1901 Louisiana hurricane: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Category 1 Atlantic hurricane in 1901}} |
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{{Infobox |
{{Infobox weather event |
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| name = 1901 Louisiana hurricane |
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| image = Hurricane Four Analysis 1901-08-15.png |
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| Type=hurricane |
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| caption = [[Surface weather analysis]] map of the hurricane on August 15 |
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| Basin=Atl |
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| extratropical = August 17 |
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}}{{Infobox weather event/NWS |
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| pressure = 973 |
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| Extratropical=August 16, 1901 |
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}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects |
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| Pressure=973 |
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| Damages=1 |
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| damage = 1000000 |
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| Inflated=0 |
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| season = [[1901 Atlantic hurricane season]] |
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The '''1901 Louisiana hurricane''' was the first hurricane to make [[ |
The '''1901 Louisiana hurricane''' was the first hurricane to make [[landfall]] in [[Louisiana]] in the month of August or earlier since [[1888 Atlantic hurricane season|1888]].<ref name="wpc"/> The fourth [[tropical cyclone]] and second hurricane of the [[1901 Atlantic hurricane season|season]], this storm developed southwest of the [[Azores]] on August 2. Moving southwestward and later westward, the depression remained weak for several days, until strengthening into a tropical storm while approaching the [[Bahamas]] early on August 9. It then crossed through the islands and intensified only slightly. Late on August 10, the storm made landfall near [[Deerfield Beach, Florida]]. After reaching the [[Gulf of Mexico]] the next day, continuous intensifying occurred and by August 12, the storm reached hurricane status. Peaking with winds of {{convert|90|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}, it struck [[Louisiana]] late on August 14 and then [[Mississippi]] less than 24 hours later. The system weakened to a tropical storm early on August 16 and became [[Extratropical cyclone|extratropical]] several hours later. |
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Along portions of the east coast of Florida, "considerable damage" was reported due to strong winds. In [[Alabama]], trees were uprooted, houses were de-roofed, and chimneys collapsed in [[Mobile, Alabama|Mobile]]. Some areas of the city were also inundated with up to {{convert|18|in|mm}} of water due to storm tide. Several yachts, schooners, and ships were wrecked or sunk, resulting in at least $70,000 (1901 [[United States dollar|USD]]) in damage.{{#tag:ref|All damage figures are in 1901 [[United States dollar|USD]], unless otherwise noted|group="nb"}} However, due to warnings by the Weather Bureau, the Mobile Chamber of Commerce estimated that several millions of dollars in damage was evaded. All towns along the coast of Mississippi "suffered seriously". In Louisiana, severe damage was reported at some towns due to strong winds and high tides. The community of [[Port Eads, Louisiana|Port Eads]] reported that only the lighthouse was not destroyed, while other sources state that an office building also remained standing. In [[ |
Along portions of the east coast of Florida, "considerable damage" was reported due to strong winds. In [[Alabama]], trees were uprooted, houses were de-roofed, and chimneys collapsed in [[Mobile, Alabama|Mobile]]. Some areas of the city were also inundated with up to {{convert|18|in|mm}} of water due to storm tide. Several yachts, schooners, and ships were wrecked or sunk, resulting in at least $70,000 (1901 [[United States dollar|USD]]) in damage.{{#tag:ref|All damage figures are in 1901 [[United States dollar|USD]], unless otherwise noted|group="nb"}} However, due to warnings by the Weather Bureau, the Mobile Chamber of Commerce estimated that several millions of dollars in damage was evaded. All towns along the coast of Mississippi "suffered seriously". In Louisiana, severe damage was reported at some towns due to strong winds and high tides. The community of [[Port Eads, Louisiana|Port Eads]] reported that only the lighthouse was not destroyed, while other sources state that an office building also remained standing. In [[New Orleans]], overflowing levees inundated numerous streets. Outside the city, crops suffered severely, particularly rice. Overall, the storm caused 10–15 deaths and $1 million in damage. |
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==Meteorological history== |
==Meteorological history== |
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{{Storm path|1901 Atlantic hurricane 4 track.png}} |
{{Storm path|1901 Atlantic hurricane 4 track.png}} |
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A tropical depression developed about {{convert|615|mi|km}} southwest of [[Flores Island (Azores)|Flores Island]], [[Azores]] at 0000 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]] on August 2. The depression moved southwestward and remained weak for several days. On August 5, it re-curved west-southwestward and then westward while passing north of the [[Lesser Antilles]]. The next day, the system curved west-northwestward and briefly to the west on August 8. Finally, the depression strengthened into a tropical storm at 0000 UTC on August 9, while located about {{convert|50|mi|km}} northeast of [[Cat Island, Bahamas]].{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} Around that time, the [[National Weather Service|Weather Bureau]] first observed a "feeble disturbance in the subtropical north of Cuba."<ref name="mwr">{{cite report|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/mwr_pdf/1901.pdf|title=Forecasts and Warnings|author=Edward B. Garriott|date=1901|work=[[National Weather Service|Weather Bureau]]|publisher=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]; [[Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory]]| |
A tropical depression developed about {{convert|615|mi|km}} southwest of [[Flores Island (Azores)|Flores Island]], [[Azores]] at 0000 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]] on August 2. The depression moved southwestward and remained weak for several days. On August 5, it re-curved west-southwestward and then westward while passing north of the [[Lesser Antilles]]. The next day, the system curved west-northwestward and briefly to the west on August 8. Finally, the depression strengthened into a tropical storm at 0000 UTC on August 9, while located about {{convert|50|mi|km}} northeast of [[Cat Island, Bahamas]].{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} Around that time, the [[National Weather Service|Weather Bureau]] first observed a "feeble disturbance in the subtropical north of Cuba."<ref name="mwr">{{cite report|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/mwr_pdf/1901.pdf|title=Forecasts and Warnings|author=Edward B. Garriott|date=1901|work=[[National Weather Service|Weather Bureau]]|publisher=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]; [[Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory]]|access-date=April 30, 2014|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Between August 9 and August 10, the storm strengthened slightly further and moved through the Bahamas, passing over Cat Island and the [[Berry Islands]].{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} Around 2200 UTC on August 10, the system made landfall near [[Deerfield Beach, Florida]] with winds of {{convert|45|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} |
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Early on August 11, the storm weakened slightly while crossing Florida. It then decelerated and reached the eastern Gulf of Mexico several hours later. Thereafter, the system began to re-strengthen and became a Category 1 hurricane on the modern-day [[Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale]] at 1200 UTC on August 12. Early the next day, the storm attained its [[maximum sustained wind]] speed of 90 |
Early on August 11, the storm weakened slightly while crossing Florida. It then decelerated and reached the eastern Gulf of Mexico several hours later. Thereafter, the system began to re-strengthen and became a Category 1 hurricane on the modern-day [[Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale]] at 1200 UTC on August 12. Early the next day, the storm attained its [[maximum sustained wind]] speed of {{convert|90|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}. It weakened slightly early on August 14 and curved northwestward while approaching the coast of Louisiana. At 2100 UTC, the storm made landfall near [[Buras, Louisiana|Buras]] with winds of {{convert|85|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}. Curving northeastward, the hurricane re-emerged into the Gulf of Mexico early on August 15. However, around 1700 UTC, it made another landfall near [[Ocean Springs, Mississippi]] at the same intensity. Early on August 16, the system weakened to a tropical storm. It then weakened much quicker and transitioned into an [[extratropical cyclone]] over Mississippi at 0000 UTC on August 17. The remnant extratropical cyclone persisted until late the next day, at which time it dissipated over [[Indiana]].{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} |
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==Preparations and impact== |
==Preparations and impact== |
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As the storm approached the east coast of [[Florida]] on August 10, a warning was sent to all [[National Weather Service|Weather Bureau]] stations in Florida, as well as [[Savannah, Georgia]], and [[Charleston, South Carolina]], regarding a "disturbance of moderate intensity", which posed a threat to small crafts in Florida and the western [[the Bahamas|Bahamas]]. The next day, as the storm was moving across Florida, another message sent to Weather Bureau stations from [[New Orleans]] to Charleston warned of the potential for severe squalls along the west coast of Florida. While approaching the Gulf Coast of the United States on August 13, storm warnings were ordered for [[Alabama]], [[Mississippi]] and [[Louisiana]], as well as for the west coast of Florida. At the [[National Weather Service New Orleans/Baton Rouge, Louisiana|National Weather Service office]] in New Orleans, hurricane warnings were ordered in Louisiana from mouth of the [[Mississippi River]] westward on August 15 and expanded to eastern [[Texas]] later that day. In New Orleans, 500 men, who were city authorities or levee board members, worked to strengthen the levees along canals in the city. Throughout much of the [[Gulf Coast of the United States]], vessels and ships were warned to take precautions and remain in port.<ref name="mwr"/> |
As the storm approached the east coast of [[Florida]] on August 10, a warning was sent to all [[National Weather Service|Weather Bureau]] stations in Florida, as well as [[Savannah, Georgia]], and [[Charleston, South Carolina]], regarding a "disturbance of moderate intensity", which posed a threat to small crafts in Florida and the western [[the Bahamas|Bahamas]]. The next day, as the storm was moving across Florida, another message sent to Weather Bureau stations from [[New Orleans]] to Charleston warned of the potential for severe squalls along the west coast of Florida. While approaching the Gulf Coast of the United States on August 13, storm warnings were ordered for [[Alabama]], [[Mississippi]] and [[Louisiana]], as well as for the west coast of Florida. At the [[National Weather Service New Orleans/Baton Rouge, Louisiana|National Weather Service office]] in New Orleans, hurricane warnings were ordered in Louisiana from mouth of the [[Mississippi River]] westward on August 15 and expanded to eastern [[Texas]] later that day. In New Orleans, 500 men, who were city authorities or levee board members, worked to strengthen the levees along canals in the city. Throughout much of the [[Gulf Coast of the United States]], vessels and ships were warned to take precautions and remain in port.<ref name="mwr"/> |
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In Florida, "considerable damage" due to strong winds was reported along portions of the east coast. Wind gusts reached {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in [[Pensacola, Florida|Pensacola]].<ref name="partagas">{{cite report|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Landsea/Partagas/1901-1904/1901_1.pdf|title=Year 1901|author=Jose Fernandez Partagas and Henry F. Diaz|date=1996|work=Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration| |
In Florida, "considerable damage" due to strong winds was reported along portions of the east coast. Wind gusts reached {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in [[Pensacola, Florida|Pensacola]].<ref name="partagas">{{cite report|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Landsea/Partagas/1901-1904/1901_1.pdf|title=Year 1901|author=Jose Fernandez Partagas and Henry F. Diaz|date=1996|work=Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|access-date=May 1, 2014|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Offshore, the Portuguese bark ''Propheta'', with a cargo of timber worth $5,000, was badly damaged.<ref name="lahe"/> Strong winds up to {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} were observed in the [[Mobile, Alabama|Mobile]] area of [[Alabama]],<ref name="mwr"/> uprooting trees, unroofing houses, and toppling chimneys. Tides inundated the cotton exchange with up to {{convert|18|in|mm}} of water, while the [[Western Union]], [[United States Postal Service|post office]], and electrical house for railroads were also flooded. The pleasure yacht ''Ariel'', which was bound for the [[Fish River (Alabama)|Fish River]], was smashed into pieces at a wharf along the eastern end of [[Mobile Bay]]. Between 12 and 15 schooners from the F. F. Saunders company fishing fleet were badly damaged; four of which sank, resulting in $70,000 in damage.<ref name="lahe">{{cite news|url=http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=LAH19010817.2.18&e=-------en--20--1--txt-txIN------#|title=Hurricane's Great Havoc Near Mobile|date=August 17, 1901|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Herald-Examiner]]|publisher=[[California Digital Newspaper Collection]]|access-date=May 1, 2014|location=Los Angeles, California}}</ref> However, due to warnings by the Weather Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce estimated that several millions of dollars in damage was evaded. All towns along the coast of Mississippi "suffered seriously".<ref name="mwr"/> |
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High winds and rough seas were observed in Louisiana. In [[Port Eads, Louisiana|Port Eads]], five-minute sustained winds reached {{convert|56|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, before the anemometer blew away. At the same location, a 24-hour rainfall record was set for the month of August, with {{convert|7.64|in|mm}} of precipitation observed.<ref name="wpc">{{cite report|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/research/lahur.pdf|title=Louisiana Hurricane History|author=David M. Roth|date=April 8, 2010|work=[[Weather Prediction Center]]|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration| |
High winds and rough seas were observed in Louisiana. In [[Port Eads, Louisiana|Port Eads]], five-minute sustained winds reached {{convert|56|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, before the anemometer blew away. At the same location, a 24-hour rainfall record was set for the month of August, with {{convert|7.64|in|mm}} of precipitation observed.<ref name="wpc">{{cite report|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/research/lahur.pdf|title=Louisiana Hurricane History|author=David M. Roth|date=April 8, 2010|work=[[Weather Prediction Center]]|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|access-date=May 1, 2014|location=College Park, Maryland}}</ref> According to a contemporaneous report, the weather instrument shelter was swept away due to storm tides and the flag staff was broken. While the office building did weather the storm intact, documents in it were soaked.<ref name="mwr"/> However, a report written in 2010 states that in Port Eads only the lighthouse remained standing in the aftermath of the devastation.<ref name="wpc"/> Fifteen fatalities were reported after a house was swept away by storm tides.<ref name="partagas"/> The 2010 report, however, states that a total of ten deaths were caused by the storm over its entire existence.<ref name="wpc"/> In [[Pilottown, Louisiana|Pilottown]], the large "lookout" tower was toppled and destroyed. The outhouse that displaymen used and slept in was blown over and then rapidly filled with water, due to tides rising to {{convert|4|ft|m}} in only 10 minutes. Additionally, property of the Weather Bureau was also damaged.<ref name="mwr"/> |
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Buras reported {{convert|4|ft|m}} of water in town.<ref name="wpc"/> River stages along the Mississippi River at New Orleans rose to a level of {{convert|7|ft|m}} during the storm, producing much flooding. The [[Carondelet Canal]] also overflowed, inundating streets in the neighborhood of [[Tremé]] with {{convert|1|to|3|ft|m}} of water. Levee breaks around New Orleans flooded the city. Additionally, strong winds littered the streets with tree branches. The worst hit areas of New Orleans were the neighborhoods of Bucktown, [[Milneburg, New Orleans|Milneburg]], [[West End, New Orleans|West End]], all of which are located on the shore of [[Lake Pontchartrain]].<ref name="mwr"/> In the New Orleans suburb of Shell Beach, severe crop damage was reported, particularly to rice. While sailing the Mississippi River just outside New Orleans, Dr. J. N. Thomas reported that a schooner and a small boat were wrecked, resulting in 60 deaths.<ref name="lahe"/> However, this was not confirmed. Overall, damage in Louisiana reached $1 million, which excluded losses to crops.<ref name="mwr"/> |
Buras reported {{convert|4|ft|m}} of water in town.<ref name="wpc"/> River stages along the Mississippi River at New Orleans rose to a level of {{convert|7|ft|m}} during the storm, producing much flooding. The [[Carondelet Canal]] also overflowed, inundating streets in the neighborhood of [[Tremé]] with {{convert|1|to|3|ft|m}} of water. Levee breaks around New Orleans flooded the city. Additionally, strong winds littered the streets with tree branches. The worst hit areas of New Orleans were the neighborhoods of Bucktown, [[Milneburg, New Orleans|Milneburg]], [[West End, New Orleans|West End]], all of which are located on the shore of [[Lake Pontchartrain]].<ref name="mwr"/> In the New Orleans suburb of Shell Beach, severe crop damage was reported, particularly to rice. While sailing the Mississippi River just outside New Orleans, Dr. J. N. Thomas reported that a schooner and a small boat were wrecked, resulting in 60 deaths.<ref name="lahe"/> However, this was not confirmed. Overall, damage in Louisiana reached $1 million, which excluded losses to crops.<ref name="mwr"/> |
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{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}} |
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}} |
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* [[Hurricane Isaac (2012)]] – another minimal hurricane which had a similar impact in Louisiana |
* [[Hurricane Isaac (2012)]] – another minimal hurricane which had a similar impact in Louisiana |
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* [[Hurricane Lili (1990)]] – another hurricane which formed in the |
* [[Hurricane Lili (1990)]] – another hurricane which formed in the central Atlantic and took an unusual southwestward track |
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* [[List of Atlantic hurricanes]] |
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* [[List of tropical cyclones]] |
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==Notes== |
==Notes== |
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{{Reflist|group=nb}} |
{{Reflist|group=nb}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
{{reflist}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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*[http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/mwr_pdf/1901.pdf Monthly Weather Review] |
*[http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/mwr_pdf/1901.pdf Monthly Weather Review] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:1900s Atlantic hurricane seasons]] |
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[[Category:1901 in Louisiana]] |
[[Category:1901 in Louisiana]] |
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[[Category:Hurricanes in Louisiana]] |
[[Category:Hurricanes in Louisiana]] |
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[[Category:1901 natural disasters in the United States]] |
[[Category:1901 natural disasters in the United States]] |
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[[Category:Category 1 Atlantic hurricanes]] |
[[Category:Category 1 Atlantic hurricanes]] |
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[[Category:1901 meteorology]] |
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Latest revision as of 12:16, 15 August 2023
 Surface weather analysis map of the hurricane on August 15 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | August 2, 1901 |
| Extratropical | August 17 |
| Dissipated | August 18, 1901 |
| Category 1 hurricane | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 90 mph (150 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 973 mbar (hPa); 28.73 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 10–15 |
| Damage | $1 million (1901 USD) |
| Areas affected | Florida, Gulf Coast of the United States |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1901 Atlantic hurricane season | |
The 1901 Louisiana hurricane was the first hurricane to make landfall in Louisiana in the month of August or earlier since 1888.[1] The fourth tropical cyclone and second hurricane of the season, this storm developed southwest of the Azores on August 2. Moving southwestward and later westward, the depression remained weak for several days, until strengthening into a tropical storm while approaching the Bahamas early on August 9. It then crossed through the islands and intensified only slightly. Late on August 10, the storm made landfall near Deerfield Beach, Florida. After reaching the Gulf of Mexico the next day, continuous intensifying occurred and by August 12, the storm reached hurricane status. Peaking with winds of 90 mph (145 km/h), it struck Louisiana late on August 14 and then Mississippi less than 24 hours later. The system weakened to a tropical storm early on August 16 and became extratropical several hours later.
Along portions of the east coast of Florida, "considerable damage" was reported due to strong winds. In Alabama, trees were uprooted, houses were de-roofed, and chimneys collapsed in Mobile. Some areas of the city were also inundated with up to 18 inches (460 mm) of water due to storm tide. Several yachts, schooners, and ships were wrecked or sunk, resulting in at least $70,000 (1901 USD) in damage.[nb 1] However, due to warnings by the Weather Bureau, the Mobile Chamber of Commerce estimated that several millions of dollars in damage was evaded. All towns along the coast of Mississippi "suffered seriously". In Louisiana, severe damage was reported at some towns due to strong winds and high tides. The community of Port Eads reported that only the lighthouse was not destroyed, while other sources state that an office building also remained standing. In New Orleans, overflowing levees inundated numerous streets. Outside the city, crops suffered severely, particularly rice. Overall, the storm caused 10–15 deaths and $1 million in damage.
Meteorological history
[edit]
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
Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depressionA tropical depression developed about 615 miles (990 km) southwest of Flores Island, Azores at 0000 UTC on August 2. The depression moved southwestward and remained weak for several days. On August 5, it re-curved west-southwestward and then westward while passing north of the Lesser Antilles. The next day, the system curved west-northwestward and briefly to the west on August 8. Finally, the depression strengthened into a tropical storm at 0000 UTC on August 9, while located about 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Cat Island, Bahamas.[2] Around that time, the Weather Bureau first observed a "feeble disturbance in the subtropical north of Cuba."[3] Between August 9 and August 10, the storm strengthened slightly further and moved through the Bahamas, passing over Cat Island and the Berry Islands.[2] Around 2200 UTC on August 10, the system made landfall near Deerfield Beach, Florida with winds of 45 mph (70 km/h).[2]
Early on August 11, the storm weakened slightly while crossing Florida. It then decelerated and reached the eastern Gulf of Mexico several hours later. Thereafter, the system began to re-strengthen and became a Category 1 hurricane on the modern-day Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale at 1200 UTC on August 12. Early the next day, the storm attained its maximum sustained wind speed of 90 mph (145 km/h). It weakened slightly early on August 14 and curved northwestward while approaching the coast of Louisiana. At 2100 UTC, the storm made landfall near Buras with winds of 85 mph (135 km/h). Curving northeastward, the hurricane re-emerged into the Gulf of Mexico early on August 15. However, around 1700 UTC, it made another landfall near Ocean Springs, Mississippi at the same intensity. Early on August 16, the system weakened to a tropical storm. It then weakened much quicker and transitioned into an extratropical cyclone over Mississippi at 0000 UTC on August 17. The remnant extratropical cyclone persisted until late the next day, at which time it dissipated over Indiana.[2]
Preparations and impact
[edit]As the storm approached the east coast of Florida on August 10, a warning was sent to all Weather Bureau stations in Florida, as well as Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, regarding a "disturbance of moderate intensity", which posed a threat to small crafts in Florida and the western Bahamas. The next day, as the storm was moving across Florida, another message sent to Weather Bureau stations from New Orleans to Charleston warned of the potential for severe squalls along the west coast of Florida. While approaching the Gulf Coast of the United States on August 13, storm warnings were ordered for Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, as well as for the west coast of Florida. At the National Weather Service office in New Orleans, hurricane warnings were ordered in Louisiana from mouth of the Mississippi River westward on August 15 and expanded to eastern Texas later that day. In New Orleans, 500 men, who were city authorities or levee board members, worked to strengthen the levees along canals in the city. Throughout much of the Gulf Coast of the United States, vessels and ships were warned to take precautions and remain in port.[3]
In Florida, "considerable damage" due to strong winds was reported along portions of the east coast. Wind gusts reached 70 mph (110 km/h) in Pensacola.[4] Offshore, the Portuguese bark Propheta, with a cargo of timber worth $5,000, was badly damaged.[5] Strong winds up to 60 mph (97 km/h) were observed in the Mobile area of Alabama,[3] uprooting trees, unroofing houses, and toppling chimneys. Tides inundated the cotton exchange with up to 18 inches (460 mm) of water, while the Western Union, post office, and electrical house for railroads were also flooded. The pleasure yacht Ariel, which was bound for the Fish River, was smashed into pieces at a wharf along the eastern end of Mobile Bay. Between 12 and 15 schooners from the F. F. Saunders company fishing fleet were badly damaged; four of which sank, resulting in $70,000 in damage.[5] However, due to warnings by the Weather Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce estimated that several millions of dollars in damage was evaded. All towns along the coast of Mississippi "suffered seriously".[3]
High winds and rough seas were observed in Louisiana. In Port Eads, five-minute sustained winds reached 56 mph (90 km/h), before the anemometer blew away. At the same location, a 24-hour rainfall record was set for the month of August, with 7.64 inches (194 mm) of precipitation observed.[1] According to a contemporaneous report, the weather instrument shelter was swept away due to storm tides and the flag staff was broken. While the office building did weather the storm intact, documents in it were soaked.[3] However, a report written in 2010 states that in Port Eads only the lighthouse remained standing in the aftermath of the devastation.[1] Fifteen fatalities were reported after a house was swept away by storm tides.[4] The 2010 report, however, states that a total of ten deaths were caused by the storm over its entire existence.[1] In Pilottown, the large "lookout" tower was toppled and destroyed. The outhouse that displaymen used and slept in was blown over and then rapidly filled with water, due to tides rising to 4 feet (1.2 m) in only 10 minutes. Additionally, property of the Weather Bureau was also damaged.[3]
Buras reported 4 feet (1.2 m) of water in town.[1] River stages along the Mississippi River at New Orleans rose to a level of 7 feet (2.1 m) during the storm, producing much flooding. The Carondelet Canal also overflowed, inundating streets in the neighborhood of Tremé with 1 to 3 feet (0.30 to 0.91 m) of water. Levee breaks around New Orleans flooded the city. Additionally, strong winds littered the streets with tree branches. The worst hit areas of New Orleans were the neighborhoods of Bucktown, Milneburg, West End, all of which are located on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain.[3] In the New Orleans suburb of Shell Beach, severe crop damage was reported, particularly to rice. While sailing the Mississippi River just outside New Orleans, Dr. J. N. Thomas reported that a schooner and a small boat were wrecked, resulting in 60 deaths.[5] However, this was not confirmed. Overall, damage in Louisiana reached $1 million, which excluded losses to crops.[3]
See also
[edit]
- Hurricane Isaac (2012) – another minimal hurricane which had a similar impact in Louisiana
- Hurricane Lili (1990) – another hurricane which formed in the central Atlantic and took an unusual southwestward track
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e David M. Roth (April 8, 2010). Louisiana Hurricane History (PDF). Weather Prediction Center (Report). College Park, Maryland: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 1, 2014.
- ^ a b c d "Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)" (Database). United States National Hurricane Center. April 5, 2023. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- Landsea, Chris (April 2022). "The revised Atlantic hurricane database (HURDAT2) - Chris Landsea – April 2022" (PDF). Hurricane Research Division – NOAA/AOML. Miami: Hurricane Research Division – via Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Edward B. Garriott (1901). Forecasts and Warnings (PDF). Weather Bureau (Report). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. Retrieved April 30, 2014.
- ^ a b Jose Fernandez Partagas and Henry F. Diaz (1996). Year 1901 (PDF). Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (Report). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 1, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Hurricane's Great Havoc Near Mobile". Los Angeles Herald-Examiner. Los Angeles, California: California Digital Newspaper Collection. August 17, 1901. Retrieved May 1, 2014.