists this system at 00Z at 31.5N,
88.5W as a 30 kt tropical depression. The MWR tracks for centers of cyclones shows a
00Z position near 31N, 87W. The MWR post-season track map shows a 00Z position
just southeast of Mobile, AL near 30.8N, 87.9W. Microfilm shows a low of at most 1005
mb near 00Z near 31N, 87.5W with a boundary extending eastward from the low. Land
highlight: 35 kt S at Pensacola, FL at ~00Z (micro).
HURDAT listed this originally as being tropical throughout its lifetime and it was begun
as a tropical storm at 00Z on 9 September. However, both the Historical Weather Maps
and the microfilm maps indicate a trough or a front was present in the vicinity of the
cyclone through the short lifetime of this system. Given that the most significant
temperature and dewpoint gradients along this boundary were east of the cyclone, the
system is retained as originating as a tropical cyclone at genesis around 00Z on the 9th. It
is noted that the wind shift south of Lake Charles, Louisiana observed from aircraft
measurements late on the 10th likely reflected this trough (or front) structure. The major
track changes early on the 9th point to positions significantly northwest of the original
HURDAT positions. On the 10th, observations indicate positions slightly south and west
of the previous HURDAT positions for all synoptic times on that day. For intensity,
HURDAT starts this as a 35 kt tropical storm, but it is reanalyzed to have started as a 25
kt tropical depression at 00Z on the 9th, becoming 35 kt by 12Z on the 9th (revised down
from 45 kt), based upon numerous ship and coastal observations. The cyclone was
moving northeastwards, towards the north Gulf Coast. The tropical storm made two
landfalls, with a 55 and 50 kt intensity respectively (the intensity was revised upwards
from the original HURDAT). The first landfall occurred in southeastern Louisiana at
29.3N, 89.4W around 19Z on the 10th, and the second landfall was at the
Mississippi/Alabama border around 23Z on the 10th. A 992 mb central pressure with 3 kt
winds was recorded at Pilottown, LA. A 992 mb central pressure equals 56 kt according
to the Brown et al. north of 25N pressure wind relationship, so 55 kt was chosen for the
first landfall. An observation at Pensacola of a 5-minute wind of 47 kt late on the 10th
suggests a maximum 1-minute wind of about 50 kt for the 2nd landfall. Winds are
boosted to 55 kt at 18Z on the 10th (up from 35 kt originally - a major change to
HURDAT). The cyclone is analyzed to have produced a tropical storm impact in
Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. HURDAT's original last point was at 00Z
on the 11th as a 30 kt depression. Observations indicate it was still a 40 kt tropical storm
at 00Z on the 11th. Available data maintains a tropical, closed circulation for an
additional 12 hours after HURDAT's last position at 00Z. The storm is analyzed to have
weakened to a depression by 06Z on the 11th while over Alabama. The last point in the
revised HURDAT is a 25 kt tropical depression at 12Z.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1944 Storm 7 - 2013 Revision
31740 09/09/1944 M= 8 7 SNBR= 703 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=3
31740 09/09/1944 M= 8 7 SNBR= 703 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=2
*
31745 09/09* 0 0 0 0*208 580 65 0*212 597 70 0*216 610 70 0*
31745 09/09* 0 0 0 0*208 585 45 0*212 597 50 0*216 610 55 0*
*** ** ** **
31750 09/10*220 623 75 0*225 636 75 0*230 650 75 0*234 663 80 0*
31750 09/10*220 623 60 0*225 636 65 0*230 650 70 0*236 663 75 0*
** ** ** *** **
31755 09/11*239 674 85 0*242 681 90 0*245 687 90 0*247 692 95 0*
31755 09/11*243 674 80 0*250 681 85 0*255 687 90 0*257 692 95 0*
*** ** *** ** *** ***
31760 09/12*249 697 105 0*252 703 110 0*256 711 115 943*263 723 120 0*
31760 09/12*258 699 105 0*259 706 110 0*262 715 115 943*266 728 120 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31765 09/13*271 735 120 0*278 742 115 0*285 748 110 0*297 755 105 0*
31765 09/13*270 740 120 0*276 747 120 0*285 751 125 0*297 755 125 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31770 09/14*312 760 100 0*327 761 95 0*344 757 90 0*371 747 85 0*
31770 09/14*312 757 120 0*327 757 115 0*345 754 110 940*371 747 100 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31775 09/15*399 732 75 0*421 715 65 966E442 685 35 0E460 637 35 982*
31775 09/15*399 732 90 954*420 710 70 966E442 685 55 982E460 637 50 *
** *** *** *** ** ** *** ** ***
31780 09/16E478 582 30 0E499 526 30 0E520 470 30 0* 0 0 0 0*
31780 09/16E478 582 45 0E499 526 40 0E520 470 35 0* 0 0 0 0*
** ** **
31785 HR NC3 VA3 NY3 CT3 RI3 MA2
31785 HR NC2 VA2 NY2 CT1 RI2 MA1 NJ1
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Landfall:
9/14/1944 13Z 35.2N 75.3W 90kt 15nmi-RMW 1010mb-OCI 300nm-ROCI 940mb
(Note: hurricane passed just east of NC as 115 kt Cat 4, 90 kt are peak
winds estimated to have impacted the NC coast)
9/15/1944 02Z 40.9N 72.2W 90kt 30nmi-RMW 1009mb-OCI 300nm-ROCI 954mb
9/15/1944 04Z 41.4N 71.6W 85kt 30nmi-RMW 1009mb-OCI 300nm-ROCI 957mb
Minor changes to the track and major alterations to the intensity shown in McAdie et al.
(2009) originally. Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Map
series, _Monthly Weather Review_, Original Monthly Records from NCDC, the
COADS ship database, Tannehill (1952), Dunn and Miller (1960), Harris (1963),
Schwerdt et al. (1979), Ho et al. (1987), Jarrell et al. (1992), Boose et al. (2001), and
Cobb (2004).
September 4: HWM analyzes a tropical wave near 44W. HURDAT does not indicate a
tropical cyclone until 06Z on the 9th. No gales or low pressures.
September 5: HWM analyzes a tropical wave near 48W. No gales or low pressures.
September 6: HWM analyzes a tropical wave near 52W. No gales or low pressures.
September 7: HWM analyzes an open low near 13N 54W with a tropical wave extending
from there northward. No gales or low pressures.
September 8: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 1010 mb centered near 17N 57W
with a tropical wave extending from there northward. No gales or low pressures.
September 9: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 1010 mb centered near 20.0N,
61.0W. HURDAT listed this as a 70 kt category 1 hurricane at 21.2N, 59.7W. The
MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones for September 1944 (Chart IX) places the center at
20.5N, 59.5W at 12 UTC on this day. The center of the storm according to a
reconnaissance flight reported in the Monthly Weather Review indicated a center located
at approximately 21.0N, 60.0W sometime on the 9th. Available observations suggest that
the 50 kt tropical storm was centered at 21.2N, 59.7W due to a lack of data in the vicinity
of the storm. The intensity of the storm on this day is based on the following quote taken
from the 1944 Monthly Weather Review, "strong disturbance existed in the vicinity."
Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures present on this day.
September 10: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 1000 mb centered at 24.0N,
64.8W. HURDAT listed this as a 75 kt category 1 hurricane at 23.0N, 65.0W. The
MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones for September 1944 (Chart IX) places the center at
21.5N, 61.5W at 0 UTC on this day. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones (Chart
IX) places the center at 22.5N, 64.5W at 12 UTC on this day. Available observations
suggest that the 70 kt category 1 hurricane was centered at 23.0N, 65.0W due to a lack of
data in the vicinity of the storm. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures on this day.
September 11: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 995 mb centered at 25.2N, 68.2W.
HURDAT listed this as a 95 kt category 2 hurricane at 24.5N, 69.0W. The MWR Tracks
of Centers of Cyclones (Chart IX) places the center at 23.5N, 67.5W at 0 UTC on this
day. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones (Chart IX) places the center at 25.2N,
68.2W at 12 UTC on this day. Available observations suggest that the 90 kt category 2
hurricane was centered at 25.5N, 68.7W. Ship highlights: 1001 mb and 20kt WNW at 12
UTC at 24.5N, 70.5W (COA); 20 kt WSW and 1002 mb at 17 UTC at 23.5N, 69.5W
(COA).
September 12: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 995 mb centered at 26.0N, 71.5W.
HURDAT listed this as a 115 kt category 4 hurricane with 943 mb central pressure at
25.6N, 71.1W. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones (Chart IX) places the center at
25.0N, 70.3W at 0 UTC on this day. The MWR Tracks of Centers of Cyclones (Chart
IX) places the center at 25.5N, 71.0W at 12 UTC on this day. Available observations
suggest that the 115 kt category 4 hurricane was centered at 26.2N, 71.5W. Ship
observations: 1001 mb and 15 kt NW at 13 UTC at 24.5N, 73.5W (COA); 1000 mb and
35 kt W at 13 UTC at 24.5N, 73.5W (COA); 999 mb and 45 kt SW winds at 17 UTC at
25.5N, 73.5W (COA); 1002 mb and 15 kt winds at 17 UTC at 25.5N, 73.5W (COA).
Regarding the intensity: unable to track down a source for the 943 mb documented in
HURDAT for 12 UTC on this day.
September 13: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 990 mb centered at 29.5N, 76.0W.
HURDAT listed this as a 110 kt category 3 hurricane at 28.5N, 74.8W. The Tracks of
Centers of Cyclones (Chart IX) places the center at 27.5N, 73.5W at 0 UTC on this day.
The Tracks of Centers of Cyclones (Chart IX) places the center at 28.0N, 74.5W at 12
UTC on this day. Available observations suggest that the 120 kt category 4 hurricane
was centered at 28.5N, 75.1W. Ship observations: 1008 mb and 35 kt NE at 00 UTC at
28.5N, 76.5W (Hugh Cobb); 1000 mb and 35 kt SSW at 01 UTC at 25.5N, 73.5W
(COA); 1000 mb at 26.5N, 73.5W (COA); 1005 mb and 17 kt NW at 12 UTC at 25.5N,
77.1W (HWM); 952 mb at 13 UTC at 29.5N, 75.5W (COA); 933 mb at 17 UTC at
29.5N, 75.5W (COA); 1013 mb and 35 kt SE at 17 UTC at 27.5N, 72.5W (COA); 1013
mb and 35 kt SE at 18 UTC at 27.5N, 72.5W (Hugh Cobb). Regarding the intensity: 952
mb central pressure at 12 UTC on this day; 933 mb central pressure at 18 UTC for this
day. September 1944 MWR: "At about 9 pm [02 UTC] of the 12th, the storm was
centered near the 75th meridian and the expected recurve to the northward became
apparent." "It was one of the most violent hurricanes of history; in fact, there is no
definite proof of a more violent hurricane in the records. As it approached the northern
Bahamas its central pressure was certainly below 27.00 inches [914 mb] (very probably
about 26.85 inches [909 mb]) and it was at that time a hurricane of large diameter"
(Tannehill).
September 14: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 985 mb centered at 35.5N, 75.5W.
HURDAT listed this as a 90 kt category 2 hurricane at 34.4N, 75.7W. The Tracks of
Centers of Cyclones (Chart IX) places the center at 31.0N, 75.5W at 0 UTC on this day.
The Tracks of Centers of Cyclones (Chart IX) places the center at 35.0N, 75.5W at 12
UTC on this day. Available observations suggest that the 110 kt category 3 hurricane
was centered at 34.4N, 75.2W. Ship observations: 75 kt SW at 00 UTC at 29.5N,
75.5W (Hugh Cobb); 986 mb and 60 kt N at 17 UTC at 37.5N, 76.5W (COA);
997 mb and 40 kt NW at 21 UTC at 37.5N, 76.5W (COA) Land observations:
964 mb at 1230 UTC at 35.2N, 75.7W (OMR Hatteras, NC); 947 mb at
1320 UTC at 35.2N, 75.7W; 35 kt N (OMR Hatteras, NC); 74 kt NW at
1722 UTC at 36.9N, 76.0 W (Cape Henry, VA) (September 1944 MWR); 75
kt NW at 1745 UTC at 36.9N, 76.0W (September 1944 MWR Cape Henry,
VA). Edenton, NC: "A hurricane centered 100 miles south of
Beaufort, NC at 0400 [0900 UTC], passed along the Eastern coast causing
gusts up to 72 knots over this station. Pressure reached a low of 985 mb."
Harvey Point, NC: "Light rain began near 0400 [0900 UTC] and increased in
intensity during height of storm, and gradually diminished in early afternoon
after center passed. Barometer fell sharply as center approached; became
unsteady as it passed close to eastward. Lowest pressure recorded at 1130
[1630 UTC] with mercurial barometer of 981.5 mb. Winds increased
steadily from NE to become 60-70 knots, gusty, during forenoon. Highest 30
sec. buzzer reading 66 knots, with higher gusts estimated to 80 knots."
Wilmington, NC: "A tropical disturbance of great energy moved northward
over the Atlantic Ocean some distance east of the North Carolina coast on the
14th. The center of the storm passed about 100 miles east of this station.
The lowest barometer reading during the passage of the storm was 29.36 inches
[995 mb] at 4:50 am [0950 UTC], and the highest wind velocity 27 miles per
hour [23 kt] at 4:35 am [0935 UTC]." Weeksville, Elizabeth City, NC:
"Hurricane passed station before noon [17 UTC]. Winds reached highest gust of 79 knots
from NNE, and averaged 45 to 50 knots during passage." Richmond, VA: "A tropical
hurricane which passed along the coast of Virginia caused heavy rains and fresh winds at
Richmond but no damage resulted on this immediate vicinity." Norfolk, VA: "One of
the most severe tropical hurricanes in the history of the Norfolk Weather
Bureau Office, the records of which go back to 1871, struck this city and the
entire coastal area of Virginia, on September 14, 1944. Warnings regarding
this storm were issued by the Weather Bureau as a much as four days in
advance. Its path was carefully charted and its westward and northwestward
course plotted and closely followed throughout its journey from the time of its
inception in the tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean until it passed
northward along the coast of the United States on September 14th, causing
widespread disaster over all areas coming under its influence. Definite
effects of the approach of the storm were noticeable in the gentle to moderate
easterly winds during the early morning hours. These shifted to northeasterly,
with velocity increasing to 20 miles for the hour 6-7 am [11-12 UTC].
The direction continued northeast for four hours, with velocities up to 36
miles an hour. This was followed by a further backing of the wind, which was
mostly north until 1 pm, then north west until 4 pm [21 UTC], finally becoming
west and southwest. Velocities continued to increase rapidly until a sustained
velocity of 56 miles an hour [49 kt] from the NW, for five minutes, occurred
from 11:50 am [1650 UTC] to 11:55 am [1655 UTC]. During this interval the
fastest single mile passed at the rate of 73 miles an hour [63 kt], from the
north, beginning at 11:51 am [1651 UTC]. Velocities of 50 miles an hour [43
kt] continued during the early afternoon but decreased rapidly thereafter to
only 11 miles per hour [10 kt] at 6:00 pm [23 UTC]. The barometric pressure
fell rapidly during the forenoon, reaching the lowest point at 11:45 am [1645
UTC], when a sea level reading of 29.11 inches [986 mb] was recorded.
The center of this storm did not pass directly over Norfolk, but was doubtless
a few miles off the coast. Virginia Beach and Cape Henry were doubtless not
far from the center as it passed northward. Winds were much stronger at the
Cape Henry Weather Bureau Office where a velocity of 85 miles an hour [74
kt] was sustained for a period of five minutes, beginning at 12:22 pm [1722
UTC]. This wind was from the NW. The fastest single mile of wind
registered at the Cape Henry Office was at the rate of 134 miles an hour [117
kt], from the NW at 1:13 pm [1813 UTC]. There were gusts for a moments
duration, with velocities estimated to be as high as 150 miles an hour.
These velocities exceeded all previous records at the Cape Henry Station. The
lowest pressure, reduced to sea level, recorded at the Cape Henry Station
during the hurricane was 28.86 inches, at 12:10 pm [1710 UTC]. Fortunately
for Norfolk and the entire Hampton Roads area, the peak of this hurricane
came at low tide. In spite of all the advance notice and warnings given by
the Weather Bureau regarding this storm, considerable damage could not be
avoided. Many buildings were unroofed, hundreds of signs were blown down,
and thousands of trees were uprooted. Plate glass windows of many stores
were blown in or broken by flying debris, and many chimneys were toppled. There was
no loss of life in this immediate vicinity, but two U.S. Coast Guard cutters dispatched
from Norfolk in spite of the warnings, to aid another vessel in distress were
sunk. Other vessels caught in the storm, including a minesweeper, a destroyer
and a lightship, also went to the bottom. A total of 344 men lost their lives.
The estimates of the value of property saved as a result of the Bureaus
warnings run as high as $20,000,000, due largely to the removal of many
extremely valuable airplanes, as well as other property to points of safety.
Doubtless hundreds of lives would have been lost, in addition to those
mentioned in the foregoing, had there been no warnings of the approach of
this hurricane." Washington, DC: "A tropical hurricane in its northerly course
passed near to the Virginia Capes on the 14th and caused great damage along
the Atlantic coast and in eastern sections of New England. The barometer at
this station fell from 29.83 inches at 10:30 pm [1530 UTC] of the 13th to 29.50
inches at 3:00 pm [18 UTC], 14th. The greatest velocities of the wind during
the passage of the hurricane were as follows: 5-minute period: 17 NW at 1:43
pm [1843 UTC]; extreme velocity 18-NW at 1:43 pm [1843 UTC]; Dines
anemometer velocity 26-NW at 4:27 pm [2327 UTC]." New York, NY: "The
hurricane of September 14, 1944 will long be remembered for its violence,
and takes its place among historic storms of the Northeastern States such as
the hurricane of September 21, 1938 and the blizzard of March 12, 1888.
With an extreme wind velocity of 99 mph [86 kt] and a maximum velocity of
81 mph [70 kt] the all-time wind records of New York City are broken. Twenty deaths in
New York City and vicinity were attributed to the storm." September 1944 MWR:
"Moving almost due north, at a rate of 25-30 miles per hour, the center passed just east of
Hatteras at about 9:20 am [1420 UTC] on the 14th." "Tropical Cyclones in the South
Atlantic States - Carolinas and Georgia - 1944 Sep 14 - Cape Hatteras - Major
[equivalent to Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale 2 or 3] - Barometer 27.97 inches at
Cape Hatteras" (Dunn and Miller). "108 kt maximum sustained [1 min
equivalent] for winds at North Carolina impact. 1009 mb peripheral
pressure in North Carolina" (Schwerdt et al.). "944 mb central pressure
at time of closest bypass of North Carolina - 17 nmi RMW" (Ho et al.).
"1944 - Sep - NC3, VA3 - 947 mb central pressure" (Jarrell et al.).
September 15: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 985 mb centered at
44.5N, 68.0W. HURDAT listed this as a 35 kt extratropical storm at 44.2N,
68.5W. The Tracks of Centers of Cyclones (Chart IX) places the center at
39.0N, 75.0W at 0 UTC on this day. The Tracks of Centers of Cyclones
(Chart IX) places the center at 44.5N, 68.5W at 12 UTC on this day.
Available observations suggest the 60 kt extratropical storm with 982 central
pressure was centered at 44.2N, 68.5W. Ship observations: 969 mb and 80 kt
SE at 39.5N, 72.5W (COA); 990 mb at 12 UTC at 45.5N, 66.0W (HWM).
Land observations: 70 kt N at 0030 UTC at 40.7N, 74.0W (September 1944
MWR New York, NY); 960 mb at 35 SW at 0310 UTC at 41.2N, 71.6W
(OMR Block Island, RI); 962 mb at 0245 UTC at 41.3N, 72.0W (September
1944 MWR Fishers Island, NY); 71 kt SE at 0230 UTC at 41.2N, 71.6W
(September 1944 MWR Block Island, RI); 959 mb at Point Judith,
Rhode Island (Ho et al.). September 1944 MWR: "Then turning
slightly to the northeastward it moved up the coast, at an accelerated
speed of about 40 miles per hour, and crossed over eastern Long Island
at about 10 pm [03 UTC on the 15th] of the same date. Moving inland
about an hour later near Point Judith, RI, the center crossed the
State of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, passing a short distance southeast of
Boston, and moved into Massachusetts Bay shortly after 1 am [06 UTC on the
15th]." Hartford, CT: "Weather of September 1944 was outstandingly marked
by the passage of a hurricane along the North Atlantic Coast and across
Southeastern New England on September 14th and 15th.Nevertheless,
considerable damage was reported, due to hurricane winds and heavy rain of
Thursday night, September 14, particularly to power lines, telephone lines,
trees, fruit, tobacco and corn for Hartford and vicinity and throughout
Connecticut. Southeastern coastal areas of Connecticut, Rhode Island and
Cape Cod were reported severely damaged by tidal waves and hurricane
winds. Eight known deaths due to the hurricane were reported in Connecticut
as of September 22, 1944. At 10:07 pm [0307 UTC on 15th] of the 14th gusts
were clocked for 4 seconds duration at a rate of 109 mph [95 kt]. The lowest
barometer reading had preceded this very shortly, being 28.94 inches [980
mb] (reduced to sea level) at 9:50 pm [0250 UTC]." "Tropical Cyclones in the
Middle Atlantic States - 1944 Sep 14-15 - Coast - Major [Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Scale 2-3 equivalent] - 63 killed, damage $22,500,000. Tropical
Cyclones in New England - 1944 Sep 14-15 - Coastal areas - Extreme -
[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale 4-5 equivalent] - 390 killed - $100,000,000"
(Tannehill). "95 kt maximum sustained [1 min equivalent] winds at
New England landfall. 1011 mb peripheral pressure at New England landfall"
(Schwerdt et al.). "F2 structural damage [Saffir-Simpson Hurricane
Scale 2 equivalent]" (Boose et al.). "Sep 15 - 955 mb central pressure
at landfall - 29 nmi RMW - Landfall point 40.9N, 72.3W - Storm becoming
extratropical" (Ho et al.). "The storm surge associated with this hurricane
was similar to that of the September 21-22, 1938 storm. The peak surges
associated with this storm (1944) coincided very nearly with the normal
low tide, and the peak surges of the 1938 storm coincided very nearly
with the normal high tide. Thus the observed tides of this storm were
lower and produced less damage" (Harris). "1944 - Sep - NY3, CT3,
RI3, MA2" (Jarrell et al. 1992).
September 16: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 985 mb centered at
50.2N, 45.8W. HURDAT listed this as a 30 kt extratropical storm at 52.0N,
47.0W. The Tracks of Centers of Cyclones (Chart IX) places the center at
48.0N, 58.0W at 0 UTC on this day. The Tracks of Centers of Cyclones
(Chart IX) does not list a location for 12 UTC on this day. Available
observations suggest the 30 kt extratropical storm was centered at 52.0N,
47.0W. Ship observations: 1003 mb at 00 UTC at 50.5N, 54.5W (COA);
1004 mb at 00 UTC at 47.5N, 54.5W (COA); 993 mb at 11 UTC at 53.5N,
44.5W (COA); 998 and 35 kt SSW mb at 14 UTC at 52.5N, 35.5W (COA);
994 mb at 15 UTC at 53.5N, 44.5W (COA); 1000 mb at 22 UTC at 51.5N,
36.5W (COA). Providence, RI: "The Atlantic Hurricane passed over Rhode
Island during the evening of September 14, 1944, causing great damage in
various parts of the state. Numerous houses were washed away along the
beaches, but no loss of life resulted from the storm. Total damage to the
entire state was between $2,000,000 and $2,500,000. During the height of the
storm winds attained a maximum velocity at WBAS of 43 mph [37 kt] for 5
minutes. Extreme velocity of 49 SE for 1 mile, with gusts estimated up to 90
mph [78 kt]. Lowest barometer at WBAS was 28.48 inches [964 mb], while
at WBO the lowest reading was 28.56 inches [967 mb] at 11:20 pm [0420
UTC on the 15th]." Nantucket, MA: "The hurricane of September 14-15 was
the most severe at Nantucket in recent years. The maximum wind velocity for
five minutes was 57-SW at 11:47 pm [0447 UTC on the 15th] on the 14th;
extreme velocity was 79-SW at 12:46 am [0546 UTC] of the 15th. Gust
velocities were estimated at 90 mph. The hurricane of September 21, 1938
produced a maximum velocity of 52-SE and an extreme velocity of 57-SE.
The severity of this storm exceeded that of the hurricane of September 21,
1938 at Nantucket except in relation to hight [sic] tides. Damage from this
months storm was principally the result of high winds and tusts [sic], while
unusually high tides, accompanying the 1938 hurricane, accounted for the
greatest damage in that storm. The tide did not rise to unusual heights during
this months storm and the resulting water damage was not great." East
Boston, MA: "At Boston, lowest pressure occurred at 12:25 am [0525 UTC]
on September 15, when the barometer reached a low point of 28.592 inches,
station reading, 28.62 [969 mb] inches S.L. Winds reached a maximum (5
min.) velocity of 60 mph [52 kt] at 10:24 pm EST [0324 UTC], direction was
NE. Peak gusts of 98 mph [85 kt] were observed (60th mile contact) by
buzzer, 10:18 pm [0318 UTC] to 11 pm EST [0400 UTC]. Extreme velocity
recorded was 72 mph [63 kt] at 10:28 pm, EST, [0328 UTC] direction was
NE." Concord, NH: "The hurricane of September 14-15 caused little damage
in the vicinity of the Concord, NH station. A few small trees, and branches of
large trees were blown down. Portland, ME: The maximum at the airport was 40 NE
with an extreme of 50 NE at 1:08 am [0608 UTC] on the morning of the 15th. Observers
noted the eye of the storm at 4:20 am [0920 UTC] when the wind dropped to moderate
and the stars were visible. Then the wind shifted to NW from NE. Some
places along the coast, notably Ogunquit the NW wind was an estimated
velocity of about 70 and many trees were blown down and minor damage."
September 1944 MWR: "A total of 390 lives were lost as a result of the 1944
hurricane, a large proportion of them as a result of marine casualties. The 46
deaths listed as occurring along the coastal areas of the United States is less
than 10 percent of the 494 fatalities resulting from the storm of 1938. Heavy
marine casualties were directly related to intensified patrol work and other
exigencies resulting from war conditions. Property damage has been
estimated at approximately $100,000,000 or about one-third that estimated for
the 1938 hurricane."
Despite the Historical Weather Map indicating a closed low existing on the 7th and 8th of
September east of the Lesser Antilles, there are no observations that support such an
analyses. No change is made to the time of genesis, though the cyclone certainly could
have developed farther east a few or even several days earlier. For genesis of this
hurricane, the first position at 06 UTC on the 9th was adjusted to the west for a more
realistic initial speed. Originally, HURDAT started this system at genesis as a 65 kt
hurricane. Intensity begun as a 45 kt tropical storm and reduced on the 9th and 10th.
Evidence for this alteration is based primarily upon the 1944's Monthly Weather
Review assessment. The changes at 06 and 12Z on the 9th are major (20 kt) revisions
downward. Minor track changes were introduced from the 11th through the 14th. No
changes made to the intensity from the 11th and 12th, though observations near the center
were sparse. There was a 943 mb central pressure listed for 12 UTC on the 12th, which
could not be confirmed through available sources. Given observations on the 13th, this
central pressure value is likely valid. A 943 mb central pressure suggests winds of 118 kt
from the Brown et al. south of 25N pressure-wind relationship and 112 kt from the north
of 25N pressure-wind relationship - 115 kt retained in HURDAT. At 17 UTC on the
13th, a 933 mb ship observation was recorded. There was no wind information with this
observation, and it is unknown whether or not it was a central pressure. A central
pressure of less than or equal to 933 mb suggests winds of at least 121 kt from the Brown
et al. north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. 125 kt is chosen for HURDAT at 18 UTC
on the 13th, up from 105 kt originally - a major change. (There are no known
observations with either the 909 mb central pressure suggested by Tannehill, nor the 943
mb in HURDAT at 12Z on the 12th. Given that 943 mb is already included into
HURDAT and that it may be reasonable, this value is retained. Without corroboration of
Tannehill's suggested 909 mb, this value is too suspect to incorporate into HURDAT.)
On the 14th, the hurricane turned to the north and clipped the North Carolina coast. The
original HURDAT took the center of the hurricane over the Outer Banks, but
observations from Hatteras suggest that instead the hurricane passed just offshore around
13 UTC on the 14th. This agrees with Ho et al.'s assessment that the hurricane did not
make a North Carolina landfall. Given the 49 kt wind reported at the time of the 947 mb
pressure at Hatteras and that Hatteras was just outside of the RMW, it is estimated that
the central pressure was around 940 mb. This is deeper than the Ho et al. value of 944
mb. 940 mb suggests winds of 115 kt from the Brown et al. north of 25N pressure-wind
relationship and 103 kt from the high latitude (north of 35n) pressure-wind relationship.
Given the small size of the RMW (estimated ~15 nmi) given the climatological average
of 25 nmi for that latitude and central pressure (Vickery et al. 2000), winds are estimated
to be 110 kt during its close bypass of North Carolina and Virginia (up from 90 kt in
HURDAT originally). Peak 5 min observed winds for North Carolina and Virginia were
74 kt (Hatteras) (estimated) and 75 kt (Cape Henry), which are equivalent to about 80 kt
1 min winds. (The 117 kt fastest mile observation at Cape Henry is problematic. This is
about a 30 second average, which would convert to a peak 111 kt 1 min wind. The
anemometer height is 16 m above the ground, which slightly reduces to 109 kt 1 min
wind at 10 m above the ground. On the other hand, the peak 5 min wind of 75 kt
converts to a peak 1 min wind of 80 kt and then to 78 kt 1 min wind at 10 m above the
ground. Thus the two ways to arrive at a peak 1 min wind from other measurements do
not agree. It is possible that the 117 kt fastest mile observation was atypical of the
circulation of the hurricane and thus the 78 kt value of the peak 1 min wind at Cape
Henry is a better estimate.) It is assessed that both North Carolina and Virginia
experienced Category 2 sustained winds, which is a downgrade from Category 3
analyzed officially originally. The downgrade from Category 3 to 2 for Virginia matches
the assessment of Cobb (2004).
The hurricane accelerated to the north-northeast and made landfall at the eastern tip of
Long Island, New York around 02Z on the 15th near 40.9N, 72.2W. The hurricane made
a second landfall around 04Z on the 15th on the Rhode Island coast near 41.4N, 71.6W.
Lowest observed pressures were 959 mb at Point Judith, Rhode Island, 960 mb with 35 kt
SW wind at Block Island, Rhode Island, and 962 mb at Fishers Island, New York.
Central pressure at landfall in Rhode Island is estimated to be 957 mb (slightly higher
than Ho et al.). Landfall pressure in New York is estimated to be 954 mb, slightly deeper
than at Rhode Island. Highest observed 5 min winds at landfall were 70 kt N in New
York City (anemometer height 138 meters AGL) and 71 kt in Block Island. These
convert to about 75 kt 1 min peak winds. A 954 mb central pressure suggests maximum
winds of 94 kt from the north of 35N pressure-wind relationship. (957 mb give 92 kt.)
The RMW (~30 nmi versus 32 nmi climatology for this latitude and central pressure) and
forward speed (30 kt) were near average for this location. However, the outer closed
isobar was somewhat lower than average (1009 mb) and the cyclone was undergoing
extratropical transition. Thus 90 kt is estimated as the maximum sustained winds at
landfall in New York and 85 kt at landfall in Rhode Island. 90 kt and 954 mb are also
entered into HURDAT for 00 UTC on the 15th, the last synoptic time before landfall.
This is a significant increase compared to 75 kt originally. (Winds from 12Z on the 14th
to 00Z on the 15th had a major increase of 20 kt compared to HURDAT originally.) New
York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island are each analyzed as to having been impacted by
Category 2 wind conditions, which is a downgrade from Category 3 originally in
HURDAT. Massachusetts is analyzed as being impacted by Category 1 winds, which is a
downgrade from Category 2 originally. New Jersey is added as a Category 1 hurricane
impact, through a run of the parametric wind model from Schwerdt et al., which is
consistent with the impacts observed. Peak observed winds after landfall (within two
hours of the synoptic time) were 61 kt at 06 UTC and 50 kt at 12 UTC. A run of the New
England wind-decay model (Kaplan and DeMaria 2001) gives 63 kt and 40 kt at 06 and
12 UTC, respectively. 70 and 55 kt were chosen for HURDAT, because of the latter
observation and because the system went back out over the Atlantic after crossing
Massachusetts. Thus winds are substantially higher at 12 UTC on the 15th (55 kt) than
originally indicated in HURDAT (35 kt). The 982 mb central pressure originally listed as
being an 18 UTC reading apparently comes from the 12 UTC Eastport, Maine
observation. This is now shifted to correctly being indicated at 12 UTC. No change was
made to the assessment that extratropical transition occurred around 12 UTC on the 16th,
near the coast of Maine. No change was made in the dissipation of this system.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1944 Storm 8 - 2013 Revision
31790 09/19/1944 M= 4 8 SNBR= 704 NOT NAMED XING=0
31795 09/19* 0 0 0 0*193 838 60 0*200 842 65 0*206 849 70 0*
31795 09/19* 0 0 0 0*193 836 40 0*200 842 50 0*206 849 60 0*
*** ** ** **
31800 09/20*209 856 70 0*210 863 70 0*211 872 70 0*209 883 70 0*
31800 09/20*209 856 70 0*210 863 70 0*211 872 60 0*209 883 55 0*
** **
31805 09/21*205 895 65 0*200 909 70 0*198 922 70 0*191 939 70 0*
31805 09/21*205 895 50 0*200 907 65 0*192 920 70 0*185 932 70 0*
** *** ** *** *** *** ***
31810 09/22*179 947 60 0*166 944 35 0*151 940 20 0* 0 0 0 0*
31810 09/22*179 940 60 0*172 942 45 0*165 940 30 0* 0 0 0 0*
*** *** *** ** *** **
31815 HR
Minor track changes and major intensity changes were made to this hurricane, compared
with that shown originally in McAdie et al. (2009). Evidence for these changes arises
from the Historical Weather Map series, the COADS ship database, Monthly Weather
Review, Mexican Observations, and NHC microfilm of synoptic weather maps.
September 18: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1010 mb near 18N, 81.7W. HURDAT does not list
a system on this day. No gales or low pressures.
September 19: HWM analyzes a tropical storm of at most 1005 mb centered near 19.3N, 83.9W.
HURDAT lists this as a 65 kt hurricane at 20.0N, 84.2W. The MWR post-season track
map shows a center near 20.3N, 84.4W. No gales or low pressures.
September 20: HWM analyzes a tropical storm of at most 995 mb centered near 22.1N, 87W. HURDAT
listed this as a 70 kt hurricane at 21.1N, 87.2W. The MWR tracks for centers of cyclones
has a 00Z position near 20.7N, 84W and a 12Z position near 21N, 86.2W. The MWR
post-season track map shows a 00Z position near 21N, 85.6W and a 12Z position near
21.2N, 87.7W. Microfilm shows a low of at most 999 mb centered near 21.8N, 87.4W.
Land highlights: 50 kt W and 1000 mb at Cozumel, Mexico at 08Z (micro); 45 kt WSW
and 996 mb at Cozumel, Mexico at 10Z (micro); 35 kt SE at 21.3N, 88.2W at 18Z
(micro); 19 kt E and 1002 mb at 20Z at Merida (Mexico). Three other gales and four
other low pressures at Cozumel. "Forming from a wave in the Caribbean Sea near the
Yucatan Channel, this storm quickly developed a small center with winds of about
hurricane force and moved into northern Yucatan on the 20th" (MWR).
September 21: HWM analyzes a tropical storm near 18.9N, 92.7W. HURDAT lists this as a 70 kt
hurricane at 19.8N, 92.2W. The MWR tracks for centers of cyclones has a 00Z position
near 21.2N, 88.9W and a 12Z position near 19.2N, 92W. The MWR post-season track
map shows a 00Z position near 20.6N, 89.1W and a 12Z position near 19N, 91.7W.
Microfilm shows a low of at most 999 mb centered near 19.2N, 92W. Land highlights:
44 kt N and 1006 mb at 13Z and 61 kt N and 1007 mb at 20Z at Coatazacoalcos
(Mexico); 40 kt NE and 1002 mb at Merida at 00Z (micro); 65 kt at Campeche, Mexico
at ~05Z (MWR); 1001 mb at Campeche, Mexico at ~05Z (MWR); 25 kt S and 998 mb at
Carmen, Mexico at 1230Z (micro). Seven other land gales and six other land low
pressures. Aircraft highlights: 55 kt E at 19.5N, 92.3W at 1450Z (micro); 40 kt NW at
18.5N, 93.5W at 1520Z (micro); 45 kt NE at 20.6N, 94.2W at 16Z (micro). "Curving
toward the southwest and passing south of Merida, it entered the Gulf of Mexico at
Campeche about midnight of the 20th-21st. Traversing a small extent of the Gulf the
center reentered Mexico between Coatzacoalcos and Ciudad del Carmen in the late
afternoon of the 21st. Reports received from Yucatan and from aircraft indicate a very
small center with winds of 75 miles per hour throughout the life of this storm" (MWR).
September 22: HWM analyzes a tropical storm well inland of at most 1000 mb 16.8N, 93.2W.
HURDAT lists this as a 20 kt tropical depression 15.1N, 94.0W. Land highlights: 51 kt E
and 1001 mb at 03Z at Coatazacoalcos (Mexico); 35 kt N and 1007 mb at Veracruz,
Mexico at 0030Z (micro). "Press reports indicate that 200-300 persons drowned in
floods that occurred in the Isthmus of Tehuanepec" (MWR).
A tropical storm developed on the 19th between the Cayman Islands and Cozumel,
Mexico. No changes were made to the genesis of this cyclone, as observations do not
support the formation of the system on that date. (It should, however, be noted that the
HWM and microfilm analyses of a closed low on the 18th). Aside from a change to the
initial position for a more realistic translational velocity, no changes are necessary to the
HURDAT positions for the first two days of the storm. Minor changes to the track were
introduced on the 21st and 22nd. The most significant track change to HURDAT is the
very last point on the 22nd. The original HURDAT had the cyclone accelerating to 15 kt
toward the south-southeast after the second Mexican landfall, reaching the Pacific at 12Z
on the 22nd as a 20 kt tropical depression with dissipation thereafter. The reanalysis
shows a significantly slower movement - 8 kt, which is consistent with the cyclone
dissipating over southern Mexico before reaching the Pacific. This is consistent with the
HWM and MWR observations and track analysis of the system not traveling into the
Pacific. For intensity revisions, HURDAT started this storm as 60 kt at 06Z on the 19th.
The highest available wind observation on the 19th is 30 kt, with a fair amount of data
available. Therefore, the tropical cyclone is started as 40 kt (a major 20 kt decrease).
The intensity catches back up with HURDAT 24 hours later with the analysis agreeing
with HURDAT with a 70 kt intensity for the first Mexican landfall. Highest observed
winds in the Yucatan were 50 kt and lowest pressure was 996 mb (with 45 kt winds).
This pressure suggests winds of at least 54 kt using the Brown et al. south of 25N
pressure-wind relationship. No change is made to the 70 kt at the 10Z/20th landfall in the
Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, in agreement with what was described in MWR.
HURDAT previously only had the hurricane weakening by 5 kt while traveling over the
Yucatan Peninsula, but there are no available observations to support this lack of
weakening. Runs of the Kaplan and DeMaria inland decay model suggest winds of 57 kt
at 12Z/20th, 48 kt at 18Z, and 38 kt at 00Z/21st. Peak available winds within 2 hr of
synoptic times were 45, 35, and 40 kt respectively. Winds are reanalyzed to be 60 kt at
12Z/20th (down from 70 kt), 55 kt at 18Z (down from 70 kt) and 50 kt at 00Z/21st (down
from 65 kt). By 04Z on the 21st, the storm emerged in the Bay of Campeche. During the
next 14 hours, it strengthened back to a 70 kt hurricane while it turned to the southwest.
While there were no specific observations of hurricane force (peak winds observed were
61 kt at Coatazacoalcos, Mexico), 70 kt is retained in HURDAT as the second landfall in
mainland Mexico around 21Z on the 21st. Like the first Mexican landfall, hurricane
intensity is supported by the description in the MWR. Runs of the Kaplan and DeMaria
inland decay model suggest winds of 56 kt at 00Z/22nd, 43 kt at 06Z, and 40 kt at 12Z.
Highest observed winds were 35 kt (at 00Z), 51 kt (at 03Z), and no observed gales at 06Z
and 12Z. Winds are reanalyzed to be 60 kt at 00Z (unchanged), 45 kt at 06Z (up from 35
kt originally), and 30 kt at 12Z (up from 20 kt originally). The circulation likely
weakened more than suggested by Kaplan and DeMaria at 12Z because of the impacts of
the elevated terrain across Mexico. No changes were made to the timing of the
dissipation of this cyclone.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1944 Storm 9 - 2013 Revisions
31820 09/21/1944 M= 8 9 SNBR= 705 NOT NAMED XING=0
31825 09/21* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*171 415 35 0*172 435 35 0*
31830 09/22*174 456 35 0*177 477 35 0*182 497 40 0*190 514 40 0*
31835 09/23*198 527 45 0*213 541 45 0*230 551 50 0*244 557 55 0*
31840 09/24*258 559 55 0*274 559 60 0*292 558 65 0*311 555 70 0*
31840 09/24*258 559 55 0*274 559 60 0*292 558 65 0*312 555 70 0*
***
31845 09/25*332 550 75 0*356 541 80 0*380 532 85 0*395 526 85 0*
31845 09/25*332 550 75 0*352 541 80 0*370 535 85 0*382 533 80 0*
*** *** *** *** *** **
31850 09/26*409 522 85 0*422 516 80 0*432 512 75 0*459 498 70 0*
31850 09/26*392 533 75 0*402 532 70 0E415 530 60 0E435 520 55 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** **** *** ** **** *** **
31855 09/27*487 479 70 0*500 465 65 0E523 439 60 0E552 411 55 0*
31855 09/27E465 500 55 0E500 472 50 0E530 439 50 0E555 400 45 0*
**** *** ** * *** ** *** ** *** *** **
31860 09/28E578 347 55 0E596 285 50 0E614 224 45 0* 0 0 0 0*
31860 09/28E578 347 45 0E596 285 40 0E614 224 40 0* 0 0 0 0*
** ** **
31865 HR
Major track changes along with minor intensity changes were made to this recurving
hurricane, compared with that shown originally in McAdie et al. (2009). Evidence for
these changes comes from the Historical Weather Map series and the COADS ship
database.
September 20: HWM analyzes an open wave with a low plotted near 15.5N, 32.6W. HURDAT does not
list a system on this day. No gales or low pressures.
September 21: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 1010 mb centered near 17N, 41.3W. HURDAT
lists this as a 35 kt tropical storm at 17.1N, 41.5W. No available observations in vicinity.
September 22: HWM analyzes a tropical storm of at most 1010 mb centered near 18.4N, 49.8W.
HURDAT lists this as a 40 kt tropical storm at 18.2N, 49.7W. No available observations
in vicinity.
September 23: HWM analyzes a tropical storm of at most 1005 mb near 23.1N, 55.1W. HURDAT
listed this as a 50 kt tropical storm at 23.0N, 55.1W. No gales or low pressures.
September 24: HWM analyzes a hurricane of at most 995 mb centered near 29.3N, 55.7W, with a
dissipating stationary front indicated a couple hundred nm to the hurricane's northwest.
HURDAT listed this as a 65 kt hurricane at 29.2N, 55.8W. No gales or low pressures.
September 25: HWM analyzes a hurricane of at most 995 mb centered near 38.2N, 53.1W. HURDAT
lists this as an 85 kt hurricane at 38.0N, 53.2W. No gales or low pressures.
September 26: HWM analyzes a hurricane of at most 1000 mb centered near 43.3N, 51.2W, with a cold
front beginning a couple hundred nm southwest of the hurricane and extending
southwestward. HURDAT lists this as a 75 kt hurricane at 43.2N, 51.2W. Ship
highlights: 35 kt SE at 40.5N, 48.5W at 11Z (COA); 35 kt SSE at 39.5N, 48.5W at 15Z
(COA). Two other gales.
September 27: HWM analyzes a low of at most 1000 mb near 53N, 43.5W with a warm front north of
the low extending eastward and a cold front south of the low extending south-
southwestward. HURDAT lists this as an extratropical cyclone with 60 kt winds at
52.3N, 43.9W. Ship highlights: 25 kt NE and 999 mb at 53.5N, 44.0W (HWM); 25 kt W
and 995 mb at 54.5N, 45.5W at 15Z (COA).
September 28: HWM analyzes a low of at most 995 mb with a cold front and a warm front intersecting
at the low near 61.7N, 18.0W. HURDAT lists this as a 45 kt extratropical low at 61.4N,
22.4W. All six available observations in vicinity are not gales but have pressures
between 999-1004 mb.
A low, likely associated with a tropical wave that emerged from Africa, is listed in
HURDAT as becoming a tropical storm on the 21st. There are no available observations
anywhere remotely near this storm between the 21st and 24th, so no changes are made to
the genesis, track or intensity in HURDAT during this time. The cyclone moved west-
northwest and then northwest through the Atlantic recurving around 56W longitude on
the 24th. The largest track changes are on the 25th and 26th. The storm is analyzed to be
slower and slightly to the left of the HURDAT track. These changes are based on
available observations from the two sources available for this storm. As it turned towards
the north-northeast, it intensified into a hurricane with a peak intensity of 85 kt on the
25th and 26th. There are no observations near the inner core of this cyclone so it is
difficult to confirm (or reject) this intensity maxima. No changes are made to when it
became a hurricane and to the peak intensity reached. Based upon the increased
temperature gradient, asymmetric structure of the pressure field, and winds in the
southwestern quadrant responding more to forcing of a cold front, the cyclone is
reanalyzed to have become extratropical around 12Z on the 26th - 24 hours earlier than
originally shown in HURDAT. However, the exact timing of extratropical transition is
more uncertain than usual due to the lack of observations near the center of the cyclone
on the 26th and early on the 27th. The only intensity changes are made after this storm is
extratropical. The maximum winds are analyzed to be slightly weaker than in the
previous HURDAT on the 27th and 28th. These changes are made based on the location
and magnitude of the wind observations relative to the center for an extratropical cyclone.
The cyclone was absorbed by a larger extratropical cyclone late on the 28th near Iceland.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1944 Storm 10 - 2013 Addition
31895 09/30/1944 M= 4 10 SNBR= 707 NOT NAMED XING=0
31896 09/30*331 441 35 0*338 443 35 0*345 445 40 0*352 447 40 0*
31897 10/01*359 448 45 0*367 449 45 0*375 450 45 0*385 449 45 0*
31898 10/02*395 445 40 0*405 435 35 0*415 415 30 0*426 393 30 0*
31899 10/03E438 370 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
31960 TS
HWM and COADS indicate that a tropical storm, previously undocumented in
HURDAT, occurred in the north-central Atlantic from 30 September to 3 October.
September 27: HWM indicates no features of interest in the central North Atlantic. No gales or low
pressures. HURDAT does not list this system.
September 28: HWM indicates an open low centered near 32N 45W with a dissipating
warm front to its northwest. No gales or low pressures.
September 29: HWM indicates a broad closed low of at most 1015 mb near 31.5N, 42W with a
dissipating NNE-SSW warm front a few hundred nm off to the northwest. No gales or
low pressures.
September 30: HWM indicates a low of at most 1010 mb near 33N, 47.5W. Ship highlights: 30 kt SW
and 1004 mb at 34.5N, 44.5W at 15Z (COA); 35 kt SW and 1003 mb at 34.5N, 45.5W at
23Z (COA).
October 1: HWM indicates a low of at most 1005 mb near 36.5N, 44.5W, with a warm front
analyzed a few hundred nm northwest of the cyclone. Ship highlights: 25 kt NW and
1005 mb at 39.5N, 46.5W at 15Z (COA); 30 kt S 1011 mb at 37.5N 40.5W at 12Z
(HWM).
October 2: HWM indicates a trough in the general vicinity of 41N, 41W with an approaching mid-
latitude cyclone a few hundred nm to the west. Ship highlights: No gales or low
pressures.
October 3: HWM indicates that the mid-latitude cyclone (which was approaching on the 2nd) is the
only dominant feature.
On 28 and 29 September, a broad area of low pressure developed in a uniformly warm
airmass, southwest of an analyzed frontal boundary. The circulation was too broad on
these days to be considered a tropical cyclone. By 30 September, the low had
consolidated, strong winds were located near the center, and the system remained within
a uniformly warm airmass. It is analyzed that the system became a tropical cyclone
around 00Z on the 30th. On that date, a ship observed a 35 kt SW wind and a 1003 mb
pressure at 23Z about 100 nm from the center. This peripheral pressure suggests winds
of greater than 38 kt from the north of 35N pressure-wind relationship. The tropical
cyclone is started at 00Z on the 30th as a 35 kt tropical storm. The cyclone is analyzed to
have reached a peak intensity of 45 kt on the 1st based upon the pressure-wind
relationship. The system moved slowly north-northwestward after formation. While
there was only one observed gale for this cyclone, there were also three low pressures
that suggest gale force winds existed. This storm then made a turn to the northeast on the
2nd. It is analyzed that the system weakened to a depression by 12Z on the 2nd and was
absorbed by an approaching extratropical cyclone from the west around 00Z on 3
October.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1944 Storm 11 (was Storm #10) - 2013 Revision
31870 10/01/1944 M= 3 10 SNBR= 706 NOT NAMED XING=0
31870 09/30/1944 M= 4 11 SNBR= 706 NOT NAMED XING=0
** ** * **
(The 30th of September is new to HURDAT.)
31872 09/30* 0 0 0 0*144 593 30 0*145 595 35 0*146 597 40 0*
31875 10/01* 0 0 0 0*150 570 40 0*158 584 40 0*166 588 40 0*
31875 10/01*148 599 40 0*150 602 40 0*153 607 40 0*158 611 40 0*
*** *** ** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31880 10/02*174 590 40 0*182 591 40 0*189 591 40 0*195 592 35 0*
31880 10/02*166 610 40 0*178 605 40 0*189 597 40 0*198 592 35 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31885 10/03*201 592 35 0*205 591 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
31885 10/03*203 590 35 0*205 590 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
*** *** ***
31890 TS
Major track changes with no intensity changes were made for this tropical storm, as
originally shown in McAdie et al. (2009). Genesis is begun 24 hours earlier than the
original HURDAT. Evidence for these changes comes from the Historical Weather Map
series, the COADS ship database, Monthly Weather Review, and NHC microfilm of
synoptic weather maps.
September 28: HWM analyzed an open low near 12N 59W. HURDAT does not list a storm on this date.
No gales or low pressures.
September 29: HWM analyzed an open low near 13N 61W. HURDAT does not list a storm on this date.
No gales or low pressures.
September 30: HWM does not analyze a closed low on this day. HURDAT does not list a storm on this
day. Microfilm shows a closed low east of the Lesser Antilles. Ship highlights: 40 kt at
14.0N, 59.6W at 18Z (micro).
October 1: HWM analyzes a low of at most 1010 mb centered near 15.5N, 60.5W. HURDAT lists
this as a 40 kt tropical storm at 15.8N, 58.4W. The MWR post-season track map shows a
position near 16N, 58.5W. Microfilm shows a possible low with a center in the vicinity
of 15.7N, 59.8W. Aircraft highlights: 45 kt SSW at 16.0N, 58.8W at ~17Z (micro); 40 kt
WSW at 14.6N, 59.2W at 1720Z (micro).
October 2: HWM analyzes a small low of at most 1010 mb centered near 16.3N, 60W. HURDAT
lists this as a 40 kt tropical storm at 18.9N, 59.1W. The MWR post-season track map
shows a 00Z position near 17.2N 58.9W and a 12Z position near 18.5N, 59W. No gales
or low pressures. "Developing from disturbed and squally conditions that had been noted
east of the Lesser Antilles, during the several days previous, this disturbance moved
northward near the 60th meridian into a strong trough that existed east of Bermuda. The
storm did not develop hurricane winds and no reports of damage to shipping have been
received" (MWR).
October 3: HWM shows no features of interest near of north of the Lesser Antilles. HURDAT lasts
lists this at 06Z as a 30 kt tropical depression at 20.5N, 59.1W. No gales or low
pressures.
A tropical cyclone formed east of the Lesser Antilles at 06Z on September 30th near
14.5N, 59.5W based upon numerous ship and island observations and quickly reached
tropical storm intensity. This is 24 hours earlier than indicated originally in HURDAT.
(The analysis from the HWM of a low forming near the Lesser Antilles as early as the
28th is not substantiated.) At the time of the first HURDAT position (06Z on October
1st), available observations suggest that the storm was located more than three degrees to
the west of the HURDAT position. These changes are also supported by the aircraft
reconnaissance mission later on the 1st. The tropical cyclone moved northwestward for a
day a half followed by a turn toward the northeast for another day and a half. The system
weakened to a tropical depression at 06Z on October 3rd and dissipated six hours later
(unchanged from original HURDAT). However, it is possible that the system continued
northward as a tropical cyclone into the open Atlantic Ocean, given the very sparse
observations available.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1944 Storm 12 (New)
31895 10/11/1944 M= 5 12 SNBR= 707 NOT NAMED XING=0
31896 10/11*355 404 35 0*355 402 35 0*355 400 40 0*355 398 45 0*
31897 10/12*356 396 50 0*357 393 60 0*360 390 70 0*366 386 70 0*
31898 10/13*375 381 70 0*383 374 60 0*390 365 50 0*397 353 50 0*
31899 10/14*404 335 45 0*410 295 45 0*415 255 45 0*412 230 45 0*
31899 10/15*405 210 45 0*397 195 50 0E390 180 55 0E385 160 55 0*
31960 HR
HWM and COADS indicate that a hurricane, undocumented in HURDAT, existed in the
eastern north Atlantic during October 1944.
October 7: HWM analyzes a broad low of at most 1010 mb along a cold frontal boundary that
extends from 40N 44W to 30N 48W to 27N 58W. HURDAT does not list this system.
No gales or low pressures.
October 8: HWM analyzes a low of at most 1015 mb near 32N 43W along a frontal boundary that
extends to the low's north and the low's southwest. No gales or low pressures.
October 9: HWM analyzes a low of at most 1015 mb near 37N, 41.5W at the intersection of a warm
front, which extends to the ENE and a cold front which extends to the SSW. No gales or
low pressures.
October 10: HWM analyzes an elongated low of at most 1010 mb near 35.5N, 40.5W with a
dissipating cold front through the low and another cold front north of the low. No gales
or low pressures.
October 11: HWM analyzes a low of at most 1005 mb centered near 35.5N, 39.5W with a warm front
extending from the low towards the ENE and a dissipating cold front extending from the
low towards the SW and then W. Ship highlights: 35 kt N and 1016 mb at 11Z at 36.5N,
42.5W (COA); 40 kt NNE and 1011 mb at 19Z at 36.5N, 40.5W (COA); 45 kt N at 23Z
at 36.5N, 41.5W (COA). Three other gales.
October 12: HWM analyzes a low of at most 995 mb centered near 35.8N, 38.6W with the closest
front located 4 degrees north of the center extending eastward from there. Ship
highlights: 65 kt S and 1000 mb at 10Z at 35.5N, 37.5W (COA); 45 kt SE and 998 mb at
11Z at 36.5N, 39.5W (COA); 70 kt S and 1010 mb at 14Z at 35.5N, 37.5W (COA). Four
other gales and a few other low pressures.
October 13: HWM analyzes a low of at most 1000 mb centered near 39.5N, 35.7W with the west end
of a dissipating warm front located a few degrees to the ENE of the low center. No gales
or low pressures.
October 14: HWM analyzes a low of at most 1005 mb centered north of the Azores near 40.5N, 26W
with a trough plotted extending from the low towards the south, then curving west. No
gales or low pressures.
October 15: HWM analyzes a low of at most 1005 mb centered near 37.5N, 18.3W with a trough
plotted extending from the low SW and then W. Ship highlights: 50 kt SSW and 1003
mb at 09Z at 38.5N, 20.5W (COA); 50 kt NNW and 1008 mb at 13Z at 39.5N, 20.5W
(COA). One other low pressure.
October 16: HWM analyzes a small low of at most 1005 mb centered inland near the border of
Portugal and Spain near 38.2N, 7W with a trough plotted extending towards the SW and
mid-latitude fronts just a few degrees to the north. Land highlights: 40 kt SW and 1010
mb at 12Z at Seville, Spain at 37.4N, 6.0W (HWM).
A broad low pressure area developed along a frontal boundary on the 8th and 9th of
October in the central Atlantic. On the 9th and 10th the system began to acquire tropical
characteristics as it appears that the front boundaries had dissipated, but there is no
evidence of a closed circulation on these days. There are also no gales or low pressures
on these days. By 11 October, the circulation began to consolidate and the first observed
gale was at 11Z this day. Genesis occurred for this system around 00Z on the 11th as a 35
kt tropical storm. (Note that the amount of data is minimal around 00Z on the 11th with
only two ships within 200 nm of the center. The reason for beginning the system at 00Z
on the 11th is the very well developed cyclone apparent at 12Z. Given the structural
changes observed between 12Z on the 10th and 12Z on the 11th, the best estimate is that
genesis occurred around 00Z on the 11th - about midway between the two better sampled
times.) On the 12th, there are seven observations of gale force winds, two of them being
hurricane force winds. Low pressures (down to 998 mb) are observed with these high
winds, and these observations are all in close proximity of the cyclones center. Peak
intensity of a 70 kt hurricane is analyzed from 12Z on the 12th to 00Z on the 13th. Very
little movement of the cyclone was indicated on the 11th and 12th. On the 13th and 14th
observations indicated that the system weakened below hurricane force (down to 45 kt on
the 14th), and the cyclone is analyzed to move quickly towards the east. The cyclone
apparently reintensified as two 50 kt gale observations were recorded on the 15th and 55
kt is chosen for the intensity at 12 and 18Z for this day. An extratropical transition is
indicated to have occurred around 12Z on the 15th, consistent with a significant
temperature gradient and a more asymmetric circulation occurring. With the system
moving around 25 kt around 00Z on the 16th, a closed (earth-relative) circulation was no
longer likely to have occurred and no observations could confirm a closed circulation
(though measurements were sparse on the north side of the system). The cyclone thus is
indicated to have dissipated by 00Z on the 16th. The extratropical remnants of the system
did affect southern Portugal and southern Spain. 40 kt sustained winds were recorded at
Seville, Spain at 12Z on the 16th.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1944 Storm 13 (was Storm 11)
31895 10/12/1944 M=12 11 SNBR= 707 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=3 L
31895 10/12/1944 M=13 13 SNBR= 707 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=3
** ** *
31900 10/12* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*150 803 35 0*
31900 10/12* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*160 805 30 0*164 806 35 0*
*** *** ** *** ***
31905 10/13*161 808 65 0*168 809 65 0*174 809 70 0*177 809 70 0*
31905 10/13*168 807 40 0*171 808 50 0*174 809 60 0*176 809 70 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** ** ***
31910 10/14*179 808 70 0*182 807 70 0*185 806 75 0*188 806 75 0*
31910 10/14*178 808 80 976*179 807 80 0*180 806 80 0*181 806 80 0*
*** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** **
31915 10/15*190 805 75 0*192 805 75 0*193 808 75 0*192 813 80 0*
31915 10/15*182 805 80 0*183 805 80 0*185 808 85 0*187 813 85 0*
*** ** *** ** *** ** *** **
31920 10/16*192 817 80 0*193 821 80 0*194 824 85 0*196 827 85 0*
31920 10/16*190 817 90 0*192 821 90 0*194 824 90 0*195 827 90 0*
*** ** *** ** ** *** **
31925 10/17*199 829 90 0*202 829 95 0*206 829 95 0*212 829 100 0*
31925 10/17*196 829 90 0*197 829 95 0*200 829 95 0*206 829 105 0*
*** *** *** *** ***
31930 10/18*219 829 105 0*225 829 105 0*231 830 100 0*240 829 105 0*
31930 10/18*214 829 115 0*222 829 125 0*231 830 115 937*240 829 105 949*
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31935 10/19*253 827 105 0*268 824 65 0*284 821 65 968*298 817 60 978*
31935 10/19*253 827 100 0*269 826 90 962*284 821 75 968*298 817 60 976*
*** *** *** ** *** ** ***
31940 10/20*312 812 50 983*323 808 45 987*335 801 40 992*352 785 35 996*
31940 10/20*312 814 55 980*324 810 50 985E337 805 50 988E354 790 45 993 *
*** ** *** *** *** ** ******* *** ** ******* *** ** ***
31945 10/21E369 766 35 998E381 750 40 997E394 733 45 0E411 708 45 0*
31945 10/21E371 769 40 996E383 750 40 0E394 733 45 0E407 708 45 0*
*** *** ** *** *** *** ***
31950 10/22E429 674 45 0E449 637 45 0E470 602 40 0E492 571 40 0*
31950 10/22E427 674 45 0E449 635 45 0E475 595 45 0E505 565 45 0*
*** *** *** *** *** ***
31955 10/23E522 542 40 0E561 515 35 0E600 488 35 0* 0 0 0 0*
31955 10/23E540 540 45 0E570 520 45 0E595 500 50 0E615 470 50 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** **** *** **
(The 24th is new to HURDAT.)
31957 10/24E630 435 45 0E645 390 40 0E660 340 30 0* 0 0 0 0*
31960 HRBFL3DFL2
31960 HRBFL3DFL1AFL1
********
U.S. Landfalls
10/18/1944 - 21Z - 24.6N, 82.9W (Dry Tortugas); 105 kt; 949 mb; 1010 mb OCI; 350
nmi ROCI; 30 nm RMW; 9 kt forward motion
10/19/1944 - 07Z - 27.2N, 82.5W; 90 kt; 962 mb; 1011 mb OCI; 375 nmi ROCI; 35 nmi
RMW; 15 kt forward motion
Minor track changes and major intensity changes are made to this powerful hurricane.
Dissipation is analyzed to have occurred 24 hours later than originally indicated.
Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Map series, the
COADS ships database, the Monthly Weather Review, the Original Monthly Records
from NCDC, NHC microfilm of synoptic weather maps, Connor (1956), Dunn and Miller
(1960), Harris (1963), Schwerdt et al. (1979), Ho et al. (1987), Jarrell et al. (1992), and
Perez et al. (2000).
October 11: HWM analyzes an open wave containing a low near 16.7N, 79.7W. HURDAT does not
list this storm on this day. Microfilm shows a very broad closed low of at most 1008 mb
in the western Caribbean Sea. No gales or low pressures.
October 12: HWM analyzes a tropical storm centered near 16.7N, 81.7W. HURDAT does not list this
system until 18Z with a 35 kt tropical storm intensity at 15.0N, 80.3W. No gales or low
pressures. Regarding the genesis, "First indications that this tropical storm was
developing in the Caribbean Sea came when the motorship Silver Arrow, en route from
Jamaica to Belize, stopped at Swan Island about 6:30 pm on October 12, and reported
rough seas encountered about 100 miles to the eastward" (MWR).
October 13: HWM analyzes a tropical storm located near 17.9N, 82.1W. HURDAT lists this as a 70
kt hurricane at 17.4N, 80.9W. The MWR post-season track map shows a 00Z position
near 16.3N, 80.9W and a 12Z position near 17.4N, 80.9W. Microfilm shows a hurricane
symbol on the 0030Z map located near 17.1N, 80.5W. On the 1230Z microfilm map, the
hurricane symbol is vacant, and it just shows a low of at most 1005 mb centered near
17.2N, 80.5W. Ship highlights: 35 kt E and 1005 mb at 17.2N, 80.5W at ~0030Z
(micro); ~40 kt and 1005 mb at 17.0N, 80.0W at ~1230Z (micro); 40 kt SE and 1004 mb
at 17.6N, 79.8W at ~1530Z (micro); 45 kt SSW and (996 mb?) at 17.6N, 80.7W at
~1830Z (micro); 50 kt SW at 21Z at 18.2N, 80.6W (micro); 50 kt SW and 981 mb at
~23Z at 18.2N, 80.6W (micro). One other ship low pressure of 1005 mb. Aircraft
highlights: 40 kt SSE at 17.7N, 79.3W at 1530Z (micro); 40 kt S at 17.5N, 81.1W at 16Z
(micro). Regarding the first signs of the storm at Grand Cayman Island, "At Grand
Cayman Island, the first signs of the storm were noted during the forenoon of October 13.
Rain was continuous on Grand Cayman throughout the remainder of the day" (MWR).
October 14: HWM analyzes a tropical storm of at most 1005 mb centered near 19.2N, 80.6W.
HURDAT lists this as a 75 kt hurricane at 18.5N, 80.6W. The MWR post-season track
map shows a 00Z position near 18.0N, 80.8W, and a 12Z position near 18.5N, 80.6W.
Microfilm shows a broad circulation in the general vicinity of the other sources locations.
Ship highlights: 30 kt SW and 979 mb at 00Z at 18.2N, 80.6W (micro); 35 kt SSE at
17.4N, 79.4W at ~0030Z (micro). Land highlights: 30 kt NNE and 1005 mb at Cayman
at 12Z (micro). Aircraft highlights: 35 kt N at 17.8N, 81.8W at 1320Z (micro); 40 kt E at
18.9N, 81.1W at 1330Z (micro); 40 kt W at 16.5N, 80.6W at 1350Z (micro). Three other
aircraft gales. Regarding the conditions on Grand Cayman, "On the 14th surface winds
had increased and the highest gust recorded was 58 mph. At about 5 pm on the 14th
rapidly changing conditions evidenced the existence of a heavy individual squall within
the main storm area. At that time the wind changed suddenly without pause from
moderate NNE to strong SE, and the heaviest rainfall of the entire storm period occurred.
After about 20 minutes the wind returned to NNE and lost much of its force." (MWR).
October 15: HWM analyzes a hurricane of at most 995 mb centered near 18.7N, 80.9W. HURDAT
lists this as a 75 kt hurricane at 19.3N, 80.8W. The MWR post-season track map shows a
00Z position near 18.9N, 80.7 and a 12Z position near 19.2N, 81.0W. Microfilm shows a
low of at most 993 mb centered near 19.1N, 80.9W. Ship highlights: 40 kt E and 990 mb
at 18.8N, 80.4W at ~0030Z (micro); 35 kt ESE and 992 mb at 18.6N, 79.8W at 1324Z
(micro); 25 kt SE and 994 mb at 18.3N, 79.3W at 1715Z (micro). Land highlights: 30 kt
NW gust 52 kt and 1008 mb at Swan Island at 04Z (micro); 25 kt ENE gust 57 kt and 997
mb at Grand Cayman at ~1530Z (micro); 35 kt NNW and 1010 mb at Cozumel at 17Z
(micro); 48 kt E and 984 mb at Grand Cayman at 2230Z (MWR); 40 kt ESE gust 83 kt
and 986 mb at Grand Cayman at 23Z (micro); 83 kt sustained at Grand Cayman (MWR).
Aircraft highlights: 45 kt N at 17.8N, 82.2W at 1530Z. Seven other aircraft gales.
Regarding the conditions on Grand Cayman, "On the next day, October 15, shortly after
6:30 pm, the pressure at Grand Cayman Island reached its lowest point 29.06 inches (984
mb). The extreme gust for that station, 118 mph from the east, was registered at about
the same time" (MWR).
October 16: HWM analyzes a hurricane of at most 995 mb centered near 19.2N, 82.8W. HURDAT
lists this as a 85 kt hurricane at 19.4N, 82.4W. The MWR post-season track map shows a
00Z position near 19.2N, 81.8W and a 12Z position near 19.4N, 82.7W. Microfilm
shows a hurricane of at most 987 mb centered near 19.2N, 82.6W. Ship highlight: 35 kt
NE and 1016 mb at 25.5N, 80.5W (COA). Land highlights: 83 kt E at 00Z at Grand
Cayman; 40 kt ESE gust 103 kt and 988 mb at Grand Cayman at 00Z (micro); 40 kt ESE
gust 90 kt and 991 mb at Grand Cayman at 02Z (micro); 30 kt NW gust 42 kt and 1001
mb at Swan Island at 08Z (micro). Six more gales and low pressures at Grand Cayman
with two more hurricane force wind gusts. One more low pressure at Swan Island with a
gale force wind gust. Aircraft highlights: 50 kt N at 19.1N, 83.0W at 1340Z (micro); 50
kt W at 18.3N, 82.8W at 1350Z (micro); 50 kt S at 18.2N, 82.0W at 1410Z (micro). Four
other aircraft gales. Regarding the damage from surge in Grand Cayman, "The hurricane
center passed westward, south of the island and turned rather abruptly to the north along
the 83rd meridian. As the storm moved northward, hurricane winds on the right of the
center sent a destructive storm tide lashing at docks, piers, and other shore installations
on the south coast (of Grand Cayman), reducing many of the wooden structures to
kindling" (MWR). "Storm warnings were ordered for the Keys the morning of the 16th"
(10/1944 FL Climatological Data).
October 17: HWM analyzes a hurricane of at most 990 mb located near 19.6N, 82.9W. HURDAT
lists this as a 95 kt hurricane at 20.6N, 82.9W. The MWR post-season track map shows a
00Z position near 19.8N, 83W and a 12Z position near 20.5N, 83.2W. Microfilm shows
a low of at most 987 mb centered near 20N, 82.8W. Ship highlight: 35 kt S at 19.8N,
80.2W at 16Z (micro). Land highlights: 40 kt NW gust 50 kt and 1001 mb at Swan
Island at 03Z (micro); 35 kt SSE and 997 mb at Cayman at 12Z (micro); 35 kt NE and
1008 mb at Dry Tortugas (24.6N, 82.9W) at 1230Z (micro); 45 kt NE at Isle of Pines
(21.8N, 82.8W) at 1830Z (micro). A few other gales and a few other low pressures.
Aircraft highlights: 45 kt N at 20.1N, 83.9W at 14Z (micro); 50 kt W at 19.2N, 83.2W at
1430Z (micro); 45 kt S at 20.4N, 81.8W at 1530Z (micro); 45 kt E at 21.7N, 81.2W at
16Z (micro). Eight other aircraft gales. Regarding the track, "During the late afternoon
of the 17th the storm center crossed the Isle of Pines" (MWR).
October 18: HWM analyzes a hurricane of at most 980 mb centered near 23.1N, 83.6W, on the
northwest coast of Cuba. HURDAT lists this as a 100 kt hurricane at 23.1N, 83.0W. The
MWR tracks for centers of cyclones shows a 00Z position near 21N, 82.3W and a 12Z
position near 22.3N, 82.2W. The MWR post season track map shows a 00Z position near
21.7N, 83.1W and a 12Z position near 22.9N, 83W. Microfilm at 06Z shows a low of at
most 981 mb centered near 22.3N, 82.8W, but the 12Z microfilm map is not available.
Ship highlights: 44 kt NE and 1006 mb at 23.3N, 85.8W at 02Z (micro); 35 kt NNE and
995 mb at 25.5N, 85.5W at 18Z (COA); 964 mb at 23.9N, 83.0W at 2130Z (MWR).
Three other low pressures and three other gales. Land highlights: 937 mb central
pressure measured in Cuba at 23.0N, 82.9E (no time) (Diario de la Marina, Oct. 24,
1944- Lixion's stuff, Perez); 70 kt SSE and 960 mb (min p) at Havana (Bautista Field) at
12Z (MWR); 965 mb (min p) at Havana National Observatory; 122 kt (fastest mile) at
Havana National Observatory at 15Z (MWR); 104 kt E (1minute at 48 meters - converts
to 92 kt at 10 meters) at Dry Tortugas at ~1830Z (MWR); 33 kt SE and 986 mb at Key
West at 1950Z (lowest pressure at Key West) (MWR); 96 kt SE and 990 mb at 21Z and
100 kt SE at ~2330Z at Sombrero Light (note that the weather station was at the top of
the lighthouse) MWR); 949 mb at Dry Tortugas at 22Z (uncorrected aneroid barometer)
(MWR); 45 kt S gust 74 kt and 988 mb at Key West at 23Z (micro);. Several other gale
force winds. Five other pressures below 1000 mb. Regarding the storm at the Dry
Tortugas, "At the Dry Tortugas, 58 miles west of Key West, where an airway-type
anemometer and windvane were exposed on top of the lighthouse, a wind velocity of 120
mph was recorded at 1500 of the 18th before the anemometer was blown away. The
lowest pressure there was 28.02 inches (949 mb) at 1800 (22Z), with a calm period from
1600 to 1800 (20-22Z). All times EWT (Zulu minus 4 hours). The wind direction was
east immediately before the lull, and west after the center passed" (OMR). Regarding the
track, "Approaching Cuba from the south, the storm center crossed the island a short
distance west of the Mariel-Majana line, the narrowest part of Cuba, and about 10 or 15
miles west of Havana. On the 18th, at a point about midway between the north coast of
Cuba and Dry Tortugas, a vessel heavily involved with the storm reported passing
through the eye of the hurricane where calm airs were observed for an hour between 1:40
and 2:40 pm (EST) (1840-1940Z). Except during through the center, hurricane winds
(Beaufort force 12) were encountered from noon to about 4 pm (17-21Z)" (MWR).
"Hurricane warnings issued from Miami to Tampa the morning of the 18th" (10/1944 FL
Climatological Data). "The storm was preceded by several tornadoes on the afternoon of
the 18th, near Wauchula and Arcadia and in southeastern Polk County" (10/1944 FL
Climatological Data). "El Huracan de 1944- October 17-18 - Category 4 - 937 mb
central pressure, peak observed gust of 141 kt, estimated 1-min maximum sustained wind
of 121 kt - 5.5 m storm surge - 300 deaths" (Perez et al.). "El comandante Perez Medina
nos manifesto que los vecinos del Central Merceditas han reportado una baja barometrica
de 703 [mm Hg] (937 mb) al cruce del ciclon" (Diario de la Marina, Oct. 24, 1944).
"Oct. 18 - 949 mb central pressure from Dry Tortugas observation, RMW- 29 nm, Speed
- 13 kt" (Ho et al.)
October 19: HWM analyzes a hurricane of at most 980 mb centered just east of Tampa, or near
28.2N, 82.2W, with a warm front extending from the northeast periphery of the cyclone
east-southeastward. HURDAT lists this as a 65 kt hurricane at 28.4N, 82.1W. The
MWR tracks for centers of cyclones shows a 00Z position between Key West and the
Dry Tortugas near 24.6N, 82.1W and a 12Z position just northeast of Tampa near 28.2N,
82W. The MWR post-season track map shows a 00Z position near 25N, 83W and a 12Z
position near 28.2N, 82.5W. Microfilm shows a center in the vicinity of 28.2N, 81.8W.
Ship highlights: 986 mb at 26.5N, 85.5W at 02Z (COA); 60 kt SE and 998 mb at 28.5N,
80.5W (COA); 50 kt NW and 998 mb at 26.5N, 85.5W (COA). Two other gales and
three other low pressures. Land highlights: 52 kt S and 993 mb at Key West at 0030Z
(OMR); 50 kt ENE gust 74 kt and 993 mb at Naples at 01Z (micro); 60 kt (1-min
sustained) at Miami at 0504Z (MWR); 87 kt S and 981 mb at Sanibel Light at 0530Z
(MWR); 57 kt ESE and 984 mb at Fort Myers at 0530Z (MWR); 962 mb at Sarasota
(probable central pressure) around ~0730Z; 50 kt N gust 90 kt and 968 mb at St.
Petersburg, FL at 920Z (micro); 37 kt NE and 967 mb at Tampa at 10Z (MWR, OMR);
70 kt E at Lakeland (MWR); 969 mb at Lakeland (MWR); 54 kt ESE and 980 mb at
Orlando at 1230Z (MWR); 75 kt NE (max w/1-min) at 1229Z at Jacksonville NAS; 71 kt
(1-min sustained) SSE at Orlando at 1405Z (MWR); 73 kt SE (5-min max) at 1502Z at
St. Augustine; 5 kt SE and 980 mb at Jacksonville at 1944Z (MWR); 37 kt NE at
Savannah at 2130Z (OMR). Many other gales and low pressures. Regarding the track,
"The storm moved northward with the center passing inland south of Sarasota, near
Nokomis, about 3 am EST on October 19. A pressure of 28.42 inches (962 mb) was
recorded at Sarasota. Taking a course north-northeastward across Florida, the storm
center skirted the east side of Tampa Bay, moved over Dade City and Ocala, and passed
seaward a short distance south of Jacksonville" (MWR). Regarding the storm structure,
"Although the storm was traveling at 20 mph, the "eye" was reported to have lasted from
11:30 am to 5:00 pm (at Jacksonville). This exceptionally long period of time required
for conditions characteristic of the "eye" of the hurricane to pass Jacksonville indicates
an unusually large central core. This central portion of the storm was apparently an
elongated oval with its principal axis along the line of advance. The central core
extended at one time almost from Jacksonville to Ocala, a distance of about 70 air line
miles" (MWR). "The hurricane itself was very large, with the central core or area of light
shifting winds from from 40 to 60 miles in diameter, requiring 2 to 4 hours to pass over
towns directly in its path. Dangerous winds extended fully 200 miles to the right or east
of the center, and about 100 miles to the left or west, thus affecting all of Peninsular
Florida. Winds of hurricane or near hurricane velocity surrounded the central core, with
gusts up to 100 miles per hour at Tampa and Orlando. Tides were high from Sarasota
southward on the Gulf, and from Melbourne northward on the Atlantic. Everglades City
reported 8.2 ft, Naples 12 ft, Jacksonville Beach 12 ft., Mayport 7.8 ft, Fernandina 10.6 ft
above mean low water. Property damage in the state (Florida) totaled probably 10 to 13
million dollars...but the total crop losses were nearly $50,000,000. Loss of life (for
Florida), as reported by the Red Cross, totaled 18" (10/1944 FL Climatological Data).
From the Georgia Climatological Data, "The important feature of the month was the
movement up the Georgia coast of a tropical hurricane from which the winds and
excessive rainfall caused moderate to severe damage on the coast and over other areas as
far inland as Augusta, Dublin, and Alapaha, beyond which conditions were much more
moderate (10/1944 GA Climatological Data). Regarding the damage in Georgia, "A
severe hurricane, after sweeping across the northern part of Florida on the morning of
October 19, 1944, moved up the Georgia coast and crossed into South Carolina a short
distance north of Savannah at about midnight of the same date (~20th 05Z). Georgia was
probably saved from enormous losses for two reasons: (1) the storm undoubtedly lost
some of its violence in crossing the land surface of Florida, (2) the storm skirted the
Georgia coast rather than following a more direct course through the state. As a whole,
property and other losses amounted to $250,000, possibly as much as $500,000. High
winds and heavy rainfall affected an area 50-100 miles inland, and unusually high and
destructive tides occurred along all the immediate coastal area. More detailed
descriptions (of damage in Georgia) follow: Glennville: Highest wind occurred between
5 and 6 pm (22-23Z). Savannah Beach: Portions of roofing blown off, some entirely so;
property losses not severe, estimated at only a few thousand dollars. Savannah: similar to
others- moderate roof damage and trees and tree limbs down" (10/1944 GA
Climatological Data). "Landfall position south of Tampa, Estimated Minimum Central
Pressure (not necessarily at US landfall) 948 mb" (Connor). "Tropical Cyclones in
Florida - Oct. 18-19 - Peninsula - Major - 18 killed - damage $60,000,000" ("Major" -
winds 101 to 135 mph, central pressure 949 to 982 mb - Dunn and Miller). "Oct. 19 -
1012 mb environmental pressure, 102 kt 1 min maximum sustained wind estimate at US
landfall" (Schwerdt et al.). "Oct. 19 - 962 mb central pressure from Sarasota
observation, RMW- 34 nm, Speed- 15 kt, Landfall point- 27.0N, 82.4W" (Ho et al.). "In
general, the storm surges associated with hurricanes and tropical storms rise and fall more
rapidly than those associated with extratropical storms. This effect is illustrated by the
records of storm surges produced by this [Oct. 18-20] storm, which changed from
tropical to extratropical characteristics as it crossed Florida... It is interesting... to
observe that the peak high water marks, as the storm passed from land to sea near
Jacksonville, are of nearly the same magnitude as the peak values near the original
landfall of the hurricane" (Harris). "1944 Oct - FL - 3SW, 2NE - 962 mb central
pressure" (Jarrell et al.).
October 20: HWM analyzes a tropical storm of at most 995 mb centered over northeastern South
Carolina near 34.4N, 79.8W, with a warm front extending eastward, a dissipating warm
front extending southeastward, and a trough extending southward from the cyclone's
center. HURDAT lists this as a 40 kt tropical storm at 33.5N, 80.1W. The MWR tracks
for centers of cyclones shows a 00Z position near 30.6N, 80.5W and a 12Z position near
33.2N, 79.1W with a 992 mb central pressure. The MWR post-season track map shows a
00Z position near 31N, 81.7W and a 12Z position near 34N, 80.4W. Microfilm shows a
low of at most 990 mb centered near 34.1N, 80.1W. Ship highlights: 35 kt ENE and
1011 mb at 37.5N, 76.5W at 13Z (COA); 40 kt E and 1004 mb at 37.5N, 76.5W (COA);
25 kt ESE and 1001 mb at 37.5N, 76.5W at 21Z (COA). One other gale and three other
low pressures. Land highlights: 20 kt WSW and 989 mb at Jacksonville at 0030Z
(OMR); 15 kt NW and 986 mb at Savannah at 0455Z (MWR); 990 mb at Charleston, SC
at 0730Z (MWR); 22 kt SE and 994 mb at Florence, SC at 1128Z (MWR); 17 kt NNE
and 991 mb at Columbia, SC at 12Z (MWR); 35 kt S (1-min sustained) at Wilmington,
NC at 1552Z (MWR); 17 kt N and 1000 mb at Greensboro, NC at 1830Z (MWR); 16 kt
SW and 1002 mb at Raleigh, NC at 20Z (MWR). Six other low pressures. Regarding the
track, "After traveling a short expanse of ocean the center moved inland just north of
Savannah. Passing some distance inland through South Carolina, North Carolina, and
Virginia, it again reached the Atlantic off the eastern shore of Maryland" (MWR). "The
third tropical disturbance of the year moved inland southwest of Charleston, SC, and
crossed over the southern border of North Carolina in Anson County. The storm passed
through the central portion of the state mostly as an ordinary severe storm with winds 30
to 40 mph over a 500-mile radius. The estimated damage (to crops) was roughly
$200,000" (10/1944 NC Climatological Data).
October 21: HWM analyzes a low of at most 1000 mb near 39.8N, 72.4W just south of Long Island,
NY with a warm front attached to the low extending eastward and a cold front not quite
attached to the center of the low. HURDAT lists this as a 45 kt extratropical storm at
39.4N, 73.3W. The MWR tracks for centers of cyclones shows a 00Z position near the
NC/VA border near 36.7N, 76.7W and a 12Z position near 38.8N, 73.3W. The MWR
post-season track map shows a 00Z position near 36.8N, 77.7W and a 12Z position near
39.2N, 73.4W. Microfilm shows two split lows, both of at most 996 mb, and both within
a single 998 mb contour. The low centered near 39.1N, 73.7W does not have any fronts
analyzed to be associated with it. The low centered near 40.5N, 71.2W has a warm front
extending to the ESE and a cold front extending to the south. Ship highlights: 20 kt NE
and 997 mb at 41.5N, 71.5W at 17Z (COA); 40 kt W and 1006 mb at 36.5N, 72.5W at
17Z (COA); 35 kt WNW and 1007 mb at 37.5N, 77.5W (COA). Several other low
pressures between 997-1005 mb. Land highlights: 9 kt W and 998 mb at Richmond, VA
at 0015Z (MWR). Regarding the track, "Moving northeastward with increasing speed, it
passed between Cape Cod and Nantucket, and reached Nova Scotia late on the 21st"
(MWR).
October 22: HWM analyzes an extratropical low of at most 990 mb near 48.3N, 59.7W over western
Newfoundland with a warm front and cold front intersecting at the center of the low.
HURDAT lists this as a 40 knot extratropical storm at 47.0N, 60.2W. The MWR tracks
for centers of cyclones shows a 00Z position near 42.8N, 66.5W and a 12Z position near
47.4N, 59.3W with a central pressure of 989 mb. The MWR post-season track map
shows a 00Z position near 42.8N, 68W and does not show a 12Z position. Ship
highlights: 30 kt SSW and 1000 mb at 43.5N, 63.5W at 00Z (COA); 5 kt NW and 998
mb at 42.5N, 71.5W at 01Z (COA); 30 kt WSW and 1002 mb at 39.5N, 69.5W at 01Z
(COA); 40 kt NW and 1012 mb at 42.5N, 69.5W at 13Z (COA). One other gale and one
other low pressure. Regarding the intensity, "Gale winds of force 8 were observed over
Newfoundland on (the 22nd)" (MWR).
October 23: HWM analyzes an extratropical low of at most 955 mb centered near 59.7N, 50.8W
southwest of Greenland, with a warm front extending eastward and a cold front extending
southeastward from the cyclone's center. HURDAT lists this as a 35 kt extratropical
storm at 60.0N, 48.8W. Ship highlights: 40 kt W and 955 mb at 58.8N, 51.1W at 12Z
(HWM); 45 kt E and 967 mb at 61.5N, 45.5W at 15Z (COA). Two other low pressures
of 973 and 981 mb. Unknown highlights: 50 kt NNE and 983 mb at 60.0N, 43.0W at
12Z (HWM).
October 24: HWM analyzes a large extratropical low of at most 975 mb centered near 66N, 33W
along the southeast coast of Greenland, with an occluded front extending eastward from
the cyclone's center. HURDAT did not list the cyclone on this date. No gales were
observed on this date.
On 11 October, observations indicate that a disturbance was forming in the western
Caribbean. At 12Z on the 12th, the disturbance had organized into a tropical depression
based upon aircraft and surface observations, which is six hours earlier than analyzed in
HURDAT originally. There were a few minor track changes made to this storm. On the
12th, the position is analyzed to be about a degree farther north than HURDAT's position,
and on the 14th, the storm is analyzed to be south of the HURDAT position, indicating an
even slower forward motion during that time. The analyzed position remains near on
slightly south of the HURDAT position through the 17th. All recommended track
changes for this storm between Havana, Cuba and Savannah, Georgia are three-tenths of
a degree or less. All track changes from the 20th through the 22nd are within one degree
of the HURDAT position. On the 23rd at 12Z, the position is analyzed to be 1.5 degrees
WSW of the HURDAT position. In the original HURDAT, the winds from this system
went from 35 kt at 18Z on the 12th to 65 kt six hours later at 00Z on the 13th.
Observations do indicate intensification to a hurricane, but at a more realistic rate -
becoming hurricane force (70 kt) at 18Z on the 13th. This indicated a major downward
adjustment of intensity from 65 kt to 40 kt at 00Z on the 13th. A 979 mb pressure with 30
kt of wind at 00Z the 14th indicates a central pressure of about 976 mb. This pressure
suggests winds of 83 kt from the south of 25N pressure-wind relationship - 80 kt is
chosen for HURDAT as the cyclone was very slow moving at the time, up from 70 kt
originally. Late on the 15th, the hurricane passed just south of Grand Cayman where peak
sustained winds were 83 kt and lowest pressure was 984 mb. Winds are boosted at 00Z
the 16th from 80 to 90 kt. Moving very slowly, the hurricane turned northward during the
16th and 17th along 83W. On the 17th, the hurricane began to gradually accelerate as it
passed over the western edge of the isle of Youth. When the hurricane was located just
west of Havana at 12Z the 18th, HURDAT listed the winds at 100 kt. However, the
Havana National Observatory recorded a fastest-mile wind of 122 kt (at 15Z) and Batista
Field recorded a minimum pressure of 960 mb (at 12Z with 70 kt of wind) as the
hurricane passed to the west of the city. This 122 kt fastest-mile wind converts to about a
1-min wind of 115 kt. A 937 mb central pressure was recorded in Cuba at Central
Mercedilas Sugar Mill (23.0N, 82.9W) near the north coast of Cuba. However, landfall is
estimated to have occurred 3 to 4 hours earlier, around 08Z. Perez et al. (2000) indicates
an estimated 937 mb central pressure at landfall in Cuba. This pressure yields a
windspeed of 124 kt from the Brown et al. pressure-wind relationship for south of 25N,
and 125 kt is chosen at landfall as the hurricane had developed a large circulation and
was still moving slowly (~9 kt) at its landfall in Cuba. The 125 kt category 4 impact in
Cuba is consistent with that from Perez et al. and is a major (20 kt increase) in intensity at
06Z on the 18th.
The hurricane, still traveling northward, started to make a gradual turn to the north-
northeast. The eye of the hurricane went directly over the Dry Tortugas, FL between 20
and 22Z on the 18th. While the lighthouse-top anemometer was disabled after recording
104 kt (92 kt after converting to 10m 1-min) at 19Z, a central pressure of 949 mb was
observed at 22Z at the island. 949 mb suggests sustained winds of 112 kt from the
Brown et al. south of 25N and 106 kt from the north of 25N pressure-wind relationships.
Additionally, one could make use of the weakening systems pressure-wind relationships
(as the central pressure filled 12 mb in about 6 or 7 hours), which would suggest 108 and
101 kt south and north of 25N respectively. Ho et al. estimated an RMW of 29 nm,
which is substantially larger than climatological for that latitude and central pressure (~16
nm). Considering these and the earlier mentioned speed (~9 kt) and larger circulation,
maximum sustained surface winds are estimated to be 105 kt. This makes the hurricane a
category 3 impact for the Florida Keys (BFL3), and is no change from that shown
originally in HURDAT for 18Z on the 18th.
The hurricane began accelerating to the NNE and made landfall just south of Sarasota,
FL at 07Z on the 19th. A pressure of 962 mb was observed at Sarasota, and this pressure
is analyzed to be the central pressure. (It is not completely certain that the 962 mb is a
central pressure, though this is consistent with other measurements.) Brown et al.'s
pressure wind relationship for north of 25N yields an intensity of 93 kt and 89 kt for
north of 25N and weakening. Although the storm was large by this time (in both RMW
and radius of outer closed isobar), its forward speed has increased to 15 kt. A 5 min wind
of 87 kt was observed at Sanibel Island Lighthouse at 0530Z on the 19th, which was on
the right side of the storm. Adjusting the 30 m measurement to 10 m to a peak 1 min
wind gives 85 kt. With all of these considerations, 90 kt is chosen for 06Z on the 19th and
landfall, which is a major increase from the 65 kt indicated in HURDAT originally. The
cyclone continued quickly toward the NNE and by 00Z on the 20th was located right on
the southeast Georgia coast. The Kaplan and DeMaria inland decay model was run for
12Z and 18Z on the 19th. For 12Z, the model yielded an intensity of 60 kt; however, at
1405Z, there was an observed 71 kt 1-minute wind at Orlando. The analyzed 12Z
intensity based on that observation is 75 kt (revised upward from 65 kt originally). At
18Z, the Kaplan and DeMaria model yields a 49 kt intensity. There was a ship
observation of 60 kt at 17Z off the east coast of Florida. The analyzed 18Z intensity is 60
kt (no change from original HURDAT). A possible factor that could have caused the
Kaplan and DeMaria model to be too low in this case is that the size of the storm was
very large. From a total kinetic energy standpoint, large storms have a tendency to
weaken more slowly than small storms. Based upon these winds at landfall and at the
synoptic times, it is analyzed the hurricane was a Category 3 impact in the Florida Keys
(BFL3), a Category 2 impact in southwest Florida (but still part of the "BFL" region, so
overall BFL is listed at category 3), a Category 1 impact in Northwest Florida (AFL1),
and a Category 1 impact in Northeast Florida (DFL1). The Southwest Florida impact is
unchanged, the Northeast Florida is a downgrade from a Category 2 originally, and the
Northwest FL is a new inclusion into HURDAT. It was noted that in the original
HURDAT that central pressure values were included after US landfall for each synoptic
time from 12Z on the 19th to 06Z on the 21st. Only a couple of these eight values could
be confirmed from observations, thus it appeared that these were analyzed values rather
than strictly based upon observations. If the central pressure value could not be
confirmed, but it looked reasonable based upon available peripheral readings and
continuity, the value was left in (for 12Z on the 19th to 00Z on the 20th). Three of the
points (06Z and 12Z on the 20th and 00Z on the 21st), we could locate central pressure
values different and lower than what was in HURDAT originally and these are now
included. Because of these changes, the central pressure of 996 mb at 18Z on the 20th did
not look reasonable given the preceding and subsequent observations, and it was
removed. Despite the statement in MWR about the cyclone moving briefly into the
Atlantic, our small track revisions on the 19th and 20th kept the track right along the
northeast FL and Georgia coastline. As the system continued moving north-
northeastward on the 20th, it was gradually becoming more baroclinic and it is reanalyzed
to have become extratropical at 12Z on the 20th consistent with the HWM analyses, but
12 hours earlier than HURDAT originally. The system did reintensify as an extratropical
cyclone on the 23rd as it approached Greenland, based upon numerous ship and station
reports. Additionally, the dissipation of the system was delayed 24 hours as it continued
northeastward into the far North Atlantic Ocean.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1944 Storm 14 (New)
31895 11/01/1944 M= 3 14 SNBR= 707 NOT NAMED XING=0
31896 11/01*122 813 30 0*121 814 35 0*120 815 40 0*119 817 45 0*
31897 11/02*117 820 50 0*116 823 55 0*115 825 60 0*114 825 60 0*
31898 11/03*113 824 50 0*113 822 40 0*113 820 30 0*113 818 25 0*
31960 TS
Monthly Weather Review indicates that a small, short-lived tropical storm (or perhaps
even a hurricane) was located in the extreme southwestern Caribbean Sea on 2
November. Observations form the Historical Weather Map Series as well as the COADS
ships database are also utilized in analyzing this storm.
November 1: HWM does not analyze a closed low. HURDAT does not list this system. No gales.
November 2: HWM does not analyze a closed low. Ship highlights: 60 kt W and 1002 mb at 1030Z at
11N, 82.6W (MWR). "On November 2 at about 5:30 am, a vessel, involved in a storm
near latitude 11N, 82.6W, sent a report of a 60 knot wind from the west, pressure 29.60
inches (1002.4 mb), seas mountainous, and vessel laboring heavily. Similar conditions
were reported for about 3 hours, during which time the vessel called for assistance. The
storm dissipated or moved inland a short time later as aircraft reconnaissance early on the
following day (3rd) failed to locate any disturbance. Since it is impossible to trace a
movement, from available reports, or to determine whether the ship was involved in a
small hurricane or a very severe squall, this storm is carried as a matter of record, and it is
not listed as a tropical disturbance of the past season" (MWR).
November 3: HWM does not analyze a closed low. Ship highlights: SW (no speed) with 1005 mb at
9.5N 80.5W at 01Z (COA); 5 kt E with 1005 mb at 12.5N 79.5W at 01Z (COA); 5 kt S
with 1005 mb at 10.5N 80.5W at 13Z (COA, HWM).
This system is added into the HURDAT database based primarily from the above MWR
text under November 2. A 60 kt wind alone would not be sufficient evidence. But a 60
kt wind with a 1002 mb pressure, along with the conditions reported by that ship
persisting for 3 hours warrants the strong possibility that a small tropical cyclone was
present. The Historical Weather Maps and COADS are nearly completely lacking in ship
observations during these three dates. However, station observations are consistent with
a cyclonic circulation being present in the southwest Caribbean Sea on the 1st through the
3rd of November. It is analyzed that the system formed early on the 1st as a tropical
depression and became a tropical storm later that day. It is analyzed as reaching a peak
intensity of 60 kt on the 2nd, but it is possible that this was instead a hurricane. A quick
decay occurred on the 3rd with dissipation by 00Z on the 4th. Only a short counter-
clockwise motion of the cyclone could be analyzed without the system making landfall.
It is to be noted that there is a very nice analog in HURDAT for this system. Hurricane
Martha in 1969 was located in nearly the same place and also occurred in November.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1944 Additional Notes
1944 Suspect 1
A frontal low, which was nearly stationary over the north central Atlantic, was located on
1 May near 35.5N, 54W. Moving very little, the low began to slowly occlude on 2 May
and 3 May. There was a gale observed on both the 2nd and the 3rd. On 4 May, the low
was fully occluded and perhaps became subtropical. There were no observed gales with
this system after the occlusion. By 5 May, there were no longer any fronts plotted with
this low in HWM still located at nearly the same position as on the 1st. On 5 May, there
was a 25 kt north wind with a 1006 mb pressure west of the center. This may have been
a subtropical storm, but there is no evidence that there were any gale force winds.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
May 1 35N 53W Extratropical low
May 2 33N 53W Extratropical storm
May 3 34N 53.5W Extratropical storm
May 4 35N 53W Subtropical low
May 5 34N 53W Subtropical low
May 6 34N 52W Subtropical low
May 7 Dissipated
1944 Suspect 2
On 25 August, a strong tropical wave approached the Lesser Antilles. By 26 August, the
wave was in the eastern Caribbean Sea. This system may have been a tropical
depression. There were no observed gales and it is not clear if the center was closed.
However, on the HWM analysis for the 26 August, combined with other available
observations, there is an east wind, a north-northeast wind, a south wind, and a northwest
wind in the locations that they should be for the low to be closed. Pressures are not very
low though. The center was located somewhere near 13.5N. 61.5W around 12Z on 26
August. Thereafter, the wave became less defined as it moved toward the west or west-
northwest, possibly because of sparse observations.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Aug 25 Open wave 11N 58W to 18N 54W
Aug 26 13.5N 61.5W Tropical depression
Aug 27 Dissipated
1944 Suspect 3
HWM analyzes that a low attached to the west end of a warm front on 23 August was
located near 33N, 67W. Available observations indicate that the front has probably
dissipated by 12Z on 23 August. There were 30 kt wind observations near the low, but
there were no gales. Observations indicate that there is a good chance the low was closed
on this day. Also, temperatures around the low were warm. Therefore, this low may
have been a tropical depression.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Aug 23 32.5N 67.5W Tropical Depression
Aug 24 40.5N 59.5W Tropical Depression
Aug 25 Absorbed by frontal system
1944 Suspect 4
A low in the northeastern Caribbean Sea on 18 September near the Virgin Islands was
producing ominous conditions in that area. The pilot of the aircraft investigating the
system stated: "weather similar to that of last hurricane" (referring to the Great Atlantic
Hurricane which struck the US east coast earlier that month. There were no observed
gales with this system, but the low was definitely closed from 18 September to 20
September. By the 20th, it was located just north of Hispaniola, where pressures of 1009
mb were observed. The low dissipated on the 21st.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Sep 18 17N 64W Tropical Depression
Sep 19 20N 67W Tropical Depression
Sep 20 21.0N 70W Tropical Depression
Sep 21 Dissipated
1944 Suspect 5
HWM, NHC microfilm of synoptic weather maps and COADS indicate that a tropical
depression formed as it approached the Lesser Antilles on October 13th. It continued into
the extreme northeastern Caribbean Sea and apparently passed between Puerto Rico and
Hispaniola on the 15th. The circulation seems to have dissipated late on the 16th near the
southeast Bahamas. There were no gale observations, and the lowest observed pressures
were 1008 mb. There is sufficient evidence of a closed circulation, so this system was
likely a tropical depression.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Oct 13 14.5N 57.5W Tropical Depression
Oct 14 16.5N 64.5W Tropical Depression
Oct 15 19N 68W Tropical Depression
Oct 16 22.5N 72.5W Tropical Depression; Dissipating
1944 Suspect 6
From 20 to 22 October, a low was located in the vicinity of 35N, 40W. It was definitely
closed, but there were no observed gales. The highest observed wind was 30 kt and the
lowest observed pressure was 1003 mb. HWM plots this as a frontal low during all three
days. However, temperatures are warm, and on the 21st, the temperature gradient across
the low was about 5 degrees.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Oct 20 37N 41.5W Subtropical depression
Oct 21 38N 41.5W Subtropical depression
Oct 22 Dissipated
1944 Suspect 7
From 24 - 26 October, there was a low over the western Caribbean Sea. Available
observations on the 25th suggest a closed circulation near 17N, 82.5W. Winds were 20 kt
and pressures were 1008 mb. The low apparently moved westward and disappeared on
the 26th.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Oct 24 Open wave
Oct 25 17N 82.5W Tropical Depression
Oct 26 Dissipated
1944 Suspect 8:
An area of low pressure began to develop along a frontal boundary on 24 October, and by
the 25th, this area of low pressure became better defined. Although temperatures are
rather warm, this system is judged to be baroclinic throughout its life. There are several
gales well removed from the center due to a strong pressure gradient to the northeast of
the system on the 25th. On the 26th, the low occluded, but there were no gales near the
center and still a significant temperature gradient across the low.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Oct 24 Open wave
Oct 25 33.5N 66W Extratropical
Oct 26 37N 63W Extratropical
1944 Suspect 9:
A low started to develop along the south end of a N-S frontal boundary on 2 November in
the vicinity of 32N, 58W. There are not sufficient observations to call this low closed
until the 4th. There were several gales on the 2nd, but they are due to the strong pressure
gradient north of the low. The area of low pressure starts to break off from the front on
the 3rd and gains its own identity forming a definite closed low on the 4th. On the 4th, the
low has a huge circulation with the structure of an extratropical cyclone. Also, there is a
rather large temperature gradient across the low, so this low is judged to be baroclinic.
Remaining nearly stationary, on the 5th, the low continued to display a very large
circulation with pressure readings as low as 989 mb and highest winds of 35 kt, but still
baroclinic due to the large circulation and the large temperature gradient across the low.
By the 6th, the low moves north and clearly becomes frontal in nature.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Nov 2 Open
Nov 3 Open
Nov 4 35N 61W Extratropical
Nov 5 38N 64W Extratropical
Nov 6 45N 57.5W Extratropical
1944 Suspect 10:
A low developed from the tail end of a frontal system in the central north Atlantic and
moved slowly westward. The circulation of the low is large early on without a tight inner
core. Although there are a few gales on the 11th and 12th, they are all north of the low
where the pressure gradient increase dramatically. On the 13th, the low is not frontal at
all and could be called subtropical, but there are no observed gales on this day. Another
frontal system quickly came in from the west and absorbed the low by the 14th.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Nov 11 35.5N 38W Extratropical
Nov 12 35.5N 42W Extratropical
Nov 13 33N 46W Subtropical depression
Nov 14 Absorbed by frontal system
1944 Suspect 11:
An extratropical low on 4 December was in the western Atlantic. On 5 December, it
occluded and was located near 33.5N, 61.5W. Several gales accompanied the storm on
this day. It started to acquire subtropical characteristics on 6 December, but it had a huge
circulation on this day. Once the system started to become subtropical, there was only
one observed gale after that, on 7 December, but the low was still large, and it didn't
contract enough on the 7th to be a tropical cyclone. On 8 December, the low had
contracted enough to be considered a tropical cyclone, but there were no gales.
Furthermore, temperatures were not very warm and the temperature decreased steadily
northwest of the low. The low persisted to 9 December and moved east-northeast located
near 38N, 49W on the 9th before dissipating.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Dec 4 33.5N 61W Extratropical
Dec 5 33.5N 61.5W Extratropical
Dec 6 33N 61.5W Extratropical
Dec 7 34N 56.5W Extratropical
Dec 8 35N 51.5W Extratropical
Dec 9 38N 49W Extratropical