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Tropical Storm Alma (1974)

January 06, 2023

Tropical Storm Alma, the first named storm to develop in the 1974 Atlantic hurricane season, was a short lived tropical cyclone that made a rare Venezuelan landfall. The storm formed from the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) on August 12 well to the east of the Windward Islands, but advisories were not issued until the next day when Alma was at peak intensity. Alma entered the southeastern Caribbean Sea at an unusually brisk westward pace of between 20 mph (32 km/h) to 25 mph (40 km/h), prompting numerous watches and gale warnings throughout the nations in this region. After crossing Trinidad, Alma became one of only four tropical storms to traverse the Paria Peninsula of northeastern Venezuela. The storm dissipated on August 15 over the high terrain of Venezuela.

Tropical Storm Alma
Tropical storm (SSHWS/NWS)
Tropical Storm Alma around peak intensity on August 13.
FormedAugust 12, 1974
DissipatedAugust 15, 1974
Highest winds1-minute sustained: 65 mph (100 km/h)
Lowest pressure1007 mbar (hPa); 29.74 inHg
Fatalities51 total
Damage$5 million (1974 USD)
Areas affectedTrinidad and Tobago, Venezuela
Part of the 1974 Atlantic hurricane season

Alma left heavy damage in Trinidad, amounting to about US$5 million (value in 1974), making it the most destructive cyclone of the 20th century on the island at that time. Alma damaged about 5,000 buildings, leaving 500 people homeless. The storm also wrecked 17,750 acres (7,180 ha) of crop fields. There were two deaths in Trinidad, including one person who was struck by flying debris. Alma's heavy rainfall was responsible for a plane crash on Isla Margarita off the Venezuelan coast, killing the 49 people on board.

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
  Extratropical cyclone / Remnant low / Tropical disturbance / Monsoon depression

A disturbance associated with the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) left the coast of West Africa on August 9,[1] producing mid-level winds of 75 mph (120 km/h) in Dakar, Senegal.[2] A weak circulation formed near the sea surface on August 10 within an area of thunderstorms.[3] The disturbance moved slowly westward over the Atlantic Ocean, developing into a tropical depression at 18:00 UTC on August 12, around the 10th parallel north,[2] an unusually southern latitude the cyclone would remain around throughout its lifetime.[4] On August 13, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Alma about 375 mi (605 km) east of Trinidad and Tobago, as indicated by a Hurricane Hunters flight reporting winds of 65 mph (105 km/h).[2] This same flight observed a circular eye with a diameter of 36 mi (58 km), the only report of an eye-like structure from this storm.[5]

The center of Alma was elongated, causing gale-force winds to extend 75 mi (120 km) to the north while extending only 25 miles (40 km) to the south.[6] On August 14 the Hurricane Hunters measured gusts of 80 mph (130 km/h); however, the storm's overall wind pattern weakened after its initial peak.[2] Alma continued westward at 23 mph (37 km/h), which National Hurricane Center (NHC) Director Neil Frank noted was unusually rapid for a tropical cyclone at this time and location.[6] Alma was able to maintain its low latitude westward movement due to a strong subtropical ridge to its north, which was at an unseasonably low latitude for the month of August.[1]

On August 14, Alma made landfall on Trinidad with winds of 55 mph (90 km/h),[7] the southernmost landfall on that island since a storm in 1933.[1] Even though the storm traversed Trinidad in only three hours,[8] its time over land was sufficient to disrupt the circulation.[9] The storm crossed the Gulf of Paria and made its second and final landfall on the Paria Peninsula of Venezuela,[8] one of only four storms on record to do so; the others were in 1605, 1725, and 1933.[10] The high mountains in Venezuela took a toll on the storm, ripping the circulation and causing Alma to be downgraded to a tropical depression on August 15.[2] At 02:00 UTC that day, Alma's circulation passed near Caracas. The convection rapidly diminished, and the storm's presence on satellite imagery faded, though the NHC noted the potential for redevelopment once it reached open waters.[11] The storm did not survive its trek over land; late on August 15, the NHC issued the final advisory after the circulation dissipated near the border of Venezuela and Colombia.[12] The remnants of Alma continued westward across South and Central America, reaching the Pacific Ocean where they would eventually restrengthen into Hurricane Joyce.[13]

Preparations, impact, and aftermath

 
Tropical Storm Alma over Trinidad on August 14

Before Alma made landfall, gale warnings and a hurricane watch was issued for Trinidad, Tobago, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Barbados. As Alma progressed westward, gale warnings were also issued for the Paria and Paraguaná peninsulas of Venezuela, the Guajira Peninsula, and the ABC islands.[2] Initially, the Trinidad and Tobago weather service anticipated Alma would strike Tobago, but as the storm approached, the trajectory over Trinidad became apparent.[14]

While moving across Trinidad, Alma produced sustained winds of only 35 mph (56 km/h) at Piarco,[2] yet gusts reached 91 mph (147 km/h) at Savonetta.[15] Rainfall at Piarco did not exceed 1 inch (25 mm) during the storm's passage.[16] The strong gusts downed trees and power lines,[9] and damaged about 5,000 buildings, including schools, hospitals,[14] and hundreds of households, wrecking everything inside.[17] This left about 500 people homeless.[14] Alma also caused widespread damage to agriculture,[17] mostly to sugar, resulting in 17,750 acres (7,180 ha) of ruined fields. Several highways in the country suffered damage.[14] The winds flung debris from a roof, which struck and killed a woman.[9] There was also an indirect death on the island,[15] along with several injuries.[18] Damage estimates on the island totaled $5 million (1974 USD);[19] the American embassy in the country considered Alma to be the most destructive storm in Trinidad during the 20th century.[17]

After the storm, local Red Cross volunteers provided meals and clothing to thousands of storm victims. The government allocated $5.1 million (Trinidad and Tobago dollars) for relief work,[17] to be coordinated by the National Emergency Relief Organization of Trinidad and Tobago, which was established following the damaging Hurricane Flora in 1963. This helped rebuild damage houses, clear roads, and assist affected farmers. The United States Agency for International Development sent about US$5,000 in assistance, after the country's ambassador sent a formal request to Washington, D.C. The Amoco oil company also sent a $500 donation to the country's Red Cross.[14]

While moving through the Windward Islands, Alma produced strong wind gusts on Grenada.[20] The outer rainbands of Alma spread over Venezuela while the center was still over Trinidad.[2] At about 13:00 UTC on August 14, the rains caused a Linea Aeropostal Venezolana Vickers Viscount 749 turboprop airliner circling the airport on Isla Margarita to crash.[21] The aircraft struck the side of La Gloria, 26 ft (8 m) below the summit. All but one of the 49 people aboard died on impact; the co-pilot survived for 17 more days before dying from irreversible brain damage.[22] Elsewhere in Venezuela, Alma's heavy rainfall triggered several landslides.[10]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c John R. Hope (1975). "Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1974". Monthly Weather Review. 103 (4): 285–293. Bibcode:1975MWRv..103..285H. doi:10.1175/1520-0493(1975)103<0285:AHSO>2.0.CO;2. ISSN 1520-0493.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Paul J. Hebert (1974-08-26). "Tropical Storm Alma Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-01-05.
  3. ^ Helmut K. Weickmann; Alexis B. Long & L. Ray Hoxit (1977). "Some Examples of Rapidly Growing Oceanic Cumulonimbus Clouds". Monthly Weather Review. 105 (4): 469–476. Bibcode:1977MWRv..105..469W. doi:10.1175/1520-0493(1977)105<0469:SEORGO>2.0.CO;2. ISSN 1520-0493.
  4. ^ "Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)" (Database). United States National Hurricane Center. September 19, 2022. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
  5. ^ John R. Hope and Staff (1976). "Annual Data and Verification Tabulation of Atlantic Cyclones 1974" (PDF). Retrieved 2008-01-08.
  6. ^ a b "First Tropical Storm Brews off Trinidad". Bangor Daily News. United Press International. 1974-08-14. Retrieved 2014-03-15.
  7. ^ "Storm Alma Hits Trinidad; Warnings Out". Spokane Daily Chronicle. Associated Press. 1974-08-14. Retrieved 2014-08-15.
  8. ^ a b "Storm Crashes in Storm". Bangor Daily News. 1974-08-15. Retrieved 2014-03-15.
  9. ^ a b c "Alma Hits Trinidad, Kills One". Daytona Beach Morning Journal. Associated Press. 1974-08-15. Retrieved 2014-03-15.
  10. ^ a b José A. Colón (1974-08-21). Report on Tropical Storm Alma (PDF). San Juan Weather Service Forecast Office (Report). National Hurricane Center. p. 2. Retrieved 2014-03-15.
  11. ^ Paul J. Hebert (1974-08-15). Tropical Storm Alma Tropical Cyclone Discussion (JPG) (Report). Retrieved 2014-03-15.
  12. ^ Miles B. Lawrence (1974-08-15). Tropical Disturbance Alma Tropical Cyclone Discussion (JPG) (Report). Retrieved 2014-03-15.
  13. ^ Neil Frank (1974). "Atlantic Tropical Systems of 1974". Monthly Weather Review. 103 (4): 294–300. Bibcode:1975MWRv..103..294F. doi:10.1175/1520-0493(1975)103<0294:ATSO>2.0.CO;2. ISSN 1520-0493.
  14. ^ a b c d e Trinidad and Tobago - Tropical Storm Case Report (PDF) (Report). United States Agency for International Development. Retrieved 2014-03-16.
  15. ^ a b (PDF) (Report). Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service via the Internet Wayback Machine. 2002-05-02. Archived from the original on December 23, 2005. Retrieved 2011-10-13.{{cite report}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  16. ^ José A. Colón (1974-08-21). Report on Tropical Storm Alma (PDF). San Juan Weather Service Forecast Office (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2014-03-15.
  17. ^ a b c d USG Disaster Assistance for Relief of Victims of Tropical Storm Alma in Trinidad (JPG). American Embassy at Port of Spain (Report). National Hurricane Center. 1974-08-30. Retrieved 2014-03-16.
  18. ^ "Tropical Storm Alma Blamed for Plane Crash; 47 Killed". The Telegraph. United Press International. 1974-08-15. Retrieved 2014-03-15.
  19. ^ Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (August 1993). "Significant Data on Major Disasters Worldwide 1900-present" (PDF). Retrieved 2014-03-15.
  20. ^ "Tropical Storm Alma Roars into Trinidad". The Day. Associated Press. 1974-08-13. Retrieved 2014-03-13.
  21. ^ "Tropical Storm Alma Blamed For Plane Crash; 47 Killed". United Press International. The Telegraph. 1974-08-15. p. 8. Retrieved 2011-07-30.
  22. ^ "Aircraft Accident: Vickers 749 Viscount YV-C-AMX Isla Margarita". Aviation Safety Network. 2007-02-12. Retrieved 2011-07-30.

January 06, 2023
tropical, storm, alma, 1974, tropical, storm, alma, first, named, storm, develop, 1974, atlantic, hurricane, season, short, lived, tropical, cyclone, that, made, rare, venezuelan, landfall, storm, formed, from, intertropical, convergence, zone, itcz, august, w. Tropical Storm Alma the first named storm to develop in the 1974 Atlantic hurricane season was a short lived tropical cyclone that made a rare Venezuelan landfall The storm formed from the Intertropical Convergence Zone ITCZ on August 12 well to the east of the Windward Islands but advisories were not issued until the next day when Alma was at peak intensity Alma entered the southeastern Caribbean Sea at an unusually brisk westward pace of between 20 mph 32 km h to 25 mph 40 km h prompting numerous watches and gale warnings throughout the nations in this region After crossing Trinidad Alma became one of only four tropical storms to traverse the Paria Peninsula of northeastern Venezuela The storm dissipated on August 15 over the high terrain of Venezuela Tropical Storm AlmaTropical storm SSHWS NWS Tropical Storm Alma around peak intensity on August 13 FormedAugust 12 1974DissipatedAugust 15 1974Highest winds1 minute sustained 65 mph 100 km h Lowest pressure1007 mbar hPa 29 74 inHgFatalities51 totalDamage 5 million 1974 USD Areas affectedTrinidad and Tobago VenezuelaPart of the 1974 Atlantic hurricane seasonAlma left heavy damage in Trinidad amounting to about US 5 million value in 1974 making it the most destructive cyclone of the 20th century on the island at that time Alma damaged about 5 000 buildings leaving 500 people homeless The storm also wrecked 17 750 acres 7 180 ha of crop fields There were two deaths in Trinidad including one person who was struck by flying debris Alma s heavy rainfall was responsible for a plane crash on Isla Margarita off the Venezuelan coast killing the 49 people on board Contents 1 Meteorological history 2 Preparations impact and aftermath 3 See also 4 ReferencesMeteorological history Edit 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 Tropical cyclone Subtropical cyclone Extratropical cyclone Remnant low Tropical disturbance Monsoon depression A disturbance associated with the Intertropical Convergence Zone ITCZ left the coast of West Africa on August 9 1 producing mid level winds of 75 mph 120 km h in Dakar Senegal 2 A weak circulation formed near the sea surface on August 10 within an area of thunderstorms 3 The disturbance moved slowly westward over the Atlantic Ocean developing into a tropical depression at 18 00 UTC on August 12 around the 10th parallel north 2 an unusually southern latitude the cyclone would remain around throughout its lifetime 4 On August 13 the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Alma about 375 mi 605 km east of Trinidad and Tobago as indicated by a Hurricane Hunters flight reporting winds of 65 mph 105 km h 2 This same flight observed a circular eye with a diameter of 36 mi 58 km the only report of an eye like structure from this storm 5 The center of Alma was elongated causing gale force winds to extend 75 mi 120 km to the north while extending only 25 miles 40 km to the south 6 On August 14 the Hurricane Hunters measured gusts of 80 mph 130 km h however the storm s overall wind pattern weakened after its initial peak 2 Alma continued westward at 23 mph 37 km h which National Hurricane Center NHC Director Neil Frank noted was unusually rapid for a tropical cyclone at this time and location 6 Alma was able to maintain its low latitude westward movement due to a strong subtropical ridge to its north which was at an unseasonably low latitude for the month of August 1 On August 14 Alma made landfall on Trinidad with winds of 55 mph 90 km h 7 the southernmost landfall on that island since a storm in 1933 1 Even though the storm traversed Trinidad in only three hours 8 its time over land was sufficient to disrupt the circulation 9 The storm crossed the Gulf of Paria and made its second and final landfall on the Paria Peninsula of Venezuela 8 one of only four storms on record to do so the others were in 1605 1725 and 1933 10 The high mountains in Venezuela took a toll on the storm ripping the circulation and causing Alma to be downgraded to a tropical depression on August 15 2 At 02 00 UTC that day Alma s circulation passed near Caracas The convection rapidly diminished and the storm s presence on satellite imagery faded though the NHC noted the potential for redevelopment once it reached open waters 11 The storm did not survive its trek over land late on August 15 the NHC issued the final advisory after the circulation dissipated near the border of Venezuela and Colombia 12 The remnants of Alma continued westward across South and Central America reaching the Pacific Ocean where they would eventually restrengthen into Hurricane Joyce 13 Preparations impact and aftermath Edit Tropical Storm Alma over Trinidad on August 14 Before Alma made landfall gale warnings and a hurricane watch was issued for Trinidad Tobago Grenada Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Barbados As Alma progressed westward gale warnings were also issued for the Paria and Paraguana peninsulas of Venezuela the Guajira Peninsula and the ABC islands 2 Initially the Trinidad and Tobago weather service anticipated Alma would strike Tobago but as the storm approached the trajectory over Trinidad became apparent 14 While moving across Trinidad Alma produced sustained winds of only 35 mph 56 km h at Piarco 2 yet gusts reached 91 mph 147 km h at Savonetta 15 Rainfall at Piarco did not exceed 1 inch 25 mm during the storm s passage 16 The strong gusts downed trees and power lines 9 and damaged about 5 000 buildings including schools hospitals 14 and hundreds of households wrecking everything inside 17 This left about 500 people homeless 14 Alma also caused widespread damage to agriculture 17 mostly to sugar resulting in 17 750 acres 7 180 ha of ruined fields Several highways in the country suffered damage 14 The winds flung debris from a roof which struck and killed a woman 9 There was also an indirect death on the island 15 along with several injuries 18 Damage estimates on the island totaled 5 million 1974 USD 19 the American embassy in the country considered Alma to be the most destructive storm in Trinidad during the 20th century 17 After the storm local Red Cross volunteers provided meals and clothing to thousands of storm victims The government allocated 5 1 million Trinidad and Tobago dollars for relief work 17 to be coordinated by the National Emergency Relief Organization of Trinidad and Tobago which was established following the damaging Hurricane Flora in 1963 This helped rebuild damage houses clear roads and assist affected farmers The United States Agency for International Development sent about US 5 000 in assistance after the country s ambassador sent a formal request to Washington D C The Amoco oil company also sent a 500 donation to the country s Red Cross 14 While moving through the Windward Islands Alma produced strong wind gusts on Grenada 20 The outer rainbands of Alma spread over Venezuela while the center was still over Trinidad 2 At about 13 00 UTC on August 14 the rains caused a Linea Aeropostal Venezolana Vickers Viscount 749 turboprop airliner circling the airport on Isla Margarita to crash 21 The aircraft struck the side of La Gloria 26 ft 8 m below the summit All but one of the 49 people aboard died on impact the co pilot survived for 17 more days before dying from irreversible brain damage 22 Elsewhere in Venezuela Alma s heavy rainfall triggered several landslides 10 See also Edit Tropical cyclones portalTropical Storm Alma disambiguation other storms of the same name 1933 Trinidad hurricane Early season hurricane that moved across Trinidad and northeastern Venezuela Tropical Storm Bret 1993 Another low latitude tropical storm that made landfall on Venezuela Hurricane Joyce 2000 Low latitude hurricane that passed between Trinidad and Tobago Tropical Storm Bret 2017 Similar storm that hit Trinidad in mid June 2017References Edit a b c John R Hope 1975 Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1974 Monthly Weather Review 103 4 285 293 Bibcode 1975MWRv 103 285H doi 10 1175 1520 0493 1975 103 lt 0285 AHSO gt 2 0 CO 2 ISSN 1520 0493 a b c d e f g h Paul J Hebert 1974 08 26 Tropical Storm Alma Tropical Cyclone Report National Hurricane Center Retrieved 2008 01 05 Helmut K Weickmann Alexis B Long amp L Ray Hoxit 1977 Some Examples of Rapidly Growing Oceanic Cumulonimbus Clouds Monthly Weather Review 105 4 469 476 Bibcode 1977MWRv 105 469W doi 10 1175 1520 0493 1977 105 lt 0469 SEORGO gt 2 0 CO 2 ISSN 1520 0493 Atlantic hurricane best track HURDAT version 2 Database United States National Hurricane Center September 19 2022 Retrieved January 5 2023 John R Hope and Staff 1976 Annual Data and Verification Tabulation of Atlantic Cyclones 1974 PDF Retrieved 2008 01 08 a b First Tropical Storm Brews off Trinidad Bangor Daily News United Press International 1974 08 14 Retrieved 2014 03 15 Storm Alma Hits Trinidad Warnings Out Spokane Daily Chronicle Associated Press 1974 08 14 Retrieved 2014 08 15 a b Storm Crashes in Storm Bangor Daily News 1974 08 15 Retrieved 2014 03 15 a b c Alma Hits Trinidad Kills One Daytona Beach Morning Journal Associated Press 1974 08 15 Retrieved 2014 03 15 a b Jose A Colon 1974 08 21 Report on Tropical Storm Alma PDF San Juan Weather Service Forecast Office Report National Hurricane Center p 2 Retrieved 2014 03 15 Paul J Hebert 1974 08 15 Tropical Storm Alma Tropical Cyclone Discussion JPG Report Retrieved 2014 03 15 Miles B Lawrence 1974 08 15 Tropical Disturbance Alma Tropical Cyclone Discussion JPG Report Retrieved 2014 03 15 Neil Frank 1974 Atlantic Tropical Systems of 1974 Monthly Weather Review 103 4 294 300 Bibcode 1975MWRv 103 294F doi 10 1175 1520 0493 1975 103 lt 0294 ATSO gt 2 0 CO 2 ISSN 1520 0493 a b c d e Trinidad and Tobago Tropical Storm Case Report PDF Report United States Agency for International Development Retrieved 2014 03 16 a b Tropical Cyclones Affecting Trinidad and Tobago 1725 2000 PDF Report Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service via the Internet Wayback Machine 2002 05 02 Archived from the original on December 23 2005 Retrieved 2011 10 13 a href Template Cite report html title Template Cite report cite report a CS1 maint unfit URL link Jose A Colon 1974 08 21 Report on Tropical Storm Alma PDF San Juan Weather Service Forecast Office Report National Hurricane Center Retrieved 2014 03 15 a b c d USG Disaster Assistance for Relief of Victims of Tropical Storm Alma in Trinidad JPG American Embassy at Port of Spain Report National Hurricane Center 1974 08 30 Retrieved 2014 03 16 Tropical Storm Alma Blamed for Plane Crash 47 Killed The Telegraph United Press International 1974 08 15 Retrieved 2014 03 15 Office of U S Foreign Disaster Assistance August 1993 Significant Data on Major Disasters Worldwide 1900 present PDF Retrieved 2014 03 15 Tropical Storm Alma Roars into Trinidad The Day Associated Press 1974 08 13 Retrieved 2014 03 13 Tropical Storm Alma Blamed For Plane Crash 47 Killed United Press International The Telegraph 1974 08 15 p 8 Retrieved 2011 07 30 Aircraft Accident Vickers 749 Viscount YV C AMX Isla Margarita Aviation Safety Network 2007 02 12 Retrieved 2011 07 30 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Tropical Storm Alma 1974 amp oldid 1118265929, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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