1935 Storm #1 – 2012 Addition
27736 05/15/1935 M= 5 1 SNBR= 613 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
27737 05/15*170 685 30 0*175 690 30 0*182 695 30 1006*192 699 30 0
27738 05/16*203 702 30 0*215 704 30 0*225 705 35 0*232 702 35 0
27739 05/17*238 695 40 0*244 685 40 0*250 673 45 0*256 658 50 0
27739 05/18*263 635 50 0*273 610 45 0*285 590 40 0*297 570 35 0
27739 05/19E310 550 30 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
27739 TS
This is a new tropical storm not previously recorded in HURDAT. Evidence for this
system comes from the Historical Weather Map series, the COADS ship database and
the Monthly Weather Review.
May 15: An area of low pressure resides over the eastern portion of Hispaniola
(18.5N, 69.5W) with pressure of at most 1010 mb from HWM. Available observations
from HWM and COADS indicate the storm system is barotropic.
Ship highlights: 5 kt NE and 1006 mb at 18N, 69.5W at 12 UTC (HWM).
May 16: HWM indicates an approaching frontal system from the northwest. The system
is presently a tropical storm with evidence from HWM and COADS of a low of at
most 1010 mb near 22.5N, 70.5W. "And on the 17th a whole gale was met a considerable
distance south of Bermuda. The low with which this latter gale was connected was
noted near Haiti on the 16th" (MWR). No gale force winds (or equivalent in pressure)
were observed.
May 17: The approaching cold front continues to interact with the tropical storm
causing it to move toward the northeast. HWM and COADS indicate the tropical storm
is near 25N, 67.3W. "...on the 17th a whole gale was met a considerable distance
south of Bermuda." Ship highlights: 20 kt NE and 1003 mb at 26N, 68.4W at 12 UTC (COA).
May 18: HWM indicates that no closed low was present and that a moderate cold front
was approaching the area where the tropical cyclone was previously.
Ship highlights: 50 kt S and 1003 mb at 26.3N, 63W at 00 UTC (MWR).
May 19: HWM suggests that the system has been absorbed by a frontal boundary.
From COADS and MWR, however, observations suggest that the center was near
28.5N, 59W. No gale force winds (or equivalent in pressure) were observed.
Genesis for this tropical system began on the early May 15th where evidence shows
a closed circulation. It appears that the system acquired tropical storm status at
12 UTC on the 15th. A central pressure of 1006 mb at 12 UTC on the 15th suggests
maximum winds of 35 kt from the Brown et al. south of 25N pressure-wind relationship.
As the cyclone was moving slowly at this point in time, 30 kt is chosen for HURDAT.
Intensification to a tropical storm is estimated to have occurred around 12 UTC on
the 16th. Peak observations were 50 kt and 1003 mb late on the 17th and early on
the 18th as evident from the Dutch ship Magdala (MWR). 1003 mb peripheral pressure
would suggest at least 41 kt from the south of 25N pressure –wind relationship.
Thus 50 kt is chosen for HURDAT based on both observed winds and pressure.
Dissipation occurred after 00Z on the 19th as the system became absorbed by a
frontal boundary.
Storm 2 (originally 1), 1935
26610 08/18/1935 M= 9 1 SNBR= 587 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
27740 08/18/1935 M=11 2 SNBR= 614 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
** *
(The 16th and 17th are new to HURDAT.)
26615 08/16* 0 0 0 0*109 560 25 0*115 570 25 0*122 580 25 0*
26615 08/17*131 589 25 0*140 597 25 0*150 605 25 0*161 612 30 0*
26615 08/18* 0 0 0 0*195 590 65 0*202 608 70 0*206 618 75 0*
27745 08/18*173 618 35 0*185 624 40 0*195 630 45 0*203 637 55 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26620 08/19*210 627 75 0*214 634 80 0*218 641 80 0*222 648 85 0*
27750 08/19*209 645 65 0*214 653 70 0*218 660 75 0*222 667 80 0
*** *** ** *** ** *** ** *** **
26625 08/20*226 655 90 0*232 663 90 0*238 670 95 0*243 675 95 0*
27755 08/20*225 671 85 0*228 674 90 0*232 675 95 0*239 676 100 0
*** *** ** *** *** *** *** *** *** **
26630 08/21*247 678 95 0*251 681 100 0*256 684 100 0*265 687 100 0*
27760 08/21*249 677 105 0*262 678 115 0*273 680 115 0*281 682 115 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26635 08/22*276 690 100 0*285 690 105 0*294 688 105 0*305 684 105 0*
27765 08/22*287 683 115 0*291 684 110 0*294 685 110 0*300 684 110 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26640 08/23*316 678 105 0*321 673 105 0*328 666 100 0*340 648 100 0*
27770 08/23*308 680 110 0*317 674 105 0*328 666 100 0*340 650 100 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26645 08/24*352 628 95 0*361 610 90 0*373 593 85 0*397 576 80 0*
27775 08/24*352 630 100 0*361 610 100 0*373 590 100 0*397 576 95 0
*** *** *** *** *** **
26650 08/25E426 567 75 0E452 570 70 0E473 577 65 0E484 584 55 0*
27780 08/25*426 567 85 0*452 570 75 0E473 577 70 0E484 584 60 0
* ** * ** ** **
26655 08/26E489 591 50 0E493 598 40 0E497 605 35 0E499 620 30 0*
27785 08/26E489 592 50 0E493 602 40 0E497 615 35 0E499 630 30 0
*** *** *** ***
26660 HR
Major changes to both the track and the intensity shown in McAdie et al. (2009),
originally storm number 1. Another major change is to begin genesis two days
earlier than originally indicated. Evidence for these alterations comes from
the Historical Weather Maps series, the COADS ship database, individual ship and
station data from NCDC, and Monthly Weather Review.
August 16: HWM analyzed no features of interest on this date. HURDAT had not
yet begun this system on this date. No gales or low pressures on this date.
August 17: HWM analyzed no features of interest on this date. HURDAT had not
yet begun this system on this date. No gales or low pressures on this date.
August 18: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 1010 mb near 19N, 61W. HURDAT
listed this as a Category 1 hurricane at 20.2N, 60.8W at 12 UTC. The MWR Tracks
of Cyclones indicate the center near 21N, 61W at 8 a.m. Available observations
from HWM and COADS suggests a center near 19.5N, 62W. Ship highlights: 35 kt NE
at ~12 UTC at 22N, 65W (MWR). Regarding the intensity, "The American tanker
California Standard made the first definite contact with the developing storm
center on the morning of the 18th, when a northeast gale was encountered near
22N, 65W" (MWR).
August 19: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005 mb near 22N, 66W. HURDAT
listed this as a Category 1 hurricane at 21.8N, 64.1W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones
indicate the center near 22N, 65W at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest that
a position close to HWM is most accurate. Ship highlights: 60 kt NE and 1001 mb
at 22.3N, 64W at 01Z (MWR); 50 kt SE and 1011 mb at 22.3N, 64W at 12 UTC (COA).
August 20: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 1005 mb near 23N, 68W. HURDAT
listed this as a Category 2 hurricane at 23.8N, 67W at 12 UTC. The MWR Tracks
of Cyclones indicate the center near 24N, 66W at 8 a.m. Available observations
suggest that a position slightly southwest of HURDAT is most accurate.
Ship highlights: 35 kt ESE and 1006 mb at 24N, 66.7W (HWM).
August 21: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 995 mb near 26N, 69W. HURDAT
listed this as a Category 3 hurricane at 25.6N, 68.4W at 12 UTC. The MWR Tracks
of Cyclones indicate a pressure of 955 mb centered near 26N, 68W at 8 a.m.
Available observations suggest the center north of HURDAT is most accurate.
Ship highlights: 70 kt N and 955 mb at 26.9N, 68.5W at 09 UTC (MWR); 45 kt W
and 986 mb at 27N, 67W at 12 UTC (COA). Regarding the intensity, "...the
American steamship Angelina passed very close to the center about 5 a.m. of
the 21st near 27N, 68.5W where a barometer reading of 955 mb was observed,
attended by hurricane winds shifting from the northeast through west to
southwest, without a lull" (MWR).
August 22: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 995 mb near 29.5N, 68.5W.
HURDAT listed this as a Category 3 hurricane at 29.4N, 68.8W. The MWR Tracks
of Cyclones indicate the center near 29N, 69W at 8 a.m. Available observations
suggest the HURDAT location is most accurate. Ship Highlights: 60 kt W and
994 mb at 27.3N, 71.7W at 04 UTC (MWR); 35 kt S and 1010 mb at 28.3N, 66W
at 12 UTC (COA).
August 23: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 985 mb near 32.5N, 67W.
HURDAT listed this as a Category 3 hurricane at 32.8N, 66.6W. The MWR Tracks
of Cyclones indicate the center near 33N, 67W at 8 a.m. Available observations
indicate that the HURDAT position is most accurate. Station highlights:
35 kt S and 1005 mb at Bermuda at 12 UTC (HWM). Ship highlights: 45 kt SSW
and 1013 mb at 28.5N, 65.5W at 04 UTC (COA); 35 WSW and 1009 mb at 29.3N,
65.6 W at 12 UTC (COA).
August 24: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 975 mb near 37N, 59.5W.
HURDAT listed this as a Category 2 hurricane at 37.3N, 59.3W. The MWR
Tracks of Cyclones indicate a pressure of 972 mb centered near 36N, 59W
at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest the HURDAT position to be most
accurate. Ship highlights: 70 kt S and 972 mb at 36.5N, 59.5W at 09 UTC
(MWR); 70 kt WNW and 956 mb at 41.4N, 57W at 21 UTC (MWR). "The British
steamer York City encountered the central region about 400 miles northeast
of Bermuda, and there for 24 hours experienced storm conditions culminating
about 5 a.m. in a south-to-west hurricane that lasted 4 hours causing
considerable damage to the life boats and superstructure of the ship. The
barometer fell to 973 mb at 36.5N, 59.5W at its lowest point as the winds
changed from south-southeast through southwest to northwest" (MWR).
August 25: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 995 mb near 46N, 57.5W.
HURDAT listed this as an extratropical storm centered near 47.3N, 57.7W.
The MWR Tracks of Cyclones indicate a pressure of 996 mb centered near
47N, 56W at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest the HURDAT position to
be most accurate. Ship highlights: 35 kt NE and 977 mb at 45.4N, 58.2W at
03 UTC (MWR); 35 kt SW and 1000 mb at 46N, 53.2W at 12 UTC (HWM).
August 26: HWM indicates a large extratropical storm centered near 50N,
60W with a cold front extending to the southeast. HURDAT listed this as
an extratropical storm centered near 29.4N, 68.8W.
Ship highlight: 25 kt SE and 1001 mb at 51N, 60W at 12 UTC (HWM).
Genesis is begun early on the 16th of August, as a well-defined
circulation was present east of the Lesser Antilles on that date as
shown by ship and island observations. This is two days earlier than
originally indicated. A large track change was introduced at 06 and
12 UTC on the 18th. The remainder of the lifetime of the cyclone had
minor position alterations introduced. Observations suggest that the
system began as a tropical depression and gradually intensified into
a tropical storm around 00 UTC on the 18th. Numerous observations on
the 18th indicate that the system was not as intense as shown in
HURDAT; the intensity is reduced to 45 kt at 12 UTC down from 70 kt
originally. Major intensity reductions (at least a 20 kt change) are
made from 06 to 18 UTC on the 18th. A 60 kt NE ship observation with
1001 mb pressure at 01 UTC on the 19th does support the cyclone
becoming a hurricane by 00 UTC of the 19th, a 12 hour delay to
hurricane intensity from originally listed in HURDAT. Intensity
reduced 10 kt at 00 and 06 UTC and by 5 kt at 12 and 18 UTC on the
19th, though further reductions in intensity are not justifiable
given the limited inner cord observations. 955 mb peripheral
pressure with hurricane force winds on the 21st suggests maximum
winds of at least 106 kt from the Brown et al. south of 25N
pressure-wind relationship. 115 kt is chosen for the reanalysis and
is the peak intensity of this system (up from 105 kt originally).
A ship reported 70 kt WNW winds with 956 mb pressure at 21 UTC on
the 24th. This suggests maximum winds of at least 93 kt from the
Landsea et al. north of 35N pressure-wind relationship.
Additionally, the hurricane was moving around 30 kt on the 24th
and 25th. On the other hand, the system was near 42N at the time
of the ship observation and extratropical transition had begun.
Thus intensity is analyzed to be 95 kt at 18 UTC on the 24th and
85 kt at 00 UTC on the 25th. HURDAT originally suggests weakening
began on the 24th with a quick transition to extratropical by 00 UTC
of the 25th. Available observations indicate that the structure of
the cyclone at 12 UTC on the 24th was still fairly symmetric and two
ships 200 nm north of the cyclone reported 79F air temperatures.
Substantial weakening instead began on the 25th with the transition
to extratropical around 12 UTC of the 25th. The cyclone became absorbed
before 00 UTC on the 27th of August by a larger extratropical low that
moved eastward across Canada. There is no evidence that the system had
a separate closed low at 12 UTC on the 27th.
Storm 3 (originally 2), 1935
26665 08/29/1935 M=13 2 SNBR= 588 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=5
27795 08/29/1935 M=13 3 SNBR= 615 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=5
*
26670 08/29* 0 0 0 0*242 683 35 0*242 693 35 0*242 698 35 0*
27800 08/29* 0 0 0 0*233 688 25 0*235 693 25 0*238 698 25 0
*** *** ** *** ** *** **
26675 08/30*242 704 35 0*242 709 40 0*242 714 40 0*241 720 45 0*
27805 08/30*241 704 30 0*242 709 30 0*242 714 30 0*241 721 30 0
** ** ** *** **
26680 08/31*241 726 45 0*240 730 50 0*239 735 55 0*238 743 55 0*
27810 08/31*241 729 35 0*240 737 35 0*239 745 40 0*238 752 45 0
** *** ** *** ** *** **
26685 09/01*237 753 60 0*236 763 60 0*237 773 65 0*238 781 75 0*
27815 09/01*237 759 50 0*237 766 55 0*237 773 65 0*237 779 75 0
** *** *** ** *** ***
26690 09/02*239 786 90 0*240 790 105 0*242 793 120 0*243 797 130 0*
27820 09/02*237 785 90 0*237 790 105 0*238 795 120 0*241 800 135 0
*** *** *** *** *** ***
26695 09/03*245 801 140 892*249 808 130 0*252 813 115 0*261 823 100 0*
27825 09/03*246 805 160 892*251 811 160 0*257 816 145 0*264 822 130 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26700 09/04*271 830 95 0*279 834 85 0*287 835 80 0*295 835 75 0*
27830 09/04*271 828 115 0*278 832 105 0*284 834 95 0*291 834 85 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ** *** *** ***
26705 09/05*305 832 60 0*317 827 60 0*330 817 55 0*341 805 55 0*
27835 09/05*299 834 75 0*309 831 65 0*320 825 55 0*332 815 50 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** *** *** **
26710 09/06*352 791 55 0*361 772 60 0*370 751 65 0*383 709 75 0*
27840 09/06*346 800 45 0*361 780 50 996*375 751 65 0*387 709 75 0
*** *** ** *** ** *** *** ***
26715 09/07*397 654 80 0E408 602 80 0E420 550 80 0E433 498 75 0*
27845 09/07E398 654 80 0E409 602 80 0E420 550 80 0E431 500 75 0
**** *** *** ***
26720 09/08E448 447 75 0E466 396 70 0E485 363 65 0E493 351 60 0*
27850 09/08E442 450 75 0E455 400 75 0E469 352 75 0E485 327 75 0
*** *** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26725 09/09E500 342 60 0E521 321 55 0E540 312 50 0E550 311 45 0*
27855 09/09E502 315 70 0E520 312 70 0E540 312 70 0E555 320 65 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** ** *** *** **
26730 09/10E560 321 40 0E570 335 35 0E580 360 35 0* 0 0 0 0*
27860 09/10E565 340 60 0E568 365 55 0E570 390 50 0* 0 0 0 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26735 HRBFL5AFL2
27865 HRCFL5BFL5AFL2IGA1
********** ****
U.S. Hurricane Landfalls
3rd/02 UTC 24.8N 80.8W 5 nm RMW 892 mb 160 kt CFL5, BFL5
4th/22 UTC 29.6N 83.4W 20 nm RMW 965 mb 85 kt AFL2
Minor changes to the track (while it was a tropical cyclone) and major changes to
the intensity shown in McAdie et al. (2009), originally storm number 2. Evidence
for these alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps series, the COADS ship
database, Monthly Weather Review, Climatological Data (Florida, Georgia, South
Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia), Barnes (1998), Dunn and Miller (1960),
Ho et al (1987), Jarrell et al (1992), Schwerdt et al (1979), and Vickery et al (2000).
August 29: HWM analysed a trough along 70W. HURDAT listed this as a tropical storm
at 24.2N, 69.3W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones indicate the center near 24.5N, 68W at
8 a.m. Available observations suggests a position south of HURDAT is most accurate.
No gale force winds (or equivalent in pressure) were observed.
August 30: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 1010 mb near 22.5N, 72.5W. HURDAT
listed this as a tropical storm at 24.2N, 71.4W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones
indicate the center near 24.5N, 71W at 8 a.m. Available observations indicate the
HURDAT location to be most accurate. No gale force winds (or equivalent in pressure)
were observed. “Indications of this disastrous storm first appeared on our weather
map on August 30, 1935, as a weak circulation, with no strong winds, but occasional
squalls” (Florida Climatological Data).
August 31: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 1005 mb near 24N, 73.5W. HURDAT
listed this as a tropical storm at 23.9N, 73.5W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones
indicate the center near 24N, 74W at 8 a.m. Available observations indicate a
position west of HURDAT to be most accurate. No gale force winds (or equivalent
in pressure) were observed. "...but it was not until August 31 that a definite
depression appeared, near Long Island in the southeastern Bahamas, and deepened
rapidly as it moved westward" (MWR).
September 1: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 1000 mb near 22N, 77.5W. HURDAT
listed this as a Category 1 hurricane at 23.7N, 77.3W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones
indicate the center near 23.5N, 77W at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest the
HURDAT location to be most accurate. Ship highlights: 50 kt S and 1005 mb at 22.9N,
74.5W at 00 UTC (MWR). "Hurricane intensity was doubtless reached by the developing
disturbance near the south end of Andros Island on September 1" (MWR). “During the
afternoon and night of the 31st and morning of September 1st, the disturbance moved
through the Bahamas…Press reports from the Bahamas indicated that no damage occurred
there, although later there was one report of some damage on the extreme southern
end of Andros Island. There is no doubt that the storm was not of hurricane
intensity at the time it crossed the islands” (Florida Climatological Data).
September 2: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 1000 mb near 23N, 80W. HURDAT
listed this as a Category 4 hurricane at 24.2N, 79.3W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones
indicates a pressure of 914 mb inches near 24N, 79W at 8 a.m. Available observations
suggest a position south of HURDAT to be most accurate. Station highlights: 70 kt N
and 950 mb at Long Key at 22 UTC (MWR); 70 kt NW and 945 mbat Long Key at 2245 UTC
(MWR). Ship highlights: 5 kt variable and 924 mb at ~25N, ~80.5W at 21 UTC (MWR);
50 kt NW and 996 mb at 24.4N, 80.9W at 22 UTC (MWR). Miami observed minimal winds
for this hurricane, "Northeast to southeast gales occurred during the day, in
connection with a tropical disturbance passing through the Florida Keys; the maximum
velocity was 40 mph from the southeast at 11:51 p.m." (OMR). Regarding the track,
"The vortex was at the stage of maximum violence, though still of small diameter, as
it crossed the Florida Keys between Key West and Miami, September 2, moving
northwestward" (MWR). “The exact path of the storm between Long Island [Bahamas]
and the Florida Keys cannot be plotted definitively. It seems probable that the
storm moved westward or even west-southwestward for some distance and then began a
very gradual recurve. The disturbance probably reached hurricane intensity as it
passed south of Andros Island. The hurricane approached the Florida Keys during
the afternoon of the 2nd and winds of hurricane force began about 5 p. m. at
Alligator Reef and somewhat later at the keys to the westward. The area of hurricane
winds was only about 30 miles in diameter, but this hurricane was probably the most
intense of record over a small area to visit any portion of the United States”
(Florida Climatological Data).
September 3: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 995 mb near 24.5N, 81.5W. HURDAT
listed this as a Category 4 hurricane at 25.2N, 81.3W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones
indicates a pressure around 914 mb near 26.5N, 82W at 8 a.m. Available observations
suggest a position slightly northwest of HURDAT to be most accurate. Station highlights:
calm winds and 899 mb at Upper Matecumbe Key at ~00 UTC (MWR); calm winds and
892 mb at Craig Key at ~00 UTC (MWR); extreme hurricane force winds SSW and 26.98 in.
[914 mb] at Long Key at 0215 UTC (MWR). Ship highlights: 920 mb at Molasses Reef at
~02 UTC (MWR); 50 kt SSW and 997 mb at 24.4N, 81.3W at 07 UTC (MWR); 45 kt NNW and
998 mb at 27.5N, 80.5W at 13 UTC (COA). With regards to landfall, "...at Long Key
the barometer was read throughout the passage of the storm by Mr. J.E. Duane, a
cooperative observer for the Weather Bureau. 9:20 p.m.: Barometer 922 mb, wind
abated but no flat calm. Lull lasted 55 minutes, 10:10 p.m.: Barometer now 915 mb.
10:15: The first blast from SSW, full force. The barometer now read 914 mb" (MWR).
"Southeast gales, shifting to south, continued throughout the day in connection
with the hurricane passing through the Florida Keys. Minor damage to awnings,
fruit trees and shrubbery, etc. The maximum velocity for a five minute was 41 mph
from the southeast at 9:07 a.m." (Miami OMR). The Keys experienced an extreme
hurricane with a barometer reading of 892 mb and winds in excess of 200 mph (Dunn
and Miller). "On the night of the 2nd-3rd a severe hurricane of small diameter
passed northeast of the station, with the center about 50 miles distant...highest
wind was but 46 mph and there was no damage of consequence in this vicinity"
(Key West OMR). Regarding intensity at landfall, "Captain Olson's boat weathered
the storm by being fastened on the north side of the railroad embankment at Craig,
near the north end of Long Key. The ships barometer was tested in Washington and
showed it to be exceptionally responsive and reliable. It recorded a low pressure
of 892 mb near 00 UTC" (MWR). "This adjusted reading [892 mb] set a new record as
the lowest pressure ever measured in the Western Hemisphere..." (Barnes). Landfall
position is noted in Ho et al at 24.8N, 80.8W with 892 mb central pressure and
6 nautical mile radius of maximum winds. Estimated maximum sustained surface winds
were 151 kt from Schwerdt et al. Regarding the storm tide at Islamorada (8:35 p.m.),
"Best estimates suggest that the tide was eighteen to twenty feet above normal,"
and, "...the [railroad] track was turned on its side like a fence and ten train
cars were swept sideways almost 100 feet" (Barnes). “A corrected barometer reading
of 26.98 [914 mb] was recorded Long Key, and 26.75 [906 mb] on Lignumvita Key.
The reading of 26.75 was more than half an inch lower than any previous pressure
record in this country and one of the lowest in the entire world. A pressure fall
of 1.16 inches [39 mb] in 30 minutes was noted at Alligator Reef. Winds of 150 to
200 miles per hour undoubtedly occurred with gusts probably exceeding 200 miles
per hour. The storm was accompanied by phenomenally high tides at and subsequent
to the passage of the storm center. The track and crossties were washed off a
concrete railroad viaduct, 30 feet above ordinary water level. The center of the
hurricane passed over Long Key and Lower Matecumbe Key about 10 p. m. September 2nd,
with a lull or calm of 55 minutes, and stars were visible. After crossing the keys,
the hurricane continued its gradual recurve, paralleling the west Florida coastline
about 30 to 50 miles offshore. It was now apparently increasing in area, while its
central intensity was slightly decreasing” (Florida Climatological Data).
September 4: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 990 mb near 28N, 83.5W. HURDAT
listed this as a Category 1 hurricane at 28.7N, 83.5W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones
indicates a pressure around 948 mb near 29N, 84.5W at 8 a.m. Available observations
suggest a position near HURDAT to be most accurate. Station highlights: 980 mb at
Egmont Key at 03 UTC (MWR); 985 mb at Cedar Key at 1750 UTC (MWR). Ship highlights:
70 kt SE and 979 mb at 27.6N, 82.7W at 03 UTC (MWR). "At Cedar Keys, three lives were
lost and considerable damages were reported to docks, fishing vessels, and structures
near the shore, the worst flooding since 1896" (Barnes). "Tampa winds were clocked
at 75 mph, the barometer dropped to 29.31, tides were 5.3 feet above normal, and over
7.3 inches of rain fell" (Barnes). "Very few roofs escaped at least minor damage.
Many were blown off entirely and others damaged badly. Trees, citrus, overhead wiring,
and other properties were damaged considerably or destroyed" (Tampa OMR). “Sep 4,
Central Pressure 960 mb based upon 980 mb observation at Egmont Key, 10 kt forward
speed, 21 nm RMW, landfall position at 29.9N 83.7W” (Ho et al). “The storm moved
northward, passed west of Cedar Keys at 1:50 p. m. of the 4th…The storm passed inland
over Taylor and Dixie counties late in the afternoon of the 4th still attended by
hurricane winds” (Florida Climatological Data).
September 5: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 995 mb near 28N, 83.5W. HURDAT
listed this as a tropical storm at 33N, 81.7W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones indicates
a pressure of 992 mb near 33N, 82W at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest a
position southwest of HURDAT to be most accurate. Station highlights: 15 kt N and
993 mb at Augusta at 18 UTC (OMR); 993 mb (min P) at Columbia at 2040 UTC (OMR);
42 kt S (max wind) and 997 mb (min pressure) at Savannah (no time available)
(South Carolina Climatological Data); 41 kt S (max wind) and 1001 mb (min pressure)
at Wilmington (no time available) (South Carolina Climatological Data); 40 kt S
(max wind) and 999 mb (min pressure) (no time available) at Charleston (South Carolina
Climatological Data). Ship highlights: 70 kt SE and 1001 mb at ~30.5N, ~80.7W at
07 UTC (MWR); 15 kt N and 1004 mb at 33.5N, 84.3W at 12 UTC (HWM). Regarding the
track across the southeast United States, "During September 5 the storm moved from
Georgia across the Carolinas, attended by high winds and heavy rains that caused
some damage to property and crops, especially in southern Georgia" (MWR). "Throughout
sections of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina minor hurricane conditions
were experienced and 4 tornadoes were reported" (Dunn and Miller). “…and then moved
on through Madison County [FL] to Georgia, and moved northeastward through the
Carolinas during the next two [5th and 6th] days, accompanied by heavy rains
generally, and tornadoes in some localities” (Florida Climatological Data).
"Besides heavy rains the storm caused high winds on the 5th reaching a maximum
of 49 mph from the south at 10:31 a.m." (Savannah OMR). "On the 5th the center
of a tropical disturbance passed approximately 25 miles west of the station.
Actual property damage was slight though a considerable number of trees were
blown down, breaking power lines and telephone connections" (Charleston OMR).
Columbia experienced, "...2.42 inches in 24 hours on the 4th-5th. The center of
that tropical storm which killed several hundred people in the Florida Keys
passed just east of the station at 4:40 p.m. on the 5th where only a 20 mph wind
was observed" (Columbia OMR). Raleigh weather office also noted that "nearly
half of the month’s total precipitation occurred on the 5th" (OMR). “On the 5th,
mostly during afternoon, the tropical disturbance on its northward passage
from the west Florida Coast, considerably damaged property and crops in the
coastal region; property damage was estimated at $15,000 altogether, most of
which was reported from the vicinities of Beaufort, Walterboro and Georgetown.
Maximum wind velocities from 45 to 55 miles per hour were reported. Much cotton
staple was blown on the ground, as well as corn, cane and other unharvested crops.
Several persons were injured by falling trees” (South Carolina Climatological Data).
“Some remarkably heavy rains, 5 inches or more, occurred as the well known Florida
Keys hurricane passed over the southern section on the 4th and 5th, although highly
destructive winds at that time were lacking. However, the winds did cause extensive
damage to crops in the fields and some minor damage to other property” (Georgia
Climatological Data).
September 6: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 995 mb near 36N, 75W. HURDAT listed
this as a Category 1 hurricane at 37N, 75.1W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones indicates a
pressure of 985 mb near 37N, 75W at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest a position
slightly north of HURDAT to be most accurate. Station highlights: 28 kt NW and 999 mb
at Norfolk at 12 UTC (OMR) and 997 mb (min pressure – no time given); 37 kt NW
(max wind) and 1001 mb (min pressure) at Cape Henry (no time available) (Virginia
Climatological Data); 38 kt SW (max wind) and 1001 mb (min pressure) at Hatteras
(no time given) (North Carolina Climatological Data). Ship highlights: 70 kt NW and
985 mb at ~38.5N, ~74W at 15 UTC (MWR); 50 NNE and 984 mb at 39.7N, 69W at 22 UTC
(MWR). On re-entry into the Atlantic Ocean, "On the morning of September 6 the center
of disturbance passed near Cape Henry, VA., where the lowest barometer was only
992 mb" (MWR). Norfolk observed, "thunderstorm conditions from early to late afternoon
on the 6th where a tornado was also observed passing through western and northwestern
sections of the city causing $22,000 in property damage but no loss of life (Norfolk OMR).
“Storm damage was limited to a tornado near Farmville, Va. On the 5th, damaging
$30,000 worth of buildings, $25,000 worth of crops, killing two people and injuring a
dozen others; and to high winds on the same date in Norfolk and vicinity, with damage
to buildings amounting to $14,000, and to crops $8,000. In addition to the above,
flood waters in the James River entailed a loss approximating $150,000, principally
to crops. Excessive rains on the 507th damaged highways to the extent of $450,000,
and crops, principally corn, to the amount of $1,650,000” (Virginia Climatological Data).
September 7: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 985 mb near 43.5N, 55W, with a cold
front analyzed extending from the center toward the north. HURDAT listed this as a
strong extratropical storm at 42N, 55W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones indicates a pressure
of 964 mb near 43N, 54.5W at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest a position near HURDAT
to be most accurate. Ship highlights: 60 kt N and 964 mb at 42N, 54W at ~12 UTC (MWR);
70 kt WSW and 979 mb at 41.1N, 54.3W at 17 UTC (MWR).
September 8: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 980 mb near 48.5N, 37.5 with a cold
front extending toward the south. HURDAT listed this as an extratropical storm at 48.5N,
36.3W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones indicates a pressure around 948 mb near 46.5N, 37.5W at
8 a.m. Available observations suggest a position significantly southeast of HURDAT to be
most accurate. Ship highlights: 70 kt N and 954 mb at 46.4N, 37.4W at 15 UTC (MWR);
70 kt WNW and 959 mb at 46.9N, 34.8W at 15 UTC (MWR).
September 9: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 970 mb near 54N, 34.5W. HURDAT listed
this as an extratropical storm at 54N, 31.2W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones indicates a
pressure of 973 mb near 54.5N, 32W at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest a position
near HURDAT to be most accurate. Ship highlights: 70 kt SW and 973 mb at 50N, 28.5W at
03 UTC (MWR); 45 kt NW and 977 mb at 53.5N, 38.5W at 12 UTC (COA); 45 kt WNW and 972 mb
at 53.5N, 36.5W at 17 UTC (COA).
September 10: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 985 mb near 57N, 39W. HURDAT listed
this as an extratropical storm at 58N, 36W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones indicate the center
near 57.5N, 37W at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest a position significantly southwest
of HURDAT to be most accurate. Ship highlights: 35 kt S and 975 mb at 55.5N, 37.5W at
12 UTC (COA); 35 kt S and 992 mb at 57.3N, 33.2W at 12 UTC (HWM). Regarding the absorption
into an extratropical cyclone "... off southern Greenland, it [the system] was lost on
September 10 by merging with a cyclone of extratropical origin..." (MWR).
Genesis is maintained for this system on the 29th of August, as HWM and COADS observations
show a closed circulation. Minor track changes were introduced for everyone day of its
existence as a tropical cyclone (29th through the 6th of September). The system is begun
northeast of Hispanola as a 25 kt tropical depression (originally a 35 kt tropical storm)
that moved west-northwest toward southern Florida. No gales or low pressures were observed
for the first three days of its existence and winds were reduced some from the 29th to early
on September 1st based upon available observations of a weaker system. However, the WSW
25 kt wind and 1009 mb pressure observations at 12 UTC on the 31st (on the weak side of
the cyclone) provide evidence that the system had reached tropical storm intensity by that
date. Transition to a tropical storm is estimated to have occurred by 00 UTC on the 31st,
42 hours after that originally shown in HURDAT. The cyclone steadily increased in intensity
from that point and it is estimated that the storm became a hurricane on September 1st
around 12 UTC just south of Andros Island in the Bahamas (no change to that in HURDAT
originally). Over the next 24 hours, the system nearly doubled in intensity from 65 kt to
120 kt on the 2nd. A central pressure of 924 mb at 21 UTC of the 2nd implies winds of
138 kt from the Brown et al. intensifying subset of south of 25N pressure-wind relationship.
135 kt is chosen for 18 UTC on the 2nd, a 5 kt increase from HURDAT originally. (As the
hurricane was undergoing rapid intensification, the 924 mb central pressure measurement at
21 UTC is not representative of the central pressure at 18 UTC and thus is not included
into HURDAT.)
The cyclone continued moving toward the Florida Keys and available observations estimate
landfall to have occurred near 02 UTC on the 3rd at 24.8N 80.8W at Craig Key. Intensity at
landfall has been estimated from central pressure observations at Craig Key [892 mb]
indicating 164 kt winds from the intensifying subset of south of 25N and 162 kt from
intensifying subset of north of 25N pressure-wind relationships. The Dvorak pressure-wind
relationship suggests 168 kt. Regarding the probable RMW at landfall in the Keys, "it is
estimated that the calm center was perhaps 8 miles in diameter" (MWR). Available observations
suggest the RWM to be on the order of 5 nm (Ho et al). This sized- RMW is smaller than what
might be expected from climatology of this central pressure and landfall latitude (~10nm -
Vickery et al). The major hurricane also was moving 7 kt - slower than average conditions,
while the outer closed isobar was 1010 mb - near average. The combination of somewhat
compensating a tiny RMW, a slowly moving cyclone, and near average environmental pressure
led to the selection of 160 kt maximum 1 min 10 m winds at landfall in the Florida Keys.
150 kt is chosen for 00 UTC on the 3rd in HURDAT. This maintains the hurricane’s intensity
as Category 5, but increases its previous peak intensity from 140 kt to 160 kt – a major
increase. After passing through the Keys, the hurricane moved toward the northwest and
eventually north on the 4th before making its second landfall in northwest Florida (as an
85 kt Category 2 hurricane, see below). The intensity is brought down by 15 kt each at 12
and 18 UTC on the 3rd, then by 10 kt each six hours during the 4th to be consistent with
this second landfall.
Second landfall occurred near 22 UTC on the 4th northwest of Cedar Key, near 29.6N 83.4W.
Ho et al. estimated a central pressure of 960 mb, based upon a peripheral pressure reading
of 980 mb from Egmont Key about 15 hours before landfall. However, Cedar Key measured
985 mb at 1750 UTC just a few hours before landfall, but did not measure winds. The
closest full weather station for the second landfall was at Apalachicola, which measured
a minimum pressure of 997 mb at 2120 UTC and maximum 5 min winds of 25 kt from the NW
at 20 UTC. Apalachicola was about 85 nm west of the point of landfall. Cedar Key’s
985 mb was measured about 20 nm east of the hurricane’s center, as the cyclone was moving
northward about four hours before landfall. The central pressure at landfall is roughly
estimated to 965 mb, based primarily upon the Cedar Key information. This suggests an
intensity of 90 kt from the Brown et al. north of 25N pressure-wind relationship and
86 kt from the subset of weakening cyclones. The Ho et al estimate of about a 20 nm
RMW is close to near average (23 nmi) from central pressure and landfall latitude
climatology (Vickery et al), as is the translational velocity (9 kt) and outer closed
isobar (1012 mb). Thus 85 kt at the second landfall in Florida is analyzed here, making
this a Category 2 hurricane impact with a 10 kt increase in intensity compared to HURDAT
originally in the 18 UTC slot. During the 5th, the hurricane moved toward the northeast
as it traversed over Georgia and South Carolina. Runs of the Kaplan-DeMaria inland
decay wind model indicate maximum winds of 55 kt at 00Z on the 5th, 44 kt at 06Z, 38 kt
at 12Z, 34 kt at 18Z, and 34 kt at 00Z on the 6th. Highest observed wind after landfall
were (within two hours of synoptic time): 30 kt at 00Z on the 5th, 70 kt at 06Z
(from a ship), 35 kt at 12Z, 37 kt at 18Z, and 45 kt at 00Z on the 6th (from a ship).
Land based observations late on the 5th and on the 6th were only 42 kt from Savannah,
41 kt from Wilmington, and 40 kt from Charleston. A few 60 kt observations and a 70 kt
ship report were reported later on the 6th, as the system re-entered back over the
Atlantic around 10 Z on the 6th. Maximum winds are re-analyzed to be 75 kt at 00Z on
the 5th (up 15 kt), 65 kt at 06Z (up 5 kt), 55 kt at 12Z (unchanged), and 50 kt at
18Z on the 5th (down 5 kt). A 996 mb pressure observation from Raleigh is likely a
central pressure and is added in at the 06 UTC on the 6th. This pressure suggests
maximum winds of 55 kt from the Landsea et al. north of 35N pressure-wind relationship.
The intensity is analyzed to be 50 kt (down from 60 kt originally), due to the system
being overland. The cyclone re-intensified back to a minimal Category 1 hurricane at
12Z on the 6th (unchanged). The hurricane raced off towards the east-northeast and
quickly lost its tropical characteristics early on the 7th. The hurricane became
extratropical around 00 UTC on the 7th (six hours earlier than original HURDAT).
The 80 kt originally in HURDAT on the 7th as an extratropical cyclone is supported
by a 60 kt N/964 mb around 12 UTC and a 70 kt WSW/979 mb at 17 UTC. The cyclone
underwent rapid deepening as an extratropical cyclone on that date. HURDAT suggests
the system weakened on the 8th and 9th but available observations indicate the storm
maintained 75kt on the 8th and 70 kt on the 9th. HURDAT dissipates the system on the
10th after 12 UTC. Ship observations are in agreement with the dissipation time in HURDAT.
Jarrell et al lists this as a Category 5 hurricane in southwest Florida (Keys) and
as a Category 2 hurricane in northwest Florida. HURDAT's original winds suggested a
landfalling hurricane as a Category 5 in the Keys, but only a Category 1 in northwest
Florida. Available observations conclude that it was indeed a Category 5 hurricane
for the Florida Keys (for both southwest and southeast Florida, due to the breakdown
of Florida's four regions). The hurricane is re-analyzed as a Category 2 for northwest
Florida. The system is now analyzed to also have caused Category 1 winds in Georgia,
which was not indicated previously by the HURDAT winds or by Jarrell et al. "Total
property losses entailed by this hurricane are very difficult to estimate, but
doubtless exceed $6,000,000; practically all the loss was suffered in Florida and
most of it over the Florida Keys" (MWR). "The loss of life on the Keys was very heavy.
Three populous relief work camps inhabited by war veterans were destroyed. The best
estimate of mortalities, furnished by the American Red Cross, places the total at 409,
of which 244 are known dead and 165 missing" (MWR). The infamous "Labor Day Hurricane"
was one of only three Category 5 hurricanes to hit the U.S. in the 20th century.
Storm 4 (originally 3), 1935
26740 08/30/1935 M= 3 3 SNBR= 589 NOT NAMED XING=0
27870 08/31/1935 M= 4 4 SNBR= 616 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
** * *
26745 08/30* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*220 875 40 0*210 886 35 0*
26745 08/30*205 860 25 0*205 870 25 0*205 880 25 0*205 890 25 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26750 08/31*203 896 35 0*200 904 35 0*197 913 35 0*193 924 35 0*
27880 08/31*204 901 25 0*203 912 30 0*201 920 35 0*198 927 40 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** *** *** **
26755 09/01*191 934 35 0*189 941 35 0*188 948 30 0*180 970 25 0*
27885 09/01*193 933 45 0*190 939 50 0*188 945 50 0*187 952 50 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** *** **
(The 2nd is new to HURDAT.)
27887 09/02*186 960 35 0*185 969 30 0*184 980 25 0* 0 0 0 0
26760 TS
Minor changes to the track, but major alterations to the intensity shown in McAdie
et al. (2009), originally storm number 3. Evidence for these alterations comes from
the Historical Weather Maps series, the COADS ship database, Mexican observations
from NCDC, and Monthly Weather Review.
August 30: HWM analyzed no features of interest near the Yucatan of Mexico. HURDAT
listed this as a tropical storm at 20.0N, 87.5W at the first position indicated at
12Z. No gale force winds (or equivalent in pressure) were observed.
August 31: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 1010 mb near 19.5N, 91W. HURDAT
listed this as a tropical storm at 19.7N, 91.3W. Available observations suggest a
position slightly north of HURDAT to be most accurate. No gale force winds (or
equivalent in pressure) were observed. “Late in August a disturbance, appearing
first as a weak circulation over Yucatan, moved westward on the 31st to the Bay of
Campeche and showed some increase of intensity” (MWR).
September 1: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 1005 mb near 18.5N, 94.5W. HURDAT
listed this as a tropical depression at 18.8N, 94.8W. Available observations suggest
a position slightly northeast of HURDAT to be most accurate. Station highlights:
58 kt N (max wind) at Veracruz (unknown time) and 1004 mb (min pressure) (Mexico);
15 kt SW and 1001 mb at 12 UTC at Puerto Mexico (Mexico). Ship highlights:
35 kt at 12Z at 20N 94W and 1005 mb (unknown time) at 20N 94W (MWR). “The disturbance
did not increase much in intensity, and moved westward to pass inland south of Vera
Cruz on the afternoon of September 1” (MWR).
September 2: HWM showed a broad area of low pressure over Mexico. HURDAT suggests
this system dissipated on the 1st after 18 UTC.
Station highlight: 25 kt N and 1005 mb at Veracruz at 00 UTC (Mexico).
Genesis is begun for this tropical storm at 00Z on the 30th of August, 12 hours earlier
than originally listed in HURDAT. However, the system is begun as a 25 kt tropical
depression (instead of a 40 kt tropical storm), which then moved west-southwestward
across the Yucatan of Mexico and reached the southwestern Gulf of Mexico early on
the 31st. Minor track changes are made from the 30th until 12Z on the 1st of September.
On the 1st, in contrast to the assessment by the MWR, the cyclone quickly intensified.
As the system passed just north of Puerto Mexico on the 1st, the pressure at that
location was 1001 mb with 15 kt SW wind at 12 UTC. The pressure on the 31st at
Puerto Mexico was 1011 mb – a ten mb drop then occurred over the next 24 hours.
1001 mb peripheral pressure suggests maximum winds of at least 45 kt from the Brown
et al. south of 25N pressure-wind relationship. The cyclone made landfall just
southeast of Veracruz, Mexico around 18 UTC on the 1st near 18.7N 95.2W.
Observations available from Veracruz (58 kt N wind sometime late on the 1st) and
the pressure reading/drop from Puerto Mexico indicate a stronger cyclone than
originally shown. However, it is possible that some of the strong winds indicated
at Veracruz were due to funneling along the Mexican coast, which is a fairly
frequent occurrence. Moreover, the landfall point is about 60 nm from Veracruz,
and the track does not take it closer than 20-30 nm - and that only after a
significant passage over land. These points contribute to the concern whether the
Veracruz observation can be taken at face value. Intensity is estimated as 50 kt
at 18Z on the 1st at landfall, though this is quite uncertain. The peak intensity
of the system was originally indicated to be 40 kt at its genesis point on the
30th east of Yucatan. Major increases in intensity are now shown for 12Z and 18Z
on the 1st. Dissipation of this storm is originally suggested in HURDAT to occur
after 18Z the 1st, but available observations late on the 1st and early on the 2nd
indicate that the system stayed over water longer and remained a tropical cyclone
through 12Z on the 2nd. 00Z to 12Z on the 2nd are added to HURDAT.
Storm 5 (originally 4), 1935
26765 09/23/1935 M=10 4 SNBR= 590 NOT NAMED XING=0
27895 09/23/1935 M=10 5 SNBR= 617 NOT NAMED XING=0
*
26770 09/23* 0 0 0 0*148 730 35 0*146 734 40 0*144 739 45 0*
27900 09/23* 0 0 0 0*148 747 25 0*146 750 25 0*144 753 30 0
*** ** *** ** *** **
26775 09/24*142 745 50 0*141 753 55 0*141 760 60 0*141 768 65 0*
27905 09/24*142 757 35 0*141 761 40 0*141 765 45 0*141 770 50 0
*** ** *** ** *** ** *** **
26780 09/25*142 775 70 0*143 782 75 0*145 787 80 0*147 791 80 0*
27910 09/25*142 777 55 0*143 784 60 0*145 790 65 0*147 794 70 0
*** ** *** ** *** ** *** **
26785 09/26*150 795 85 0*153 799 90 0*157 801 90 0*162 800 90 0*
27915 09/26*149 797 75 0*151 798 80 0*153 798 85 0*157 798 90 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** ***
26790 09/27*168 797 95 0*175 792 95 0*183 790 100 0*191 793 100 0*
27920 09/27*162 798 95 0*167 798 95 0*172 798 100 0*180 799 100 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26795 09/28*199 797 105 0*212 802 105 0*227 804 100 0*240 802 100 0*
27925 09/28*192 801 105 0*214 803 105 955*227 804 100 0*240 802 105 0
*** *** *** *** *** ***
26800 09/29*252 796 100 0*260 790 100 0*267 782 100 0*277 770 100 0*
27930 09/29*252 796 120 0*260 790 120 0*267 782 115 0*277 770 110 0
*** *** *** ***
26805 09/30*288 752 100 0*301 729 95 0*314 704 95 0*327 679 90 0*
27935 09/30*288 752 105 0*301 729 100 0*314 704 95 0*327 684 90 0
*** *** ***
26810 10/01*343 654 90 0*365 635 85 0*388 620 80 0E407 615 75 0*
27940 10/01*343 670 90 0*365 655 90 0*388 635 85 0*407 615 85 0
*** *** ** *** ** * **
26815 10/02E430 602 65 0E458 579 60 0E487 536 50 0E499 515 50 0*
27945 10/02*430 590 75 0E458 565 65 0E487 536 60 0E499 505 55 0
* *** ** *** ** ** *** **
26820 HR
U.S. Tropical Storm Impact:
----------------------------
Date Time Lat Lon Max Wind at coast
09/29/1935* 0000Z 25.2N 79.6W 55kt
(*Time and location of point of closest approach.)
Minor changes to the track but major alterations to the intensity shown in McAdie
et al. (2009), originally storm number 4. Another major change is to indicate a
U.S. hurricane impact from this cyclone. Evidence for these alterations comes
from the Historical Weather Maps series, the COADS ship database, Monthly Weather
Review, Florida Climatological Data, Jamaica Weather Report from NCDC, and Perez
et al (2000).
September 23: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 1010 mb near 12.5N, 73W. HURDAT
listed this as a tropical storm at 14.6N, 73.4W. Available observations suggest a
position farther west of HURDAT. No gale force winds (or equivalent in pressure)
were observed. "The first positive indication of a disturbance of sufficient vigor
to be classed as a definite tropical cyclone was an observation of southwest wind,
force 4, with rain and a confused sea, reported by the American S.S. San Gil,
7 p.m., when near 14N, 75W" (MWR).
September 24: HWM indicated a closed low of at most 1005 mb near 13.5N, 76.5W.
HURDAT listed this as a tropical storm at 14.1N, 76W. Available observations
suggest a position farther west of HURDAT. No gale force winds (or equivalent
in pressure) were observed.
September 25: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 1000 mb near 14.5N, 78W. HURDAT
listed this as a Category 1 hurricane at 14.5N, 78.7W. Available observations
suggest a position slightly west of HURDAT. Ship highlights: 15 kt S and 1006 mb
at 14N, 80.5W at 12 UTC (COA); 25 kt SW and 1005 mb at 14.3N, 79.4W at 18 UTC (COA).
September 26: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 995 mb near 15N, 80W. HURDAT
listed this as a Category 2 hurricane at 15.7N, 80.1W. Available observations
suggest a position slightly southeast of HURDAT. Ship highlights: 70 kt WNW and
986 mb at 15N, 80W at 03 UTC (MWR); 50 kt W and 991 mb at 15N, 80W at 12 UTC (HWM);
45 kt W and 988 mb at 15.1N, 80.2W at 18 UTC (COA). "At 11 p.m. of the 25th, the
American tanker A.C. Bedford experienced a minimum barometer of 29.13 inches
[986 mb] attended by west-northwest hurricane winds, her position being then
very near 15N, 80W. The disturbance seems to have progressed at a very slow rate
during the 26th, and to have taken a recurving path toward the western end of
Jamaica" (MWR). “A tropical disturbance moving westward through the Caribbean
Sea, turned toward the north near 80th meridian on the 26th”
(Florida Climatological Data).
September 27: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 995 mb near 16.5N, 79.5W.
HURDAT listed this as a Category 3 hurricane at 18.3N, 79W. The MWR Tracks of
Cyclones indicate the center near 17N, 80W at 8 a.m. Available observations
suggest a position slightly southwest of HURDAT. Ship highlights: 45 kt S and
1001 mb at 17.3N, 78.6W at 13 UTC (MWR); 45 kt S and 1000 mb at 17.3N, 78.7W
at 15 UTC (COA). Station highlights: 35 kt S (max winds) with 1001 mb at
20 UTC and 22 kt S with 1000 mb (min pressure) at Negril Point (Jamaica).
"While the history of this disturbance is continuous from the afternoon of
September 23 until October 2, there is a period of 36 hours, September 26
and 27, during which the characteristics and movement of the storm are
obscure and apparently abnormal. Data from ships' reports and island
stations are too meager to permit reconstruction of the full history of
storm activities during the 27th... high winds and excessive rains in
Jamaica, causing heavy damage to the banana crop" (MWR). “The effect of
the storm was marked in Jamaica by serious loss in banana cultivation.
The parishes nearer to the centre, such as Hanover and St. James, suffered
total loss, diminishing in destructiveness over the remainder of the Island.
There was no loss of life or damage to structures or shipping deserving of
notice, for the wind even at Negril did not exceed gale force” (Jamaica).
September 28: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 995 mb near 22.5N, 80W.
HURDAT listed this as a Category 3 hurricane at 22.7N, 80.4W. The MWR Tracks
of Cyclones indicates a pressure of 958 mb near 22.5N, 80.5W at 8 a.m. Available
observations suggest HURDAT to be most accurate. Station highlights: 959 mb at
Cienfuegos, Cuba at 09 UTC (MWR); 955 mb Montserrat Observatory, Cienfuegos, Cuba
(Perez); 21 kt N and 999 mb at Key West at 18 UTC (OMR). Ship highlights: 20 kt N
and 1004 mb at 24.7N, 84.2W at 12 UTC (COA); 25 kt E and 1000 mb 25N, 80.1W at 12
UTC (COA). "Early on the 28th, the city of Cienfuegos, Cuba, was seriously affected
by passage of the hurricane center, with lowest barometer unofficially reported at
28.31 inches [959 mb]. There was heavy property damage in Cienfuegos, Cumanay Agua,
and other Cuban localities, as the hurricane crossed the island, and the casualties
in Cuba were estimated at 35 deaths and possibly 500 injured. Much damage was due
to the floods that attended the passage of the storm" (MWR). Cuba's summarized
accounts for this storm are noted as, "a Category 3 hurricane affecting the central
provinces with hurricane conditions and aptly named El Huracan de Cienfuegos"
(Perez et al). “It reached the Cuban coast near Cienfuegos with full hurricane
intensity, causing loss of 35 lives, and much property. Crossing Cuba it diminished
in intensity, but after crossing increased again” (Florida Climatological Data).
September 29: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 995 mb near 26.5N, 78W. HURDAT
listed this as a Category 3 hurricane at 26.7N, 78.2W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones
indicates a pressure of 951 mb near 27N, 78W at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest
HURDAT to be most accurate. Station highlights: 70 kt N (max wind) and 990 mb
(min pressure) at Fowey Rock at 02 UTC (MWR); 35 kt NE (max wind) and 994 mb (min
pressure) at Miami at 0145 UTC (MWR/OMR); 945 mb at Bimini at 03 UTC and calm (eye)
at 0420 UTC (MWR). Ship highlights: 45 kt SE and 992 mb at 27.5N, 76.1W at 15 UTC
(COA); 70 kt SE and 951 mb at 27.2N, 76.5W at 17 UTC (MWR). ""...the hurricane moved
into a broad recurve that carried the center over the island of Bimini, where at
12:20 a.m. of the 29th, the wind shifted from southeast to northwest. The last
barometer reading to be received from Bimini was 27.90 inches [945 mb], at 11 p.m.,
more than an hour in advance of passage of the center which was doubtless marked by
considerably lower minimum pressure. Highest wind was estimated at 120 miles per hour
…Fowey-Rock Lighthouse, 12 miles southeast of Miami, experienced hurricane winds
from the north, estimated at maximum to have been about 85 mph, with a barometer
reading of 29.24 inches [990 mb]…The American steamer La Perla was near the hurricane
center at 1 p.m. of September 29, at 27 degrees 14 minutes north, 76 degrees and
28 minutes west, with a barometer reading of 28.08 inches [951 mb]. Later in the
day (9 p.m.) the Japanese steamer Tokai maru, near 28.5N, 74W met the hurricane with
winds veering from east-southeast to west-southwest, and a barometer of 28.24 inches
[956 mb]" (MWR). “When the storm center was about 40 miles southeast of Miami, it
turned toward the northeast, crossing Bimini about 11 p. m. of the 28th, with
hurricane force winds and a barometer reading of 27.90… Hurricane winds were
reported at Fowey Rocks about 12 miles southeast of Miami, but there was little
damage on the Florida mainland or on the Florida Keys” (Florida Climatological
Data). “…with Bimini's barometer reading 27.90 inches [945 mb] and winds estimated
at 120 mph…The southeast coast of Florida experienced minimal hurricane conditions
[late] on the 28th" (Dunn and Miller 1960).
September 30: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 990 mb near 31N, 70W. HURDAT
listed this as a Category 2 hurricane at 31.4N, 70.4W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones
indicates a pressure of 975 mb near 24.5N, 71W at 8 a.m. Available observations
suggest HURDAT to be most accurate. Ship highlights: 70 kt WNW and 956 mb at 28.5N,
74.0W at 01 UTC (MWR); 35 kt ENE and 990 mb at 30.5N, 71.7W at 08 UTC (MWR);
40 kt SW and 1004 mb at 27.3N, 78.3W at 12 UTC (HWM). “It continued its northeastward
movement across the northern Bahamas and passed northwest of Bermuda on the 30th”
(Florida Climatological Data).
October 1: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 1000 mb near 37.5N, 63W. The map
also indicates the system is becoming elongated southwest to northeast. HURDAT
listed this as a Category 1 hurricane at 38.8N, 62W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones
indicates a pressure of 981mb near 37.5N, 63W at 8 a.m. Available observations
suggest a position west of HURDAT to be most accurate. Ship highlights: 45 kt ENE
and 1003 mb at 39.5N, 64.5W at 12 UTC (COA); 70 kt NNW and 987 mb at ~39.1N, ~64.0W
at 15 UTC (MWR); 70 kt WSW and 972 mb at 42.2N, 59.5W at 21 UTC.
October 2: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 1005 mb near 48N, 52W with a
westward pointing warm front indicated west of the center. HURDAT listed this
as an extratropical storm at 48.7N, 53.6W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones indicates
a pressure of 1005 mb near 48N, 54W at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest
HURDAT to be most accurate. Ship highlights: 70 kt SSE and 987 mb at 44N, 57.2W
at 03 UTC (MWR); 45 kt S and 1005 mb at 48.5N, 50.2W at 12 UTC (COA).
Genesis for this major hurricane is maintained at 06Z on September 23rd. HURDAT
previously suggested the system was a tropical storm at the time of genesis on the
23rd, however, available observations indicate no gales (or equivalent in pressure)
occurred. Thus, 25 kt is chosen for HURDAT. Minor track changes were introduced for
each day from the 23rd until the 29th. No track alterations were introduced on the
30th until dissipation on the 2nd. It is analyzed that the system acquired tropical
storm intensity early on the 24th, 18 hours later than originally. Numerous
observations on the 24th and 25th indicate a weaker cyclone than originally found
in HURDAT and minor reductions are made to the intensity on those dates.
Intensification to hurricane strength is now shown to be at 12Z on the 25th,
18 hours later than originally indicated. A peripheral pressure of 986 mb with
concurrent 70 kt WNW was observed at 03Z on the 26th which suggests at least 70 kt
maximum winds from the south of 25N pressure-wind relationship. 75 kt at 00Z and
80 kt at 06Z are chosen for HURDAT, down from 85 and 90 kt originally. MWR and
HURDAT insist the storm moved north-northeast on the 26th, nearly brushing western
Jamaica on the 27th, and then taking a more north-northwest track before landfall
in Cienfuegos, Cuba. Available observations indicate a scenario such as this to be
incorrect, suggesting the hurricane maintained a nearly continuous northward track
on the 26th, 27th, and early on the 28th. Intensity estimates for the 27th are vague
due to the lack of ships near the center. Thus the HURDAT winds are maintained for
that date (95 kt at 00 and 06Z and 100 kt at 12 and 18Z).
On the 28th of September, the hurricane made landfall at 22.0N 80.4W near
Cienfuegos, Cuba, around 08 UTC. A central pressure of 955 mb in Cienfuegos suggests
106 kt from the Brown et al. south of 25N pressure-wind relationship. 105 kt is
chosen for HURDAT and is unchanged from that in HURDAT originally. This makes the
cyclone a Category 3 hurricane impact for Cuba and is in agreement with the assessment
by Perez et al. The hurricane began to take a northeastward track after landfall and
continued this path through the rest of its lifecycle. On the 29th the hurricane was
centered just northeast of Bimini. Peripheral pressure observations on the 29th of 945 mb
from Bimini implies winds of at least 118 and 115 kt, respectively, from the intensifying
subset of south of 25N and north of 25N pressure-wind relationships, respectively.
120 kt is chosen for HURDAT at 00 and 06Z on the 29th, up from 100 kt originally – a
major upward change. This makes the system a Category 4 hurricane to make landfall in
the Bahamas and 120 kt is also the peak intensity for the hurricane (up from 105 kt as
the original peak). As the hurricane passed just southeast Florida early on the 29th,
70 kt hurricane force winds were observed (by a visual estimate of the sea state) along
with 990 mb minimum pressure at Fowey Rocks, a lighthouse just offshore Miami. The
maximum 5 min winds observed at the downtown Miami Weather Bureau Office were 35 kt.
The Fowey Rocks lighthouse keeper’s observation of 70 kt is based upon a visual
estimate of the sea state and not from an anemometer. Given the uncertainty in this
visual estimate, that it is at an offshore location a few miles from any coastal
islands, and that there were no reports of significant wind-caused damage, the analysis
of peak impact for southeast Florida is for a high end (~55 kt) tropical storm, along
in a limited stretch of Miami-Dade County – in Elliot Key and nearby smaller islands.
The hurricane progressed more rapidly toward the northeast on the 30th and October 1st.
A peripheral pressure of 956 mb at 01Z on the 30th implies winds of at least 99 kt from
the north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. 105 kt is chosen for HURDAT, up from 100 kt
originally. HURDAT suggests the hurricane transitions to extratropical on the 1st at
18 UTC but available observations indicate the transition did not occur until about
06Z of the 2nd, 12 hours later than HURDAT. A peripheral pressure observation at 21Z
on the 1st of 972 mb indicates at least 80 kt from the Landsea et al. north of 35N
pressure-wind relationship. 85 kt is chosen for HURDAT at 18Z, up from 75 kt originally.
Available observations indicate the cyclone dissipated after 18Z on the 2nd.
Storm 6 (originally 5), 1935
26825 10/19/1935 M= 9 5 SNBR= 591 NOT NAMED XING=0
27955 10/18/1935 M=10 6 SNBR= 618 NOT NAMED XING=0
** *
(The 18th is new to HURDAT.)
27957 10/18* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*132 810 25 0*132 803 25 0
26830 10/19*124 787 35 0*129 782 45 0*135 777 55 0*140 773 60 0*
27960 10/19*133 796 30 0*134 790 30 0*135 785 35 0*138 783 35 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** *** **
26835 10/20*144 771 65 0*148 769 70 0*152 767 70 0*155 765 70 0*
27965 10/20*142 782 40 0*147 781 40 0*152 780 40 0*158 778 40 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** *** **
26840 10/21*159 763 75 0*165 760 75 0*172 757 75 0*179 756 75 0*
27970 10/21*165 775 45 0*172 771 45 0*178 767 50 995*183 764 55 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** *** **
26845 10/22*185 756 75 0*191 757 75 0*197 761 60 0*199 767 60 0*
27975 10/22*188 762 60 0*193 761 65 0*197 761 75 0*199 765 75 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** ** *** **
26850 10/23*197 774 60 0*194 780 60 0*191 785 50 0*188 790 45 0*
27980 10/23*198 769 65 0*195 773 55 0*191 778 50 0*187 784 50 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** *** **
26855 10/24*184 794 45 0*182 797 45 0*179 801 55 988*174 807 65 0*
27985 10/24*183 791 55 0*179 798 60 0*175 805 60 988*170 811 65 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** ***
26860 10/25*167 814 65 0*160 823 70 0*153 831 75 0*149 839 75 0*
27990 10/25*164 816 65 0*158 822 70 0*153 828 75 0*148 834 60 0
*** *** ** *** *** *** *** *** **
26865 10/26*149 846 75 0*144 854 65 0*143 863 35 0*143 874 25 0*
27995 10/26*143 841 40 0*139 849 30 0*138 860 30 0*139 872 25 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** ***
26870 10/27*143 879 20 0*143 884 15 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
28000 10/27*142 884 25 0*145 896 25 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
*** *** ** *** *** **
26875 HR
Major changes to both the track and the intensity shown in McAdie et al. (2009),
originally storm number 5. Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical
Weather Maps series, the COADS ship database, Monthly Weather Review, Jamaica Weather
Report from NCDC, and Perez et al (2000).
October 18: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005 mb near 14N, 81W. HURDAT
suggests the system originated on the 19th, however, available observations
indicate the system began on the 18th as a tropical depression at 12 UTC. Ship
highlights: 15 kt N and 1006 mb at 14.7N, 83.1W at 00 UTC (COA); 10 kt S and
1002 mb at 12.9N, 80.7W at 12 UTC (COA)." As early as the morning of October 17
there was some evidence of a wide-spread but weak cyclonic wind system in the
southwestern Caribbean Sea, between Jamaica and Panama” (MWR).
October 19: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005 mb near 13.5N, 80W. HURDAT
listed this as a tropical storm at 13.5N, 77.7W. Available observations suggest a
position west of HURDAT to be most accurate. Ship highlights: 40 kt SSW and 1004 mb
at 13.5N, 77.8W at 20 UTC (MWR). "The development of this storm first became quite
evident on the afternoon of October 19, when the American steamer Forbes Hauptmann
experienced a south-southwest gale of force 9, with barometer 29.64 inches [1004 mb],
near 13N, 79W" (MWR).
October 20: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005 mb near 14.5N, 80.5W. HURDAT
listed this as a Category 1 hurricane at 15.2N, 76.7W. Available observations suggest
that a position southwest of HURDAT is most accurate. Ship highlights: 30 kt SSE and
1005 mb at 15N, 77W at ~12 UTC (MWR); 20 kt NE and 1001 mb at 20N, 83.9W at 18 UTC (COA).
"...the U.S.S. Chaumont, on the morning of the 20th, then near 15N, 77W, whence she
reported south-southeast wind of force 7, and barometer reading 29.68 inches [1005 mb].
Twelve hours later the northeastward direction of progression of the disturbance had
been determined" (MWR).
October 21: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005 mb near 15N, 78W. HURDAT listed
this as a Category 1 hurricane at 17.2N, 75.7W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones indicate the
center near 18N, 75.5W at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest a position southwest of
HURDAT to be most accurate. Ship highlights: 30 kt SE and 1006 mb at 18N, 75.9W at 13 UTC
(COA); 35 kt NNE and 1003 mb at 18.7N, 77.2W at 19 UTC (COA). Station highlights:
35 kt SE (max winds) and 1000 mb (min pressure) at 12 UTC at Morant Point (Jamaica);
21 kt W and 999 mb (min pressure) at 14 UTC at Kingston (Jamaica). "The storm moved
northeastward as forecast, and the center passed close to Navassa Island during the
afternoon of October 21" (MWR). “This weather disturbance continued on a track about NNE,
and evidently passed a little to the westward of Morant Point Lighthouse, then emerging
seaward towards Santiago-de-Cuba…This disturbance in passing Morant Point Lighthouse on
21st at about 9 a.m. did not appear to exceed gale force nor reach near hurricane winds…
At Jamaica, wind of gale force from the NNE and NE made its appearance from early on 20th
over the parishes to the eastward of Jamaica…There was a further great loss to cultivation
(since that of the 27th September). The parishes of St. Thomas, Portland, and St. Mary
had the greatest damage…Jamaica, particularly the eastern parishes, suffered extensive
damages to cultivation. There was no loss of life reported, nor were buildings seriously
damaged” (Jamaica).
October 22: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000 mb near 18.5N, 76W. HURDAT listed
this as a tropical storm at 19.7N, 76.1W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones indicate a pressure
of 994 mb near 20N, 76W at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest that a position south of
HURDAT is most accurate. Station highlights: 60 kt at Santiago (anemometer failed - MWR);
50 kt ENE and 999 mb at Nipe Bay, Cuba, at 1830 UTC (MWR); 21 kt SW and 1003 mb
(min pressure) at Negril Point at 23 UTC (Jamaica). Ship highlights: 25 kt S and 1004 mb
at 18.2N, 75.2W at 12 UTC (COA); 15 kt SE and 1004 mb at 20N, 75W at 12 UTC (HWM). The
hurricane's occurrence in Cuba is noted as, "a Category 1 hurricane that affected eastern
provinces causing minimal damage throughout the 22-23" (Perez et al). "...the center
[became close] to the coast of Cuba near Santiago, on the early morning of October 22.
Torrential rains over extreme southwestern Haiti attended the storm’s passage, and press
reports indicated a disastrous total of deaths, the actual number being uncertain but more
than 1,000 and possibly as many as 2,000. There was much damage to crops and property in
Jamaica, the estimates of monetary losses exceeding $2,000,000. An unidentified schooner
and its entire crew were lost off Port Antonio, on the northeast coast, but no other report
of deaths from this hurricane has been received from Jamaica. There was considerable damage
in the vicinity of Santiago, Cuba, as the cyclone moved into that region, and press reports
indicate that four lives were lost there. The wind exceeded 70 miles per hour in Santiago,
as measured by an anemometer on a Pan-American Airways hangar which was blown down after
that velocity had been recorded. Whole gale and storm winds occurred on the opposite coast
of Cuba near Nipe Bay (due north of Santiago), and also eastward from Santiago as far as
Guantanamo Bay where there was minor storm damage" (MWR). “After this hurricane moved forward,
since passing Cape Cruz of Cuba, where it was located to the north west of the parish of
Hanover, Jamaica, instrumental observations made by Mr. Edward Foster of Rose Mount showed
that the storm centre was nearest to the Island at about 7 a.m. on the 23rd…The storm centre
is estimated to have been, at 7 a.m. on the 23rd, about 100 miles to the NW of western Jamaica.
It will be, therefore, gathered from the above that at no time, when this weather disturbance
was either to the eastward or north-westward of Jamaica, did it attain hurricane force in
this Island” (Jamaica).
October 23: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005 mb near 17N, 78W. HURDAT listed this
as a tropical storm at 19.1N, 78.5W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones indicate the center near 19N,
78.5W at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest a position slightly south of HURDAT to be most
accurate. Ship highlights: 15 kt N and 1003 mb at 19.1N, 78.5W at 12 UTC (COA); 30 kt ESE
and 1004 mb at 19.2N, 74.4W at 12 UTC (COA). "The hurricane center was undoubtedly deflected
and much weakened in intensity by the Sierra Maestra Mountains, which front the coast westward
from Santiago. During October 22 and 23 the disturbance moved westward and then southwestward,
and it started back again across the Caribbean Sea, to increase in intensity and resume full
hurricane force before entering Honduras near Cape Gracias, on October 25" (MWR).
October 24: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 990 mb near 16.5N, 80.5W. HURDAT listed
this as a tropical storm at 17.9N, 80.1W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones indicate a pressure of
988 mb near 18N, 81.5W at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest that a position southwest
of HURDAT is most accurate. Ship highlights: calm winds and 988 mb at 17.7N, 80.4W at 10 UTC
and 40 kt after 10 UTC (MWR); 35 kt N and 1004 mb at 19.2N, 81.6W at 12 UTC (HWM); 35 kt SE
and 998 mb at 17.4N, 80.4W at 17 UTC (COA). "The only ship to report a close contact with the
storm during its southwestward movement over the open sea was the American steamer Afel, on
the morning of October 24, had the lowest barometer so far reported in connection with this
hurricane at 29.18 inches [988 mb], as the central calm passed over the vessel in 17 degrees
44 minutes north, 80 degrees 26 minutes west. The highest wind experienced there was only a
strong gale (Beaufort 9) which came up from the southeast after the passage of the calm center.
The vortex was evidently deepening again at this time, after being very weak during the
preceding day, but it had not attained hurricane force" (MWR).
October 25: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 995 mb near 152N, 82W. HURDAT listed this
as a Category 1 hurricane at 15.3N, 83.1W. Available observations suggest that a position
just east of HURDAT to be most accurate. Ship highlights: 30 kt W and 999 mb at ~14.9N,
~83.3W at 08 UTC (MWR); 40 kt NNW and 995 mb at ~15.3N, ~83.4W at 08 UTC (MWR); 25 kt W and
1000 mb at 14.5N, 83.2W at 12 UTC (COA). Station highlights: 70 kt at Cape Gracias a Dios
around 12Z (MWR). “Next reports from the immediate vicinity of the storm center came on the
morning of the 25th from the Honduran steamers Contessa and Sinaloa, and from the meteorological
station at Cape Gracias a Dios, the latter reporting hurricane winds as the center passed
nearby on the morning of October 25” (MWR).
October 26: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000 mb near 13.5N, 84.5W. HURDAT listed
this as a minimal tropical storm at 14.3N, 86.3W. Available observations suggest that a position
southeast of HURDAT is most accurate. Station highlights: 5 kt SW and 1005 mb at Bluefields at
12 UTC (HWM). Ship highlights: 35 kt NE and 1007 mb at 16.5N 86.0W at 12 UTC (Mexico);
35 kt NE and 1008 mb at 16.2N 87.0W at 12 UTC (Mexico); 10 kt SSW and 1005 mb at 12.4N, 83W
at 00 UTC (COA). “The evidence at hand indicates that the storm weakened slowly after passing
inland over Honduras, and curved westward along the fifteenth parallel of latitude, dying out in
the interior after the 26th. Much damage to property and banana plantations occurred in
northeastern Honduras, with some lesser damage in extreme northeastern Nicaragua, mostly due
to floods. About 150 lives were lost here, mainly in Honduras” (MWR).
October 27: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005 mb near 15N, 92W. HURDAT listed this
as a tropical depression at 14.3N, 88.4W at 06 UTC. Available observations suggest that a
position significantly farther west of HURDAT to be most accurate. Station highlights:
calm winds and 1005 mb at Tapachula, Mexico, at 12 UTC (HWM). Ship highlights: 25 kt NNW
and 1004 mb at 14.4N, 93.5W at 12 UTC (COA). “The hurricane adds another unprecedented
track to the history of West Indian hurricanes. The center moved over a path about 1,400
miles in length, practically encircling the island of Jamaica in the loop along which its
normal northeastward movement was reversed into an abnormal southwestward course, and it
passed inland over Honduras only about 250 miles from the place, where, a week before,
it had its origin” (MWR).
Genesis is begun for this system at 12 UTC on October the 18th as a tropical depression,
12 hours earlier than previously recorded in HURDAT. Minor track changes are introduced
for every day of its existence, except for the 27th where a major westward shift is
introduced into the last entry in the existing HURDAT. Tropical storm intensity is
attained for this system at 12 UTC on the 19th, which is 12 hours later than originally
shown. During the 19th and the 20th, there are no reports of pressures below 1000 mb, no
reports of winds above 40 kt, and the system has a large envelope with relatively low
environmental pressures. The intensities are reduced substantially for these two days.
The system made landfall in eastern Jamaica around 13 UTC on the 21st, near 17.9N 76.6W.
Observations from Morant Point Lighthouse and Kingston indicate a central pressure at
landfall of around 995 mb. This pressure suggests and intensity of 56 kt from the Brown
et al. south of 25N pressure-wind relationship. However, because of the slow movement
and low environmental pressure, the intensity at landfall is estimated to be 50 kt.
This is 25 kt less than originally shown in HURDAT at 12 UTC on the 21st and HURDAT kept
the center east of Jamaica. Major reductions of at least 20 kt are thus introduced from
12 UTC on the 19th to 18 UTC on the 21st. The system became a minimal Category 1
hurricane around 06 UTC on the 22nd, more than two days later than originally indicated.
Available observations indicate landfall in Cuba occurred near Santiago around 18 UTC of
the 22nd. Peak observations near landfall were 60 kt (with the anemometer failing after
that observation) and 999 mb pressure. The 75 kt intensity is maintained until landfall
in Cuba, making this a Category 1 hurricane consistent with Perez et al.’s assessment.
75 kt is the peak intensity for the cyclone and is unchanged from that originally shown
in HURDAT. A slow decrease in intensity is indicated on the 23rd as the storm moved
southwest back over the Caribbean Sea. A peripheral pressure of 1003 mb was observed at
12 UTC on the 23rd implying at least 41 kt from the south of 25N pressure-wind relationship.
50 kt is maintained in HURDAT. An eye pressure of 988 mb was measured by ship at 10 UTC on
the 24th, but with only 40 kt SE maximum winds during the ship’s passage through the cyclone.
This pressure suggests 67 kt from the south of 25N pressure wind relationship. Because of
the system’s slow speed (8 kt) and the lack of hurricane force winds from this ship, 60 kt
is chosen for HURDAT at 12 UTC on the 24th (up from 55 kt originally). Two ships observed
peripheral pressures of 995 and 999 mb at 08 UTC on the 25th, implying at least winds of
56 and 49 kt, respectively, from the south of 25N pressure-wind relationship. 70 kt is
maintained in HURDAT at 06 UTC on the 25th. A second landfall occurred near 16 UTC on
the 25th. Peak observed winds were “hurricane force” in Cape Gracias a Dios, Honduras
on the 25th. 75 kt at 12 UTC on the 25th is maintained and is also assessed to be the
landfall intensity. This secondary peak of intensity matches what the cyclone attained
on the 22nd. HURDAT unrealistically maintained the system as a hurricane for 18 hours
after landfall over mountainous Honduras and Nicaragua. The two best analogues for this
system during the last two decades – as far as track goes – are 2007’s Felix and 2005’s
Beta. Felix made landfall with 140 kt, weakened to 85 kt in six hours, 50 kt in 12 hours,
and 25 kt in 18 hours. Beta made landfall with 90 kt, weakened to 55 kt in six hours, and
20 kt in 12 hours. These were utilized to refine the intensity as the cyclone decayed over
Central America, with even weaker intensities than earlier estimated. A much quicker
weakening is now indicated with intensity at 60 kt at 18 UTC on the 25th (originally 75 kt),
40 kt at 00 UTC on the 26th (originally 75 kt), and 30 kt at 06 UTC (originally 65 kt).
The system continued to progress westward and dissipated over Central America on the 27th.
The dissipation after 06 UTC on the 27th is unchanged.
Storm 7 (originally 6), 1935
26880 10/30/1935 M=10 6 SNBR= 592 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=2
28010 10/30/1935 M=10 7 SNBR= 619 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=2
*
26885 10/30* 0 0 0 0*326 609 35 0*328 618 35 0*330 628 40 0*
28015 10/30* 0 0 0 0*323 609 35 0*325 620 35 0*327 630 40 0
*** *** *** *** ***
26890 10/31*331 637 40 0*333 645 45 0*334 653 50 0*335 666 55 0*
28020 10/31*329 640 40 0*331 650 45 0*334 660 50 0*338 671 55 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26895 11/01*337 681 60 0*337 697 60 0*336 712 65 0*335 726 70 0*
28025 11/01*342 682 60 0*344 693 60 0*345 705 65 0*343 719 70 0
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26900 11/02*332 738 70 0*328 750 70 980*322 757 70 0*316 759 70 0*
28030 11/02*340 735 70 0*336 747 75 980*330 755 75 0*320 759 80 0
*** *** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** **
26905 11/03*309 760 70 0*302 760 70 0*295 761 70 0*286 764 65 0*
28035 11/03*308 760 85 0*294 761 90 0*282 763 90 964*274 767 90 0
*** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** *** **
26910 11/04*277 771 65 0*270 779 65 0*265 787 65 0*258 803 65 973*
28040 11/04*269 773 90 0*265 780 85 0*262 789 85 0*259 801 85 973
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
26915 11/05*253 811 65 0*249 825 65 0*249 835 65 0*251 843 65 0*
28045 11/05*257 813 70 0*256 822 65 0*255 830 65 0*256 838 65 0
*** *** ** *** *** *** *** *** ***
26920 11/06*252 850 60 0*255 857 60 0*260 863 55 0*264 867 50 0*
28050 11/06*259 846 60 0*262 854 55 0*265 861 50 0*268 867 45 0
*** *** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** **
26925 11/07*268 870 45 0*275 871 40 0*280 869 35 0*281 858 30 0*
28055 11/07*271 870 40 0*273 872 35 0*275 872 35 0*276 869 30 0
*** ** *** *** ** *** *** *** ***
26930 11/08*278 847 25 0*277 842 20 0*276 837 15 0*275 834 15 0*
28060 11/08*276 864 30 0*276 857 25 0E276 850 25 0E276 843 20 0
*** *** ** *** *** ** * *** ** **** *** **
26935 HRCFL2
28065 HRCFL2BFL1
****
U.S. Hurricane Landfall
4ht/18 UTC 25.9N 80.1W 973 mb 85 kt CFL2, BFL1
Minor changes to the track, but major alterations to the intensity shown in McAdie et al.
(2009), originally storm number 6. Another major change is to show an extratropical stage
on the last day of the cyclone’s existence. Evidence for these alterations comes from the
Historical Weather Maps series, the COADS ship database, Original Monthly Records from NCDC,
Monthly Weather Review, Barnes (1998), Dunn and Miller (1960), and Jarrell et al (1992).
October 25: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010 mb near 32N 59W along a NE-SW
oriented frontal boundary. Neither the MWR Tracks of Cyclones, nor HURDAT begins this
cyclone until the 30th of October. No gale force winds or low pressures reported.
October 26: HWM indicates an open low of at most 1005 mb near 30N 52W along a N-S
oriented frontal boundary. Ship highlights: 45 kt S with 1009 mb at 32.5N 45.5W at
19 UTC (COA); 45 kt S with 1011 mb at 32.5N 46.5W at 23 UTC (COA).
October 27: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005 mb near 34N 52W along a N-S
oriented frontal boundary. Ship highlights: 35 kt S with 1008 mb at 35.4N 45.4W
at 03 UTC (COA).
October 28: HWM indicates an open low of at most 1015 mb near 30N 50W along a N-S
oriented frontal boundary. No gale force winds or low pressures.
October 29: HWM indicates a NE-SW oriented warm front intersecting a NW-S-SW oriented
cold front at 31N 57W. Ship highlights: 35 kt N with 1027 mb at 39.3W 51.6W at 00 UTC
(COA); 35 kt NE with 1027 mb at 39.6N 50.5W at 12 UTC (COA).
October 30: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1015 mb near 32, 62.5W. HURDAT listed
this as a tropical storm at 32.8N, 61.8W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones indicate the center
near 33N, 62W at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest a position slightly southwest of
HURDAT to be most accurate. Ship highlights: 35 kt E and 1028 mb at 38.8N 59.7W at
12 UTC (HWM). "This storm seemingly was of extratropical origin, since it first appeared
as a small and weak depression central about 32N, some distance east of Bermuda, early on
October 30" (MWR).
October 31: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1015 mb near 33N, 67W. HURDAT listed
this as a tropical storm at 33.4N, 65.3W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones indicate the center
near 34N, 65.5W at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest a position slightly west of
HURDAT to be most accurate. Station highlight: 30 kt N and 1017 mb at Bermuda at
12 UTC (MWR). Ship highlights: 35 kt WSW and 1000 mb at 33N, 65.2W at 05 UTC (MWR).
“It progressed west-by-north, passed close north of Bermuda, and, continuing in a general
west-by-north to west-northwesterly course with increasing intensity, because a distinct
threat to the entire Carolina coast by the morning of November 1” (MWR).
November 1: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005 mb near 33N, 71W. HURDAT listed
this as a Category 1 hurricane at 33.6N, 71.2W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones indicate the
center near 34N, 70.5W at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest a position northeast of
HURDAT to be most accurate. Station (peak) highlights: 35 kt N at Cape Hatteras (MWR).
Ship highlights: 40 kt ESE and 1005 mb at 33.5N, 73.5W at 12 UTC (HWM); 60 kt E and
990 mb at 35.3N, 72.1W at 18 UTC (MWR); 60 kt SE and 996 mb at 35.1N, 71.8W at 20 UTC
(COA). "Near midnight on October 31, the American steamship W.H. Libby at latitude
34 degrees 43 minutes north, longitude 69 degrees 16 minutes south, reporting southeast
winds of force 8. The lowest barometer reading on this vessel was at 2 a.m. on November 1,
when a corrected value of 29.58 inches [1002 mb] was indicated…During the night of
November 1, however, it unexpectedly turned southwestward" (MWR).
November 2: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 995 mb near 32N, 75W. HURDAT listed
this as a Category 1 hurricane at 32.2N, 75.7W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones indicates a
pressure of 980 mb near 23.5N, 76W at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest a position
northeast of HURDAT to be most accurate. Ship highlights: calm winds and 980 mb central
pressure at 33.5N, 74.7W at 06 UTC (MWR); 45 kt NNE and 992 mb at 33.5N, 74.7W at 09 UTC
(COA); 35 kt W and 993 mb at 32.2N, 75W at 12 UTC (HWM). "Between the morning of
November 1 and 2, and particularly during the night of the 1st, the storm center took a
peculiar turn toward a more southerly course. The American steamship Iowan passed through
the central calm area at about 2 a.m. on November 2, in 33 degrees 30 minutes north,
74 degrees 42 minutes west, and reported a barometer reading of 28.94 inches [980 mb].
Just before passage through the calm, the wind had attained force 12 from the
north-northeast and thereafter switched to force 12 from the southwest" (MWR).
November 3: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005 mb near 28.5N, 77W. HURDAT
listed this as a Category 1 hurricane at 29.5N, 76.1W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones
indicates a pressure of 964 mb near 29N, 76.5W at 8 a.m. Available observations
suggest a position southwest of HURDAT to be most accurate. Ship highlights:
70 kt WSW at 27.7N, 76.5W at 12 UTC (MWR); 15 kt E and 964 mb at 27.7N, 76.5W at
1330 UTC (MWR); 60 kt WSW and 964 mb at 27.6N, 76.6W at 14 UTC (MWR); 45 kt E and
993 mb at 27.6N, 76.6W at 16 UTC (MWR). "…crossed the northern extremity of the
Bahamas on the 3d…At 9:30 a.m. [of the 3rd] the British steamship Queen of Bermuda,
about 75 miles north-northeast of Hopetown, Great Abaco Island, at 27 degrees
41 minutes north, 76 degrees 32 minutes west, was in the hurricane center, with
a barometer reading of 28.46 inches [964 mb], the lowest reported for the storm" (MWR).
November 4: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1000 mb near 26.5N, 78.5W. HURDAT
listed this as a Category 1 hurricane at 26.5N, 78.7W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones
indicates a pressure of 973 mb near 26N, 79W at 8 a.m. Available observations
suggest a position southwest of HURDAT to be most accurate. Station highlights:
58 kt NW and 975 mb at Miami at 17 UTC (OMR); 60 kt WNW and 973 mb at Miami at
17 UTC (MWR); calm winds and 973 mb at Miami at 1745 UTC (OMR); 65 kt SE at Miami
at 18 UTC (MWR); 70 kt E (Beaufort 12) and 977 at Fort Lauderdale at 21 UTC (MWR).
Ship highlights: 50 kt NNE at 26.7N, 78.8W at 12 UTC (HWM); north to northeast winds
and 973 mb at 25.9N, 79.5W at 16 UTC (MWR); 50 kt SW and 1001 mb at 25.3N, 80.1W at
18 UTC (COA). "…and then passed southwesterly across the lower Florida peninsula
into the gulf of Mexico on the 4th…A report from the American steamship Arizpa,
Mobile to London, caught in the hurricane of the southeast coast of Florida, states
that the barometer stood at 28.72 inches [973 mb] (corrected) from 11 a.m. until
noon of the 4th, at and close to 25 degrees 55 minutes north, 79 degrees 55 minutes
west, while hurricane velocities from north and northeast were experienced between
10 a.m. and 1 p.m... The storm throughout its history was of comparatively small
diameter, and its hurricane winds covered only a narrow band" (MWR). "The eye of
the storm passed over the city [Miami] at about noon on the 4th before tracking
across the Everglades and into the Gulf of Mexico" (Barnes). Dunn and Miller note
the storm as "occurring in extreme south Florida on November 4th as a minimal
hurricane with Miami's barometer reading 973 mb and winds of 75 mph." Jarrell et
al also noted this hurricane as a "Category 2 hurricane in southeast Florida with
a 973 mb pressure." Ho et al lists this storm as, "having a RMW of 10 nmi, a
central pressure of 973 mb, and a landfall location of 25.9N, 80.1W." "The total
property loss in Miami and vicinity is estimated at $5,500,000. The total loss of
life in Florida and Great Abaco Island is placed at 19" (MWR).
November 5: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010 mb near 26N, 84W. HURDAT
listed this as a Category 1 hurricane at 24.9N, 83.5W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones
indicate the center near 26N, 84W at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest a
position northeast of HURDAT to be most accurate. Station highlights: 29 kt W
and 1005 mb at Key West at 00 UTC (OMR). Ship highlights: 35 kt NNW and 1004 mb
at 24.9N, 84W at 10 UTC (MWR); 70 kt ENE and 1002 mb at 26.6N, 83.5W at 17 UTC
(MWR). “In the east Gulf it formed an incomplete loop by first moving westward,
then northward toward the Alabama coast, and finally eastward nearly to the
central west coast of Florida” (MWR).
November 6: HWM analyzes an area of low environmental pressure, but not closed,
near 25N, 85W with an approaching cold front from the northwest. Available
observations disagree with this analysis and indicate that a circulation, however
weak it appears (~1015 mb), is present around 25.5N, 75W. HURDAT listed this as a
tropical storm at 26N, 86.3W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones indicate the center near
26.5N, 85.5W at 8 a.m. Available observations suggest a position slightly northeast
of HURDAT to be most accurate. Ship highlights: 45 kt N and 1008 mb at 25.8N, 85.7W
at 09 UTC (MWR); 35 kt S and 1011 mb at 26.6N, 85.7W at 13 UTC (COA); 35 kt S and
1009 mb at 27N, 86.2W at 17 UTC (MWR).
November 7: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1015 mb near 26N, 88W with a cold
front propagating north of the circulation. HURDAT listed this as a tropical storm
at 28N, 86.9W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones indicate the center near 28N, 86.5W at
8 a.m. Available observations suggest a position slightly southwest of HURDAT to be
most accurate. Ship highlights: 35 kt NE and 1012 mb at 27.9N, 87.2W at 00 UTC (COA).
November 8: HWM analyzed a cold front stretching from southwest to northeast such
that no circulation exists and barotropic characteristics that where once present
are no longer apparent. HURDAT listed this as a tropical depression at 27.6N,
83.7W. The MWR Tracks of Cyclones indicate the center near 27N, 85W at 8 a.m.
Available observations suggest a position west of HURDAT to be most accurate.
No gale force winds (or equivalent in pressure) were observed. “It did not
reach this [west Florida] coast, but entirely disintegrated before 8 p. m. on
November 8” (MWR).
Genesis is maintained for this hurricane on October 30th at 06 UTC. Despite the
HWM map series indicating a low pressure in association with an extended frontal
boundary from the 25th to the 28th (but not on the 29th), a closed low could not
be confirmed, as the structure observed is better described as a front or open
trough. An observation at Bermuda of 30 kt N and 1017 mb at 12 UTC on the 30th
is consistent with the pre-existing 35 kt in HURDAT at that time. Despite the
Historical Weather Map showing the cyclone having frontal boundaries from the
30th of October through the 1st of November, re-examination of the data indicate
no significant temperature gradient, a relatively symmetric wind field, and
strong winds near the center. Thus the cyclone’s status as a tropical cyclone
for the 30th to the 1st of November is maintained. Minor alterations were made
to the track for every day of its existence. On the 31st at 05 UTC, a peripheral
pressure observation of 1000 mb was indicated along with 35 kt WSW winds. This
pressure implies at least 44 kt from the Brown et al. north of 25N pressure-wind
relationship. 45 kt at 06 UTC is maintained. A peripheral pressure of 990 mb with
simultaneous 60 kt E winds at 18 UTC on the 1st implies at least winds of 64 kt
from the Brown et al north of 25N and at least 63 kt from the Landsea et al. north
of 35N pressure-wind relationships. 70 kt at that time is maintained in HURDAT. On
the 1st, the cyclone caused tropical storm force winds to occur along the North
Carolina coast. On the 2nd the storm’s motion took an irregular path from west
toward the Carolinas to south toward the Bahamas. A central pressure of 980 mb at
06 UTC on the 2nd was observed from a ship indicating winds of 73 kt from the
north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. 75 kt is chosen for HURDAT, 5 kt higher
than previously recorded. The hurricane was located north of the Bahamas on the
3rd where several ship observations were available. A central pressure of 964 mb
was reported shortly after 12 UTC on the 3rd, which implies winds of 91 and 95 kt
from the north of 25N pressure-wind relationship and the subset relationship for
intensifying systems. 90 kt is chosen for HURDAT at 12 UTC on the 3rd, 20 kt
higher than the original estimate, which is a major intensity revision. No
significant observations were available from the Bahamas, though it is likely
that the hurricane made landfall over Great Abaco early on the 4th as a
Category 2 hurricane.
Landfall for the cyclone occurred around 18 UTC on the 4th at 25.9N 80.1W at Miami,
Florida. On the 4th, a central pressure of 973 mb was observed at 18 UTC in Miami
indicating winds of 81 kt from the north of 25N pressure-wind relationship and
86 kt from the south of 25N pressure-wind relationship. Highest observed 5 min winds
were 65 kt SE at 1807 UTC in Miami after the eye passage. The small RMW of 10 nm
estimated by Ho et al. is consistent with the description in MWR and is smaller than
climatology (20 nm – Vickery et al) for this latitude and central pressure.
Translational speed for the hurricane at landfall is about 11 kt, fairly close to
climatology. Thus, 85 kt is chosen for HURDAT. This new wind estimate is considerably
higher than before (65 kt) but does confirm the Category 2 classification analyzed
by Jarrell et al. It is possible, given the uncertainties that this cyclone made
landfall as a high end Category 1 (~80 kt), rather than a low end Category 2 (~85 kt).
(Thus the intensity from 06 UTC on the 3rd through 18 UTC on the 4th had a major
upward change.) A run of the Kaplan-DeMaria inland wind decay model suggests winds
of 69 kt at 00 UTC on the 5th. Given the transit over the Everglades, intensity at
this time is analyzed to be 70 kt, 5 kt higher than originally listed. Minimal gale
force observations (35 kt) were seen for the 5th at Key West (00 UTC) although a wind
of east-northeast at 70 kt was noted by the S.S. Horn Shell at 17 UTC. 65 kt is
maintained for HURDAT at 12 UTC on the 5th. The system continued to diminish in
intensity through the 5th and 6th even though the cyclone had moved over the Gulf
of Mexico, downgrading the hurricane to a tropical storm at 00 UTC on the 6th.
On the 6th, several ship observations contained gale force winds but relatively weak
pressures (1008-1011 mb) with the highest wind of 45 kt at 09 UTC. 50 kt is chosen
for HURDAT at 12 UTC on the 6th, 5 kt lower than previously estimated. A single wind
observation of 35 kt early on the 7th amidst several measurements in the Gulf of Mexico
indicates the storm is continued to weaken. The storm became a tropical depression at
18 UTC on the 7th (unchanged) and transitioned to extratropical at 12 UTC on the 8th.
This extratropical transition was not indicated in HURDAT previously, but is supported
by the large temperature contrast across the weakening system by 12 UTC on the 8th.
While somewhat ambiguous, it appears that a closed circulation still existed at 12 UTC
on the 8th. Dissipation after 18 UTC on the 8th is unchanged from that previously
indicated.
Storm 8, 1935
28066 11/03/1935 M=12 8 SNBR= 620 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
28066 11/03*340 615 30 0*345 605 30 0*350 595 30 0*356 583 35 0
28066 11/04*362 571 35 0*367 560 40 0*370 550 40 0*367 544 40 0
28066 11/05*362 541 40 0*356 539 40 0*350 540 40 0*342 548 40 0
28066 11/06*332 558 40 0*325 570 40 0*320 580 40 0*317 588 40 0
28066 11/07*317 596 40 0*317 603 40 0*315 610 40 0*309 616 40 0
28066 11/08*299 621 40 0*290 624 40 0*285 625 40 0*282 624 35 0
28066 11/09*281 622 35 0*280 619 30 0*280 615 30 0*280 609 30 0
28066 11/10*281 600 30 0*282 593 30 0*285 590 35 0*290 592 35 0
28066 11/11*295 597 40 0*299 605 40 0*300 615 40 0*296 622 40 0
28066 11/12*287 626 40 0*279 628 40 0*275 630 35 0*272 632 35 0
28066 11/13*270 634 35 0*269 636 30 0*270 635 30 0*275 631 30 0
28066 11/14*285 625 25 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0
28066 TS
This is a new tropical storm not previously recorded in HURDAT. Evidence for this
system comes from the Historical Weather Map series, the COADS ship database, and
the Monthly Weather Review.
November 2: HWM analyses a weak trough along 35N 55W to 25N 65W.
No gale force winds or low pressures.
November 3: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005 mb near 36N, 60W with a frontal
system to the northwest of the storm stretching from northeast to southwest.
Ship highlights: 30 kt N and 1010 mb at 36.2N 62.1W at 12 UTC (COA).
November 4: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 1000 mb near 38N, 55W with the weak
stationary front northwest of the system dissipating. Ship highlights: 30 kt SSW and
1006 mb at 37.0N 54.7W at 12 UTC (COA); 25 kt S and 1001 mb at 37.2N, 54.5W at 12 UTC
(COA); 10 kt SSW and 1005 mb at 40.1N, 53.6W at 13 UTC (COA).
November 5: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 1010 mb near 34N, 54W. The previous
frontal system to the northwest has dissipated as indicated by HWM. Ship highlights:
30 kt N and 1013 mb at 34.5N 59.5W at 04 UTC (COA); 25 kt SSW and 1006 mb at 33.4N,
52.6W at 12 UTC (COA).
November 6: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 1010 mb near 33.5N, 58W.
No gale force winds (or equivalent in pressure) were observed.
November 7: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010 mb near 32.5N, 64W. A second
frontal system is approaching from the northwest although not yet affecting the storm.
Ship highlights: 30 kt N at 30.2N 63.9W at 12 UTC (COA).
Land highlights: 35 kt N and 1010 mb at Bermuda (HWM).
November 8: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 1010 mb near 27.5N, 63.5W. The system
has become elongated northwest to southeast as indicated by HWM.
Ship highlights: 25 kt W and 1006 mb at 27.5N, 62.5W at 12 UTC (COA).
November 9: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010 mb near 30N, 60W with a frontal
system present to the north-northwest. No gale force winds
(or equivalent in pressure) were observed.
November 10: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 1010 mb near 28N, 58.5W. The frontal
boundary analyzed for the several days preceding has lifted off to the north causing
the storm to become elongated northeast to southwest. No gale force winds
(or equivalent in pressure) were observed.
November 11: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1005 mb near 30N, 62W.
Ship highlights: 35 kt NE and 1015 mb at 33.5N 62.5W at 00 UTC (COA); 35 kt NE
and 1014 mb at 32.5N 64.5W at 04 UTC (COA); 35 kt NE and 1013 mb at 32.5N 64.5W
at 08 UTC (COA); 30 kt NNE and 1012 mb at 31.5N 63.5W at 12 UTC (COA); 15 kt N and
1001 mb at 30N, 62.1W at 12 UTC (COA).
November 12: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 1005 mb near 27N, 63W.
Ship highlights: 5 WSW and 1006 mb at 23.5N, 63.5W at 08 UTC (COA); 30 kt NNE
and 1008 mb at 31.5N 64.5W at 04 UTC (COA).
November 13: HWM indicates a closed low of at most 1010 mb near 26.5N, 63.5W. The
system is weakening as the area of low pressure has becoming much broader than the
previous days. Ship highlights: 20 kt N and 1006 mb at 24.8N, 67.5W at 00 UTC (COA).
November 14: HWM analyzed a closed low of at most 1010 mb near 31N, 61.5W which has
become elongated northwest to southeast. HWM also indicates a third moderate frontal
system is approaching from the north. Dissipation is said to occur by 00 UTC as
no gale force winds (or equivalent in pressure) were observed.
Genesis for this tropical storm began on the early morning of November 3rd where
evidence shows a closed circulation. Temperatures are cool (~70F) but relative
uniform across the cyclone’s center. It appears that the system became a tropical
storm at 18 UTC on 3rd, based in part on 30 kt N winds observed at 12 UTC. A
peripheral pressure of 1001 mb was observed at 12 UTC on the 4th which suggests
winds of at least 47 kt from the Landsea et al. north of 35N pressure-wind
relationship. 40 kt is chosen for the intensity, given the cyclone’s large size
and slow movement. Observations on the 5th and the 6th were limited and 40 kt
is maintained for the intensity. On the 7th, a ship observed 30 kt N winds and
Bermuda reported 25 kt N winds and 1010 mb pressure. The intensity is maintained
at 40 kt. While the observations are only moderately comprehensive on the 8th to
the 10th, it does appear that the cyclone weakened. It is estimated that it
dropped to a tropical depression around 06 UTC on the 9th and remained at this
status until late on the 10th. The cyclone appeared to have a second peak in
intensity as three 35 kt gales were reported on the 11th along with 1001 mb
peripheral pressure. Such pressure suggests winds of at least 42 kt from the
Brown et al north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. 40 kt is chosen for HURDAT
as again the system is large and still slow moving. On the 12th and 13th, the
system again weakened and became very large (diameter of ~ 15 degrees north-south,
~12 degrees east-west). It likely became a tropical depression around 06 UTC on
the 13th. The system finally dissipated after 00 UTC on the 14th. It is likely
that such a cyclone monitored during the satellite era would have been characterized
as a subtropical storm for much of its lifetime. Additionally, the weakening
apparent on the 9th of November and again on the 13th-14th suggests that it may
have dropped below tropical cyclone status and have become a remnant Low on those
dates. The first usage of “Low” in the Atlantic best track is very recent – Arlene
in 1987. The key criterion that is utilized to differentiate tropical cyclones from
remnant lows is the presence of organized deep convection. Given that we are unable
to examine this aspect in the pre-satellite era, it is not be appropriate to use the
“Low” designation for this case.
*******************************************************************************
1935 - Additional Notes:
1) Historical Weather Maps and COADS indicate that a low pressure area formed
in the northern Gulf of Mexico on 23 August 1935 and appeared to be a tropical
cyclone in structure. The system remained nearly stationary for the next four
days without much change in intensity. On the 28th, the system moved to the
northeast and made landfall in the panhandle of Florida as a tropical depression.
\On the next day, it continued moving toward the northeast and decayed over Georgia.
Strongest observed winds were 30 kt from a ship on the 23rd (COA) and lowest observed
pressure was 1008 mb from a ship on the 25th (HWM). Thus available data indicate that
this system was a tropical depression and is not included into HURDAT. However, it
is possible that it did obtain minimal tropical storm status.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Aug. 23 27N 88W Tropical Depression
Aug. 24 26N 89W Tropical Depression
Aug. 25 27N 88W Tropical Depression
Aug. 26 28N 88W Tropical Depression
Aug. 27 29N 89W Tropical Depression
Aug. 28 30N 87W Tropical Depression
Aug. 29 32N 83W Tropical Depression Dissipating
2) September 23-26: In the MWR article on storm #6, there is mention of a minor
disturbance over the Caribbean Sea from September 23-26 (the article gives the month
incorrectly) that eventually merged with the hurricane. The report states this
system caused local gales in Puerto Rico and southern Santo Domingo. MWR, HWM, and
COADS observations indicate that the system did not obtain a closed circulation and
remained a tropical wave moving across the Caribbean before being absorbed by the
hurricane. Strongest observations obtained were 25 kt. As it did not have a closed
circulation and that the gale force winds were not confirmed, this system is not
added into HURDAT.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Sep. 23 --- 60W Trough
Sep. 24 --- 64W Trough
Sep. 25 --- 68W Trough
Sep. 26 --- 71W Trough
3) September 30-October 2: The Monthly Weather Review, Historical Weather Maps, and
COADS observations indicate a trough or possible tropical depression meandered near
western Cuba from September 30 to October 2. No winds greater than 25 kt were recorded.
It is unlikely that this reached tropical storm intensity and is thus not added into HURDAT.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Sep. 30 22N 86W Tropical Depression or Trough
Oct. 1 22N 85W Tropical Depression or Trough
Oct. 2 23N 82W Tropical Depression or Trough
4) October 2-5: The HWM shows a low over the eastern tropical Atlantic on 2 October with
pressures analyzed to be below 1005 mb. The HWM analyze a nearly stationary and weakening
low in this area for the next three days. HWM, COADS, and MWR data indicate that the highest
observed wind was 30 kt and lowest pressure was 1006 mb, both on the 2nd. The system likely
was at least a tropical depression and may have been a tropical storm. But without direct
evidence of tropical storm intensity, this system is not added into HURDAT.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Oct. 2 11N 22W Tropical Depression
Oct. 3 11N 24W Tropical Depression
Oct. 4 13N 24W Tropical Depression?
Oct. 5 13N 24W Tropical Depression?
5) November 24-25: The Monthly Weather Review wrote: “From the southwestern Caribbean Sea,
there is a lone report of a localized storm lasting several hours, met on the 24th and 25th
by the Dutch steamship Odysseus, Puerto Cortez toward Cristobal. At the greatest intensity,
the force was estimated as 11, lowest pressure 29.66 inches [1005 mb]. There is no further
information at hand regarding this disturbance.” Obtaining the Historical Weather Maps,
COADS ship data and the MWR information provides a somewhat ambiguous picture. The western
Caribbean was swept by a strong cold front on the 23rd and 24th of November, as the temperatures
were 40 F in Tampa, 52 F in Progresso, Mexico, and 60 F in western Cuba on the 24th. Strong cold
air advection was occurring along the east coast of Central America on both dates, which in itself
would suggest that a tropical cyclone did not occur. However, the presence of a closed circulation
on the 25th (and possibly the 24th) in the southwestern Caribbean and the 1005 mb/60 kt NNE
observations from the ship suggest that some type of cyclonic system did exist. However, none
of the other observations ever indicated more than 25 kt occurred. It is judged that the system was
caused by a combination of forcing from cold air advection and funneling along the east coast of
Central America. Thus it is likely not a tropical cyclone (or a subtropical cyclone) and
thus is not added into HURDAT.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Nov. 24 12N 80W Non-tropical low
Nov. 25 12N 82W Non-tropical low