Jump to content

Hurricane Gloria: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→Preparations: fucking IDIOT! ._.
some met stuff
Line 25: Line 25:
A [[tropical wave]]{{#tag:ref|A [[tropical wave]] is a [[trough (meteorology)|trough]] that moves along the [[trade wind]]s.<ref name="glos">{{cite report|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=March 25, 2013|accessdate=August 9, 2013|title=Glossary of NHC Terms|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutgloss.shtml}}</ref>|group="nb"}} moved off the west coast of Africa on September&nbsp;15. Based on data from [[satellite imagery]], it is estimated that a tropical depression formed on September&nbsp;16 near [[Cape Verde]],<ref name="mwr">{{cite journal|author=Robert A. Case|volume=114|issue=7|title=Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1985|journal=Monthly Weather Review|date=July 1, 1986|doi=10.1175/1520-0493(1986)114<1390:AHSO>2.0.CO;2|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1985.pdf|accessdate=November 30, 2012|page=1395|publisher=American Meteorological Society}}</ref> with an associated [[Tropical_cyclone#Physical_structure|low-level circulation]].<ref name="tcr1">{{cite report|author = Miles B. Lawrence | title = Hurricane Gloria Preliminary Report | publisher = National Hurricane Center | date = November 3, 1985 | page=1|url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1985-prelim/gloria/prelim01.gif | format = GIF | accessdate=August 9, 2013}}</ref> The next day, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Gloria, but there was no further intensification. On September&nbsp;18, Gloria weakened back to tropical depression status, but re-intensified into a tropical storm on September&nbsp;20.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} During this time, it moved generally westward due to a strong [[ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] to the north. On September&nbsp;21, the [[Hurricane Hunters]] began flying into Gloria to measure the storm's intensity, and the next day, a flight observed winds of {{convert|78|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at a height of {{convert|1500|ft|m|abbr=on}}. As a result, the [[National Hurricane Center]] (NHC) upgraded Gloria to a hurricane about 465&nbsp;mi (750&nbsp;km) east-northeast of the [[Lesser Antilles]].<ref name="mwr"/>
A [[tropical wave]]{{#tag:ref|A [[tropical wave]] is a [[trough (meteorology)|trough]] that moves along the [[trade wind]]s.<ref name="glos">{{cite report|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=March 25, 2013|accessdate=August 9, 2013|title=Glossary of NHC Terms|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutgloss.shtml}}</ref>|group="nb"}} moved off the west coast of Africa on September&nbsp;15. Based on data from [[satellite imagery]], it is estimated that a tropical depression formed on September&nbsp;16 near [[Cape Verde]],<ref name="mwr">{{cite journal|author=Robert A. Case|volume=114|issue=7|title=Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1985|journal=Monthly Weather Review|date=July 1, 1986|doi=10.1175/1520-0493(1986)114<1390:AHSO>2.0.CO;2|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1985.pdf|accessdate=November 30, 2012|page=1395|publisher=American Meteorological Society}}</ref> with an associated [[Tropical_cyclone#Physical_structure|low-level circulation]].<ref name="tcr1">{{cite report|author = Miles B. Lawrence | title = Hurricane Gloria Preliminary Report | publisher = National Hurricane Center | date = November 3, 1985 | page=1|url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1985-prelim/gloria/prelim01.gif | format = GIF | accessdate=August 9, 2013}}</ref> The next day, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Gloria, but there was no further intensification. On September&nbsp;18, Gloria weakened back to tropical depression status, but re-intensified into a tropical storm on September&nbsp;20.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} During this time, it moved generally westward due to a strong [[ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] to the north. On September&nbsp;21, the [[Hurricane Hunters]] began flying into Gloria to measure the storm's intensity, and the next day, a flight observed winds of {{convert|78|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at a height of {{convert|1500|ft|m|abbr=on}}. As a result, the [[National Hurricane Center]] (NHC) upgraded Gloria to a hurricane about 465&nbsp;mi (750&nbsp;km) east-northeast of the [[Lesser Antilles]].<ref name="mwr"/>


After having moved generally to the west, Gloria turned more to the west-northwest on September&nbsp;22. This occurred after tropical storms [[1985 Atlantic hurricane season#Tropical Storm Fabian|Fabian]] and [[1985 Atlantic hurricane season#Tropical Storm Henri|Henri]] weakened the ridge.<ref name="mwr"/> On September&nbsp;23, Gloria passed about 155&nbsp;miles (250&nbsp;km) to the north of [[Anegada]], the northernmost island in the Lesser Antilles. It initially remained a minimal hurricane until September&nbsp;24 when it began quickly intensifying. That day, it became a major hurricane{{#tag:ref|A major hurricane is a Category&nbsp;3 or higher on the [[Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale]].<ref name="glos"/>|group="nb"}} while passing northeast of the [[Bahamas]].{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} Gloria developed an [[eye (cyclone)|eye]], surrounded by an eyewall, and was producing the [[eye (cyclone)#stadium effect|stadium effect]]. At 0120&nbsp;[[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]] on September&nbsp;25, Hurricane Hunters extrapolated a [[atmospheric pressure|barometric pressure]] of {{convert|919|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}, and reported flight-level winds of 145&nbsp;mph (230&nbsp;km/h).<ref name="tcr2"/> At the time, this was the lowest pressure measured by reconnaissance aircraft in the basin.<ref name="mwr"/> Because there was little difference in the flight-level winds and the surface winds, this was estimated to have been Gloria's peak intensity, making it a Category&nbsp;4 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.<ref name="tcr2"/> At peak intensity, the hurricane was located about 930&nbsp;mi (1500&nbsp;km) southeast of [[Cape Hatteras]] in North Carolina.<ref name="mwr"/>
After having moved generally to the west, Gloria turned more to the west-northwest on September&nbsp;22. This occurred after tropical storms [[1985 Atlantic hurricane season#Tropical Storm Fabian|Fabian]] and [[1985 Atlantic hurricane season#Tropical Storm Henri|Henri]] weakened the ridge.<ref name="mwr"/> On September&nbsp;23, Gloria passed about 155&nbsp;miles (250&nbsp;km) to the north of [[Anegada]], the northernmost island in the Lesser Antilles. It initially remained a minimal hurricane until September&nbsp;24 when it began quickly intensifying. That day, it became a major hurricane{{#tag:ref|A major hurricane is a Category&nbsp;3 or higher on the [[Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale]].<ref name="glos"/>|group="nb"}} while passing northeast of the [[Bahamas]].{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} Gloria developed a {{convert|10|mi|km|abbr=on}} wide [[eye (cyclone)|eye]],<ref name="reanal"/> surrounded by an eyewall, and was producing the [[eye (cyclone)#stadium effect|stadium effect]]. At 0120&nbsp;[[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]] on September&nbsp;25, Hurricane Hunters extrapolated a [[atmospheric pressure|barometric pressure]] of {{convert|919|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}, and reported flight-level winds of 145&nbsp;mph (230&nbsp;km/h).<ref name="tcr2"/> At the time, this was the lowest pressure measured by reconnaissance aircraft in the basin.<ref name="mwr"/> Because there was little difference in the flight-level winds and the surface winds, this was estimated to have been Gloria's peak intensity, making it a Category&nbsp;4 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.<ref name="tcr2"/> However, a preliminary reanalysis released in 2008 suggested peak winds of {{convert|155|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="reanal"/> At peak intensity, the hurricane was located about 930&nbsp;mi (1500&nbsp;km) southeast of [[Cape Hatteras]] in North Carolina,<ref name="mwr"/> and had an eye diameter of only {{convert|8|mi|km|abbr=on}}.<ref name="reanal"/>


[[File:Hurricane Gloria south of North Carolina.gif|right|thumb|Gloria to the south of North Carolina]]
[[File:Hurricane Gloria south of North Carolina.gif|right|thumb|Gloria to the south of North Carolina]]
After peak intensity, Gloria weakened while turning to the north, moving around the western end of the ridge.<ref name="mwr"/> By September&nbsp;26, the winds had decreased to 90&nbsp;mph (150&nbsp;km/h), just 30&nbsp;hours after its peak intensity.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} Later that day, a buoy about 60&nbsp;mi (100&nbsp;km) east of the center recorded a [[wave height]] of 46.9&nbsp;ft (14.3&nbsp;m), which at the time was the highest buoy wave recording in an Atlantic hurricane.<ref name="mwr"/> While accelerating toward North Carolina, Gloria re-intensified slightly to winds of 105&nbsp;mph (165&nbsp;km/h), making it a Category&nbsp;2 hurricane. At 0530&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;27, the hurricane struck southern [[Hatteras Island]] in the Outer Banks.<ref name="tcr5">{{cite report |author = Miles B. Lawrence | title = Hurricane Gloria Preliminary Report|page=5| publisher = National Hurricane Center | date = November 3, 1985 | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1985-prelim/gloria/prelim05.gif | format = GIF | accessdate=August 11, 2013}}</ref> After weakening further, Gloria passed just east of the [[Delmarva Peninsula]] and [[New Jersey]]; its strongest winds remained on the eastern edge of the circulation.<ref name="mwr"/> At 1600&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;27, the hurricane made [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] with winds of 85&nbsp;mph (140&nbsp;km/h) on western Long Island,<ref name="tcr5"/> between [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]] and [[Islip, New York]].<ref name="tcr3">{{cite report |author = Miles B. Lawrence | title = Hurricane Gloria Preliminary Report|page=3| publisher = National Hurricane Center | date = November 3, 1985 | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1985-prelim/gloria/prelim03.gif | format = GIF | accessdate=August 11, 2013}}</ref> About an hour later, Gloria made its final landfall in western Connecticut, and proceeded to move through New England while weakening.<ref name="reanal">{{cite report|title=Reanalysis of Ten U.S. Landfalling Hurricanes|page=112-118|author=Chris Landsea|author2=Mike Dickinson|author3=Donna Strahan|publisher=Hurricane Research Division|accessdate=August 11, 2013|year=2008|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/10_US_hurricanes.pdf|format=PDF}}</ref> The NHC estimated that Gloria became [[extratropical cyclone|extratropical]] over Maine early by 0000&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;28.<ref name="tcr2"/> The storm continued to the northeast through [[Atlantic Canada]] passing south of Greenland on September&nbsp;30. The extratropical circulation of Gloria was last noted on October&nbsp;2,{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} although the remnants later affected Europe.<ref name="tcr2">{{cite report |author = Miles B. Lawrence | title = Hurricane Gloria Preliminary Report|page=2| publisher = National Hurricane Center | date = November 3, 1985 | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1985-prelim/gloria/prelim02.gif | format = GIF | accessdate=August 9, 2013}}</ref>
After peak intensity, Gloria weakened while turning to the north, moving around the western end of the ridge,<ref name="mwr"/> toward a [[cold front]].<ref name="reanal"/> By September&nbsp;26, the winds had decreased to 90&nbsp;mph (150&nbsp;km/h), just 30&nbsp;hours after its peak intensity.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} Later that day, a buoy about 60&nbsp;mi (100&nbsp;km) east of the center recorded a [[wave height]] of 46.9&nbsp;ft (14.3&nbsp;m), which at the time was the highest buoy wave recording in an Atlantic hurricane.<ref name="mwr"/> While accelerating toward North Carolina, Gloria re-intensified slightly to winds of 105&nbsp;mph (165&nbsp;km/h), making it a Category&nbsp;2 hurricane. At 0530&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;27, the hurricane struck southern [[Hatteras Island]] in the Outer Banks.<ref name="tcr5">{{cite report |author = Miles B. Lawrence | title = Hurricane Gloria Preliminary Report|page=5| publisher = National Hurricane Center | date = November 3, 1985 | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1985-prelim/gloria/prelim05.gif | format = GIF | accessdate=August 11, 2013}}</ref> After weakening further, Gloria passed just east of the [[Delmarva Peninsula]] and [[New Jersey]]; its strongest winds remained on the eastern edge of the circulation.<ref name="mwr"/> At 1600&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;27, the hurricane made [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] with a broad and poorly-defined center between [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]] and [[Islip, New York]], with winds of 85&nbsp;mph (140&nbsp;km/h) on western Long Island.<ref name="tcr5"/><ref name="tcr3">{{cite report |author = Miles B. Lawrence | title = Hurricane Gloria Preliminary Report|page=3| publisher = National Hurricane Center | date = November 3, 1985 | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1985-prelim/gloria/prelim03.gif | format = GIF | accessdate=August 11, 2013}}</ref> About an hour later, Gloria made its final landfall in western Connecticut, and proceeded to move through New England while weakening.<ref name="reanal">{{cite report|title=Reanalysis of Ten U.S. Landfalling Hurricanes|page=112-118|author=Chris Landsea|author2=Mike Dickinson|author3=Donna Strahan|publisher=Hurricane Research Division|accessdate=August 11, 2013|year=2008|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/10_US_hurricanes.pdf|format=PDF}}</ref> The NHC estimated that Gloria became [[extratropical cyclone|extratropical]] over Maine early by 0000&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;28.<ref name="tcr2"/> The storm continued to the northeast through [[Atlantic Canada]] passing south of Greenland on September&nbsp;30. The extratropical circulation of Gloria was last noted on October&nbsp;2,{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} although the remnants later affected Europe.<ref name="tcr2">{{cite report |author = Miles B. Lawrence | title = Hurricane Gloria Preliminary Report|page=2| publisher = National Hurricane Center | date = November 3, 1985 | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1985-prelim/gloria/prelim02.gif | format = GIF | accessdate=August 9, 2013}}</ref>


<!--Shortly after peaking, Gloria's asymmetrical wind field caused the storm to rapidly weaken, and its winds decreased to 90&nbsp;mph (145&nbsp;km/h) after 18&nbsp;hours.<ref name="asymmetry">{{cite journal | author = Bender, Morris A. | title = The Effect of Relative Flow on the Asymmetric Structure in the Interior of Hurricanes | year = 1996 | month = October | journal = Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences | volume = 54 | issue = 6 | pages = 703–724 | url = http://ams.allenpress.com/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1175%2F1520-0469(1997)054%3C0703:TEORFO%3E2.0.CO%3B2&ct=1&SESSID=58e828e4651972acf2481acb6e5fb3d7 | doi = 10.1175/1520-0469(1997)054<0703:TEORFO>2.0.CO;2 |bibcode = 1997JAtS...54..703B }}</ref> Originally, the National Hurricane Center classified Gloria as a major hurricane upon making landfall but it was later downgraded in the seasonal post-analysis. Even so, the hurricane did produce Category Three wind gusts throughout Long Island.<ref name="nyc">{{cite web | author = Mandia, Scott A. | title = What's In Store For New York's Future? | year = 2008 | publisher = Suffolk County Community College | work = The Great Hurricane of 1938: The Long Island Express | accessdate=2008-08-23 | url = http://www2.sunysuffolk.edu/mandias/38hurricane/hurricane_future.html}}</ref>-->
<!--Shortly after peaking, Gloria's asymmetrical wind field caused the storm to rapidly weaken, and its winds decreased to 90&nbsp;mph (145&nbsp;km/h) after 18&nbsp;hours.<ref name="asymmetry">{{cite journal | author = Bender, Morris A. | title = The Effect of Relative Flow on the Asymmetric Structure in the Interior of Hurricanes | year = 1996 | month = October | journal = Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences | volume = 54 | issue = 6 | pages = 703–724 | url = http://ams.allenpress.com/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1175%2F1520-0469(1997)054%3C0703:TEORFO%3E2.0.CO%3B2&ct=1&SESSID=58e828e4651972acf2481acb6e5fb3d7 | doi = 10.1175/1520-0469(1997)054<0703:TEORFO>2.0.CO;2 |bibcode = 1997JAtS...54..703B }}</ref> Originally, the National Hurricane Center classified Gloria as a major hurricane upon making landfall but it was later downgraded in the seasonal post-analysis. Even so, the hurricane did produce Category Three wind gusts throughout Long Island.<ref name="nyc">{{cite web | author = Mandia, Scott A. | title = What's In Store For New York's Future? | year = 2008 | publisher = Suffolk County Community College | work = The Great Hurricane of 1938: The Long Island Express | accessdate=2008-08-23 | url = http://www2.sunysuffolk.edu/mandias/38hurricane/hurricane_future.html}}</ref>-->
Line 36: Line 36:
Early in Gloria's duration, it threatened the northern Lesser Antilles, prompting a [[tropical cyclone warnings and watches|hurricane watch]] and later warning for the area.<ref name="tcr1"/> Gloria also threatened the Bahamas, prompting that government to issue hurricane watches and warnings.<ref name="tcr7">{{cite report |author = Miles B. Lawrence | title = Hurricane Gloria Preliminary Report|page=7| publisher = National Hurricane Center | date = November 3, 1985 | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1985-prelim/gloria/prelim07.gif | format = GIF | accessdate=August 11, 2013}}</ref>
Early in Gloria's duration, it threatened the northern Lesser Antilles, prompting a [[tropical cyclone warnings and watches|hurricane watch]] and later warning for the area.<ref name="tcr1"/> Gloria also threatened the Bahamas, prompting that government to issue hurricane watches and warnings.<ref name="tcr7">{{cite report |author = Miles B. Lawrence | title = Hurricane Gloria Preliminary Report|page=7| publisher = National Hurricane Center | date = November 3, 1985 | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1985-prelim/gloria/prelim07.gif | format = GIF | accessdate=August 11, 2013}}</ref>


While Gloria was off the east coast of Florida, the NHC issued a hurricane watch from [[Edisto Beach, South Carolina]] to [[Cape Henry]], Virginia, which was upgraded to a hurricane warning at 1000&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;26, or 19.5&nbsp;hours before landfall. By later that day, a hurricane watch was issued for the rest of the eastern United States to [[Eastport, Maine]]. By two hours before Gloria's landfall on Long Island, a hurricane warning was in effect for the same area, after warnings were gradually extended further north.<ref name="tcr7"/><ref name="tcr2"/>
While Gloria was off the east coast of Florida, the NHC issued a hurricane watch from [[Edisto Beach, South Carolina]] to [[Cape Henry]], Virginia, which was upgraded to a hurricane warning at 1000&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;26, or 19.5&nbsp;hours before landfall. By later that day, a hurricane watch was issued for the rest of the eastern United States to [[Eastport, Maine]]. By two hours before Gloria's landfall on Long Island, a hurricane warning was in effect for the same area, after warnings were gradually extended further north.<ref name="tcr7"/><ref name="tcr2"/> Officials anticipated higher winds and [[storm surge]]{{#tag:ref|The [[storm surge]] is the difference between the average tide and what occurred during the passage of a hurricane.<ref name="glos"/>|group="nb"}} than what occurred, due to the hurricane weakening as it approached landfall.<ref name="tcr3"/>


As Gloria approached the [[East Coast of the United States]], National Hurricane Center director [[Neil Frank]] called it the "Storm of the Century", due to its intensity and potential track over the densely populated region of [[New England]].<ref name="chc">
As Gloria approached the [[East Coast of the United States]], National Hurricane Center director [[Neil Frank]] called it the "Storm of the Century", due to its intensity and potential track over the densely populated region of [[New England]].<ref name="chc">
Line 48: Line 48:


== Impact ==
== Impact ==
[[File:H52 hurricane gloria 1985.jpg|left|thumb|Flooding from Hurricane Gloria]]
[[File:H52 hurricane gloria 1985.jpg|left|thumb|Flooding from Hurricane Gloria in [[Cape May, New Jersey]]]]
Hurricane Gloria was a large hurricane that affected much of the [[northeastern United States]]. Gloria brought strong wind gusts to the area, downing thousands of trees and leaving over two million people without power. Overall, Gloria caused $900&nbsp;million (1985 [[United States dollar|USD]]) in property damage and eight deaths, a total lower than expected due to the hurricane's arrival at low tide.
Hurricane Gloria was a large hurricane that affected much of the [[northeastern United States]]. Gloria brought strong wind gusts to the area, downing thousands of trees and leaving over two million people without power. Overall, Gloria caused $900&nbsp;million (1985 [[United States dollar|USD]]) in property damage and eight deaths, a total lower than expected due to the hurricane's arrival at low tide.


=== Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic ===
=== Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic ===<!--North Carolina-->
While offshore the eastern United States, the hurricane's strongest winds were on the eastern periphery, which reduced the winds over land. In North Carolina, where Gloria made its first landfall, the strongest winds were {{convert|74|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at a station near [[Buxton, North Carolina|Buxton]] at the [[Cape Hatteras]] [[National Weather Service]] office; a gust of 87&nbsp;mph (140&nbsp;km/h) was also observed there. At [[Diamond Shoal Light]], located offshore, sustained winds reached {{convert|98|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, with gusts to {{convert|120|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. A peak storm surge of 5.9&nbsp;ft (1.8&nbsp;m) was estimated at the [[Neuse River]]. A minimal surge of around 1.3&nbsp;ft (0.4&nbsp;ft) occurred in neighboring South Carolina, where winds were below tropical storm force.<ref name="mwr"/> The highest rainfall related to Gloria was {{convert|9.7|in|mm|abbr=on}}, recorded in [[Edenton, North Carolina]].{{Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima}} High waves and storm surge resulted in heavy coastal flooding and beach erosion along the Outer Banks.<ref name="mwr"/>
Upon making landfall on the [[Outer Banks]], Gloria was a fast-moving hurricane that struck at low tide, reducing [[storm surge]]s to a maximum of 6&nbsp;ft (1.8&nbsp;m) in [[North Carolina]]. Other locations from [[South Carolina]] through [[New Jersey]] reported surges less than 1–5&nbsp;feet (0.3–1.5&nbsp;m) high. Similarly, winds were relatively minimal and confined to the coast. [[Diamond Shoal Light]] reported sustained winds of 100&nbsp;mph (160&nbsp;km/h), and [[Cape Hatteras]], where the storm's eye came ashore, experienced 75&nbsp;mph (120&nbsp;km/h) winds. Much of the [[Mid-Atlantic States|Mid-Atlantic]] coastline was largely unscathed from Gloria's winds, excluding a report of 90&nbsp;mph (145&nbsp;km/h) on the [[Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel]] and a report of 80&nbsp;mph (130&nbsp;km/h) in [[Ocean City, New Jersey]]. Though Gloria moved quickly through the region, it dropped moderate rainfall in locations, including peaks of 7.09&nbsp;inches (180&nbsp;mm) in [[New Bern, North Carolina]] and 6.04&nbsp;inches (153&nbsp;mm) at [[Baltimore–Washington International Airport]].<ref name="nhc">{{cite web |author = Lawrence, Miles B. | title = Preliminary Report: Hurricane Gloria | publisher = NOAA | year = 1985 | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1985-prelim/gloria/prelim01.gif | format = GIF | accessdate=2006-03-30}}</ref> In addition, some unofficial reports in southeastern [[Virginia]] indicated amounts of up to 8&nbsp;inches (200&nbsp;mm) of rain.<ref name="vahistory">{{cite web | author = Hydrometeorological Prediction Center | title = Late Twentieth Century Virginia Hurricane History | year = 2007 | url = http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/research/roth/valate20hur.htm | publisher = NOAA | accessdate = 2008-08-23}}</ref>


<!--Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania-->Throughout much of the Mid-Atlantic, the winds remained generally below hurricane force; however, winds reached 92&nbsp;mph (147&nbsp;km/h) along the [[Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel]] in Virginia and gusts to 89&nbsp;mph (144&nbsp;km/h) in [[Ocean City, Maryland]]. The strongest winds in the region occurred after the center passed the area. Due to Gloria's fast motion, there was minimal coastal flooding because the highest storm surge occurred during low tide, generally less than 4.9&nbsp;ft (1.5&nbsp;m). Beach erosion was reported in both Maryland and Delaware.<ref name="mwr"/> The heaviest rainfall was west of the center. Statewide peaks included {{convert|9.17|in|mm|abbr=on}} at [[Valley Forge National Historical Park]] in Pennsylvania, {{convert|8.6|in|mm|abbr=on}} in [[Holland, Virginia], and {{convert|7.19|in|mm|abbr=on}} in [[Annapolis, Maryland]]. Rainfall spread as far inland as West Virginia.{{Tropical Cyclone Rainfall in the Mid Atlantic United States}}
⚫
Because much of the Mid-Atlantic experienced the western, weaker side of this hurricane, damage was relatively light. High winds downed numerous trees throughout the area, leaving hundreds of thousands without power, including 237,000 in New Jersey, 124,000 in Maryland, and 56,000 in Virginia.<ref name="geo">{{cite web| url=http://www.geocities.com/hurricanene/hurricanegloria.htm| title=Hurricane Gloria&nbsp;— September 27, 1985| year=2002 | work=United States Hurricanes| first=Michael| last=Grammatico| publisher=Geocities| accessdate=2008-08-23|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080129225712/http://www.geocities.com/hurricanene/hurricanegloria.htm|archivedate=2008-01-29}}</ref> Extreme rainfall in [[Virginia]] resulted in $5.5&nbsp;million (1985&nbsp;USD, $9.8&nbsp;million 2005&nbsp;USD) in damage.<ref name="vahistory">[http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/research/roth/valate20hur.htm Late Twentieth Century Virginia Hurricane History]</ref> Intense flood waters split [[Long Beach Island]] in half for a period of time.<ref name="hville">{{cite web| url=http://www.hurricaneville.com/gloria.html| first=Greg| last=Machos| year=2005| publisher=hurricaneville.com| title=Hurricane Gloria: 20 years later| accessdate=2008-08-23}}</ref> The hurricane's winds caused significant beach erosion, the area most affected being the Outer Banks.<ref name="mwr"/>

<!--New Jersey-->
While just off the New Jersey coast, Gloria produced strong winds, peaking at 81&nbsp;mph (130&nbsp;km/h) in [[Ocean City, New Jersey|Ocean City]], where a gust of 101&nbsp;mph (162&nbsp;km/h) was also reported.<ref name="mwr"/> Rainfall in the state reached {{convert|6.00|in|mm|abbr=on}} at the Charlotteburg Reservoir near [[West Milford, New Jersey|West Milford]].{{Tropical Cyclone Rainfall in the Mid Atlantic United States}}

⚫
Though Gloria moved quickly through the region, it dropped moderate rainfall in locations, including 6.04&nbsp;inches (153&nbsp;mm) at [[Baltimore–Washington International Airport]].<ref name="nhc">{{cite web |author = Lawrence, Miles B. | title = Preliminary Report: Hurricane Gloria | publisher = NOAA | year = 1985 | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1985-prelim/gloria/prelim01.gif | format = GIF | accessdate=2006-03-30}}</ref> In addition, some unofficial reports in southeastern [[Virginia]] indicated amounts of up to 8&nbsp;inches (200&nbsp;mm) of rain.<ref name="vahistory">{{cite web | author = Hydrometeorological Prediction Center | title = Late Twentieth Century Virginia Hurricane History | year = 2007 | url = http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/research/roth/valate20hur.htm | publisher = NOAA | accessdate = 2008-08-23}}</ref> Because much of the Mid-Atlantic experienced the western, weaker side of this hurricane, damage was relatively light. High winds downed numerous trees throughout the area, leaving hundreds of thousands without power, including 237,000 in New Jersey, 124,000 in Maryland, and 56,000 in Virginia.<ref name="geo">{{cite web| url=http://www.geocities.com/hurricanene/hurricanegloria.htm| title=Hurricane Gloria&nbsp;— September 27, 1985| year=2002 | work=United States Hurricanes| first=Michael| last=Grammatico| publisher=Geocities| accessdate=2008-08-23|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080129225712/http://www.geocities.com/hurricanene/hurricanegloria.htm|archivedate=2008-01-29}}</ref> Extreme rainfall in [[Virginia]] resulted in $5.5&nbsp;million (1985&nbsp;USD) in damage.<ref name="vahistory">[http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/research/roth/valate20hur.htm Late Twentieth Century Virginia Hurricane History]</ref> Intense flood waters split [[Long Beach Island]] in half for a period of time.<ref name="hville">{{cite web| url=http://www.hurricaneville.com/gloria.html| first=Greg| last=Machos| year=2005| publisher=hurricaneville.com| title=Hurricane Gloria: 20 years later| accessdate=2008-08-23}}</ref>


=== Long Island and New York ===
=== Long Island and New York ===
[[File:Gloria OC.jpg|thumb|Boardwalk damage in Ocean City, New Jersey]]
[[File:Gloria OC.jpg|thumb|Boardwalk damage in Ocean City, New Jersey]]
Gloria hit [[Long Island]] with sustained winds of about 85&nbsp;mph (150&nbsp;km/h)— however, it is believed peak gusts reached 115&nbsp;mph (185&nbsp;km/h) in eastern [[Long Island]].<ref name = "geo"/> [[Islip (town), New York|Islip, New York]] recorded a wind gust of 84&nbsp;mph (135&nbsp;km/h). However, few other wind reports were available from the island, as other weather instruments were damaged. Weather forecasters believe that damage across parts of Long Island indicated winds in the Category Three range, as evidence of the damage received at MacArthur Airport. Because the hurricane arrived at low tide, storm surges were generally low, peaking at {{convert|6.9|ft}} at [[Battery Park (New York)|Battery Park]]. Because it moved quickly, Gloria failed to produce significant rainfall amounts, and caused only {{convert|3.4|in}} of rain in [[Central Park]].<ref name = "mwr"/>
While making its second landfall, Gloria was accompanied by a storm surge of 6.9&nbsp;ft (2.1&nbsp;m) at [[Battery Park]], the highest along its path. The highest wind report was a gust of 85&nbsp;mph (137&nbsp;km/h) at [[Islip (town), New York|Islip]]. [[Central Park]] reported a gust of 51&nbsp;mph (83&nbsp;km/h).<ref name="mwr"/> Rainfall in the state reached {{convert|8.04|in|mm|abbr=on}} at [[Unadilla, New York|Unadilla]],{{Tropical Cyclone Rainfall in the Mid Atlantic United States}} although was much less near the coast, reaching 3.48&nbsp;in (88.4&nbsp;mm) in Central Park.<ref name="mwr"/>

It is believed peak gusts reached 115&nbsp;mph (185&nbsp;km/h) in eastern [[Long Island]].<ref name = "geo"/> Weather forecasters believe that damage across parts of Long Island indicated winds in the Category Three range, as evidence of the damage received at MacArthur Airport.<ref name = "mwr"/>


Gloria's high winds caused significant damage across Long Island and southeastern New York. The area hit the worst was eastern Long Island, where high wind gusts blew thousands of trees into buildings and across roads. The broadcast tower of [[WBLI]]-FM toppled on Bald Hill in Farmingville. In addition, the winds ripped roofs off of many buildings, including hangars at the [[MacArthur Airport]], a hanger at the Bayport Aerodrome and the roof of the Islip Police Station.<ref name = "geo"/> Prolonged exposure to high winds and waves led to moderate beach erosion, washing away several piers and docks.<ref name = "geo"/> The storm surge, though relatively weak, destroyed 48&nbsp;houses on the ocean side of the island. Gloria's high winds left 683,000&nbsp;people in New York without power, with some lacking electricity for over eleven days. Even though damage amounted to $300&nbsp;million ($532&nbsp;million in 2005&nbsp;USD),<ref name="nyafter">{{cite news| first=Steve| last=Wick| url=http://www.newsday.com/community/guide/lihistory/ny-history-hs9glor,0,1814853.story| title=Life in the Wake of Gloria: An epic hurricane transforms LI, its people and, eventually, its power company| publisher=Newsday| year=2006| accessdate=2008-08-23|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080415230405/http://www.newsday.com/community/guide/lihistory/ny-history-hs9glor,0,1814853.story |archivedate = April 15, 2008|deadurl=yes}}</ref> due to well-executed evacuations there was only one casualty, resulting from a falling tree.<ref name = "geo"/>
Gloria's high winds caused significant damage across Long Island and southeastern New York. The area hit the worst was eastern Long Island, where high wind gusts blew thousands of trees into buildings and across roads. The broadcast tower of [[WBLI]]-FM toppled on Bald Hill in Farmingville. In addition, the winds ripped roofs off of many buildings, including hangars at the [[MacArthur Airport]], a hanger at the Bayport Aerodrome and the roof of the Islip Police Station.<ref name = "geo"/> Prolonged exposure to high winds and waves led to moderate beach erosion, washing away several piers and docks.<ref name = "geo"/> The storm surge, though relatively weak, destroyed 48&nbsp;houses on the ocean side of the island. Gloria's high winds left 683,000&nbsp;people in New York without power, with some lacking electricity for over eleven days. Even though damage amounted to $300&nbsp;million ($532&nbsp;million in 2005&nbsp;USD),<ref name="nyafter">{{cite news| first=Steve| last=Wick| url=http://www.newsday.com/community/guide/lihistory/ny-history-hs9glor,0,1814853.story| title=Life in the Wake of Gloria: An epic hurricane transforms LI, its people and, eventually, its power company| publisher=Newsday| year=2006| accessdate=2008-08-23|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080415230405/http://www.newsday.com/community/guide/lihistory/ny-history-hs9glor,0,1814853.story |archivedate = April 15, 2008|deadurl=yes}}</ref> due to well-executed evacuations there was only one casualty, resulting from a falling tree.<ref name = "geo"/>


=== New England and Canada ===
=== New England and Canada ===
Upon making landfall in [[Milford, Connecticut]], Gloria was a weakened hurricane that passed quickly through the area. Though still a large hurricane, Gloria hit at low tide, resulting in low to moderate storm surges of 5&nbsp;feet (1.5&nbsp;m) in [[Groton, Connecticut]], 6&nbsp;feet (1.8&nbsp;m) in [[New Bedford, Massachusetts]], and 3&nbsp;feet (1&nbsp;m) in [[Portland, Maine]]. Winds peaked at 74&nbsp;mph (119&nbsp;km/h) sustained with 92&nbsp;mph (148&nbsp;km/h) gusts in Bridgeport. Across New England, the hurricane produced gusty winds, with a peak observation of 83&nbsp;mph (135&nbsp;km/h) in [[Waterbury, Connecticut]] and [[Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory]] in Massachusetts. Gloria dropped moderate precipitation in the area amounting to a maximum of 6&nbsp;inches (150&nbsp;mm) in [[Littleville Lake, Massachusetts]]. In addition, Gloria caused significant beach erosion in [[Connecticut]] and [[Rhode Island]].<ref name="mwr">[http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1985.pdf 1985 Monthly Weather Review]</ref>
While moving across New England, Gloria was a weakened hurricane that passed quickly through the area. Though still a large hurricane, Gloria hit at low tide, resulting in low to moderate storm surges of 5&nbsp;feet (1.5&nbsp;m) in [[Groton, Connecticut]], 6&nbsp;feet (1.8&nbsp;m) in [[New Bedford, Massachusetts]], and 3&nbsp;feet (1&nbsp;m) in [[Portland, Maine]]. The high waves caused heavy beach erosion in Connecticut and Rhode Island. The highest sustained winds were reports of 83&nbsp;mph (135&nbsp;km/h) in [[Waterbury, Connecticut]] and [[Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory]] in Massachusetts. Gusts peaked at 110&nbsp;mph (176&nbsp;km/h) in [[Chatham, Massachusetts]], and although widespread areas across New England reported hurricane force gusts.<ref name="mwr"/> Rainfall in the region peaked at {{convert|6.90|in|mm|abbr=on}} at Borden Brook Reservoir in [[Springfield, Massachusetts]].{{Tropical Cyclone Rainfall for New England}}


Gloria's high winds downed numerous trees across New England, causing minor to moderate damage. In the region, Connecticut received the worst of the hurricane, where tree and structural damage was greatest. Along the coastline, storm surge and strong waves washed away several fishing piers, and some roadways were underwater during the storm's passage. The hurricane did not pass closely enough to the coastline of [[Rhode Island]] and [[Massachusetts]] to cause significant damage.<ref name = "geo"/> [[New Hampshire]] was affected only slightly from the hurricane, and was limited to minor wind damage and localized flooding.<ref name="newh">{{cite web| url=http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/bem/| author=Division of Emergency Services, Communications, and Management/Bureau of Emergency Management| publisher=New Hampshire Department of Safety| title=Geologic Hazards| work=Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan| year=2000| accessdate=2006-03-29}}</ref> In [[Maine]], damage was more severe, where strong wind gusts ripped off roofs and uprooted hundreds of trees. High winds across New England resulted in significant power outages, leaving 250,000 in Maine,<ref name="maine">{{cite web| url=http://www.pivot.net/~cotterly/gloria.htm| title=Hurricane Gloria-(1985)| work=Maine Hurricane History| year=2002| first=Wayne| last=Cotterly| accessdate=2008-08-23}}</ref> 84,000 in Massachusetts, 174,000 in Rhode Island, and 669,000 in Connecticut without power. In all, seven deaths occurred in New England, many of which occurred from falling tree limbs.<ref name="geo">[http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.geocities.com/hurricanene/hurricanegloria.htm&date=2009-10-26+00:17:12 HURRICANE GLORIA - September 27, 1985]</ref>
Gloria's high winds downed numerous trees across New England, causing minor to moderate damage. In the region, Connecticut received the worst of the hurricane, where tree and structural damage was greatest. Along the coastline, storm surge and strong waves washed away several fishing piers, and some roadways were underwater during the storm's passage. The hurricane did not pass closely enough to the coastline of [[Rhode Island]] and [[Massachusetts]] to cause significant damage.<ref name = "geo"/> [[New Hampshire]] was affected only slightly from the hurricane, and was limited to minor wind damage and localized flooding.<ref name="newh">{{cite web| url=http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/bem/| author=Division of Emergency Services, Communications, and Management/Bureau of Emergency Management| publisher=New Hampshire Department of Safety| title=Geologic Hazards| work=Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan| year=2000| accessdate=2006-03-29}}</ref> In [[Maine]], damage was more severe, where strong wind gusts ripped off roofs and uprooted hundreds of trees. High winds across New England resulted in significant power outages, leaving 250,000 in Maine,<ref name="maine">{{cite web| url=http://www.pivot.net/~cotterly/gloria.htm| title=Hurricane Gloria-(1985)| work=Maine Hurricane History| year=2002| first=Wayne| last=Cotterly| accessdate=2008-08-23}}</ref> 84,000 in Massachusetts, 174,000 in Rhode Island, and 669,000 in Connecticut without power. In all, seven deaths occurred in New England, many of which occurred from falling tree limbs.<ref name="geo">[http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.geocities.com/hurricanene/hurricanegloria.htm&date=2009-10-26+00:17:12 HURRICANE GLORIA - September 27, 1985]</ref>

Revision as of 19:46, 12 August 2013

This article is about the Atlantic hurricane of 1985. For other storms of the same name, see Tropical Storm Gloria (disambiguation).
Hurricane Gloria
Category 4 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS)
A view of Hurricane Gloria from Space on September 25. The intense storm features a small eye and large convective bands.
Gloria near peak intensity on September 24
FormedSeptember 16, 1985
DissipatedOctober 2, 1985 (Became extratropical on September 27)
Highest winds1-minute sustained: 145 mph (230 km/h)
Lowest pressure919 mbar (hPa); 27.14 inHg
Fatalities11
Damage$900 million (1985 USD)
Areas affectedNorth Carolina, New Jersey, Long Island, New England, Atlantic Canada
Part of the 1985 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Gloria was a powerful Cape Verde-type hurricane that formed during the 1985 Atlantic hurricane season and prowled the Atlantic Ocean from September 16 to September 28. Gloria reached Category 4 status on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale near the Bahamas, but weakened significantly by the time it made landfall on North Carolina's Outer Banks. Gloria closely followed the Mid-Atlantic coastline and made a second landfall on Long Island, and, after crossing the Long Island Sound, it made a third landfall in Connecticut.

Overall, the storm caused extensive damage along the East Coast of the United States, amounting to $900 million (1985 USD)[nb 1], and was responsible for eight fatalities. The storm was the first significant system to strike the northeastern United States since Hurricane Agnes in 1972 and the first major storm to affect New York and Long Island directly since Hurricane Donna in 1960.

Meteorological history

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 tropical wave[nb 2] moved off the west coast of Africa on September 15. Based on data from satellite imagery, it is estimated that a tropical depression formed on September 16 near Cape Verde,[2] with an associated low-level circulation.[3] The next day, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Gloria, but there was no further intensification. On September 18, Gloria weakened back to tropical depression status, but re-intensified into a tropical storm on September 20.[4] During this time, it moved generally westward due to a strong ridge to the north. On September 21, the Hurricane Hunters began flying into Gloria to measure the storm's intensity, and the next day, a flight observed winds of 78 mph (126 km/h) at a height of 1,500 ft (460 m). As a result, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) upgraded Gloria to a hurricane about 465 mi (750 km) east-northeast of the Lesser Antilles.[2]

After having moved generally to the west, Gloria turned more to the west-northwest on September 22. This occurred after tropical storms Fabian and Henri weakened the ridge.[2] On September 23, Gloria passed about 155 miles (250 km) to the north of Anegada, the northernmost island in the Lesser Antilles. It initially remained a minimal hurricane until September 24 when it began quickly intensifying. That day, it became a major hurricane[nb 3] while passing northeast of the Bahamas.[4] Gloria developed a 10 mi (16 km) wide eye,[5] surrounded by an eyewall, and was producing the stadium effect. At 0120 UTC on September 25, Hurricane Hunters extrapolated a barometric pressure of 919 mbar (27.1 inHg), and reported flight-level winds of 145 mph (230 km/h).[6] At the time, this was the lowest pressure measured by reconnaissance aircraft in the basin.[2] Because there was little difference in the flight-level winds and the surface winds, this was estimated to have been Gloria's peak intensity, making it a Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.[6] However, a preliminary reanalysis released in 2008 suggested peak winds of 155 mph (249 km/h).[5] At peak intensity, the hurricane was located about 930 mi (1500 km) southeast of Cape Hatteras in North Carolina,[2] and had an eye diameter of only 8 mi (13 km).[5]

Gloria to the south of North Carolina

After peak intensity, Gloria weakened while turning to the north, moving around the western end of the ridge,[2] toward a cold front.[5] By September 26, the winds had decreased to 90 mph (150 km/h), just 30 hours after its peak intensity.[4] Later that day, a buoy about 60 mi (100 km) east of the center recorded a wave height of 46.9 ft (14.3 m), which at the time was the highest buoy wave recording in an Atlantic hurricane.[2] While accelerating toward North Carolina, Gloria re-intensified slightly to winds of 105 mph (165 km/h), making it a Category 2 hurricane. At 0530 UTC on September 27, the hurricane struck southern Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks.[7] After weakening further, Gloria passed just east of the Delmarva Peninsula and New Jersey; its strongest winds remained on the eastern edge of the circulation.[2] At 1600 UTC on September 27, the hurricane made landfall with a broad and poorly-defined center between John F. Kennedy International Airport and Islip, New York, with winds of 85 mph (140 km/h) on western Long Island.[7][8] About an hour later, Gloria made its final landfall in western Connecticut, and proceeded to move through New England while weakening.[5] The NHC estimated that Gloria became extratropical over Maine early by 0000 UTC on September 28.[6] The storm continued to the northeast through Atlantic Canada passing south of Greenland on September 30. The extratropical circulation of Gloria was last noted on October 2,[4] although the remnants later affected Europe.[6]


Preparations

Gloria on September 27 at 16:01 UTC

Early in Gloria's duration, it threatened the northern Lesser Antilles, prompting a hurricane watch and later warning for the area.[3] Gloria also threatened the Bahamas, prompting that government to issue hurricane watches and warnings.[9]

While Gloria was off the east coast of Florida, the NHC issued a hurricane watch from Edisto Beach, South Carolina to Cape Henry, Virginia, which was upgraded to a hurricane warning at 1000 UTC on September 26, or 19.5 hours before landfall. By later that day, a hurricane watch was issued for the rest of the eastern United States to Eastport, Maine. By two hours before Gloria's landfall on Long Island, a hurricane warning was in effect for the same area, after warnings were gradually extended further north.[9][6] Officials anticipated higher winds and storm surge[nb 4] than what occurred, due to the hurricane weakening as it approached landfall.[8]

As Gloria approached the East Coast of the United States, National Hurricane Center director Neil Frank called it the "Storm of the Century", due to its intensity and potential track over the densely populated region of New England.[10] Such a track gathered the attention of many people, and led to the evacuation of 380,000 people along the coast from North Carolina to Connecticut.[11] In Maryland, officials implemented lane reversing to expedite the evacuation process, a policy many other coastal states use.[12]

Officials advised 95,000 citizens along the New Jersey coastline, an area that rarely experiences hurricanes, to evacuate. Cape May County—the most vulnerable part of the state and among the most susceptible in the entire country—would require 36 hours in 2005 to evacuate the 100,000 citizens and 900,000 tourists that were commonly present during busy summer weekends.[13]

Offices and classes of Harvard University closed only for the third time in the 20th century, the previous cases being the New England Hurricane of 1938 and the Blizzard of '78. Although Gloria's winds downed numerous trees and caused tens of thousands in damage in the area, overall effects were much less than expected.[14]

At the same time Gloria was making landfall on Long Island, a storm warning was issued for western New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.[9][6] Across Atlantic Canada, the threat of Hurricane Gloria caused many citizens to rely on American media for storm coverage.[15]

Impact

Flooding from Hurricane Gloria in Cape May, New Jersey

Hurricane Gloria was a large hurricane that affected much of the northeastern United States. Gloria brought strong wind gusts to the area, downing thousands of trees and leaving over two million people without power. Overall, Gloria caused $900 million (1985 USD) in property damage and eight deaths, a total lower than expected due to the hurricane's arrival at low tide.

Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic

While offshore the eastern United States, the hurricane's strongest winds were on the eastern periphery, which reduced the winds over land. In North Carolina, where Gloria made its first landfall, the strongest winds were 74 mph (119 km/h) at a station near Buxton at the Cape Hatteras National Weather Service office; a gust of 87 mph (140 km/h) was also observed there. At Diamond Shoal Light, located offshore, sustained winds reached 98 mph (158 km/h), with gusts to 120 mph (190 km/h). A peak storm surge of 5.9 ft (1.8 m) was estimated at the Neuse River. A minimal surge of around 1.3 ft (0.4 ft) occurred in neighboring South Carolina, where winds were below tropical storm force.[2] The highest rainfall related to Gloria was 9.7 in (250 mm), recorded in Edenton, North Carolina.[16] High waves and storm surge resulted in heavy coastal flooding and beach erosion along the Outer Banks.[2]

Throughout much of the Mid-Atlantic, the winds remained generally below hurricane force; however, winds reached 92 mph (147 km/h) along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Virginia and gusts to 89 mph (144 km/h) in Ocean City, Maryland. The strongest winds in the region occurred after the center passed the area. Due to Gloria's fast motion, there was minimal coastal flooding because the highest storm surge occurred during low tide, generally less than 4.9 ft (1.5 m). Beach erosion was reported in both Maryland and Delaware.[2] The heaviest rainfall was west of the center. Statewide peaks included 9.17 in (233 mm) at Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania, 8.6 in (220 mm) in [[Holland, Virginia], and 7.19 in (183 mm) in Annapolis, Maryland. Rainfall spread as far inland as West Virginia.[17]

While just off the New Jersey coast, Gloria produced strong winds, peaking at 81 mph (130 km/h) in Ocean City, where a gust of 101 mph (162 km/h) was also reported.[2] Rainfall in the state reached 6.00 in (152 mm) at the Charlotteburg Reservoir near West Milford.[17]

Though Gloria moved quickly through the region, it dropped moderate rainfall in locations, including 6.04 inches (153 mm) at Baltimore–Washington International Airport.[18] In addition, some unofficial reports in southeastern Virginia indicated amounts of up to 8 inches (200 mm) of rain.[19] Because much of the Mid-Atlantic experienced the western, weaker side of this hurricane, damage was relatively light. High winds downed numerous trees throughout the area, leaving hundreds of thousands without power, including 237,000 in New Jersey, 124,000 in Maryland, and 56,000 in Virginia.[20] Extreme rainfall in Virginia resulted in $5.5 million (1985 USD) in damage.[19] Intense flood waters split Long Beach Island in half for a period of time.[21]

Long Island and New York

Boardwalk damage in Ocean City, New Jersey

While making its second landfall, Gloria was accompanied by a storm surge of 6.9 ft (2.1 m) at Battery Park, the highest along its path. The highest wind report was a gust of 85 mph (137 km/h) at Islip. Central Park reported a gust of 51 mph (83 km/h).[2] Rainfall in the state reached 8.04 in (204 mm) at Unadilla,[17] although was much less near the coast, reaching 3.48 in (88.4 mm) in Central Park.[2]

It is believed peak gusts reached 115 mph (185 km/h) in eastern Long Island.[20] Weather forecasters believe that damage across parts of Long Island indicated winds in the Category Three range, as evidence of the damage received at MacArthur Airport.[2]

Gloria's high winds caused significant damage across Long Island and southeastern New York. The area hit the worst was eastern Long Island, where high wind gusts blew thousands of trees into buildings and across roads. The broadcast tower of WBLI-FM toppled on Bald Hill in Farmingville. In addition, the winds ripped roofs off of many buildings, including hangars at the MacArthur Airport, a hanger at the Bayport Aerodrome and the roof of the Islip Police Station.[20] Prolonged exposure to high winds and waves led to moderate beach erosion, washing away several piers and docks.[20] The storm surge, though relatively weak, destroyed 48 houses on the ocean side of the island. Gloria's high winds left 683,000 people in New York without power, with some lacking electricity for over eleven days. Even though damage amounted to $300 million ($532 million in 2005 USD),[22] due to well-executed evacuations there was only one casualty, resulting from a falling tree.[20]

New England and Canada

While moving across New England, Gloria was a weakened hurricane that passed quickly through the area. Though still a large hurricane, Gloria hit at low tide, resulting in low to moderate storm surges of 5 feet (1.5 m) in Groton, Connecticut, 6 feet (1.8 m) in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and 3 feet (1 m) in Portland, Maine. The high waves caused heavy beach erosion in Connecticut and Rhode Island. The highest sustained winds were reports of 83 mph (135 km/h) in Waterbury, Connecticut and Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory in Massachusetts. Gusts peaked at 110 mph (176 km/h) in Chatham, Massachusetts, and although widespread areas across New England reported hurricane force gusts.[2] Rainfall in the region peaked at 6.90 in (175 mm) at Borden Brook Reservoir in Springfield, Massachusetts.[23]

Gloria's high winds downed numerous trees across New England, causing minor to moderate damage. In the region, Connecticut received the worst of the hurricane, where tree and structural damage was greatest. Along the coastline, storm surge and strong waves washed away several fishing piers, and some roadways were underwater during the storm's passage. The hurricane did not pass closely enough to the coastline of Rhode Island and Massachusetts to cause significant damage.[20] New Hampshire was affected only slightly from the hurricane, and was limited to minor wind damage and localized flooding.[24] In Maine, damage was more severe, where strong wind gusts ripped off roofs and uprooted hundreds of trees. High winds across New England resulted in significant power outages, leaving 250,000 in Maine,[25] 84,000 in Massachusetts, 174,000 in Rhode Island, and 669,000 in Connecticut without power. In all, seven deaths occurred in New England, many of which occurred from falling tree limbs.[20]

While the remnants of Gloria were moving through Atlantic Canada, they produced rainfall to the north of the track, reaching as high as 4.53 in (115 mm) in Quebec. The highest winds in the country were 58 mph (93 km/h), peaking in the Bay of Fundy and to the northeast of Newfoundland. The remnants of Gloria caused wind and wave damage in Nova Scotia. Wind gusts of 55 mph (89 km/h) in Fredericton, New Brunswick knocked down power lines, affecting more than 1,800 people.[26]

Aftermath

See also: List of retired Atlantic hurricane names

In the immediate aftermath on Long Island, hundreds of thousands of residents were without power for nearly a week. The long duration without electricity led to a general disdain for the Long Island Lighting Company (LILCO). This increased further when the company left the $40 million (1985 USD) repair bill to the ratepayers, citing the company's lack of hurricane insurance. Citizens quickly protested LILCO's decision, and within years the publicly owned Long Island Power Authority was formed.[22]

In Maine, most citizens remained indoors during the passage of the hurricane. One police officer noted that even the criminals stayed home. In the Lewiston area, restaurants experienced a great surge in business. During the power outage after the storm, several businesses stored frozen goods for houses without a generator.[25] After the storm, President Ronald Reagan declared several counties in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts as federal disaster areas. This declaration allowed those counties to apply for disaster assistance.[27]

In Canada, the damage was less than expected, but confusion related to the storm threat prompted prompted Environment Canada to research the need for a dedicated hurricane centre in 1986. The following year, the Canadian Hurricane Centre was established with offices on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.[15]

Due to its impact, the name Gloria was retired from the Atlantic tropical storm naming list. It will never again be used for an Atlantic hurricane.[28] It was replaced with Grace in the 1991 season.[4]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ All damage totals are in 1985 United States dollars.
  2. ^ A tropical wave is a trough that moves along the trade winds.[1]
  3. ^ A major hurricane is a Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale.[1]
  4. ^ The storm surge is the difference between the average tide and what occurred during the passage of a hurricane.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c Glossary of NHC Terms (Report). National Hurricane Center. March 25, 2013. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Robert A. Case (July 1, 1986). "Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1985" (PDF). Monthly Weather Review. 114 (7). American Meteorological Society: 1395. doi:10.1175/1520-0493(1986)114<1390:AHSO>2.0.CO;2. Retrieved November 30, 2012.
  3. ^ a b Miles B. Lawrence (November 3, 1985). Hurricane Gloria Preliminary Report (GIF) (Report). National Hurricane Center. p. 1. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)" (Database). United States National Hurricane Center. April 5, 2023. Retrieved October 21, 2024. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  5. ^ a b c d e Chris Landsea; Mike Dickinson; Donna Strahan (2008). Reanalysis of Ten U.S. Landfalling Hurricanes (PDF) (Report). Hurricane Research Division. p. 112-118. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Miles B. Lawrence (November 3, 1985). Hurricane Gloria Preliminary Report (GIF) (Report). National Hurricane Center. p. 2. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  7. ^ a b Miles B. Lawrence (November 3, 1985). Hurricane Gloria Preliminary Report (GIF) (Report). National Hurricane Center. p. 5. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  8. ^ a b Miles B. Lawrence (November 3, 1985). Hurricane Gloria Preliminary Report (GIF) (Report). National Hurricane Center. p. 3. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  9. ^ a b c Miles B. Lawrence (November 3, 1985). Hurricane Gloria Preliminary Report (GIF) (Report). National Hurricane Center. p. 7. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  10. ^ Canadian Hurricane Center (September 9, 2004). "Canadian Hurricane Centre Gloria Information". CHC. Retrieved 2006-03-30. [dead link]
  11. ^ Nuclear Management Company (2002). "Emergency preparedness near nuclear power plants". Nuclear Facts – Safety. Archived from the original on June 10, 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-23. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ Plowman, Terry (2001). "Danger! Coastal states get ready for a really rainy day -- by cranking up their evacuation plans". Planning Magazine. Retrieved 2008-08-23. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  13. ^ Guenther, Alan (September 1, 2005). "N.J. shore vulnerable to big storm". New Jersey Courier-Post.
  14. ^ Howe, Peter J. (September 28, 1985). "Hurricane Gloria Goes Easy on Cambridge". The Harvard Crimson. Retrieved 2008-08-23.
  15. ^ a b Canadian Hurricane Centre (2009-07-15). History of the Canadian Hurricane Centre (CHC) (Report). Environment Canada. Retrieved 2013-08-08.
  16. ^ 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.
  17. ^ a b c Roth, David M (May 12, 2022). "Tropical Cyclone Rainfall in the Mid-Atlantic United States". Tropical Cyclone Rainfall. United States Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved January 6, 2023. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  18. ^ Lawrence, Miles B. (1985). "Preliminary Report: Hurricane Gloria" (GIF). NOAA. Retrieved 2006-03-30.
  19. ^ a b Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (2007). "Late Twentieth Century Virginia Hurricane History". NOAA. Retrieved 2008-08-23. Cite error: The named reference "vahistory" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  20. ^ a b c d e f g Grammatico, Michael (2002). "Hurricane Gloria — September 27, 1985". United States Hurricanes. Geocities. Archived from the original on 2008-01-29. Retrieved 2008-08-23. Cite error: The named reference "geo" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  21. ^ Machos, Greg (2005). "Hurricane Gloria: 20 years later". hurricaneville.com. Retrieved 2008-08-23.
  22. ^ a b Wick, Steve (2006). "Life in the Wake of Gloria: An epic hurricane transforms LI, its people and, eventually, its power company". Newsday. Archived from the original on April 15, 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-23. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  23. ^ Roth, David M (May 12, 2022). "Tropical Cyclone Rainfall for the New England United States". Tropical Cyclone Rainfall. United States Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved January 6, 2023. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  24. ^ Division of Emergency Services, Communications, and Management/Bureau of Emergency Management (2000). "Geologic Hazards". Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. New Hampshire Department of Safety. Retrieved 2006-03-29.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  25. ^ a b Cotterly, Wayne (2002). "Hurricane Gloria-(1985)". Maine Hurricane History. Retrieved 2008-08-23.
  26. ^ Canadian Hurricane Centre (2010-09-14). 1985-Gloria (Report). Environment Canada. Retrieved 2013-08-08.
  27. ^ "IRS Revenue Ruling 85-195". Internal Revenue Service. 1985-12-30. Retrieved 2008-08-23.
  28. ^ Tropical Cyclone Naming History and Retired Names (Report). National Hurricane Center. 2013-04-11. Retrieved 2013-08-08.{{cite report}}: CS1 maint: year (link)

Further reading

  • Buchholz, Margaret and Savadove, Larry (1993). Great Storms of the Jersey Shore. Down the Shore Publishing. ISBN 0-945582-51-X.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hurricane_Gloria&oldid=568254413"