Wikipedia

User:12george1/Hurricane Agnes

Hurricane Agnes
Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS/NWS)
Hurricane Agnes approaching Florida
FormedJune 14, 1972 (1972-06-14)
DissipatedJune 23, 1972 (1972-06-24)
Highest winds1-minute sustained: 85 mph (140 km/h)
Lowest pressure977 mbar (hPa); 28.85 inHg
Fatalities128 direct
Damage$3 billion (1972 USD)
Areas affectedYucatán Peninsula, western Cuba, Florida Panhandle, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York
Part of the 1972 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Agnes was, at the time, the costliest hurricane to hit the United States in recorded history. The second tropical cyclone and first named storm of the the 1972 Atlantic hurricane season, Agnes developed on June 14 from the interaction of a polar front and an upper trough over the Yucatán Peninsula. Initially forming as a tropical depression, the storm headed slowly eastward and emerged into the western Caribbean Sea on June 15. Once in the Caribbean, the depression began to strengthen, and by the following day, it became Tropical Storm Agnes. Thereafter, Agnes slowly curved northward and passed just west of Cuba on June 17. Early on June 18, the storm intensified enough to be upgraded to Hurricane Agnes. Heading northward, the hurricane eventually made landfall near Panama City, Florida late on June 19. After moving inland, Agnes rapidly weakened and was only a tropical depression when it entered Georgia. The weakening trend halted as the storm crossed over Georgia and into South Carolina. While over eastern North Carolina, Agnes re-strengthened into a tropical storm on June 21, as a result of baroclinic activity. Early the following day, the storm emerged into the Atlantic Ocean before re-curving northwestward and making landfall near New York City as a strong tropical storm. Agnes quickly merged with a non-tropical low pressure system on June 23.

Though it moved slowly across the Yucatan Peninsula, damage in Mexico is unknown. While bypass the tip of Cuba, heavy rainfall occurring, killing seven people. In Florida, Agnes caused a significant tornado outbreak, with at least 26 confirmed twisters, two of which were spawned in Georgia. The tornadoes and two initially unconfirmed tornadoes in Florida alone resulted in over $4.5 million (1972 USD) in damage and six fatalities. At least 2,082 structures in Florida suffered either major damage or were destroyed. About 1,355 other dwellings experienced minor losses. Though Agnes made landfall as a hurricane, no hurricane force winds were reported. Along the coast abnormally high tides resulted in extensive damage, especially between Apalachicola and Cedar Key. Light to moderate rainfall was reported in Florida, though no significant flooding occurred. In Georgia, damage was limited to two tornadoes, which caused approximately $275,000 (1972 USD) in losses. Minimal affects were also recorded in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Tennessee; though one fatality was reported in Delaware. The most significant affects, by far, occurred in Pennsylvania, mostly due to severe flooding. In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey combined, about 43,594 structures were either destroyed or significantly damaged. In Canada, a mobile home was toppled, killing two people. Overall, Agnes caused 128 fatalities and nearly $3 billion (1972 USD) in damage. Due to the significant affects, the name Agnes was retired in the spring of 1973.

Meteorological history

change
 
Storm path

In early-mid June 1972, atmospheric conditions favor tropical cyclogenesis in the Caribbean Sea. Banded convection developed in the northwestern Caribbean Sea by June 11, though the system did not significantly organize. After an upper trough moved east, wind shear decreased, causing lower atmospheric pressures observations in Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico.[1] It is estimated that a tropical depression developed by 1200 UTC on June 14, while centered over the Yucatán Peninsula, about 78 miles (126 km) southeast of Mérida, Yucatán.[2] The depression tracked eastward and entered the western Caribbean Sea on June 15.[1] Operationally, the National Hurricane Center did not initiate advisories on the depression until 1500 UTC on June 15.[3] Early on June 16 at 0000 UTC, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Agnes.[2] However, the depression was not operationally upgraded until sixteen hours later.[4]

 
Remnants of Agnes over northeastern United States

After becoming a tropical storm on June 16, Agnes slowly curved northward and approached the Yucatán Channel.[2] Late on June 17, it was noted that projected path indicated the possibly of landfall in western Cuba.[5] However, the storm remained offshore, though it closely brushed the western tip of Cuba. At 1200 UTC on June 18, Agnes intensified into a hurricane while in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico.[2] Prematurely, the National Hurricane Center operationally upgraded Agnes to a hurricane at 0200 UTC on that day.[6] Upon becoming a hurricane, Agnes attained its maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 km/h), though it had not reached its minimum atmospheric pressure. Due to unfavorable conditions, Agnes leveled-off slightly in intensify and weakened to a minimal hurricane while approaching the Gulf Coast of the United States.[1] Shortly before 2200 UTC on June 19, Agnes made landfall near Cape San Blas, Florida with winds of 75 mph (120 km/h).[7]

At 0000 UTC on June 20, only a few hours after moving inland, Agnes weakened to a tropical storm. After crossing the Florida/Alabama/Georgia stateline, Agnes rapidly weakened to a tropical depression. While over Georgia, the depression curved northeastward and eventually to the east-northeast after entering South Carolina.[1] Though the storm had not dissipated, the National Hurricane Center issued its final bulletin on Agnes at 1600 UTC on June 20.[8] By early on June 21, a large extratropical trough spawned a low pressure area, which resulted in baroclinic activity. As a result, Agnes restrengthened into a tropical storm at 1800 UTC on June 21, while centered over eastern North Carolina.[1] Three hours later, the National Hurricane Center noted decreasing atmospheric pressures, and indicated that winds had reached gale force winds and once again upgraded Agnes to a tropical storm.[9] By early on June 22, Agnes emerged into the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, where it continued to re-intensify. At 1200 UTC, Agnes reached its minimum atmospheric pressure of 977 mbar (28.9 inHg), as reported by a reconnaissance aircraft. However, maximum sustained winds were at only 70 mph (110 km/h).[1][2] Late on June 22, Agnes made its final landfall on Long Island, New York, near New York City with winds of 65 mph (100 km/h).[10] Shortly after moving inland, the storm was absorbed by the low pressure area that previously caused baroclinic activity at 0000 UTC on June 23.[1]

Impact

change

United States

change
See also: 1972 Hurricane Agnes tornado outbreak
 
Agnes Rainfall Across the East
Death Tolls by Area
Area Deaths
Canada 2
Cuba 7
Florida 9
North Carolina 2
Virginia 13
Delaware 1
Maryland 19
New Jersey 1
New York 24
Pennsylvania 50
Total 128

Florida

change

Upon landfall, Agnes produced abnormally high tides along the much of the Florida coastline. The highest tides reported were at Cedar Key, reaching 7 feet (2.1 m) above normal sea levels. The second largest waves were 6.4 feet (2.0 m), recorded at Apalachicola. In contrast, few observations of high tides along the east coast of Florida exist; the highest reported was 3 feet (0.91 m) above average in Jacksonville.[1] In Alligator Point, at least 16 homes were swept off their foundations. Six bridges connecting Cedar Key to the mainland areas of Florida were submerged. In addition, a bridge from Conquina Key to St. Petersburg was also underwater due to high tides.[11]

Nearly the entire state of Florida reported rainfall, though it was usually in the light to moderate range. Among the highest amounts of precipitation recorded were 8.97 inches (228 mm) in Naples, 8.43 inches (214 mm) in Big Pine Key, 7.3 inches (190 mm) in the Everglades, and 7.17 inches (182 mm) in Tallahassee.[1] Near Okeechobee, larger amounts of rainfall may have occurred, though there were no specific observations in that vicinity.[12]

Though Agnes made landfall as a hurricane, no reports of hurricane force winds exists. However, several locations observed tropical storm force winds. The highest sustained winds and gusts were 52 and 69 mph (84 and 111 km/h), both recorded at the Kennedy Space Center. Other reports of at least tropical storm force sustained winds were at 39 mph (63 km/h) in Crestview and Jacksonville, 42 mph (68 km/h) in Flamingo, 43 mph (69 km/h) in Key West, and two observations of 40 mph (64 km/h) in Panama City.[1]

Throughout the state, Agnes spawned at least 15 tornadoes, while several tornadoes were operationally unconfirmed. Initially referred to as a "windstorm", one of those twisters destroyed 50 mobile homes and a fishing camp in Okeechobee, as well as cause six fatalities. Another significant tornado occurred in Cape Canaveral, which destroyed two homes and 30 trailers; it also damaged 20 houses and the Port Canaveral Coast Guard station. Overall, more than 100 people were left homeless and caused 23 injuries and over $500,000 (1972 USD) in damage. The costliest tornado was also spawned in Brevard County and it destroyed 44 planes at the Merritt Island Airport and an apartment building. In addition, several houses in a nearby subdivision were also damaged. Losses from this tornado are estimated at $3 million (1972 USD).

Due to a combination of high tides, rainfall, winds, and tornadoes, 96 dwellings were destroyed, while about 1,802 suffered damage to some degree. The destruction of 177 mobile homes was reported and 374 others were significantly damaged. Furthermore, 988 small businesses in the state were either destroyed or had major damage.[13] Eight counties in Florida reported at least $1 million in damage, including $12.1 million (1972 USD) in Pinellas, $7.1 million (1972 USD) in Sarasota, $4.1 million (1972 USD) in Brevard, $3.1 million (1972 USD) in Pasco, $2 million (1972 USD) in Manatee, $1.4 million (1972 USD) in Wakulla and Franklin, $1.3 million (1972 USD) in Monroe, and $1 million (1972 USD) in losses in Hillsborough Counties.[14] Although the damage toll estimated by the National Hurricane Center was at $8.243 million (1972 USD),[15] the National Climatic Data Center noted that at least $39 million (1972 USD) in losses were reported.[14] In addition, nine fatalities were reported in Florida.[15]

Carolinas

change

Virginia

change

In Richmond, four people drowned after their car plunged into the swollen James River. Overall, flooding in Virginia was described as "the worst in 50 years".[16] The Peak Creek in western Virginia overflowed its banks, flooding a low-income housing area of Pulaski, Virginia with water up to rooftops.[17] At the height of the flooding, over 600 miles (970 km) of highways were submerged, resulting in $14.8 million (1972 USD) in damage to roads in the state. Severe damage also occurred to sewer and water facilities, totaling to $34.5 million (1972 USD).[18] In Virginia alone, 13 fatalities and $125.9 million (1972 USD) in losses were reported.[15]

Maryland

change

In Baltimore, three children drowned when their mother's car was swept off a highway. However, the mother survived, and was rescued by fireman using rowboats.[19]

Pennsylvania

change

In Pennsylvania, heavy rainfall was reported, with much of the state experiencing more than 7 inches (180 mm) of precipitation. Furthermore, a large swath of rainfall exceeding 10 inches (250 mm) was reported in the central part of the state. Overall, the rains peaked at 19 inches (480 mm) in the western portions of Schuylkill County.[12] As a result, Agnes is listed as the wettest tropical cyclone on record for the state of Pennsylvania. At the Governor's Mansion, the first floor was submerged by flood waters. The damage and death toll was the highest in Pennsylvania, with 50 fatalities and $2.3 billion (1972 USD) in losses in that state alone.

New York

change

Elsewhere in the United States

change

During the tornado outbreak, two of the tornadoes were spawned in Georgia. The tornado in Pierce County caused $25,000 (1972 USD) in damage and one injury.[20] Losses were more significant from the twister in Coffee County, reaching $250,000 (1972 USD).[21] One mobile home in Georgia suffered significant damage, though it is unknown if this was related to the tornadoes.[13] Though the damage from both tornadoes combined was about $275,000 (1972 USD),[20][21] the National Hurricane Center notes only $205,000 (1972 USD) in losses.[15] In the states immediately to the north of Florida, impact was relatively light. In Alabama, tides up to 1.3 feet (0.40 m) above normal were reported in the Mobile Bay area. Though rainfall only reached 3.93 inches (100 mm) and 1.08 inches (27 mm) in Dothan and Mobile, an isolated area near the Alabama/Georgia stateline reported precipitation amounts exceeding 7 inches (180 mm).[12]Affects were very minimal in Tennessee and limited to light rainfall in the eastern portions of the state, generally reaching no more than 3 inches (76 mm).[12] The highest amount of precipitation recorded was 4.59 inches (117 mm) in Unicoi.[22]

Rainfall in West Virginia was generally light, though heavier in the Eastern and Northern Panhandles of the state.[12] Precipitation peaked at 7.94 inches (202 mm) in Berkeley Springs. 108 houses were destroyed and 1,558 others suffered damage. Furthermore, 118 mobile homes were destroyed and 91 were significantly affected. 10 farm buildings reported major losses, while 18 small businesses were either damage or destroyed.[13] In the state of West Virginia, no fatalities were reported and damage was slightly more than $7.7 million (1972 USD).[15] Although no reports of abnormally high winds or rainfall exists in Ohio,[1] the storm caused minor damage to about 302 dwellings and severely affected at least three houses. In addition, at least 100 mobile homes suffered major damage.[13] Overall, losses in Ohio reached slightly more than $2 million (1972 USD).[15]

While approaching Delaware, Agnes produced tides about 1.5 feet (0.46 m) above normal at the Indian River Inlet. High winds were also reported in the state, and at the Dover Air Force Base, a wind gust as high as 67 mph (108 km/h) was reported.[1] Rainfall was generally light, peaking at 7.6 inches (190 mm) in Middletown.[23] Street flooding was reported and basements in low-lying area were flooded, though damage in Delaware was minimal.[24] One fatality occurred in that state.[1] In the Washington, D.C. area, moderate rainfall was reported, with precipitation amounts peaking at 13.65 inches (347 mm) at the Washington Dulles International Airport.[1] Significant flooding occurred and it was described as the worst in at least 44 years. In the Georgetown section, waterfront streets along the Potomac River were submerged in as mush as 7 feet (2.1 m) of water. No national monuments were affected by flood waters.[25] However, about 350 dwellings in Washington, D.C. suffered minor damage.[13]

Though the storm passed just west of some areas in New England, minimal impact in that region of the United States. In Connecticut, winds were well below tropical storm force, although a wind gust of 46 mph (74 km/h) was reported in Hartford. Rainfall in the state was light, peaking at 1.62 inches (41 mm), also recorded in Hartford. High tides occurred along the coastline of Rhode Island, reaching 3.2 feet (0.98 m) above normal in Providence. Precipitation and winds in the state were less than in Connecticut. Winds remained well below tropical storm force and rainfall peaked at only 0.26 inches (6.6 mm) in Providence.[1]

Elsewhere

change

As a precaution, more than 8,000 people in western Cuba, including on Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Pines), were evacuated.[26] In western Cuba, Agnes dropped heavy rainfall, peaking at 16.76 inches (426 mm) on Isla de la Juventud. At Cape San Antonio, the westernmost point in Cuba, precipitation reached 15.32 inches (389 mm).[1] Due to high winds and flooding, at least 97 houses were destroyed and another 270 were damaged. In the Pinar del Río Province, the cities of Guane and Mantua were isolated by swollen rivers. It was also reported that extensive crop damage occurred in low-lying areas.[26] Overall, seven fatalities occurred in Cuba, though the damage toll is unknown.[27] However, some sources claim Agnes caused 16 fatalities and reported 24 people missing.[28]

In Canada, Hurricane Agnes gave heavy rains and winds over southern Ontario and southern Quebec, causing numerous floodings around Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. In the town of Maniwaki, Quebec, the storm toppled a mobile home, killing two people.[29]

Aftermath

change

Following the storm, then-President of the United States Richard Nixon declared 14 counties in Florida as a disaster area, including: Brevard County, Dixie County, Franklin County, Hendry County, Hillsborough County, Lee County, Levy County, Manatee County, Monroe County, Okeechobee County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, Sarasota County, and Wakulla County.[30] In Panama City, Florida, where over 25,000 tourists evacuated, affects were not significant. As a result, the city lost millions of dollars from tourism, which led the officials of Panama City to file a $100 million (1972 USD) lawsuit against the National Weather Service. Officials in that city believed that the National Weather Service and other media outlets made "exaggerated and erroneous" forecasts and reports on the storm.[31] 20 of Maryland's 24 counties were declared a disaster area.

Following the storm, then-President of the United States Richard Nixon declared the states of Florida, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York as disaster areas. Agnes had a devastating impact on the already-bankrupt railroads in the northeastern United States, as lines were washed out and shipments were delayed. The resulting cost of repairing the damage was one of the factors leading to the creation of the federally financed Conrail railroad system.

The severe floods near Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania were the catalyst for the construction of the Tioga Reservoir in 1973. The flooding in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and the adjacent town of Kingston led to the construction of a levee system that in 2006 successfully prevented massive flooding and, in the same year, was deemed very safe and protective by the Army Corps of Engineers. Conversely, the existing Kinzua Dam, built against the wishes of the Seneca Nation of New York, spared much of Western Pennsylvania from the worst flooding, by filling the Allegheny Reservoir to capacity.

Retirement

change
See also: List of retired Atlantic hurricane names

Because of extensive damage and severe death tolls, the name Agnes was retired following this storm, and will never again be used for another Atlantic hurricane.[32] Because the tropical cyclone naming lists were changed in 1979, there was no replacement name selected. This is the first hurricane to have its name retired without reaching major hurricane (Category 3 or greater) as the 1972 season never produced major hurricanes.

See also

change

References

change
  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 R. H. Simpson and Paul J. Herbert (April 1973). "Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1972" (PDF). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 7, 2012.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Hurricane Agnes - Official Track". Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. 1972. Retrieved January 7, 2012.
  3. ↑ Paul Hebert (June 15, 1972). "National Hurricane Center Bulletin 11:30 a.m. EDT Thursday". Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 7, 2012.
  4. ↑ Arnold Sugg (June 16, 1972). "National Hurricane Center Advisory Number 1 Tropical Storm Agnes". Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 7, 2012.
  5. ↑ Arnold Sugg (June 17, 1972). "National Hurricane Center Bulletin Tropical Storm Agnes". Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 7, 2012.
  6. ↑ Robert Simpson (June 18, 1972). "National Hurricane Center Hurricane Bulletin Agnes 10 p.m. Saturday". Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 7, 2012.
  7. ↑ Joseph Pelissier (June 19, 1972). "National Hurricane Center Tropical Storm Advisory Number 14 Agnes". Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 7, 2012.
  8. ↑ Joseph Pelissier (June 20, 1972). "National Hurricane Center Bulletin Tropical Depression Agnes 12:00 p.m. EDT Tuesday". Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 7, 2012.
  9. ↑ Neil Frank (June 21, 1972). "Tropical Cyclone Discussion - Storm Agnes". Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 7, 2012.
  10. ↑ David M. Roth (2011). "CLIQR database". Camp Springs, Maryland: Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved January 7, 1972. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  11. ↑ Staff Writer (June 19, 1972). "Agnes Lashes Florida Coast". Pittsburgh Press. Panama City, Florida. United Press International. pp. 1 and 3. Retrieved January 10, 2012. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 David M. Roth (September 30, 2006). "Hurricane Agnes - June 14-25, 1972". Camp Springs, Maryland: Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 "Impact Of Hurricane Agnes On Property". Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. 1972. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Narrative Summary for Monthly Climatological Data - Florida". National Climatic Center. July 12, 1972. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 "U.S. Deaths And Damage Attributed To Agnes". Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. December 1, 1972. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  16. ↑ Staff Writer (June 22, 1972). "Agnes Causes Shiver Across Wide Area". The Windsor Star. Windsor, Ontario. Retrieved January 18, 2012.
  17. ↑ Staff Writer (June 22, 1972). "Hurricane Roars Back in Virginia". The Spokesman-Review. Richmond, Virginia. Associated Press. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
  18. ↑ Curtis Crockett (July 24, 1972). "Report on Hurricane Agnes". Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
  19. ↑ Staff Writer (June 26, 1972). "Thousands Flee From Homes, 29 Die As Agnes Sweeps Eastern Seaboard". Miami Herald. Miami, Florida. United Press International. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Event Record Details: Tornado". National Climatic Data Center. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "Event Record Details: Tornado". National Climatic Data Center. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  22. ↑ "Tropical Cyclone Rainfall for the Southeast". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. 2010. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  23. ↑ "Tropical Cyclone Rainfall in the Mid-Atlantic". Camp Springs, Maryland: Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. 2010. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  24. ↑ W. J. Moyer (July 6, 1972). "Tropical Storm Agnes, June 21-23, 1972". University of Maryland, College Park. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  25. ↑ Staff Writer (June 26, 1972). "Flood Damage Costs Amount". The Bonham Daily Favorite. Bonham, Texas. United Press International. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Staff Writer (June 18, 1972). "Agnes Ranked As Hurricane". Reading Eagle. Miami, Florida. Associated Press. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  27. ↑ "Hurricane History". Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. 2008. Retrieved January 7, 2012.
  28. ↑ "Principales Eventos Pluviales Sobre Cuba En El Periodo 1963 - 2006". Havana, Cuba: CubAgua. 2006. Retrieved January 4, 2012.
  29. ↑ (in French) Ève Christian. "Page d'histoire — juin". La Météo au Quotidien. Retrieved 2007-06-06.
  30. ↑ United States Department of Homeland Security (May 23, 2005). "Florida Tropical Storm Agnes - Major Disaster Declared June 23, 1972 (DR-337)". Federal Emergency Management Agency. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  31. ↑ Frank Sikora (June 26, 1972). "Instead of praying, irked resort sues". The Birmingham News. Panama City Beach, Florida. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  32. ↑ Faq : Hurricanes, Typhoons, And Tropical Cyclones

Books

change

J. F. Bailey, J. L. Patterson, and J. L. H. Paulhus. Geological Survey Professional Paper 924. Hurricane Agnes Rainfall and Floods, June–July 1972. United States Government Printing Office: Washington D.C., 1975.

change


Agnes Agnes (1972) Agnes (1972) Category:Atlantic hurricanes in Mexico Agnes (1972) Agnes Agnes (1972) Agnes (1972) Agnes (1972) Agnes (1972) Agnes (1972) Agnes Agnes Category:1972 in the United States Category:1972 in Mexico simple:Hurricane Agnes

Retrieved from "https://simple.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:12george1/Hurricane_Agnes&oldid=8011479"