1928 Fort Pierce hurricane

Category 2 Atlantic hurricane in 1928 February 2025 1928 Fort Pierce hurricane Fort Pierce hurricane weather map, August 8, 1928.jpg Surface weather analysis of the hurricane shortly before landfall on August 8 August 3, 1928 August 3, 1928 August 11, 1928 August 14, 1928 August 14, 1928 90 971 1982 2 235000 The Bahamas, Cuba, Southeastern United States 1928 Atlantic hurricane season The 1928 Fort Pierce hurricane devastated areas of Florida and the Southeastern United States in August 1928. The first tropical cyclone and hurricane of the annual hurricane season, the storm developed from a tropical wave first identified on August 3, 1928, north of the Virgin Islands. Slowly intensifying as it moved west-northwest, the system paralleled the Greater Antilles throughout much of its early existence. On August 5, the tropical storm strengthened to the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane, while positioned over The Bahamas. The hurricane continued to intensify, and after reaching Category 2 hurricane strength, attained its peak intensity on August 7 with winds of 105 mph km/h on and a minimum barometric pressure of 971 mbar hPa inHg on. Shortly after, the hurricane made landfall as a slightly weaker storm just southeast of Fort Pierce, Florida at 0700 UTC on August 8. Weakening as it moved across the Florida peninsula over the course of the next day, the storm briefly moved over the Gulf of Mexico before recurving northwards. Thus, it made a second landfall on the Florida Panhandle on August 10 as a tropical storm. Once inland, the system continued to weaken, degenerating to tropical depression strength before transitioning into an extratropical storm later that day. The extratropical remnants progressed outwards into the Atlantic Ocean before entirely dissipating by August 14. In its early developmental stages north of the Greater Antilles, the storm caused minor damage to shipping in The Bahamas and generated rough seas offshore Cuba. At its first landfall on Fort Pierce, the hurricane caused extensive property damage, particularly in coastal regions, where numerous homes were unroofed. Central Florida's citrus crop was hampered by the strong winds and heavy rain. Several of Florida's lakes, including Lake Okeechobee, rose past their banks, inundating coastal areas. Damage to infrastructure was less in inland regions than at the coast, though power outages caused loss of communication statewide. At the hurricane's second landfall, wind damage was relatively minor, though torrential rainfall, aided by orthographic lift, caused extensive flooding as far north as the Mid-Atlantic states. Overall, the hurricane caused $235,000 in damages, primarily in Florida,All damage totals are in 1928 United States dollars unless otherwise noted. "nb" and two deaths. Meteorological history AL01 1928 path.png new A tropical disturbance was first identified north of the Leeward Islands near the Virgin Islands at 0000 UTC on August 3. Due to a lack of conclusive weather reports from nearby areas at the time, the origins of the tropical storm were initially unknown, but listed the system as forming near Trinidad and Barbados in the HURDAT—the database listing all tropical cyclones in the Atlantic basin since 1851. However, the Atlantic hurricane reanalysis project analyzed the storm to have formed north of the Leeward Islands based on reports from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and as such revised the storm's HURDAT listing.Documentation of Atlantic Tropical Cyclones Changes in HURDAT http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/metadata_dec12.html United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration January 29, 2013 Landsea, Chris etal Moving to the west-northwest, the tropical storm maintained its intensity without any intensification early in its existence. Ships in the region reported tropical storm-force winds and low barometric pressures. The ship S.S. Sixaola sent a telegraphic report of the storm's location and existence west of Acklins Island on August 5, the first ship to explicitly do so.Hanson Weightman R. West Indian Hurricanes of August 1928 Monthly Weather Review October 1, 1928 56 10 411–412 10.1175/1520-0493(1928)56<411:WIHOA>2.0.CO;2 http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/mwr/056/mwr-056-10-0411.pdf March 21, 2013 American Meteorological Society 1928MWRv...56..411H free Beginning to accelerate as it paralleled the Cuban Atlantic coast the following day, the storm intensified to reach an intensity equivalent to a modern-day Category 1 hurricane at 1200 UTC. The hurricane continued to intensify, and attained Category 2 hurricane intensity by 0600 UTC on August 7. At around the same time, the S.S. Lempira reported a minimum pressure of 971 mbar hPa inHg on, while 30 mi km southeast of Jupiter, Florida. At the time, maximum sustained winds were estimated at 105 mph km/h on; this would be the hurricane's peak intensity. The hurricane weakened slightly before making landfall on central Florida, just southeast of Fort Pierce, Florida, at 0700 UTC the following day. Winds at landfall were estimated at 100 mph km/h on, with a minimum central pressure of 977 mbar inHg on recorded in Fort Pierce within the hurricane's eye. At the time, the system's maximum winds extended up to 10 mi km on from the center of circulation. The storm then slowly crossed the Florida peninsula, before entering the Gulf of Mexico the next day near Tampa, Florida, after having weakened down to tropical storm strength. Despite remaining over water, its close proximity to the continent prevented further strengthening. The tropical storm recurved to the north in the gulf, before making a second landfall near Apalachicola, Florida at 0400 UTC on August 10 with winds of 40 mph km/h on. Moving inland, the system rapidly weakened as it continued to recurve to the northeast, further degenerating to tropical depression strength at 0000 UTC on August 11 while situated over Georgia. Based on weather station observations, the storm was analyzed to have transitioned into an extratropical cyclone later that day. The extratropical storm strengthened slightly over the Mid-Atlantic states, before exiting into the Atlantic Ocean near the Virginia Capes. The storm system progressed eastward across the ocean before dissipating at 1800 UTC on August 14. Preparations and impact The Bahamas and Cuba Passing through The Bahamas on August 6–7, the tropical storm caused minor damage on the islands. Due to the rough seas, ships were taken to Nassau Harbor to ride out the storm.Storm Curves Away; Florida to Miss Blow https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4t8cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=H2QEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5175,6300113&dq=hurricane&hl=en March 21, 2013 Sarasota Herald-Tribune August 6, 1928 Associated Press Miami, Florida 1 The storm passed without any disruption of shipping services.No Damage Reported https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4t8cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=H2QEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5175,6300113&dq=hurricane&hl=en March 21, 2013 Sarasota Herald-Tribune August 6, 1928 Associated Press Nassau, Bahamas 2 However, the flying boat Topsy Fish, containing two people, became lost over Bahamian waters on August 8. The plane and crew were later found north of Andros Island by a Miami relief plane and a boat from Nassau three days later.Lost Men Found https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zggvAAAAIBAJ&sjid=HaQFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6211,3706818&dq=hurricane&hl=en March 24, 2013 San Jose News August 11, 1928 Associated Press Miami, Florida 7 Cuba, located south of the storm throughout its duration, reported minimal effects from the hurricane, other than a lowering of barometric pressures as reported by José Carlos Millás, then-chief of the Cuban National Observatory.Cuba Escapes Storm https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4t8cAAAAIBAJ&sjid=H2QEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5175,6300113&dq=hurricane&hl=en March 21, 2013 Sarasota Herald-Tribune August 6, 1928 Associated Press Havana, Cuba 2 However, occasional thunderstorm activity fueled by the hurricane dropped rainfall over the island, and the storm generated heavy seas at the Cuban coast.Heavy Sea on Cuban Coast https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Rt9PAAAAIBAJ&sjid=l1QDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4902,6460002&dq=hurricane&hl=en March 22, 2013 The Evening Independent August 8, 1928 Associated Press Havana, Cuba 12 Florida thumb|Front Page of the McAllen Daily Press on August 8, coverage of the hurricane’s impact in Florida Upon notification that a newly formed tropical cyclone was approaching the Florida coast, the Weather Bureau posted storm warnings for coastal areas between Key West and West Palm Beach, Florida. Later on August 6, warnings were lowered in Key West, but the warning area was extended north to Titusville, Florida. Vessels and small craft located offshore north of Miami, Florida were notified to advise caution for the oncoming tropical disturbance. As the storm approached the coast, more accurate forecasts allowed vessels to be cautioned as far north as Hatteras, North Carolina. Storm warnings between Jupiter and Daytona, Florida were upgraded to hurricane warnings on August 7, in accordance with the storm's upgrade to hurricane intensity. After moving inland, hurricane warnings were lowered, but emergency warnings for the storm's potential effects were posted for the interior of the Florida peninsula north of 28°N the following day. Northwest storm warnings were issued in Tampa, while northeast storm warnings were issued from Tampa north to Apalachicola, Florida. All warnings were eventually lowered following the storm's dissipation. Approaching the Floridian coast as an intensifying hurricane, the storm initially turned away from the peninsula for a short period of time on August 7, after nearly making landfall on West Palm Beach. Strong gusts of at least 30 mph km/h on and squally weather impacted the city, but did not cause any damage. However, telecommunications in the city were temporarily disrupted due to the storm. In Jupiter, stronger gusts reaching 60 mph km/h on were reported, but did not cause any damage as well.Gale Strikes Florida, Then Turns to Sea https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Rd9PAAAAIBAJ&sjid=l1QDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4555,6371975&dq=bahamas+storm&hl=en March 21, 2013 The Evening Independent August 7, 1928 Associated Press Miami, Florida 1 However, the hurricane's recurvature offshore was short lived, and the system eventually made its landfall near Fort Pierce, Florida early on August 8. Offshore, the USAHS Algonquin, a cruise ship belonging to the Clyde-Mallory cruise line, was caught in the storm, but managed to reach its destination of New York, New York without any major problems. The Honduran freighter Lempira, which had also recorded the lowest barometric pressure associated with the hurricane, experienced considerable damage due to the strong seas. The ship lost all of its lifeboats, and as a result the United Fruit Company line was sent to accompany the damaged ship.Hurricane Batters Florida https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ywgvAAAAIBAJ&sjid=HaQFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2054,3350602&dq=hurricane&hl=en March 22, 2013 San Jose News August 8, 1928 United Press International Jacksonville, Florida 1 Inland, damage was concentrated in an area extending from Jupiter to the border between Florida and Georgia. The hurricane's landfall on the peninsula was attended by torrential rainfall, which damaged crops, particularly citrus. Rainfall peaked at 14.5 in mm on in St. Cloud over a five-day period from August 7–12.Rainfall Associated With Hurricanes (And Other Tropical Disturbances) http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/1956NHRPreportNo3.pdf United States Weather Bureau's National Hurricane Research Project March 21, 2013 Schoner, R.W. Molansky, S. 84 There, the nearby East Lake Tohopekaliga began to overflow, threatening property and crops.Hurricane Sweeps to Gulf https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tFlGAAAAIBAJ&sjid=vycNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4140,4632722&dq=hurricane&hl=en March 22, 2013 Rochester Evening Journal and the Post Express August 9, 1928 Associated Press Jacksonville, Florida 2 Losses to the citrus crop were estimated by the Florida Citrus Exchange to be equivalent to 1 million boxes of citrus. However, damage to citrus in the Kissimmee area was comparatively less, and was limited to unripe fruit.Water Over State Roads https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=R99PAAAAIBAJ&sjid=l1QDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5588,6562911&dq=hurricane&hl=en March 23, 2013 The Evening Independent August 9, 1928 Associated Press Miami, Florida 1 Lake Okeechobee's water level rose by 2 ft m on as a result of floodwater rushing into the lake.Florida in Grip of Gale https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5fE0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=umcFAAAAIBAJ&pg=855,2811601&dq=hurricane&hl=en March 22, 2013 Lewiston Evening Journal August 8, 1928 Associated Press Melbourne, Florida 9 Damage along the lake's shores mostly occurred to the north. To the south, in Clewiston, minor damage was confined to trees and windows. Two deaths occurred in the vicinity of the Indian River; these were the only deaths associated with the hurricane in the state.Barnes Jay Lyons Steve Florida's hurricane history 2006 University of North Carolina Press Chapel Hill 9780807830680 126–127 https://archive.org/details/floridashurrican00barn registration 1928. 2nd March 24, 2013 Hurricanes in the Sunshine State 1900-1949 Numerous highways were also washed out by the rains, especially on Florida's south-central east coast.Florida hurricanes and tropical storms, 1871-1993 : an historical survey June 1994 Florida Sea Grant College Program, University of Florida Gainesville, FL 0912747080 16–17 http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00076870/00001 Doehrig, Fred Duedall, Iver W. Williams, John M. March 21, 2013 Portions of State Road 4 were covered in debris strewn by strong winds. Damage to the state's road systems was estimated at $100,000 by the former Florida State Highway Commission. Bridges were also badly damaged, with some needing replacement. Alongside the heavy rainfall, strong winds were reported. Large live oak trees were uprooted, especially in Osceola, Brevard, Orange, and Marion counties in Florida. Initial estimates of property damage in several cities on Florida's mid-eastern coast reached $5 million, though this was later drastically scaled down. In Sebastian, winds were estimated at 100 mph km/h on.Heavy Damage in Hurricane https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tFlGAAAAIBAJ&sjid=vycNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4618,4311021&dq=hurricane&hl=en March 22, 2013 Rochester Evening Journal and the Port Express August 8, 1928 Associated Press Jacksonville, Florida 1 Due to the high winds, rail service on the Florida East Coast Railway was halted 3 mi km on north of Jupiter after winds became unsuitable for continued travel. Portions of the railway were also flooded in water. The train station in Fort Pierce was later unroofed.Station Roof Carried Away https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Rt9PAAAAIBAJ&sjid=l1QDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4902,6460002&dq=hurricane&hl=en March 22, 2013 The Evening Independent August 8, 1928 Associated Press New Smyrna, Florida 12 Many of the state's coastal beaches suffered from window damage and damage to vegetation caused by strong winds. An estimated 75% of structures in Fort Pierce and 50% of structures in Vero Beach were estimated to have been damaged by the strong winds, particularly in the form of torn roofs.Estimate Damage at $5,000,000; Houses Down https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Rt9PAAAAIBAJ&sjid=l1QDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4902,6460002&dq=hurricane&hl=en March 22, 2013 The Evening Independent August 8, 1928 Associated Press Jacksonville, Florida 1 A report suggested that damage from those two cities reached at least $1 million.Storm Causes Big Damage on Florida Coast https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MakiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ma8FAAAAIBAJ&pg=1800,554228&dq=hurricane&hl=en March 23, 2013 The Daily Times August 9, 1928 Jacksonville, Florida 1 The strong winds also hampered telephone and telegraph networks across the state, with losses as a result in excess of $1,000. Power transmission lines belonging to the Florida Power & Light Company were downed, causing a widespread power outage along the coast from Titusville to West Palm Beach. Thus, services requiring electric power were postponed until power was later restored. In Stuart, failure of the electric pumps led to loss of telecommunications and the local water supply. In Melbourne, additional power lines were downed, and buildings experienced awning damage. Portions of Central Florida also saw considerable damage.Roofs Off at Kissimmee https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=R99PAAAAIBAJ&sjid=l1QDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5588,6562911&dq=hurricane&hl=en March 23, 2013 The Evening Independent August 9, 1928 Associated Press Tampa, Florida 1 In Winter Haven, winds were reported to have reached 75 mph km/h on, before power was cut. A hotel in the city collapsed, and numerous houses were unroofed.Tampa Isolated by Florida Storm https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AbZZAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DUoNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1588,3498529&dq=hurricane&hl=en March 23, 2013 Painesville Telegraph August 9, 1928 Associated Press Jacksonville, Florida 1 Property damage in Kissimmee and Haines City was severe, with many collapsed buildings. In Haines City, a large garage collapsed, destroying automobiles parked within. Nearby in Lakeland, there was less damage, though winds estimated at 50 mph km/h on tore signs and awnings. Effects of the storm in Tampa were comparatively less, though a lack of communications between the city and other locations led to speculation that Tampa had been severely hit. At nearby Clearwater, Florida, boats were run aground at the harbor, causing some damage.Clearwater Not in Storm Area https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=R99PAAAAIBAJ&sjid=l1QDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5588,6562911&dq=hurricane&hl=en March 23, 2013 The Evening Independent August 9, 1928 Associated Press Clearwater, Florida 6 Similar conditions were felt in Ocala, though in some suburban areas trees were felled by the strong winds. Bus service in the area was delayed due to debris covering roadways.Hits South of Ocala https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=R99PAAAAIBAJ&sjid=l1QDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5588,6562911&dq=hurricane&hl=en March 23, 2013 The Evening Independent August 9, 1928 Associated Press Ocala, Florida 1, 10 Elsewhere in the United States thumb|Map depicting the total precipitation from the hurricane across Florida and the U.S East Coast Upon the hurricane's second landfall on the Florida Panhandle on August 10, wind effects were much less significant, though the storm dropped widespread rainfall throughout its remaining path. Aided by orthographic lift from the Appalachian Mountains, the rainfall caused numerous reports of flood damage across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states. For any given 50000 mi2 km2 on area of land affected by the storm, the maximum average rainfall was 6.4 in mm on. In southern and central Georgia, flood warnings were issued due to the potential for flood impacts late on August 10. In Macon, Georgia, 8.5 in mm on of rain was recorded in a 16-hour period. The Ocmulgee River, which runs through Macon, began to rise past flood stage as a result, causing the lower areas of the city to be inundated. Trees were also downed due to strong winds. Portions of the Central of Georgia Railway were washed out, forcing trains to be redirected. In Thomasville, Georgia, highways leading to Florida were rendered impassable due to blocking debris. In Valdosta, Georgia, a torn roof cut through several power lines, causing electrical disruptions in the city.Floods Sweep Over Georgia https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yiQbAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QkoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4248,1393065&dq=hurricane&hl=en March 24, 2013 The Pittsburgh Press August 11, 1928 United Press Atlanta, Georgia 1 Similar impacts were felt in Augusta, Georgia, where strong winds toppled trees, damaged cottages, and severed telecommunication lines. Five people there were injured.Elements Take Heavy Toll In Life, Property https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0GZfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iWANAAAAIBAJ&pg=5236,908794&dq=hurricane&hl=en March 24, 2013 The Washington Reporter August 11, 1928 United Press Washington, D.C. 2 In addition, a tornado occurred nearby, damaging houses and flattening trees.Macon Is Warned Of Floods As Storm Sweeps Georgia; Tornado Lashes Augusta https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108714271/the-atlanta-constitution/ August 31, 2022 The Atlanta Constitution August 11, 1928 Atlanta, Georgia 1 Newspapers.com Further east in the Carolinas, five people were killed in the Piedmont region due to floods caused by the passing storm.5 Are Dead in Hurricane https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BYxQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=oiEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6748,5295806&dq=hurricane&hl=en https://archive.today/20130411011330/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BYxQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=oiEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6748,5295806&dq=hurricane&hl=en dead April 11, 2013 March 24, 2013 The Milwaukee Journal August 12, 1928 Associated Press Atlanta, Georgia 4 Torrential rainfall in the area resulted in disruption of power, communications, and traffic. Precipitation in those two states peaked at 9 in mm on in western North Carolina. In South Carolina, the heavy rainfall forced the issuance of flood warnings on the rising Santee River and its tributaries. The Broad and Congaree Rivers in South Carolina later set high water level records due in part to the saturated soils caused by the storm. The storm reached Virginia by August 12, resulting in additional flooding. A weather station in Richmond, Virginia recorded a minimum barometric pressure of 1000 mbar hPa inHg on.Storm Continues Across Caribbean https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xT4uAAAAIBAJ&sjid=K9gFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2388,4482646&dq=hurricane&hl=en https://archive.today/20130411012146/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xT4uAAAAIBAJ&sjid=K9gFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2388,4482646&dq=hurricane&hl=en dead April 11, 2013 March 24, 2013 The Miami News August 12, 1928 1 There, the James and Rivanna Rivers exceeded their respective flood stages, washing out peripheral crops.Frankenfield H.C. Rivers and Floods Monthly Weather Review August 1, 1928 56 8 332–334 10.1175/1520-0493(1928)56<332:RAF>2.0.CO;2 http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/mwr/056/mwr-056-08-0332.pdf March 24, 2013 American Meteorological Society 1928MWRv...56..332F free Offshore the Mid-Atlantic states, over 100 people were rescued after rough waves swept them away.Much Damage Is Caused By Severe Storms In East https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AzFkAAAAIBAJ&sjid=N70MAAAAIBAJ&pg=7057,2358263&dq=maryland&hl=en March 24, 2013 The Telegraph-Herald August 13, 1928 Associated Press Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1 Moderate gales associated with the storm were reported as far north as New York. See also Tropical cyclones 1926 Nassau hurricane 1933 Treasure Coast hurricane Hurricane Five (1933) Notes nb References 2 Category:Category 2 Atlantic hurricanes Category:1920s Atlantic hurricane seasons Fort Pierce hurricane Fort Pierce hurricane Category:Hurricanes in Florida Fort Pierce hurricane Fort Pierce hurricane Category:Meteorological events in 1928