1909 Velasco hurricane

1909 Velasco hurricane
Surface weather analysis of the hurricane near Texas on July 21
Meteorological history
FormedJuly 13, 1909
DissipatedJuly 22, 1909
Category 3 major hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds115 mph (185 km/h)
Lowest pressure959 mbar (hPa); 28.32 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities41 total
Damage$2 million (1909 USD)
Areas affectedJamaica, Cuba, Louisiana and Texas
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata
Part of the 1909 Atlantic hurricane season

The 1909 Velasco hurricane was an intense tropical cyclone that devastated areas of the Texas coast in July 1909. The fourth tropical storm, second hurricane, and first major hurricane of the season, it formed from an area of disturbed weather east of the Leeward Islands on July 13, 1909. Remaining weak for much of its early existence, the system began to intensify after nearing Jamaica. Curving towards the northwest, it reached hurricane strength on July 18 near the western tip of Cuba. Intensification stalled as it moved westwards across the Gulf of Mexico, but resumed as the hurricane approached the Texas coast. The storm intensified to a major hurricane on July 21 and subsequently reached its peak intensity with winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) prior to making landfall near Velasco, Texas. Once over land, the system began to quickly weaken, and dissipated near the Rio Grande on July 22.

The hurricane caused 41 deaths and $2 million in damages,[nb 1] all of which were in Texas. Strong waves caused several offshore shipping incidents, and storm surge inundated areas of the Texas coast, though damage in Galveston was mostly mitigated by the Galveston Seawall. In Velasco, only eight buildings remained intact after the hurricane. Strong winds forced train closures and destroyed and downed various infrastructure. Heavy rains further inland peaked at 8.5 in (220 mm) in Hallettsville.

Meteorological history

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

A tropical depression was first noted at 1200 UTC on July 13, northeast of Grenada in the Windward Islands, with winds of 35 mph (55 km/h),[1] though whether it had a closed circulation at the time remains unclear.[2][3] Nonetheless, the system remained a weak tropical depression for much of its early existence as it moved to the west-northwest through the eastern Caribbean Sea. Weather reports throughout the Caribbean during this time were sparse and according to José Partagás, a former meteorologist at the National Hurricane Center, the system still may have not formed a closed circulation. This meant that the low was not classifiable, though the lack of data also meant that there was no evidence to support this claim and the system was kept as a tropical depression in HURDAT, the Atlantic Hurricane Database.[2] However, once the depression was located south of Jamaica, it began to slowly strengthen and curve more towards the northwest, reaching tropical storm intensity by 0000 UTC on July 17.[1] At the time, the system was expected to make landfall on the Yucatán Peninsula. Ships in the vicinity of the storm reported strong breezes associated with low barometric pressure.[3] Despite predictions, the system curved from its initial west-northwest movement and more towards the northwest, towards the central Gulf of Mexico. The tropical storm continued to intensify, attaining hurricane strength as a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale at 1800 UTC on July 18 after skirting past the Guanahacabibes Peninsula.[1]

Once in the Gulf of Mexico, intensification substantially lessened as the storm maintained its Category 1 intensity throughout July 19 and July 20.[1] The hurricane curved in the gulf back to a more westerly direction, while moving at about 10 mph (15 km/h).[4] A minimum pressure reading of 985 mbar (hPa; 29.09 inHg) was reported offshore south of Louisiana by the ship S.S. Paraguay at 1800 UTC on July 20.[4] Strengthening resumed late on July 20th as the hurricane tracked almost parallel to the Louisiana coastline towards Texas. On July 21st, the storm attained its peak intensity as a modern-day Category 3 major hurricane, with sustained winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) and a barometric pressure of 959 mbar (hPa; 28.32 inHg).[1] Later the same day, the hurricane made landfall at this intensity almost directly over Velasco, Texas, with maximum wind speeds stretching 22 mi (35 km) from the hurricane's center. Over the following 24 hours, the system rapidly weakened over land and lost tropical characteristics near the Rio Grande during the afternoon of July 22.[2][1]

Preparations and impact

Black and white contoured map of rainfall totals, ranging from 3 in (76 mm) to 9 in (230 mm).
Rainfall totals on July 22

As the hurricane approached Texas, the Weather Bureau issued hurricane warnings for potentially affected areas beginning on July 18. Ships and ports were also continuously notified on the oncoming storm, which helped to keep offshore shipping accidents to a minimum.[4] Inland, as a precautionary measure, rail operations along the coast were halted for a duration of the storm's passage.[5]

At its landfall in Velasco, the hurricane caused a wide swath of damage along the Texas coast and areas further inland. Despite previously issued warnings, rough seas produced by the hurricane still caused several ship accidents. Strong waves forced several ships near Galveston to either become grounded or sunk. The derrick barge Miller and other craft were grounded along Galveston's West Bay.[6] A large dredge was swept into the Galveston Causeway, snapping telegraph cables that ran along the length of the causeway.[7] The Miriam was sunken by a submerged log, while the schooner Ed Gibbs was broken into pieces near La Porte. The steamboat El Siglo (The Century) remained stranded offshore for twelve hours in winds estimated at 90 mph (145 km/h).[6] Off of Mobile, Alabama, the high waves prevented ships from entering the Port of Mobile.[8] Closer to the coast, the hurricane produced a storm surge of 10 ft (3.0 m) in Galveston and Velasco.[2] However, due to the Galveston Seawall, much of the potential storm surge-related damage in Galveston was mitigated, though the seawall forced spray to rise 60 ft (18 m) in the air. Areas outside the seawall on the Galveston beach, including two fishing piers and pavilions were destroyed.[9] On Galveston's Tarpon Pier, ten members of a fishing party perished after the pier collapsed,[10] though six were rescued by the yacht Mayflower.[11] In western areas of Galveston, where there was no seawall, inland areas were inundated under 7 ft (2.1 m) of water.[12] However, Galveston's primary streets were submerged to a lesser extent, under 2 ft (0.61 m) of water.[13] In Velasco, the tide was reported to have been 3 ft (0.91 m) higher than during the 1900 Galveston hurricane,[4] which inundated the city under 4 ft (1.2 m) of water.[14] Areas of Sabine Pass were also inundated by the high waves, and the Southern Pacific Railroad was submerged in water.[15]

Old photo of a building that has part of its facade damaged.
Damage to Jeff Davis High School

In Velasco, where the hurricane made landfall, only eight buildings remained intact after the storm's passage. Quintana, Columbus, and Columbia were also heavily affected, with all houses experiencing some form of severe damage. In Austin, homes were unroofed, and the storm was considered as the worst hurricane to affect Austin at the time.[6] Heavy rains caused large amounts of driftwood to float down the Colorado River. In Austin, the driftwood struck the newly constructed Congress Avenue Bridge, carrying away 200 ft (61 m) of trestle and resulting in $10,000 in damages.[16] Other cities also reported severely damaged homes and businesses. Galveston suffered minor damage, with reports of chimney damage and broken windows.[9] Three sections of the Galveston Causeway were blown down by the strong winds.[17] As a result, tug boats were forced to carry people and cargo to and from Galveston along West Bay.[7] The Western Union Telegraph Company reportedly lost all direct communication with Galveston for a temporary period of time. Other telegraph companies in Dallas and Chicago also lost communications with the city.[17] Property damage in Galveston was estimated at $100,000.[10] Strong winds and gusts from the storm were reported as far inland as Eagle Pass. The winds uprooted trees and extensively damaged various crops, as well as downed power lines.[6] In the Galveston Jetty, Rosenburg, and Brazoria, strong winds blew trains off of their tracks. Train stations and train depots along the coast also experienced considerable damage, with some depots being completely leveled. Maize fields which had been previously burned by wildfires caused by an ongoing drought in Kingsville were swept down, while cotton crops withstood the hurricane well. Oil derricks near Markham were blown down, and water wells were stripped of their machinery.[18] In Alvin, barns and windmills were destroyed. Richmond also reported destroyed barns, as well as downed chimneys. Six prisoners escaped from the city's local jail after windows were blown in.[18] Rice mills were downed in Eagle Pass.[6]

Damage was comparatively light in Louisiana. Heavy rains and storm surge inundated marshes, resulting in hundreds of reported cattle drownings. Cotton crops from Grand Chenier, Louisiana to Sabine Pass was destroyed by the rains and wind. Two deaths in Louisiana were reported in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.[19]

Further inland, the hurricane produced heavy rainfall in many areas, peaking at 8.5 in (220 mm) in Hallettsville, Texas, with rainfall totals of at least 3 in (76 mm) common in along the hurricane's track.[20] Boerne, Fredericksbrug, and Columbia all set monthly records for 24‑hour rainfall totals on July 21 and 22, with all three cities reporting totals of 5 in (130 mm) or greater. While the heavy rains caused damage in areas, it provided beneficial drought relief in other regions.[6]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ All damage totals are in 1909 United States dollars unless otherwise noted.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)" (Database). United States National Hurricane Center. April 5, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2024. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ a b c d Landsea, Chris; et al. (December 2012). "Documentation of Atlantic Tropical Cyclones Changes in HURDAT". National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on September 30, 2015. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  3. ^ a b Partagas, J.F.; Diaz, H.F. (1999). "Part V: 1901–1908" (PDF). A Reconstruction of Historical Tropical Cyclone Frequency in the Atlantic from Documentary and other Historical Sources. Boulder, Colorado: United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Diagnostics Center. pp. 3–5. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  4. ^ a b c d Bunnemeyer, Bernard (1 July 1909). "District No. 8, Texas and Rio Grande Valley" (PDF). Monthly Weather Review. 37 (7): 351–362. Bibcode:1909MWRv...37..351B. doi:10.1175/1520-0493(1909)37[351:DNTARG]2.0.CO;2. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  5. ^ "No Trains Running". Spokane Daily Chronicle. New York, New York. July 21, 1909. p. 1. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Roth, David M; Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Texas Hurricane History (PDF). United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 28, 2010. Retrieved January 12, 2013.
  7. ^ a b "The Hurricane at Galveston". The Lewiston Daily Sun. Galveston, Texas. July 21, 1909. p. 1. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  8. ^ "Huge Seas Off Mobile". Spokane Daily Chronicle. Mobile, Alabama. July 21, 1909. p. 1. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  9. ^ a b "Sea Wall Saves Galveston From Wrath of Storm". The Evening Journal. Galveston, Texas. July 21, 1932. p. 3. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  10. ^ a b "Galveston Saved By Seawall". Evening Tribune. Galveston, Texas. July 22, 1909. p. 2. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  11. ^ "Six Men Are Rescued; Swept From Tarpon Pier". Dallas Morning News. Galveston, Texas. July 22, 1909. Archived from the original on September 10, 2015. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  12. ^ "Seven Feet Under Water". The Bakersfield Californian. Dallas, Texas. July 21, 1909. p. 1. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  13. ^ "Hurricane Floods Galveston Streets". Spokane Daily Chronicle. Dallas, Texas. July 21, 1909. p. 1. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  14. ^ "Eighteen Lives Lost Hurricane". Youngstown Vindicator. Houston, Texas. July 23, 1909. p. 22. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  15. ^ "Wire Communication is Shut Off From Stricken City". Eugene Register-Guard. Houston, Texas. July 21, 1909. p. 1. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  16. ^ "Storm Victims Number 41". The Rock Hill Herald. New Orleans, Louisiana. July 21, 1909. Retrieved August 31, 2022 – via Newspapers.com. Free access icon
  17. ^ a b "Galveston Storm-Swept". Boston Evening Transcript. New York, New York. July 21, 1909. p. 3. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  18. ^ a b "More Than a Score Dead in Gulf Storm" (PDF). New York Times. Houston, Texas. July 23, 1909. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 2, 2021. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  19. ^ Roth, David M; Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Louisiana Hurricane History (PDF). United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. p. 28. Archived from the original on September 5, 2008. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
  20. ^ Schoner, R.W.; Molansky, S. "Rainfall Associated With Hurricanes (And Other Tropical Disturbances)" (PDF). United States Weather Bureau's National Hurricane Research Project. p. 86. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 29, 2016. Retrieved January 12, 2013.

Read other articles:

Uni Soviet

Soviet dan Sovyet dialihkan ke halaman ini. Untuk kegunaan lain, lihat Soviet (disambiguasi). Uni Republik Sosialis SovietСою́з Сове́тских Социалисти́ческих Респу́бликSoyúz Sovyétskikh Sotsialistícheskikh RespúblikNama lain Uni Soviet1922–1991 Bendera Lambang Negara Semboyan: Пролетарии всех стран, соединяйтесь!(Proletarii vsekh stran, soyedinyaytes'!)Bahasa Indonesia: Pekerja di dunia, bersatulah!Lagu kebangs...

 

San'yō region

Historical region of Japan San'yō region The San'yō Region (山陽地方 San'yō-chihō) is an area in the south of Honshū, the main island of Japan.[1] It consists of the southern part of the Chūgoku region, facing the Seto Inland Sea. The name San'yō means southern, sunny (yō) side of the mountains and contrasts with the San'in or northern, shady (in) side of the mountains. The region is generally considered to include the prefectures of Okayama, Hiroshima and Yamaguchi. Somet...

 

Telephone numbers in Europe

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.Find sources: Telephone numbers in Europe – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (August 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) Calling codes in Europe Telephone numbers in Europe are managed by the national telecommunications authorities of each ...

Jade North

Questa voce sull'argomento calciatori australiani è solo un abbozzo. Contribuisci a migliorarla secondo le convenzioni di Wikipedia. Segui i suggerimenti del progetto di riferimento. Jade North Nazionalità  Australia Altezza 180 cm Peso 78 kg Calcio Ruolo Difensore Termine carriera 2020 Carriera Giovanili 1998QAS1998AIS Squadre di club1 1998-2001 Brisbane Strikers48 (3)2001-2003 Olympic Sharks59 (3)2003-2004 Perth Glory22 (0)2005-2009 Newcastle Jets75 (2)2009&...

 

B

  此條目介紹的是拉丁字母中的第2个字母。关于其他用法，请见「B (消歧义)」。   提示：此条目页的主题不是希腊字母Β、西里尔字母В、Б、Ъ、Ь或德语字母ẞ、ß。 BB b(见下)用法書寫系統拉丁字母英文字母ISO基本拉丁字母（英语：ISO basic Latin alphabet）类型全音素文字相关所属語言拉丁语读音方法 [b][p][ɓ](适应变体)Unicode编码U+0042, U+0062字母顺位2数值 2歷史發...

 

Associazione Calcio Palermo 1935-1936

Voce principale: Palermo Football Club. AC PalermoStagione 1935-1936Sport calcio Squadra Palermo Allenatore Gyula Lelovich, poi Angelo Benincasa Presidente Giovanni De Luca, poi Luigi Majo Pagano Serie A15º (in Serie B) Coppa ItaliaSedicesimi di finale Maggiori presenzeCampionato: Provera (30)Totale: Provera (32) Miglior marcatoreCampionato: Palumbo, Bonesini (5)Totale: Palumbo, Bonesini (5) StadioLittorio 1934-1935 1936-1937 Si invita a seguire il modello di voce Questa voce raccoglie...

Community Colleges of Spokane

Community college district in Spokane, Washington, U.S. This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.Find sources: Community Colleges of Spokane – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (May 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Community Colleges of SpokaneMottoInspire. Enrich. Uplift.TypePublic commu...

 

2020年夏季奧林匹克運動會波蘭代表團

2020年夏季奥林匹克运动会波兰代表團波兰国旗IOC編碼POLNOC波蘭奧林匹克委員會網站olimpijski.pl（英文）（波兰文）2020年夏季奥林匹克运动会（東京）2021年7月23日至8月8日（受2019冠状病毒病疫情影响推迟，但仍保留原定名称）運動員206參賽項目24个大项旗手开幕式：帕维尔·科热尼奥夫斯基（游泳）和马娅·沃什乔夫斯卡（自行车）[1]闭幕式：卡罗利娜·纳亚（皮划艇）&#...

 

American Aristocracy

American AristocracyFilm daringSutradaraLloyd IngrahamCeritaAnita LoosPemeranDouglas FairbanksJewel CarmenSinematograferVictor FlemingPerusahaanproduksiFine Arts Film CompanyDistributorTriangle Film CorporationTanggal rilis 12 November 1916 (1916-11-12) Durasi52 menitNegaraAmerika SerikatBahasaBisuIntertitel Inggris American Aristocracy adalah sebuah film komedi-drama/petualangan bisu Amerika Serikat tahun 1916 garapan Lloyd Ingraham dan menampilkan Douglas Fairbanks. Sebuah cetakan 35mm...

Islam di Jamaika

Muslim JamaikaTotal populasi1.000[1]AgamaIslam Sunni, Islam Syiah dan AhmadiyahBahasaBahasa utama yang digunakan adalah Bahasa Inggris, Patwa Jamaika, Arab, UrduIslam menurut negara Afrika Aljazair Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Kamerun Tanjung Verde Republik Afrika Tengah Chad Komoro Republik Demokratik Kongo Republik Kongo Djibouti Mesir Guinea Khatulistiwa Eritrea Eswatini Etiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Pantai Gading Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Madagask...

 

Dessel

Municipality in Flemish Community, BelgiumDesselMunicipality FlagCoat of armsLocation of Dessel DesselLocation in Belgium Location of Dessel in the province of Antwerp Coordinates: 51°14′N 05°07′E / 51.233°N 5.117°E / 51.233; 5.117Country BelgiumCommunityFlemish CommunityRegionFlemish RegionProvinceAntwerpArrondissementTurnhoutGovernment • MayorKris Van Dijck (N-VA) • Governing party/iesN-VAArea • Total27.45 k...

 

NGC 4478

NGC 4478 صورة NGC 4478. مراقبة البيانات (حقبة حقبة) جزء من عنقود العذراء المجري  الكوكبة كوكبة العذراء رمز الفهرس NGC 4478 (الفهرس العام الجديد)UGC 7645 (فهرس أوبسالا العام)PGC 41297 (فهرس المجرات الرئيسية)2MASX J12301743+1219428 (Two Micron All-Sky Survey, Extended source catalogue)MCG+02-32-099 (فهرس المجرات الموروفولوجي)VCC 1279 (Virg...

History of the Jews in Lithuania

For the history of the Jewish community of Lithuanian origin, see Lithuanian Jews. This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.Find sources: History of the Jews in Lithuania – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (November 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Ethnic group Lithuanian JewsRegions wi...

 

Goodbye, Mr. Chips (Film)

Goodbye, Mr. ChipsPromotional film poster for Goodbye, Mr. Chips.SutradaraHerbert RossProduserArthur P. JacobsMort AbrahamsDitulis olehTerence RattiganPemeranPeter O'ToolePetula ClarkMichael RedgraveAlison LeggattPenata musikLeslie BricusseJohn WilliamsSinematograferOswald MorrisPenyuntingRalph KemplenDistributorMGM, APJAC ProductionsTanggal rilis9 Desember 1969 (Swedia)Durasi155 menitBahasaInggris Goodbye, Mr. Chips merupakan salah satu film Amerika Serikat karya sutradara Herbert Ross...

 

1952 United States presidential election in Indiana

Main article: 1952 United States presidential election 1952 United States presidential election in Indiana ← 1948 November 4, 1952[1] 1956 → All 13 Indiana votes to the Electoral College   Nominee Dwight D. Eisenhower Adlai Stevenson Party Republican Democratic Home state New York[2] Illinois Running mate Richard Nixon John Sparkman Electoral vote 13 0 Popular vote 1,136,259 801,530 Percentage 58.11% 40.99% County Results Eisenho...

United States Army Chemical Materials Activity

Separate reporting activity of the U.S. Army Materiel Command This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.Find sources: United States Army Chemical Materials Activity – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (March 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Unit insignia The United States Army Chemical Mat...

 

Aiaaira

National anthem of Abkhazia AiaairaEnglish: VictoryАиааираSheet musicNational anthem of AbkhaziaLyricsGennady AlamiaMusicValery ChkaduaAdopted24 October 2007Audio sampleOfficial orchestral and choral vocal recordingfilehelp Other official recordings Orchestral and choral vocal recording (short version) Orchestral instrumental recording Orchestral instrumental recording (short version) Orchestral instrumental recording (short version) (version 2) Piano and choral vocal recording Pr...

 

Transformation de Laplace

La transformée de Laplace d'une convolution est le produit des transformées de Laplace. En mathématiques, la transformation de Laplace est une transformation intégrale qui, à une fonction f — définie sur les réels positifs et à valeurs réelles —, associe une nouvelle fonction F — définie sur les complexes et à valeurs complexes — dite transformée de Laplace de f. L'intérêt de la transformation de Laplace vient de la conjonction des deux faits suivants : De nombreuse...

Mario Cuomo

Governor of New York from 1983 to 1994 For the singer, see the Orwells. Mario Cuomo52nd Governor of New YorkIn officeJanuary 1, 1983 – December 31, 1994LieutenantAlfred DelBelloWarren Anderson (acting)Stan LundinePreceded byHugh CareySucceeded byGeorge PatakiLieutenant Governor of New YorkIn officeJanuary 1, 1979 – December 31, 1982GovernorHugh CareyPreceded byMary Anne KrupsakSucceeded byAlfred DelBello57th Secretary of State of New YorkIn officeJanuary 1, 1975 ...

 

大藥坊

大藥坊All That Is Bitter Is Sweet类型民初醫藥编剧嚴麗華、張世昌、關炳洪、黎家明、何永年、蘇逸傑、陳志強、蔡幸江、羅宗耀、李健恒、梁健恒编导譚穗銘、陳志江、邱南隆、張永輝、吳冠宇、陳漢城助理编导文家麗、陳漢城、岳澤洋、陳艷琪、林文聲、關鳳珊主演鍾嘉欣、陳展鵬、黃浩然、唐詩詠、 敖嘉年、沈震軒、岳　華、潘志文、謝雪心、杜燕歌、白　茵、蔡國慶、�...