1973 Atlantic hurricane season

none February 2012 Atl 1973 1973 Atlantic hurricane season summary map.png April 25, 1973 November 20, 1973 Ellen 100 962 1 14 12 5 1 22 total 28 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975 1973 Pacific hurricane season 1973 North Indian Ocean cyclone season 1973 Pacific typhoon season The 1973 Atlantic hurricane season was a below average tropical cyclone season overall. Of the 14 tropical or subtropical cyclones which developed, 12 became nameable storms, and of those, 5 became hurricanes, with 1 reaching major hurricane status (Category 3 or higher) on the newly implemented Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale. The season officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30. These dates, adopted by convention, historically describe the period in each year when most tropical cyclones form in the North Atlantic.Neal Dorst C. J. Neumann National Hurricane Center 1993 September 20, 2009 Subject: G1) When is hurricane season? http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/G1.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090506152735/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/G1.html May 6, 2009 live mdy However, the formation of subtropical or tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year, as demonstrated this season by the formation of multiple pre-season systems, none of which attained storm strength. The first named storm of the year, Hurricane Alice, did not form until July 1. Two of the season's landfalling storms had severe impacts. In August, Hurricane Brenda struck the eastern coast of the Bay of Campeche, killing 10 people in Campeche, and causing the worst flooding there in decades. Then, early in September, Hurricane Delia hit the northwestern Gulf of Mexico coast, inundating parts of Texas and Louisiana with significant rainfall, which resulted in 5 fatalities and $6 million (1973 USD) in damage. The most intense cyclone of the season was Hurricane Ellen, which reached Category 3 strength during its trek over open water. Also, the season's final named storm, Tropical Storm Gilda, was meteorologically significant in that it became the first documented tropical cyclone on record to transition into a subtropical cyclone after having transitioned to an extratropical cyclone. __TOC__ Season summary The first storm of the 1973 hurricane season, forming in late April, developed more than a month before the official start of the season. Several other short-lived, weak depressions formed before and during June; however, none reached storm intensity. The first named storm, Alice, formed on July 1. Tracking generally to the north, Alice also became the first hurricane of the season as well as the first known cyclone to impact Bermuda during July. By the end of July, an unnamed tropical storm formed, which was closely followed by the formation of the season's first subtropical cyclone, given the name Alfa, developing off the east coast of the United States. This storm was short-lived and dissipated on August 2 just offshore southern Maine. The remainder of the first half of August featured no storms. However, later in the month, the season's second hurricane, Brenda, formed in the northwestern Caribbean. Peaking just below Category 2 status on the newly introduced Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale, Brenda made the first recorded landfall in the Mexican State of Campeche. thumb|250px|left|Rainfall from Hurricane Delia in the United States. (Graph does not reflect the upgrade from tropical storm status in the reanalysis)|alt=A map of the southern United States, stretching from Texas to Florida, depicting the rainfall amounts from a tropical cyclone. The heaviest amounts, denoted in purple, are situated over southern Texas and Louisiana. Later in August, Tropical Storm Christine became the easternmost forming tropical cyclone in the Atlantic basin on record, developing over the western African country of Guinea on August 25. The system traveled for several thousand miles before dissipating in the eastern Caribbean Sea in early September. At the start of the month, Hurricane Delia formed in the Gulf of Mexico, later becoming the first known cyclone to make landfall in the same city twice. After moving inland a second time, Delia eventually dissipated on September 7. As Delia dissipated another depression formed in the same region, eventually making landfall in the same city as Delia, Freeport, Texas. Another unnamed tropical storm formed several days later. On September 13, the strongest storm of the season, Ellen, formed over the eastern Atlantic. After tracking northwest for several days, Ellen eventually attained hurricane status as it turned westward. Several days later, the hurricane turned northeast due to an approaching frontal system. Shortly before becoming extratropical, Ellen reached major hurricane intensity at a record northerly latitude. thumb|200px|Hurricane Ellen of 1973 was photographed from orbit by astronauts aboard the Skylab space station. In late September, a brief subtropical depression affected northern Florida before dissipating. After a week of inactivity, two more storms formed: an unnamed tropical storm, and the second subtropical cyclone of the year. The latter of the two, named Bravo, gradually intensified, becoming fully tropical, at which time it was renamed Fran, a few days later. Upon being renamed, Fran had intensified into a hurricane and maintained this intensity for several days before dissipating east of the Azores on October 12. A few days after Fran dissipated, the final named storm of the year formed in the central Caribbean Sea. A slow-moving system, Gilda gradually intensified just below hurricane-intensity before striking Cuba and moving over the Bahamas. A few days after passing through the islands, Gilda became the first storm on record to transition from a tropical cyclone into a subtropical cyclone. A large storm, Gilda eventually became extratropical near Atlantic Canada and dissipated later that month. The final storm of the year developed over the southern Caribbean Sea. This system intensified in a tropical storm and may have briefly moved ashore southern Nicaragua, before continuing to meander over the Caribbean and dissipating on November 20. Systems Unnumbered subtropical depression Atl 18L 1973 path.png April 25 April 26 25 1010 subtropical Based on satellite imagery indicating deep and curved but asymmetrical convection associated with a low-pressure area, a subtropical depression formed on April 25 approximately 190 mi km on 5 north of the Leeward Islands. Moving slowly northeastward, the subtropical depression was soon overcome by strong wind shear, with much of the convection diminishing by the following day. The system degenerated into a remnant low-pressure area at 12:00 UTC on April 26. Hurricane Alice Atl Alice1973jul3ESSA8.png Alice 1973 path.png Map of a track through the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. The east coast of the United States is shown along the left side of the image. Part of Cuba is visible in the bottom right and eastern Canada is at the top right. July 1 July 7 75 984 The first named storm formed out of the interaction between tropical wave and a mid-level tropospheric trough northeast of the Bahamas in late-June. A well-defined circulation became apparent by June 30 and satellite images depicted cyclonic banding features. On the following day, the system intensified into a tropical depression. On July 2 it became a tropical storm as reconnaissance aircraft recorded gale-force winds.Delgado Sandy Cobb Hugh Landsea Christopher W. Christopher Landsea Metadata: 1971-1975 revisions https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/metadata-1971-1975.pdf Re-Analysis Project Hurricane Research Division 27 September 2026 Miami September 2026 Atlantic Meteorological and Oceanographic Laboratory An area of high pressure to the east of Alice steered the storm generally to the north. Decreasing wind shear allowed the storm to become increasingly organized and an evident eye developed by July 3. By this time, reconnaissance had determined that the storm had intensified into a hurricane, but a 2026 reanalysis found that Alice remained a strong tropical storm until a day later. On July 4, the storm reached its peak intensity with winds of 85 mph km/h on and a barometric pressure of 984 mbar (hPa; 984 mbar inHg on 4 out), as the eastern portion of the eyewall brushed Bermuda. Alice was then a compact storm, with a smaller-than-usual eye diameter and elevated ambient pressures. At the time, Alice was regarded as the first July tropical cyclone to closely bypass Bermuda. After passing the island, Alice began to accelerate in response to a mid-level trough over the eastern United States and weakened. By July 6, winds head decreased below hurricane intensity as the storm neared Atlantic Canada. Later that day, Alice made landfall in western Newfoundland with winds of 60 mph (95 km/h), before transitioning into an extratropical cyclone. During its passage of Bermuda, Alice produced sustained winds up to 75 mph (120 km/h) and gusts to 87 mph (140 km/h).Paul J. Herbert Neil L. Frank National Hurricane Center January 28, 1974 September 20, 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1973 http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1973.pdf PDF March 3, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160303191753/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1973.pdf liveAssociated Press Pittsburgh Post-Gazette July 4, 1973 September 20, 2009 Hurricane Alice Nears Bermuda https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lQIOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LW0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=3165,284042&dq=hurricane+alice+1973 The winds blew down a few trees and powerlines.Associated Press Hurricane Alice Hits Bermuda July 4, 1973 The Aiken Standard https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3605840/aiken_standard/ November 11, 2015 Newspapers.com March 21, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160321231220/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3605840/aiken_standard/ live The heavy rainfall,Associated Press The Ledger July 4, 1973 September 20, 2009 Hurricane Alice Leaves Bermuda Mostly Unhurt https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IScVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Z_oDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5655,939498&dq=hurricane+alice+1973 peaking at 4.57 in mm on, ended a three-month drought in Bermuda. Although Alice tracked through Atlantic Canada, no impact was recorded.Canadian Hurricane Centre July 13, 2007 September 20, 2009 Canadian Tropical Cyclone Season Summary for 1973 http://www.ec.gc.ca/ouragans-hurricanes/default.asp?lang=en&n=6A91A374-1 November 17, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161117191725/http://www.ec.gc.ca/ouragans-hurricanes/default.asp?lang=En&n=6A91A374-1 live Unnamed July tropical storm Atl Unnamed 1973-07-23 2005Z.png 19L 1973 path.png July 23 July 25 40 1007 On July 23, satellite and station data confirmed a closed low-pressure area over the Gulf of Honduras. The system quickly became a tropical storm, as shown by several reports of gales. After peaking with winds of 45 mph (75 km/h), the storm struck southern British HondurasNow Belize "nb" "Belize" a day later with the same winds. By July 25 the cyclone ended over southeastern Mexico. Subtropical Storm Alfa Atl subtropical ST Alfa 1973 Satellite.jpg Alfa 1973 path.png Map of a track through the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. The east coast of the United States is shown along the left side of the image as well as part of eastern Canada July 30 August 2 40 1005 During late July, an upper-level low, with a non-tropical cold core, formed near Cape Hatteras, North Carolina and tracked southward. Gradually, the circulation lowered to the surface and developed subtropical characteristics. On July 31, the system attained gale-force winds off the Mid-Atlantic coast and was named Alfa, the first name from the list of subtropical storm names for the 1973 season. Tracking north-northeast, the system intensified very little as it paralleled the coastline. By August 1, the system weakened below subtropical storm intensity as it neared New England. The following day, Alfa dissipated just off the southern coast of Maine. The only effects from Alfa was light to moderate rainfall in New England, peaking at 5.03 in mm on in Turners Falls, Massachusetts. Most of southern Maine recorded around 1 in mm on,David M. Roth Hydrometeorological Prediction Center 2009 September 20, 2009 Subtropical Storm Alfa —July 31 – August 2, 1973 http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/alfa1973.html March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084513/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/alfa1973.html live with a maximum of 2.59 in mm on in Saco. Hurricane Brenda Atl Brenda 73.png Brenda 1973 path.png August 18 August 22 80 977 Hurricane Brenda (1973) Hurricane Brenda originated from a tropical wave that moved off the western coast of Africa on August 9; however, the initial wave quickly weakened upon entering the Atlantic Ocean. By August 13, the wave began to regenerate as it passed through the Lesser Antilles. Several days later, convection associated with the system consolidated into a central, organized mass and on August 18, the system had become sufficiently organized to be declared a tropical depression while situated near the Yucatán Channel. Early the next day, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Brenda as it made landfall in the northern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula. After moving inland, a strong ridge of high pressure over Texas forced the storm to take an unusual track, eventually leading it to enter the Bay of Campeche on August 20. Once back over water, Brenda began to intensify, attaining hurricane status late on August 20. The next day, a well-defined eye had developed and the storm attained its peak intensity as a high-end Category 1 hurricane with winds of 90 mph (150 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 977 mbar (hPa; 977 mbar inHg on 4 out). It is possible that Brenda reached Category 2 intensity, but the data is inconclusive to support such. The storm made landfall later that day near Ciudad del Carmen, Mexico at this intensity, becoming the first hurricane on record to strike the region. After moving inland, Brenda rapidly weakened to a depression by the morning of August 22 and dissipated later that day. Already suffering from severe flooding that killed at least 18 people and left 200,000 homeless, Hurricane Brenda worsened the situation with torrential rainfall and additional flooding.Los Angeles Times Reuters https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86160423/the-los-angeles-times/ August 20, 1973 Hurricane Brenda Heightens Flooding Misery in Mexico September 28, 2021 Newspapers.com The storm killed at least 10 people in the country. Following the damage wrought by Brenda, a large earthquake struck the region, hampering relief efforts and collapsing numerous structures.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86160516/the-los-angeles-times/ Francis B. Kent Los Angeles Times August 30, 1973 Torrential Rains Hamper Hunt for Quake Victims in Mexico September 28, 2021 Newspapers.com Winds on land gusted up to 112 mph (180 km/h), leading to severe wind damage. Two of the fatalities occurred in Campeche after 80% of the city was flooded. This was considered the worst flooding in the city in over 25 years. An estimated 2,000 people were left homeless as a direct result of Brenda throughout Mexico. Offshore, a freighter with 25 crewman became trapped in the storm after its engines failed.United Press International St. Petersburg Times August 22, 1973 September 20, 2009 Brenda Sloshes Into Mexico; 2 Persons Killed https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BcANAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-HIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6895,624077&dq=hurricane+brenda+1973 They were safely rescued several days later once the storm had dissipated. Tropical Storm Christine Atl Christine 73 sat pic.png Picture of Tropical Storm Christine Christine 1973 path.png Map of a track through a portion of the Atlantic Ocean. The track spans from western Africa to the eastern Caribbean Sea. Northeastern South America can be seen in the bottom left of the image. August 26 September 4 50 999 Tropical Storm Christine (1973) Tropical Storm Christine originated from a tropical wave over Africa in mid-August. As it neared the Atlantic Ocean, the wave organized into a tropical depression shortly after emerging from Guinea at 16.4°W. It steadily tracked west across the Atlantic, and attained tropical storm intensity on August 28. Despite the lack of aircraft reconnaissance in the region, the intensity was determined by wind readings from a German cargo ship that passed through the storm. On August 30, the first reconnaissance mission into the storm found tropical storm-force winds and the first advisory was issued that day, immediately declaring the system as Tropical Storm Christine. Three days later, Christine attained its peak intensity, with winds of 60 mph km/h on and a minimum pressure of 999 mbar (hPa; 999 mbar inHg on 4 out). Shortly thereafter, increasing wind shear caused the storm to weaken as it neared the Leeward Islands. As it passed over Antigua on September 3, Christine weakened to a tropical depression and eventually dissipated near the Dominican Republic later that day. During its passage through the Leeward Islands, Christine produced torrential rainfall, peaking at 11.74 in mm on in southeastern Puerto Rico.David M. Roth Hydrometeorological Prediction Center 2009 September 28, 2009 Tropical Depression Christine —September 2–6, 1973 http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/christine1973.html March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071240/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/christine1973.html live These rains led to flooding on several islands. One person was killed during the storm after being electrocuted by a downed power line on a flooded road. Schools were closed ahead of the storm in Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands as a precaution following the issuance of flood warnings. Six scientists had to be evacuated from the small island of Aves once the storm posed a threat to them. No major damage was reported on any of the affected islands in the wake of Christine.Staff Writer The Virgin Islands Daily News September 5, 1973 September 27, 2009 Flood Warning Closes Schools, Govt. Offices https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VcgIAAAAIBAJ&sjid=zEQDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3089,339808&dq=tropical+storm+christine+rain Hurricane Delia Atl DeliaSep519731700UTC.png Delia 1973 path.png The track of a tropical storm starts along the eastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula. It heads northwestward into the Gulf of Mexico, and on reaching a position south of Louisiana, it meanders erratically towards Texas. September 1 September 7 75 986 Hurricane Delia On August 27, a tropical wave formed over the central Caribbean and tracked towards the west-northwest. The system gradually developed organized shower and thunderstorm activity. By September 1, a tropical depression developed from the wave. By September 3, the depression had intensified into a tropical storm, receiving the name Delia, and began tracking more towards the west. A complex steering pattern began to take place later on that day, resulting in the creation of a more hostile environment for tropical cyclones in the Gulf of Mexico. As Delia neared the Texas coastline, it managed to intensify into a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 85 mph (140 km/h). The lowest pressure was recorded at 986 mbar (hPa; 986 mbar inHg on 4 out) at this time. Shortly thereafter, the cyclone made its first landfall in Freeport, Texas late on September 4 just after weakening to tropical storm intensity. After executing a counterclockwise loop, the storm made landfall in Freeport again on September 5. After moving inland, the storm quickly weakened, becoming a depression on September 6 before dissipating early the next day over northern Mexico. Due to the erratic track of the storm along the Texas coastline, widespread heavy rains fell in areas near the storm and in Louisiana. Tides up to 6 ft m on, in addition to rainfall up to 13.9 in mm on, caused significant flooding in the Galveston-Freeport area. Up to $3 million was reported in damages to homes due to the flooding. Throughout Louisiana, there was substantial flooding of farmland. Damages to crops amounted to $3 million. In addition to the flooding rains produced by Delia, eight tornadoes also touched down due to the storm, injuring four people. Five people were killed during Delia, two drowned during floods, two died in a car accident and the other died from a heart attack while boarding up his home. Tropical Storm Eleven Atl Sep111973TD.gif 11L 1973 path.png A map of the southern and eastern United States depicting the rainfall amounts from a tropical depression. Precipitation spreads from Texas through Virginia. September 10 September 13 35 1001 On September 6, a tropical depression formed over the northwestern Caribbean Sea within a trough of low pressure extended southeastward from Delia, which was situated over southeast Texas at the time. The depression remained weak until it reached the Texas coastline on September 10. Once onshore, it produced significant rainfall, causing significant damage that was attributed to Tropical Storm Delia. After turning northeast and tracking inland, the depression quickly increased in forward speed before dissipating over North Carolina on September 14.David M. Roth Hydrometeorological Prediction Center 2009 September 20, 2009 Tropical Depression Eleven — September 8–14, 1973 http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td11aof1973.html March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042816/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td11aof1973.html live Along the coasts of Texas and Louisiana, the depression produced significant amounts of rainfall, peaking at 11.15 in mm on near Freeport. Several areas in southern Louisiana recorded rainfall exceeding 5 in mm on with a maximum amount of 9.2 in mm on falling in Kinder.David M. Roth Hydrometeorological Prediction Center 2009 September 20, 2009 Tropical Cyclone Rainfall for the Gulf Coast https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/tcgulfcoast.html July 21, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110721055926/http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/tcgulfcoast.html live Significant rainfall was also recorded in the Carolinas and Georgia, with numerous areas recording over 3 in mm on. A maximum of 9.35 in mm on fell near Whitmire, South Carolina before the system dissipated. In all, the depression resulted in an additional $22 million in crop losses in southern Louisiana.Andrew A. Yemma St. Petersburg Times September 6, 1973 September 27, 2009 Delia Threatens Grain Crops https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=c70NAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_HIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6973,3612610&dq=tropical+storm+delia+damage Hurricane Ellen Atl Ellen 1973 from Skylab 3.jpg Ellen 1973 path.png The track of a hurricane starts in the far eastern waters of the Atlantic, and spans much of the ocean before curving northward. September 14 September 22 100 962 The strongest storm of the season, Hurricane Ellen, began as a tropical wave that moved off the western coast of Africa on September 13. On the following day, the wave spawned an area of low pressure south of the Cape Verde Islands that quickly became a tropical depression. Tracking northeast, the system intensified into a tropical storm on September 15 after sustained winds of 45 mph (75 km/h) were reported by a French naval vessel; however, due to sparse data on the storm, the first advisory on Ellen was not issued for two more days. A slightly elongated storm, Ellen gradually intensified over the open Atlantic and was steered by two troughs of low pressure. On September 18, the storm took a nearly due west track and the system became increasingly organized, with an ill-defined eye becoming present on satellite imagery. The next day, Ellen intensified into a hurricane before taking a sharp turn to the north-northwest in response to a weak trough moving northeast from the Bahamas. Gradually, the hurricane turned more towards the northeast and began to accelerate as well as intensify. Despite being at an unusually high latitude for development, the storm underwent a brief period of rapid intensification, strengthening into a Category 3 hurricane on September 21. At that time, Ellen attained its peak intensity with winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 962 mbar (hPa; 962 mbar inHg on 4 out). Shortly after peaking, Ellen slowly weakened as it reached the northern wall of the Gulf Stream, and later transitioned into an extratropical cyclone before merging with a frontal system several hundred miles east of Newfoundland on September 23. Subtropical Depression Thirteen Atl Thirteen 1973-09-25 1825Z.png 13L 1973 path.png September 24 September 26 25 1010 subtropical On September 24, a depression formed northeast of the Bahamas. The following day, the NHC issued their first advisory on the system, declaring it a subtropical depression. The depression was displayed an asymmetrical structure, with most winds being recorded up to 300 mi km on north of the center.Robert Simpson National Hurricane Center September 25, 1973 January 16, 2010 Subtropical Depression Thirteen Bulletin One https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0177-jpg/1973/atlantic/td%2326/public/pub252100z.jpg Later that day, the NHC issued small craft advisories for coastal areas between North Carolina and St. Augustine, Florida.Joseph Pelissier National Hurricane Center September 25, 1973 January 16, 2010 Tropical Depression Thirteen Bulletin Two https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0177-jpg/1973/atlantic/td%2326/public/pub260200z.jpg Tracking north-northwestward in response to a break in a subtropical ridge to the north, the depression eventually made landfall near Marineland, Florida and quickly weakened, dissipating before reaching the Gulf of Mexico.David M. Roth Hydrometeorological Prediction Center 2009 September 20, 2009 Tropical Depression Thirteen — September 23–27, 1973 http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td13aof1973.html March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053135/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td13aof1973.html live Heavy rain fell in association with the depression in parts of Florida and Georgia. A maximum of 6.74 in mm on fell in Orlando while several other areas recorded over 3 in mm on of rain. Over land, wind gusts reached 40 mph (65 km/h) in some locations.Herbert Saffir National Hurricane Center September 27, 1973 January 16, 2010 Tropical Depression Thirteen Bulletin Four (Final) https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0177-jpg/1973/atlantic/td%2326/public/pub261330z.jpg Offshore, swells produced by the system reached 10 ft m on, impacting several vessels in the region. Minor beach erosion and coastal flooding was reported in parts of South Carolina as a result of the storm.National Weather Service in Charleston, South Carolina National Hurricane Center September 26, 1973 January 16, 2010 South Carolina Special Tide Statement September 26, 1973 https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0177-jpg/1973/atlantic/td%2326/local/chs260200z.jpg In parts of coastal Georgia, high water resulted in several road closures and flooded a few homes. Police officers in Savannah reported that wave were topping the local seawall; however, no damage was reported.National Weather Service in Savannah, Georgia National Hurricane Center September 26, 1973 January 16, 2010 Georgia Special Tide Statement September 26, 1973 https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0177-jpg/1973/atlantic/td%2326/local/sav260300z.jpg Unnamed October tropical storm Atl Unnamed 1973-10-08 1953Z.png 20L 1973 path.png October 6 October 10 55 1006 A subtropical depression was first marked about 50 mi km on west-southwest of Faial Island early on October 6. Moving east, it passed the Azores, becoming a tropical storm the following day. It dissipated about 340 mi km on east-northeast of São Miguel Island on October 10. Hurricane Fran (Bravo) Atl Hurricane Fran 1973 Satellite.jpg Satellite image of a tropical cyclone in the open Atlantic Fran 1973 path.png The track of a hurricane starts south of Bermuda and heads generally northeastward across the Atlantic, ending near Europe October 8 October 12 75 986 Hurricane Fran originated from a tropical wave associated with an area of convection north of Hispaniola on October 1.Staff Writer National Hurricane Center October 1, 1973 January 16, 2010 Tropical Weather Outlook https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0179-jpg/1973/atlantic/bravo-fran/local/mia020930z.jpg By October 4, the system interacted with a mid-tropospheric trough near the southeast United States, resulting in the formation of a surface low. Tracking eastward, showers and thunderstorms began to develop around the circulation; however, the structure of the system was not fully tropical. On October 7, ships in the vicinity of the low reported decreasing barometric pressures, indicating a strengthening system. Satellites monitoring the system depicted a disorganized storm with mainly subtropical characteristics, affected by cooler air from a cold front.Staff Writer National Hurricane Center October 7, 1973 January 16, 2010 Tropical Weather Outlook https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0179-jpg/1973/atlantic/bravo-fran/local/mia071130z.01.jpg Late on October 8, the cyclone had become sufficiently organized to be classified a subtropical depression, and a day later the system was upgraded to Subtropical Storm Bravo. By October 10, Bravo had intensified substantially, as hurricane hunters recorded hurricane-force winds roughly 15 mi km on 5 from the center of the storm. Following this finding, the National Hurricane Center reclassified the system as Hurricane Fran, dropping its previous designation of Bravo. Upon becoming tropical, Fran developed a strong outflow and several convective feeder bands.Robert Simpson National Hurricane Center October 9, 1973 January 16, 2010 Hurricane Fran Discussion One https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0179-jpg/1973/atlantic/bravo-fran/tropdisc/tcd092300z.jpg Additionally, the storm had developed a 35 mi km on 5 wide eye.hurricane hunters National Hurricane Center October 10, 1973 January 16, 2010 Compute Data for Subtropical Cyclone Bravo/Hurricane Fran October 9–10 https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0179-jpg/1973/atlantic/bravo-fran/modelin/comp090000z-comp100000z.jpg Steered quickly eastward by a deep surface low in the westerlies, Fran accelerated towards the Azores Islands. By October 11, the hurricane began to undergo an extratropical transition,Pike National Hurricane Center October 11, 1973 January 16, 2010 Hurricane Fran Discussion Eight https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0179-jpg/1973/atlantic/bravo-fran/tropdisc/tcd111500z.jpg and around that time, Fran attained its peak winds of 85 mph km/h on 5. Shortly after bypassing the Azores islands on October 12, the system moved over an area with sea surface temperatures around 60 F C on, well below what is required for tropical cyclone development.Pelissier National Hurricane Center October 12, 1973 January 16, 2010 Hurricane Fran Discussion Ten https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0179-jpg/1973/atlantic/bravo-fran/tropdisc/tcd120900z.jpg Later that day, the central pressure of Fran decreased to 978 mbar (hPa; 978 mbar inHg on 4 out), the lowest recorded in relation to the hurricane. Around the time of reaching this intensity, the hurricane transitioned into an extratropical cyclone and quickly merged with a cold front off the coast of France. Although Fran passed near the Azores as a hurricane, winds on the islands only reached 45 mph km/h on 5.John R. Hope National Hurricane Center 1973 January 16, 2010 Hurricane Fran (Bravo) Preliminary Report Page 3 https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0179-jpg/1973/atlantic/bravo-fran/postevent/prelim.02.jpg On October 12, a French ship encountered the storm, recording sustained winds of 40 mph km/h on 5 and an air pressure of 981 mbar (hPa; 981 mbar inHg on 4 out).John R. Hope National Hurricane Center 1973 January 16, 2010 Hurricane Fran (Bravo) Preliminary Report Page 2 https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0179-jpg/1973/atlantic/bravo-fran/postevent/prelim.01.jpg Ships near the English and French coastlines recorded winds up to 60 mph km/h on 5 as the extratropical remnants of Fran passed through the region. Tropical Storm Gilda Atl Gilda 73.JPG Satellite picture of a broad, sprawling tropical cyclone over the northern Caribbean. The southeastern United States are visible on the northwest corner of the map. Gilda 1973 path.png The path of a tropical cyclone starts in the southern Caribbean Sea and heads northward. After losing its tropical status, the storm's remnants dissipate near Greenland. October 16 October 27 60 984 Tropical Storm Gilda (1973) The precursor to Tropical Storm Gilda was a large convective system partially due to a tropical wave. It gradually became better organized over the northwestern Caribbean Sea, and on October 15, a tropical depression formed off the coast of Nicaragua. As it drifted to the northeast, it strengthened to a tropical storm, peaking at 70 mph (110 km/h) winds. Before it hit the coast of Cuba, it weakened enough to cause only minor damage. By the time it struck the island, it had become very disorganized in nature. On October 24, cool, dry air entered the newly developed convection, and as a result it transitioned into a subtropical cyclone. Gilda became the first tropical system to pass through a subtropical stage prior to becoming extratropical. The large circulation continued northeast before becoming extratropical on October 27. The remnants of Gilda intensified as they tracked near Atlantic Canada, attaining a central pressure of 968 mbar (hPa; 968 mbar inHg on 4 out) near Cape Race, Newfoundland. The system eventually dissipated near southern Greenland on October 29. Gilda caused heavy rain and mudslides in Jamaica, destroying six homesRafi Ahmad Barbara Carby Bill Cotton Jerry DeGraff Norman Harris David Howell Franklin McDonald Paul Manning Jim McCalpin Caribbean Disaster Mitigation Project January 27, 1999 September 20, 2009 Landslide Hazard Mitigation and Loss-reduction for the Kingston Jamaica Metropolitan Area http://www.oas.org/CDMP/document/kma/landsl_4.htm September 18, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160918044606/http://www.oas.org/CDMP/document/kma/landsl_4.htm live and killing six people.Staff Writer The Jamaica Gleaner 2009 September 20, 2009 List of Jamaica Hurricanes Between 1871 and 1994 http://www.discoverjamaica.com/gleaner/discover/weather/weather.htm June 10, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160610014804/http://www.discoverjamaica.com/gleaner/discover/weather/weather.htm live In Cuba, Gilda dropped over 6 in mm on of rain, while 60 mph (95 km/h) winds were reported in the northern part of the country. In the Bahamas, Gilda caused significant crop damage from heavy rainfall and high tides. The storm's persistent strong currents and easterly winds caused moderate beach erosion on the East Coast of the United States, mostly along the Florida coast. The extratropical remnants of the storm produced hurricane-force wind gusts over parts of Atlantic Canada, peaking at 75 mph (120 km/h); however, no damage was reported. Unnamed November tropical storm Atl Unnamed 1973-11-18 2105Z.png 17L 1973 path.png November 17 November 20 35 1006 The final system of the year, Tropical Storm Seventeen, formed near the northern coast of Panama on November 17 as a tropical depression. After intensifying into a tropical storm early the next day, the cyclone passed near or possibly briefly over the southern Nicaragua on November 19. The system then continued to meander over the southwestern Caribbean until dissipating on November 20. Other systems thumb|right|300px|Tracks of all depressions during 1973, prior to a 2026 reassessment by the Atlantic hurricane reanalysis project The National Hurricane Center previously classified several other storm systems as tropical depressions in the Atlantic during that year, but a 2026 re-examination of the season by Atlantic hurricane reanalysis project led to their deletion from the official hurricane database (HURDAT). Two of these formerly classified systems existed in the pre-season, AL011973 and AL021973, the former from April 18 to April 21 and the latter from May 2 to May 5. Other tropical depressions removed from HURDAT during the 2026 re-analysis included AL031973, AL051973, and AL071973, which were believed to have existed from June 24 to June 26, July 19 to July 21, and August 9 to August 11, respectively. The annual summary of the 1973 Atlantic hurricane season, published in 1974 in the Monthly Weather Review (MWR), also lists tropical depressions from May 11 to May 12, June 7 to June 10, July 9 to July 10, July 22 to July 26, September 8 to September 10, October 10 to October 12, and October 26 to October 30. However, none of these systems are included in HURDAT either. The late July system contributed to the development of Hurricane Florence in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The June tropical depression listed in the MWR caused flooding in Georgia's Savannah area and parts of South Carolina. In the former, at least 100 residents of low-lying areas fled their homes due to flooding from heavy rains and abnormally high tides.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-columbia-record/208289649/ The Columbia Record June 12, 1973 Rain Clogs Low Country October 14, 2026 Newspapers.com Charleston County, South Carolina, observed about 9 in mm on of precipitation in a 13-hour period on June 11. Consequently, 45 families from North Charleston evacuated and floodwaters covered about 70% of roads in the county.https://www.newspapers.com/article/los-angeles-herald-examiner/208288705/ June 12, 1973 Tropical Rain Floods Charleston Los Angeles Herald Examiner United Press International A-12 October 14, 2026 Newspapers.com Farther inland, flooding caused streets to be closed and cars to stall in Sumter. Storm names The following list of names was used for named tropical storms that formed in the north Atlantic in 1973.https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/Publications/NatHurricaneOpsPlans/HOPs-1973.pdf 101 NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research Washington, D.C. National Hurricane Operations Plan May 1973 February 11, 2024 Storms were named Christine, Delia, Ellen and Fran for the first time in 1973. No names were retired following the season; however, an overhaul of the naming system in 1979 to include male names resulted in this list being discarded.National Hurricane Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration April 17, 2015 June 17, 2015 Tropical Cyclone Naming History and Retired Names https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames_history.shtml Miami, Florida Alice Brenda Christine Delia Ellen Fran Gilda Helen Imogene Joy Kate Loretta Madge Nancy Ona Patsy Rose Sally Tam Vera Wilda The NATO phonetic alphabet (below) was used to designates subtropical cyclones that formed in the north Atlantic in 1973. Subtropical Storm Bravo became Fran after acquiring tropical characteristics.John R. Hope National Hurricane Center Miami, Florida 1973 February 11, 2024 Hurricane Fran (Bravo) Preliminary Report 2 https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0179-jpg/1973/atlantic/bravo-fran/postevent/NATO phonetic alphabet, codes and signals https://www.nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/pdf_2018_01/20180111_nato-alphabet-sign-signal.pdf Alfa Bravo Charlie Delta Echo Foxtrot Golf Hotel India Juliett Kilo Lima Mike November Oscar Papa Quebec Romeo Sierra Tango Uniform Victor Whiskey Xray Yankee Zulu Season effects This is a table of all of the storms that formed in the 1973 Atlantic hurricane season. It includes their name, duration, peak classification and intensities, areas affected, damage, and death totals. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but were still related to that storm. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical, a wave, or a low, and all of the damage figures are in 1973 USD. center1973 North Atlantic tropical cyclone Unnumbered sdepression April 25–26 35 (55) None 1006 None None cat1 Alice July 1–7 85 (140) 984 Bermuda, Newfoundland Minimal None storm Unnamed July 23–25 45 (75) 1007 Yucatán Peninsula None None sstorm Alfa July 30 – August 2 45 (75) 1005 New England None None cat1 Brenda August 18–22 90 (150) 977 Yucatan Peninsula Unknown 10 (0) storm Christine August 26 – September 4 60 (95) 999 Leeward Islands Unknown 0 (1) cat1 Delia September 1–7 85 (140) 986 Northeastern Mexico, Texas $6 million 2 (3) storm Eleven September 10–13 40 (65) 1001 Yucatan Peninsula, Southern United States $22 million None cat3 Ellen September 14–22 115 (185) 962 None None None sdepression Thirteen September 24–26 35 (55) 1009 Florida None None storm October 6–10 Unnamed 65 (100) 1006 None Azores Nonecat1 Fran (Bravo) October 8–12 85 (140) 986 None None None storm Gilda October 16–27 70 (110) 984 Cuba, Bahamas Unknown 6 (0) storm Seventeen November 17–20 40 (65) 1006 Costa Rica Unknown None 14 April 25 – November 20 115 (185) 962 $28 million 18 (4) See also Tropical cyclones 1973 Pacific hurricane season 1973 Pacific typhoon season 1973 North Indian Ocean cyclone season Australian cyclone seasons: 1972–73, 1973–74 South Pacific cyclone seasons: 1972–73, 1973–74 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone seasons: 1972–73, 1973–74 South Atlantic tropical cyclone Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone Notes "nb" References 2 External links HPC rainfall pages for 1973 Tropical Cyclones Easy-to-read HURDAT (Atlantic Hurricane Database) tracks for 1851–2008 1970 Atlantic hurricane 1973