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{{Short description|Category 1 Atlantic hurricane in 1962}}
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{{Infobox Hurricane
{{good article}}
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| Name=Hurricane Alma
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{{Infobox weather event
| Type=hurricane
⚫
| name = Hurricane Alma
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| Year=1962
| image = Sat196208291431zalma.png
| Basin=Atl
| caption = TIROS V image of Alma from August 29, 1962 at 1431z
| Image location=Alma 1962 track.png
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| formed = August 26, 1962
| Image name=Track map of Hurricane Alma
| Formed=August 26, 1962
| dissipated = August 30, 1962
}}{{Infobox weather event/NWS
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| Dissipated=August 30, 1962
| 1-min winds=85
| winds = 75
| pressure = 984
| Pressure=986
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| Damages=1
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| year = 1962
| Inflated=0
| fatalities = 1 indirect
| Fatalities=0
| damage = 1000000
| Areas=[[Puerto Rico]], [[East Coast of the United States]]
| areas = [[Puerto Rico]], [[East Coast of the United States]]
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| Hurricane season=[[1962 Atlantic hurricane season]]
| refs =
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
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| season = [[1962 Atlantic hurricane season]]
}}
}}
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'''Hurricane Alma''' had the latest development of the first storm since [[1941 Atlantic hurricane season|1941]]. The first [[Tropical cyclone naming|named storm]] of the [[1962 Atlantic hurricane season]], Alma formed from a [[tropical wave]] located offshore [[South Florida]] on August 26. Initially a tropical depression, it subsequently [[Landfall (meteorology)|moved inland]] over South Florida. Impact in the [[Florida|state]] was minor, generally limited to light rainfall and rough seas. Early on August 27, the depression reemerged into the Atlantic Ocean and strengthened into Tropical Storm Alma later that day. Thereafter, it moved northeastward and remained offshore the [[East Coast of the United States]]. Alma strengthened into a hurricane on August 28, while located offshore the [[Outer Banks]] of [[North Carolina]]. In the eastern portion of the state, strong winds downed electrical poles, which caused power outages. Storm tides caused erosion in some areas. Damage in North Carolina reached $35,000 (1962 [[United States dollar|USD]]).


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'''Hurricane Alma''' impacted much of the [[East Coast of the United States]] in late August 1962. The second tropical storm of the [[1962 Atlantic hurricane season|season]], Alma formed from a [[tropical wave]] located offshore [[South Florida]] on August 26. Initially a tropical depression, it subsequently [[Landfall (meteorology)|moved inland]] over South Florida. Impact in the [[Florida|state]] was minor, generally limited to light rainfall and rough seas. Early on August 27, the depression reemerged into the Atlantic Ocean and strengthened into Tropical Storm Alma later that day. Thereafter, it moved northeastward and remained offshore the [[East Coast of the United States]]. Alma strengthened into a hurricane on August 28, while located offshore the [[Outer Banks]] of [[North Carolina]]. In the eastern portion of the state, strong winds downed electrical poles, which caused power outages. Storm tides caused erosion in some areas. Damage in North Carolina reached $35,000 (1962 [[United States dollar|USD]]).
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The storm continued to intensify and peaked as a 100 mph (155 km/h) Category 2 hurricane on the [[Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale]] on August 29. Alma weakened back to a Category 1 later on August 29, while passing offshore [[New England]]. The outer bands brought rainfall, rough seas, and strong winds, especially in [[Massachusetts]]. However, the precipitation was mostly beneficial, as New England was suffering from drought conditions. In Massachusetts, strong winds caused power and telephone outages, and felled numerous trees, one of which struck a house and a parked car. Rough seas offshore Massachusetts destroyed over 100 boats and smashed many cabin cruisers and smaller vessels against the rocks. Losses in New England were less than $1 million. Alma curved eastward and weakened to a tropical storm in the northwestern Atlantic on September 30. Several hours later, the storm transitioned into an [[extratropical cyclone]] while situated south of [[Nova Scotia]].

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The storm continued to intensify and peaked as an {{convert|85|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} Category 1 hurricane on the [[Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale]] on August 28. The storm's outer bands brought rainfall, rough seas, and strong winds, especially in [[Massachusetts]]. However, the precipitation was mostly beneficial, as New England was suffering from drought conditions. In Massachusetts, strong winds caused power and telephone outages, and felled numerous trees. Rough seas offshore Massachusetts destroyed over 100 boats. Losses in New England were less than $1 million. Alma curved eastward and weakened to a tropical storm in the northwestern Atlantic on August 30. Several hours later, the storm transitioned into an [[extratropical cyclone]] while situated south of [[Nova Scotia]].

==Meteorological history==
==Meteorological history==
{{storm path|Alma 1962 track.png}}
A weak circulation,<ref name="mwr">{{cite report|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1962.pdf|title=The Hurricane Season of 1962|author=Gordon E. Dunn|date=April 1963|work=[[Weather Bureau|United States Weather Bureau Office Miami, Florida]]|publisher=[[Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory]]|pages=202 and 203|accessdate=2013-03-04|format=PDF}}</ref> associated with a tropical wave,<ref name="stormdata"/> was first observed by [[Television Infrared Observation Satellite]] (TIROS) in the eastern Atlantic Ocean on August&nbsp;14. The system tracked westward and was observed by a research flight on August&nbsp;18. Four days later, the system entered the Caribbean Sea and continued to remain disorganized. The wave moved across eastern [[Cuba]] on August&nbsp;24, before emerging into the [[Straits of Florida]] on the following day.<ref name="mwr"/> The system finally began to organize, and at 1200&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;26, a tropical depression developed offshore southeast Florida. Shortly thereafter, the depression made landfall near [[Boca Raton, Florida]] with winds of 30&nbsp;mph (45&nbsp;km/h). It traveled barely inland and emerged into the Atlantic Ocean near [[Fort Pierce, Florida|Fort Pierce]] early on August&nbsp;27.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} The depression moved northeastward and strengthened due to its location beneath an [[anticyclone]].<ref name="mwr"/> Later on August&nbsp;27, the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Alma while situated about {{convert|150|mi|km|abbr=on}} east of the Florida&ndash;[[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] border.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}<ref name="mwr"/>
A weak circulation,<ref name="mwr">{{cite report|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1962.pdf|title=The Hurricane Season of 1962|author=Gordon E. Dunn|date=April 1963|work=[[Weather Bureau|United States Weather Bureau Office Miami, Florida]]|publisher=[[Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory]]|pages=202 and 203|access-date=2013-03-04|format=PDF}}</ref> associated with a tropical wave,<ref name="stormdata"/> was first observed by [[Television Infrared Observation Satellite]] (TIROS) in the eastern Atlantic Ocean on August&nbsp;14. The system tracked westward and was observed by a research flight on August&nbsp;18. Four days later, the system entered the Caribbean Sea and continued to remain disorganized. The wave moved across eastern [[Cuba]] on August&nbsp;24, before emerging into the [[Straits of Florida]] on the following day.<ref name="mwr"/> The system finally began to organize, and at 1200&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;26, a tropical depression developed offshore southeastern Florida coast. Shortly thereafter, the depression made landfall near [[Boca Raton, Florida]] with winds of {{convert|30|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. It traveled barely inland and emerged into the Atlantic Ocean near [[Fort Pierce, Florida|Fort Pierce]] early on August&nbsp;27.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} The depression moved northeastward and strengthened due to its location beneath an [[anticyclone]].<ref name="mwr"/> Later on August&nbsp;27, the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Alma while situated about {{convert|150|mi|km|abbr=on}} east of the Florida&ndash;[[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] border.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}<ref name="mwr"/>


Alma steadily intensified as it paralleled the coastline of [[The Carolinas]], becoming a hurricane on August&nbsp;28 a few miles off the coast of [[Cape Hatteras]], North Carolina.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}<ref name="mwr"/> Around that time, Alma attained its minimum [[barometric pressure]] of {{convert|986|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|lk=on}}. At 0600&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;29, Alma strengthened into a Category&nbsp;2 hurricane; the storm also attained its [[maximum sustained wind]] speed of 100&nbsp;mph (155&nbsp;km/h) at this time. While located about {{convert|80|mi|km}} east-southeast of [[Nantucket]], Massachusetts, the storm weakened back to a Category&nbsp;1 hurricane.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} A [[High pressure area|high pressure system]] over [[Atlantic Canada]] caused Alma to turn east-southeastward,<ref name="mwr"/> while weakening to a tropical storm on August&nbsp;30. Later that day, the storm transitioned into an extratropical cyclone while situated about {{convert|180|mi|km}} south-southeast of the southwestern tip of Nova Scotia.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} The high pressure system also caused the extratropical remnants to execute a cyclonic loop between August&nbsp;31 and September&nbsp;2.<ref name="mwr"/> Later that day, the extratropical remnants of Alma curved northeastward, before dissipating south of Newfoundland.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}
Alma steadily intensified as it paralleled the coastline of [[The Carolinas]], becoming a hurricane on August&nbsp;28 a few miles off the coast of [[Cape Hatteras]], North Carolina.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}<ref name="mwr"/> Around that time, Alma attained its minimum [[barometric pressure]] of {{convert|984|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. At 1800&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;28, Alma attained its [[maximum sustained wind]] speed of {{convert|85|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. A [[High pressure area|high pressure system]] over [[Atlantic Canada]] caused Alma to turn east-southeastward,<ref name="mwr"/> while weakening to a tropical storm on August&nbsp;30. Later that day, the storm transitioned into an extratropical cyclone while situated about {{convert|180|mi|km}} south-southeast of the southwestern tip of Nova Scotia.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} The high pressure system also caused the extratropical remnants to execute a cyclonic loop between August&nbsp;31 and September&nbsp;2.<ref name="mwr"/> Later that day, the extratropical remnants of Alma curved northeastward, before dissipating south of Newfoundland.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}
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==Preparations and Impact==
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[[File:Alma 1962 rainfall.gif|thumb|right|Rainfall from Hurricane Alma along the East Coast of the United States]]
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In Puerto Rico, heavy rainfall associated with the precursor tropical wave produced flooding in the southeastern portion of the island.<ref name="stormdata">{{cite report|url=http://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS-FD356909-2E08-4713-AE61-842DDAA32746.pdf|title=Storm Data: August 1962|author=Luther Hodges|date=1961|publisher=[[National Climatic Data Center]]|pages=96 and 100|accessdate=2013-03-04|format=PDF}}</ref> On August&nbsp;25, a day before Alma developed, the precursor system brought high seas to the Atlantic coasts of Florida and Georgia; this resulted in small craft warnings from [[Daytona Beach, Florida]] to [[Savannah, Georgia]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=r8NPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=vlIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3457,1810201&hl=en|title=Tropical Storm May Be Brewing|date=1962-08-25|agency=[[United Press International]]|newspaper=[[St. Petersburg Times]]|page=2|accessdate=2013-03-04}}</ref> Additionally, the storm brought light precipitation to some areas of both states.<ref name="rainfall"/> As the storm traveled parallel to the East Coast of the United States, smalls crafts were also advised to remain in port between [[Edisto Island, South Carolina|Edisto Island]] and the mouth of the [[Little River, South Carolina|Little River]] in [[South Carolina]].<ref>{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1962/alma/local/hlschs.gif|title=Special News Bulletin|author=J. A. Cummings|date=1962-08-27|work=Weather Bureau Office Charleston, South Carolina|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|accessdate=2013-03-04|format=GIF}}</ref> Along the coast of that state, Alma brought gusty winds and heavy to excessive precipitation in some area, though no damage was report.<ref name="stormdata"/>


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==Preparations and impact==
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Despite its proximity to land, the storm produced peak wind gusts of only {{convert|53|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in [[Nags Head, North Carolina|Nags Head]].<ref name="mwr"/> Wind gusts downed a power pole in [[Hatteras, North Carolina|Hatteras]], which caused an hour long power outage for one-third of the town.<ref>{{cite report|author=Weddle|publisher=National Hurricane Center|work=Weather Bureau Office Cape Hatteras, North Carolina|date=1962-08-28|title=The Passage of Tropical Storm Alma at WBO Cape Hatteras NC on August&nbsp;28, 1962|accessdate=2013-03-04|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1962/alma/preloc/pshhat.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> There, the storm tide was {{convert|3|ft|m|abbr=on}} above normal, which resulted in some erosion.<ref name="mwr"/> The highest rainfall total from Alma in the United States was a report of {{convert|10.38|in|mm|abbr=on}} in Cape Hatteras.<ref name="rainfall">{{cite report|author=David M. Roth|date=2009-09-28|publisher=[[Hydrometeorological Prediction Center]]|title=Hurricane Alma &ndash; August 25&ndash;31, 1962|accessdate=2013-03-04|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/alma1962.html}}</ref> Damage in the state amounted to $35,000.<ref name="mwr"/> The eye of Alma passed about {{convert|70|mi|km}} south-southeast of the [[Virginia Capes]], and brought light precipitation, gusty winds, and rough surf to the eastern portion of the [[Virginia|state]]. Rainfall peaked at only {{convert|0.64|in|mm}} in [[Norfolk, Virginia|Norfolk]], causing no flooding. Minor beach erosion occurred due to tides {{convert|1.3|ft|m}} above normal at [[Hampton Roads]]. No significant wind damage occurred, as the strongest sustained wind speed in the area was {{convert|36|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in [[Cape Henry]].<ref>{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1962/alma/preloc/pshorf.gif|title=Report on Tropical Storm Alma August&nbsp;27 and 28, 1962|author=Sachse|date=1962-08-28|work=Weather Bureau Office Norfolk, Virginia|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2013-03-04|format=GIF}}</ref>
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[[File:Alma_1962_rainfall.png|thumb|right|Rainfall from Hurricane Alma along the East Coast of the United States]]
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In Puerto Rico, heavy rainfall associated with the precursor tropical wave produced flooding in the southeastern portion of the island.<ref name="stormdata">{{cite report|url=http://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS-FD356909-2E08-4713-AE61-842DDAA32746.pdf|title=Storm Data: August 1962|author=Luther Hodges|date=1961|publisher=[[National Climatic Data Center]]|pages=96 and 100|access-date=2013-03-04|format=PDF}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> On August&nbsp;25, a day before Alma developed, the precursor system brought high seas to the Atlantic coasts of Florida and Georgia; this resulted in small craft warnings from [[Daytona Beach, Florida]] to [[Savannah, Georgia]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=r8NPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=vlIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3457,1810201&hl=en|title=Tropical Storm May Be Brewing|date=1962-08-25|agency=[[United Press International]]|newspaper=[[St. Petersburg Times]]|page=2|access-date=2013-03-04}}</ref> Additionally, the storm brought light precipitation to some areas of both states.<ref name="rainfall"/> As the storm traveled parallel to the East Coast of the United States, smalls crafts were also advised to remain in port between [[Edisto Island, South Carolina|Edisto Island]] and the mouth of the [[Little River, South Carolina|Little River]] in [[South Carolina]].<ref>{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1962/alma/local/hlschs.gif|title=Special News Bulletin|author=J. A. Cummings|date=1962-08-27|work=Weather Bureau Office Charleston, South Carolina|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|access-date=2013-03-04|format=GIF}}</ref> Along the coast of that state, Alma brought gusty winds and heavy to excessive precipitation in some area, though no damage was reported.<ref name="stormdata"/>


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Despite its proximity to land, the storm produced peak wind gusts of only {{convert|53|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in [[Nags Head, North Carolina|Nags Head]].<ref name="mwr"/> Wind gusts downed a power pole in [[Hatteras, North Carolina|Hatteras]], which caused an hour long power outage for one-third of the town.<ref>{{cite report|author=Weddle|publisher=National Hurricane Center|work=Weather Bureau Office Cape Hatteras, North Carolina|date=1962-08-28|title=The Passage of Tropical Storm Alma at WBO Cape Hatteras NC on August&nbsp;28, 1962|access-date=2013-03-04|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1962/alma/preloc/pshhat.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> There, the storm tide was {{convert|3|ft|m|abbr=on}} above normal, which resulted in some erosion.<ref name="mwr"/> The highest rainfall total from Alma in the United States was a report of {{convert|10.38|in|mm|abbr=on}} in Cape Hatteras.<ref name="rainfall">{{cite report|author=David M. Roth|date=2009-09-28|publisher=[[Hydrometeorological Prediction Center]]|title=Hurricane Alma &ndash; August 25&ndash;31, 1962|access-date=2013-03-04|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/alma1962.html}}</ref> Damage in the state amounted to $35,000.<ref name="mwr"/> The eye of Alma passed about {{convert|70|mi|km}} south-southeast of the [[Virginia Capes]], and brought light precipitation, gusty winds, and rough surf to the eastern portion of the [[Virginia|state]]. Rainfall peaked at only {{convert|0.64|in|mm}} in [[Norfolk, Virginia|Norfolk]], causing no flooding. Minor [[Coastal erosion|beach erosion]] occurred due to tides {{convert|1.3|ft|m}} above normal at [[Hampton Roads]]. No significant wind damage occurred, as the strongest sustained wind speed in the area was {{convert|36|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in [[Cape Henry]].<ref>{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1962/alma/preloc/pshorf.gif|title=Report on Tropical Storm Alma August&nbsp;27 and 28, 1962|author=Sachse|date=1962-08-28|work=Weather Bureau Office Norfolk, Virginia|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2013-03-04|format=GIF}}</ref>
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In Massachusetts, the outer bands of Alma brought 40&nbsp;hours of nearly continuous rainfall, as well as gale force winds for several hours. Precipitation amounts reached up to {{convert|3|in|mm}}, though it was mostly beneficial, as the region of New England was suffering from drought conditions.<ref name="stormdata"/> Slick roads resulted in several traffic accidents.<ref name="bos">{{cite report|author=Edward Sable, Boston Weather Bureau Airway Station|date=1962-09-12|title=Summary of Tropical Storm Alma|accessdate=2011-10-07|publisher=National Hurricane Center|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1962/alma/preloc/bos1107c.gif}}</ref> Tides reached {{convert|2|ft|m|abbr=on}} above normal in the state of Massachusetts, which resulted in minor coastal flooding. However, Alma produced strong waves that destroyed over 100&nbsp;boats.<ref name="mwr"/> Additionally, many cabin cruisers and smaller vessels broke loose from their moorings and smashed against the rocks. The storm produced northerly wind gust up to {{convert|51|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} to the [[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston]] area, in addition to winds of {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in coastal sections of the state.<ref>{{cite web|author=Tenenbaum|work=Boston Weather Bureau Airway Station|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=1962-08-30|title=Preliminary Report on Hurricane Alma|accessdate=2011-10-07|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1962/alma/preloc/pshbos.gif}}</ref> As a result, many trees fell, causing power and telephone outages, and smashing a house and parked car in [[Lynn, Massachusetts|Lynn]]. At the Civil Defense facility in [[Melrose, Massachusetts|Melrose]], winds and rainfall short-circuited the [[Civil defense siren|sirens]], causing them to wail for more than 2&nbsp;hours. At the Fair Grounds in [[Topsfield, Massachusetts|Topsfield]], a large tent was blown down.<ref name="bos"/>

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In Massachusetts, the outer bands of Alma brought 40&nbsp;hours of nearly continuous rainfall, as well as gale-force winds for several hours. Precipitation amounts reached up to {{convert|3|in|mm}}, though it was mostly beneficial, as the region of New England was suffering from drought conditions.<ref name="stormdata"/> Slick roads resulted in several traffic accidents.<ref name="bos">{{cite report|author=Edward Sable, Boston Weather Bureau Airway Station|date=1962-09-12|title=Summary of Tropical Storm Alma|access-date=2011-10-07|publisher=National Hurricane Center|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1962/alma/preloc/bos1107c.gif}}</ref> Tides reached {{convert|2|ft|m|abbr=on}} above normal in the state of Massachusetts, which resulted in minor [[coastal flooding]]. However, Alma produced strong waves that destroyed over 100&nbsp;boats.<ref name="mwr"/> Additionally, many cabin cruisers and smaller vessels broke loose from their moorings and smashed against the rocks. The storm produced northerly wind gust up to {{convert|51|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} to the [[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston]] area, in addition to winds of {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} along coastal sections of the state.<ref>{{cite report|author=Tenenbaum|work=Boston Weather Bureau Airway Station|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=1962-08-30|title=Preliminary Report on Hurricane Alma|access-date=2011-10-07|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1962/alma/preloc/pshbos.gif}}</ref> As a result, many trees fell, causing power and telephone outages, and smashing a house and parked car in [[Lynn, Massachusetts|Lynn]]. At the Civil Defense facility in [[Melrose, Massachusetts|Melrose]], winds and rainfall short-circuited the [[Civil defense siren|sirens]], causing them to wail for more than 2&nbsp;hours. At the Fair Grounds in [[Topsfield, Massachusetts|Topsfield]], a large tent was blown down.<ref name="bos"/> One indirect death occurred when a woman was struck by a truck that skidded off the road in [[Haverhill, Massachusetts|Haverhill]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1bQrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7f4FAAAAIBAJ&pg=6192,5224179&dq=hurricane+alma&hl=en|title=Alma Heads Away From N.E. Coastline|date=1962-08-30|agency=[[Associated Press]]|newspaper=[[The Telegraph (Nashua)|The Telegraph]]|access-date=2013-08-22}}</ref>

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Elsewhere in New England, the storm brought rainfall and {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} winds to coastal [[Rhode Island]]. Storm damage was reported as far north as [[Portsmouth, New Hampshire]],<ref name="bos"/> while precipitation extended northward into [[Maine]].<ref name="rainfall"/> Damage from the storm in New England was estimated at less than $1&nbsp;million.<ref name="mwr"/>


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Elsewhere in New England, the storm brought rainfall and {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} winds to coastal [[Rhode Island]]. Storm damage was reported as far north as [[Portsmouth, New Hampshire]],<ref name="bos"/> while precipitation extended northward into [[Maine]].<ref name="rainfall"/> Damage from the storm in New England was estimated at less than $1&nbsp;million.<ref name="mwr"/>
==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
*[[Hurricane Esther (1961)]]
*[[Hurricane Esther (1961)]]
*[[Hurricane Gerda (1969)]]
*[[Hurricane Gerda (1969)]]
*[[Hurricane Arthur (2014)]]
==Reference==
*[[Hurricane Alex (2004)]]

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1962/alma/ National Hurricane Center's Archive on Hurricane Alma]
*[http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1962/alma/ National Hurricane Center's Archive on Hurricane Alma]
{{1962 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}}
{{1962 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}}

[[Category:Category 2 Atlantic hurricanes]]
[[Category:1962 Atlantic hurricane season]]
[[Category:Category 1 Atlantic hurricanes|Alma]]
[[Category:1962 in the United States]]
[[Category:1962 Atlantic hurricane season|Alma]]
[[Category:1962 natural disasters in the United States|Hurricane Alma]]

Latest revision as of 14:51, 29 August 2024

Hurricane Alma
TIROS V image of Alma from August 29, 1962 at 1431z
Meteorological history
FormedAugust 26, 1962
DissipatedAugust 30, 1962
Category 1 hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds85 mph (140 km/h)
Lowest pressure984 mbar (hPa); 29.06 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities1 indirect
Damage$1 million (1962 USD)
Areas affectedPuerto Rico, East Coast of the United States
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata
Part of the 1962 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Alma impacted much of the East Coast of the United States in late August 1962. The second tropical storm of the season, Alma formed from a tropical wave located offshore South Florida on August 26. Initially a tropical depression, it subsequently moved inland over South Florida. Impact in the state was minor, generally limited to light rainfall and rough seas. Early on August 27, the depression reemerged into the Atlantic Ocean and strengthened into Tropical Storm Alma later that day. Thereafter, it moved northeastward and remained offshore the East Coast of the United States. Alma strengthened into a hurricane on August 28, while located offshore the Outer Banks of North Carolina. In the eastern portion of the state, strong winds downed electrical poles, which caused power outages. Storm tides caused erosion in some areas. Damage in North Carolina reached $35,000 (1962 USD).

The storm continued to intensify and peaked as an 85 mph (137 km/h) Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale on August 28. The storm's outer bands brought rainfall, rough seas, and strong winds, especially in Massachusetts. However, the precipitation was mostly beneficial, as New England was suffering from drought conditions. In Massachusetts, strong winds caused power and telephone outages, and felled numerous trees. Rough seas offshore Massachusetts destroyed over 100 boats. Losses in New England were less than $1 million. Alma curved eastward and weakened to a tropical storm in the northwestern Atlantic on August 30. Several hours later, the storm transitioned into an extratropical cyclone while situated south of Nova Scotia.

Meteorological history

[edit]
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 weak circulation,[1] associated with a tropical wave,[2] was first observed by Television Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS) in the eastern Atlantic Ocean on August 14. The system tracked westward and was observed by a research flight on August 18. Four days later, the system entered the Caribbean Sea and continued to remain disorganized. The wave moved across eastern Cuba on August 24, before emerging into the Straits of Florida on the following day.[1] The system finally began to organize, and at 1200 UTC on August 26, a tropical depression developed offshore southeastern Florida coast. Shortly thereafter, the depression made landfall near Boca Raton, Florida with winds of 30 mph (48 km/h). It traveled barely inland and emerged into the Atlantic Ocean near Fort Pierce early on August 27.[3] The depression moved northeastward and strengthened due to its location beneath an anticyclone.[1] Later on August 27, the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Alma while situated about 150 mi (240 km) east of the Florida–Georgia border.[3][1]

Alma steadily intensified as it paralleled the coastline of The Carolinas, becoming a hurricane on August 28 a few miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.[3][1] Around that time, Alma attained its minimum barometric pressure of 984 mbar (29.1 inHg). At 1800 UTC on August 28, Alma attained its maximum sustained wind speed of 85 mph (137 km/h). A high pressure system over Atlantic Canada caused Alma to turn east-southeastward,[1] while weakening to a tropical storm on August 30. Later that day, the storm transitioned into an extratropical cyclone while situated about 180 miles (290 km) south-southeast of the southwestern tip of Nova Scotia.[3] The high pressure system also caused the extratropical remnants to execute a cyclonic loop between August 31 and September 2.[1] Later that day, the extratropical remnants of Alma curved northeastward, before dissipating south of Newfoundland.[3]

Preparations and impact

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Rainfall from Hurricane Alma along the East Coast of the United States

In Puerto Rico, heavy rainfall associated with the precursor tropical wave produced flooding in the southeastern portion of the island.[2] On August 25, a day before Alma developed, the precursor system brought high seas to the Atlantic coasts of Florida and Georgia; this resulted in small craft warnings from Daytona Beach, Florida to Savannah, Georgia.[4] Additionally, the storm brought light precipitation to some areas of both states.[5] As the storm traveled parallel to the East Coast of the United States, smalls crafts were also advised to remain in port between Edisto Island and the mouth of the Little River in South Carolina.[6] Along the coast of that state, Alma brought gusty winds and heavy to excessive precipitation in some area, though no damage was reported.[2]

Despite its proximity to land, the storm produced peak wind gusts of only 53 mph (85 km/h) in Nags Head.[1] Wind gusts downed a power pole in Hatteras, which caused an hour long power outage for one-third of the town.[7] There, the storm tide was 3 ft (0.91 m) above normal, which resulted in some erosion.[1] The highest rainfall total from Alma in the United States was a report of 10.38 in (264 mm) in Cape Hatteras.[5] Damage in the state amounted to $35,000.[1] The eye of Alma passed about 70 miles (110 km) south-southeast of the Virginia Capes, and brought light precipitation, gusty winds, and rough surf to the eastern portion of the state. Rainfall peaked at only 0.64 inches (16 mm) in Norfolk, causing no flooding. Minor beach erosion occurred due to tides 1.3 feet (0.40 m) above normal at Hampton Roads. No significant wind damage occurred, as the strongest sustained wind speed in the area was 36 mph (58 km/h) in Cape Henry.[8]

In Massachusetts, the outer bands of Alma brought 40 hours of nearly continuous rainfall, as well as gale-force winds for several hours. Precipitation amounts reached up to 3 inches (76 mm), though it was mostly beneficial, as the region of New England was suffering from drought conditions.[2] Slick roads resulted in several traffic accidents.[9] Tides reached 2 ft (0.61 m) above normal in the state of Massachusetts, which resulted in minor coastal flooding. However, Alma produced strong waves that destroyed over 100 boats.[1] Additionally, many cabin cruisers and smaller vessels broke loose from their moorings and smashed against the rocks. The storm produced northerly wind gust up to 51 mph (82 km/h) to the Boston area, in addition to winds of 60 mph (97 km/h) along coastal sections of the state.[10] As a result, many trees fell, causing power and telephone outages, and smashing a house and parked car in Lynn. At the Civil Defense facility in Melrose, winds and rainfall short-circuited the sirens, causing them to wail for more than 2 hours. At the Fair Grounds in Topsfield, a large tent was blown down.[9] One indirect death occurred when a woman was struck by a truck that skidded off the road in Haverhill.[11]

Elsewhere in New England, the storm brought rainfall and 60 mph (97 km/h) winds to coastal Rhode Island. Storm damage was reported as far north as Portsmouth, New Hampshire,[9] while precipitation extended northward into Maine.[5] Damage from the storm in New England was estimated at less than $1 million.[1]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Gordon E. Dunn (April 1963). The Hurricane Season of 1962 (PDF). United States Weather Bureau Office Miami, Florida (Report). Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. pp. 202 and 203. Retrieved 2013-03-04.
  2. ^ a b c d Luther Hodges (1961). Storm Data: August 1962 (PDF) (Report). National Climatic Data Center. pp. 96 and 100. Retrieved 2013-03-04.[permanent dead link‍]
  3. ^ a b c d e "Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)" (Database). United States National Hurricane Center. April 5, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2024. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  4. ^ "Tropical Storm May Be Brewing". St. Petersburg Times. United Press International. 1962-08-25. p. 2. Retrieved 2013-03-04.
  5. ^ a b c David M. Roth (2009-09-28). Hurricane Alma – August 25–31, 1962 (Report). Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved 2013-03-04.
  6. ^ J. A. Cummings (1962-08-27). Special News Bulletin (GIF). Weather Bureau Office Charleston, South Carolina (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2013-03-04.
  7. ^ Weddle (1962-08-28). The Passage of Tropical Storm Alma at WBO Cape Hatteras NC on August 28, 1962 (GIF). Weather Bureau Office Cape Hatteras, North Carolina (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2013-03-04.
  8. ^ Sachse (1962-08-28). Report on Tropical Storm Alma August 27 and 28, 1962 (GIF). Weather Bureau Office Norfolk, Virginia (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2013-03-04.
  9. ^ a b c Edward Sable, Boston Weather Bureau Airway Station (1962-09-12). Summary of Tropical Storm Alma (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-10-07.
  10. ^ Tenenbaum (1962-08-30). Preliminary Report on Hurricane Alma. Boston Weather Bureau Airway Station (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-10-07.
  11. ^ "Alma Heads Away From N.E. Coastline". The Telegraph. Associated Press. 1962-08-30. Retrieved 2013-08-22.
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