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Hurricane Hilda (1955)

January 01, 1970

Hurricane Hilda was a strong Category 3 hurricane that was the second in a succession of three hurricanes to strike near Tampico, Mexico. The eighth named storm of the 1955 Atlantic hurricane season, Hilda formed from a tropical wave on September 10 near the Lesser Antilles. It quickly intensified while moving westward into a small hurricane, and it crossed over southeastern Cuba on September 13. There, it dropped heavy rainfall and produced gusty winds that destroyed 80% of the coffee crop in Oriente Province. In the eastern Cuban city of Baracoa, Hilda severely damaged the oldest church in the country. Damage totaled $2 million in Cuba, and there were four deaths. Later, the hurricane moved across the Northwestern Caribbean Sea making landfall in Grand Cayman, then further into the Northwestern Caribbean causing light damage in the sparsely populated region of the eastern Yucatán Peninsula.[1]

Hurricane Hilda
Mid-level geopotential height map of Hilda making landfall
Meteorological history
FormedSeptember 10, 1955
DissipatedSeptember 20, 1955
Category 3 major hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds120 mph (195 km/h)
Lowest pressure952 mbar (hPa); 28.11 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities304 direct
Damage$120 million (1955 USD)
Areas affectedHispaniola, Cuba, Cayman Islands, Yucatán Peninsula, Mainland Mexico
IBTrACS
Part of the 1955 Atlantic hurricane season

After reaching the Gulf of Mexico, Hilda strengthened to reach peak winds of 120 mph (200 km/h) late on September 18. Before the hurricane moved ashore, there was residual flooding in Tampico from earlier Hurricane Gladys. Hilda struck the city early on September 19, with gusts estimated at 150 mph (240 km/h). It dropped heavy rainfall that flooded 90% of Tampico, while its strong winds damaged half of the homes, leaving 15,000 homeless. The storm killed 300 people and caused over $120 million (1955 USD) in Mexico. Ongoing flooding caused an outbreak of dysentery, and about 10 days after Hilda struck, Hurricane Janet struck the same region and caused further flooding and damage. Collectively, the damage from the storms represented about half of Mexico's budget in 1955. Despite the high death toll of 304 and damages of $120 million, the name Hilda was not retired after the season.

Meteorological history edit

 
Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
  Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

The origins of Hurricane Hilda were from an easterly wave,[2] which spawned a tropical depression over the northern Lesser Antilles late on September 10.[3] By the next day, the system was producing winds of 46 mph (74 km/h) in squalls.[4] After moving to the northwest, it turned more to the west and quickly intensified.[3] On September 12, Hilda attained hurricane status to the north of the Mona Passage between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. It was a small cyclone, and the strongest winds were in a small region around the eye.[2] Hilda continued to the west about 30 mi (48 km) offshore northern Hispaniola.[4] After reaching winds of 100 mph (160 km/h), the hurricane weakened slightly while off the north coast of Haiti. Turning to the west-southwest, Hilda made landfall near the southeastern tip of Cuba on September 13. While crossing the island into the Caribbean Sea, it weakened from a hurricane into a tropical storm.[3]

On September 14, Hilda emerged into the Caribbean Sea. It quickly re-intensified, surpassing its previous strength to winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) by September 15.[3] Hilda made Landfall on Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.[1] The hurricane weakened slightly as it neared the Yucatán Peninsula, and Hilda struck the sparsely populated area between Chetumal and Cozumel on September 16 with winds of about 110 mph (180 km/h).[3][2] It weakened slightly over the Yucatán Peninsula, emerging into the Gulf of Mexico on September 17 with winds of about 100 mph (160 km/h). Hilda again re-intensified, reaching its maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) late on September 18.[3] Early the next day, the hurricane made landfall near Tampico, Tamaulipas in northeastern Mexico. Winds in the city reached 105 mph (169 km/h), and the eye was observed for 45 minutes. The lowest pressure in Tampico was 952 mbar (28.1 inHg) on September 19.[2] Hilda rapidly weakened over land, turning to the west-southwest and dissipating on September 20.[2]

Impact edit

Early in its duration, the storm produced winds of 55 mph (89 km/h) on Grand Turk Island. Its threat prompted a small craft advisory for southern Florida,[5] the southern Bahamas, and Cuba.[6]

When Hilda struck southeastern Cuba, it caused moderate damage and killed four people,[2] all of whom in Oriente Province.[7] Wind gusts reached 45 mph (72 km/h) at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base,[6] which caused a brief power outage.[8] High waves washed a freighter ashore along Cuba's north coast.[6] Strong winds severely damaged the church in Baracoa, which was built in the 16th century and was the oldest in the country.[7] In Santiago de Cuba, Hilda produced heavy rains and gusty winds, which knocked down telephone lines and caused flooding.[8] Five people were injured after houses collapsed in the city. High rains and winds damaged the sugar cane and pineapple crop,[7] and destroyed 80% of the coffee crop in Oriente Province.[9] Damage in the country was not severe,[7] estimated at $2 million.[10] Hundreds of people were injured or left homeless.[11] After the hurricane isolated the town of Caimanera, American workers sent a train there from Guantanamo Bay with a medical team and supplies.[7]

While Hilda moved across the western Caribbean, it produced winds of 55 mph (89 km/h) on Grand Cayman Island,[12] as it made Landfall on the island.[1]

Ahead of Hilda's landfall on the Yucatán peninsula, officials warned the residents to prepare for high winds and waves.[9] A storm warning was issued in Belize City.[11] When Hilda crossed the Yucatán peninsula, it caused about $100,000 in damage.[4]

Ahead of the storm in South Texas, officials provided sandbags and advised businesses to move merchandise within 2 ft (0.61 m) of the floor, both an effort to mitigate potential flooding.[13] The large circulation produced winds of 22 mph (35 km/h) and flooded coastal roads in southern Texas.[4] Outer rainbands flooded Raymondville and other towns in the region.[14]

Before the hurricane struck, residents in Mexico expected that Hurricane Hilda would be weaker and strike near Tampico. When the storm was announced via radio about three hours before landfall, most people were already asleep and unable to prepare.[15] Tides rose in advance of the storm, and before it made landfall, 10% of Tampico was still flooded from previous Hurricane Gladys.[16] In Tampico, Hilda's strong winds blew away an anemometer after the instrument recorded winds of 105 mph (169 km/h); peak winds were later estimated at 150 mph (240 km/h).[2] At the city's port, Hilda damaged boats and ferries, some of which washed out to sea.[15] The hurricane destroyed the roofs of about half of the city's houses, as well as several schools and large buildings. Hilda produced severe flooding in Tampico that was reported to have covered 90% of the city's streets.[4] Although smaller than the previous Hurricane Gladys, Hilda dropped heavy rainfall that flooded local rivers. Overall, 11,432 people were directly affected by Hilda.[15] The hurricane caused 300 deaths and $120 million in damage, mostly due to the flooding.[2]

Aftermath edit

After the storm, Tampico was left without power or communications.[15] About 15,000 people became homeless due to the storm, or previously from Hurricane Gladys. The governor of Tamaulipas declared a state of emergency and requested assistance from the military to provide food and shelter. Within a day after the storm, water access was restored, although the city initially remained without power or telephone. Communications were cut to Tampico, except for the airport at the radio.[17] The rail line from Laredo, Texas to Mexico City was cut during the storm, but was restored ten days later.[18] Due to ongoing flood conditions, there was an outbreak of dysentery that killed two children. The Mexican government flew medical supplies, food, and clothing from Mexico City to Tampico, while four United States helicopters assisted in rescue missions along the Pánuco River.[19] About 10 days after Hilda struck Tampico, Hurricane Janet affected the same area, causing further damage and deaths. Collectively, the two hurricanes caused 1,240 deaths along their paths,[4] and damage from the consecutive storms totaled about half of Mexico's 1955 national budget.[20] After the two hurricanes, the Mexican government and military worked to assist the affected residents, and the Mexican Red Cross provided vaccinations and medical assistance to prevent the spread of disease.[15]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c "Documentation of Atlantic Tropical Cyclones Changes in HURDAT". aoml.noaa.gov.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Gordon E. Dunn; Walter R. Davis; Paul L. Moore (December 1955). Hurricanes of 1955 (PDF) (Report). United States Weather Bureau. p. 320. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)" (Database). United States National Hurricane Center. April 5, 2023. Retrieved May 1, 2024.   This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  4. ^ a b c d e f C.E. Rhodes (1955). Tropical Storms of the North Atlantic, September 1955. United States Weather Bureau. pp. 326–328. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
  5. ^ "Naval Base in Path of Hurricane". The Times-News. United Press. September 13, 1955. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
  6. ^ a b c "Hurricane Loses Its Punch". Daytona Beach Morning Journal. Associated Press. 1955-09-14. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
  7. ^ a b c d e "Cuba Damaged by Hilda; Ione Brews". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. United Press. September 16, 1955. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
  8. ^ a b "Hurricane Loses Force in Cuba". Toledo Blade. Associated Press. September 14, 1955. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
  9. ^ a b "Hurricane Hilda Due To Hit The Yucatan Peninsular Tonight". Lewiston Evening Journal. Associated Press. September 15, 1955. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
  10. ^ Roger A. Pielke Jr.; Jose Rubiera; Christopher Landsea; Mario L. Fernández; Roberta Klein (August 2003). (PDF). National Hazards Review. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: 108. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 19, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
  11. ^ a b "Sluggish Ione Slowing Down Over Atlantic". St. Petersburg Times. Associated Press. September 16, 1955. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
  12. ^ "Ione Veers". Reading Eagle. Associated Press. September 15, 1955. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
  13. ^ "Hilda Strikes Mexican Island". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Associated Press. September 18, 1955. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  14. ^ "Brazos River Settling Down Following Crest at Seymour". The Victoria Advocate. Associated Press. September 29, 1955. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  15. ^ a b c d e . Así es Tampico. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
  16. ^ "Ione is Bypassing Florida". Daytona Beach Morning Journal. Associated Press. September 18, 1955. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
  17. ^ "Hilda Leaves 15,000 Homeless, 12 Dead, 350 Hurt in Tampico". The Free Lance-Star. Associated Press. September 20, 1955. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
  18. ^ "Floods Delay Reports of Janet's Mexico Toll". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Associated Press. September 30, 1955. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  19. ^ "Disease Menaces Flooded City". The Age. Australian Associated Press. September 23, 1955. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  20. ^ "Hurricane-Borne Deluge Floods Parts of Mexico". Spokane Daily Chronicle. Associated Press. September 30, 1955. Retrieved January 21, 2013.

January 01, 1970
hurricane, hilda, 1955, hurricane, hilda, strong, category, hurricane, that, second, succession, three, hurricanes, strike, near, tampico, mexico, eighth, named, storm, 1955, atlantic, hurricane, season, hilda, formed, from, tropical, wave, september, near, le. Hurricane Hilda was a strong Category 3 hurricane that was the second in a succession of three hurricanes to strike near Tampico Mexico The eighth named storm of the 1955 Atlantic hurricane season Hilda formed from a tropical wave on September 10 near the Lesser Antilles It quickly intensified while moving westward into a small hurricane and it crossed over southeastern Cuba on September 13 There it dropped heavy rainfall and produced gusty winds that destroyed 80 of the coffee crop in Oriente Province In the eastern Cuban city of Baracoa Hilda severely damaged the oldest church in the country Damage totaled 2 million in Cuba and there were four deaths Later the hurricane moved across the Northwestern Caribbean Sea making landfall in Grand Cayman then further into the Northwestern Caribbean causing light damage in the sparsely populated region of the eastern Yucatan Peninsula 1 Hurricane Hilda Mid level geopotential height map of Hilda making landfallMeteorological historyFormedSeptember 10 1955DissipatedSeptember 20 1955Category 3 major hurricane1 minute sustained SSHWS NWS Highest winds120 mph 195 km h Lowest pressure952 mbar hPa 28 11 inHgOverall effectsFatalities304 directDamage 120 million 1955 USD Areas affectedHispaniola Cuba Cayman Islands Yucatan Peninsula Mainland MexicoIBTrACSPart of the 1955 Atlantic hurricane season After reaching the Gulf of Mexico Hilda strengthened to reach peak winds of 120 mph 200 km h late on September 18 Before the hurricane moved ashore there was residual flooding in Tampico from earlier Hurricane Gladys Hilda struck the city early on September 19 with gusts estimated at 150 mph 240 km h It dropped heavy rainfall that flooded 90 of Tampico while its strong winds damaged half of the homes leaving 15 000 homeless The storm killed 300 people and caused over 120 million 1955 USD in Mexico Ongoing flooding caused an outbreak of dysentery and about 10 days after Hilda struck Hurricane Janet struck the same region and caused further flooding and damage Collectively the damage from the storms represented about half of Mexico s budget in 1955 Despite the high death toll of 304 and damages of 120 million the name Hilda was not retired after the season Contents 1 Meteorological history 2 Impact 3 Aftermath 4 See also 5 ReferencesMeteorological history edit nbsp Map plotting the storm s track and intensity according to the Saffir Simpson scaleMap keySaffir 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 nbsp Tropical cyclone nbsp Subtropical cyclone nbsp Extratropical cyclone remnant low tropical disturbance or monsoon depression The origins of Hurricane Hilda were from an easterly wave 2 which spawned a tropical depression over the northern Lesser Antilles late on September 10 3 By the next day the system was producing winds of 46 mph 74 km h in squalls 4 After moving to the northwest it turned more to the west and quickly intensified 3 On September 12 Hilda attained hurricane status to the north of the Mona Passage between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic It was a small cyclone and the strongest winds were in a small region around the eye 2 Hilda continued to the west about 30 mi 48 km offshore northern Hispaniola 4 After reaching winds of 100 mph 160 km h the hurricane weakened slightly while off the north coast of Haiti Turning to the west southwest Hilda made landfall near the southeastern tip of Cuba on September 13 While crossing the island into the Caribbean Sea it weakened from a hurricane into a tropical storm 3 On September 14 Hilda emerged into the Caribbean Sea It quickly re intensified surpassing its previous strength to winds of 115 mph 185 km h by September 15 3 Hilda made Landfall on Grand Cayman Cayman Islands 1 The hurricane weakened slightly as it neared the Yucatan Peninsula and Hilda struck the sparsely populated area between Chetumal and Cozumel on September 16 with winds of about 110 mph 180 km h 3 2 It weakened slightly over the Yucatan Peninsula emerging into the Gulf of Mexico on September 17 with winds of about 100 mph 160 km h Hilda again re intensified reaching its maximum sustained winds of 125 mph 205 km h late on September 18 3 Early the next day the hurricane made landfall near Tampico Tamaulipas in northeastern Mexico Winds in the city reached 105 mph 169 km h and the eye was observed for 45 minutes The lowest pressure in Tampico was 952 mbar 28 1 inHg on September 19 2 Hilda rapidly weakened over land turning to the west southwest and dissipating on September 20 2 Impact editEarly in its duration the storm produced winds of 55 mph 89 km h on Grand Turk Island Its threat prompted a small craft advisory for southern Florida 5 the southern Bahamas and Cuba 6 When Hilda struck southeastern Cuba it caused moderate damage and killed four people 2 all of whom in Oriente Province 7 Wind gusts reached 45 mph 72 km h at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base 6 which caused a brief power outage 8 High waves washed a freighter ashore along Cuba s north coast 6 Strong winds severely damaged the church in Baracoa which was built in the 16th century and was the oldest in the country 7 In Santiago de Cuba Hilda produced heavy rains and gusty winds which knocked down telephone lines and caused flooding 8 Five people were injured after houses collapsed in the city High rains and winds damaged the sugar cane and pineapple crop 7 and destroyed 80 of the coffee crop in Oriente Province 9 Damage in the country was not severe 7 estimated at 2 million 10 Hundreds of people were injured or left homeless 11 After the hurricane isolated the town of Caimanera American workers sent a train there from Guantanamo Bay with a medical team and supplies 7 While Hilda moved across the western Caribbean it produced winds of 55 mph 89 km h on Grand Cayman Island 12 as it made Landfall on the island 1 Ahead of Hilda s landfall on the Yucatan peninsula officials warned the residents to prepare for high winds and waves 9 A storm warning was issued in Belize City 11 When Hilda crossed the Yucatan peninsula it caused about 100 000 in damage 4 Ahead of the storm in South Texas officials provided sandbags and advised businesses to move merchandise within 2 ft 0 61 m of the floor both an effort to mitigate potential flooding 13 The large circulation produced winds of 22 mph 35 km h and flooded coastal roads in southern Texas 4 Outer rainbands flooded Raymondville and other towns in the region 14 Before the hurricane struck residents in Mexico expected that Hurricane Hilda would be weaker and strike near Tampico When the storm was announced via radio about three hours before landfall most people were already asleep and unable to prepare 15 Tides rose in advance of the storm and before it made landfall 10 of Tampico was still flooded from previous Hurricane Gladys 16 In Tampico Hilda s strong winds blew away an anemometer after the instrument recorded winds of 105 mph 169 km h peak winds were later estimated at 150 mph 240 km h 2 At the city s port Hilda damaged boats and ferries some of which washed out to sea 15 The hurricane destroyed the roofs of about half of the city s houses as well as several schools and large buildings Hilda produced severe flooding in Tampico that was reported to have covered 90 of the city s streets 4 Although smaller than the previous Hurricane Gladys Hilda dropped heavy rainfall that flooded local rivers Overall 11 432 people were directly affected by Hilda 15 The hurricane caused 300 deaths and 120 million in damage mostly due to the flooding 2 Aftermath editAfter the storm Tampico was left without power or communications 15 About 15 000 people became homeless due to the storm or previously from Hurricane Gladys The governor of Tamaulipas declared a state of emergency and requested assistance from the military to provide food and shelter Within a day after the storm water access was restored although the city initially remained without power or telephone Communications were cut to Tampico except for the airport at the radio 17 The rail line from Laredo Texas to Mexico City was cut during the storm but was restored ten days later 18 Due to ongoing flood conditions there was an outbreak of dysentery that killed two children The Mexican government flew medical supplies food and clothing from Mexico City to Tampico while four United States helicopters assisted in rescue missions along the Panuco River 19 About 10 days after Hilda struck Tampico Hurricane Janet affected the same area causing further damage and deaths Collectively the two hurricanes caused 1 240 deaths along their paths 4 and damage from the consecutive storms totaled about half of Mexico s 1955 national budget 20 After the two hurricanes the Mexican government and military worked to assist the affected residents and the Mexican Red Cross provided vaccinations and medical assistance to prevent the spread of disease 15 See also edit nbsp Tropical cyclones portal Other storms of the same name 1933 Tampico hurricane similarly damaging storm 23 years prior Hurricane Grace another storm that took a similar track and became the strongest hurricane recorded to make landfall in the Bay of CampecheReferences edit a b c Documentation of Atlantic Tropical Cyclones Changes in HURDAT aoml noaa gov a b c d e f g h Gordon E Dunn Walter R Davis Paul L Moore December 1955 Hurricanes of 1955 PDF Report United States Weather Bureau p 320 Retrieved January 20 2013 a b c d e f Atlantic hurricane best track HURDAT version 2 Database United States National Hurricane Center April 5 2023 Retrieved May 1 2024 nbsp This article incorporates text from this source which is in the public domain a b c d e f C E Rhodes 1955 Tropical Storms of the North Atlantic September 1955 United States Weather Bureau pp 326 328 Retrieved January 20 2013 Naval Base in Path of Hurricane The Times News United Press September 13 1955 Retrieved January 20 2013 a b c Hurricane Loses Its Punch Daytona Beach Morning Journal Associated Press 1955 09 14 Retrieved January 20 2013 a b c d e Cuba Damaged by Hilda Ione Brews Sarasota Herald Tribune United Press September 16 1955 Retrieved January 20 2013 a b Hurricane Loses Force in Cuba Toledo Blade Associated Press September 14 1955 Retrieved January 20 2013 a b Hurricane Hilda Due To Hit The Yucatan Peninsular Tonight Lewiston Evening Journal Associated Press September 15 1955 Retrieved January 20 2013 Roger A Pielke Jr Jose Rubiera Christopher Landsea Mario L Fernandez Roberta Klein August 2003 Hurricane Vulnerability in Latin America and The Caribbean Normalized Damage and Loss Potentials PDF National Hazards Review National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 108 Archived from the original PDF on November 19 2012 Retrieved January 20 2013 a b Sluggish Ione Slowing Down Over Atlantic St Petersburg Times Associated Press September 16 1955 Retrieved January 20 2013 Ione Veers Reading Eagle Associated Press September 15 1955 Retrieved January 20 2013 Hilda Strikes Mexican Island Sarasota Herald Tribune Associated Press September 18 1955 Retrieved January 21 2013 Brazos River Settling Down Following Crest at Seymour The Victoria Advocate Associated Press September 29 1955 Retrieved January 21 2013 a b c d e 1955 the year that marked Tampico s History Asi es Tampico Archived from the original on May 18 2015 Retrieved January 20 2013 Ione is Bypassing Florida Daytona Beach Morning Journal Associated Press September 18 1955 Retrieved January 20 2013 Hilda Leaves 15 000 Homeless 12 Dead 350 Hurt in Tampico The Free Lance Star Associated Press September 20 1955 Retrieved January 20 2013 Floods Delay Reports of Janet s Mexico Toll Sarasota Herald Tribune Associated Press September 30 1955 Retrieved January 21 2013 Disease Menaces Flooded City The Age Australian Associated Press September 23 1955 Retrieved January 21 2013 Hurricane Borne Deluge Floods Parts of Mexico Spokane Daily Chronicle Associated Press September 30 1955 Retrieved January 21 2013 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Hurricane Hilda 1955 amp oldid 1181350099, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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