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{{Short description|Category 4 Atlantic hurricane in 1963}}
[[Image:Squid.jpg]]
{{Other hurricanes|List of storms named Flora}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2012}}
{{Infobox weather event
| image = Flora radar.gif
| caption = Radar image of Hurricane Flora
| formed = September 26, 1963
| extratropical = October 12, 1963
| dissipated = October 13, 1963
}}{{Infobox weather event/NWS
| winds = 130
| pressure = 933
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| year = 1963
| fatalities = 7,193<br/><small>([[List of deadliest Atlantic hurricanes|Fifth-deadliest Atlantic hurricane]] on record)</small>
| damage = 773400000
| areas = Northern South America, [[Lesser Antilles]], [[Greater Antilles]], [[Lucayan Archipelago]], [[Bermuda]], [[Eastern Canada]]
| refs =
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season = [[1963 Atlantic hurricane season]]
}}

'''Hurricane Flora''' is among the [[List of deadliest Atlantic hurricanes|deadliest]] [[North Atlantic tropical cyclone|Atlantic hurricane]]s in [[recorded history]], with a death total of at least 7,193. The seventh tropical storm and sixth hurricane of the [[1963 Atlantic hurricane season]], Flora developed from a disturbance in the [[Intertropical Convergence Zone]] on September 26 while located {{convert|755|mi|km}} southwest of the [[Cape Verde]] islands. After remaining a weak depression for several days, it rapidly organized on September 29 to attain tropical storm status. Flora continued to strengthen, reaching [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale|Category 3]] hurricane status after moving through the [[Windward Islands]] and passing over [[Tobago]], and it reached [[maximum sustained wind]]s of {{convert|145|mph|km/h}} in the Caribbean.

The storm struck southwestern [[Haiti]] near peak intensity, turned to the west, and drifted over [[Cuba]] for four days before turning to the northeast. Flora passed over the [[Bahamas]] and accelerated northeastward, becoming an [[extratropical cyclone]] on October 12. Due to its slow movement across Cuba, Flora is the wettest known tropical cyclone for Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.<ref>{{cite book|author=Roth, David M|year=2008|title=Hurricane Flora&nbsp;— September 29&nbsp;– October 8, 1963|author2=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|access-date=June 9, 2012|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/flora1963.html}}</ref> The significant casualties caused by Flora were the most for a tropical cyclone in the Atlantic Basin since the [[1900 Galveston hurricane|1900 Galveston Hurricane]].<ref name="GORDON63">{{cite journal |author1=Dunn, Gordon E |author2=Moore, Paul L |author3=Clark Gilbert B |journal=Monthly Weather Review |author4=Frank, Neil L |author5=Hill, Elbert C |author6=Kraft, Raymond H |author7=Sugg, Arnold L |url=http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/mwr/092/mwr-092-03-0128.pdf |year=1964 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205130224/http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/mwr/092/mwr-092-03-0128.pdf |title=The Hurricane Season of 1963 |access-date=May 13, 2012 |doi=10.1175/1520-0493-92.3.128 |issn=0027-0644 |page=136 |volume=92 |issue=3 |archive-date=February 5, 2012 |url-status=live |publisher=American Meteorological Society |doi-broken-date=November 1, 2024 |bibcode=1964MWRv...92..128D |df=mdy |doi-access=free }}</ref><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti -->

==Meteorological history==
{{storm path|Flora 1963 track.png}}
A disturbance in the [[Intertropical Convergence Zone]] turned into a tropical depression on September 26 while located about {{convert|755|mi|km}} southwest of the island of [[Fogo, Cape Verde|Fogo]] in the [[Cape Verde|Cape Verde Islands]]. Upon forming, the depression had a poorly organized circulation with [[rainbands|banding features]] to its north and east. The depression moved west-northwestward, and the system failed to organize significantly by a day after developing. On September 27, the banding features dissipated, though the area of convection around the center increased. Satellite imagery was unavailable until September 30, during which there were not sufficient ship reports to indicate the presence of a low-level circulation. The depression continued west-northwestward, and it is estimated it intensified into Tropical Storm Flora on September 29 while located about {{convert|560|mi|km}} east-southeast of [[Trinidad]], or about {{convert|350|mi|km}} north of [[Cayenne]], [[French Guiana]]. Operationally, advisories were not initiated until a day later.<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti -->

Flora quickly intensified after it became a tropical storm, and early on September 30 it attained hurricane status. Later that day, [[Hurricane Hunters|Reconnaissance Aircraft]] confirmed the existence of the hurricane, with the flight reporting a well-defined, circular {{convert|8|mi|km|adj=on}} wide [[eye (cyclone)|eye]]. One observer noted Flora to be the best organized tropical cyclone over the previous two years. Flora passed directly over the island of [[Tobago]] late on the 30th with winds of {{convert|105|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. The hurricane continued west-northwestward as it entered the Caribbean, and early on October 2 its winds reached {{convert|140|mph|km/h}}. Thirty hours later, Flora intensified slightly further and attained peak winds of {{convert|145|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} while located about {{convert|105|mi|km}} south of the border of [[Haiti]] and the [[Dominican Republic]].<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti -->

[[File:Flora1963filledrainblk.gif|right|thumb|250px|Hurricane Flora's storm total rainfall]]
After turning to the northwest, Hurricane Flora maintained its peak strength, and made landfall in [[Sud (department)|Sud]], Haiti, late on October 3 as a {{convert|150|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} Category&nbsp;4 hurricane on the [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale|Saffir-Simpson Scale]] with gusts from {{convert|180|to|200|mph|km/h}}.<ref name="tcr3"/> The calm of the [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] lasted for up to 70&nbsp;minutes in one location.<ref name="mic2">{{cite web|author=Ralph L. Higgins|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 2|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau Office|access-date=December 4, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/sju1020b.gif}}</ref> After quickly weakening to a {{convert|120|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} hurricane, Flora turned more to the west in the [[Windward Passage]], and restrengthened slightly to strike southeastern [[Cuba]] about {{convert|30|mi|km}} east of [[Guantánamo Bay (Cuba)|Guantanamo Bay]] with winds of {{convert|125|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. A [[anticyclone|high pressure system]] to its north turned the motion of the hurricane to a westward drift, causing it to weaken quickly over land. Flora neared the north coast of [[Cuba]] on October 4 before turning to the south. It executed a cyclonic loop and entered the coastal waters off [[Granma Province]]. An anticyclone to the west of Flora turned the hurricane to the north, bringing it ashore near [[Santa Cruz del Sur]] on October 7 with winds of around {{convert|90|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. Flora initially turned southeastward over central Cuba, and late on October 8 a [[trough (meteorology)|short-wave trough]] turned the hurricane northeastward, bringing it into the coastal waters of the [[Holguín Province]].<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --> Flora remained a hurricane while drifting over land due to abundant moisture and a favorable upper-level environment.<ref name="tcr3">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Preliminary Report Page Three|access-date=November 27, 2006|publisher=[[United States Weather Bureau]]|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim03.gif}}</ref>

After passing over the southeastern [[Bahamas]] early on October 9, Flora began to restrengthen, and on October 10 it again reached hurricane status while located {{convert|290|mi|km}} south of [[Bermuda]]. The hurricane gradually weakened as it continued northeastward, and weakened to a Category&nbsp;1 hurricane on October 11. Flora gradually lost its convection over the north Atlantic Ocean, and transitioned into an [[extratropical cyclone]] on October 12 while located {{convert|270|mi|km}} east-southeast of [[Cape Race]], [[Newfoundland (island)|Newfoundland]]. The extratropical remnant dissipated the next day.<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti -->

==Preparations==
The [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|Weather Bureau]] in [[San Juan, Puerto Rico]], issued a [[tropical cyclone warnings and watches|hurricane warning]] for [[Trinidad]], [[Tobago]], and the [[Grenadines]] south of [[Saint Vincent (island)|Saint Vincent]] in the cyclone's first advisory on Hurricane Flora. Gale warnings were later issued for islands off northern [[Venezuela]]<ref name="tcr3"/> and from Saint Vincent northward to [[Martinique]]. Advisories on Flora emphasized the danger of the hurricane and advised preparations to be rushed to completion. The advisories also recommended small craft throughout the [[Windward Islands]] to remain at harbor and for shipping in the path of the hurricane to advise extreme caution.<ref name="tcr4">{{cite web|author=Higgs|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 4)|publisher=[[United States Weather Bureau]]|access-date=November 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim04.gif}}</ref> People in low-lying areas and near beaches were advised to evacuate to higher grounds, as well.<ref name="tcr5">{{cite web|author=Hoose & Davis|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 5)|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau|access-date=November 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim05.gif}}</ref> Lead time was short, especially in Tobago which received news of the approaching hurricane just two hours before it struck.<ref name="eval2">{{cite web|author=U.S. Weather Bureau|year=1963|title=Report of Preliminary Evaluation of Warning Services, Hurricane Flora|access-date=November 28, 2006|publisher=[[United States Weather Bureau]]|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/eval02.gif}}</ref>

On October 2, two days before it made landfall on southwestern [[Hispaniola]], the San Juan Weather Bureau issued a gale warning from [[Barahona (city)|Barahona]] in the [[Dominican Republic]] to [[Sud-Est (department)|Sud-Est]], Haiti. Advisories recommended small craft in the southern portions of the countries to remain at port.<ref name="tcr9">{{cite web|author=Hoose|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 9)|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau|access-date=November 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim09.gif}}</ref> Later that day, the gale warning was upgraded to a hurricane warning in southwestern Haiti.<ref name="tcr10">{{cite web|author=Higgs|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 10)|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau|access-date=November 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim10.gif}}</ref> On the day of when Flora made landfall, advisories recommended all citizens on beaches and in low-lying areas west of [[Santo Domingo]] to evacuate.<ref name="tcr14">{{cite web|author=Hoose|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 14)|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau|access-date=November 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim14.gif}}</ref> Carmelo Di Franco, the provisional Director of Civic Defense for the Dominican Republic, organized safety procedures and the dissemination of tropical cyclone bulletins from the San Juan Weather Bureau. Di Franco also organized for the transmission of hurricane emergency information to citizens, believed to reduce the loss of life.<ref name="mic2"/> On the afternoon before the hurricane struck, the head of the Haitian [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross]] prohibited radio broadcasts of tropical cyclone advisories for fear of panic among citizens. As a result, many thought the hurricane would miss the country.<ref name="mic5">{{cite web|author=Ralph L. Higgins|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 5|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau Office|access-date=December 4, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/sju1020e.gif}}</ref>

Officials at the [[Cuban National Observatory]] issued radio bulletins on the hurricane, which included the position of Flora, its intensity, direction of motion, and necessary warnings. By the time the hurricane left the island, more than 40,000 had been evacuated to safer areas.<ref name="jose">{{cite web|author=José Fernández Partagás|year=1963|title=Information from Cuba|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=November 29, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/jose1003.gif}}</ref>

The Weather Bureau predicted Flora to turn to the northwest after entering the [[Windward Passage]] and affect the [[Bahamas]].<ref name="tcr19">{{cite web|author=Dunn|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 19)|publisher=Miami Weather Bureau|access-date=November 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim19.gif}}</ref> Forecasters advised those in The Bahamas to quickly complete preparations, though the eye of the hurricane did not pass over the archipelago until four days later. When Flora turned to the northeast out to sea, forecasters again advised Bahamian citizens to prepare for the hurricane, and on October 9, weather advisories advised the southeastern Bahamas to prepare for gale-force winds and strong tides.<ref name="LincolnStar1">{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|publisher=The Lincoln Star|year=1963|title=Storm Leaves Cuba, Heads for Bahamas|access-date=December 22, 2006|url=http://www.thehurricanearchive.com/Viewer.aspx?img=24240119&firstvisit=true&currentResult=1&currentPage=10}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> One advisory considered there to be less than a 50% chance of the hurricane reaching southeastern Florida, though weather bulletins advised Florida citizens to monitor the hurricane. At its closest approach to Florida, the hurricane remained {{convert|330|mi|km}} away, though gale warnings were issued from [[Stuart, Florida|Stuart]] to [[Key West, Florida|Key West]] due to the hurricane's large size.<ref name="tcr26">{{cite web|author=Sugg & Moore|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 26)|publisher=Miami Weather Bureau|access-date=November 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim26.gif}}</ref><ref name="tcr20">{{cite web|author=Dunn & Kraft|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 20)|publisher=Miami Weather Bureau|access-date=November 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim20.gif}}</ref>

==Impact==
{|class="wikitable" style="float:right;margin:0 0 0.5em 1em;"
|+ '''Storm effects by region <ref>[http://www.emdat.be/disaster-list International Disaster Database: Disaster List] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923101618/http://www.emdat.be/disaster-list |date=September 23, 2010 }}</ref>'''
|-
! Region || Deaths || Damage<br />(1963 [[United States dollar|USD]])
|-
| [[Trinidad and Tobago]] || 24 || $30&nbsp;million
|-
| [[Grenada]] || 6 || $25,000
|-
| [[Dominican Republic]] || 400+ || $60&nbsp;million
|-
| [[Haiti]] || 5,000 || $180&nbsp;million
|-
| [[Cuba]] || 1,750 || $500&nbsp;million
|-
| [[Jamaica]] || 11 || $11.9&nbsp;million
|-
| [[Bahamas]] || 1 || $1.5&nbsp;million
|-
| Florida || 1 || 0
|-
! Total || 7,193 || $773.4&nbsp;million
|-
|}
Throughout its path, Hurricane Flora resulted in more than 7,000 deaths and about $773.4&nbsp;million in damage (1963&nbsp;USD$, {{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|773400000|1963|r=2}}}} {{#time:Y}}&nbsp;USD). It is estimated that, if a hurricane like Flora had struck in 1998, it would have caused over 12,000 casualties.<ref name="NHRCuba">{{cite web |author1=Roger A. Pielke Jr. |author2=Jose Rubiera |author3=Christopher Landsea |author4=Mario L. Fernandez |author5=Roberta Klein |year=2003 |url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Landsea/NHR-Cuba.pdf |title=Hurricane Vulnerability in Latin America and The Caribbean: Normalized Damage and Loss Potentials. |access-date=December 23, 2008 |publisher=NOAA |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119012813/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Landsea/NHR-Cuba.pdf |archive-date=November 19, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

===East Caribbean===
Hurricane Flora passed [[Barbados]] a few days after [[Hurricane Edith (1963)|Hurricane Edith]] moved through the area. The two hurricanes resulted in about $65,000 in damage (1963&nbsp;USD), primarily to fishing interests.<ref name="gordon">{{cite web|author=G.M.D. Rudder|year=1963|title=Letter from Barbados describing damage from Hurricanes Edith and Flora|publisher=Barbados Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, and Fisheries|access-date=November 29, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/sju1227b.gif}}</ref>

About four hours before the [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] of Hurricane Flora moved over [[Tobago]], the large hurricane began producing heavy rainfall throughout the island. Two hours later, strong winds began affecting the island, and while moving across the island Flora produced winds of up to {{convert|100|mph|km/h}}.<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --><ref name="draftd2">{{cite web|author=Miami, Florida Weather Bureau Office|publisher=[[United States Weather Bureau]]|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora, September 26&nbsp;– October 13|access-date=November 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/draftd2.gif}}</ref> While moving past Tobago, the hurricane produced rough surf and tides {{convert|5|to|7|ft|m}} above normal.<ref name="tcr4"/> The hurricane sunk six ships between 4 and 9 tons in Scarborough harbour. One crew member drowned while attempting to save his vessel.<ref name="john">{{cite web|author=John D. Lee|year=1963|title=Trinidad and Tobago Effects|publisher=Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service|access-date=November 29, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/ttpp0130.gif}}</ref> Heavy rainfall caused a large mudslide from Mount Dillon onto a road leading to [[Castara]]. This was considered the most well-known mudslide on the island.<ref name="tobnews2">{{cite web|author=Stanley Wharton |year=2004 |title=Living with Geohazards |publisher=Tobago News |access-date=November 28, 2006 |url=http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/article?id=1387644 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070629133428/http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/article?id=1387644 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 29, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The strong winds caused severe damage to [[coconut]], [[banana]], and [[Theobroma cacao|cocoa]] plantations,<ref name="tobagodive">{{cite book|author1=Dominique De-Light |author2=Polly Thomas |year=1998|title=The Rough Guide to Trinidad and Tobago|access-date=January 2, 2009|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K6beeta3vsQC&q=flora+tobago+coconut+damage+1963&pg=PA303|publisher= Rough Guides|isbn= 978-1-85828-747-8}}</ref> with 50% of the coconut trees being destroyed and another 11% being severely damaged. 75% of forest trees fell, and most of the remaining were greatly damaged. The passage of Hurricane Flora destroyed 2,750 of Tobago's 7,500 houses, and damaged 3,500 others. The hurricane killed 18 on the island and resulted in $30&nbsp;million in crop and property damage (1963&nbsp;USD).<ref name="trintob">{{cite web|author1=C. B. Daniel |author2=R. Maharaj |author3=G. De Souza |year=2002 |title=Tropical Cyclones Affecting Trinidad and Tobago, 1725 to 2000 |publisher=Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service |access-date=November 28, 2006 |url=http://nema.gov.tt/resources/downloads/tropicalcyclones.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050523100912/http://nema.gov.tt/resources/downloads/tropicalcyclones.pdf |archive-date=May 23, 2005 |df=mdy }}</ref>

Winds on [[Trinidad]] reached {{convert|55|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} with much higher gusts of over {{convert|70|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. Heavy rainfall and strong winds in the northern mountainous region lowered the visibility to zero. Due to the mountain range on its northern coast, damage on the island was minimal, totaling to $100,000 (1963&nbsp;USD).<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --> Two people on the island died due to drowning.<ref name="trintob"/> When Flora passed the island and the winds turned to the southwest, many small boats in the westward facing harbor were sunk.<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --> Near [[Chaguaramas, Trinidad|Chaguaramas]], nine boats were destroyed and eight were damaged.<ref name="john"/> Additionally, several large vessels sustained damage and resulted in them being intentionally sunk. Damage in [[Grenada]] was minor, around $25,000 (1963&nbsp;USD), though six people died due to drowning.<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --> Rough seas and higher than normal tides were reported along the south coast of [[Puerto Rico]],<ref name="tcr10"/> though no damage or deaths were reported there.<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti -->

===Dominican Republic and Haiti===
[[File:Destruction in Petit Thou de Nippes from Hurricane Flora, 1963.jpg|thumb|left|[[Petit-Trou-de-Nippes]], one of the many Haitian villages left in ruins, was about 85% destroyed.]]
Flora produced heavy rainfall and moderately strong winds in the [[Dominican Republic]]. The highest rainfall amount reported was {{convert|39.43|in|mm}} at Polo Barahona.<ref name="DRrain">{{cite book|author=Roth, David M|year=2008|title=Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima|chapter=Hurricane Flora (1963) rainfall graphic|author2=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|access-date=2012-06-09|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/flora1963filledrainblk.gif}}</ref> Flooding from the hurricane, considered to be the most extensive on record, greatly damaged bridges and roads, with many roads left unpassable for several months after the hurricane struck. Over {{convert|3,800|mi2|km2|abbr=on}} in the western portion of the country were flooded. The hurricane caused about $60&nbsp;million in damage (1963&nbsp;USD) and over 400 deaths.<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti -->

{{Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti}}
While moving across southwestern [[Haiti]], Hurricane Flora produced winds of up to {{convert|120|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} near [[Derez]],<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --> while the capital city of [[Port-au-Prince]] reported peak winds of {{convert|65|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="mic3">{{cite web|author=Ralph L. Higgins|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 3|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau Office|access-date=December 4, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/sju1020c.gif}}</ref> Intense [[rainband]]s dropped torrential precipitation estimated at over {{convert|75|in|mm}} in [[Miragoâne]], with one location recording over {{convert|57|in|mm}} in three days.<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --> One location in the southwestern peninsula recorded {{convert|16|in|mm}} of precipitation in 12 hours.<ref name="mic4">{{cite web|author=Ralph L. Higgins|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 4|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau Office|access-date=December 13, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/sju1020d.gif}}</ref> The [[storm surge]] on the southern coast is unknown, but estimated to exceed {{convert|12|ft|m}}.<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --> Flash floods from the hurricane washed out large sections of several towns, while mudslides buried some entire towns,<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --> resulting in many deaths. Heavy rainfall led to river flooding along the [[Rivière Grise|Grise River]], which crested at {{convert|14|ft|m}} above normal. The flood waters created new channels and washed away entire banana plantations.<ref name="mic3"/>

Strong winds in southwestern Haiti from the hurricane damaged or destroyed hundreds of trees. The path of Flora over the area was best determined by the trajectory of fallen trees across the peninsula. The strong winds left entire villages roofless, with many buildings entirely destroyed. The combination of rough waves and strong winds destroyed three entire communities. Many of those who died in southwestern Haiti suffered from intense burns from strong winds.<ref name="mic4"/> In most areas, crops were entirely destroyed.<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --> The [[coffee]] crop was harvested prior to the arrival of the hurricane, though heavy rainfall and severe flooding ruined the crop for later years. Additionally, strong winds downed shading trees for the coffee crop on the southern peninsula. One official estimated it would require three years for the coffee crop to be replanted and regrown.<ref name="mic3"/>

About 3,500 people were confirmed dead, with several thousands missing at one report five months after the hurricane. It is estimated the passage of Hurricane Flora killed around 5,000 people and caused between $125&nbsp;million and $180&nbsp;million in damage in Haiti (1963&nbsp;USD).<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti -->

===Cuba, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Florida===
{{expand section|date=May 2017}}
{{deadliest Atlantic hurricanes|align=right}}
Strong northerly winds from Flora eroded the northern beaches in the [[Cuba]]n province of [[Camagüey Province|Camagüey]] by up to {{convert|1|km|ft|order=flip}}.<ref name="jose"/> [[Santa Cruz del Sur]] reported strong southerly winds and rough seas. Winds in Cuba reached {{convert|125|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Due to its slow movement across Cuba, the storm dropped extreme rainfall amounts on the eastern side of the island. Isolated locations in Cuba received over {{convert|80|in|mm|abbr=on}} of precipitation,<ref name="NHRCuba"/> with Santiago de Cuba recording {{convert|100.39|in|mm|abbr=on}}, which is the highest rainfall total measured on Cuba from any rainfall event on record.<ref name="CUBARAIN">{{cite web|publisher=Instituto Nacional de Recursos Hidráulicos |year=2003 |title=Lluvias intensas observadas y grandes inundaciones reportadas |language=es |access-date=February 10, 2007 |url=http://www.hidro.cu/hidrologia1.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312215337/http://www.hidro.cu/hidrologia1.htm |archive-date=March 12, 2007 |df=mdy }}</ref> Strong winds and flooding caused significant damage to crops in the region. The storm destroyed about 25% of coffee, 10% of the corn, up to 15% of sugar crops throughout the country, while at least a majority of banana and orange crops were lost. Further, Flora destroyed an estimated 50% of winter rice crops in Camagüey and [[Oriente Province|Oriente]] provinces &ndash; roughly 25% of production nationally. Approximately 50% of cotton was lost in Oriente Province, which produced about half of Cuba's cotton crop.<ref name="CIA">{{cite report|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000331418.pdf|title=The Effects of Hurricane Flora on Cuba|date=November 15, 1963|publisher=[[Central Intelligence Agency]]|access-date=May 25, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124124254/https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000331418.pdf|archivedate=January 24, 2017}}</ref>

Many citizens were left stranded at the tops of their homes. Floodwaters damaged or destroyed tens of thousands of homes throughout Cuba. A tabulation complete through October&nbsp;20 indicated that the storm damaged approximately 21,000&nbsp;homes and destroyed more than 11,000&nbsp;others in Oriente Province alone.<ref name="CIA"/> Throughout the country, the hurricane destroyed as many as 30,000&nbsp;dwellings.<ref name="lap">{{cite book|author=Louis A. Pérez|title=Cuba: Between Reform and Revolution|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=New York City, New York|date=October 1, 2014|page=6|isbn=978-0199301447|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sri6BwAAQBAJ&q=500+million+cuba+hurricane+flora&pg=PA6|access-date=November 27, 2015}}</ref> Many bridges, highways, and railroads, particularly in Oriente Province, became impassable due to flooding, landslides, and washouts. However, much of the damage was incurred to secondary highways and railways.<ref name="CIA"/> Overall, Flora caused about $500&nbsp;million in damage in Cuba and approximately 1,750&nbsp;fatalities.<ref name="GORDON63"/><ref name="lap"/>

Heavy rainfall fell across the island of Jamaica due to southwest flow into the mountains on Flora's southern periphery over several days. The maximum amount recorded was {{convert|60|in|mm}} at Spring Hill persistent,{{Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima}} which led to numerous landslides across the eastern portion of the island.<ref name="uwi">{{cite web|url=http://www.mona.uwi.edu/cardin/virtual_library/docs/1139/1139.pdf|title=Assessment of Rainfall Characteristics and Landslide Hazards in Jamaica|author=Ahmad Rafi|author2=Lawrence Brown|work=Jamaica National Meteorological Service|publisher=[[University of Wisconsin]]|page=27|date=January 10, 2006|access-date=June 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015154045/http://www.mona.uwi.edu/cardin/virtual_library/docs/1139/1139.pdf|archive-date=October 15, 2014}}</ref> Damage to the island totaled $11.9&nbsp;million (1963 dollars).<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --> Rough seas from Flora affected the Bahamas and the southeastern Florida coast on October 5 as the hurricane stalled over Cuba, keeping small craft in port,<ref name="Newport1">{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|publisher=Newport Daily News |year=1963 |title=Flora Batters Eastern Cuba |access-date=December 22, 2006 |url=http://www.thehurricanearchive.com/Viewer.aspx?img=55853750&firstvisit=true&currentResult=1&currentPage=0 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="Oshkosh1">{{cite web|author=Oshkosh Daily Northwestern |publisher=Oshkosh Daily Northwestern |year=1963 |title=Hurricane Weakening, Florida Danger Lessens |access-date=December 22, 2006 |url=http://www.thehurricanearchive.com/Viewer.aspx?img=17809369&firstvisit=true&currentResult=2&currentPage=0 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> and hurricane-force winds affected [[Ragged Island, Bahamas|Ragged Island]] later that day. Rainfall amounts peaked at {{convert|17.19|in|mm}} at Duncan Town, in the Bahamas.<ref name="WPCMAX"/> Damage to the island [[archipelago]] reached $1.5&nbsp;million (1963 dollars).<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti -->

==Aftermath==
{{See also|List of retired Atlantic hurricane names}}
[[File:Hurricane Flora 1963 Haiti rescue operations.jpg|thumb|Haitians isolated by Flora awaiting rescue. [[USS Lake Champlain (CV-39)|USS ''Lake Champlain'']] and [[USS Thetis Bay|USS ''Thetis Bay'']] launched marine helicopters that evacuated 347 storm victims and distributed 330,105 lb of relief supplies.]]
In [[Tobago]], the great agricultural damage from Flora caused the crop plantations to be abandoned. As a result, the economy of the island changed towards tourism.<ref name="tobagodive"/> The destruction of the Tobagonian rainforests resulted in a continual decline of agriculture on the island due to animals previously in the forest eating the crops for food.<ref name="tobnew1">{{cite news|newspaper=Tobago News|title=Cocrico killing agriculture|access-date=November 28, 2006|date=July 29, 2005|url=http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/article?id=3451662 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20051028142439/http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/article?id=3451662 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 28, 2005 }}</ref> The passage of the hurricane reduced the height of the rainforest canopy above {{convert|800|ft|m|abbr=on}} by half. Twenty-five years passed before the canopy reached its previous height.<ref name="trintobnew3">{{cite news|author=Patricia Turpin|date=September 30, 2004|title='Ivan the Terrible' and the trees|access-date=November 28, 2006|newspaper=Tobago News|url=http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/article?id=1139564 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070927223354/http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/article?id=1139564 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref>

In the [[Dominican Republic]], damage reports were largely unknown by a month after the hurricane passed the island, primarily in the [[Provinces of the Dominican Republic|western provinces]]. There, roads were still impassable, large areas remained without electricity, and helicopters could not land in remote areas due to mud, silt, and up to {{convert|3|ft|m|abbr=on}} of water in all landing fields. One official estimated several months would pass before survey teams could obtain information on loss of life and overall damages.<ref name="mic1">{{cite report|author=Ralph L. Higgins|date=November 20, 1963|title=Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti|page=1|publisher=Weather Bureau Office San Juan, Puerto Rico|access-date=May 7, 2020|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/sju1020a.gif}}</ref>

The [[Politics of Cuba|government of Cuba]] implemented further restrictions on ongoing rations, including adding rations on sugar for the first time in the country's history.<ref name="CIA"/> Amidst a political crisis between Cuba and the United States, the [[List of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies|Cuban Red Cross]] refused aid from the [[American Red Cross]], referring to the offer of aid as hypocritical "by a country [the United States] that is trying to destroy us [Cuba] with economic blockades and other measures."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/50412187/the-miami-herald/|title=Fidel Ups Flora Toll To 500|date=October 13, 1963|newspaper=Miami Herald|page=27-A|access-date=May 7, 2020|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The [[Soviet Union]] delivered large quantities of food, medicine, and other supplies vital to recovery, while the other [[Satellite state#Soviet satellite states|satellite states in Europe]] promised aid. [[China]] sent medicine and powdered milk totaling about $200,000 in value while also contributing the same amount in cash.<ref name="CIA"/>

Due to the severe damage and loss of life the hurricane caused across the Caribbean, the name ''Flora'' was retired from the rotating list of Atlantic tropical cyclone names by the [[Weather Bureau]] in the fall of 1963. It was replaced with ''Fern'' for the [[1967 Atlantic hurricane season|1967 season]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EtAlAAAAIBAJ&dq=hurricane%20names&pg=3748%2C4222769|title=Flora, There'll never be another you|date=October 9, 1963|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|access-date=February 10, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=http://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2008/summ0708.htm|title=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary August 2007|author=Padgett, Gary|date=November 30, 2007|access-date=April 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606010056/http://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2008/summ0708.htm|archive-date=June 6, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/Publications/NatHurricaneOpsPlans/HOPs-1967.pdf|page=61|publisher=Interdepartmental Committee for Meteorological Services|location=Washington, D.C.|title=1967 National Hurricane Plan|date=May 1967|access-date=April 3, 2024}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
* [[List of Atlantic hurricanes]]
* [[List of South America tropical cyclones]]
* [[List of wettest tropical cyclones]]
* [[List of the wettest tropical cyclones by country#Cuba|List of wettest tropical cyclones in Cuba since 1963]]
* [[List of Cuba hurricanes]]
** [[Hurricane Oscar (2024)]] – another hurricane which stalled over Cuba, albeit for a shorter period compared to Flora

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes}}
{{Retired Atlantic hurricanes}}
{{1963 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1963 Atlantic hurricane season|Flora]]
[[Category:Cape Verde hurricanes|Flora]]
[[Category:Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes|Flora]]
[[Category:Retired Atlantic hurricanes|Flora]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in the Windward Islands|Flora]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in the Windward Islands|Flora]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Grenada|Flora]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Trinidad and Tobago|Flora]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Haiti|Flora]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in the Dominican Republic|Flora]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Cuba|Flora]]
[[Category:1963 in the Dominican Republic]]
[[Category:History of British Grenada]]
[[Category:1963 in Cuba]]

Latest revision as of 08:42, 2 November 2024

For other storms of the same name, see List of storms named Flora.

Hurricane Flora
Radar image of Hurricane Flora
Meteorological history
FormedSeptember 26, 1963
ExtratropicalOctober 12, 1963
DissipatedOctober 13, 1963
Category 4 major hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds150 mph (240 km/h)
Lowest pressure933 mbar (hPa); 27.55 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities7,193
(Fifth-deadliest Atlantic hurricane on record)
Damage$773 million (1963 USD)
Areas affectedNorthern South America, Lesser Antilles, Greater Antilles, Lucayan Archipelago, Bermuda, Eastern Canada
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata
Part of the 1963 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Flora is among the deadliest Atlantic hurricanes in recorded history, with a death total of at least 7,193. The seventh tropical storm and sixth hurricane of the 1963 Atlantic hurricane season, Flora developed from a disturbance in the Intertropical Convergence Zone on September 26 while located 755 miles (1,215 km) southwest of the Cape Verde islands. After remaining a weak depression for several days, it rapidly organized on September 29 to attain tropical storm status. Flora continued to strengthen, reaching Category 3 hurricane status after moving through the Windward Islands and passing over Tobago, and it reached maximum sustained winds of 145 miles per hour (233 km/h) in the Caribbean.

The storm struck southwestern Haiti near peak intensity, turned to the west, and drifted over Cuba for four days before turning to the northeast. Flora passed over the Bahamas and accelerated northeastward, becoming an extratropical cyclone on October 12. Due to its slow movement across Cuba, Flora is the wettest known tropical cyclone for Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.[1] The significant casualties caused by Flora were the most for a tropical cyclone in the Atlantic Basin since the 1900 Galveston Hurricane.[2]

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 disturbance in the Intertropical Convergence Zone turned into a tropical depression on September 26 while located about 755 miles (1,215 km) southwest of the island of Fogo in the Cape Verde Islands. Upon forming, the depression had a poorly organized circulation with banding features to its north and east. The depression moved west-northwestward, and the system failed to organize significantly by a day after developing. On September 27, the banding features dissipated, though the area of convection around the center increased. Satellite imagery was unavailable until September 30, during which there were not sufficient ship reports to indicate the presence of a low-level circulation. The depression continued west-northwestward, and it is estimated it intensified into Tropical Storm Flora on September 29 while located about 560 miles (900 km) east-southeast of Trinidad, or about 350 miles (560 km) north of Cayenne, French Guiana. Operationally, advisories were not initiated until a day later.[2]

Flora quickly intensified after it became a tropical storm, and early on September 30 it attained hurricane status. Later that day, Reconnaissance Aircraft confirmed the existence of the hurricane, with the flight reporting a well-defined, circular 8-mile (13 km) wide eye. One observer noted Flora to be the best organized tropical cyclone over the previous two years. Flora passed directly over the island of Tobago late on the 30th with winds of 105 mph (169 km/h). The hurricane continued west-northwestward as it entered the Caribbean, and early on October 2 its winds reached 140 miles per hour (230 km/h). Thirty hours later, Flora intensified slightly further and attained peak winds of 145 mph (233 km/h) while located about 105 miles (169 km) south of the border of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.[2]

Hurricane Flora's storm total rainfall

After turning to the northwest, Hurricane Flora maintained its peak strength, and made landfall in Sud, Haiti, late on October 3 as a 150 mph (240 km/h) Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale with gusts from 180 to 200 miles per hour (290 to 320 km/h).[3] The calm of the eye lasted for up to 70 minutes in one location.[4] After quickly weakening to a 120 mph (190 km/h) hurricane, Flora turned more to the west in the Windward Passage, and restrengthened slightly to strike southeastern Cuba about 30 miles (48 km) east of Guantanamo Bay with winds of 125 mph (201 km/h). A high pressure system to its north turned the motion of the hurricane to a westward drift, causing it to weaken quickly over land. Flora neared the north coast of Cuba on October 4 before turning to the south. It executed a cyclonic loop and entered the coastal waters off Granma Province. An anticyclone to the west of Flora turned the hurricane to the north, bringing it ashore near Santa Cruz del Sur on October 7 with winds of around 90 mph (140 km/h). Flora initially turned southeastward over central Cuba, and late on October 8 a short-wave trough turned the hurricane northeastward, bringing it into the coastal waters of the Holguín Province.[2] Flora remained a hurricane while drifting over land due to abundant moisture and a favorable upper-level environment.[3]

After passing over the southeastern Bahamas early on October 9, Flora began to restrengthen, and on October 10 it again reached hurricane status while located 290 miles (470 km) south of Bermuda. The hurricane gradually weakened as it continued northeastward, and weakened to a Category 1 hurricane on October 11. Flora gradually lost its convection over the north Atlantic Ocean, and transitioned into an extratropical cyclone on October 12 while located 270 miles (430 km) east-southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland. The extratropical remnant dissipated the next day.[2]

Preparations

[edit]

The Weather Bureau in San Juan, Puerto Rico, issued a hurricane warning for Trinidad, Tobago, and the Grenadines south of Saint Vincent in the cyclone's first advisory on Hurricane Flora. Gale warnings were later issued for islands off northern Venezuela[3] and from Saint Vincent northward to Martinique. Advisories on Flora emphasized the danger of the hurricane and advised preparations to be rushed to completion. The advisories also recommended small craft throughout the Windward Islands to remain at harbor and for shipping in the path of the hurricane to advise extreme caution.[5] People in low-lying areas and near beaches were advised to evacuate to higher grounds, as well.[6] Lead time was short, especially in Tobago which received news of the approaching hurricane just two hours before it struck.[7]

On October 2, two days before it made landfall on southwestern Hispaniola, the San Juan Weather Bureau issued a gale warning from Barahona in the Dominican Republic to Sud-Est, Haiti. Advisories recommended small craft in the southern portions of the countries to remain at port.[8] Later that day, the gale warning was upgraded to a hurricane warning in southwestern Haiti.[9] On the day of when Flora made landfall, advisories recommended all citizens on beaches and in low-lying areas west of Santo Domingo to evacuate.[10] Carmelo Di Franco, the provisional Director of Civic Defense for the Dominican Republic, organized safety procedures and the dissemination of tropical cyclone bulletins from the San Juan Weather Bureau. Di Franco also organized for the transmission of hurricane emergency information to citizens, believed to reduce the loss of life.[4] On the afternoon before the hurricane struck, the head of the Haitian Red Cross prohibited radio broadcasts of tropical cyclone advisories for fear of panic among citizens. As a result, many thought the hurricane would miss the country.[11]

Officials at the Cuban National Observatory issued radio bulletins on the hurricane, which included the position of Flora, its intensity, direction of motion, and necessary warnings. By the time the hurricane left the island, more than 40,000 had been evacuated to safer areas.[12]

The Weather Bureau predicted Flora to turn to the northwest after entering the Windward Passage and affect the Bahamas.[13] Forecasters advised those in The Bahamas to quickly complete preparations, though the eye of the hurricane did not pass over the archipelago until four days later. When Flora turned to the northeast out to sea, forecasters again advised Bahamian citizens to prepare for the hurricane, and on October 9, weather advisories advised the southeastern Bahamas to prepare for gale-force winds and strong tides.[14] One advisory considered there to be less than a 50% chance of the hurricane reaching southeastern Florida, though weather bulletins advised Florida citizens to monitor the hurricane. At its closest approach to Florida, the hurricane remained 330 miles (530 km) away, though gale warnings were issued from Stuart to Key West due to the hurricane's large size.[15][16]

Impact

[edit]
Storm effects by region [17]
Region Deaths Damage
(1963 USD)
Trinidad and Tobago 24 $30 million
Grenada 6 $25,000
Dominican Republic 400+ $60 million
Haiti 5,000 $180 million
Cuba 1,750 $500 million
Jamaica 11 $11.9 million
Bahamas 1 $1.5 million
Florida 1 0
Total 7,193 $773.4 million

Throughout its path, Hurricane Flora resulted in more than 7,000 deaths and about $773.4 million in damage (1963 USD$, 7.7 billion 2024 USD). It is estimated that, if a hurricane like Flora had struck in 1998, it would have caused over 12,000 casualties.[18]

East Caribbean

[edit]

Hurricane Flora passed Barbados a few days after Hurricane Edith moved through the area. The two hurricanes resulted in about $65,000 in damage (1963 USD), primarily to fishing interests.[19]

About four hours before the eye of Hurricane Flora moved over Tobago, the large hurricane began producing heavy rainfall throughout the island. Two hours later, strong winds began affecting the island, and while moving across the island Flora produced winds of up to 100 miles per hour (160 km/h).[2][20] While moving past Tobago, the hurricane produced rough surf and tides 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 m) above normal.[5] The hurricane sunk six ships between 4 and 9 tons in Scarborough harbour. One crew member drowned while attempting to save his vessel.[21] Heavy rainfall caused a large mudslide from Mount Dillon onto a road leading to Castara. This was considered the most well-known mudslide on the island.[22] The strong winds caused severe damage to coconut, banana, and cocoa plantations,[23] with 50% of the coconut trees being destroyed and another 11% being severely damaged. 75% of forest trees fell, and most of the remaining were greatly damaged. The passage of Hurricane Flora destroyed 2,750 of Tobago's 7,500 houses, and damaged 3,500 others. The hurricane killed 18 on the island and resulted in $30 million in crop and property damage (1963 USD).[24]

Winds on Trinidad reached 55 mph (89 km/h) with much higher gusts of over 70 mph (110 km/h). Heavy rainfall and strong winds in the northern mountainous region lowered the visibility to zero. Due to the mountain range on its northern coast, damage on the island was minimal, totaling to $100,000 (1963 USD).[2] Two people on the island died due to drowning.[24] When Flora passed the island and the winds turned to the southwest, many small boats in the westward facing harbor were sunk.[2] Near Chaguaramas, nine boats were destroyed and eight were damaged.[21] Additionally, several large vessels sustained damage and resulted in them being intentionally sunk. Damage in Grenada was minor, around $25,000 (1963 USD), though six people died due to drowning.[2] Rough seas and higher than normal tides were reported along the south coast of Puerto Rico,[9] though no damage or deaths were reported there.[2]

Dominican Republic and Haiti

[edit]
Petit-Trou-de-Nippes, one of the many Haitian villages left in ruins, was about 85% destroyed.

Flora produced heavy rainfall and moderately strong winds in the Dominican Republic. The highest rainfall amount reported was 39.43 inches (1,002 mm) at Polo Barahona.[25] Flooding from the hurricane, considered to be the most extensive on record, greatly damaged bridges and roads, with many roads left unpassable for several months after the hurricane struck. Over 3,800 sq mi (9,800 km2) in the western portion of the country were flooded. The hurricane caused about $60 million in damage (1963 USD) and over 400 deaths.[2]

Wettest tropical cyclones and their remnants in Haiti
Highest-known totals
Precipitation Storm Location Ref.
Rank mm in
1 1,447.8 57.00 Flora 1963 Miragoâne [26]
2 654.8 25.78 Noel 2007 Camp Perrin [27]
3 604.5 23.80 Matthew 2016 Anse-á-Veau [28]
4 410.0 16.14 Lili 2002 Camp Perrin [29]
5 323.0 12.72 Hanna 2008 Camp Perrin [30]
6 273.0 10.75 Gustav 2008 Camp Perrin [31]
7 168.0 6.614 Laura 2020 Port-Au-Prince [32]
8 65.0 2.56 Fox 1952 Ouanaminthe [33]

While moving across southwestern Haiti, Hurricane Flora produced winds of up to 120 mph (190 km/h) near Derez,[2] while the capital city of Port-au-Prince reported peak winds of 65 mph (105 km/h).[34] Intense rainbands dropped torrential precipitation estimated at over 75 inches (1,900 mm) in Miragoâne, with one location recording over 57 inches (1,400 mm) in three days.[2] One location in the southwestern peninsula recorded 16 inches (410 mm) of precipitation in 12 hours.[35] The storm surge on the southern coast is unknown, but estimated to exceed 12 feet (3.7 m).[2] Flash floods from the hurricane washed out large sections of several towns, while mudslides buried some entire towns,[2] resulting in many deaths. Heavy rainfall led to river flooding along the Grise River, which crested at 14 feet (4.3 m) above normal. The flood waters created new channels and washed away entire banana plantations.[34]

Strong winds in southwestern Haiti from the hurricane damaged or destroyed hundreds of trees. The path of Flora over the area was best determined by the trajectory of fallen trees across the peninsula. The strong winds left entire villages roofless, with many buildings entirely destroyed. The combination of rough waves and strong winds destroyed three entire communities. Many of those who died in southwestern Haiti suffered from intense burns from strong winds.[35] In most areas, crops were entirely destroyed.[2] The coffee crop was harvested prior to the arrival of the hurricane, though heavy rainfall and severe flooding ruined the crop for later years. Additionally, strong winds downed shading trees for the coffee crop on the southern peninsula. One official estimated it would require three years for the coffee crop to be replanted and regrown.[34]

About 3,500 people were confirmed dead, with several thousands missing at one report five months after the hurricane. It is estimated the passage of Hurricane Flora killed around 5,000 people and caused between $125 million and $180 million in damage in Haiti (1963 USD).[2]

Cuba, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Florida

[edit]
Deadliest Atlantic hurricanes
Rank Hurricane Season Fatalities
1  ?  "Great Hurricane" 1780 22,000–27,501
2  5  Mitch 1998 11,374+
3  2  Fifi 1974 8,210–10,000
4  4  "Galveston" 1900 8,000–12,000
5  4  Flora 1963 7,193
6  ?  "Pointe-à-Pitre" 1776 6,000+
7  5  "Okeechobee" 1928 4,112+
8  ?  "Newfoundland" 1775 4,000–4,163
9  3  "Monterrey" 1909 4,000
10  4  "San Ciriaco" 1899 3,855

Strong northerly winds from Flora eroded the northern beaches in the Cuban province of Camagüey by up to 3,300 feet (1 km).[12] Santa Cruz del Sur reported strong southerly winds and rough seas. Winds in Cuba reached 125 mph (201 km/h). Due to its slow movement across Cuba, the storm dropped extreme rainfall amounts on the eastern side of the island. Isolated locations in Cuba received over 80 in (2,000 mm) of precipitation,[18] with Santiago de Cuba recording 100.39 in (2,550 mm), which is the highest rainfall total measured on Cuba from any rainfall event on record.[36] Strong winds and flooding caused significant damage to crops in the region. The storm destroyed about 25% of coffee, 10% of the corn, up to 15% of sugar crops throughout the country, while at least a majority of banana and orange crops were lost. Further, Flora destroyed an estimated 50% of winter rice crops in Camagüey and Oriente provinces – roughly 25% of production nationally. Approximately 50% of cotton was lost in Oriente Province, which produced about half of Cuba's cotton crop.[37]

Many citizens were left stranded at the tops of their homes. Floodwaters damaged or destroyed tens of thousands of homes throughout Cuba. A tabulation complete through October 20 indicated that the storm damaged approximately 21,000 homes and destroyed more than 11,000 others in Oriente Province alone.[37] Throughout the country, the hurricane destroyed as many as 30,000 dwellings.[38] Many bridges, highways, and railroads, particularly in Oriente Province, became impassable due to flooding, landslides, and washouts. However, much of the damage was incurred to secondary highways and railways.[37] Overall, Flora caused about $500 million in damage in Cuba and approximately 1,750 fatalities.[2][38]

Heavy rainfall fell across the island of Jamaica due to southwest flow into the mountains on Flora's southern periphery over several days. The maximum amount recorded was 60 inches (1,500 mm) at Spring Hill persistent,[33] which led to numerous landslides across the eastern portion of the island.[39] Damage to the island totaled $11.9 million (1963 dollars).[2] Rough seas from Flora affected the Bahamas and the southeastern Florida coast on October 5 as the hurricane stalled over Cuba, keeping small craft in port,[40][41] and hurricane-force winds affected Ragged Island later that day. Rainfall amounts peaked at 17.19 inches (437 mm) at Duncan Town, in the Bahamas.[33] Damage to the island archipelago reached $1.5 million (1963 dollars).[2]

Aftermath

[edit]
See also: List of retired Atlantic hurricane names
Haitians isolated by Flora awaiting rescue. USS Lake Champlain and USS Thetis Bay launched marine helicopters that evacuated 347 storm victims and distributed 330,105 lb of relief supplies.

In Tobago, the great agricultural damage from Flora caused the crop plantations to be abandoned. As a result, the economy of the island changed towards tourism.[23] The destruction of the Tobagonian rainforests resulted in a continual decline of agriculture on the island due to animals previously in the forest eating the crops for food.[42] The passage of the hurricane reduced the height of the rainforest canopy above 800 ft (240 m) by half. Twenty-five years passed before the canopy reached its previous height.[43]

In the Dominican Republic, damage reports were largely unknown by a month after the hurricane passed the island, primarily in the western provinces. There, roads were still impassable, large areas remained without electricity, and helicopters could not land in remote areas due to mud, silt, and up to 3 ft (0.91 m) of water in all landing fields. One official estimated several months would pass before survey teams could obtain information on loss of life and overall damages.[44]

The government of Cuba implemented further restrictions on ongoing rations, including adding rations on sugar for the first time in the country's history.[37] Amidst a political crisis between Cuba and the United States, the Cuban Red Cross refused aid from the American Red Cross, referring to the offer of aid as hypocritical "by a country [the United States] that is trying to destroy us [Cuba] with economic blockades and other measures."[45] The Soviet Union delivered large quantities of food, medicine, and other supplies vital to recovery, while the other satellite states in Europe promised aid. China sent medicine and powdered milk totaling about $200,000 in value while also contributing the same amount in cash.[37]

Due to the severe damage and loss of life the hurricane caused across the Caribbean, the name Flora was retired from the rotating list of Atlantic tropical cyclone names by the Weather Bureau in the fall of 1963. It was replaced with Fern for the 1967 season.[46][47][48]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Roth, David M; Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (2008). Hurricane Flora — September 29 – October 8, 1963. Retrieved June 9, 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Dunn, Gordon E; Moore, Paul L; Clark Gilbert B; Frank, Neil L; Hill, Elbert C; Kraft, Raymond H; Sugg, Arnold L (1964). "The Hurricane Season of 1963" (PDF). Monthly Weather Review. 92 (3). American Meteorological Society: 136. Bibcode:1964MWRv...92..128D. doi:10.1175/1520-0493-92.3.128 (inactive November 1, 2024). ISSN 0027-0644. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 5, 2012. Retrieved May 13, 2012.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of November 2024 (link)
  3. ^ a b c National Hurricane Center (1963). "Hurricane Flora Preliminary Report Page Three". United States Weather Bureau. Retrieved November 27, 2006.
  4. ^ a b Ralph L. Higgins (1963). "Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 2". San Juan Weather Bureau Office. Retrieved December 4, 2006.
  5. ^ a b Higgs (1963). "Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 4)". United States Weather Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
  6. ^ Hoose & Davis (1963). "Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 5)". San Juan Weather Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
  7. ^ U.S. Weather Bureau (1963). "Report of Preliminary Evaluation of Warning Services, Hurricane Flora". United States Weather Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
  8. ^ Hoose (1963). "Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 9)". San Juan Weather Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
  9. ^ a b Higgs (1963). "Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 10)". San Juan Weather Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
  10. ^ Hoose (1963). "Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 14)". San Juan Weather Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
  11. ^ Ralph L. Higgins (1963). "Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 5". San Juan Weather Bureau Office. Retrieved December 4, 2006.
  12. ^ a b José Fernández Partagás (1963). "Information from Cuba". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 29, 2006.
  13. ^ Dunn (1963). "Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 19)". Miami Weather Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
  14. ^ "Storm Leaves Cuba, Heads for Bahamas". The Lincoln Star. Associated Press. 1963. Retrieved December 22, 2006. [dead link‍]
  15. ^ Sugg & Moore (1963). "Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 26)". Miami Weather Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
  16. ^ Dunn & Kraft (1963). "Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 20)". Miami Weather Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
  17. ^ International Disaster Database: Disaster List Archived September 23, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  18. ^ a b Roger A. Pielke Jr.; Jose Rubiera; Christopher Landsea; Mario L. Fernandez; Roberta Klein (2003). "Hurricane Vulnerability in Latin America and The Caribbean: Normalized Damage and Loss Potentials" (PDF). NOAA. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 19, 2012. Retrieved December 23, 2008.
  19. ^ G.M.D. Rudder (1963). "Letter from Barbados describing damage from Hurricanes Edith and Flora". Barbados Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, and Fisheries. Retrieved November 29, 2006.
  20. ^ Miami, Florida Weather Bureau Office (1963). "Hurricane Flora, September 26 – October 13". United States Weather Bureau. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
  21. ^ a b John D. Lee (1963). "Trinidad and Tobago Effects". Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service. Retrieved November 29, 2006.
  22. ^ Stanley Wharton (2004). "Living with Geohazards". Tobago News. Archived from the original on June 29, 2007. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
  23. ^ a b Dominique De-Light; Polly Thomas (1998). The Rough Guide to Trinidad and Tobago. Rough Guides. ISBN 978-1-85828-747-8. Retrieved January 2, 2009.
  24. ^ a b C. B. Daniel; R. Maharaj; G. De Souza (2002). "Tropical Cyclones Affecting Trinidad and Tobago, 1725 to 2000" (PDF). Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 23, 2005. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
  25. ^ Roth, David M; Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (2008). "Hurricane Flora (1963) rainfall graphic". Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima. United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Retrieved June 9, 2012.
  26. ^ Dunn, Gordon E; Moore, Paul L; Clark, Gilbert B; Frank, Neil L; Hill, Elbert C; Kraft, Raymond H; Sugg, Arnold L (1964). "The Hurricane Season of 1963" (PDF). Monthly Weather Review. 92 (3). American Meteorological Society: 136. Bibcode:1964MWRv...92..128D. doi:10.1175/1520-0493-92.3.128. ISSN 0027-0644. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 5, 2012. Retrieved May 13, 2012.
  27. ^ Brown, Daniel P (December 17, 2007). Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Noel (PDF) (Report). United States National Hurricane Center. p. 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  28. ^ Stewart, Stacy R (April 3, 2017). Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Matthew (PDF) (Report). United States National Hurricane Center. p. 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 18, 2024. Retrieved April 6, 2017.
  29. ^ Finnigan, Sean (October 4, 2002). Hurricane Lili almost drowns Camp-Perin, Haiti (PDF) (Report). Organisation for the Rehabilitation of the Environment. p. 1. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 25, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2012.
  30. ^ Brown, Daniel P; Kimberlain, Todd B (March 27, 2009). Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Hanna (PDF) (Report). United States National Hurricane Center. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 8, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2012.
  31. ^ Beven II, John L; Kimberlain, Todd B (January 22, 2009). Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Gustav (PDF) (Report). United States National Hurricane Center. p. 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 9, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2012.
  32. ^ Jeff Masters and Bob Henson (August 24, 2020). "Laura expected to hit Gulf Coast as at least a Category 2 hurricane". Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  33. ^ a b c Roth, David M. (January 3, 2023). "Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima". Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Data. United States Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved January 6, 2023. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  34. ^ a b c Ralph L. Higgins (1963). "Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 3". San Juan Weather Bureau Office. Retrieved December 4, 2006.
  35. ^ a b Ralph L. Higgins (1963). "Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 4". San Juan Weather Bureau Office. Retrieved December 13, 2006.
  36. ^ "Lluvias intensas observadas y grandes inundaciones reportadas" (in Spanish). Instituto Nacional de Recursos Hidráulicos. 2003. Archived from the original on March 12, 2007. Retrieved February 10, 2007.
  37. ^ a b c d e The Effects of Hurricane Flora on Cuba (PDF) (Report). Central Intelligence Agency. November 15, 1963. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 24, 2017. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  38. ^ a b Louis A. Pérez (October 1, 2014). Cuba: Between Reform and Revolution. New York City, New York: Oxford University Press. p. 6. ISBN 978-0199301447. Retrieved November 27, 2015.
  39. ^ Ahmad Rafi; Lawrence Brown (January 10, 2006). "Assessment of Rainfall Characteristics and Landslide Hazards in Jamaica" (PDF). Jamaica National Meteorological Service. University of Wisconsin. p. 27. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 15, 2014. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
  40. ^ "Flora Batters Eastern Cuba". Newport Daily News. Associated Press. 1963. Retrieved December 22, 2006.[dead link‍]
  41. ^ Oshkosh Daily Northwestern (1963). "Hurricane Weakening, Florida Danger Lessens". Oshkosh Daily Northwestern. Retrieved December 22, 2006.[dead link‍]
  42. ^ "Cocrico killing agriculture". Tobago News. July 29, 2005. Archived from the original on October 28, 2005. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
  43. ^ Patricia Turpin (September 30, 2004). "'Ivan the Terrible' and the trees". Tobago News. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
  44. ^ Ralph L. Higgins (November 20, 1963). Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti (Report). Weather Bureau Office San Juan, Puerto Rico. p. 1. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  45. ^ "Fidel Ups Flora Toll To 500". Miami Herald. October 13, 1963. p. 27-A. Retrieved May 7, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  46. ^ "Flora, There'll never be another you". St. Petersburg Times. October 9, 1963. Retrieved February 10, 2010.
  47. ^ Padgett, Gary (November 30, 2007). Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary August 2007 (Report). Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
  48. ^ 1967 National Hurricane Plan (PDF) (Report). Washington, D.C.: Interdepartmental Committee for Meteorological Services. May 1967. p. 61. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
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