1933 Storm 1 2012 Revision
26220 05/14/1933 M= 6 1 SNBR= 581 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
26225 05/14* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*128 794 35 0*138 800 35 0
26225 05/14* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*133 820 35 0*143 827 35 0
*** *** *** ***
26230 05/15*150 810 35 0*165 820 35 0*179 831 35 0*188 838 35 0
26230 05/15*153 834 35 0*165 841 35 0*182 849 35 0*202 860 40 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** **
26235 05/16*197 846 40 0*207 855 40 0*216 864 40 0*219 874 40 0
26235 05/16*222 873 45 1001*227 887 45 0*230 900 45 0*230 904 45 0
*** *** ** **** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26240 05/17*220 885 40 0*218 894 35 0*216 900 35 0*213 907 35 0
26240 05/17*229 906 45 0*227 908 45 0*225 910 45 0*220 912 45 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26245 05/18*210 910 35 0*206 914 35 0*201 919 35 0*197 920 35 0
26245 05/18*214 913 40 0*207 914 40 0*201 915 35 0*195 916 35 0
*** *** ** *** ** *** *** ***
26250 05/19*193 921 35 0*189 922 35 0*186 922 35 0*183 922 30 0
26250 05/19*190 917 35 0*185 916 30 0*180 915 25 0*175 915 25 0
*** *** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26255 TS
Major track changes and minor intensity changes are analyzed for this May tropical storm.
Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps series, the COADS
ships database, Mexican surface analyses from NCDC, and Monthly Weather Review.
May 14: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 13N, 82W at 12UTC.
HURDAT commences this storm at 12Z as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 12.8N, 79.4W.
Ship Highlight: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
May 15: HWM does not show a system for this day. HURDAT lists this storm as a tropical
storm with 35kt winds at 17.9N, 83.1W at 12UTC. Ship Highlight: ~35 kt E (MWR).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
May 16: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 22.5N, 90.0W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with 40kt winds at 21.6N, 86.4W at 12UTC.
Ship Highlight: 10kt SE with 1002mb (min p) at 22.3N, 87.2W at 00Z (MWR); 40kt S (max w)
after 00Z near 22.3N, 87.2W (MWR); ~35 kt SSW (MWR).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
May 17: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 22.5N, 91.5W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 21.6N, 90.6W at 12UTC.
Ship Highlights: 40kt SE with 1013mb at 22.7N, 87.1W at 12Z (HWM).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
May 18: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 20N, 92W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 20.1N, 91.9W at 12UTC.
Ship Highlight: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
May 19: HWM shows a large closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 14N, 90W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 18.6, 92.2W at 12UTC.
Ship Highlight: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
A tropical storm formed in the southwestern Caribbean Sea on 14 May, and no changes are
made to the timing of genesis. The cyclone moved northwestward and passed just northeast
of the eastern tip of Honduras early on 15 May. Major west-northwestward track adjustments
are implemented at 12Z on the 14th through 06Z on the 15th and again from 18Z on the 15th
to 00Z on the 17th. No gales or low pressures were observed until late on 15 May. The
ship that reported this gale also reported a minimum pressure of 1002 mb inside the RMW
with 10 kt winds at 00Z on the 16th, suggesting a central pressure of 1001 mb. A central
pressure of 1001 mb is added to HURDAT at 00Z on the 16th. After that, the ship recorded
its maximum wind of 40 kt. A central pressure of 1001 mb equals 45 kt according to the
Brown et al. southern pressure-wind relationship. A 45 kt intensity is analyzed at 00Z
on the 16th (up from 40 kt originally). In addition to the pressure-wind relationship,
a 45 kt intensity is also justified in that the ship reported winds of 40 kt. By 18Z on
the 16th, the cyclone is analyzed to have reached it farthest north position 23.0N, 90.4W
before it turned to the south-southwest and then south in the Bay of Campeche, moving
toward the Mexican coast. On the 17th, a ship recorded a 40 kt gale about 200 nmi east of
the center, and this was the last gale recorded in association with this tropical cyclone.
The 45 kt intensity analyzed at 00Z on the 16th is held through 18Z on the 17th (up from
35 kt originally at 18Z on the 17th). On the 18th, the cyclone continued moving southward,
and all track changes on the 18th are less than half a degree. The intensity is brought
down to 35 kt by 12Z on the 18th in accordance with HURDAT. The cyclone made landfall on
19 May around 03Z as a 35 kt tropical storm at 18.7N, 91.7W (near Ciudad del Carmen, Mexico).
The cyclone is analyzed to have weakened to a tropical depression by 06Z on the 19th
(12 hours earlier than originally) as it continued moving southward and farther inland.
The depression dissipated inland after 18Z on the 19th (no change to timing of dissipation).
1933 Storm 2 2012 Revision
26260 06/27/1933 M=11 2 SNBR= 582 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
26260 06/24/1933 M=14 2 SNBR= 582 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
** **
The 24th-26th are new to HURDAT
26261 06/24* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 90 425 30 0* 90 438 30 0
26262 06/25* 90 452 35 0* 90 466 35 0* 90 480 35 0* 90 493 35 0
26263 06/26* 90 507 40 0* 91 521 40 0* 92 535 45 0* 93 548 50 0
26265 06/27* 88 562 45 0* 90 577 55 0* 93 592 65 0* 97 607 70 0
26265 06/27* 94 562 55 0* 95 576 60 0* 96 590 70 0* 99 604 75 0
** ** ** *** ** ** *** ** *** *** **
26270 06/28*101 621 65 986*105 634 65 0*108 644 60 0*111 655 55 0
26270 06/28*103 618 75 0*109 632 65 0*115 646 65 0*120 659 65 0
*** *** ** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** **
26275 06/29*114 666 50 0*117 675 50 0*119 684 50 0*121 697 50 0
26275 06/29*124 673 70 0*128 687 75 0*132 700 80 0*136 710 80 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26280 06/30*123 710 50 0*125 723 50 0*128 737 55 0*131 748 60 0
26280 06/30*140 720 80 0*144 730 80 0*148 741 80 0*153 752 85 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26285 07/01*136 761 65 0*141 771 65 0*149 782 65 0*160 794 70 0
26285 07/01*158 762 85 0*161 772 85 0*163 782 85 0*167 793 85 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** *** **
26290 07/02*172 805 70 0*181 813 70 0*192 820 75 0*201 825 75 0
26290 07/02*172 804 85 0*181 813 85 0*192 820 85 0*201 826 85 0
*** ** ** ** *** **
26295 07/03*211 831 80 0*220 839 80 0*229 846 80 0*233 851 80 0
26295 07/03*211 832 85 0*220 839 85 0*229 846 80 0*235 852 80 0
*** ** ** *** ***
26300 07/04*236 856 85 0*241 863 85 0*246 870 85 0*251 879 85 0
26300 07/04*239 858 85 0*243 864 85 0*247 870 85 0*251 878 85 0
*** *** *** *** *** ***
26305 07/05*256 887 90 0*260 898 90 0*260 909 85 0*258 922 85 0
26305 07/05*255 889 90 0*255 903 95 0*255 915 95 0*253 926 95 0
*** *** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26310 07/06*255 934 85 0*252 943 80 0*248 952 75 0*243 962 75 0
26310 07/06*251 936 95 0*249 946 90 0*246 956 90 0*242 965 85 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26315 07/07*238 974 70 0*230 985 60 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
26315 07/07*237 975 85 0*231 986 60 0*225 998 35 0* 0 0 0 0
*** *** ** *** *** *** *** **
26320 HR
Major track changes and major intensity changes are analyzed with this hurricane
which impacted the following locations with hurricane conditions: Trinidad,
Venezuela, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, and Mexico. A major change is made to the
genesis of this cyclone. Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical
Weather Maps series, the COADS ships database, Monthly Weather Review, Mexican
surface analyses from NCDC, and Perez.
June 27: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 8.5N, 61W at
12UTC. HURDAT lists this storm as a hurricane with 65kt winds at 9.3N, 59.2W at
12UTC. Ship Highlight: Pressure of 991mb with gale force winds (from the E) in the
morning at 10N, 59W (MWR); 35kt ENE with 1003mb at 10.5N, 59.5W at 16Z (COA). Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures. "A tropical disturbance originated a few days
before the close of the month at an undetermined position over the waters north of
Guiana. It was first disclosed on the morning of the 27th, by a radiogram from the
Brazilian steamship Jaboatao, reporting an easterly gale with barometer 29.27 inches,
near 10N, 59W. This storm passed just south of Trinidad on the same afternoon, doing
considerable damage there, and at 8pm of the same day the American tanker EJ Bullock
in the Gulf of Paria, reported a north wind of force 11, barometer 29.12, showing the
storm to be fully developed, though of small extent (MWR).
June 28: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 10N, 65W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with 60kt winds at 10.8N, 64.4W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: 60kt N with 986mb at 10.4N, 62.0W at 00Z (MWR).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
June 29: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 9N, 68W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with 50kt winds at 11.9N, 68.4W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: 70kt SE with 985mb (min p) at 13.3N, 69.7W at 11Z (MWR). Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures. "The first report from a ship to reveal winds of
full hurricane intensity came from the American tanker Gulfcrest, which was overtaken
by the hurricane at 6am of the 29th, near 13N, 70W; wind, SE [force] 12, barometer 29.10 inches."
June 30: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 10.5N, 75.5W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with 55kt winds at 12.8, 73.7W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: 70kt NW with 982mb (max w and min p) at 15.8N, 76.2W at 20Z (MWR). Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures. "The American tanker Eastern Sun was close to
the center of the cyclone at 3pm of the 30th near 16N, 76W, where hurricane winds back
from north through west to south and the barometer fell to 29 inches, its lowest value."
July 1: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 12N, 81W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a hurricane with 65kt winds at 14.9N, 78.2W at 12UTC. Ship
highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
July 2: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 15N, 82W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a hurricane with 75kt winds at 19.2N, 82.0W at 12UTC. Ship
highlights: 35kt ENE with 1002mb at 17.3N, 75.4W at 00Z (COA).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
July 3: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 22N, 85.5W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a hurricane with 80kt winds at 22.9N, 84.6W at 12UTC. Ship
highlights: 25kt NNW with 992mb at 22.5N, 84.9W at 12Z (HWM); 40kt SE (max w) at 23N,
84W after 9Z (MWR); 40 kt ESE with 1002 mb (max w and min p) at 17Z at 24.3N, 84.7W (MWR).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
July 4: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 25N, 87.5W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a hurricane with 85kt winds at 24.6N, 87.0 W at 12UTC. Ship
highlights: 60kt WNW with 986mb (min p) at 25.4N, 88.3W at 20Z (MWR).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
July 5: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb centered near 25N, 92.5W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a hurricane with 85kt winds at 26.0 90.9W at 12UTC. Ship
highlights: 60 kt SE with 971 mb (max w2 and min p) at 06Z at 25.3N, 90.5W (MWR);
965 mb (min p) at 08Z with wind speed unknown at 25.5N, 90.7W and 70 kt NW (max w) around
~08Z (MWR); 50 kt W with 998 mb at 18Z at 24.5N, 94.8W (COA).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
July 6: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000mb centered near 24N, 96.5W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a hurricane with 75kt winds at 24.8N, 95.2W at 12UTC. Ship
highlights: 50kt SW with 996mb at 24.5N, 94.8W at 8Z (MWR, COA); 50 kt SSW with 996 mb
at 13Z at 24.5N, 94.8W (COA). Station highlights: 1000 mb at 01 and 03UTC at Tampico.
"This hurricane moved steadily northwestward after the end of June, entered the Gulf of
Mexico, and turned westward to the Mexican coast a short distance south of the mouth of
the Rio Grande, where it crossed the coastline and disappeared, July 6."
July 7: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb centered near 22N, 100W at 12UTC.
HURDAT kills the system on 6Z as a tropical storm with 60kt winds at 23.0N, 98.5W. Ship
highlights: Pressure of 1003mb at 19.1N, 104.9W at 12Z (COA). Station Highlights:
Pressure of 1002mb at Guanajuato at 12Z (HWM).
Observations indicate that a tropical wave was apparent in the easterlies as early as
23 June near 40W. On the 24th, ship observations confirm a closed circulation, and this
cyclone is begun on the 24th at 12Z (two and half days earlier than originally) as a
tropical depression at 9.0N, 42.5W. On the 24th, a ship with a west wind of 15 kt located
a few hundred nmi SE of another ship with a 15 kt north wind combined with an analysis of
a 70 kt intensity three days later on the 27th indicates a good possibility that this
cyclone was forming at this location on the 24th. The analyzed position on the 24th
indicates a consistent speed and direction of motion of the cyclone from the 24th until
well beyond the 27th, which is further evidence that this circulation is the same circulation
as the hurricane located by observations on the 27th. The cyclone moved due west for the
next couple of days, and the first gales and low pressures were observed on the 27th as the
cyclone passed between Trinidad and the northeastern coast of Venezuela. On the 27th, a
ship near 10N, 59W recorded an easterly gale with a 991 mb pressure in the morning. According
to the Brown et al. southern pressure-wind relationship, a peripheral pressure of 991 mb
yields winds of greater than 62 kt. The cyclone is analyzed to have reached tropical storm
intensity by 00Z on the 25th (two days earlier than originally) at 9.0N, 45.2W). At 00Z on
the 28th, a ship recorded 60 kt winds with a 986 mb pressure. The 986 mb central pressure in
HURDAT at 00Z on the 28th is removed, as this was clearly a peripheral reading. 986 mb yields
winds of greater than 70 kt according to the southern pressure-wind relationship. Analyzed
intensities from 12Z on the 27th through 00Z on the 28th are 70, 80, and 80 kt (up from 55, 65,
and 70 kt originally). The cyclone is analyzed to have attained hurricane strength by 12Z on
the 27th (no change). The hurricane is analyzed to have made landfall in extreme southern
Trinidad at 21Z on 27 June near 10.1N, 61.1W with a 75 kt intensity. The revised track is
about half a degree to the right (or north) of the previous HURDAT track on the 27th and 28th.
The hurricane was over southern Trinidad from 21Z 23Z on the 27th. It made landfall in
Venezuela at 02Z on the 28th at 10.5N, 62.3W as a 75 kt hurricane. It remained over northeastern
Venezuela until 04Z on the 28th. No changes are made to the HURDAT intensities of 65 and 60 kt
at 06 and 12Z on the 28th. For the next several days, the cyclone moved west-northwestward in
the Caribbean Sea. Northwestward position adjustments of between one and two degrees are
implemented on the 29th, and major northward track changes are implemented from 18Z on the 30th
to 00Z on the 1st of July while the cyclone was in the central Caribbean Sea. On the 29th and
30th of June, ships recorded hurricane force winds with simultaneous pressures of 985 mb (on the
29th) and 982 mb (on the 30th). Peripheral pressures of 985 and 982 mb at 11Z on the 29th and
20Z on the 30th, respectively, yield winds greater than 71 kt and greater than 75 kt according
to the Brown et al. southern pressure-wind relationship. Both of these observations were
peripheral pressure recorded simultaneously with hurricane force winds, so the central pressure
was likely significantly lower than these values recorded by the ships. An 80 kt intensity is
analyzed at 12Z on the 29th (up from 50 kt originally - a major change) and an 85 kt intensity
is analyzed at 18Z on the 30th (up from 60 kt originally - another major change). Major upward
intensity adjustments (ranging from 20 to 30 kt) are implemented at all times from 00Z on
29 June through 12Z on 1 July. The hurricane turned toward the northwest and made landfall in
western Cuba at 06Z on 3 July as an 85 kt Category 2 hurricane in agreement with the analysis
of Perez et al. (up from 80 kt originally at 06Z on the 3rd). The cyclone was over Cuba on the
3rd from 06Z-10Z before moving into the central Gulf of Mexico. It continued west-northwestward
on the 4th, westward on the 4th, and west-southwestward on the 5th. No track changes larger
than three-tenths of a degree are made from 2 July through the 5th at 00Z, by which time the
storm reached as far north as 25.5N, 88.9W. On the 5th, a ship recorded a minimum pressure of
965 mb, but it is unknown whether this was a central pressure value. A central pressure of less
than or equal to 965 mb yields wind speeds of at least 96 and 90 kt according to the southern
and north of 25N pressure-wind relationships. A 95 kt intensity is chosen from 06Z on 5 July
through 00Z on 6 July. Although there is little data between that point and the final landfall,
which occurred in Mexico around 01Z on 7 July near 23.6N, 97.7W, an 85 kt intensity is chosen
for landfall and at 00Z on the 7th. HURDAT originally had 70 kt at 00Z on the 7th. Although
there is little to no data to indicate that the HURDAT intensity was too low, there is also no
data to indicate that the hurricane weakened from the 95 kt intensity analyzed on the 5th.
Therefore, an intensity between these two values of 85 kt is chosen for landfall. Runs of the
Kaplan and DeMaria inland decay model yield 60 and 41 kt for 06 and 12Z, respectively, on
7 July. The revised wind speed in HURDAT at 06Z is 60 kt (no change), and HURDAT previously
dissipated this system after 06Z. The track is extended by six hours, and a 35 kt intensity
is chosen for 12Z on the 27th before dissipation occurred over the high terrain of Mexico.
1933 Storm 3 (originally Storms 3 and 4) 2012 Revision
26325 07/14/1933 M= 7 3 SNBR= 583 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
26325 07/14/1933 M= 7 3 SNBR= 583 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
26330 07/14*175 598 35 0*175 615 35 0*174 631 35 0*174 646 35 0
26330 07/14*149 600 30 0*155 615 30 0*160 630 30 0*163 645 30 0
*** *** ** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26335 07/15*173 659 35 0*173 672 35 0*173 686 35 0*174 701 40 0
26335 07/15*166 660 30 0*168 674 30 0*170 688 30 0*172 705 30 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26340 07/16*175 718 40 0*178 735 40 0*181 752 45 0*185 770 45 0
26340 07/16*174 723 35 0*175 739 35 0*176 755 35 0*177 770 35 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** **
26345 07/17*189 788 45 0*193 801 45 0*196 813 45 0*199 829 40 0
26345 07/17*178 785 35 0*179 800 40 0*180 815 40 0*179 830 40 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** ***
26350 07/18*201 846 40 0*201 863 40 0*201 880 40 0*202 890 40 0
26350 07/18*177 845 45 0*175 860 45 0*173 875 45 0*175 887 40 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** ***
26355 07/19*202 898 35 0*203 912 35 0*203 926 35 0*203 940 35 0
26355 07/19*177 896 35 0*179 903 30 0*180 910 25 0*186 916 25 0
*** *** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26360 07/20*204 955 35 0*204 970 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
26360 07/20*195 920 25 0*205 923 25 0*215 925 25 0*220 926 25 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
(The 21st through the 27th were originally part of original storm #4)
26375 07/21* 0 0 0 0*220 909 35 0*231 921 35 0*237 927 35 0
26375 07/21*223 927 30 0*226 928 30 0*229 930 30 0*233 934 35 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** ***
26380 07/22*244 933 35 0*254 940 40 0*263 946 40 0*271 951 40 0
26380 07/22*238 939 35 0*245 945 35 0*254 950 40 0*264 952 40 0
*** *** *** *** ** *** *** *** ***
26385 07/23*279 955 40 0*288 959 40 0*298 962 35 0*307 962 35 0
26385 07/23*274 955 40 0*284 959 40 0*293 962 30 0*302 962 30 0
*** *** *** ** *** **
26390 07/24*316 960 35 0E324 950 35 0E325 945 30 0E325 941 30 0
26390 07/24*311 960 25 0E318 956 25 0E324 952 25 0E325 947 25 0
*** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** **
26395 07/25E326 938 25 0E326 933 25 0E327 929 20 0E327 927 20 0
26395 07/25E325 942 25 0E324 936 25 0E323 930 25 0E321 927 25 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** ** *** **
26400 07/26E327 924 20 0E328 919 20 0E328 914 20 0E336 910 20 0
26400 07/26E320 924 25 0E319 921 30 0E319 918 30 0E323 915 30 0
*** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26405 07/27E341 909 20 0E346 908 20 0E351 907 20 0E356 906 20 0
26405 07/27E331 912 30 0E341 909 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** **** *** ** **** *** **
26410 TS
U.S. Landfall:
7/23/1933 08Z 28.6N, 96.0W 40 kt
1933 original storm numbers 3 and 4 are found to have been one single cyclone which
lasted from 14-27 July (i.e. original Storm #4 is found to have been a continuation
of original Storm #3). Major track changes and minor intensity changes are made to
this tropical storm. Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather
Maps Series, Monthly Weather Review, the COADS ships database, original monthly
records from NCDC, and Mexican surface analyses from NCDC.
July 14: HURDAT commences this storm as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 17.4N,
63.1W at 00UTC. Ship Highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights:
No gales or low pressures. "On the morning of the 14th a minor disturbance
appeared near St. Kitts."
July 15: HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 17.3N, 68.6W
at 12UTC. Ship Highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
July 16: HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with 45kt winds at 18.1N, 75.2W
at 12UTC. Ship Highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or
low pressures. "...it moved almost directly westward, passed near Jamaica on the 16th"
July 17: HWM indicates a spot low centered near 20N, 80W at 12UTC. HURDAT lists this
system as a tropical storm with 45kt winds at 19.6N, 81.3W at 12UTC. Ship Highlights:
no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
July 18: HWM indicates a spot low centered near 20N, 86.5W at 12UTC. HURDAT lists this
system as a tropical storm with 40kt winds at 20.1N, 88.0W at 12UTC. Ship highlights:
10kt SW with 995mb at 16.3N, 87.0W at 12Z (COA). Station highlights:
No gales or low pressures. "...[passed] over the Yucatan Peninsula on the 18th,"
July 19: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 21N, 87W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 20.3N, 92.6W at 12UTC.
Ship Highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low
pressures. "...and finally [passed] inland north of Vera Cruz, Mexico the night of
the 19th-20th."
July 20: HWM indicates an elliptical low of at most 1010mb near 23.5N, 93.5W at 12UTC.
HURDAT kills this system as a tropical depression with 30kt winds at 20.4N, 97.0W at
6UTC. Ship Highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights:
No gales or low pressures.
July 21: HWM indicates a broad closed low of at most 1010mb near 22.5N, 95.0W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 23.1N, 92.1W at 12UTC.
Ship Highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low
pressures. "This disturbance, which also was of minor intensity, was first noted about
200 miles northwest of Progresso, Yucatan, the morning of the 21st.
July 22: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb centered near 25.0N, 95.0W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with 40kt winds at 26.3N, 94.6W at 12UTC.
Ship Highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
"[moved] inland near Matagorda Bay the night of the 22d-23d."
July 23: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb just inland near 30N, 97W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 29.8N, 96.2W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: 20kt SE with 1001mb at 29.1N, 94.2W at 1Z (COA). Station highlights:
33 kt S (max w/1-min) at Galveston, TX at 0930Z (OMR).
July 24: HWM indicates a small extratropical cyclone of at most 1015mb near 31N, 98W at
12UTC. HURDAT lists this system as extratropical with 30kt winds at 32.5N, 94.5W at 12UTC.
Ship Highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
July 25: HWM shows an extratropical cyclone of 1010mb near 31N, 94W at 12UTC. HURDAT lists
this system as extratropical with 20kt winds at 32.7N, 92.9W at 12UTC. Ship Highlights:
20 kt SW at 12Z at 28.4N, 92.5W (COA). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
July 26: HWM shows an extratropical system of at most 1010mb near 31N, 93.5W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as extratropical with 20kt winds at 32.8N, 91.4W at 12UTC.
Ship Highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: 30 kt SW at Mobile (MWR).
July 27: HWM shows an extratropical system of at most 1010mb near 34N, 92.5W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as extratropical with 20kt winds at 35.1N, 90.7W at 12UTC. Ship
Highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
A tropical cyclone formed on 14 July at 00Z just east of the Lesser Antilles and no changes
are made to the timing of genesis. Data was obtained back to 10 July between the Lesser
Antilles and the coast of Africa, but the data does not show a closed circulation prior to
the 14th. Although there are no west winds on the 14th, there were no ships south of the
center on that day either. 24-hour pressure changes of 2 to 3 mb were observed at some
islands in the Lesser Antilles. Observations of west winds on the 15th and 16th confirmed
the circulation was closed. That combined with the chance that this may have been a tropical
depression as early as the 13th given the observations, there is not enough evidence to
change the HURDAT genesis time forward or backward for this cyclone. A major 2.5 degree
southward track adjustment is implemented at 00Z on the 14th and the analyzed intensity is
a 30 kt tropical depression rather than a 35 kt tropical storm. According to articles in
The Daily Gleaner from July 18 and July 20, 1933, the system dropped 9 inches of rain in
Kingston, Jamaica, which damaged several bridges and roads. Mudslides and overflowing
rivers flooded several towns with knee-deep waters, and moderate winds downed several
banana trees across the island. According to the revised track, the center of this cyclone
skirted the southern coast of Jamaica late on 16 July as a 35 kt tropical storm. The
cyclone moved quickly west-northwestward through the Caribbean Sea until it made landfall
near Belize City, Belize on 18 July. Minor southward position adjustments are implemented
from 06Z on the 14th through 12Z on the 17th with major southward adjustments from 18Z on
the 17th and on the 18th. The cyclone is analyzed to have first attained tropical storm
strength around 00Z on the 16th - two days later than originally shown - a major change.
On the 18th at 12Z, a ship near 16.3N, 87.0W reported winds of 10 kt SW with a pressure of
995 mb. A time series of this ship reveals that although this pressure is biased about
5 mb too low, the ships pressure decreased by 11 mb in the past 12 hr and 13 mb in the
past 25 hr. The reason why there is evidence that this ships pressure is biased about
5 mb too low is because 1 day later, on 19 July at 12Z, the ship reported a pressure 6 mb
lower than another ship located 12 nmi away in what should be an area of weak pressure
gradient not located near the cyclone on that day. At the time of the observation at 12Z
on the 18th, the ship is believed to be in the RMW or on the likely weaker south side of
the cyclone. The position at 12Z on the 18th is adjusted southward by 2.8 degrees, and
this adjustment agrees well with other surrounding observations from the 18th through to
20th to produce a track that is reasonable. Assuming a central pressure of about 999 mb
at 12Z on the 18th, this yields a wind speed of about 49 kt according to the Brown et al.
(2006) southern pressure-wind relationship. A 45 kt intensity is chosen for 12Z on the
18th (up from 40 kt originally). (There is too much uncertainty that the central pressure
was 999 mb at the time to add this value into HURDAT as a central pressure.) The cyclone
made landfall around 15Z on the 18th at 17.4N, 88.1W (near Belize City) as a 45 kt tropical
storm. It is analyzed to have weakened to a tropical depression by 06Z on the 19th as it
moved west-northwestward across Central America and the Yucatan Peninsula. The cyclone
emerged into the Bay of Campeche as a 25 kt tropical depression around 18Z on the 19th in
the vicinity of Ciudad del Carmen. Major southward track adjustments are implemented on
the 18th and early on the 19th. Major southeastward track adjustments are made late on
the 19th, and by 06Z on the 20th, the revised position is at 20.5N, 92.3W (originally
20.4N, 97.0W). The original HURDAT dissipated this tropical depression after 06Z on the
20th at 20.4N, 97.0W and began another tropical cyclone (original storm #4) at 06Z on the
21st at 22.0N, 90.9W. Available observations indicate that the first cyclone, re-analyzed
to be at 20.5N, 92.3W at 06Z on the 20th, moved northward to a position near 22.6N, 92.8W
by 06Z on the 21st. It appears that the cyclone did not dissipated on the 20th, and what
the original HURDAT showed as another cyclone developing just 24 hr later was very likely
the same system circulation. Thus, original storm numbers 3 and 4 are combined into one
system. The depression is analyzed to have restrengthened to a tropical storm around 18Z
on 21 July near 23.3N, 93.4W. Only minor track adjustments are made on the 21st through
the 26th. The cyclone made landfall on 23 July around 08Z in Texas near eastern Matagorda
Bay (28.6N, 96.0W) as a 40 kt tropical storm (no change to HURDAT intensity at point before
landfall). The highest wind recorded was a 33 kt 1-minute wind at Galveston around 0930Z on
the 23rd. Galveston and Corpus Christi both recorded minimum pressures of 1008 mb. Winds
were not near gale force at Corpus Christi. The cyclone weakened to a tropical depression by
12Z on the 23rd. At that time, the cyclone, which had been moving north-northwestward, turned
toward the north, northeast, and then east by 18Z on the 24th near 32.5N, 94.7W. HURDAT
originally listed the cyclone as extratropical from 06Z on the 24th through the 27th, and
observations do indicate somewhat of a temperature gradient with weak fronts beginning on
the 24th. No changes are made to the timing of extratropical transition. HURDAT originally
showed dissipation after 18Z on 27 July at 35.6N, 90.6W as a 20 kt extratropical cyclone,
but available observations indicate that the cyclone was absorbed by a front after 06Z on
the 27th, so the last 12 hours are eliminated from HURDAT. The final point is now at 06Z
on the 27th as a 30 kt extratropical cyclone at 34.1N, 90.9W.
1933 Storm 4 (new to HURDAT) Addition in 2012
26411 07/24/1933 M= 4 4 SNBR= NOT NAMED XING=0
26412 07/24* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*310 570 25 0*312 561 30 0
26413 07/25*314 552 40 0*317 543 45 0*320 535 50 0*330 529 50 0
26414 07/26*341 524 45 0*353 519 40 0*365 515 35 0*378 509 35 0
26414 07/27*396 499 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
26414 TS
HWM, MWR, and COADS indicate that a tropical storm, previously undocumented in HURDAT,
occurred in the north-central Atlantic Ocean from 24-27 July.
July 24: HWM shows a baroclinic low of at most 1020mb centered near 30N, 55W at 12Z.
Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
July 25: HWM shows a transitioning low of at most 1015mb centered near 31.5N, 54W at 12Z.
The system has decaying warm and cold fronts on the western periphery of a high pressure
system. Ship highlights: 35kt SSE with 1008mb at 31.8N, 52.9W at 12Z (HWM); 45kt SSE with
1008mb at 32.6N, 53.1W at 13Z (MWR); 45kt SE with 1013mb at 33.5N, 52.5W at 15Z (COA).
Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
July 26: HWM shows a closed tropical low of at most 1010mb centered near 36N, 54W at 12Z.
Ship highlights: 35kt SSW with 1010mb at 34.0N, 51.1W at 8Z (MWR). Station highlights:
no gales or low pressures. "[A] disturbance of similarly brief history arose toward the
end of the month in Mid-Atlantic east of Bermuda, and caused strong gales on the 25th and
26th, as reported by the Dutch steamship Barneveld and the American steamship Gateway City
and recorded in the accompanying table of gales and storms. The barometer did not fall
below 29.76 inches, and this disturbance failed, after 2 days, to develop any further strength (MWR).
An area of low pressure formed along a dissipating front on 24 July near 31N, 57W.
Observations indicate that this cyclone contained a closed circulation from the 24th-27th
at 00Z and was tropical throughout its lifetime. The cyclone is begun as a 25 kt tropical
depression at 12Z on the 24th. As the cyclone moved east-northeastward over the next day,
six gales ranging from 35-45 kt were observed from two separate ships between 08Z on the
25th 08Z on the 26th. The cyclone is analyzed to have become a tropical storm at 00Z on
the 25th. On the 25th, the highest winds are concurrent with the lowest pressures near
the center. The analyzed peak intensity for the lifetime of the cyclone is 50 kt from
12-18Z on the 25th. On the 25th, the cyclone turned to a north-northeasterly direction,
so that by 12Z on the 26th, the position was near 36.5N, 51.5W. No more gales are observed
after 08Z on the 26th, and the cyclone is analyzed to have weakened to a 35 kt tropical
storm by 12Z on the 26th. The cyclone is analyzed to have weakened to a tropical depression
before being absorbed by a frontal system after 00Z on the 27th near 40N, 50W.
1933 Storm 5 2012 Revision
26415 07/25/1933 M=12 5 SNBR= 585 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=2
26415 07/24/1933 M=13 5 SNBR= 585 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=1
** ** *
The 24th is new to HURDAT
26418 07/24* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*140 545 30 0*145 559 30 0
26420 07/25* 0 0 0 0*165 575 40 0*172 604 45 0*178 621 45 0
26420 07/25*150 574 35 0*157 590 40 0*165 607 50 0*173 624 60 0
*** *** ** *** *** *** ** *** **
26425 07/26*183 636 50 0*188 650 60 0*193 663 65 0*197 675 70 0
26425 07/26*178 637 75 0*185 651 75 0*193 663 75 0*198 675 75 0
*** ** ** ** *** **
26430 07/27*202 686 75 0*208 696 75 0*214 705 75 0*220 716 80 0
26430 07/27*203 686 75 0*208 696 75 0*213 706 75 0*218 716 75 0
*** *** *** *** **
26435 07/28*227 727 80 0*234 735 80 0*240 742 80 0*246 749 80 0
26435 07/28*225 727 75 0*232 739 75 0*240 750 70 0*246 756 70 0
*** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** **
26440 07/29*252 756 80 0*257 762 80 0*261 769 80 0*266 777 75 0
26440 07/29*251 759 70 0*256 762 70 0*260 765 70 0*263 771 70 0
*** *** ** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26445 07/30*270 786 75 0*272 793 75 0*273 798 70 0*274 801 70 0
26445 07/30*266 781 70 0*268 791 70 0*270 798 65 988*271 803 60 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** *** *** **
26450 07/31*274 805 65 0*274 810 60 0*274 816 55 0*274 823 45 0
26450 07/31*271 807 50 0*271 811 45 0*270 816 40 0*270 824 40 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** *** **
26455 08/01*274 830 40 0*274 837 40 0*274 845 35 0*274 853 35 0
26455 08/01*270 832 40 0*270 841 40 0*270 850 40 0*269 857 40 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** ** *** *** **
26460 08/02*274 862 40 0*274 869 40 0*274 877 45 0*274 887 45 0
26460 08/02*268 863 40 0*266 870 40 0*264 877 45 0*262 887 45 0
*** *** *** *** *** ***
26465 08/03*273 898 50 0*273 909 50 0*272 920 55 0*270 930 55 0
26465 08/03*260 898 50 0*259 909 50 0*258 920 55 0*258 929 60 0
*** *** *** *** *** **
26470 08/04*268 938 60 0*266 945 60 0*264 952 65 0*261 962 70 0
26470 08/04*258 937 65 0*258 945 70 0*258 953 75 0*258 962 80 0
*** *** ** *** ** *** *** ** *** **
26475 08/05*257 971 60 981*255 977 55 0*252 983 50 0*241 989 35 0
26475 08/05*258 971 80 975*256 977 55 0*254 983 45 0*252 990 35 0
*** ** *** *** *** ** *** ***
26480 HRATX2CFL1
26480 HRATX1CFL1
****
U.S. Landfall:
7/30/1933 16Z 27.1N, 80.1W 65 kt 988 mb 1018 mb OCI 150 nmi ROCI
U.S. Impact (Center made landfall in Mexico, but RMW touched TX coast producing 80 kt winds):
8/5/1933 01Z 25.8N, 97.2W 80 kt 975 mb 25 nmi RMW - 1010 mb OCI 200 nmi ROCI
Minor track changes and major intensity adjustments are analyzed for this hurricane, which
impacted both Florida and Texas as a Category 1. Evidence for these alterations comes from
the Historical Weather Maps Series, the COADS ships database, Monthly Weather Review, the
Original Monthly Records from NCDC, Connor (1956), Ho et al. (1987), Texas Monthly State
Climatological Report, the Barbados Advocate (newspaper), Mexican surface analyses from NCDC,
and the Airways Weather Report. Daniel Gladstein greatly `contributed toward the reanalysis
of this hurricane by provided overlooked MWR observations and his suggested revisions to HURDAT.
July 24: HWM indicates a spot low centered near 14.5N, 54.5W at 12UTC. Ship highlights:
no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
July 25: HWM indicates a tiny closed low of around 1010mb near 16N, 61.5W at 12UTC. HURDAT
lists this system as a tropical storm with 45kt winds near 17.2N, 60.4W at 12UTC. Ship highlights:
40kt E near 17.6N, 60.8W after 16Z (MWR). Station highlights: 1002 mb (min p) at 15Z at Antigua
(17.1N, 61.8W) (Barbados Advocate); gale force winds at Antigua (Barbados Advocate); 1000 mb at
St. Kitts (17.3N, 62.7W) at 18Z; 983 mb at Saba Island (MWR). "This disturbance was centered a
short distance southeast of Antigua, the morning of the 25th."
July 26: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 18N, 67.5W at 12UTC. HURDAT lists this
system as a hurricane with 65kt winds near 19.3N, 66.3W at 12UTC. Ship highlights: no gales or
low pressures. Station highlights: 1000 mb at St. Croix (17.7N, 64.7W); 52kt NE (max w) at
St. Thomas sometime between 00Z-12Z (MWR). "It passed south of St. Thomas [on the 26th], causing
a wind velocity of 60 mph from the northeast. Continuing west-northwestward its center passed
north of Puerto Rico on the 26th"
July 27: HWM indicates a low of 1010mb near 19.5N, 72W at 12UTC. HURDAT lists the system as a
hurricane with 75kt winds at 21.4N, 70.5W at 12UTC. Ship highlights: 35kt E near 21.0N, 65.5W
either before or after 5Z (MWR). Station highlights: 74 kt (estimated) NE and 995 mb at Turks
Island (21.5N, 71.2W) (MWR). "[it almost passed] over Turks Island on the 27th. The lowest
barometer reading at Turks was 29.37 inches, accompanied by a wind velocity estimated as 85mph
from the northeast. The disturbance moved northwestward [overnight] then west-northwestward
over the northern Bahamas."
July 28: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 23N, 76.5W at 12UTC. HURDAT lists
this system as a hurricane with 80kt winds at 24.0N, 74.2W at 12UTC. Ship highlights: 60kt SE
(max w) after 15Z near 25.0N, 75.3W, and 1002mb (min p) at 15Z at 25.0N, 75.3W (MWR).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
July 29: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1015mb near 25.5N, 77W at 12UTC. HURDAT lists
this system as a hurricane with 80kt winds near 26.1N, 76.9W at 12UTC. Ship highlights:
45kt NNE with 1007mb at 26.2N, 76.7W at 12UTC (HWM). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
July 30: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1015mb near 27.5N, 80.5W at 12UTC. HURDAT lists
this system as a hurricane with 70kt at 27.3N, 79.8W at 12UTC. Ship highlights: possible center
fix at 07Z at 26.8N, 79.4W with 1004 mb pressure (looks too high) and 5 kt variable winds (MWR);
50 kt SW (max w) after 07Z near 26.8N, 79.4W (MWR); 70kt SE (max w) with 998mb (min p) at
27.0N, 79.6W at 9UTC (MWR); 45kt SE with 992mb at 27.5N, 79.4W at 12UTC (COA). Station
highlights: 52kt SE at Fort Pierce (MWR). "The center crossed the coast line of Florida a
short distance south of Fort Pierce on the 30th, accompanied by a wind at that place of
60mph from the southeast."
July 31: HWM indicates a low of at most 1015mv near 25N, 84.5W at 12UTC. HURDAT
lists this system as a tropical storm with 55kt winds at 27.4N, 81.6W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: 35kt SSE at 27.0N, 80.0W at 12UTC (COA). Station highlights: 34kt E at Tampa (MWR).
August 1: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 25.5N, 86W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with 35kt near 27.4N, 84.5W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: 35 kt around or after 23Z near 25.0N, 86.1W (MWR). Station highlights:
No gales or low pressures. "This disturbance continued to move westward but vessel
reports on the 1st and 2d indicated a decrease in intensity."
August 2: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 24N, 88W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with 45kt at 274N, 87.7W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: 38kt SSE at Tampa (MWR).
August 3: HWM indicates a strengthening low of at most 1005mb near 25N, 92.5W
at 12UTC. HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with 55kt at 27.2N, 92.0W
at 12UTC. Ship highlights: 35kt NE with 1010mb at 27.6N, 91.0W at 00Z (COA);
35 kt SE with 1004 mb at 12Z at 25.1N, 90.8W (HWM). Station highlights: No gales or
low pressures. "From the morning of the3d until the center passed over the coastline
near Brownsville no vessel were received near or west of the center, and it was
impossible to indicate accurately its position or intensity. ... On the evening of
the 3d Texas stations were advised that the center probably would reach the south
Texas coast between Brownsville and Corpus Christi and be attended by strong shifting
winds, possibly reaching gale force near the center with moderately high tides
from Port O'Connor southward to Brownsville."
August 4: HWM indicates a closed low of under 1000mb near 24.5N, 95W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a hurricane once again with 65kt at 26.4N, 95.2W at
12UTC. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: 57kt N
at Brownsville (MWR). "The advices on the morning of the 4th were that the center
would cross the Texas coast between Corpus Christi and Brownsville, but somewhat
nearer Brownsville, and that winds would reach gale force over a very small area
but probably would not attain hurricane velocity."
August 5: HWM indicates the low just inland near 22.5N, 99W at 12UTC. HURDAT
lists this system as a tropical storm with 50kt at 25.2N, 98.3W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: 63kt NW (max w)
at Brownsville (MWR); 57 kt N (max 5-min 29m wind) at Brownsville WBO (25.9N,
97.5W) at 0027Z (climo); 981-982 mb (min p) at Brownsville WBO at 0130Z (MWR,
Connor). "The center crossed the coast nearly over but slightly south of
Brownsville during the early night of the 5th with greatly increased intensity,
the highest velocity being 72 miles at Brownsville. Considerable damage was
caused in the vicinity of Brownsville and over a strip westward to Monterey,
Mexico, owing largely to torrential rains."
HURDAT originally began this system on 25 July at 06Z at 16.5N, 57.5W as a 40 kt
tropical storm. The 24th of July was searched and a closed circulation was found
near 14.0N, 54.5W. Genesis is now indicated at that time (18 hours earlier than
HURDAT originally) and location as a 30 kt tropical depression. The cyclone
moved west-northwestward and strengthened, passing very near Antigua and just
north of St. Kitts on the 25th and near St. Thomas on the 26th before passing
north of Puerto Rico. At 12Z on the 25th, the analyzed position is roughly 0.8
degrees south-southwest of the original HURDAT position with a 45 kt intensity
(no change). The first observed gales occurred at Antigua where gale force winds
and a 1002 mb minimum pressure were recorded around 15Z. It is not known whether
the 1002 mb pressure is a central or peripheral pressure. A central pressure of
less than or equal to 1002 mb yields a wind speed of at least 43 kt according to
the Brown et al. (2006) southern pressure-wind relationship. Also on the 25th,
a ship recorded winds of 40 kt. At 18Z on the 25th, St. Kitts recorded a
minimum pressure of 1000 mb as the cyclone passed just to its north. Saba Island
recorded a minimum pressure of 983 mb. This pressure suggests winds of at least
74 kt according to the Brown et al. (2006) southern pressure-wind relationship.
Since the reanalyzed track shows the cyclone passing directly over Saba Island
around 22Z on the 25th, a 75 kt intensity is analyzed at 00Z on the 26th (up
from 50 kt originally). A 50 kt intensity is chosen for 12Z and 60 kt is chosen
for 18Z (up from 45 kt originally) on the 25th. The depression is analyzed to
have become a tropical storm at 00Z on the 25th (6 hours earlier than originally).
Early on the 26th, St. Thomas reported a maximum wind of 52 kt from the northeast.
Although minor south-southwestward track adjustments were made from 12Z on the
25th to 00Z on the 26th, the largest track change from 06Z on the 26th through
00Z on the 28th was just three-tenths of a degree. The cyclone passed near the
Turks Islands on the 27th where winds were estimated at 74 kt along with a
recorded pressure of 995 mb. A peripheral pressure of 995 mb yields a wind speed
of greater than 56 kt according to the southern pressure-wind relationship. The
cyclone continued west-northwestward, and a ship recorded winds of 60 kt on the
28th near 25N, 75W. The cyclone turned westward and headed towards Florida on
the 30th. On 30 July prior to landfall in Florida, a ship recorded a hurricane
force wind with a 998 mb pressure at 09Z, and another ship recorded a 992 mb
pressure with 45 kt winds at 12Z. This observation is analyzed to have occurred
inside the RMW. Based on this data, a 988 mb central pressure is added to HURDAT
at 12Z on the 30th, and this value equals 62 kt according to the Brown et al.
(2006) north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. Due to high environmental
pressure, a 65 kt intensity is chosen (down from 70 kt originally). The
intensities are decreased by 5-10 kt from 18Z on the 27th through landfall.
No change was made to the time that the cyclone became a hurricane (12Z on the
26th when it was just north of Puerto Rico), but the peak intensity for the
hurricane is lowered from 80 to 75 kt, and this new peak intensity is analyzed
from 00Z on the 27th through 06Z on the 28th.
Landfall occurred on 30 July at 16Z at 27.1N, 80.1W in southeast Florida. The
position is about three-tenths of a degree south of the original HURDAT landfall
point. This change is based on ship data in the hours leading up to landfall as
well as station observations. The highest wind recorded was 52 kt SE at Fort
Pierce. No change is made to the Category 1 impact for southeast Florida, but a
65 kt landfall intensity is analyzed along with a 988 mb central pressure, just
like the analysis at 12Z on the 30th. The cyclone moved very slowly westward
across the Peninsula, taking 26 hours before it emerged into the Gulf of Mexico.
Runs of the Kaplan and DeMaria Inland Decay Model yield 55 kt for 18Z on the
30th, and 50, 45, and 37 kt at 00, 06, and 12Z on the 31st respectively. This
slow decline in the Kaplan and DeMaria winds is due to the cyclones brief track
over the northern half of Lake Okeechobee. The highest wind observed on the 31st
was 35 kt, though observations in this portion of Florida were rather sparse.
Revised winds in HURDAT are 60 kt at 18Z on the 30th (down from 70 kt originally)
and 50, 45, and 40 kt for 00, 06, and 12Z on the 31st (down from 65, 60, and 55 kt
originally, respectively). At 18Z on 31 July, the weakened cyclone was emerging
off the southwest coast of Florida into the Gulf of Mexico with an analyzed
intensity of 40 kt (down from 45 kt originally). The cyclone moved westward in
the Gulf of Mexico and then turned toward the west-southwest. Ship data in the
Gulf of Mexico was somewhat sparse; however, at 12Z on 3 August a ship recorded
35 kt SE with 1004 mb near 25N, 91W. On 4 August, the cyclone was strengthening
and moving toward its final landfall near the Texas/Mexico border. While in the
Gulf of Mexico, minor southward track adjustments of 1 to 1.5 degrees are
implemented from 12Z on the 2nd to 00Z on the 4th. The cyclone made its final
landfall in Mexico but very near the border with Texas on 5 August at 01Z at
25.8N, 97.2W. The highest wind recorded was 63 kt (Brownsville WBO 56 kt N max
w after converting to 10m 1-min at 0027Z) at Brownsville and the lowest pressure
recorded was 981 mb at Brownsville WBO at 0130Z), but this was not a central
pressure. Ho et al., Schwerdt et al., and Connor suggest a central pressure of
975 mb based on the 981.4 mb minimum pressure recorded at Brownsville. The
reanalyzed track, which matches up with the Schwerdt et al. landfall point,
shows that the closest approach of the center of the cyclone to Brownsville was
~15 nmi and the analyzed RMW was 25 nmi. The 975 mb value is chosen for landfall
and added to HURDAT for the 00Z 5 August entry. A central pressure of 975 mb
equals 84 and 79 kt according to the southern and north of 25N pressure-wind
relationships, respectively. Ho et al. suggests a 24 nmi RMW which is somewhat
larger than the 19 nmi climatological RMW. A landfall intensity of 80 kt is
chosen, and 80 kt is also chosen for the intensity at 18Z on the 4th and 00Z
on the 5th (up from 70 and 60 kt originally, respectively a major change at
00Z on the 5th). The right RMW of the hurricane is analyzed to have reached
the Texas coast at its border of Mexico around ~00Z-02Z on the 15th, which means
that 80 kt winds were experienced in Texas. The Category 2 impact previously
listed for south Texas is revised to a Category 1 impact. Brownsville was likely
at or just barely inside the right RMW an hour or two after landfall. Also,
Brownsville is located slightly inland. Both of those reasons explain why the
highest wind at Brownsville was only 63 kt (possibly 66 kt after converting to
1-min 10m). Runs of the Kaplan and DeMaria inland decay model yield 62, 47, and
37 kt for 06, 12, and 18Z on 5 August. Revised intensities in HURDAT are 60,
45, and 35 kt at those times (originally 55, 50, and 35 kt). No changes are
made to the timing of dissipation, but the final position at 18Z on the 5th is
moved north by a degree to 25.2N, 99.0W as a 35 kt tropical storm. The cyclone
dissipated shortly thereafter over higher terrain.
1933 Storm 6 (Originally Storm 8) 2012 Revision
26580 08/17/1933 M=10 8 SNBR= 588 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=2
26580 08/13/1933 M=16 6 SNBR= 588 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=1
** ** * *
The 13th 16th are new to HURDAT
26581 08/13* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*123 215 30 0*125 229 35 0
26582 08/14*128 243 40 0*131 257 40 0*133 272 45 0*135 289 45 0
26583 08/15*137 307 45 0*139 325 50 0*142 344 50 0*145 362 50 0
26584 08/16*148 380 55 0*151 398 55 0*155 416 60 0*160 434 65 0
26585 08/17* 0 0 0 0*175 480 50 0*179 495 60 0*190 512 65 0
26585 08/17*166 452 70 0*173 470 75 0*181 487 85 0*190 501 90 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** ***
26590 08/18*199 529 65 0*206 534 70 0*213 543 75 0*221 553 75 0
26590 08/18*201 514 95 0*213 527 105 0*224 539 110 0*234 552 115 948
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26595 08/19*230 564 80 0*240 577 80 0*250 590 85 0*259 600 85 0
26595 08/19*244 565 115 0*254 578 120 0*264 590 120 0*273 599 120 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26600 08/20*268 610 85 0*279 620 85 0*289 630 85 0*295 637 85 0
26600 08/20*280 608 120 0*285 617 115 0*291 625 115 0*297 635 115 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26605 08/21*301 642 85 0*306 649 90 0*312 657 90 0*321 671 90 0
26605 08/21*302 646 110 0*307 658 110 0*312 670 110 0*316 680 110 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26610 08/22*326 689 95 0*328 700 100 0*331 711 105 0*338 726 100 0
26610 08/22*320 690 105 0*324 700 105 0*328 711 105 0*334 724 100 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26615 08/23*345 740 85 0*352 750 70 0*360 758 60 971*372 766 50 0
26615 08/23*341 737 90 0*351 749 85 0*361 758 75 966*374 767 65 971
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** *** *** ** ***
26620 08/24*387 771 45 0*406 770 45 0*424 763 40 0*434 753 35 0
26620 08/24*387 772 55 978*406 770 45 0*424 763 35 0*434 753 30 0
** *** ** **
26625 08/25*441 744 35 0*446 737 30 0*452 730 30 0*456 723 25 0
26625 08/25*440 744 30 0*445 737 30 0*448 730 30 0E449 719 30 0
*** ** *** *** *** *** **
26630 08/26*463 712 25 0*473 697 20 0*482 682 20 0*500 657 20 0
26630 08/26E445 704 30 0E441 688 30 0E440 672 30 0E440 662 35 0
*** *** ** **** *** ** **** *** ** **** *** **
The 27th 28th are new to HURDAT
26632 08/27E441 654 35 0E441 645 35 0E442 635 30 0E442 617 30 0
26633 08/28E443 591 30 0E444 558 30 0E445 525 30 0* 0 0 0 0
26635 HR NC2 VA2
26635 HR NC1 VA1 MD1
*** *** ***
US Landfalls:
8/23/1933 1000Z 35.8N, 75.6W - 80 kt 963 mb 40 nmi RMW 1008 mb OCI 300 nmi ROCI
8/23/1933 1130Z 36.0N, 75.7W 75 kt 965 mb 1008 mn OCI 300 nmi ROCI
8/23/1933 1200Z 36.1N, 75.8W 75 kt 966 mb 1008 mb OCI 300 nmi ROCI
Major track changes and major intensity changes are recommended for this hurricane that
struck the U.S. mid-Atlantic coast. Major changes are also made to the genesis and
dissipation of this cyclone. Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical
Weather Maps Series, the COADS ships database, Monthly Weather Review, the Original
Monthly Records from NCDC, Ho et al. (1987), Barnes, Cobb, and Virginia Hurricanes.
Aug 13: HWM shows no signs of a system. HURDAT does not commence the storm until the
17th. Ship highlights: 30kt NNE with 1003mb at 13.4N, 27.2W at 13UTC.
Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 14: HWM shows no signs of a closed low. Ship highlights: 25kt SSW with 1005mb
at 13.2N, 27.3W at 12UTC. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 15; HWM shows a spot low embedded within the ITCZ with at most 1015mb centered near
12.5N, 34.5W at 12UTC. Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 16: HWM loses the low for today. Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 17: HWM indicates a deep closed low of at most 1005mb near 17.5N, 49.5W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists the system as a tropical storm with 60kt winds at 17.9N, 49.5W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: 35kt NW with 1003mb at 3Z and a wind max of 40kt after 3Z at 14.5N,
48.5W (MWR). Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 18: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1010mb near 20N, 57W at 12UTC. HURDAT lists
the system as a hurricane with 75kt winds at 21.3N, 54.3W at 12UTC. Ship highlights:
948mb with calm (center fix) near ~ 23N, 54.5W at 1730Z (MWR, ship logs); 60kt SE
after 17Z near 22.4N, 52.7W (MWR). Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
"It was first reported from telegraphic reports on the morning of the 18th, about
900 miles east of Puerto Rico. It moved westward until the 18th,"
Aug 19: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1005mb near 25.5N, 59W at 12UTC. HURDAT
lists the system as a hurricane with 85kt winds at 25N, 59W at 12UTC. Ship highlights:
70kt SW with 1009mb at 12Z at 24.4N, 55.8W (COA); 70kt NE with 997mb at 28.5N, 60.5W
at 18Z (COA); 70 kt N with 940 mb at 21Z at 28.3N, 60.2W (ship logs).
Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 20: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1000mb near 29N, 64.5W at 12UTC. HURDAT
lists the system as a hurricane with 85kt at 28.9N, 63.0W at 12UTC. Ship highlights:
70kt ESE with 985mb at 28.5N, 60.5W at 6UTC (COA); 70kt SE with 998mb at 28.5N,
58.5W at 12UTC (COA). Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 21: HWM shows a strong low of at most 995mb near 30.5N, 68.5W at 12UTC. HURDAT
lists the system as a hurricane of 90kt at 31.2N, 65.7W at 12UTC. Ship highlights:
45 kt ESE with 1010 mb at 12Z at 32.6N, 62.6W (COA); 997 mb with south wind at 17Z
at 32.7N, 71.8W (MWR); 40kt NW around 17Z near 32.7N, 71.8W (MWR). Station highlights:
45 kt SE with 1004mb at Bermuda at 12UTC (HWM); 55kt E at Bermuda (MWR). "...then
followed a course northwest by north until the 21st, when it was central about
150 miles southwest of Bermuda, a maximum wind velocity of 64miles from the east
being reported at St. Georges. ... Then the disturbance was about 150 miles
southwest of Bermuda on the morning of the 21st, storm warnings were ordered
between Cape Hatteras and Boston with the information that the tropical
disturbance was of great intensity."
Aug 22: HWM shows a strong low of at most 995mb near 31N, 72W at 12UTC. HURDAT lists
the system as a hurricane of 105kt at 33.1N, 71.1W at 12UTC. Ship highlights: 45kt NE
with 991mb at 34.5N, 73.5W at 18Z (COA); 50 kt WNW with 992 mb at 21Z at 32.4N, 74.6W
(MWR). Station highlights: 38 kt NE at 23Z at Cape Hatteras (NCDC). "During the next
24 hours [from the 21-22] it bore more to the westward, with somewhat decreased speed
and then turned to the northwest, passing nearly over but slightly to the east of Cape
Hatteras, with lowest barometer 28.67 inches and maximum wind velocity 64mph from the
northeast. On the morning of the 22d, these storm warnings were continued with the
following information: tropical disturbance attended by fresh to strong gales, central
about 350 miles southwest of Bermuda and same distance southeast of Cape Hatteras,
direction of movement uncertain but probably will remain nearly stationary for the
next 12 hours. Strong northeast winds probably reading gale force off the coast. On
the evening of the 22d, the following bulletin was issued: Atlantic coast disturbances
central about 150 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, moving slightly north of west.
Center will cross southern coast of North Carolina early Wednesday forenoon, preceded
by dangerous shifting gales tonight between Virginia Capes and Southport, NC."
Aug 23: HWM shows a strong low of at most 985mb near 36N, 76.5W at 12UTC. HURDAT lists
this system as a tropical storm with 60kt winds with 971mb at 36N, 75.8W at 12UTC. Ship
highlights: 70kt variable with 967mb at 36.0N, 73.3W at 8Z (MWR); 35 kt E with 966 mb at
08Z at 35.5N, 75.0W (COBB). Station highlights: 66 kt N-NE (max w/1-min) at Cape Hatteras
around ~2Z (OMR); 40 kt W with 971mb (min p) at Cape Hatteras at 9Z (OMR); 71kt NE
(max w) at Cape Henry, VA (36.9N, 76.0W) (Virginia Hurricanes); center fix at 1420Z with
971mb eye measured at Norfolk (NOR); 66 kt E (max w/1-min) at Atlantic City, NJ around
~1730Z (OMR); 971 mb (min p) at Quantico, VA. "On the morning of the 23d the center was
a few miles south of Norfolk, VA, where the pressure was 28.84 inches. It passed over
Norfolk with lowest pressure 28.68 inches at 9:20am and a maximum wind velocity of 56 miles,
while Cape Henry had a maximum wind velocity of 68mph. The center was near Washington DC
that evening with a pressure of 28.94inches. It moved northward to central Pennsylvania
with decreasing intensity and then turned northeastward down the St. Lawrence Valley
with further decrease in intensity."
Aug 24: HWM shows the low of at most 1000mb inland near 41.5N, 77W at 12UTC. HURDAT lists
this system as a tropical storm with 40kt winds at 42.4N, 76.3W at 12UTC. Ship highlights:
35kt SSE with 1005mb at 37.8N, 73.0W at 0Z (COA); 20kt S with 991mb at 41.7N, 73.9W at 16Z
(COA). Station highlights: 12kt S with 980mb (min p) at Washington D.C. at 1Z (WASH);
47kt SE at Atlantic City at 4Z (ATL); 35 kt S with 996 mb (min p) at Philadelphia at 07Z (PHIL).
Aug 25: HWM shows the low of at most 1000mb near 44.5N, 74W at 12UTC. HURDAT lists this
system as a tropical depression with 30kt winds at 45.2N, 75.0W at 12UTC. Ship highlights:
20kt SSW with 1001mb at 42.5N, 70.5W at 12Z (COA); 35kt WSW with 1014mb at 40.3N, 60.5W at
12Z (HWM); 35 kt SW with 1007 mb at 22Z at 40.2N, 61.8W (MWR). Station highlights:
15kt NNE with 998mb at Montreal at 12Z (HWM); 25 kt W with 1002 mb at 12Z at New York City (HWM).
Aug 26: HWM shows a cyclonic perturbation along a frontal boundary near 44N, 66.5W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists this system as a wave with 20kt winds at 48.2N, 68.2W at 12UTC. Ship highlights:
no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: 1002 mb with SE wind at 12Z at Yarmouth (HWM).
Aug 27: HWM shows an extratropical cyclone of at most 1010mb near 44.5N, 62W at 12UTC. HURDAT
does not list the system anymore. Ship highlights: 35kt E with 1009mb at 48.3N, 56.5W at 0Z
(COA). Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 28: HWM shows a cyclonic flow with no distinct low pressure center generally south of
Cape Race. Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
HURDAT originally begins this cyclone on 17 August at 06Z at 17.5N, 48.0W as a 50 kt tropical storm.
A data search was conducted between that location and the African coast between 13-16 August. The
data indicates that the cyclone began close to Africa, and based on the observations, the cyclone
is begun as a 30 kt tropical depression on 13 August at 12Z at 12.3N, 21.5W. Genesis is now shown
90 hours earlier than in HURDAT originally a major change. On the 13th, a closed circulation was
found. On the 14th, winds as high as 30 kt and pressures as low as 1003 mb were observed. A
peripheral pressure of 1003 mb yields a wind speed of greater than 41 kt according to the Brown
et al. southern pressure-wind relationship, and a 45 kt intensity is chosen for 12Z on the 14th.
The depression is analyzed to have strengthened to a tropical storm by 18Z on the 13th (84 hours
earlier than originally a major change). On the 15th and 16th, there were no gales or low
pressures observed, but on the 18th at 1730Z, a ship (Tuna or Tana) recorded a central pressure
of 947.5 mb near 23.0N, 54.5W. (A detailed ship log from this ship is available in the 1933
binder.) A central pressure of 948 mb yields a wind speed of 113 kt according to the southern
pressure-wind relationship and 115 kt for its intensifying subset. A 115 kt intensity is chosen
for 18Z on 18 August (up from 75 kt originally- a major change). The cyclone is analyzed to have
attained hurricane strength by 18Z on 16 August (24 hours earlier than originally a major change).
The cyclone is analyzed to have become a major hurricane by 06Z on the 18th (four days earlier than
originally a major change). On the 19th at 21Z, a ship recorded a 940 mb peripheral pressure
with simultaneous hurricane force winds at 28.3N, 60.2W, indicating that the hurricane was
continuing to deepen from the day before. A peripheral pressure of 940 mb yields winds of greater
than 115 and 120 kt according to the Brown et al. north of 25N pressure-wind relationship and
its intensifying subset. A peak intensity of 120 kt is analyzed from 06Z on 19 August through
00Z on 20 August (an increase in the winds above the original HURDAT by 35-40 kt). A gradual
decrease in intensity is shown over the next couple of days because the cyclone moved north of
25N and because there is no information that the cyclone continued to intensify. By 22 August,
the 105 kt intensity in HURDAT is unchanged and the position is moved a few tenths of a degree
southward to 32.8N, 71.1W.
The center of the hurricane made landfall on the northern Outer Banks of North Carolina at 10Z
on 23 August at 35.8N, 75.6W. There were several steps involved with determining the intensity
at landfall. Observations suggest that the central pressure may have been about 962 mb around
09Z (one hour prior to landfall). A ship near the center recorded a 966 mb pressure with 35 kt
E winds at 08Z, and at 09Z, a ship recorded 970 mb with simultaneous hurricane force. A landfall
central pressure of 963 mb is analyzed (at the 10Z landfall) based on observations before,
around, and after that time as well as taking into account the recommendations of Ho et al.
A 966 mb central pressure is added to HURDAT at 12Z because the cyclone had filled slightly
by 12Z. A central pressure of 963 mb yields 92, 87, and 88 kt according to the north of 25N,
north of 25N and weakening, and north of 35N pressure-wind relationships. A value of about
88 kt should be chosen from that since the system was likely weakening slightly and was at
35.8N. The RMW was about 40 nmi and this is about 50% larger than the 27 nmi climatological
RMW. The OCI and ROCI were 1008 mb and 300 nmi respectively, and the forward speed of the
cyclone was about 13 kt. Given all of these factors, 80 kt is chosen for the intensity at
the first landfall. However, an 85 kt intensity is chosen for the point before landfall at
06Z on the 23rd (up from 70 kt originally). Although the hurricane weakened from a Category 2
to a Category 1 just prior to landfall, the strongest winds on the north and east side
remained offshore while it was still a Category 2, the highest impact analyzed for the
United States is a Category 1 impact. Previously, HURDAT showed a Category 2 impact for
North Carolina and Virginia, but these are both revised downward to a Category 1. After
passing through the waters in between the barrier islands and the mainland, the final
landfall occurred at 12Z on the 23rd (three hours after the first landfall), and a 75 kt
intensity is analyzed at 12Z (up from 60 kt originally). The highest observed winds from
coastal stations were: 66 kt (1-min) (64 kt after converting to 10m 1-min) at Cape
Hatteras, NC at ~02Z on the 23rd; 61 kt (1-min) (53 kt after converting to 10m 1-min) at
Norfolk, VA at ~11Z; 71 kt (same value after converting to 10m 1-min) at Cape Henry, VA;
and 66 kt (1-min) (58 kt after converting to 10m 1-min) at Atlantic City, NJ at ~1730Z.
The height of the anemometer at Atlantic City was 52m, so after converting to a 10m,
1-min wind, the max wind at Atlantic City was 58 kt. Although observations of Category 1
hurricane wind speeds were only measured on North Carolina and Virginia, a Category 1
impact is analyzed for Maryland in addition to North Carolina and Virginia. This is
because the right front RMW was likely over eastern Maryland while the system was still
a hurricane, and when Atlantic City, NJ recorded its peak winds of 58 kt, that station
was well outside the RMW whereas Maryland was closer to the system and likely experienced
65 kt winds. There is a slight chance that hurricane force winds were experienced in
Delaware, and New Jersey as well. Norfolk, VA briefly experienced the right edge of
the eye and recorded its minimum pressure of 971 mb at 1420Z (the data indicates that
the central pressure was about 969 mb at 1420Z). Quantico, VA (38.5N, 77.3W) was the
last station to record a pressure as low as 971 mb. This had to have been recorded
sometime around ~2130Z, and was, in all likelihood, a central pressure. All data
strongly indicates that the 18Z position on the 23rd needs to be moved north or
north-northwest of the previous HURDAT position by at least a couple tenths of a
degree. A central pressure of 971 mb is added to HURDAT at 18Z on the 23rd. The
cyclone passed just southwest and west of Washington, D.C. on the 24th around 00Z-01Z
where a 980 mb minimum pressure was recorded. A central pressure of 978 mb is added
to HURDAT at 00Z on the 24th. Runs of the Kaplan and DeMaria inland decay model (run
from 12Z on the 23rd with a 75 kt intensity) yield 52 kt for 18Z on the 23rd, and 43 and
30 kt, respectively, for 00 and 06Z on the 24th. Highest observed wind within 2 hr of
synoptic times are 58 kt at 18Z on the 23rd, 47 kt at 00Z on the 24th, and 47 kt at 06Z
on the 24th. Revised intensities in HURDAT are 65 kt at 18Z on the 23rd (up from 50 kt
originally), 55 kt for 00Z on the 24th (up from 45 kt originally) and 45 kt for 06Z on
the 24th (no change). The cyclone is analyzed to have weakened to a tropical storm at
00Z on the 24th (12 hours later than originally). At 12Z on the 24th, the cyclone was
centered between Binghamton and Syracuse, NY, and the strongest wind observed around 12Z
was 30 kt. A 35 kt intensity is chosen for 12Z (down from 40 kt originally). The
cyclone is analyzed to have weakened to a tropical depression by 18Z on the 24th (12
hours earlier than originally). When the cyclone reached the Canadian border near the
NY/VT border around 12Z on the 25th, it turned eastward. After passing due eastward
through the state of Maine, the cyclone reached the Atlantic just after 06Z on the 26th.
The data indicates that the cyclone became extratropical around 18Z on 25 August after
having been a tropical depression for the previous 24 hr. The revised track shows the
cyclone continuing due eastward on the 26th whereas the original track diverges on this
day, showing a northeastward motion. Major southward track changes are implemented on
the 26th from 06Z-18Z. HURDAT originally showed a final position at 18Z on the 26th at
50.0N, 65.7W as a 20 kt tropical depression, but observations indicate that the cyclone
contained a closed circulation through 12Z on 28 August, so the track is extended for
42 hours as an extratropical cyclone. The revised final position at 12Z on 28 August
is at 44.5N, 52.5W as a 30 kt extratropical cyclone.
1933 Storm 7 2012 Revision
26485 08/12/1933 M= 9 6 SNBR= 586 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=0
26485 08/14/1933 M= 8 7 SNBR= 586 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
** * * *
The 12th-13th are removed from HURDAT
26490 08/12* 0 0 0 0*120 598 35 0*129 619 35 0*133 631 35 0
26495 08/13*137 641 35 0*140 650 40 0*142 658 40 0*143 667 40 0
26500 08/14*144 676 40 0*144 686 45 0*144 697 45 0*145 706 45 0
26500 08/14*142 653 30 0*144 667 30 0*146 680 30 0*148 694 30 0
*** *** ** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26505 08/15*148 715 50 0*151 726 50 0*155 737 50 0*159 748 50 0
26505 08/15*151 708 35 0*153 722 35 0*156 736 35 0*161 749 35 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26510 08/16*164 760 50 0*169 772 45 0*174 783 45 0*179 793 45 0
26510 08/16*166 762 35 0*169 774 35 0*172 785 35 0*179 797 35 0
*** *** ** *** ** *** *** ** *** **
26515 08/17*185 802 40 0*194 813 40 0*203 823 40 0*210 828 40 0
26515 08/17*190 808 35 0*202 821 35 0*214 831 35 0*220 837 35 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26520 08/18*216 832 35 0*225 836 35 0*234 839 40 0*240 841 40 0
26520 08/18*224 840 30 0*227 843 35 0*230 845 40 0*235 845 40 0
*** *** ** *** *** *** *** ** *** *** **
26525 08/19*245 841 40 0*252 841 40 0*260 841 40 0*272 841 40 0
26525 08/19*240 845 35 0*245 845 30 0*250 845 30 0*255 844 30 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26530 08/20*283 841 40 0*289 841 40 0*294 840 40 0*320 839 35 0
26530 08/20*260 843 25 0*265 842 25 0*270 840 25 0*272 839 25 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** **
The 21st is new to HURDAT
26532 08/21*273 838 25 0*273 837 25 0*273 835 25 0* 0 0 0 0
26535 TS
Major track changes and minor intensity alterations are recommended for this tropical
storm. A major change is made to the genesis time with a two day delay in the systems
formation. Another major change is to remove this system as a landfalling tropical storm
in the United States, as the observations instead indicate dissipation over the Gulf of
Mexico. Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps Series,
the COADS ships database, Monthly Weather Review, the Original Monthly Records from
NCDC, and Perez et al.
Aug 5: HWM indicates a broad low pressure centered near 14N, 21W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 6: HWM loses the system until the 16th. Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 7: There is no information until the 11th.
Aug 11: HWM does not analyze any features of interest on this day. HURDAT does not yet
list a system on this day. Ship highlights: 10 kt WNW with 1013 mb at 12Z at 9.1N, 51.6W (COA, HWM).
Aug 12: HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 12.9N, 61.9W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 13: HURDAT lists the system as a tropical storm with 40kt winds at 14.2N, 65.8W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 14: HRUDAT lists the system as a tropical storm with 45kt winds at 14.4N, 69.7W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 15: HURDAT lists the system as a tropical storm with 50kt winds at 15.5N, 73.7W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: 25 kt SE with 1007 mb at 22Z at 17.0N, 75.5W (MWR); 30 kt around ~22Z near
~17.0n, 75.5W (MWR). Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 16: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 18N, 80W at 12UTC. HURDAT
lists the system as a tropical storm with 45kt winds at 17.4N, 78.3W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: 35kt S at 21.6N, 74.1W at 12UTC.
Aug 17: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 21N, 84W at 12UTC. HURDAT
lists the system as a tropical storm with 40kt winds at 20.3N, 82.3W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 18: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 23N, 85W at 12UTC. HURDAT
lists the system as a tropical storm with 40kt winds at 23.4N, 83.9W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: 45kt ESE with 1011mb at 23.5N, 81.5W at 9UTC.
Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 19: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 23N, 85W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists the system as a tropical storm with 40kt winds at 26.0N, 84.1W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 20: HWM loses the system. HURDAT lists the system as a tropical storm with 40kt winds
at 29.4N, 84.0W at 12UTC. Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 21: HWM does not analyze any features of interest on this day. HURDAT no longer
lists a system on this day. No gales or low pressures.
This tropical cyclone likely originated from a tropical wave, which was evident just off
the African coast on 5 August. A few observations each day allow for the wave to be
tracked on its westward course through the tropical Atlantic. HURDAT originally started
this system as a 35 kt tropical storm on 12 August at 06Z at 12.0N, 59.8W. On 11 August,
a west wind was observed near 9N, 52W and although the system might have been a tropical
depression by that day near 11.0N, 52.0W, observations from Grenada at 22Z on the 12th and
13Z on the 13th indicate the circulation was not closed. There were no west winds observed
from the 12th through the 14th; however, there were no ships south of the center after the
system moved west of the Lesser Antilles. Therefore, genesis is delayed until 00Z on the
14th once the system moved west of the islands. This new genesis time is a major change
to HURDAT 42 hours later than originally. The system is begun as a 30 kt tropical
depression on the 14th (down from 40-45 kt originally). A west wind occurred close to
the center sometime between the 15th at 22Z the 16th at 04Z near 17N, 75.5W. This ship
recorded a minimum pressure of 1007 mb and maximum winds of 30 kt along with a wind shift
from SE to W, as shown in the chart of ship gales in the August, 1933 MWR. Based on the
information from this ship, a 35 kt tropical storm is analyzed at 00Z on the 16th (down from
50 kt originally). The depression is analyzed to have become a 35 kt tropical storm at 00Z
on the 15th at 15.1N, 70.8W. A (first) peak intensity of 35 kt is analyzed from 00Z on the
15th until Cuban landfall, which occurred at 20Z on 17 August at 22.2N, 83.8W. (HURDATs
original peak intensity was 50 kt from 00Z on the 15th through 00Z on the 16th). From
genesis until Cuban landfall, a major eastward track change was made at 00Z on the 14th.
The rest of the track changes until the Cuban landfall are minor. The cyclone was over
Cuba from 20Z on the 17th through 04Z on the 18th during which time it weakened to a 30 kt
tropical depression. After oceanfall in the Gulf of Mexico, the cyclone is analyzed to
have restrengthened to a 40 kt tropical storm for 12 hours before weakening. It is analyzed
to have weakened to a tropical depression while over water on the 19th at 06Z at 24.5N,
84.5W. On the 20th, the original HURDAT track has the cyclone accelerating northward, but
a very slow movement toward the northeast is analyzed instead so that major southward
position adjustments are implemented on the 20th. HURDAT originally listed a final position
at 18Z on 20 August over Georgia at 32.0N, 83.9W as a 35 kt tropical storm, but the weak,
closed circulation was still present for another 18 hours over the Gulf of Mexico and
dissipation is delayed accordingly. The new final position is at 12Z on 21 August at 27.3N,
83.5W as a 25 kt tropical depression before it degenerated into a open trough and dissipated.
1933 Storm 8 (originally Storm 11) 2012 Revision
26720 08/28/1933 M= 9 11 SNBR= 591 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=3
26720 08/22/1933 M=15 8 SNBR= 591 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=3
** ** **
The 22th 27th are new to HURDAT
26722 08/22* 0 0 0 0*126 249 25 0*127 260 25 0*128 271 25 0
26722 08/23*129 282 25 0*130 293 25 0*131 304 25 0*132 315 25 0
26723 08/24*134 325 30 0*136 335 30 0*138 346 30 0*140 358 30 0
26723 08/25*143 371 30 0*145 384 30 0*147 397 30 0*149 410 30 0
26724 08/26*151 423 35 0*153 436 35 0*156 449 35 0*158 462 40 0
26724 08/27*161 475 40 0*164 488 40 0*167 501 45 0*170 516 45 0
26725 08/28* 0 0 0 0*184 524 35 0*184 553 35 0*185 571 35 0
25725 08/28*173 531 50 0*177 547 55 0*181 563 60 0*185 579 65 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26730 08/29*187 592 35 0*189 613 40 0*192 634 45 0*199 649 50 0
26730 08/29*188 595 70 0*191 611 75 0*195 627 80 0*200 644 90 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26735 08/30*207 662 50 0*213 680 55 0*217 696 60 0*219 705 65 0
26735 08/30*206 661 100 0*212 678 110 0*217 695 120 0*219 709 130 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26740 08/31*221 713 70 0*223 723 70 0*224 735 75 0*226 754 75 0
26740 08/31*222 721 140 0*224 732 140 0*225 743 135 0*226 757 125 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26745 09/01*228 773 80 0*231 789 80 0*235 804 85 0*238 819 90 0
26745 09/01*228 773 115 0*230 789 110 0*231 804 105 954*233 819 100 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26750 09/02*240 832 90 0*242 843 95 0*244 854 100 0*246 864 100 0
26750 09/02*235 831 100 0*237 841 100 0*242 851 110 0*246 861 120 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26755 09/03*248 875 105 0*250 887 105 0*253 899 110 0*256 912 110 0
26755 09/03*249 872 120 0*251 886 120 0*253 899 120 0*256 912 115 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26760 09/04*259 924 110 0*260 937 110 0*261 949 105 0*262 958 95 0
26760 09/04*259 924 115 0*260 937 115 0*261 949 110 0*262 958 110 0
*** *** *** ***
26765 09/05*262 966 85 0*261 975 80 0*259 984 60 0*257 993 35 0
26765 09/05*262 966 110 0*261 975 90 0*259 984 60 0*257 993 35 0
*** **
26770 HRATX3
U.S. Landfall:
9/5/1933 04Z - 26.1N, 97.2W 110 kt 940 mb 20 nmi RMW - 1010 mb OCI 225 nmi ROCI
Major track changes and major intensity changes are implemented for this hurricane
that struck Cuba and then southern Texas. Major changes are also made to the genesis
of this cyclone. Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather
Maps Series, the COADS ships database, Monthly Weather Review, Texas Monthly
Climatological Data, Mexican surface analyses from NCDC, Perez, Ho et al.,
Jarrell et al., and Schwerdt.
Aug 20-26: HWM does not analyze any features of interest on these days.
HURDAT does not yet this a system on these days. No gales or low pressures.
Aug 27: HWM shows a very stretched low pressure east of suspected area not
associated with this particular storm. HURDAT starts this storm the next day.
Ship highlights: 30kt NNE with 1013mb at 18.6N, 48.6W at 12UTC (HWM). Station
highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 28: HWM shows a spot low centered near 17N, 57W at 12Z. HURDAT lists the
system as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 18.4N, 55.3W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low
pressures. "This disturbance first appeared the evening of the 28th, a short
distance northeast of the Windward Islands."
Aug 29: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1010mb near 19N, 63.5W at 12Z. HURDAT
lists the system as a tropical storm with 45kt winds at 19.2N, 63.4W at 12Z.
Ship highlights: 50kt ENE at 20.5N, 62.5W at 12Z (COA). Station highlights: no
gales or low pressures. By the morning of the 29th, ship reports showed that
it was attended by gales and moving west or west-northwest. "
Aug 30: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1010mb near 21N, 70W at 12Z. HURDAT
lists the system as a tropical storm with 60kt winds at 21.7N, 69.6W at 12Z.
Ship highlights: 70kt SW with 991mb at 21.6N, 71.2W at 20Z (MWR). Station
highlights: 996mb at Grand Turk at 20z and then a wind max of 49kt SW after 20Z
(MWR). "It continued to move west by north, passing slightly north of Turks
Islands with lowest barometric pressure at Grand Turk of 29.41 inches at 3pm,
of the 30th, and maximum wind of 56 miles from the southwest."
Aug 31: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1010mb near 22.5N, 75.5W at 12Z. HURDAT
lists the system as a hurricane with 75kt winds at 22.4N, 73.5W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: 70 kt WNW with 930mb (min p) at 22.2N, 72.5W at 0130Z (MWR);
35kt SW near 21.2N, 75.4W after 12Z (MWR). Station highlights: no gales or
low pressures. "By the [morning of the 31st] its center was a short distance
southwest of Crooked Island, Bahamas,"
Sept 1: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1000mb near 22N, 80W at 12Z. HURDAT lists
the system as a hurricane with 85kt winds at 23.5N, 80.4W at 12Z. Ship highlights:
70kt NE with 996mb at 24.3N, 82.7W at 23Z (MWR); 50kt W with 984mb at 23.1N, 82.3W
at 22Z (MWR). Station highlights: center fixes/calm (with min pressure of 959 mb)
at Isabela de Sagua (22.9N, 80.1W), Cardenas around 1530Z (23.0N, 81.2W), and Matanzas
(23.0N, 81.6W) (Perez); 979mb at Havana at 19Z with the wind max of 82kt S after 19Z
(MWR). "[By the morning of the 1st it was] near Sagua la Grande on the north coast of
Cuba, attended by winds of hurricane force. During the late afternoon of September 1,
the barometer at Habana read 28.92 inches as the storm center passed a short distance
north of the city. The highest wind velocity at Habana was 94mph from the south, while
at Key West, FL, the maximum was 42mph from the east. Little damage was done at Key
West, but, according to press reports there was considerable loss of life along the
north coast of Cuba and probably also some distance inland.
Sept 2: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1005mb near 23N, 85W at 12Z. HURDAT lists
the system as a hurricane with 100kt winds at 24.4N, 85.4W at 12Z. Ship highlights:
70kt NE with 948mb at 25.0N, 86.0W at 19Z (MWR).
Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Sept 3: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1005mb near 25N, 90W at 12Z. HURDAT lists
the system as a hurricane with 110kt winds at 25.3N, 89.9W at 12Z. Ship highlights:
45kt ESE with 1005mb at 26.5N, 88.5W at 12Z (COA); 35kt N with 994mb at 26.3N, 93.4W
at 18Z (COA). Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Sept 4: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1000mb near 26N, 95W at 12Z. HURDAT lists the
system as a hurricane with 105kt at 26.1N, 94.9W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 60kt W with
989mb at 25.5N, 93.0W at 1Z (MWR). Station highlights: 15 kt NNW with 1005 mb at 12Z at
Brownsville, TX (HWM). "Moving west-northwest across the Gulf of Mexico, the storm
center reached the ninety-fifth meridian, approximately 150 miles east of Brownsville,
TX, the morning of September 4, and passed inland just north of Brownsville the following night."
Sept 5: HWM shows a closed low just after it made landfall on the US-Mexico border near 25.5N,
98W at 12Z. HURDAT lists the system as a tropical storm with 60kt winds at 25.9N, 98.4W at 12Z.
Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: 65kt NW (64 kt after converting
that 5-min 29m wind to 1-min and 10m) max w at Brownsville (MWR); 949mb at Brownsville at 0630Z
(MWR); 43 kt E at Corpus Christi (MWR); 1005 mb at 01Z and 1004 mb at 13Z at Tampico (Mexico).
"Brownsville reported a barometer reading of 28.02 inches at 1:30am of the 5th, and an estimated
maximum wind of 80mph from the northwest earlier in the night. According to an Associated Press
dispatch from Brownsville there were 22 known death and property damage running into the millions
of dollars in the area from Corpus Christi to some distance south of Brownsville in extreme
northeastern Mexico. However, no lives were lost in either Brownsville or Corpus Christi. The
remarkable escape of Brownsville citizens was attributed to the fact that all had ample warning
that tropical hurricane was approaching the city." 949 mb estimated central pressure; 97 kt
equivalent 10m 1-min wind; 20 nmi RMW; 1012 mb OCI; speed 8 kt; landfall pt 26.2N, 97.1W
(Schwerdt et al. 1979). 948.9 mb central pressure based on 950.6 mb at Brownsville; 20 nmi
RMW; 8 kt speed; landfall pt 26.0N, 97.2W (Ho et al. 1987); Tropical Cyclones in Texas: 1933
Sep 4-5, Major, 40 killed, damage $12,000,000 (Major is equivalent to 101-135 mph,
949-982 mb) (Dunn and Miller).
HURDAT originally started this cyclone as a 35 kt tropical storm on 28 August at 06Z at 18.4N, 52.4W.
The 20th-27th was searched for data between 60W and the African coast. It appears that although
west winds are observed on 20-21 August, there is not enough evidence of a tropical cyclone on
those days. However, on 22 August, there appears to be enough evidence that a tropical depression
had formed by that day near 12.7N, 26.0W at 12Z. The lowest pressures, which are sufficiently
lower than pressures further away, are observed along with sufficiently cyclonic turning winds
over a small enough area. The cyclone is begun as a 25 kt tropical depression at 06Z on 22
August (6 days earlier than originally a major change) at 12.6N, 24.9W. The cyclone is analyzed
to have become a tropical storm on 26 August at 00Z (54 hours earlier than originally a major
change) at 15.1N, 42.3W. The first gales were recorded on the 29th as the cyclone passed slightly
north of the northernmost Leeward Islands and Virgin Islands. The first hurricane force wind was
recorded during the afternoon of 30 August with the cyclone approaching the vicinity of Turks Island
by that time. The only major track change from the 28th-30th was made at 06Z on the 28th a 2 and
a half degree west-southwestward adjustment (that was the original HURDAT genesis time and it showed
an unrealistic initial acceleration). The lowest pressure recorded during the entire lifetime of
the storm of 930 mb was reported by a ship at 22.2N, 72.5W on the 31st at 0130Z simultaneously with
hurricane force winds. A peripheral pressure of 930 mb yields a wind speed of greater than 130 kt
according to the Brown et al. southern pressure-wind relationship and greater than 132 kt for its
intensifying subset. After adding 5 kt for a smaller than average storm, plus another 5 kt to
account for the fact that the central pressure was likely well below 930 mb (since no calm or lull
was reported), a 140 kt intensity is chosen for 00Z on 31 August (up from 70 kt originally a major
change). This cyclone is analyzed to have reached hurricane strength by 18Z on 28 August (48 hours
earlier than originally) and major hurricane strength at 00Z on 30 August (84 hours earlier than
originally), which are both major changes. Observations from Cuba indicate that the cyclone weakened
a little before making landfall in Cuba at 12Z on 1 September at 23.1N, 80.4W. Around 0930Z,
a 959 mb minimum pressure was recorded at Isabela de Sagua at a distance of 0.5 times the RMW (inside
the RMW- but it is unknown how much the winds decreased there inside the RMW, other than we know that
there wasnt calm there). Perez calculates a central pressure of 951 mb from the 959 mb observation,
but Perez also mentions that the central pressure may have been 954 mb too. The 954 mb estimate
appears more reasonable, and it is added to HURDAT at 12Z on 1 September. A central pressure of
954 mb equals 107 kt according to the Brown et al. southern pressure-wind relationship and 104 kt for
its weakening subset. A 110 kt intensity is chosen for 06Z and 105 kt intensity is chosen for 12Z
on the 1st (up from 80 and 85 kt originally- both major changes) and landfall. Perez lists this as a
110 kt Category 3 for Cuba. HURDAT originally showed this hurricane moving westward through the
Florida Straits without making a direct landfall in Cuba. However, personal accounts and observations
indicate that the calm center was experienced at several points along the north Cuban coast, and the
damage was widespread and extensive. This hurricane is listed as the 115th deadliest cyclone in the
history of the western hemisphere with 179 deaths mostly on the north Cuban coast. At 12Z on the
1st of September, the track is adjusted southward by 0.4 degrees latitude (30 nmi) to show that the
center passed directly over Varadero and Cardenas (between 12Z-18Z). The left edge of the calm center
passed over Matanzas around 16Z-17Z. After that, the cyclone moved slightly north of due west. By
the time the cyclone reached the longitude of Havana (the afternoon of the 1st), the center is
analyzed to be about 14 nmi north (offshore) of Havana, where a minimum pressure of 979 mb and maximum
winds of 82 kt were recorded. Havana did not experience a lull. Runs of the Schloemer equation
indicates that the central pressure of the hurricane was likely in the range of 955-962 mb at 19Z on
the 1st. If a 962 (955) mb central pressure is assumed, this yields 99 (106) kt according to the
southern pressure-wind relationship. The 105 kt intensity at 12Z on the 1st is brought down to
100 kt at 18Z (up from 90 kt originally). After interacting with Cuba, the cyclone continued moving
west-northwestward through the Gulf of Mexico. At 19Z on 2 September, a ship recorded a pressure of
948 mb with simultaneous hurricane force winds at 25N, 86W. A peripheral pressure of 948 mb yields
a wind speed of greater than 113 and 107 kt according to the southern and north of 25N pressure-wind
relationships, respectively. A 120 kt intensity is chosen from 18Z on the 2nd through 12Z on the 3rd.
The hurricane made landfall near South Padre Island, TX at 04Z on 5 September. Brownsville recorded
a minimum pressure of 949 mb at 0630Z after recording a maximum wind of 65 kt from the NW according to
the Monthly Weather Review. However, the Texas Monthly Climatological Data Summary stated that the
949 mb was recorded simultaneously with the maximum wind of 70 kt NW. Ho et al., Schwerdt, and Jarrell
et al. all list a central pressure of 949 mb for landfall, but 949 mb was measured inland at
Brownsville 2.5 hr after landfall. If the 949 mb at Brownsville was indeed recorded with simultaneous
70 kt winds, it would suggest a central pressure at the time of well below 949 mb possibly around
941 mb. If that value is subtracted back to the coastline, it could suggest a landfall central
pressure of 937 mb. A run of the Schloemer equation using 20 nmi for the RMW and a 10 nmi distance
between the 949 mb ob and the center of the hurricane yields a central pressure of 939 mb, and when
extrapolated back to the coast, that yields a central pressure of about 935 mb. It is estimated
that the landfall central pressure was approximately 940 mb. A 20 nmi RMW is chosen based on the
Hos analysis (slightly larger than the 16 nmi climatological RMW) and the forward speed of the
storm was 8 kt. A 940 mb central pressure equals 115 kt according to the north of 25N pressure-wind
relationship, but 110 kt is chosen for the landfall intensity because of the large RMW and slow speed,
retaining the hurricane as a Category 3 for south Texas. Runs of the Kaplan and DeMaria inland decay
model to obtain intensities after landfall yield 88, 61, and 44 kt for 06, 12, and 18Z on the 5th,
and 33 kt for 00Z on 6 September. Highest measured winds within 2 hr of synoptic times are 65 kt at
06Z and 30 kt at 12Z on the 5th. Revised intensities in HURDAT are: 90, 60, and 35 kt at 06, 12,
and 18Z on the 5th, respectively (up from 80 kt originally at 06Z and no change at 12 and 18Z).
No changes are made to the dissipation of the cyclone which is shown after 18Z on the 5th at 25.7N,
99.3W. It should be noted that it remains uncertain how close the center was to Brownsville.
If the center made landfall farther north than currently shown and the RMW was smaller, then it
is possible that this hurricane was a category 4 at landfall with category 4 conditions
north of Brownsville on Padre Island.
1933 Storm 9 2012 Revision
26640 08/24/1933 M= 8 9 SNBR= 589 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
26640 08/23/1933 M= 9 9 SNBR= 589 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
** *
The 23rd is new to HURDAT.
26642 08/23* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*212 635 25 0*212 639 25 0
26645 08/24* 0 0 0 0*200 595 35 0*216 615 35 0*223 625 35 0
26645 08/24*213 643 25 0*215 648 30 0*220 653 30 0*227 659 30 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26650 08/25*230 633 35 0*237 642 35 0*243 650 35 0*249 657 35 0
26650 08/25*234 665 30 0*241 671 30 0*248 677 35 0*255 680 35 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** *** ***
26655 08/26*255 664 35 0*261 671 35 0*268 678 35 0*274 684 40 0
26655 08/26*262 683 35 0*269 686 35 0*275 688 35 0*282 691 35 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** **
26660 08/27*282 690 40 0*292 695 40 0*302 698 40 0*312 695 40 0
26660 08/27*288 693 35 0*293 695 35 0*300 698 35 0*307 695 35 0
*** *** ** *** ** *** ** *** **
26665 08/28*322 688 45 0*330 681 45 0*338 672 45 0*354 657 45 0
26665 08/28*314 688 40 0*322 681 45 0*332 672 50 0*344 658 55 0
*** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26670 08/29*371 640 45 0*383 627 40 0*395 614 40 0*410 595 35 0
26670 08/29*357 643 55 0*371 629 50 0*385 614 50 0*402 595 50 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** **
26675 08/30*426 571 35 0*440 542 35 0E452 513 35 0E461 487 35 0
26675 08/30*420 571 50 0E437 542 50 0E452 513 45 0E461 488 40 0
*** ** **** ** ** *** **
26680 08/31E468 460 35 0E473 430 35 0E478 400 35 0E490 370 35 0
26680 08/31E468 463 35 0E473 438 35 0E478 410 35 0E486 378 35 0
*** *** *** *** ***
26685 TS
Major track changes and minor intensity changes are made to this tropical storm.
A major change is made to the timing of when this cyclone became a tropical storm.
Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps Series
and the COADS ships database.
Aug 24: HWM does not show a system for today. HURDAT lists this system as a tropical
storm with 35kt winds at 21.6N, 61.5W at 12UTC. Ship highlights: no gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures. "A disturbance of slight
intensity first appeared on the 24th, central about 340 miles north by east of Antigua.
Aug 25: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1010mb near 24N, 67.5W at 12UTC. HURDAT lists
the system as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 24.3N, 65.0W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 26: HWM shows a closed low of around 1010mb near 28N, 69.5W at 12UTC. HURDAT lists
the system as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 26.8N, 67.8W at 12UTC. Ship highlights:
no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 27: HWM shows a closed low of around 1010mb near 30N, 71W at 12UTC. HURDAT lists the
system as a tropical storm with 40kt at 30.2N, 69.8W at 12UTC. Ship highlights: no gales
or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures. "It moved northwestward
during the following two days, then recurved to the northward and passed about 160 miles
west of Bermuda during the night of the 27th."
Aug 28: HWM shows a closed low of around 1015mb near 31.5N, 67W at 12UTC. HURDAT lists
the system as a tropical storm with 45kt winds at 33.8N, 67.2W at 12UTC. Ship highlights:
50 kt S around ~1620Z at 34.3N, 66.3W; 999 mb (possible central pressure) around ~1620Z
at 34.3N, 66.3W. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 29: HWM shows a closed low of around 1010mb near 40N, 62.5W at 12UTC. HURDAT lists
the system as a tropical storm with 40kt winds at 39.5N, 61.4W at 12UTC. Ship highlights:
45kt S with 1001mb at 39.7N, 59.1W at 16Z (COA). Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 30: HWM shows an extratropical storm with 1005mb near 43.5N, 53W at 12UTC. HURDAT
lists the system as an extratropical storm with 35kt winds at 45.2N, 51.3W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: 45kt S at 43.5N, 50.5W at 7Z (COA). Station highlights: no gales or
low pressures. "By the morning of the 30th it was central about 250 miles south of Cape
Race, Newfoundland, moving northeastward."
Aug 31: HWM shows an extratropical storm of at most 1005mb near 47.5N, 42.5W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists the system as an extratropical storm with 35kt winds at 47.8N, 40.0W at
12UTC. Ship highlights: 20kt SW with 1000mb at 46.5N, 42.2W at 12Z (COA).
Observations from HWM and COADS suggest that this system may have formed from a tropical
wave that emerged off the African coast around 16 August. On the 19th, the wave axis
extended from approximately 18N, 37W to 4N, 44W. HURDAT began this system as a 35 kt
tropical storm at 06Z on 24 August at 20.0N, 59.5W. Available observations indicate that
a closed circulation existed by the 23th, and the cyclone is begun as a 25 kt tropical
depression at 12Z on 23 August at 21.2N, 63.5W. The position at 06Z on the 24th is moved
5 degrees WNW of the original HURDAT a major change - and the cyclone is analyzed as a
30 kt tropical depression instead of a tropical storm. The cyclone moved
north-northwestward from the 24th-27th, and it recurved near 30N, 70W on the 27th.
Major west-northwestward track changes are implemented on the 24th and 25th, and these
changes are minor on the 26th. On the 27th, track changes are within half a degree of
the previous HURDAT positions. All track changes for the remainder of the cyclones
lifetime are minor. The highest observed wind on the 24th was 20 kt (although there
were not many observations near the center). On the 25th, 25 kt was the highest wind
observation, but there were no observations within 150 nmi of the center on this day.
On the 26th, there were at least a few ships that traveled within 100 nmi of the center
or closer, and the highest observed wind on that day was 30 kt (this ob was 50 nmi from
the analyzed center). The lowest observed pressure on the 26th was 1008 mb. At 2030Z
on the 26th, a ship recorded 30 kt SW with 1008 mb at 28.5N, 69.3W The depression is
analyzed to have become a tropical storm by 12Z on the 25th (30 hours later than shown
in HURDAT originally a major change). Although the highest observed wind by the 25th
was only 25 kt, there is not enough evidence to lower the original HURDAT intensity due
to lack of data. After recurvature, the cyclone moved northeastward from 27-31 August.
Although the highest observed wind on the 27th was only 25 kt even though there were 2
observations within 50 nmi of the analyzed center, on the 28th, a ship recorded a pressure
of 999 mb and also observed maximum winds of 50 kt (uncertain whether the 50 kt was
simultaneous with the 999 mb). A 999 mb pressure yields at least 45 and 50 kt according
to the Brown et al. (2006) north of 25N and Landsea et al. (2004) north of 35N
pressure-wind relationships, respectively. A 50 kt intensity is analyzed at 12Z on
the 28th (up from 45 kt originally) and a peak lifetime intensity of 55 kt is chosen
from 18Z on the 28th 00Z on the 29th. This is an increase from the 45 kt peak shown
in HURDAT originally on the 28th and 29th. The 35 kt intensity analyzed beginning on
the 25th at 12Z is maintained through 18Z on the 27th (down from 40 kt originally in
HURDAT from 18Z on the 26th 18Z on the 27th). The analyzed intensity is then increased
more quickly from 35 kt at 18Z on the 27th to 55 kt at 18Z on the 28th (up from 45 kt
originally). On the 29th and 30th, there are a handful of gales including a couple of
45 kt observations (one with a pressure of 1001 mb). A peripheral pressure of 1001 mb
yields a wind speed of greater than 47 kt according to the Landsea et al. (2004)
pressure-wind relationship for north of 35N. A 50 kt intensity is analyzed again from
06Z on the 29th through 06Z on the 30th. The cyclone is analyzed to have become
extratropical by 06Z on the 30th (six hours earlier than originally). On the 30th and
31st, the cyclone accelerated northeastward, and no change is made to the timing of
dissipation (18Z on the 31st as a 35 kt extratropical cyclone). The final position
at 18Z on the 31st is 48.6N, 37.8W.
1933 Storm 10 2012 Revision
26690 08/26/1933 M= 4 10 SNBR= 590 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
26690 08/26/1933 M= 5 10 SNBR= 590 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
*
26695 08/26* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*186 938 35 0
26695 08/26* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*189 923 25 0
*** *** **
26700 08/27*189 939 35 0*194 941 35 0*200 942 35 0*205 944 35 0
26700 08/27*192 925 25 0*196 928 25 0*200 930 25 0*204 933 25 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** *** **
26705 08/28*208 946 35 0*211 948 35 0*214 949 35 0*219 954 35 0
26705 08/28*208 935 30 0*211 937 30 0*214 940 30 0*217 948 35 0
*** ** *** ** *** ** *** ***
26710 08/29*222 961 35 0*222 967 35 0*220 974 35 0*205 983 30 0
26710 08/29*220 957 35 0*220 966 35 0*220 974 35 0*219 983 30 0
*** *** *** *** ***
The 20th is new to HURDAT
26712 08/30*215 992 25 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
26715 TS
Minor changes to both track and intensity are analyzed for this tropical storm that
made landfall near Tampico, Mexico. Major changes are made to both the timing of
genesis and to the timing of when the cyclone became a tropical storm. Evidence for
these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps series, Mexican surface
analyses from NCDC, and the COADS ships database.
Aug 24: HWM does not indicate a system on this date. HURDATs first position
was at 18Z on the 26th. No gales or low pressures.
Aug 25: HWM does not indicate a system on this date. HURDATs first position
was at 18Z on the 26th. No gales or low pressures.
Aug 26: HWM does not show a system for today. HURDAT lists the system as a tropical
storm with 35kt winds at 18.6N, 93.8W at 18UTC. Ship highlights: no gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures. "A disturbance of slight
intensity developed in a region of unsettled weather over Mexico near Frontera
during the 26th and 27th."
Aug 27: HWM does not indicate a low. HURDAT lists the system as a tropical storm
with 35kt winds at 20N, 94.2W at 12UTC. Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 28: HWM does not indicate a low. HURDAT lists the system as a tropical storm
with 35kt winds at 21.4N, 94.9W at 12UTC. Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: no gales or low pressures. "From vessel reports subsequently
received, it apparently moved northwestward to the vicinity of Tampico by the 28th
attended by heavy rains at Mexican coast station but without strong winds. By the
evening of the 28th, available vessel observations over the northwestern Gulf showed
that the wind velocities had increased to 22mph and shifted from northeast to east
to southeast.
Aug 29: HWM shows a small low of at most 1005mb right off the coast at 22N, 97W at 12UTC.
HURDAT lists the system as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 22.0N, 97.4W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: 15kt N with 1003mb at
Tampico at 12Z (HWM). "Consequently, on the morning of the 29th, with the uncertainty
regarding the advance of the center northward, storm warning were ordered from Port Arthur
to Corpus Christi, as follows: tropical disturbance of slight intensity about 125 miles
southeast of Corpus Christi apparently moving northward; will cause fresh to strong northeast
winds over very small area around center. Special observations received during the afternoon
of the 29th showed rather definitely that center was south of Brownsville and at 9pm storm
warnings were ordered down."
Aug 30: HWM dissipates the system. HURDAT loses the system. Ship highlights: no gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures. This cyclone may have possibly been
the same system that was a tropical depression (originally storm #7) from 14-20 August moving
westward across the Caribbean Sea. On the 24th and 25th, a broad circulation was present over
Central America, roughly centered near 16N 88W on the 24th and 17N 90W on the 25th. On the 26th,
the system reached the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and is analyzed to have become a tropical
depression on 26 August at 18Z (no change) at 18.9N, 92.3W. The cyclone moved northwestward and
then turned toward the west late on the 28th. It made landfall just south of Tampico, Mexico
(22.0N, 97.7W) around 14Z on the 29th. Although there were no recorded gales available in
association with this system, Tampico recorded a pressure of 1003 mb and a ship reported a 1005
mb pressure. A peripheral pressure of 1003 mb yields a wind speed of greater than 41 kt
according to the Brown et al. southern pressure-wind relationship. The cyclone is analyzed to
have become a tropical storm less than a day prior to landfall at 18Z on the 28th (two days
later than originally a major change). The peak intensity (and landfall intensity) of 35 kt
previously listed in HURDAT is not changed due to the broad structure of the system and to the
fact that no gales were observed for the entire lifetime of the system. The position at 18Z on
the 29th is adjusted 1.4 degrees to the north because the original HURDAT unrealistically shows
a southward acceleration. This system is maintained as a tropical depression through 00Z on
the 30th (dissipation is shown six hours later than in HURDAT originally).
There is a chance that this system never attained tropical storm intensity at any point and was
only a tropical depression. On the 29th at 12Z, there are no observations anywhere remotely near
the center of the cyclone on the right (north side). The only available observation from Tampico
was 2 hours before closest approach. Between 12-14Z on the 29th, there is a huge void area
between 22.2-23.5N, and from 96W to the Mexican coast that may have contained 35 kt winds. But
there are no available observations from this region. Therefore, there is not enough evidence to
lower the 35 kt peak intensity in HURDAT. Also, observations indicate that the central pressure
around the time of landfall was 1002 mb, and environmental pressures were about 1008-1009 mb,
which easily supports a 35 kt intensity.
1933 Storm 11 (originally Storm 12) 2012 Revision
26775 08/31/1933 M= 8 12 SNBR= 592 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=3
26775 08/31/1933 M= 8 11 SNBR= 592 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=3
**
26780 08/31* 0 0 0 0*192 562 45 0*195 587 70 0*195 602 80 0
26780 08/31* 0 0 0 0*181 564 55 0*185 583 60 0*189 602 65 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** **
26785 09/01*196 618 90 0*197 636 95 0*198 654 100 0*208 672 105 0
26785 09/01*193 620 70 0*199 638 75 0*205 655 80 0*211 670 85 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26790 09/02*220 690 110 0*225 700 115 0*231 711 115 0*236 724 120 0
26790 09/02*218 682 90 0*223 694 95 0*227 707 100 0*232 722 105 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26795 09/03*242 738 120 0*248 754 120 0*254 770 120 0*258 780 120 0
26795 09/03*238 738 110 0*245 754 115 0*254 768 120 945*258 779 115 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26800 09/04*262 788 115 0*270 804 110 948*279 817 55 0*283 823 50 0
26800 09/04*263 790 110 0*270 803 110 948*277 816 65 0*283 823 55 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** ** **
26805 09/05*287 827 45 0*294 831 45 0*300 834 45 0*305 835 40 0
26805 09/05*288 827 55 0*294 831 55 0*300 834 50 0*305 835 50 0
*** ** ** ** **
26810 09/06*309 835 40 0*314 834 35 0*319 833 35 0*323 832 30 0
26810 09/06*309 833 50 0*313 829 50 0*317 825 50 0*321 825 40 0
*** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26815 09/07*327 830 25 0*331 828 20 0*335 826 20 0*339 824 15 0
26815 09/07*324 825 35 0*327 825 30 0*330 825 25 0*334 825 20 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26820 HRCFL3
U.S. Landfalls:
9/4/1933 05Z 26.9N, 80.1W 110 kt 948 mb 15 nmi RMW 1013 mb OCI 175 nmi ROCI
9/5/1933 04Z 29.2N, 82.9W 55 kt
Minor track adjustments and major intensity alterations are analyzed for this hurricane,
which made landfall in Florida. Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical
Weather Maps Series, COADS ships database, Monthly Weather Review, the Original Monthly
Records from NCDC, Barnes, Ho et al., Jarrell et al., Schwerdt, and Connor.
Aug 27-30: HWM does not analyze any features of interest on these days.
HURDAT does not yet list a system on these days. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Aug. 31: HWM shows no signs of a low in the area. HURDAT lists this system as a
hurricane with 70kt winds at 19.5N, 58.7W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 35kt ESE at 18.8N,
56.3W at 12Z (COA). Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Sept. 1: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1010mb near 20.5N, 67W at 12Z. HURDAT lists
this system as a hurricane with 100kt winds at 19.8N, 65.4W at 12Z. Ship highlights:
70kt with 981mb at 21.9N, 69W (around 00Z on 2nd?). Station highlights: no gales or low
pressures. "This disturbance was central about 150 miles north of Puerto Rico the morning
of the 1st. It evidently was attended by winds of hurricane force nearer its center at
this time, inasmuch as the SS Gulf Wing reported a barometer reading of 28.98 inches and
a wind velocity of 80mph about 150 miles east of Turks Island the evening of the 1st.
Sept. 2: HWM shows the closed low of at most 1010mb near 22N, 71W at 12Z. HURDAT lists
this system as hurricane with 115kt winds at 23.1N 71.1W at 12Z. Ship highlights:
60kt W with 978mb at 04Z at 21.9N, 69.0W (MWR); 60kt E near 25.5N, 74W (around 18Z?)
(MWR). Station highlights: no gales or low pressures. "The center passed some
distance north of Turks Island during the night of the 1st-2d"
Sept. 3: HWM shows the closed low of at most 1005mb near 25N, 77.5W at 12Z. HURDAT
lists this system as a hurricane with 120kt at 25.4N, 77.0W at 12Z. Ship highlights:
60kt variable with 1005mb at 25N, 73.5W at 1Z (MWR). Station highlights: center fix
at Harbour Island (25.5N, 76.6W) with 30-minute calm and 945 mb central pressure at
11Z (TAN, MWR); 109 kt at Harbour Island (Neely); 122 kt (estimated max wind) at
Spanish Wells (25.5N, 76.8W) (Neely); 30kt NW with 1000mb at Nassau at 12Z (HWM).
"[it passed] over Harbour Island, about 2 miles northwest of the island of a calm
of 30 minutes at this place. Previously the wind had reached an estimated
velocity of 140mph
Sept. 4: HWM shows the closed low of at most 1005mb near 27.5N, 82W at 12Z. HURDAT
lists this system as tropical storm with 55kt winds at 27.9N, 81.7W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: 35kt SE with 1011mb at 28.6N, 79.7W at 12Z (HWM). Station highlights:
center fix at Jupiter, FL at 0520Z with 948mb central pressure and calm winds from
0500-0540Z (MWR); 109 kt (estimated max w) at Jupiter (MWR); 974 mb (min p) at West
Palm Beach (MWR); 70 kt (estimated max w) at West Palm Beach (MWR); 36 kt SW at Miami
(MWR); 41 kt SE with 1006 mb at 13Z at Titusville, FL (OMR); 40kt N at Tampa (MWR);
996 mb (min p) at Tampa (Barnes). The storm center apparently passed directly over
Jupiter Inlet, FL, where there was a lull of 40 minutes beginning near midnight of
the 3d. The lowest barometer reading at Jupiter was 27.98 inches and the estimated
maximum wind velocity 125mph. At West Palm Beach the lowest barometer reading was
28.77 inches with a maximum wind velocity close to 80mph. According to the official
in charge at Miami, the only evidence of damage at West Palm Beach was the effect of
high winds upon trees and shrubbery. However, a number of plate glass windows were
broken and the damage in this respect would have been much greater except for the
extensive protective measures taken. Between West Palm Beach and Jupiter, and
extending northward to Fort Pierce, there was serious damage to electrical
transmission lines and to telephone and telegraph wires, with many poles broken
off or blown over. At Stuart there was serious damage from both wind and water.
The most extensive damage in the entire storm area was at Olympia Beach, north of
Jupiter Inlet, where there was widespread destruction of trees and shrubbery and
serious damage to houses. The greatest loss was to the citrus crop in the Indian
River section from Jupiter to Fort Pierce. In the vicinity of Stuart there are
several groves that sustained 100% loss of fruit and the uprooting of trees." "This
storm recurved to the north during the afternoon of the 4th when its center was near
the coast north of Tampa." Sep 4- 947.5 mb landfall central pressure based on
947.5 mb central pressure at Jupiter, 13 nmi RMW, 11 kt forward speed, landfall
pt 26.9N, 80.1W (Ho et al. 1987). Tropical Cyclones in Florida: 1933 Sep 3-4,
Major, Jupiter [948 mb], wind 125 mph (Major is equivalent to 101-135 mph,
949-982 mb) (Dunn and Miller).
Sept 5: HWM shows the closed low of at most 1010mb near 30N, 83W at 12Z. HURDAT
lists this system as a tropical storm with 45kt winds at 30N, 83.4W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: 42kt SE at Savannah, GA (MWR).
Sept 6: HWM shows the closed low of at most 1005mb near 32N, 82.5W at 12Z. HURDAT
lists this system as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 31.9N, 83.3W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: 40kt S with 1003mb at 31.4N, 80.1W at 09Z (MWR); 45 kt S with 1009 mb
at 12Z at 30.2N, 80.3W (COA). Station highlights: 44kt SE at Charleston, SC (MWR);
Tornado recorded at Charleston at 1230Z (MWR).
Sept 7: HWM loses the system. HURDAT lists the system as a remnant wave of 20kt at
33.5N, 82.6W at 12Z. Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights:
no gales or low pressures. "Moving very slowly northward with diminishing intensity
during the next two days it dissipated over Georgia on the 7th."
HURDAT originally begins this cyclone on 31 August at 06Z at 19.2N, 56.2W as a 45 kt
tropical storm. Data was obtained back to 25 August between 60W and the African coast.
Although data suggests the possibility that a tropical depression may have formed
around 00Z on 27 August near 13.5N, 24.5W, there is not enough evidence of a closed
circulation. There isnt much data from the 28th-30th of August as the tropical wave
or disturbance moved rapidly west-northwestward, but on the 31st, the first gale was
observed from a ship at 18.8N, 56.3W. No changes are made to the timing of genesis of
this system, and it is begun as a 55 kt tropical storm at 18.1N, 56.4W at 06Z on
31 August. Genesis almost certainly occurred prior to this, but a lack of observations
would make a position estimate impossible. This cyclone passed north of the Leeward
and Virgin Islands, taking a similar track as Storm 11 until reaching about 70W. At
this point, Storm 12 moved in a direction towards Florida instead of Cuba, like
Storm 11. According to the MWR monthly table of ship gales, the ship Gulfwing
recorded its maximum wind of 60 kt west at the time when its minimum pressure of
978 mb was recorded - at 04Z on 2 September at 21.9N, 69.0W. There is no information
indicating that the ship experienced any sort of lull associated with the RMW, so it
may have stayed outside of the RMW. The ship did experience a wind shift of greater
than 180 degrees, but this may have occurred over a long period of time. A
peripheral pressure of 978 mb yields a wind speed greater than 80 kt according to
the Brown et al. southern pressure-wind relationship. A 95 kt intensity is chosen
for 06Z on the 2nd (down from 115 kt originally a major change). The cyclone is
analyzed to have attained hurricane intensity at 18Z on the 31st of August (6 hr
later than originally). The hurricane passed over Eleuthera and Harbour Island
during the morning of the 3rd. A 945 mb central pressure was recorded at Harbour
Island with a 30-minute calm at 11Z on the 3rd. A central pressure of 945 mb is
added to HURDAT at 12Z on the 3rd. This value equals 116 and 110 kt, respectively,
according to the Brown et al. (2006) southern and north of 25N pressure-wind
relationships. It also equals 118 and 115 kt according to the intensifying subsets
of those pressure-wind relationships. The storm was smaller than normal and the
speed was 14-15 kt. The 120 kt intensity in HURDAT originally at 12Z on the 3rd
is not changed. Winds at Harbour Island were estimated at 140 mph prior to the
calm center. The cyclone is analyzed to have become a major hurricane at 12Z on
2 September (24 hours later than originally a major change). Major downward
intensity revisions of 20 kt are implemented from 00Z on 1 September to 06Z on
2 September. The peak analyzed intensity is 120 kt at 12Z on the 3rd (the
original HURDAT peak intensity was 120 kt from 18Z on the 2nd to 18Z on the 3rd).
The hurricane made landfall at Jupiter, FL on 4 September at 05Z where a 948 mb
central pressure was recorded during the 40-minute period when the calm eye passed
overhead. The 948 mb central pressure listed in HURDAT at 06Z on 4 September is
retained. A central pressure of 948 mb equals winds of 107 kt according to the
north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. The RMW given by Ho et al. is 13 nmi
(slightly smaller than the 17 nmi climatological RMW for this situation). After
taking into account the slightly small RMW combined with a slightly small ROCI of
175 nmi, a 110 kt landfall intensity is analyzed, and this is also the 06Z intensity
on the 4th (no change from HURDAT originally). After making landfall in Florida,
the cyclone began to recurve northward. The center was over Florida on the 4th from
05Z until it made a brief appearance over the Gulf of Mexico after 00Z on the 5th.
Runs of the Kaplan and DeMaria inland decay model after the landfall at Jupiter yield
66 and 54 kt for 12 and 18Z on the 4th of September, respectively. Highest observed
winds within 2 hr of synoptic times are 41 kt at 12Z and 40 kt at 18Z. Revised
intensities in HURDAT are 65 kt at 12Z (up from 55 kt originally) and 55 kt at 18Z
(up from 50 kt originally). The cyclone passed northeast of Tampa late on the 4th
where a maximum wind of 40 kt and a minimum pressure of 996 mb were recorded. The
cyclone was over the Gulf of Mexico on the 5th from 00Z to 04Z before making its final
landfall in Florida as a 55 kt tropical storm at 29.2N, 82.9W. It took more than a
day and a half after this final landfall for the tropical storm to weaken below a
50 kt intensity. During this time, winds of 40-45 kt were recorded from ships as well
as at Savannah and Charleston. At 12Z on the 6th, the center is analyzed at 31.7N,
82.5W as a 50 kt tropical storm (originally 31.9N, 83.3W as a 35 kt tropical storm).
The tropical storm is analyzed to have weakened to a tropical depression at 06Z on
7 September (12 hours later than originally) at 32.7N, 82.5W. No change is made to
the timing of dissipation (after 18Z on the 7th) with the final point at 33.4N,
82.5W as a 20 kt tropical depression.
1933 Storm 12 (originally Storm 13) 2012 Revision
26825 09/08/1933 M=14 13 SNBR= 593 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=3
26825 09/08/1933 M=15 12 SNBR= 593 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=2
** ** * *
26830 09/08* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*159 582 35 0*165 578 35 0
26830 09/08*154 566 30 0*156 573 35 0*159 580 35 0*164 584 40 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** *** *** **
26835 09/09*171 576 40 0*176 575 45 0*180 575 50 0*185 576 55 0
26835 09/09*169 587 45 0*174 590 50 0*179 592 55 0*185 593 60 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26840 09/10*190 578 60 0*196 580 65 0*202 585 70 0*210 592 75 0
26840 09/10*191 594 65 0*198 595 70 0*205 597 75 0*212 601 80 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26845 09/11*217 598 80 0*223 605 85 0*229 610 85 0*235 616 90 0
26845 09/11*219 604 90 0*223 607 95 0*226 610 105 0*229 613 115 0
*** *** ** *** ** *** *** *** *** ***
26850 09/12*240 623 95 0*244 628 95 0*248 633 95 0*255 644 95 0
26850 09/12*233 616 120 0*239 625 120 0*246 635 120 0*252 646 120 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26855 09/13*262 656 95 0*266 664 95 0*270 673 95 0*275 687 95 0
26855 09/13*258 657 120 0*264 667 120 0*270 678 120 0*275 690 115 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26860 09/14*281 701 95 0*286 711 95 0*291 721 100 0*299 732 100 0
26860 09/14*280 702 115 0*284 714 115 0*288 726 110 0*294 734 110 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26865 09/15*308 740 100 0*314 745 105 0*320 750 105 0*327 755 105 0
26865 09/15*302 740 110 0*311 745 105 0*320 749 105 0*328 751 105 0
*** *** *** *** *** ***
26870 09/16*335 760 105 0*343 762 90 0*351 760 80 957*363 750 75 0
26870 09/16*336 752 105 0*344 753 95 0*352 754 90 952*361 750 85 954
*** *** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** ***
26875 09/17*376 738 75 0*382 731 70 0*389 721 70 0*402 702 70 0
26875 09/17*370 745 80 959*379 731 80 0*389 715 75 0*399 696 75 965
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** *** ** ***
26880 09/18E418 677 65 0E435 652 60 0E452 628 60 0E467 611 55 0
26880 09/18*415 672 70 0*432 647 70 0E448 627 65 0E466 610 60 0
**** *** ** **** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26885 09/19E481 598 55 0E493 587 55 0E504 576 50 0E516 565 50 0
26885 09/19E481 599 60 0E493 589 60 0E505 580 60 965E515 570 55 0
*** ** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** *** **
26890 09/20E528 554 50 0E537 543 45 0E546 530 45 0E559 508 40 0
26890 09/20E523 560 55 0E531 549 50 0E538 538 50 0E548 520 50 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26895 09/21E572 482 40 0E582 460 40 0E592 438 40 0E602 416 40 0
26895 09/21E558 496 50 0E569 468 50 0E580 440 50 0E589 412 50 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
The 22nd is new to HURDAT
26897 09/22E598 384 50 0E607 356 50 0E615 330 50 0E621 312 45 0
26900 HR NC3
26900 HR NC2 VA1
*** ***
U.S. Close Approach (center stayed just offshore NC Outer Banks):
9/16/1933 12Z 35.2N, 75.4W 85 kt 952 mb 40 nmi RMW 1013 mb OCI 275 nmi ROCI
Notes for above line: Max analyzed wind on NC coast is 85 kt (while max storm intensity was 90 kt).
Minor track changes and major intensity alterations are analyzed for this hurricane. A major
change is also made to the dissipation of this cyclone. Evidence for these alterations comes
from the Historical Weather Maps Series, the COADS ships database, Monthly Weather Review, the
Original Monthly Records from NCDC, Barnes, Ho et al. (1987), Jarrell et al. (1992), Schwerdt
et al. (1979), and Dunn and Miller (1960).
Sept. 8: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1010mb near 16N, 58W at 12Z. HURDAT lists this system
as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 15.9N, 58.2W at 12Z. Ship highlights: no gales or
low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Sept. 9: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1010mb near 17N, 59W at 12Z. HURDAT lists the system
as a tropical storm with 50kt winds near 18N, 57.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: no gales or
low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Sept 10: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1005mb near 21N, 60W at 12Z. HURDAT lists the system
as a hurricane with 70kt winds at 20.2N, 58.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 25 kt NNW with 1002 mb
at 12Z at 21.2N, 60.5W (HWM). Station highlights: no gales or low pressures. "Although conditions
were disturbed over and east of the Leeward Islands from the 7th to the 9th, it was not until the
10th that a definite center could be located. This center was then about 300 miles northeast of St. Martin."
Sept 11: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1005mb near 22N, 62.5W at 12Z. HURDAT lists the system
as a hurricane with 85kt winds at 22.9N, 61.0W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 40 kt SW with 1006 mb at
12Z at 20.7N, 60.9W (HWM); 45 kt N at 18Z at 23.5N, 62.5W (COA). Station highlights: no gales or
low pressures. "By the morning of the 11th it was evident that the disturbance was one of
considerable intensity, and it was so stated in the advisory issued at 10am, of that date.
Sept 12: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1005mb near 24N, 64.5W at 12Z. HURDAT lists the system
as a hurricane with 95kt winds at 24.8N, 63.3W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 60kt NNW with 947mb at
23.2N, 61.7W at 1Z (MWR); 40 kt WSW with 1000mb at 22.9N, 61.3W at 1Z (MWR); 50kt S after 1Z near
22.9N, 61.3W (MWR). Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Sept 13: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1010mb near 25N, 69W at 12Z. HURDAT lists the system as
a hurricane with 95kt winds at 27N, 67.3W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 35kt ENE with 1008mb at 28N,
70.2W at 12Z (HWM); 50 kt ESE with 1006 mb falling pressure at 21Z at 29.0N, 68.5W (ship reports);
50 kt NE with 978 mb at 21Z at 29.7N, 70.8W (ship reports). Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Sept 14: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1000mb near 28N, 73W at 12Z. HURDAT lists the system
as a hurricane with 100kt winds at 29.1N, 72.1W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 50kt SE with 1003mb at
6Z at 28.9N, 69.8W (MWR). Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Sept 15: HWM shows a closed low of at most 995mb near 30.5N, 75W at 12Z. HURDAT lists the system
as a hurricane with 105kt winds at 32.0N, 75.0W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 60kt SE with 968mb at
33.5N, 74W at 13Z (MWR); 70kt SE with 979mb at 33.8N, 73.6W at 18Z (COA). Station highlights:
40 kt ENE with 995 mb at 21Z at Diamond Shoals Lightship (35.1N, 75.3W) at 21Z; 27 kt NNW with
998 mb (min p) at 23Z at Wilmington, NC (OMR). "This disturbance continued to move northwestward
with gradual increasing intensity until the 15th, when it recurved and moved almost directly northward."
Sept 16: HWM shows a closed low of at most 980mb near 36N, 75.5W at 12Z. HURDAT lists the system
as a hurricane with 80kt winds at 35.1N, 76W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 70 kt S with 986 mb at 00Z
at 34.0N, 73.8W (COA); 20kt S with 956mb at 34N, 74.5W at 5Z (MWR); 70 kt ENE with 963 mb at 19Z
at 36.6N, 75.0W (MWR); 70kt N with 975mb at 36.8N, 74.9W at 20Z (COA). Station highlights:
66 kt NE (1-min) at 0425Z at Cape Hatteras (OMR); 70 kt E with 953 mb (min p) at 1020Z at Diamond
Shoals Lightship (35.1N, 75.3W); 40 kt NNE with 957 mb (min p) at 11Z at Cape Hatteras (MWR, OMR);
79 kt NW (max w/1-min) (estimated) at 1430Z at Cape Hatteras (OMR); 59 kt at Cape Henry, VA (MWR).
"Its center passed slightly west of Cape Hatteras about 8am on the 16th, after which it moved
north-northeastward for about 12 hours, and then northeastward" "The principal damage done by this
storm was from a short distance south of New Bern, NC, to the Virginia Capes." "Very little damage
was noted until a point a few miles southwest of New Bern was reached. Great damage was done by
wind and high water in New Bern and vicinity. Water reached a height of 3 to 4 feet in some of the
streets which is about 2 feet higher than the previous record which occurred in September of 1913.
Along the highway from New Bern toward Beaufort at least 100 trees 10 inches or more in diameter
were blown down. In Morehead City and Beaufort damage was apparently slightly less than in New Bern,
but old residents in Beaufort declare the storm was the worst they had ever experienced. Loss of
life was due chiefly to high water in isolated locations north of Beaufort from which escape was
difficult or impossible." 957 mb central pressure; 93 kt equivalent 10m 1-min wind; 40 nmi RMW;
1017 mb OCI; speed 9 kt; landfall pt 35.0N, 76.2W (Schwerdt et al. 1979). 956.7 mb central
pressure based on 956.7 mb measured at Cape Hatteras; 40 nmi RMW; 9 kt speed; landfall pt 35.1N,
76.0W (Ho et al. 1987); Tropical Cyclones in the South Atlantic States Carolinas and Georgia:
1933 Sep. 16, Cape Hatteras, Major, 21 killed (Major is equivalent to 101-135 mph, 949-982 mb)
(Dunn and Miller). 1933 Sep NC, 3, 957 mb (Jarrell et al. 1992).
Sept 17: HWM shows a closed low of at most 975mb near 39.5N, 72W at 12Z. HURDAT lists the system
as a hurricane with 70kt winds at 38.9M, 72.1W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 70kt NW with 984mb at
36.7N, 74.9W at 0Z (COA); 70kt WSW with 965mb at 39.9N, 69.3W at 19Z (MWR). Station highlights:
46 kt N (max w/1-min) around ~0530Z at Atlantic City, NJ (OMR); 44 kt N (max w/1-min) around
~1430Z at Block Island, RI (OMR); 47kt NE with 987mb at 41.3N, 70.1W at Nantucket (MWR).
Tropical Cyclones in New England 1933 Sep. 17, Cape Cod, Minor, Center remained offshore
(Minor indicates winds less than 74 mph and central pressure above 996 mb) (Dunn and Miller).
Sept 18: HWM shows a closed low of at most 975mb near 45N, 62.5W at 12Z. HURDAT lists the system
as an extratropical storm with 60kt winds at 45.2N, 62.8W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 60kt WSW with
991mb at 39.5N, 68.5W at 0Z COA); 50 kt SW with 979 mb at 07Z at 42.3N, 63.8W (MWR); 5kt N with
978mb at 44.6N, 63.5W at 12Z (COA). Station highlights: 25 kt N with 978 mb at 12Z at Halifax,
Nova Scotia (HWM). "It reached Nova Scotia on the morning of the 18th," (MWR).
Sept 19: HWM shows an extratropical low of at most 965mb near 51N, 58W at 12Z. HURDAT lists the
system as an extratropical storm with 50kt winds at 50.4N, 57.6W at 12Z. Ship highlights:
45kt S with 965mb at 50.7N, 58.6W at 12Z (COA). Station highlights: 15 kt NW with 968 mb at
12Z at 50.5N, 59.5W (HWM).
Sept 20: HWM shows the low of at most 980mb near 53.5N, 52.5W at 12Z. HURDAT lists the system
as an extratropical storm with 45kt winds at 54.6N, 53.0W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 25kt S
with 978mb at 53.5N, 52W at 12Z (HWM). Station highlights: 25kt NW with 984mb at Belle Isle (HWM).
Sept 21: HWM shows the low of at most 990mb off the southern tip of Greenland near 60N, 44W at
12Z. HURDAT lists the system as an extratropical storm with 40kt winds at 59.2N, 53W at 12Z.
Ship highlights: 20kt SSW with 989mb at 55.4N, 39.7W at 11Z (COA); 35kt NW with 1004mb at 55N,
43.5W at 23Z COA). Station highlights: calm winds with 987mb at Julianehaab, Greenland (60.7N,
46.0W) at 12Z (HWM); 35kt SE with 1000mb at Vestmannaeyar, Iceland (63.4N, 20.2W) (HWM). "...
[and it reached] extreme southern Iceland on the 21st," (MWR).
September 22: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 990 mb centered near 61.5N, 32.5W with an
occluded front extending from the low east-southeastward to a triple point at 58N, 18W from
which a warm front extends south-southeastward and a cold front extends south-southwestward.
HURDAT no longer lists a system on this day. Ship highlights: 35 kt W with 992 mb at 15Z
at 58.3N, 32.6W (MWR); 50 kt W around 15Z (MWR).
HURDAT originally began this cyclone at 12Z on 8 September as a 35 kt tropical storm at 15.9N,
58.2W. Observations on the 7th at 12Z show the circulation nearly closed, and observations on
the 8th at 12Z show that the circulation is clearly closed. The cyclone is begun at 00Z on
8 September (12 hours earlier than originally) as a 30 kt tropical depression at 15.4N, 56.6W.
At 08Z on the 8th a ship recorded 30 kt winds close to the center and the depression is analyzed
to have strengthened to a 35 kt tropical storm at 06Z on the 8th (six hours earlier than originally).
On the 9th and 10th the cyclone moved north-northwestward, but a track to the west of the originally
track by a degree and a half is analyzed, although the center still remained well away from the
islands of the Lesser Antilles. The first low pressure was observed on the 10th when a ship at
21.2N, 60.5W recorded 1002 mb with 25 kt winds. A peripheral pressure of 1002 mb yields a wind
speed of greater than 43 kt according to the Brown et al. southern pressure-wind relationship.
The first gales were recorded by ships on the 11th between 20.7-23.5N, 59.8-62.5W. However, the
hurricane must have rapidly intensified, because at 01Z on 12 September, a 947 mb pressure was
recorded with 60 kt winds simultaneously at 23.2N, 61.7W. A peripheral pressure of 947 mb yields
winds greater than 116 kt according to the intensifying subset of the southern pressure-wind
relationship. A 120 kt intensity is chosen for 00Z on the 12th (up from 95 kt originally a major
change). The cyclone is analyzed to have attained hurricane intensity at 00Z on the 10th (6 hr
earlier than originally) and major hurricane intensity at 12Z on the 11th (3 days earlier than
originally a major change). The hurricane moved generally northwestward and it began to approach
the mid-Atlantic coast of the US on 15 September with a 12Z position of 32.0N, 74.9W. By this
point, the hurricane had begun to recurve and was moving north-northwestward. Numerous ships
recorded hurricane force winds and very low pressures on the 15th through the 17th.
The hurricane made a very close approach to Cape Hatteras, NC and the Outer Banks on 16 September,
but the center of the eye did not make landfall. This is contradictory to the commentary in MWR,
which states that the center passed just west of Cape Hatteras. At Cape Hatteras, a lull was
experienced around 11Z at which time the minimum pressure of 957 mb was measured. The winds at
Cape Hatteras decreased to a minimum value of 35-40 kt during the lull. Observations indicate
Cape Hatteras was inside the RMW for approximately 7.9 hours on 16 September from 0638Z-1430Z.
Given a forward speed of the hurricane of 8-9 kt, the RMW of the hurricane had to have been
greater than 34 nmi. The highest 1-min wind recorded prior to the lull was 66 kt, and the highest
1-min wind estimated after the lull was 79 kt at Cape Hatteras (the latter was estimated because
the anemometer lost one of its cups around 14Z). (If that value of 79 kt would have been measured
instead of estimated, it would have yielded 75 kt after converting to a 10m 1-min wind, but since
it was estimated, that conversion may be irrelevant.) The center passed near or over Diamond Shoals
Lightship (35.1N, 75.3W), located perhaps 15 nmi ESE of Hatteras. Maximum winds of 105 kt were
estimated at Diamond Shoals at 0730Z. The lowest pressure recorded at Diamond Shoals was 953 mb
at 1020Z with simultaneous easterly winds of hurricane force. Sometime after 1020Z, the lightship
at Diamond Shoals with the human observer onboard detached from its mooring, and the lightship was
afloat and drifting after that time. By 12Z, the winds were westerly at 20 kt with a 955 mb
pressure. After the passage of the center, the observer reported 70-80 kt winds on the backside.
Since the winds at Diamond Shoals shifted from east to west, the center (or at least the area
inside the RMW very close to the geometric center) had to have passed over Diamond Shoals,
especially since the Cape Hatteras and Diamond Shoals observations indicate an RMW of about 37 nmi.
The data indicate that the 10 kt per mb rule inside the RMW should not be used to determine the
central pressure at 1020Z, especially since Diamond Shoals reported a minimum pressure of 953 mb.
The data at 12Z indicates a central pressure of about 952 mb, instead of 946 mb, which is what
would be yielded for hurricane force with a simultaneous 953 mb pressure. Given these observations,
the 957 mb central pressure listed in HURDAT at 12Z on 16 September is replaced with a 952 mb value.
This central pressure of 952 mb is consistent with the 957 mb minimum pressure at Cape Hatteras
observed with simultaneous 35 kt NNE winds inside the RMW. September 16th at 12Z is also the
analyzed time of closest approach of the center of the hurricane to the U.S. coast. A 952 mb
central pressure equals 103, 99, and 96 kt according to the Brown et al. (2006) north of 25N,
north of 25N and weakening, and the Landsea et al. (2004) north of 35N pressure-wind relationships,
respectively. The RMW from both Ho et al. and Schwerdt et al. is 40 nmi, which is much larger than
the climatological value of 25 nmi for this situation. Based on the data from Cape Hatteras and
Diamond Shoals, it is estimated that the RMW was approximately 37 nmi, which is about 50% larger
than the climatological value. Since the ROCI was a large 275 nmi, the speed of the storm was only
9 kt, and the analyzed OCI was 1013 mb (Schwerdt et al. says 1017 mb), the intensity of the cyclone
at 12Z on the 16th is analyzed to be 90 kt (up from 80 kt originally). Some recent high latitude
hurricanes with low pressures such as Igor (2010) and Irene (2011) have had very low maximum winds
speeds compared with the winds that their central pressure would suggest according to the Landsea
et al (2004) north of 35N pressure-wind relationship. The large ROCI, large RMW, and slow speed,
and central pressure of this hurricane were similar to Irene (2011) which was assigned a landfall
intensity of 75 kt at North Carolina. This is another reason why a 90 kt intensity is justified
even though the pressure-wind relationships suggest winds in the range of 96-103 kt. The Neumann
model from Schwerdt et al. (1979) was run to obtain the highest wind speed experienced on the coast
when the back RMW was touching the coast at a time between 12Z-18Z on the 16th, and it yields 83 kt
for highest winds experienced on the North Carolina coast, which is a Category 2, although this value
is essentially right at the border between Category 1/2. However, given the impacts described in
coastal North Carolina, it is more likely that Category 2 impacts were experienced there. Therefore,
an 85 kt Category 2 impact is analyzed for North Carolina (reduced from a Category 3 impact originally).
The hurricane made its closest approach to the southeastern coast of Virginia at 18Z on the 16th (the
center was 50 nmi from the coast). At the time, a 954 mb central pressure is added to HURDAT based on
an observation of a 40 kt W wind with 958 mb at 17Z, which likely occurred inside the RMW. A 954 mb
central pressure equals 94 kt according to the Landsea et al. (2004) north of 35N pressure-wind
relationship. An 85 kt intensity is selected for 18Z on the 16th (up from 75 kt originally).
The highest wind recorded in Virginia according to the MWR table of monthly climatological data was
57 kt (5-min, 16m AGL), which converts to a maximum 10m 1-min wind of 58 kt. But according to
Virginia Hurricanes, the highest wind at Cape Henry was 76 kt. This discrepancy was resolved by
performing two runs of the Neumann model from Schwerdt et al. (1979). First, to determine the highest
winds experienced anywhere on the Virginia coastline, the point of closest approach of the center to
the Virginia coast was determined to be the southeastern Virginia coast at its border with North
Carolina at 18Z on the 16th. At that time, the hurricane was centered 50 nmi from the Virginia coast.
Using a 40 nmi RMW and an 85 kt intensity, the model yields 69 kt winds for that point on the Virginia
coast. Based on the revised track, the Schwerdt model is run again to determine what the likely
maximum winds would have been at Cape Henry. The center was 64 nmi from Cape Henry at time of closest
approach (around 20Z on the 16th). Using a 40 nmi RMW and an 85 kt intensity, the model yields 59 kt
winds for Cape Henry, just 1 kt higher than the 58 kt listed in MWR (after converting to 10m 1-min).
The accuracy of the model in calculating the winds at Cape Henry increases the confidence that this
was a Category 1 impact for Virginia further south since the model yielded 69 kt there. Based on
that, a Category 1 impact is added to HURDAT for Virginia. The wind at Cape Henry listed in
Virginia Hurricanes is disregarded as incorrectly being too high. The hurricane moved
north-northeastward staying offshore and not causing hurricane conditions in any other states
besides extreme coastal North Carolina and Virginia, although tropical storm force winds were
measured along much of the coastline north of Virginia to New England. Upward intensity
adjustments are made to HURDAT on the 17th as well. At 00Z on the 17th, a 959 mb central pressure
is added to HURDAT based on a 50 kt with 964 mb from a ship at 23Z on the 16th located about
0.3 degrees from the center (the ship is analyzed to be inside the RMW since the wind had
decreased from 60 kt before the minimum pressure was recorded to 50 kt at the time of the
minimum pressure). A 959 mb central pressure equals 91 kt north of 35N. An 80 kt intensity
is selected for 00Z on the 17th (up from 75 kt originally). At 18Z on the 17th, a 965 mb
central pressure is added to HURDAT based on information from two ships that indicate a
central pressure of about that value. A 965 mb central pressure equals 86 kt according to
the north of 35N pressure-wind relationship. A 75 kt intensity is selected for 18Z on the
17th (up from 70 kt originally). The last observation of a hurricane force wind occurred
at 9/17 19Z, and the last observed 60 kt wind occurred at 9/18 00Z. A 70 kt intensity is
chosen for 00Z on the 18th (up from 65 kt originally). By 00Z on the 18th, the cyclone was
located east of Massachusetts and south of western Nova Scotia. The cyclone made landfall
in Nova Scotia at 11Z on 18 September with an analyzed intensity of 65 kt, and this is also
the 12Z intensity. The cyclone was originally listed to have become extratropical at 00Z
on the 18th, but 12 hours are added to the tropical phase and ET is now listed at 12Z on
the 18th. The cyclone is not added in as a hurricane for Canada because observations
indicate that it was already extratropical by the 11Z landfall. The powerful extratropical
cyclone was over Nova Scotia on the 18th and Newfoundland on the 19th. The cyclone is
analyzed to have weakened to a 60 kt intensity at 18Z on the 18th. This 60 kt intensity
is held through 12Z on the 19th even though the highest observed winds were 45-50 kt,
mainly because a 965 mb central pressure is added to HURDAT at 12Z on the 19th based on
observations. The cyclone moved east-northeastward to 58.9N, 41.2W by 18Z on 21 September.
HURDAT originally lists a final position at 18Z on the 21st, but observations indicate that
the cyclone was not absorbed or dissipated until after 18Z on the 22nd, and 24 hours are
added to the cyclones lifetime a major change. The final position is listed at 18Z on
22 September at 62.1N, 31.2W as a 45 kt extratropical cyclone before the cyclone
elongated and dissipated.
1933 Storm 13 (originally Storm 14) 2012 Revision
26905 09/10/1933 M= 6 14 SNBR= 594 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
26905 09/10/1933 M= 7 13 SNBR= 594 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
* **
26910 09/10* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*160 876 35 0
26910 09/10* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*165 877 30 0*166 876 30 0
*** *** ** *** **
26915 09/11*163 875 35 0*166 874 40 0*169 874 45 0*171 874 50 0
26915 09/11*167 875 35 0*168 874 35 0*170 874 35 0*172 873 40 0
*** *** ** *** ** *** *** **
26920 09/12*173 874 55 0*175 874 60 0*178 875 65 0*180 876 70 0
26920 09/12*174 872 45 0*176 871 55 0*178 870 60 992*180 873 60 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** *** **
26925 09/13*183 877 70 0*185 878 70 0*187 880 60 0*192 887 55 0
26915 09/13*183 877 65 0*185 881 55 0*188 886 50 0*192 893 45 0
** *** ** *** *** ** *** **
26930 09/14*198 896 50 0*203 905 55 0*208 915 60 0*215 929 65 0
26930 09/14*198 902 40 0*204 912 55 0*210 923 60 0*216 935 65 0
*** ** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26935 09/15*221 944 75 0*225 959 75 0*224 975 65 960*205 991 35 0
26935 09/15*221 948 75 0*223 961 85 0*223 975 95 960*221 990 55 0
*** *** *** ** *** ** *** *** **
The 16th is new to HURDAT
26938 09/16*2181005 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
26940 HR
Minor track changes and major intensity changes are analyzed for this hurricane.
Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps series, the
COADS ships database, Monthly Weather Review, and Mexican surface analyses from NCDC.
Sept 10: HWM does not analyze any features of interest on this day. HURDAT first lists
this system at 18Z as a 35 kt tropical storm at 16.0N, 87.6W.
Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Sept 11: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1005mb near 15.5N, 85.5W at 12Z. HURDAT
lists this system as a tropical storm with 45kt winds at 16.9N, 87.4W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: 20kt SE with 1005mb at 16.7N, 82.2W at 1Z (COA). Station highlights: 15kt
SW with 1005mb at Tela at 12Z (HWM). Weather conditions over the extreme western
Caribbean Sea became disturbed on the 9th and a center was located between Tela and
Belize the evening of the 10th" (MWR).
Sept 12: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1000mb near 17.5N, 87W at 12Z. HURDAT lists
this system as a hurricane with 65kt winds at 17.8N, 87.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights:
25 kt NW and 995 mb (min p) at 09Z at 18.1N, 87.1W (MWR); 40kt SE (max w) near 18.1N,
87.1W after 9Z (MWR). Station highlights: 15kt NNW with 1002mb at Belize City at 12Z
(HWM). "During the next two days the disturbance moved very slowly north by east toward
Cozumel Island, with gradually increasing intensity; however, after the evening reports
of the 12th were received, the direction of movement changed abruptly and the center
moved inland over the Yucatan Peninsula north of Payo Obispo."
Sept 13: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1000mb near 19N, 89W at 12Z. HURDAT lists
this system as a tropical storm with 60kt winds at 18.7N, 88W at 12Z. Ship highlights:
40kt ESE with 997mb (max w and min p) at 18.6N, 87W at 7Z (MWR); 30 kt ENE with 996 mb
(min p) at 22Z at 21.5N, 89.5W (MWR). Station highlights: 45kt S with 999mb at
Payo Obispo at 12Z (HWM); 9 kt NE with 1001 mb at Merida at 13Z (Mexico);
20 kt ENE with 1002 mb at Progreso at 13Z (Mexico).
Sept 14: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1000mb near 20.5N, 92.5W at 12Z. HURDAT lists
this system as a tropical storm with 60kt winds at 20.8N, 91.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights:
50kt E with 998mb (max w and min p) at 22.4N 93.6W at 9Z (MWR). Station highlights:
15kt SE with 1003mb at Progresso at 12Z (HWM). "The disturbance then moved
west-northwestward across the Peninsula and the southwestern Gulf of Mexico [on the 13th
and 14th], and there was a marked increase in intensity while the disturbance was
passing over the Gulf."
Sept 15: HWM shows a strong low of at most 985mb near 21.5N, 97W at 12Z. HURDAT lists
this system as a hurricane with 65kt winds and 960mb at 22.4N, 97.5W at 12Z.
Ship highlights: 25kt E with 986mb at 23.2N, 95.8W at 05Z (MWR); 50kt E around 05Z
around 23.2N, 95.8W (MWR). Station highlights: 960mb (central pressure) eye measurement
at Tampico between 12Z and 14Z (MWR); 31 kt NNW with 998 mb at Tampico at 03Z (Mexico);
17 kt NNE with 973 mb at Tampico at 13Z (Mexico). "The center passed directly over
Tampico, Mexico, the morning of the 15th. There was a period of calm between 8am and
10am, and the lowest barometer reading reported was 28.34 inches. Much damage was
done in Tampico vicinity
" (MWR).
Sept 16: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1005mb on the Pacific coast of Mexico near
23N, 108W at 12Z. HURDAT kills this storm at 18Z on the 15th. Ship highlights:
no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: 25kt S with 1002mb at Mazatlan at
12Z (HWM); 21 kt SE with 1002 mb at Tampico at 01Z (Mexico).
HURDAT originally started this as a 35 kt tropical storm at 18Z on 10 September at
16.0N, 87.6W. Available observations suggest that the low was closed by 12Z. The
cyclone is started at 12Z on the 10th (six hours earlier than originally) as a 30 kt
tropical depression at 16.5N, 87.7W. The depression is analyzed to have strengthened
to a tropical storm by 00Z on the 11th (six hours later than originally). The largest
position change during the first couple days of the systems lifetime is at 18Z on the
10th the position is moved north by six-tenths of a degree. The cyclone moved slowly
northward from the 10th to the 12th and then it turned northwestward in the area north
of Honduras and east of Belize. The first low pressures (1005 mb) recorded occurred
on the 11th at 12Z, and the first gales occurred on the 12th at 08Z. At 09Z on the 12th,
a ship recorded a pressure of 995 mb with 25 kt inside the RMW. The 10 kt per mb rule
is utilized to determine a central pressure. A central pressure of 992 mb is added to
HURDAT at 12Z on the 12th. A central pressure of 992 mb yields a wind speed of 61 kt
according to the Brown et al. southern pressure-wind relationship. Since the system
was slow moving, 55 kt is chosen for the intensity at 06Z on the 12th and 60 kt is
chosen for 12Z (down from 60 and 65 kt respectively originally). The cyclone made
landfall near the Mexico/Belize border at 18.4N, 87.8W at 02Z on 13 September. Ship
and station observations (including observations from Payo Obispo) indicate that
although the cyclone may not have been as strong as 70 kt (as listed originally in
HURDAT) there is not quite enough evidence to say that it was only a tropical storm
when it made landfall. The 60 kt intensity analyzed at 12Z on the 12th is increased
to 65 kt at 00Z on the 13th (down from 70 kt originally), and this is also the 02Z
landfall intensity. The cyclone was over land from 02Z on the 13th until 02Z on the
14th before emerging over the Bay of Campeche. Runs of the Kaplan and DeMaria inland
decay model yield 53, 43 and 34 kt for 06, 12 and 18Z on the 13th, respectively, and
39 kt for 00Z on the 14th. Highest observed winds within 2 hr of synoptic times are:
45, 45 and 35 kt at 06, 12 and 18Z on the 13th, respectively, and 35 kt at 00Z on the
14th. Revised winds chosen for HURDAT are: 55, 50, 45 and 40 kt (down from 70, 60, 55
and 50 kt) at 06Z on the 13th 00Z on the 14th, respectively. The cyclone is
therefore analyzed to have weakened to a 40 kt tropical storm while over land. The
largest intensity change from genesis through 00Z on the 14th is a 15 kt downward
adjustment at 06Z on the 13th so only minor intensity alterations were made during
this period. Once in the Bay of Campeche, the cyclone moved west-northwestward and
then curved to a due westward direction before striking Tampico, Mexico. The largest
track change made a westward adjustment of eight-tenths of a degree is implemented
at 12Z on the 14th. The cyclone made landfall on 15 September at 13Z at 22.3N, 97.8W.
The eye passed directly over Tampico (22.3N, 97.9W) where a 960 mb central pressure was
recorded. The central pressure of 960 mb in HURDAT at 12Z on the 15th is retained.
A central pressure of 960 mb yields 101 kt according to the southern pressure-wind
relationship and 102 kt for its intensifying subset. A 95 kt intensity is chosen for
12Z on the 15th (up from 65 kt originally a major change) and landfall due to lower
than normal environmental pressure. The outer closed isobar (OCI) was 1003-1004 mb
and the ROCI was 200 nmi. Also, if the eye at Tampico did in fact last two hours,
as commentary suggests, then the RMW had to have been at least 20 nmi larger than the
climatological RMW value of 16 nmi. A rapid intensification is analyzed to have taken
place over the Bay of Campeche (the intensity is analyzed to have increased from 40 kt
to 95 kt in 36 hours). Previously, HURDAT listed a peak intensity of 75 kt from 00-06Z
on the 15th. The revised peak intensity 95 kt occurred at 12Z on the 15th. After
landfall, the cyclone continued inland, moving due westward at a speed of about 14 kt.
Runs of the Kaplan and DeMaria inland decay model yield 62 and 43 kt for 18Z on the
15th and 00Z on the 16th, respectively. Revised intensities in HURDAT at those two
times are 55 and 30 kt, respectively. The original HURDAT intensity at 18Z on the
15th was 35 kt and HURDAT dissipated the system after 18Z. Therefore, the cyclone
is extended by six hours before it dissipated over the high terrain of Mexico.
1933 Storm 14 (originally Storm 15) Revised 2012
26945 09/16/1933 M=10 15 SNBR= 595 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
26945 09/16/1933 M=10 14 SNBR= NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
**
26950 09/16* 0 0 0 0*110 547 35 0*121 581 35 0*122 593 35 0
26950 09/16* 0 0 0 0*113 579 30 0*115 592 30 0*117 605 30 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** **
26955 09/17*124 604 40 0*125 615 40 0*128 626 40 0*131 639 45 0
26955 09/17*119 618 30 0*122 631 30 0*126 645 30 0*130 660 30 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26960 09/18*134 651 45 0*136 663 45 0*139 676 50 0*144 689 50 0
26960 09/18*134 676 35 0*137 693 40 0*140 708 45 0*143 721 50 0
*** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** ***
26965 09/19*149 703 55 0*153 715 55 0*156 727 60 0*158 745 60 0
26965 09/19*145 733 60 0*148 745 70 0*150 757 80 0*154 769 90 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26970 09/20*161 765 60 0*167 780 65 0*174 795 70 0*181 812 70 0
26970 09/20*159 781 100 0*165 793 110 0*171 805 120 0*178 817 130 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26975 09/21*188 829 75 0*193 843 80 0*196 852 80 0*199 858 85 0
26975 09/21*184 828 140 929*190 837 140 0*195 846 135 0*199 855 130 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26980 09/22*200 863 90 0*202 869 90 0*205 876 90 0*209 892 85 0
26980 09/22*201 864 125 0*203 873 120 0*205 882 80 0*205 891 65 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ** *** *** **
26985 09/23*212 908 75 0*212 914 80 0*213 920 80 0*215 930 85 0
26985 09/23*205 900 50 0*206 909 55 0*207 918 60 0*209 927 70 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26990 09/24*216 940 90 0*217 948 90 0*218 957 95 0*220 968 95 962
26990 09/24*211 936 80 0*213 946 90 0*215 956 95 0*217 967 95 960
*** *** ** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26995 09/25*222 978 65 0*2281005 35 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
26995 09/25*220 978 95 0*226 989 60 0*2301000 35 0* 0 0 0 0
*** *** *** ******* ** ******* **
27000 HR
Major track changes and major intensity changes are analyzed for this powerful hurricane.
Major changes are made to the timing of when tropical storm and hurricane intensities
were first attained. Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather
Maps series, the COADS ships database, Monthly Weather Review, a BAMS Feb 1942 article,
and Mexican surface analyses from NCDC.
Sept 16: HWM does not show a closed low until the 19th. HURDAT lists this system as a
tropical storm with 35kt winds at 12.1N, 58.1W at 12Z. Ship highlights: no gales or
low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures. "All island stations from
St. Kitts to Bridgetown, Barbados, showed a 24-hour decrease in pressure of .06 to .10
inch the morning of the 14th, indicating the approach of a disturbed condition from the
east, but no definite center could be found passing between any of the islands of the
Windward and Leeward Groups."
Sept 17: HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with 40kt winds at 12.8N, 62.6W
at 12Z. Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Sept 18: HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with 50kt winds at 13.9N, 67.6w at
12Z. Ship highlights: 20kt E with 1004mb at 15.8N, 71.5W at 12Z (HWM). Station highlights:
no gales or low pressures. "On the 18th, the barometer began to fall slowly at Kingston, Jamaica"
Sept 19: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1010mb near 12.5N, 76W at 12Z. HURDAT lists this
system as a tropical storm with 60kt winds at 15.6N, 72.7W at 12Z. Ship highlights: no gales
or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures. "...heavy sea was reported
at [Kingston] the evening of the 19th. At the same time three vessels about midway between
Jamaica and the Isthmus of Panama reported gentle southwest winds and pressure a few
hundredths below normal."
Sept 20: HWM shows a closed low of around 1005mb near 17N, 84W at 12Z. HURDAT lists this system
as a hurricane with 70kt winds at 17.4N, 79.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 70kt SW with 975mb at
18.8N, 83.3W during the evening (MWR). Station highlights: no gales or low pressures. "However,
it was not until the evening of the 20th that a center could be located, by which time the
disturbance, though of very small diameter, had attained great intensity. The SS President
Pierce in about latitude 18.8N, 83.3W, reported a barometer reading of 28.79 inches and a wind
velocity of 80 mph from the southwest. A later report received by mail from the SS Virginia
which, at the same time, was close to the position of the President Pierce gives the following
barometer readings: 6pm, 29.65; 7pm, 29.49; 8pm 28.78; 8:20 to 8:30pm (in calm center, stars
visible), 27.44; 9pm, 28.64; 10pm, 29.24; 11pm, 29.40; midnight, 29.70 (MWR). The S.S.
Virginia, on September 20, 1933, passed through the center of a hurricane in the western
Caribbean. The storm had not been previously identified although an incipient condition
had been noted during four days preceding. The ship experienced a barometer of 27.44 inches,
with a pressure fall of more than two inches within an hour and a half on entering the storm.
It is estimated that this vortex was not more than 40 miles across at the time but was
increasing rapidly in diameter (BAMS Feb 1942).
Sept 21: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1005mb near 17.5N, 85.5W at 12Z. HURDAT lists this
system as a hurricane with 80kt winds at 19.6N, 85.2W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 929mb eye
measurement (central pressure/center fix) at 18.5N, 83.0W at 0130Z (MWR); 70kt SSW with 970mb
at 2Z at 18.5N, 83.0W (MWR); 50 kt W and 992 mb at 17Z at 19.5N, 85.8W (MWR); 70 kt SE near
19.5N, 85.8W (MWR). Station highlights: 47 kt N at Cozumel at 20Z (Mexico).
Sept 22: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1005mb near 20.5N, 88W at 12Z. HURDAT lists this
system as a hurricane with 90kt winds at 20.5N, 87.6W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 45kt SE with
996mb at 20.2N, 85.6W at 0Z (COA); 40kt NE with 994mb (max w and min p) at 21.3N, 89.6W at
21Z (MWR). Station highlights: 46 kt N at Cozumel at 1Z (Mexico); 66 kt SE at Cozumel at 3Z
(Mexico); 28 kt N with 988 mb at Merida at 20Z (Mexico); 48 kt E with 992 mb at Progreso at
20Z (Mexico); 15kt S with 1001mb at Cozumel at 12Z (HWM); 30kt N with 1002mb at Progresso at
12Z (HWM). "This disturbance moved west by north passing inland over the Yucatan Peninsula
with center about 40 miles south of Cozumel Island near midnight of the 21st and into the
southwestern Gulf of Mexico north of Campeche the evening of the 22d (MWR).
Sept 23: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1005mb near 20N, 91W at 12Z. HURDAT lists this
system as a hurricane with 80kt winds at 21.3N, 92W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 30kt SE with
1010mb at 19.7N, 84W at 12Z (HWM). Station highlights: 10kt SSW with 1004mb at Frontera at 12Z (HWM).
Sept 24: HWM shows a stronger low of at most 995mb near 21N, 96W at 12Z. HURDAT lists this
system as a hurricane with 95kt winds at 21.8N, 95.7W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 50 kt SSW with
998 mb at 10Z at 20.6N, 95.0W (MWR); center fix at 21.5N, 96.6W with calm winds from 1705-1910Z
and central pressure 960 mb (MWR); 50kt WSW with 988mb at 21N, 97.3W at 19Z (MWR). Station
highlights: 21 kt NNE with 996 mb at Tampico at 20Z (Mexico); 10 kt S with 1000 mb at Veracruz
at 12Z (HWM). "The center passed inland a short distance south of Tampico, Mexico, the evening
of the 24th, attended by winds of hurricane force. The evening report of the 24th received from
the SS J.N. Danziger was remarkable because of the fact that the vessel was at the time in the
center of the storm and reported a wind velocity of only 2mph and a barometer reading of 28.40
inches. As in the case of the storm of the 15th, great damage was done at and near Tampico (MWR).
Sept 25: HWM shows an elongated low of at most 995mb near 24.5N, 103W at 12Z. HURDAT kills the
system at 06Z with 35kt winds at 22.8N, 100.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 2 kt with 962mb (central
pressure) at 22.3N, 97.9W during the evening of the 24th (MWR); 70kt NE with 978mb at 22.4N,
97.0W at 1Z (MWR); 70 kt SE after 1Z near 22.4N, 97.0W (MWR). Station highlights:
46 kt ENE with 971 mb at Tampico at 01Z (Mexico); 1000mb at Guanajuato at 12Z (HWM).
Sept 26: HWM shows a broad low of at most 1005mb near 29N, 108W at 12Z. Ship highlights:
no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: 15kt W with 1004mb at Mazatlan at 12Z (HWM).
HURDAT indicates that a tropical storm formed on 16 September at 06Z at 11.0N, 54.7W. Data
obtained on the 14th and 15th does not reveal evidence of a closed circulation. However, as
the cyclone moved west-northwestward through the Windward Islands, a northwest wind at Port
of Spain indicates that there is a possibility that the circulation could have been closed
at 12Z on the 16th. On the other hand, inspection of data available from Grenada from the
16th and 17th gives little indication of a TC passage near that island at all (other than
an increase in east winds from 5 kt to 10 kt). Due to both considerations, no change is
made to the timing of genesis, except the system is begun as a tropical depression, and the
track is shifted southward to show a track 12 nmi south of Grenada instead of 30 nmi north
of that island since no west winds were reported there. Additionally, the positions are
significantly adjusted westward. The position at 06Z on the 16th is moved to 11.3N, 57.9W.
This is more than three degrees west of the previous position due to an unrealistic motion
during the first six hours - a major change. The HURDAT positions from 12Z on the 16th
through 12Z on the 17th are adjusted slightly southward and significantly westward as well.
The first low pressure was recorded by a ship on the 18th a peripheral pressure of 1004 mb
which yields a wind speed of greater than 39 kt according to the Brown et al. southern
pressure-wind relationship. A 45 kt intensity is chosen for 12Z on the 18th (down from
50 kt originally). The cyclone is analyzed to have become a tropical storm at 00Z on the
18th (42 hours later than originally a major change). The cyclone continued
west-northwestward for the next several days, reaching the western Caribbean near 18.4N,
82.8W around 00Z on the 21st. The original HURDAT positions are too far east from genesis
until the 20th. Major westward track adjustments ranging from 2 to 3.2 degrees longitude
are implemented at all times from 17 September at 18Z through 19 September at 18Z. The
next significant intensity observations were not recorded until around 00Z on the 21st in
the western Caribbean, when two ships experienced hurricane force winds, and one of the
ships recorded a central pressure of 929 mb in the eye. A central pressure of 929 mb is
added to HURDAT at 00Z on the 21st. A central pressure of 929 mb equals 133 kt according
to the intensifying subset of the Brown et al. southern pressure-wind relationship. The
forward speed of the cyclone was 10 kt but observations from the ship indicate that the
hurricanes inner-core was very small. These observations suggests an RMW of about 7 nmi
(smaller than the 11 nmi climatological RMW for this latitude and central pressure).
Also, this hurricane was extremely compact. The data indicates that the radius of the
1004 mb isobar was only 38 nmi, indicating a pressure gradient of 75 mb / 38 nmi. The
radius of the 996 mb isobar was about 23 nmi, indicating a pressure gradient of 67 nm /
23 nmi. The radius of the 969 mb isobar is estimated to be 6 nmi. Thats a pressure
gradient of 40 mb / 6 nmi. Given that the extent of the hurricane is tiny in addition
to the small RMW, a 140 kt intensity is chosen at 00Z on the 21st (up from 75 kt
originally- a major change), which makes this a Category 5 hurricane. Backtracking from
00Z on the 21st, the cyclone is ramped up by 10 kt per 6 hr from 50 kt at 18Z on the
18th to 140 kt at 00Z on the 21st. The cyclone is analyzed to have reached hurricane
intensity by 06Z on the 19th (24 hours earlier than in HURDAT originally a major
change). The cyclone passed just south of Cozumel where hurricane force winds were
recorded and then made landfall in the Yucatan Peninsula on 22 September at 06Z at
20.3N, 87.4W. This landfall occurred 30 hours after the 929 mb central pressure
observation from the ship. The 140 kt intensity chosen at 00Z on the 21st is held
through 06Z on the 21st. The intensity is then decreased by 5 kt per 6 hr until
landfall, so a 120 kt intensity is chosen for the landfall in the Yucatan Peninsula
at 06Z on the 21st (up from 90 kt originally). (This landfall intensity estimate is
highly uncertain, and it could have easily been stronger or weaker.) Since there is
not enough data other than a couple of peripheral observations from Cozumel to
determine the landfall intensity in Yucatan with any accuracy, this solution of
going with a 120 kt intensity works best because it is a compromise of the other
two alternatives which are to either let the 140 kt intensity at 06Z on the 21st
ride until landfall in Yucatan at 06Z on the 22nd, or to go with the original HURDAT
landfall intensity for Yucatan of 90 kt. The latter scenario would mean that a
rapid weakening of 50 kt in 24 occurred while over water, which is unrealistic
without the data to back that up. On the other hand, given available observations
from Cozumel, a Category 5 landfall intensity appears too strong. Only a few
observations are available from Cozumel, but the island did report winds of 66 kt
from the SE at 03Z. The new track shows that center passed about 10 nmi farther
south of Cozumel than previously analyzed. The cyclone was over the Yucatan
Peninsula from the 22nd at 06Z through the 23rd at 04Z before it emerged into
the Bay of Campeche. Utilizing the landfall intensity of 120 kt, runs of the
Kaplan and DeMaria inland decay model yield 73 and 54 kt for 12 and 18Z on the
22nd respectively, and 44 kt for 00Z on the 23rd. The highest recorded wind while
over land was 40 kt from a ship at 21Z on the 22nd. Revised (original) intensities
in HURDAT are 80 (90), 60 (85), and 50 (75) kt for the 22nd at 12 and 18Z, and the
23rd at 00Z respectively. After reaching the Bay of Campeche, the cyclone
restrengthened to a hurricane and moved west-northwestward toward Tampico. Minor
southeastward position adjustments of less than one degree are analyzed from 18Z
on the 22nd through 06Z on the 24th. A ship passed through the eye of the
hurricane around 18Z at 21.5N, 96.6W and experienced calm for 2 hours. This
ship recorded a central pressure of 960 mb with calm winds. The 962 mb central
pressure shown in HURDAT at 18Z on the 24th is removed and replaced by a 960 mb
central pressure value. A central pressure of 960 mb equals 102 kt according to
the intensifying subset of the pressure-wind relationship. The cyclone made
landfall just south of Tampico around 00Z on the 25th. The OCI was around
1006 mb and the ROCI was around 200 nmi. Due to the low environmental pressures,
the 95 kt landfall intensity originally shown in HURDAT at the point before
landfall is not changed. A 95 kt intensity is chosen from 12Z on the 24th
through the landfall around 00Z on the 25th (up from 65 kt originally at 00Z
on the 25th a major change). As the cyclone moved inland, it continued
moving west-northwestward. Runs of the Kaplan and DeMaria inland decay model
yield 60 and 42 kt, respectively, for 06 and 12Z on 25 September. The revised
intensity at 06Z is 60 kt (up from 35 kt originally). HURDAT previously
dissipated the cyclone after 06Z, but a 35 kt intensity is chosen for 12Z on
the 25th with a final position at 12Z on the 25th at 23.0N, 100.0W.
Thereafter, the cyclone dissipated over the high terrain of Mexico.
1933 Storm 15 (new to HURDAT) 2012 Addition
27001 09/24/1933 M= 5 15 SNBR= 596 NOT NAMED
27002 09/24* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*294 350 45 0*309 355 50 0
27003 09/25*324 360 55 0*338 365 55 0*351 370 60 0*363 372 60 0
27004 09/26*374 370 65 0*385 365 65 0*400 358 65 0*418 351 60 0
27004 09/27*437 343 60 0E457 335 55 0E475 324 55 0E491 309 55 0
27004 09/28E507 291 55 0E523 270 55 0E535 246 45 0* 0 0 0 0
27004 TS
HWM, COADS, and MWR indicate that a tropical storm, previously undocumented in HURDAT,
occurred in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean from 24-28 September.
Sept 24: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 27.5N, 37.5W at 12Z.
Ship highlights: 45kt E with 1004mb at 32.5N, 34.5W at 18Z (COA). Station highlights:
no gales or low pressures. "[This] disturbance began about the 23d southwest of the
Azores, and moved steadily northward, attended by whole gales over a narrow track that
started near latitude 30N on the 24th and extended almost to latitude 55N by the 27th.
The origin appears to have been definitely extratropical, but the storm exhibited some
of the characteristics of a small tropical cyclone in its type of movement and the
limited area of strong winds, (MWR).
Sept 25: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1005mb centered near 36.5N, 37W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: 35 kt WNW with 1000 mb at 31.9N, 36.0W at 00Z (MWR); 50kt WNW near 31.9N,
36.0W at around 00Z (MWR); 45kt S with 1002mb at 32.5N, 34.5W at 00Z (COA); 45kt SSW
with 1010mb at 31.5N, 34.5W at 6Z (COA); 20kt NNE with 1005mb at 36.2N, 38.7W at 19Z (COA).
Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Sept 26: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1000mb centered near 40.5N, 36W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: 50kt NW with 996mb at 36.6N, 38.1W at 3Z (MWR); 60kt NW with 1005mb at 36.9N,
37.2W at 4Z (MWR); 20kt N with 999mb at 39.4N, 36.7W at 12Z (HWM).
Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Sept 27: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 47N, 35.5W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: 50kt SSW with 1000mb at 47.5N, 30.5W at 12Z (COA); 45kt SE with 1001mb at
48.8N, 29.6W at 12Z (COA); 40kt SSE with 1001mb at 48.8N, 29.2W at 17Z (MWR).
Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Sept 28: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 54N, 24W at 12Z.
Ship highlights: 45kt SE with 999mb at 52.5N, 26.5W at 00Z (COA); 50kt S with 998mb
at 52.3N, 26.0W at 5Z (MWR); 35kt W with 1019mb at 50.5N, 26.5W at 6Z (COA);
40kt S with 1012mb at 51.4N, 23.5W at 12Z (HWM).
On 24 September, HWM first analyzes a closed low near 27.5N, 37.5W, although there
are no observations of westerly winds south of the center yet. By 18Z that day, a
ship north of the center recorded 45 kt E with 1004 mb. By 00Z on the 25th, a ship
south of the center reported WNW winds of 50 kt and a minimum pressure of 1000 mb.
The data confirmed that this was a tropical storm. This cyclone is begun as a 45 kt
tropical storm at 12Z on the 24th at 29.4N, 35.0W. The cyclone moved
north-northwestward, reaching a position of 36.3N, 37.2W by 18Z on 25 September.
At 00Z on the 25th, the peripheral pressure of 1000 mb yields a wind speed of greater
than 44 kt according to the Brown et al. pressure-wind relationship for system north
of 25N. A 55 kt intensity is chosen for 00Z on the 25th since the ship recorded
maximum winds of 50 kt. A day later, around 03Z on the 26th, a ship recorded 50 kt
winds with a 996 mb pressure simultaneously. A peripheral pressure of 996 mb yields
a wind speed greater than 55 kt according to the north of 35N Landsea et al.
pressure-wind relationship. If this observation occurred inside the RMW (which is
not known), then it would indicate a central pressure of 991 mb using the 10 kt per
mb rule inside the RMW. A central pressure of 991 mb would equal 61 kt according to
the north of 35N pressure-wind relationship. Also around that time, a different ship
reported winds of 60 kt. This 60 kt wind occurred on the left side of the storm, and
other observations indicate that the pressure gradient was tighter on the right side
of the cyclone. Given all of this information, a peak intensity of 65 kt is chosen
on the 26th from 00Z-12Z, making this sysem a new hurricane. The cyclone made a
gradual curve to the north-northeast andby 12Z on the 27th, it was located near 47.5N,
32.4W. The cyclone is analyzed to have become extratropical around 06Z on the 27th
near 49.1N, 30.9W. At 12Z on the 27th, a ship recorded 50 kt with 1000mb. A 55 kt
intensity is chosen for that time. The extratropical cyclone moved northeastward to
a position of 53.5N, 24.6W by 12Z on the 28th, and then it dissipated.
1933 Storm 16 2012 Revision
27005 09/27/1933 M= 4 16 SNBR= 596 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
27005 10/01/1933 M= 4 16 SNBR= 596 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
** **
The 27th through the 30th are removed from HURDAT
27010 09/27* 0 0 0 0*175 583 35 0*175 601 35 0*176 617 35 0
27015 09/28*177 633 40 0*177 650 40 0*176 667 40 0*176 683 40 0
27020 09/29*176 699 40 0*178 713 40 0*180 726 40 0*183 735 35 0
27025 09/30*186 737 35 0*190 733 30 0*194 730 30 0*201 715 25 0
The 1st through the 4th are new to HURDAT
27026 10/01*205 704 30 0*207 706 30 0*210 708 30 0*214 710 35 0
27027 10/02*219 713 35 0*224 717 35 0*230 720 40 0*234 717 40 0
27028 10/03*236 713 40 0*238 708 35 0*240 704 35 0*242 694 30 0
27029 10/04*248 677 30 0*256 657 30 0*265 638 30 0*274 620 30 0
27030 TS
Major changes are made to the genesis and dissipation of this cyclone. A major change
is also made to the time the cyclone reached tropical storm strength. Evidence for
these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps series, the COADS ships
database, and Monthly Weather Review.
Sept 27: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1010mb near 15N, 58W at 12Z. HURDAT lists
this system as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 17.5N, 60.1W at 12Z. Ship highlights:
no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures. "A minor
disturbance apparently moved westward between the islands of St. Kitts and St. Martin
on the 27th. It was of such small diameter and slight intensity that the center could
not be located definitely every 12 hours."
Sept 28: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1010mb near 16N, 65W at 12Z. HURDAT lists this
system as a tropical storm with 40kt winds at 17.6N, 66.7W at 12Z. Ship highlights:
no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Sept 29: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1010mb near 18N, 63W at 12Z. HURDAT lists this
system as a tropical storm with 40kt winds at 18.0N, 72.6W at 12Z. Ship highlights:
no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures. "However,
available data indicate that it moved westward, until the 29th, when it turned to the
north and northeast, passing some distance west of Port au Prince, Haiti, the evening
of the 29th"
Sept 30: HWM loses the system for today. HURDAT lists this system as a tropical depression
with 30kt winds at 19.4N, 73.0W at 12Z. Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Oct 1: HWM does not show a system in the area. HURDAT discontinued the system at 18Z on
Sept 30. Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low
pressures. "and [it was] centered north of Puerto Plata, Santo Domingo, the morning of
October 1."
Oct 2: HWM does not show a system in the area. Ship highlights: 35 kt E with 1014 mb at
12Z at 26.8N, 74.6W (HWM); 40kt E with 1012mb at 27.1N, 73.7W at 21Z (MWR). Station
highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Oct 3: HWM only shows a strong system to SW of the suspected area (HURDAT original Storm #18).
Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Oct 4: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1010mb near 25N, 63W at 12Z. Ship highlights: no gales
or low pressures associated with this system. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
"Still of minor intensity, the disturbance then moved northwestward and later
north-northwestward until the 4th, after which it could not be located."
Originally, HURDAT lists a tropical storm forming just east of the Leeward Islands at 17.5N,
58.3W at 06Z on 27 September. On the 27th and 28th, there appeared to be two areas of
vorticity either associated with the same tropical wave or two tropical waves that were
closely located that were near the Lesser Antilles and Virgin Islands. Sufficient
observational coverage indicates that there was not a closed circulation present with
either vortex. On the 28th at 12Z, observations indicate the two vorticity centers were
near 18N, 67.5W and 16.5N, 64.5W, respectively. The disturbances moved westward until
the 29th when the one further west appeared to be south of Haiti and the further east
disturbance appeared to be located between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
By the 30th, it is possible that the further west disturbance was actually located
further south and went on to become Storm 18 (as suggested by Perez), but the northern
part of the tropical wave was clearly located near the northern coast of Haiti. The
further east disturbance on the 30th may have been located near the northeastern coast
of the Dominican Republic. HURDAT originally listed the tropical storm as having
weakened to a tropical depression on the 30th at 06Z at 19.0N, 73.3W with a final point
at 18Z on the 30th at 20.1N, 71.5W before dissipation was indicated to have occurred.
There is not enough evidence of a closed circulation with either vortex from the
27th-30th September, so these 4 days are deleted from HURDAT. Available observations
indicate that the vortex that was being tracked further east from the 27th-30th (which
is close to where the original HURDAT positions were on those days) became a tropical
cyclone on 1 October and lasted until 4 October. Therefore, this cyclone is analyzed
to have been closed from 1-4 October, and not closed from 27-30 September; however,
it is the same cyclone that was being tracked in the original HURDAT and is
therefore still listed under the same storm. Both the genesis and the dissipation
of this cyclone are delayed by 4 days.
A tropical depression is analyzed to have formed on 1 October at 00Z at 20.5N, 70.4W
(approximately 4 days later than originally- a major change). The cyclone is analyzed
to have become a tropical storm at 18Z on 1 October (4 and a half days later than
originally a major change) at 21.4N, 71.0W. On 2 October at 12Z, a ship recorded
35 kt winds and at 21Z, a ship recorded 40 kt winds. Although both of these
observations are about 250-270 nmi from the center, they are deemed close enough to
be counted as part of the circulation of this system because the synoptic pressure
gradient was not large enough to be responsible for producing those gale force winds.
A peak intensity of 40 kt is analyzed from 12Z on the 2nd through 00Z on the 3rd.
The cyclone, which had been moving slowly north-northwestward from the 1st through
12Z on the 2nd, turned north-northeastward at that time with a position of 23N,
72W at 12Z on the 2nd. On the 3rd, it turned east-northeastward. The position at
12Z on the 3rd is 24.0N, 70.4W. On the 3rd and 4th, no additional gales or low
pressures were observed with this system. The tropical storm is analyzed to have
weakened to a tropical depression at 18Z on 3 October. The depression accelerated
east-northeastward, reaching 27.4N, 62.0W by 18Z on 4 October before dissipating
4 days later than listed in HURDAT originally (a major change).
It should be noted that this system may have been a subtropical cyclone,
especially considering the distance of the gales from the center on the 2nd.
1933 Storm 17 (originally Storm 18) 2012 Revision
27060 10/01/1933 M= 9 18 SNBR= 598 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
27060 10/01/1933 M= 9 17 SNBR= 598 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
**
27065 10/01* 0 0 0 0*104 803 35 0*122 801 35 0*135 802 35 0
27065 10/01* 0 0 0 0*153 814 35 0*155 815 35 0*157 815 35 0
*** *** *** *** *** ***
27070 10/02*147 802 40 0*159 803 45 0*170 803 50 0*177 803 55 0
27070 10/02*159 815 40 0*162 815 45 0*166 815 50 0*173 816 55 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
27075 10/03*184 804 65 0*193 805 70 0*201 808 75 0*207 811 80 0
27075 10/03*181 817 65 0*189 817 70 0*197 817 75 0*205 818 80 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
27080 10/04*213 814 85 0*220 817 90 0*227 821 95 0*232 823 90 976
27080 10/04*213 819 85 0*220 820 90 0*227 821 90 0*233 823 85 976
*** *** *** **
27085 10/05*236 820 95 0*243 810 105 0*251 795 115 0*261 778 125 0
27085 10/05*237 820 90 0*242 810 95 0*248 797 100 0*259 781 105 0
*** ** *** ** *** *** *** *** *** ***
27090 10/06*272 761 130 0*283 746 125 0*296 731 125 0*315 712 120 0
27090 10/06*272 763 110 0*285 746 110 0*298 731 110 0*315 712 105 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
27095 10/07*336 694 115 0*353 680 110 0*370 669 105 971*394 659 100 0
27095 10/07*336 694 95 0*355 680 85 0*374 670 80 971*393 661 80 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
27100 10/08E417 650 90 0E431 640 85 0E440 630 80 0E445 621 75 0
27100 10/08E412 652 80 0E429 643 75 0E440 633 70 0E445 621 65 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** **
27105 10/09E448 602 70 0E440 548 65 0E432 493 60 0E424 438 60 0
27105 10/09E445 600 55 0E440 555 45 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
*** *** ** *** ** **** *** ** **** *** **
27110 HR
U.S. Tropical Storm Impact (center stayed offshore the Florida Keys):
10/5/1933 08Z 24.4N, 80.6W 55 kt
Major track changes and major intensity alterations are analyzed for this hurricane.
Evidence for these changes comes from the Historical Weather Maps Series, the COADS
ships database, Monthly Weather Review, the Original Monthly Records from NCDC,
Neely, and Perez.
Sept 30: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 11.5N, 82W at 12Z.
Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low
pressures.
Oct 1: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 16N, 84W at 12z. HURDAT
lists this as a tropical storm of 35kt winds at 12.2N, 80.1W at 12z. Ship
highlights: 15 kt W with 1002 mb at 12Z at 11.3N, 80.2W (HWM). Station highlights:
10 kt W with 1004 mb at 12Z at Cape Gracias (HWM). "During the last few days of
September unsettled conditions overspread the lower waters of the Caribbean Sea,
where they continued until Oct 1. On that date a shallow cyclone center was
definitely established with a northward movement."
Oct 2: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000mb near 15N, 83W at 12z. HURDAT
lists this as a tropical storm of 50kt winds at 17.0N, 80.3W at 12z. Ship
highlights: 25 kt SW with 1003 mb at 11Z at 15.0N, 81.0W (COA); 30 kt SE at
15Z at 19.1N, 79.0W (COA); 25 kt S with 1000 mb at 21Z at 18.9N, 78.0W (COA).
Station highlights: 1003 mb at Cape Gracias (MWR).
Oct 3: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000mb near 18.5N, 82W at 12z.
HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 hurricane with 75kt winds at 20.1N, 80.8W at
12z. Ship highlights: 25kt ENE with pressure of 1000mb at 23.4N, 80.3W at 12z
(COA); 40kt NNE with pressure of 1006mb at 23.2N, 82.8W at 12z (HWM). Station
highlights: 15kt NE with pressure of 1000mb at Cienfuegos (22.1N, 80.5W) at 12z
(HWM); 35kt S with pressure of 1001mb at Negril Point, Jamaica (18.3N, 78.4W)
at 12z (MWR). "During the 2d and 3d the depression advanced almost due north
midway between Jamaica and Swan Island. On the morning of the 3d a south gale
of force 8 was reported at Negril Point, barometer 29.56 inches, and off the
north coast of Cuba, immediately west of Habana, a northeast gale of force 9
was blowing. By night of the 3d the storm center was close to the Cuban south
coast, with the wind at Habana blowing a gale of force 9 from northeast,
lowest pressure 29.34 inches, noted at Cienfuegos."
Oct 4: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 985mb near 22N, 81.5W at 12z. HURDAT
lists this as a Category 2 hurricane with 95kt winds at 22.7N, 82.1W at 12z.
Ship highlights: 40kt ENE with pressure of 991mb at 24.4N, 82.9W at 9z (MWR);
50kt S at 22.5N, 80.5W at 13z (COA). Station highlights: 994 mb at 04Z at
Cienfuegos (MWR); a pressure of 976mb at Havana (23.1N, 82.4W) at 19z (MWR);
35kt NNE with pressure of 977mb at Havana at 13z (HWM). "During October 4
the center of the storm, now of full hurricane force, crossed Habana between
10am and noon. During a part of this time the calm was absolute. It was
preceded and followed by hurricane velocities. The lowest pressure at Habana,
28.81 inches, occurred near 2pm, which was at least 2 or 3 hours later than
the occurrence of the lull. This points to an erratic movement of the
hurricane center during the period of its recurve toward the northeast. While
there was some shipping in the Florida Straits on the 4th, the highest wind
force noted at sea was 10, apparently late on the day."
Oct 5: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 985mb near 24.9N, 80W at 12z.
HURDAT lists this as a Category 4 hurricane with 115kt winds at 25.1N, 79.5W
at 12z. Ship highlights: 50kt SE with pressure of 966mb at 25.0N, 79.5W at
12z (COA); 70kt W at 25.0N, 79.5W after 13z (MWR). Station highlights: 37kt
NW (max w?) and 985mb (min p?) at Key West (24.6N, 81.8W) (not necessarily
simultaneous obs) no time given (MWR); 984 mb (min p) at 22Z at Hopetown,
Great Abaco Island, Bahamas (26.5N, 77.0W) (WN); 87 kt (max w recorded) at
Hopetown (WN); 79 kt (max w) at Millville, Abaco Island (WN). "On the
morning of the 5th the hurricane center lay near the southeast coast of
Florida (Miami: wind northeast, force 7, barometer 29.14 inches.) At 8am,
the American SS Empire Arrow, reported a corrected pressure reading of
28.53 inches, indicating the storm was deepening. Shortly afterward the
wind experienced by the ship rose to force 12 from the west. At 7pm of the
5th the storm center was north of the Bahamas, with a whole southeast gale
blowing off Great Abaco Island. Near midnight the British SS Humber Arm
reported a northwest gale, force 11
Key West, Fla, 4-5 October, Hurricane,
Electric service suspected; number of shade trees uprooted, several small
boats blown ashore; city flooded (MWR)"
Oct 6: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 985mb near 29N, 73.5W at 12z.
HURDAT lists this as a Category 4 hurricane with 125kt winds at 29.6N,
73.1W at 12z. Ship highlights: 959 mb (min p) somewhere in the Bahamas
region on the 5th or the 6th (MWR); 130 kt maximum estimated winds from
the same ship (MWR); 70kt NE with pressure of 958mb at 29.8N, 74.8W at 8z
(MWR); Station highlights: 30kt ESE with pressure of 1006mb at Bermuda
(32.3N, 64.8W) at 12z (HWM). "On the morning of the 6th the storm center
was near 29N, 73W. At 2am the American SS Harold Walker reported a
southwest hurricane in 27.2N, 74.4W, and about an hour later the American
SS Heffron reported a northeast hurricane with uncorrected pressure at
28.3 inches, approximately in 29.8N, 74.8W. During the morning strong gales
to hurricane velocities covered most of the sea between 25.3N, 70.7W. At
7pm of the 6th the storm center was west of Bermuda, with a southeast gale
of force 9 blowing at the island. Shipping apparently had avoided the
thickest of the storm at this time and the maximum reported wind force
during the pm hours was that of a whole gale near 33N, 69W,
barometer 28.96 inches."
Oct 7: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 975mb near 37N, 67W at 12z.
HURDAT lists this as a Category 3 hurricane with 105kt winds at 37N,
66.9W at 12z. Ship highlights: 50 kt NNW with 981 mb at 02Z at 33.2N,
69.2W (MWR); center fix with central pressure of 971mb at 37.5N, 67W
(no time given) (MWR). Station highlight: 40kt SE at Bermuda (32.3N,
64.8W) at 0z (MWR); 34kt N (max w?) and 995mb (min p?) at Nantucket
(41.3N, 70.1W) (not necessarily simultaneous observations) (MWR). "During
the 7th the storm continued intense as it progressed from a position
northwest of Bermuda to Nova Scotia waters. A radiogram from Bermuda
said that the British SS Lady Nelson passed through the calm of the
center of the storm, barometer 28.68 inches. This was near 37.5N, 67W."
Oct 8: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 980mb near 44N, 64W at 12z.
HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 hurricane with 80kt winds at 44.0N,
63.0W at 12z. Ship highlights: 60kt E with pressure of 965mb at 42.3N,
65.9W at 5z (MWR). Station highlights: 45kt with pressure of 978mb at
Halifax (44.6N, 63.6W) at 12z (MWR). "From midnight of this date until
early morning of the 8th the German SS Stuttgart, in near 42.3N, 65.9W,
reported a low barometer reading of 28.49 inches and a wind of force 11
from east then west, which sufficiently indicates the virility of the
hurricane at this time. During the morning of the 8th the storm field
lay principally south of Nova Scotia, with a pressure of 28.88 inches
reported at Halifax, and fresh to strong gales in the vicinity. Gales
continued during the say, but lessening force, as the storm, rapidly
decreasing in depth and area, swung east-northeastward south of Newfoundland"
Oct 9: HWM indicates a low of at most 1005mb near 43N, 53W at 12z. HURDAT
lists this as a Tropical Storm with 60kt winds at 43.2N, 49.3W at 12z.
Ship highlights: 25kt ENE with pressure of 999mb at 46.9N, 59.5w at 4z
(COA); 35kt ENE with pressure of 1006mb at 46.7N, 51.6W at 12z (COA).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. "and on the 9th entered
the western edge on a great cyclone system then central west of the
British Isles" (MWR).
A tropical cyclone formed in the southwestern Caribbean Sea on 1 October at
06Z (no change to the timing of genesis). The position at 06Z on the 1st is
moved 5 degrees NNW of the original HURDAT position a major change. This is
because observations from Cabo Gracias indicate that the cyclone was located
closer to that station on the 1st than shown in the original HURDAT. Major
north-northwestward track adjustments are therefore implemented at 12Z and 18Z
on the 1st as well. The cyclone strengthened as it moved northward before making
landfall in Cuba on the 4th. A track adjustment of 1.3 degrees west of the
original HURDAT position is made at 00Z on 3 October to move the cyclone westward
to 18.1N, 81.7W, and that is also the time the cyclone attained hurricane
intensity. At 12Z on 1 October, a peripheral pressure of 1002 mb was recorded,
which yields a wind speed of greater than 43 kt according to the Brown et al.
southern pressure-wind relationship, but the 35 kt intensity listed in HURDAT is
retained due to the low environmental pressures in the area and because the
strongest wind observed that day was only 25 kt. On 2 October at 21Z, a peripheral
pressure of 1000 mb was recorded even though no gales had been recorded on the 1st
or 2nd of October. A peripheral pressure of 1000 mb yields a wind speed greater
than 47 kt according to the southern pressure-wind relationship. The 55 kt
intensity listed in HURDAT at 18Z on the 2nd is not changed. On the 3rd,
observations clearly showed the cyclone was becoming much larger as it intensified.
A 40 kt gale was recorded at 12Z on the 3rd from a ship north of western Cuba
even though the center was still south of Cuba at the time. At the time when the
cyclone was making landfall on the south coast of Cuba as a hurricane (09Z on the
4th) a ship 130 nmi NNW of the center recorded 40 kt ENE with 991 mb. The area
with pressure below 1000 mb had become very large. The cyclone is analyzed to
have made its first Cuban landfall at 09Z on 4 October at 22.3N, 82.0W as a 90 kt
hurricane and its 2nd and final Cuban landfall at 12Z on the 4th at 22.7N, 82.1W
as a 90 kt hurricane. Havana reported a lull around 16Z, 2 to 3 hours before
recorded its minimum pressure of 976 mb at 19Z. Perez indicates that a calm at
Havana lasted for 7 to 8 hours. Perez also suggests a 973 mb central pressure
at 12Z, which was the time of Cuban landfall. It is not known if his suggestion
of 973 mb is based on a direct measurement or an estimate based on peripheral
data. Therefore, this value is not added to HURDAT. Perez also lists 90 kt for
the intensity at 12Z. If the 973 mb value was a central pressure, it would yield
86 kt according to the southern pressure-wind relationship. The 95 kt intensity
listed in HURDAT originally at 12Z on the 4th is lowered to 90 kt, and this is in
agreement with the Perez assessment. For 18Z on the 4th, the HURDAT intensity is
lowered from 90 to 85 kt (showing that some slight weakening occurred while the
system was over land), and the 976 mb central pressure is retained as there is
not enough evidence to indicate that the value is incorrect. Perez agrees with
the 976 mb in HURDAT at 18Z. At that time, the center was emerging off the
north coast of Cuba.
As soon as the center reached water, the cyclone intensified quickly into a major
hurricane, as indicated by ship data beginning at 12Z on the 5th. Moving
northeastward, the center passed quite close to, but southeast of, the Florida
Keys and Miami, FL on 5 October. The maximum wind and minimum pressure recorded
at Key West were 37 kt and 985 mb, respectively. Winds at Miami were recorded at
32 kt with a 987 mb pressure at 12Z on the 5th. After converted to 10m 1-min
winds, the maximum winds at Key West and Miami were 38 and 30 kt, respectively.
There were no available observations between these sites. According to the
revised track, the place where the cyclone made its closest approach to the coast
was Long Key in the Florida Keys. A run of the Schwerdt et al. parametric wind
model (using climatological RMW) yields 79 kt for the winds at Long Key at time
of closest approach. However, the Schwerdt et al. model was run at the time of
closest approach to Key West and yielded 64 kt for Key West- whereas the maximum
winds there were only 38 kt. The Schwerdt et al. model was run again at the time
of closest approach to Miami and yielded 53 kt for Miami- whereas the maximum winds
there were only 30 kt. Based on this information, it is estimated that winds of
55 kt occurred in the Florida Keys at Long Key so only a tropical storm impact
is analyzed to have occurred for southeast FL and the Keys. Despite the low
pressures observed, these locations clearly did not receive winds near hurricane
force and were on the weak side of the cyclone. The position at 12Z on the 5th
is adjusted slightly closer to Florida with a position of 24.8N, 79.7W. A ship
at that time recorded a pressure of 966 mb with 50 kt winds simultaneously after
recording hurricane force winds one hour earlier. Although the ship might have
been briefly inside the RMW, there is not evidence to say for sure that it was
inside the RMW. A peripheral pressure of 966 mb yields winds of greater than 96
and 93 kt according to the intensifying subsets of the southern and north of 25N
pressure-wind relationships, respectively. If the ship was inside the RMW, the
data would suggest a central pressure around 960 mb, which yields 102 and 100 kt,
respectively, according to the same relationships. A 100 kt intensity is selected
for 12Z on 5 October (down from 115 kt originally). This intensity also fits with
available data from the 4th and the 6th of October as well as other data from the
5th. Late on the 5th, the hurricane passed through the Bahamas. Hopetown, Great
Abaco Island measured a maximum wind of 87 kt and a minimum pressure of 984 mb
while Millville, Abaco reported a 79 kt maximum wind. The 1933 MWR storm table
on page 363 indicates that a ship, which measured a minimum pressure of 959 mb
near the Bahamas sometime on the 5th or 6th of October, also estimated maximum
winds of 130 kt. Early on the 6th, one ship reported a 962 mb central pressure
at 05Z while a different ship reported a 958 mb pressure with simultaneous
hurricane force at 08Z. A 962 mb central pressure is not added to HURDAT due to
this conflicting information. A time series of the 958 mb ship derived from the
MWR table of gales reveals that there is a chance that the ship was barely inside
the RMW, with the winds experienced possibly decreasing from intense hurricane force
to just a lower hurricane force. Given this possibility, the Schloemer equation is
run assuming that the shipreached a distance of 0.75 RMW from the center. It yields
a central pressure of 940 mb, which yields 115 kt according to the Brown et al.
north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. It is unlikely that the ship traveled
closer than 0.75 RMW from the center. This estimate of 940 mb is likely a
reasonable estimate of the central pressure, although too uncertain to include
into HURDAT. Since the system was large and with low environmental pressure, a
110 kt peak intensity is analyzed for this hurricane from 18Z on 5 October to 12Z
on 6 October, a reduction of the previously listed peak of 130 kt at 00Z on the
6th. Since observational coverage from ships and the Bahamas was rather extensive
during this time, the 130 kt intensity appears too high and may have been originally
placed into HURDAT due to the estimated 130 kt wind from the ship. The hurricane
accelerated and moved northeastward, reaching a position of 37.4N, 67.0W by 12Z on
the 7th. A ship recorded a central pressure of 971 mb around 12Z on the 7th, and
this central pressure is retained in HURDAT. A central pressure of 971 mb equals
81 kt according to the Landsea et al. north of 35N pressure-wind relationship and
80 kt is chosen for 12Z (down from 105 kt originally a major change). Major
intensity decreases of 20-25 kt are implemented at all times on the 7th. Later on
the 7th, Nantucket recorded 34 kt winds, and a tropical storm impact is analyzed for
portions of coastal New England. No change is made to the time this cyclone became
extratropical 00Z on the 8th with an analyzed position of 41.2N, 65.2W with
a 80 kt intensity (down from 90 kt originally). However, there is some possibility
that the cyclone may have become extratropical late on the 7th, but there are not
enough observations within a few hundred nmi from the center in the NW quadrant to
make the determination that it was extratropical at 12 or 18Z on the 7th, so no
change is made to the ET timing. A ship at 05Z on the 8th confirmed that the cyclone
had deepened again because it recorded 60 kt winds with a 965 mb pressure. Around
12Z on the 8th Halifax, Nova Scotia recorded winds of 45 kt and a 978 mb pressure when
the system passed close to the southeast. The 80 kt intensity in HURDAT at 12Z on
the 8th is lowered to 70 kt. After that, the cyclone turned due eastward and
accelerated. HURDAT previously listed a final position at 18Z on the 9th at 42.4N,
43.8W as a 60 kt extratropical cyclone. However, observations at 12Z on the 9th
indicate that rapid weakening had taken place - the cyclone had become extremely
elongated and no longer contained a closed circulation by that time. Dissipation
is therefore shown after 06Z on 9 October (12 hours earlier than in HURDAT
originally) with a final position of 44.0N, 55.5W as a 45 kt extratropical cyclone.
The intensity adjustment at 06Z on the 9th is a major downward intensity change
from 65 kt originally.
1933 Storm 18 (originally Storm 19) 2012 Revision
27115 10/25/1933 M=14 19 SNBR= 599 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
27115 10/26/1933 M=13 18 SNBR= 599 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
** ** **
The 25th is removed from HURDAT
27120 10/25* 0 0 0 0*134 793 35 0*138 797 35 0*139 793 35 0
27120 10/25* 0 0 0 0*135 801 25 0*136 797 25 0*136 791 25 0
27125 10/26*140 788 35 0*142 783 35 0*145 777 35 0*149 772 40 0
27125 10/26*136 785 25 0*137 779 30 0*138 775 30 0*139 774 30 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
27130 10/27*152 769 40 0*155 768 45 0*158 768 45 0*160 769 50 0
27130 10/27*140 773 30 0*141 772 30 0*142 772 35 0*146 772 35 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
27135 10/28*163 771 50 0*165 773 55 0*168 774 55 0*171 775 60 0
27135 10/28*151 773 40 0*156 774 45 0*160 775 50 0*164 776 60 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** ***
27140 10/29*174 777 65 0*177 778 75 0*178 779 85 0*181 781 85 0
27140 10/29*168 777 70 0*173 777 75 0*178 777 80 0*181 781 80 982
*** ** *** *** *** ** ** ***
27145 10/30*185 780 70 0*187 777 65 0*189 775 65 0*192 771 65 0
27145 10/30*185 780 70 0*187 777 65 0*188 775 60 0*190 771 60 0
*** ** *** **
27150 10/31*194 768 65 0*197 766 65 0*199 764 60 0*204 762 55 0
27150 10/31*193 768 55 0*196 766 55 0*199 764 55 0*203 763 50 0
*** *** ** ** *** *** **
27155 11/01*209 761 55 0*214 762 50 0*217 763 50 0*219 764 45 0
27155 11/01*207 763 45 0*211 764 40 0*215 765 45 0*218 765 45 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** ***
27160 11/02*220 765 45 0*222 766 45 0*224 768 40 0*228 770 40 0
27160 11/02*220 765 45 0*222 765 45 0*224 765 40 0*228 767 40 0
*** *** ***
27165 11/03*232 772 40 0*236 773 40 0*241 772 35 0*246 769 35 0
27165 11/03*232 769 40 0*236 770 40 0*241 770 40 0*246 769 40 0
*** *** *** ** **
27170 11/04*250 764 35 0*253 760 35 0*255 755 35 0*258 746 35 0
27170 11/04*250 766 45 0*254 762 45 0*258 758 45 0*260 751 45 0
*** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
27175 11/05*261 736 35 0*263 730 35 0*264 723 35 0*266 713 35 0
27175 11/05*262 743 40 0*263 735 40 0*264 726 40 0*266 716 40 0
*** *** ** *** ** *** ** *** **
27180 11/06*269 703 35 0*271 696 35 0*273 689 35 0*277 677 35 0
27180 11/06*269 705 40 0*271 693 40 0*273 680 40 0*277 666 40 0
*** ** *** ** *** ** *** **
27185 11/07*284 658 35 0*295 635 35 0*305 613 35 0E335 578 35 0
27185 11/07*284 651 40 0*293 634 40 0*304 615 40 0*321 590 40 0
*** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** **** *** **
27190 HR
Minor track changes and minor intensity changes are analyzed for this cyclone that
struck Jamaica as a hurricane. Major changes are made to the timing of when
tropical storm intensity was first attained and to the timing of when the cyclone
weakened from a hurricane back to a tropical storm. Evidence for these alterations
comes from the Historical Weather Maps Series, the COADS ships database, Monthly
Weather Review, Tannehill (TAN), and the Jamaican Meteorological Office (1933).
Oct 25: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 13N, 82.5W at 12z.
HURDAT lists this as a storm with 35kt winds at 13.8N, 79.7W at 12z.
Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Oct 26: HURDAT lists this as a storm with 35kt winds at 14.5N, 77.7W at 12z.
Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Oct 27: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 16N, 77W at 12z.
HURDAT lists this as a tropical storm with 45kt winds at 15.8N, 76.8W at 12z.
Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Oct 28: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 16N, 77.5W at 12z. HURDAT lists
this as a tropical storm with 55kt winds at 16.8N, 77.4W at 12z. Ship highlights:
70 kt at 23Z near approximately 16.6N, 76.8W (JAM). Station highlights: 15 kt NE and
1005 mb at 22Z at 18.1N, 77.9W (JAM).
Oct 29: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 15N, 79W at 12z. HURDAT lists
this as a Category 2 hurricane with 85kt winds at 17.8N, 77.9W at 12z. Ship highlights:
35kt S with pressure of 1005mb at 17.8N, 76.6W at 21z (MWR). Station highlights:
70 kt N at 10Z at Calabash Bay (JAM); 70 kt E at 1130Z at Munro College (JAM);
70 kt NE at 12Z at Calabash Bay (JAM); calm at Calabash Bay from 1215-1230Z (JAM);
65 kt NE with 987 mb at 1335Z at 18.1N, 77.9W (JAM); 70 kt N with 983 mb (min p) at
1830Z at Retreat Estate (JAM); center fix around ~2000Z at Savanna-la-mar (18.2N,
78.1W) with 982 mb central pressure and calm winds (JAM, TAN); pressure of 982mb at
Savanna, Jamaica (18.2N, 78.1w) at 1930z (TAN); 70 kt ENE around 21Z at Sadlers Hall
(JAM); strong winds with 985 mb (min p) at 2130Z at Round Hill (JAM); center fix
around ~2250Z at Torrie (18.4N, 78.0W); 61-70 kt (estimated, and 540 meters) SSE at
2235Z at Kempshot (JAM); fierce winds SSW with 985 mb at 2255Z at Rose Mount (JAM).
Oct 30: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 17N, 77W at 12z. HURDAT
lists this as a Category 1 hurricane with 65kt winds at 18.9N, 77.5W at 12z. Ship
highlights: 35 kt W (MWR); 25 kt SE with 1005 mb at 12Z at 17.1N, 75.3W (COA);
30 kt W with 1003 mb at 18Z at 18.5N, 77.6W (COA). Station highlights: 989 mb at
00Z at Rose Mount (JAM); center fix at 0030Z at Round Hill (18.5N, 78.0W) (JAM);
strong W winds at 0130Z at Torrie (JAM); 28 kt S with 1002 mb at 12Z at Morant
Point (JAM).
Oct 31: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 18.5N, 75W at 12z. HURDAT
lists this as a tropical storm with 60kt winds at 19.9N, 76.4W at 12z.
Ship highlights: 20 kt SE with 1003 mb at 06Z at 19.5N, 74.5W (COA); 40 kt ENE
with pressure of 1014mb at 23.7N, 74.7W at 13z (MWR).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Nov 1: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 19.5N, 77W at 12z.
HURDAT lists this as a tropical storm with 50kt winds at 21.7N, 76.3W at 12z.
Ship highlights: 35kt SE with pressure of 1006mb at 21.7N, 75W at 12z (HWM);
15 kt S with 1002 mb at 12Z at 21.4N, 76.4W (HWM); 35 kt E (MWR);
30 kt ENE with 1004 mb at 20Z at 22.6N, 74.1W (MWR).
Station highlights: 15 kt NNE with 1005 mb at 12Z at Cienfuegos (HWM).
Nov 2: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 21.5N, 76W at 12z.
HURDAT lists this as a Tropical storm with 40kt winds at 22.4N, 76.8W at 12z.
Ship highlights: 15 kt NNE with 1004 mb at 12Z at 22.7N, 76.7W (HWM).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Nov 3: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 21.5N, 77.5W at 12z.
HURDAT lists this as a storm with 35kt winds at 24.1N, 77.2W at 12z.
Ship highlights: 1004 mb at 12Z at 24.6N, 79.7W (COA).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Nov 4: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005mb near 27N, 77W at 12z.
HURDAT lists this as a storm with 35kt winds at 25.5N, 75.5W at 12z.
Ship highlights: 40kt ESE no time given (MWR); 15 kt W with 1004 mb at
12Z at 25.7N, 76.9W (HWM). Station highlight: No gales or low pressures.
Nov 5: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000mb near 25.5N, 71.5W at 12z.
HURDAT lists this as a storm with 35kt winds at 26.4N, 72.3W at 12z. Ship
highlights: 10 kt NNW with 1001 mb at 12Z at 26.0N, 72.8W (HWM); 25 kt NNE
with 1003 mb at 12Z at 27.2N, 72.4W (HWM). Station highlights:
No gales or low pressures.
Nov 6: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000mb near 26N, 68W at 12z.
HURDAT lists this as a storm with 35kt winds at 27.3N, 68.9W at 12z. Ship
highlights: 25 kt NE with 1000 mb at 00Z at 27.5N, 73.3W (COA); 20 kt W with
1003 mb at 12Z at 24.7N, 68.2W (HWM). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Nov 7: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000mb near 30N, 63W at 12z. HURDAT lists
this as a storm with 35kt winds at 30.5N, 61.3W at 12z. Ship highlights: 20 kt N with
1001 mb at 12Z at 29.6N, 64.0W (COA); 20 kt S with 1001 mb at 19Z at 33.0N, 58.3W (MWR);
35kt SSE no time given (MWR). Station highlights: 1004 mb at 12Z at Bermuda [may be
more due to the front than the TC] (HWM). On 25 October, it became apparent that a
circulation was forming in the southwestern Caribbean Sea. Although it is possible
that this tropical cyclone may not have formed until the 26th, there are not enough
observations on the 25th to determine that a tropical cyclone did not exist by then.
Therefore, no changes are made to the timing of genesis (06Z on 25 October), but the
intensity is reduced from 35 kt to 25 kt on the 25th. The cyclone is begun as a
tropical depression at 06Z on the 25th at 13.5N, 80.1W. The cyclone moved slowly
east-northeastward before making a northward turn on the 27th. On the 27th,
south-southwestward position alterations of about 1.5 degrees are implemented.
On the 28th, the cyclone turned slightly toward the north-northwest and began to
approach Jamaica from the south. On the 28th at 23Z, the first gale was recorded,
and it was a hurricane force wind reported by a ship located 100 mi south of Kingston,
Jamaica. For the 29th at 00Z, the position is adjusted six-tenths of a degree
southward of the previous position, and a 70 kt intensity is chosen (up from 65 kt
originally). It is analyzed that the tropical depression became a tropical storm at
12Z on the 27th (54 hours later than originally a major change), and the cyclone
intensified to a hurricane by 00Z on the 29th (no change to the time hurricane
intensity was attained). By 12Z on the 29th, the analyzed position of the hurricane
is 17.8N, 77.7W, which is just a few nmi off the coast of Jamaica. The hurricane is
then analyzed to have moved northwestward between 12-18Z on the 29th, paralleling the
southwestern coast of Jamaica, perhaps staying just offshore during that time, but it
is likely that the eye touched the coast perhaps around 13Z-14Z near 17.9N, 77.8W.
Finally, the hurricane turned northward and made landfall in Jamaica on 29 October
around 20Z at 18.2N, 78.1. Several observations of hurricane force winds were observed.
The lowest pressure observed was 982 mb with calm in the eye at the 20Z landfall at a
coastal station. A central pressure of 982 mb is added into HURDAT at 18Z on the 29th.
A central pressure of 982 mb yields 75 kt according to the Brown et al. southern
pressure-wind relationship. When the cyclone passed over Torrie a couple hours after
landfall, the maximum winds prior to the lull there occurred 4.33 hours before the
maximum wind following the lull. The wind shifted 180 degrees in 5.5 hours, but about
160 degrees during the 4.33 hours of the lull, and the observations indicate the
geometric center passed just east of there. Given the time that Torrie was in the
lull and taking into account the speed of the cyclone, the RMW was least 8.65 nmi
(if Torrie would have been in the geometric center). But it is judged that the RMW
was approximately 11 nmi, which is smaller than the climatological 15 nmi. Since the
forward speed of the storm was a slow 5 kt, this cancels out the smaller than average
RMW, so no adjustment should be made to the Brown et al. pressure-wind relationship.
However, there were numerous hurricane force winds observed up to until a few hours
after landfall. Also, observations suggest that the central pressure may have been
slightly lower than 982 mb a few hours prior to landfall. It appears as though the
pressures at some Jamaican stations were biased somewhat too high while at other
stations, the pressures may have been biased a little bit low. Taking into account
that numerous hurricane force winds were observed, 80 kt is chosen for 12Z, 18Z (down
from 85 kt originally at both 12 and 18Z), and the 20Z landfall. The cyclone was over
Jamaica from 20Z on the 29th to 00Z on the 30th and it emerged off the north coast of
Jamaica near 18.5N, 78.0W, still at hurricane intensity. The cyclone is analyzed to
have weakened from 80 kt to 70 kt while over Jamaica. During the next 36 hours, the
cyclone moved slowly north-northeastward over water away from Jamaica towards Cuba.
The cyclone made landfall in Cuba around 12 or 13Z on 31 October at 19.9N, 76.4W. It
is analyzed that the hurricane continued to weaken (from 70 to 55 kt) while over water
between Jamaica and Cuba, and a 55 kt landfall intensity is analyzed for the Cuban
landfall. Perez lists this cyclone as a tropical storm for Cuba. The cyclone moved
northward, and it was over Cuba from 12Z on 31 October to 06Z on 1 November. The
analyzed intensity at 06Z on 1 November is 40 kt (down from 50 kt originally),
indicating that although the cyclone had weakened, tropical storm strength was
maintained. After that, the cyclone broadened and remained a weak tropical storm
for the next several days as it meandered slowly northward and then northeastward.
Several low pressures between 1000-1005 mb were observed over the next several days
over a broad area, but only a couple of 35-40 kt gales were observed. On most of the
days from the 1st 7th of November the ship density was sufficient for a reasonably
accurate analysis of position and intensity. Originally, HURDAT listed this cyclone
as becoming extratropical just before it was dissipated by a front after 18Z on the
7th, but although no change is made to the timing of dissipation, the extratropical
phase is removed from HURDAT at 18Z on the 7th. The revised final position at 18Z on
7 November is now shown to be at 32.1N, 59.0W as a 40 kt tropical storm before the
cyclone was absorbed by an approaching front.
1933 Storm 19 (originally Storm 20) 2012 Revision
27195 10/26/1933 M= 5 20 SNBR= 600 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
27105 10/26/1933 M= 5 19 SNBR= NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
**
27200 10/26* 0 0 0 0*250 741 35 0*266 739 35 0*278 737 35 0
27200 10/26E278 752 35 0*284 748 40 0*290 745 45 0*296 743 45 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
27205 10/27*290 735 40 0*300 733 40 0*310 731 45 0*327 725 50 0
27205 10/27*302 741 50 0*308 739 55 0*315 736 55 0*327 729 60 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** **
27210 10/28*346 715 50 0*358 703 55 0*371 688 60 0*392 666 60 0
27210 10/28*341 718 60 0*356 705 60 0*371 688 60 0E392 666 65 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** * **
27215 10/29E412 644 60 0E425 629 60 0E439 621 60 0E454 620 55 0
27215 10/29E412 644 70 0E426 631 70 0E440 623 70 0E454 616 55 0
** *** *** ** *** *** ** ***
27220 10/30E467 619 50 0E478 619 45 0E490 615 35 0E500 615 35 0
27220 10/30E468 609 50 0E481 601 45 0E493 592 40 0E506 585 40 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** ** *** *** **
27225 TS
Major track changes and minor adjustments to the intensity are analyzed for this cyclone.
Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps Series, the COADS
ships database, and Monthly Weather Review.
Oct 24: HWM indicates a low near 20N, 82W at 12z. Ship highlights: No gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. "[This storm] originated
east of the Bahama Islands on the 25th or 26th"
Oct 25: HWM indicates a low of at most 1010mb near 23N, 80W at 12z. Ship highlights:
No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Oct 26: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010mb near 26N, 76.5W at 12z.HURDAT lists
this as a storm with 35kt winds at 26.6N, 73.9W at 12z. Ship highlights: 30 kt S with
1003 mb at 09Z at 28.9N, 74.2W (COA); 35 kt NE with 1014 mb at 13Z at 28.5N, 79.5W (COA);
30 kt NNE with 1002 mb at 15Z at 30.2N, 74.2W (COA); 35 kt ENE with 1013 mb at 21Z at
29.5N, 79.5W (COA). Station highlights: No gales or lowpressures.
Oct 27: HWM indicates a closed low near 31N, 74W at 12z. HURDAT lists this as a tropical
storm with 45kt winds at 31.0N, 73.1W at 12z. Ship highlights: 40 kt S with 992 mb at
12Z at 31.4N, 73.5W (HWM); 35kt S with pressure of 990mb at 31.2N, 71.4W at 12z (HWM);
50kt E at 34N, 72.5W during the late afternoon (MWR). Station highlight: No gales or
low pressures. "[the storm] acquired energy on the 27th with central at some distance
off the Carolina coast, with some gales of force 9, pressure 29.32 inches, in 31.5N,
72.7W, at 7am. Late in the afternoon the American SS Coamo, near 34N, 72.5W, reported
a gale force 10 from the east, in connection with the disturbance (MWR).
Oct 28: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000mb near 38N, 66W at 12z. HURDAT lists
this as a tropical storm with 60kt winds at 37.1N, 68.8W at 12z. Ship highlights:
30 kt SE with 1002 mb at 18Z at 39.5N, 63.5W (COA). Station highlights: No gales or
low pressures. "During the 28th the cyclone moved with great rapidity toward Nova
Scotia, and near midnight had acquired great depth as gathered from the report of
the Dutch SS Volendam, which had a pressure of 28.80 inches in 42.8N, 64.1w,"
Oct 29: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000mb near 43N, 63.5W at 12z. HURDAT
lists this as an extratropical storm with 60kt winds at 43.9N, 62.1W at 12z. Ship
highlights: 60 kt NE with 986 mb at 02Z at 42.0N, 64.8W (MWR); 70 kt N after 2Z (MWR);
50kt N with pressure of 975mb at 42.8N, 64.1W at 5z (MWR); 60 kt NNW after 5Z (MWR);
50 kt S with 1008 mb at 09Z at 39.5N, 58.5W (MWR); 35 kt W with 1007 mb at 16Z at
42.5N, 61.5W (COA). Station highlight: 25kt N with pressure of 996mb at Halifax (44.6N,
63.6W) at 12z (HWM). "followed in the early morning of the 29th by the maximum wind
force of 11, NNW."
Oct 30: HWM indicates a low of at most 1005mb near 48N, 58W at 12z. HURDAT lists this
as an extratropical storm with 35kt winds at 49N, 61.5W at 12z. Ship highlights: No
gales or low pressures. Station highlights: 15 kt N with 1005 mb at 12Z at Harrington
(50.5N, 59.5W) (HWM). "During the 29th and 30th the remnant of the storm succeeded in
wedging its way into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, between two banks of high pressure,
and escaping into Labrador."
Possible miscellaneous ship highlight: 957 mb (position, date, and time unknown) (MWR).
On 24 and 25 October, a frontal boundary was emerging off the southeast U.S. coast into
the Atlantic. Winds on both sides of the front on the 24th and 25th do not indicate a
closed circulation. Instead, winds on the ESE side of the front were southerly and winds
on the NNW side were NNWerly. The front weakened by the 26th, but there is evidence that
a closed low formed by 00Z on the 26th. At this point, there was still a temperature
gradient present associated with the dissipating front, but by 06Z and especially by 12Z,
the temperature gradient was gone and the fronts had dissipated. This cyclone is begun as
a 35 kt extratropical cyclone at 00Z on the 26th (highest observed winds at 00Z were 30 kt).
The cyclone is analyzed to have become a 40 kt tropical storm at 06Z on the 26th (no change
to the time this became a tropical cyclone and no change to the time it became a tropical
storm). Major northward position adjustments are implemented at 06-12Z on the 26th based
on ship observations. The new position at 12Z on the 26th is 29.0N, 74.5W. The cyclone
moved slowly north-northeastward at first, reaching 31.5N, 73.6W by 12Z on the 27th, and
then it accelerated somewhat, reaching 37.1N, 68.8W by 12Z on the 28th. Only minor
position adjustments are implemented on the 27th and early on the 28th. At 12 and 18Z on
the 28th, no position changes are made. The first gales to occur in association with the
cyclone were 35 kt winds that were observed on the 26th. The lowest pressure on the 26th
was 1002 mb. A peripheral pressure of 1002 mb yields of winds of greater than 40 kt
according to the north of 25N Brown et al. pressure-winds relationship. A 40 kt intensity
is chosen for 06Z on the 26th, and a 45 kt intensity is chosen for 12 and 18Z on the 26th
(up from 35 kt originally at all times). The cyclone deepened on the 27th. Pressures of
992 and 990 mb from two separate ships (simultaneously with 40 and 35 kt winds respectively)
were observed at 12Z on the 27th. A peripheral pressure of 990 mb yields a wind speed of
59 kt according to the north of 25N pressure-wind relationship and 62 kt using its
intensifying subset. During the late afternoon that day, a 50 kt wind was recorded for the
first time in association with this system. On the 26th and 27th, the system was somewhat
broad, so intensities slightly below the pressure-wind relationship are chosen. A 55 kt
intensity is chosen for 12Z on the 27th (up from 45 kt originally) and a 60 kt intensity is
analyzed for 18Z on the 27th (up from 50 kt originally). Unfortunately, on the 28th, no
ships passed within a few hundred nmi of the cyclone. No changes are made to the position
or the 60 kt intensity at 12Z on the 28th. Early on the 29th, between 02Z-06Z, hurricane
force winds were observed and pressures as low as 975 mb were observed. At 02Z on the 29th,
a simultaneous observation of 60 kt with 986 mb was recorded, and at 05Z, a 975 mb pressure
was observed simultaneously with 50 kt winds. Winds of hurricane force were also recorded
a short time after 02Z. A 70 kt intensity is analyzed for 00Z on the 29th (up from 60 kt
originally). Therefore, 65 kt is chosen for the intensity at 18Z on the 28th. HURDAT
originally has the cyclone becoming extratropical at 00Z on the 29th. Available observations
suggest that the cyclone became extratropical around 18Z on the 28th. A isothermal analysis
indicates that this cyclone was tropical on the 26th and 27th, and at 12Z on the 28th this
cyclone was becoming extratropical, with transition almost complete. Therefore, 60 kt is
maintained as the peak intensity while the system was a tropical cyclone. However, analyzed
intensities after extratropical transition are 65-70 kt from 18Z on the 28th through 12Z on
the 29th. The cyclone continued moving north-northeastward and made landfall in eastern
Nova Scotia on 29 October between 12-18Z as an extratropical cyclone with hurricane force
winds. According to historical records of damage and impacts kept by Environment Canada,
this storm caused significant damage in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
By 12Z on 30 October, the analyzed position of the cyclone is 49.3N, 59.2W, which constitutes
an adjustment of more than 2 degrees east of the original HURDAT position based on observations.
No change is made to the timing of dissipation, which occurred after 18Z on the 30th.
It should be noted that in the 1933 Monthly Weather Review, page 363 in the table for
this storm, it is listed that the lowest barometer reported was 28.26 (957 mb) by the
Steamship Phoebus. There is no date, time, or position listed with this observation.
If there was indeed a ship that measured a 957 mb pressure with this system, it had to
have either occurred on the 28th or 29th. If the 957 mb pressure was observed when this
system was still tropical, we would be talking about winds of at least 92 kt according
to the Landsea et al. pressure-wind relationship for north of 35N. Unfortunately no
other source could be found containing information about this ship. Since a 975 mb
available pressure was observed less than 12 hours after the cyclone is analyzed to
have become extratropical, and since there were no ships near the center on the 28th,
it is possible that this cyclone was a hurricane before it became extratropical.
Since there is no concrete evidence that it was a hurricane, this system is kept in
HURDAT as only a tropical storm.
1933 Storm 20 (originally Storm 21) 2012 Revision
27230 11/15/1933 M= 3 21 SNBR= 601 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
27230 11/15/1933 M= 3 20 SNBR= NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
27235 11/15* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*119 798 35 0*119 806 35 0
27235 11/15* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*112 799 30 0*115 806 35 0
*** *** ** ***
27240 11/16*120 813 35 0*120 818 35 0*121 824 35 0*121 832 35 0
27240 11/16*118 813 40 0*120 820 45 0*121 827 50 0*121 835 50 0
*** ** *** ** *** ** *** **
27245 11/17*122 843 35 0*123 852 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
27245 11/17*122 843 40 0*123 852 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
**
27250 TS
Minor track changes and minor intensity changes are analyzed for this tropical storm.
Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps Series,
the COADS ships database, and Monthly Weather Review.
Nov 14: HWM indicates a broad closed low near 11.5N, 80.5W with at most 1010mb at 12z.
HURDAT does not list this storm. Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Nov 15: HWM shows a closed low of at most 1010mb just north of Panama near 10.5N, 81W
at 12Z. HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with winds of 35kts at 11.9N, 79.8W
at 12Z. Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Nov 16: HWM shows a stronger low of at most 1005mb near 12.5N, 82W at 12Z. HURDAT lists
this system as a tropical storm with winds of 35kts at 12.1N, 82.4W at 12Z.
Ship highlights: 35kt SE with 1003mb at 12.3N, 82.4W at 9Z (MWR); 30kt SE with
1000mb at 13.2N, 81.7W at 12Z (HWM); 30 kt SE with 1004 mb at 12Z at 12.6N, 82.5W
(COA). Station highlights: 996 mb at Bluefields (MWR); 31kt SW at Bluefields (MWR).
A tropical cyclone formed in the southwestern Caribbean Sea at 12Z on 15 November
(no change to genesis time). Several observations near the center at 12Z on the 15th
show only weak winds, so the system is begun as a 30 kt tropical depression rather
than as a tropical storm. The largest track change made for the lifetime of this
system a southward adjustment of seven-tenths of a degree is implemented at 12Z
on the 15th. The cyclone moved west-northwestward. At 09Z on the 16th, a ship
recorded 35 kt with 1003 mb. The cyclone made landfall near Bluefields, Nicaragua
around 19 or 20Z on 16 November, where a 996 mb pressure was recorded (it is not
certain whether this was a central or peripheral pressure value). A central pressure
of less than or equal to 996 mb yields a wind speed of at least 54 kt according to the
Brown et al. southern pressure-wind relationship. Since it is possible that the 996 mb
observation could have been a central pressure and since the highest available observed
wind for the lifetime of the system was 35 kt, a 50 kt peak intensity is analyzed from
12Z on the 16th through landfall (up from 35 kt originally at both 12 and 18Z on the
16th). The cyclone weakened to a tropical depression by 06Z on the 17th and dissipated
shortly thereafter (no change to timing of dissipation).
1933 Additional Notes:
1) Below, this suspect was originally suggested to be a new tropical cyclone. After
review by the best track committee, it is decided that it was not a tropical cyclone
and was instead extratropical because of a large temperature gradient.
DATE LAT LON CLASSIFICATION
APR 26 32N 64W EXTRATROPICAL
APR 27 30N 54W EXTRATROPICAL
April 25: HWM shows an extratropical cyclone with an extended warm and cold from centered
near 30N, 78W with a pressure of at most 1005mb at 12Z. Track of lows indicates the low
formed on the morning and was positioned at 26.8N, 78.0W with a pressure of 1008mb; the
evening position is at 30N, 70W. Ship highlights: 39kt S with 1007mb at 27N, 77.2W at 12Z
(HWM). Station highlights: no gales or low pressures. "On the morning of April 25 a
low-pressure area was centered just north of Nova Scotia with a secondary of great
intensity (998mb) over New Brunswick. From thence a trough extended southward to Florida.
A cold front of moderate intensity was in evidence along the Atlantic coastline to the
westward, and thunderstorms had occurred during the night at numerous places south of
Cape Hatteras. Between Bermuda and Florida, moderate SE winds with overcast sky were
recorded, with the exception of one ship just north of Watling Island [in the Bahamas],
which reported a SE wind force 6. The strength of this observation was greater than was
to be expected fro the geostrophic wind, which would correspond to about force 4."
April 26: HWM shows a stronger system with the low pressure centered at 34.5N, 65.5W at
12Z with a pressure of at most 1000mb with an occluded front stretching south-east to
Bermuda and from there extending warm and cold fronts. Track of lows indicate that at
13Z the system was centered at 34.0N, 64.5W with a pressure of 998mb; in the evening the
position estimate is at 38.5N, 59.0W. Ship highlights: 50 kt SSE at 0915Z (QJR); SW wind
and 990 mb at 0930Z (QJR); calm and 992 mb at 1130Z at 32.4N, 64.4W (QJR); 85 kt at 1755Z
at 33.0N, 63.0W (QJR). Station highlights: 35 kt ESE and 1000 mb at 1100Z at Bermuda
(QJR); >=85 kt W G 114 kt W and 990 mb (max wind, max gust, and min pressure) at 1140Z at
Bermuda (QJR); 40kt NW with 998mb at Bermuda at 12Z (HWM). "At 0740 [at Bermuda]. Wind
veered from ESE to W, reaching 132mph. A speed of over 100mph was maintained for about a
quarter of an hour. Barometer fell to 990.5mb, and then rose very steeply. The storm
caused considerable minor damage to the island, unroofing many houses, uprooting trees
and telegraph poles. A large steam yacht in Hamilton Harbour was blown ashore. Numerous
small boats were swamped or blown away, but no loss of life was sustained." "From the
barograph trace, the wind record and other data, there seems little doubt that this
storm was a small hurricane of about 60 miles in diameter, although the winds of actual
hurricane force cannot have been more than 30 miles across. It is of interest to note
that no winds of hurricane force were reported from a southerly direction."
April 27: HWM does not analyze a closed low but analyzes a triple point near 32N, 53W.
From this point, a warm front is analyzed extending southeastward to 27N, 47W, and a cold
front is analyzed extending south-southwestward from the triple point to 24N, 58W. Tracks
of lows shows the storm being located at 42.5N, 56.0W in the morning as that being the
last record of the system. Ship highlights: 35kt SSE with 1009mb at 33.5N, 59.5W at 00Z
(COA); 45 kt NW and 1005 mb at 06Z at 30.5N, 55.5W (COA).
Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
The origins of this system can be placed back to 23 April, when the tail end of a
dissipating cold front was located in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico near western Cuba.
Cyclonic curvature in the streamlines was increasing on the 24th in that area and there
was no longer a front in the area. On the 25th, winds increased to gale force and the
developing low moved northeastward across Florida and into the western Atlantic.
However, on the 25th, the system did not yet have a closed circulation, as it contained
an open trough extending northward from the low. On the 26th, there are several
observations that confirm that this cyclone had become a tiny, fast-moving, intense
system. Using observations from the 25th and 26th, it is analyzed that the low was
closed by 00Z on the 26th, and it is analyzed as a 50 kt cyclone at that time near 32N,
69W. The cyclone moved eastward, and by 09Z on the 26th, a ship reported a 990 mb
pressure and winds of at least 50 kt. This ship was located southwest of Bermuda and
sailing northeastward at 09Z. The ships wind shifted from SSE to NW. The island of
Bermuda recorded winds over 85 kt for an hour with a peak gust of 114 kt. (It should
be noted that the hilly terrain of Bermuda may partly be contributing toward the extreme
winds measured.) The peak gust of 114 kt was observed at the same time as Bermudas
minimum pressure of 990 mb. Another ship, was located 10 nmi north of Bermuda and
experienced 10 minutes of calm with a 992 mb minimum pressure. The center of analyzed
to have passed just a few nmi north of Bermuda on a course just north of east just
before 12Z. At 1755Z on the 26th, a ship located near 33.0N, 63.0W recorded winds of
85 kt. The cyclone continued moving rapidly eastward on the 26th, but early on the
27th it turned toward the east-southeast. At 06Z on the 27th, a ship at 30.5N, 55.5W
recorded 45 kt NW wind with 1005 mb pressure. Six hours earlier, this ship had 30 kt
SSE with 1010 mb. At 06Z on the 27th, the analyzed position is 30.7N, 55.4W with a
60 kt intensity. The last time a position can be reliably established is 12Z on the
27th, and the cyclone is analyzed to have dissipated after 18Z on the 27th at 30.0N,
51.2W as a 40 kt cyclone. It may have continued after that time,
but there is no data after that.
2) June 1st-6th
On June 1st, an area of disturbed weather in the Northwestern Caribbean had developed
into a closed system off the tail of a cold front. No gale force winds observed or
implied. On the second, the depression moved slowly to the southwest. No gale force
winds observed or implied. On the third, it moved slowly to the east-southeast.
No gale force winds observed or implied. On the fourth, it moved into an area of
limited data coverage, making it difficult to close. No gale force winds observed,
but a ship at 13.7 N, 68W had a pressure of 1005 mb, however it does not seem to
match the other nearby observations well. On the fifth, westerlies were not present,
although data was not numerous, making it possibly an open wave. No gale force winds
observed or implied. On the sixth, there were no westerlies directly related to the
disturbance, with the wave axis moving west. No gale force winds observed or implied.
DATE LAT LON CLASSIFICATION
JUN 01 19N 79W TROPICAL DEPRESSION
JUN 02 18N 81W TROPICAL DEPRESSION
JUN 03 17N 76W TROPICAL DEPRESSION
JUN 04 15N 71W TROPICAL DEPRESSION
JUN 05 --- 71W TROPICAL WAVE
JUN 06 --- 76W TROPICAL WAVE
3) June 26-27
1933 MWR p. 178 discusses a gale occurrence from 9-15N, at about 25W on 26-27 June.
Although climatology is against this being a tropical cyclone, the COADS data was
obtained, but there is no evidence of a closed circulation. MWR reports that a 35 kt
gale was observed, but there are no other gales and no other low pressures. Although
MWR reports west winds on the 26th and east winds on the 27th, there is not enough
evidence that a closed tropical cyclone was in existence. The HWM June 1930s book
was not used to analyze this suspect because we dont have it. This suspect could
be analyzed again if/when more data becomes available.
DATE LAT LON CLASSIFICATION
JUN 26 --- 27W TROPICAL WAVE
JUN 27 --- 32W TROPICAL WAVE
4) July 8th-12th
On July 8th, a trough with gale force winds developed in the southwestern Caribbean.
The system could not be closed into a center of circulation. Key observation: gale,
35 kt, on the ship Hen. at 14.7 N and 77.7 W. On the 9th, the trough became more
difficult to close off its eastern side as southerlies were absent. Gales were
reported on four ships. Key observations, 35 kt on the ship T. Lyx. at 10.2N and
76.4W, 35 kt on a ship at 12.7N and 80.5W, 35 kt on a ship at 15.8N and 80.8W, and
35 kt on a ship at 15.9N and 75.7W. No pressures below 1005 mb were observed. On
the 10th, the absence of southerlies in the trough continued. No gales were
observed or implied. On the 11th, a single observation of a southwest wind suggests
that the trough may have tried to close, however at a decreased intensity. No
gale force winds observed or implied. On the 12th, the trough may have closed into
a tropical depression, however it soon dissipated, and could not develop into a
tropical storm. No gale force winds observed or implied.
Evidence of a closed circulation on the 8th and 9th is needed to upgrade
this system to a tropical storm.
DATE LAT LON CLASSIFICATION
JUL 08 --- 80W TROUGH
JUL 09 --- 80W TROUGH
JUL 10 9N 80W TROUGH
JUL 11 9N 80W TROPICAL DEPRESSION
JUL 12 12N 81W TROPICAL DEPRESSION
5) July 17th-19th
On July 17th, a tropical depression formed in the subtropical Atlantic.
Temperatures were generally warm near the center of circulation, however
no gale force winds were observed or implied. On the 18th, it moved
slowly to the south as a strong tropical depression with warm temperatures
in all quadrants, however no gale force winds were observed or implied.
With a broad center of circulation, it may have been a non-tropical low. On
the 19th, the depression started to open as the day progressed. Temperatures
remained warm. One observation of hurricane force was observed on the ship
with number 18763 at 38.4N and 39.0W, however this observation has no
support and would be very far from the poorly-organized center. No other
reports of gale force winds were observed or implied.
Evidence of gale force winds on the 17th and 18th, or one more gale on
the 19th is needed to upgrade this depression to a tropical storm.
DATE LAT LON CLASSIFICATION
JUL 17 37N 47W TROPICAL DEPRESSION
JUL 18 36N 46W TROPICAL DEPRESSION
JUL 19 37N 48W TROPICAL DEPRESSION
6) August 14-21
ORIGINAL HURDAT:
26540 08/16/1933 M= 6 7 SNBR= 587 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
26545 08/16* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*110 580 35 0
26550 08/17*118 606 35 0*121 618 35 0*125 630 35 0*128 641 35 0
26555 08/18*130 651 35 0*133 661 35 0*135 670 35 0*139 681 35 0
26560 08/19*141 693 35 0*141 700 35 0*142 708 35 0*143 720 35 0
26565 08/20*143 732 35 0*144 743 35 0*145 752 30 0*146 758 30 0
26570 08/21*146 765 30 0*146 773 25 0*147 781 25 0*147 803 20 0
26575 TS
REVISED DAILY POSITIONS/INTENSITIES:
August 14 12Z: 8N, 52W TD
August 15 12Z: 10N, 56W TD
August 16 12Z: 12N, 60W TD
August 17 12Z: 12N, 64W TD
August 18 12Z: 13N, 67W TD
August 19 12Z: 14N, 71W TD
August 20 12Z: 14N, 75W TD
This storm originally #7 has been removed from HURDAT based on observations
from HWM and COADS. This cyclone was likely a tropical depression only.
Aug 16: HURDAT starts this system as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 11.0N,
58.0W at 18UTC. Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights:
no gales or low pressures. "A disturbance of slight intensity appeared over the
Windward Islands on the 16th and moved westward."
Aug 17: HURDAT lists the system as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 12.5N, 63W
at 12UTC. Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 18: HWM begins to show a closed low of at most 1010mb centered near 13.5N, 67W
at 12UTC. HURDAT lists the system as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 13.5N, 67.0W
at 12UTC. Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 19: HWM loses the system for the remainder of its lifetime. HURDAT lists the
system as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 14.2N, 70.8W at 12UTC.
Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 20: HURDAT lists the system as a tropical depression with 30kt winds at 14.5N,
75.2W at 12UTC. Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Aug 21: HURDAT lists the system as a tropical depression with 25kt winds at 14.7N,
80.3W at 12UTC. Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales
or low pressures. "It was last traceable about 300 miles east of the Honduras coast on the 21st."
This system is analyzed to be a closed tropical depression from August 14th 12Z through
August 20th 18Z. The highest observed wind in association with this system was 20 kt.
On some of the days, the observational coverage is more extensive than on other days.
Thus this cyclone is removed from HURDAT because it is analyzed that this was only a
tropical depression and never attained tropical storm intensity. Sufficient observational
coverage on most days indicates that although there was decent evidence that the
circulation was closed on most of the days, there is also substantial evidence that
the intensity was weaker than listed in HURDAT- and only tropical depression intensity.
There were no observed gales or low pressures in association with this cyclone.
7) September 27-30
1933 (remove) (original Storm 17)
Original HURDAT:
27035 09/28/1933 M= 3 17 SNBR= 597 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
27040 09/28* 0 0 0 0*117 821 35 0*126 822 35 0*134 823 35 0
27045 09/29*143 826 35 0*156 836 35 0*163 848 35 0*164 854 35 0
27050 09/30*165 862 35 0*167 873 35 0*168 885 35 0*169 900 30 0
27055 TS
Revised Daily Positions:
9/27 12Z: 13N, 80W TD
9/28 12Z: 13N, 82W TD
9/29 12Z; 16N, 85W TD
9/30 12Z: open wave along 90W from 8-18N
This system is removed from HURDAT as it only reached tropical depression status, at most.
On the 27th, it is plausible that a tropical depression existed near 12.5-13N, 80.5W, as
observations show a closed, but broad and very weak circulation in the southwestern Caribbean.
The closest observation on this day to the analyzed position is 130 nmi away 10 kt S with
1010 mb at 12Z. If a tropical cyclone existed, locating it on the 28th is problematic.
Beginning on the 28th, there are two possible scenarios for the track of the TC (if a TC
existed at all to begin with). The first scenario is that the track and positions were
close to the original HURDAT positions. The 2nd scenario is that the cyclone was moving
westward much more quickly and that it took a farther south track inland over Central
America. If the first scenario is used, which are positions close to the original HURDAT
positions, then there is enough observational coverage near the 28th and 29th to show that
the circulation was very weak and likely only a tropical depression throughout its lifetime.
If the 2nd scenario is used, then the cyclone made landfall on 28 September at 06Z near 13.3N,
83.6W. 06Z on the 28th is the first point listed in HURDAT as being well offshore. Under
this 2nd scenario, the position by 12Z on the 29th is 16N, 89W and the position by 12Z on the
30th is 17N, 91.5W. Since the cyclone would have been over land for almost the entire time,
the 35 kt listed on HURDAT would have to be lowered to 30 kt anyway. The reason why it is
difficult to determine which scenario is correct is because there are two conflicting ship
observations at 12Z on the 28th. Depending on which of the two observations to believe,
two entirely different tracks can be drawn for the two succeeding days. Another factor is
that the monsoonal flow became quite pronounced on the 29th, and the pressures across the
entire area were generally very low. Under scenario #1, there are 3 observations within
100 nmi from the center, and 2 of them are within 60 nmi from the center the closest of
which is 20 kt SSE with 1008 mb pressure (this is the conflicting ship observation mentioned
above). If this observation, which occurred at 13.2N, 83.2W, was plotted too far west by
60-90 nmi, then a position near 12.6N, 82.5W would appear reasonable, as it would fit with
3 other observations in the area. On the 29th under this scenario, there are 3 obs within
100 nmi of the center again, the closest being 60 nmi from the center. All 3 obs were winds
of 5 kt with pressure of 1008-1009 mb. Under scenario #2 on the 28th, the closest
observation was 95 nmi from the center (the same 20 kt SSE with 1008 mb ship). On the 29th,
there are 1 or 2 obs within 100 nmi of the center Tela, Honduras and Belize City, and
both of those stations experienced 24-hr pressure falls of 2.7 mb. On the 30th, the closest
obs are Frontera (110 nmi), Rapachula (130 nmi), Belize City (190 nmi), but there is no
indication of a tropical cyclone on this day either. Another factor that caused the pressures
to decrease even more in the southwestern Caribbean on the 30th was that Storm #18 was
beginning to develop there. The analysis indicates a possibility that the feature of
interest could have been a tropical depression, and it also indicates a strong likelihood
that tropical storm intensity was never attained based on sufficient observational coverage
on the 28th and 29th according to scenario number 1. Given that there were 3 observations
within 100 nmi on both days- 2 of them being 55-60 nmi from the center on the 28th, and
given that the highest measured winds were 20 kt and that you often see cyclonic turning
in that area of the southwestern Caribbean, there is enough evidence to remove this system
from HURDAT.
Sept 27: HWM does not show a low in the area. HURDAT starts the system tomorrow. Ship highlights:
no gales or low pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Sept 28: HWM does not show a low in the area. HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with
35kt winds at 12.6N, 82.2W at 12Z. Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights:
no gales or low pressures. "This was a very minor disturbance that apparently developed northwest
of the Isthmus of Panama and moved northwestward. Its center passed near Cape Gracias the evening
of the 28th,"
Sept 29: HWM shows a spot low of at most 1010mb near 16.5N, 90W at 12Z. HURDAT lists this system
as a tropical storm with 35kt winds at 16.3N, 84.8W at 12Z. Ship highlights: no gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: no gales or low pressures.
Sept 30: HWM does not show a low in the area. HURDAT lists this system as a tropical storm with
35kt winds at 16.8N, 88.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: no gales or low pressures. Station highlights:
1005mb at C. Gracias. "[it] then traveled west-northwestward and passed inland south of Belize,
British Honduras, the morning of the 30th.