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1933 Atlantic hurricane season
<tr style="background-color:#F0F0F0; border-bottom:1px solid #AAAAAA;"><td align="center" colspan="2">Image:1933 Atlantic hurricane season map.png
Season summary map</td></tr><tr><th>First storm formed:</th><td>May 14, 1933</td></tr><tr><th>Last storm dissipated:</th><td>Nov. 13, 1933</td></tr><tr style="background-color:#F0F0F0; border-top:1px solid #AAAAAA;"><th>Strongest storm:</th><td>#18 - 130 knots (150 mph, 240 km/h)
#12 - 948 mbar</td></tr><tr style="background-color:#F0F0F0;"><th>Total storms:</th><td>21</td></tr><tr style="background-color:#F0F0F0; border-bottom:1px solid #AAAAAA;"><th>Major storms (Cat. 3+):</th><td>5</td></tr><tr><th>Total damage:</th><td>$85.4+ million (1933 USD)</td></tr><tr><th>Total fatalities:</th><td>632+</td></tr><tr><td align=center colspan="2" style="white-space: nowrap;"></td></tr><tr align=center style="background-color:#F0F0F0; border-top:1px solid #AAAAAA;"><td colspan="2">Atlantic hurricane seasons
1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935</td></tr>
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The 1933 Atlantic hurricane season is the second most active Atlantic hurricane season on record, with 21 storms forming during that year. The season, which began on June 1, 1933 and lasted until November 30, 1933, is surpassed only by the 2005 season, which broke the record with its 28 storms. The 1933 season saw tropical activity before its start, and a tropical cyclone was active for all but 13 days from June 28 to October 7. Tropical cyclones that did not approach populated areas or shipping lanes, especially if they were relatively weak and of short duration, may have remained undetected. Because technologies such as satellite monitoring were not available until the 1960s, historical data on tropical cyclones from this period are often not reliable.
Ten of the season's 21 storms attained hurricane status. Five of those were major hurricanes, with sustained winds of over 111 mph (179 km/h); the strongest reached peak winds of 150 mph (240 km/h) near the Bahamas in early October. The season produced several deadly storms, with eight storms killing more than 20 people. All but one of the 21 known storms affected land at some point during their lifetimes.
[edit] Season summary
The 1933 season was the most active of its time, surpassing the previous record-holder of 19 storms in 1887. Nineteen of the season's storms made landfall as tropical cyclones, and another struck land as an extratropical storm. Eight tropical storms, including six hurricanes, hit the United States during the season, including the Chesapeake Potomac Hurricane, which the U.S. Weather Bureau describes as one of the most severe in history along the Mid-Atlantic States. Seven tropical storms, including four hurricanes, hit Mexico, two of which caused severe damage in the Tampico area.<ref name="mwr">Charles L. Mitchell (1933). 1933 Monthly Weather Review. U.S. Weather Bureau. Retrieved on 2006-09-07.</ref>
The season was continuously active, with a record-setting total of seven storms forming during the month of August alone. This record was later tied by the 1995 season and ultimately broken by the 2004 season with its eight August storms.<ref name="augsum">Lawrence, Franklin, Avila, Beven, Pasch, & Stewart (2006). Tropical Weather Summary of August 2004. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2006-09-19.</ref> At the time, many storms received the distinction of being the earliest nth storm to form, such as the earliest fifth tropical storm to form in a season. Though most of the records were broken in later years, the 1933 season retains the record for the earliest formation of a season's 18th storm by 27 hours.<ref name="andyhatzos">Andy Hatzos (2006). Earliest Hurricane Research. Retrieved on 2006-09-19.</ref>
During the season, the U.S. Weather Bureau issued storm and hurricane warnings for eight storms, including coastal portions of Texas, as well as from Florida to Massachusetts, forcing the evacuations of thousands of people. The deadliest storm of the season was a hurricane that struck Tampico, Mexico, killing over 184 residents. The costliest hurricane was the Chesapeake Potomac Hurricane, which caused $27 million in damage (1933 USD, $360 million 2005 USD) from North Carolina to New Jersey. The hurricane produced rainfall that resulted in severe crop damage in Maryland.<ref name="mwr"/>
[edit] Storms
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Timeline of tropical activity in 1933 Atlantic hurricane season
[edit] Tropical Storm One
The first storm of the season formed on May 14 in the western Caribbean Sea, prior to the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season. It moved quickly towards the northwest and attained a peak intensity of 45 mph (70 km/h) on May 16. The storm turned to the west, then curved southwest, while moving around the Yucatan Peninsula just offshore. The tropical storm turned to the south, weakened to a tropical depression, and made landfall on northern Tabasco. It dissipated on May 19.<ref name="unisys">Unisys Corporation (2006). 1933 Atlantic hurricane season. Retrieved on 2006-09-07.</ref>
[edit] Hurricane Two
The hurricane season officially began on June 1, but there was little detectable activity during most of June. That tranquility came to an end on June 27, when a tropical storm was first observed just off the coast of northern Guyana. It strengthened as it moved west-northwestward, and it became a hurricane later that day. Continuing to the west-northwest, the hurricane brushed southern Tobago and made landfall on northeastern Venezuela on June 28, becoming the earliest known tropical cyclone to affect the area.<ref name="mwr"/> The system weakened to a tropical storm over land but re-attained hurricane status on July 1 while in the western Caribbean Sea. The hurricane curved to the northwest and moved over western Cuba on July 3. It turned to the west in the Gulf of Mexico and reached a peak intensity of 105 mph (170 km/h) on July 5, making it a Category 2 hurricane. The hurricane turned to the west-southwest due to a building high pressure area to its north then weakened. It made landfall on the coast of Tamaulipas and weakened to tropical storm status. The system finally dissipated over land on July 7.<ref name="unisys"/>
On southern Tobago, the hurricane caused severe damage, amounting to around $3 million (1933 USD). 13 people were killed on the island, and another 1,000 were left homeless. In northeastern Venezuela, the hurricane destroyed many houses, businesses, and boats, and strong winds downed power lines. Many people were killed, and property damage totaled to over $386,000 (1933 USD).<ref name="mwr"/> In Cuba, the storm killed 22 people, while damage amounted to $4 million (1933 USD).<ref name="Cuba">Pielke, Rubiera, Landsea, Fernandez, & Klien (2003). Hurricane Vulnerability in Latin America & The Caribbean. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.</ref> The hurricane caused severe damage and several deaths in northeastern Mexico.<ref name="mwr"/> In all, the hurricane killed 35 people.<ref name="deadliest">Rappaport & Partagas (1997). The Deadliest Atlantic Hurricanes, 1492-1996. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2006-09-19.</ref>
[edit] Tropical Storm Three
The third tropical storm of the season was first observed on July 14 near St. Kitts. It moved quickly westward and passed just south of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola as a weak storm. The system curved slightly to the west-northwest and brushed the northern coast of Jamaica before turning slightly westward and hitting the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. As it crossed the Yucatán Peninsula the cyclone weakened, and after crossing the Bay of Campeche the storm dissipated over coastal Veracruz.<ref name="unisys"/>
While passing near Jamaica, the storm dropped heavy rainfall, including 9 inches (230 mm) in Kingston which led to flooding and washouts. The rainfall also damaged several bridges and roads and resulting in delays in train schedules.<ref name="july181933">The Daily Gleaner. Torrential Rains Create Havoc in Kingston and St. Andrews. Retrieved on 2006-09-29.</ref> Mudslides and overflowing rivers flooded several towns with knee-deep waters. Moderate winds downed several banana trees across the island.<ref name="july201933">The Daily Gleaner. Burst Rivers Flooded Roads in Villages. 1933-07-20. Retrieved on 2006-09-29.</ref>
[edit] Tropical Storm Four
On July 21, another tropical storm formed, this time, in the central Gulf of Mexico to the northwest of the Yucatán Peninsula. It moved quickly to the northwest, and made landfall near Matagorda Bay, in Texas on July 23 as a 45 mph (70 km/h) tropical storm. The system turned to the northeast, and became extratropical to the east of Dallas, Texas. The extratropical system moved slowly through northern Louisiana, turned to the northeast, and dissipated over northeastern Arkansas near Memphis, Tennessee.<ref name="mwr"/>
Prior to the arrival of the storm, numerous coastal residents boarded up their houses and businesses and voluntarily evacuated further inland. Upon making landfall, the storm produced high tides.<ref name="july221933">The Ada Evening News. Storm Threatens Coast of Texas. Retrieved on 2006-09-29.</ref> In eastern Texas and western Louisiana, the system dropped very heavy precipitation, which in places reached accumulations exceeding 20 inches (500 mm). The highest storm total ocurred in Logansport, Louisiana, which reported 24 inches (610 mm) in a 4-day period.<ref name="lahist">David Roth (2003). Louisiana Hurricane History. National Weather Service. Retrieved on 2006-09-01.</ref>
In Louisiana, the flooding severely damaged crops and forced about 250 families near Shreveport to evacuate their flooded homes. The torrential rainfall also resulted in overflowing rivers; numerous highways, roads, and railroads were either impassable or closed, with some locations experiencing water depths of up to 20 feet (6.1 m).<ref name="july271933">Port Arthur News. Rises Predicted. Retrieved on 2006-09-29.</ref>
Total damage reached nearly $2 million (1933 USD).<ref name="1933ussum">R. J. Martin (1933). The Weather of 1933 in the United States. U.S. Weather Bureau. Retrieved on 2006-09-06.</ref>
[edit] Hurricane Five
On July 25, two days after the remnants of Tropical Storm 4 dissipated, another tropical storm was detected. Located to the southeast of Antigua, it tracked west-northwestward, passing near St. Thomas with winds of up to 60 mph (95 km/h). The storm strengthened and attained hurricane status the next day north of Puerto Rico, and it continued its west-northwest movement. After moving through the northern Bahamas, the hurricane struck near Fort Pierce, Florida, with winds of 85 mph (135 km/h).
The hurricane crossed the state and weakened to minimal tropical storm intensity. It turned to the west-southwest and re-strengthened to a hurricane on August 4 off the coast of Texas. It weakened again to tropical storm status and made its final landfall near Brownsville, Texas, on August 5 as a strong tropical storm. The system rapidly dissipated over northern Mexico.<ref name="mwr"/>
While moving over Saint Christopher, the storm killed six people. Heavy rain was reported throughout the Virgin Islands.<ref name="july261933">The Port Arthur News. "Storm Strikes Island Group; Six Killed". Retrieved on 2006-09-29.</ref> The hurricane caused the drowning of one person in the Bahamas, and moderate winds produced severe structural damage to the buildings in the archipielago.<ref name="july281933">Bismarck Tribune. Storm Hits Bahamas. Retrieved on 2006-09-29.</ref>
In Florida, the National Weather Bureau issued storm warnings between Miami to Titusville, while Governor David Sholtz issued a mandatory evacuation for 4,200 residents in vulnerable areas around Lake Okeechobee.<ref name="july301933">Port Arthur News. Tropical Storm Nears Florida. Retrieved on 2006-09-29.</ref> Damage in Florida was minimal, limited to minor crops, roofs, and signs.<ref name=july311933">Times Herald. Florida Effects from Hurricane. Retrieved on 2006-09-29.</ref> In southern Texas, the hurricane produced moderate damage of $500,000 (1933 USD), including disrupted telephone and telegraph lines.<ref name="aug51933">The Daily Northwestern. Tropical Hurricane Blows Self Out in Mountainous Region. Retrieved on 2006-09-29.</ref>
The hurricane produced high tides along the coast of Texas, covering parts of South Padre Island,<ref name="texhis">David Roth (2000). Texas Hurricane History. National Weather Service. Retrieved on 2006-08-31.</ref>, and heavy rains in northern Mexico caused heavy damage.<ref name="mwr"/>
[edit] Tropical Storm Six
The sixth tropical storm of the season was first observed near Barbados on August 12. It quickly passed through the Lesser Antilles and slowly strengthened to reach a maximum strength of 60 mph (95 km/h) on August 15. After passing just south of Jamaica, the storm turned to the northwest and crossed over both the Isle of Youth and western Cuba on August 18. It curved northward, made landfall on the Florida Panhandle, and dissipated on August 20 over southwestern Georgia.<ref name="mwr"/>
The storm produced heavy rainfall in eastern Jamaica, including a record 24-hour total of 12.17 inches (309 mm) in the Corporate Area.<ref name="aug171933">The Daily Gleaner. Hurricane Passes South of Island. Retrieved on 2006-09-29.</ref> This flooded and damaged properties and water systems in Kingston and Saint Andrew, leading to a water famine until the water mains were fixed. Damage totaled to over $2.5 million (1933 UD),<ref name="1933aug19">Winnipeg Free Press. Tail-end of Jamaica storm causes heavy damage on Trinidad. Retrieved on 2006-09-29.</ref> and 70 people were reported killed due to the flooding.<ref name="deadliest"/> Damage was minimal in both Cuba and Florida.<ref name="mwr"/>
[edit] Tropical Storm Seven
On August 16, the seventh tropical storm of the year was first sighted to the east of the Windward Islands. The system moved quickly to the west-northwest, followed by a turn to the west. It remained a minimal tropical storm for most of its lifetime, never gained significant intensity, and dissipated on August 21 to the east of Honduras.<ref name="unisys"/>
On Trinidad, rainfall from Tropical Storms 6 and 7—the heaviest in 9 years—caused rivers to overflow and flooded parts of the island. Several boats were damaged or driven ashore from rough seas. The two storms caused damage to fields, highways, and houses, and caused the loss of crops such as cocoa and bananas. In all, Storms 6 and 7 caused $3 million (1933 USD) in damage and 13 deaths on Trinidad.<ref name="1933aug19"/>
[edit] Hurricane Eight
- Main article: 1933 Chesapeake Potomac Hurricane
A ship first reported the season's eighth tropical storm about 900 miles (1450 ) east of Puerto Rico on August 17. This system would become one of the most destructive hurricanes of the season. The storm moved towards the northwest and quickly attained hurricane status late that same day. The hurricane continued to strengthen, and on August 21, it passed about 150 miles (240 km) southwest of Bermuda as a Category 2 hurricane. St. George's avoided a direct hit but reported wind speeds of up to 64 mph (103 km/h). On August 22, the hurricane turned west-northwest and reached its peak intensity, with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 km/h), equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane in the modern-day Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. However, it weakened quickly afterwards. On August 23, the storm made landfall on the Outer Banks of North Carolina as a minimal hurricane and continued to quickly weaken as it moved inland, away from its energy source. The storm turned to the north, then to the northeast, passing through Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania before weakening to a tropical depression over New York. The system continued accelerating to the northeast and dissipated over the Gulf of Saint Lawrence on August 26.<ref name="mwr"/>
The hurricane caused damage ranging from moderate to severe in the corridor between North Carolina and New Jersey, due to high tides and strong winds.<ref name="mwr"/> In the state of Maryland, the storm's effects resulted in severe crop damage, and many boats and piers were damaged or destroyed due to high tides and storm surge.<ref name="mwr"/> The hurricane produced heavy rainfall along its path, with a peak of 13.28 inches (337.3 mm) in York, Pennsylvania.<ref name="cphrain">David Roth (2006). Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima. Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved on 2006-09-10.</ref> Overall, the hurricane caused $27 million in damage (1933 USD, $360 million 2005 USD)<ref name="mwr"/> and 31 deaths.<ref name="noaa">Roth & Cobb (2001). Virginia Hurricane History. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved on 2006-09-05.</ref><ref name="hc">Hurricanecity.com (2006). Ocean City, Maryland hurricanes. Retrieved on 2006-09-06.</ref>
[edit] Tropical Storm Nine
A day after Hurricane 8 made landfall on the United States, another tropical storm was observed on the Atlantic basin centered about 340 miles (550 km) northeast of Antigua. It moved northwestward for three days, slowly strengthening as it moved over the open ocean. The storm turned to the northeast and reached peak sustained winds of 50 mph (80 km/h) a short distance to the west of Bermuda. It began weakening shortly thereafter, and on August 30 the storm became extratropical to the southeast of Newfoundland. It continued to the northeast and was last observed on August 31 over the north-central Atlantic Ocean. It did not cause significant effects on land.<ref name="mwr"/><ref name="unisys"/>
[edit] Tropical Storm Ten
At approximately the same time on August 26, another area of disturbed weather organized into the season's tenth tropical storm in the Bay of Campeche. It initially moved to the northwest. The cyclone remained a minimal tropical storm for most of its lifetime. On August 29, the storm turned to the west-southwest and made landfall near Tampico, Mexico, dissipating shortly thereafter. The tropical storm caused heavy rains near the coast, although winds were minor. Due to uncertainty as to its course, tropical storm warnings were issued for portions of the southern Texas coastline.<ref name="mwr"/>
[edit] Hurricane Eleven
On August 28, the seventh tropical storm of the month was seen to the east of the northern Lesser Antilles. It tracked westward then turned to the west-northwest, strengthening as it passed to the north of the islands. On August 30, the storm attained hurricane status as it approached the Turks & Caicos Islands, continued to the west-northwest through the southern Bahamas and paralleled the northern coast of Cuba. From there, the system intensified to a Category 2 hurricane to the north of Havana on September 1. It then entered the Gulf of Mexico and intensified into a major hurricane (defined as Category 3 or greater) on September 2. It continued westward and reached a peak intensity of 125 mph (200 km/h) on September 3 for a period of about 24 hours. The hurricane weakened as it approached the Texas coastline on September 4, and it made landfall just north of Brownsville early on September 5. The system rapidly weakened as it moved through southern Texas and northeastern Mexico and dissipated within 24 hours of making landfall.<ref name="mwr"/><ref name="unisys"/>
Officials warned citizens along the Texas coastline to remain away from inaccessible places. Because it was predicted to strike on the Labor Day weekend, an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 residents were feared to be in unreachable locations and potentially at risk.<ref name="mwr"/> Corpus Christi officials ordered a mandatory evacuation for residents in low-lying areas, declared martial law, and set up shelters for the potentially affected citizens. Many businesses closed for what would otherwise have been a busy weekend.<ref name="corpus">Corpus Christi National Weather Service (2000). Hurricane #11, 1933. Retrieved on 2006-08-31.</ref>
In the Turks & Caicos islands, the hurricane produced winds of up to 56 mph (90 km/h) and a pressure of 996 mbar (29.40 inHg). The system produced 94 mph (154 km/h) winds and carried a pressure reading of 979 mbar (28.91 inHg) in Havana. Throughout Cuba, the hurricane caused damage of $11 million (1933 USD) and killed 70 people.<ref name="Cuba"/> In Key West, the storm produced a 42 mph (68 km/h) winds and minor damage.<ref name="mwr"/> Brownsville suffered $1.75 million (1933 USD) in damage, 40 deaths, and 500 injuries. In Corpus Christi, the storm damaged boats, created cuts in islands along the coast, and destroyed the causeway connecting Padre Island to the mainland.<ref name="corpus"/> Total damage in Texas amounted to $17 million (1933 USD).<ref name="texhis"/> Throughout its lifespan, the hurricane killed 179 people.<ref name="deadliest"/> Many businessmen who expected more severe damage were angry with the meteorologist in charge of the Corpus Christi station, although the National Weather Bureau confirmed that the preparations had been needed and had saved lives. Damage there totaled to $28 million (1933 USD, $37 million 2005 USD).<ref name="corpus"/>
[edit] Hurricane Twelve
The eighth tropical storm in August, and the seventh to form in 30 days, was first observed on August 31 225 miles (360 km) north-northeast of the island of Antigua. The storm rapidly intensified as it moved quickly to the west-northwest, attaining hurricane status later that day, and major hurricane strength on September 1, while located to the north of Puerto Rico. It continued west-northwestward and attained its peak intensity, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (225 km/h), on September 2. The hurricane, then at Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, moved through the northern Bahamas at peak intensity and weakened slightly before making landfall on Jupiter, Florida, with winds of 125 mph (200 km/h) on September 4. The system weakened rapidly over Florida to tropical storm status, and after turning to the north, decelerated. The weakening storm slowly moved through Georgia before dissipating near the Georgia/South Carolina border on September 7.<ref name="mwr"/>
On Eleuthera Island, the Category 4 hurricane blew away the roofs of buildings, wrecked wharves, and lost boats. Hurricane warnings were issued for the eastern Florida coastline, and 3,000 people were evacuated around Lake Okeechobee to safer areas.<ref name="sept41933">Associated Press. "Florida Coast is Lashed by Hurricane". Retrieved on 2006-10-01.</ref> In southeastern Florida, the strong winds broke many glass windows and downed trees and power lines; severe house damage was reported near the landfall location. The hurricane's powerful winds also severely damaged crops, including 4,000,000 boxes of citrus fruit across the state.<ref name="mwr"/> In total, Florida suffered $2 million (1933 USD) in damage and 2 deaths.<ref name="florida">Williams & Duedall (1997). Tropical storms and Hurricanes in Florida. Retrieved on 2006-09-01.</ref>
[edit] Hurricane Thirteen
- Main article: 1933 Outer Banks Hurricane
On September 8, an area of disturbed weather to the east of the Lesser Antilles organized into a tropical storm. It moved north-northeastward, and after a turn to the northwest, the system intensified to hurricane strength on September 10. It steadily intensified and reached a peak strength of 120 mph (195 km/h) on September 15. It weakened and slowed as it turned to the north, striking southeastern North Carolina just west of Cape Hatteras as a Category 1 hurricane. After moving through the Outer Banks, the system accelerated to the northeast and became extratropical on September 18 about halfway between Cape Cod and the southern tip of Nova Scotia. The extratropical storm passed over Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Labrador before dissipating near Greenland on September 21.<ref name="mwr"/>
Strong winds from the hurricane downed trees and power lines in southeastern North Carolina, causing damage to many houses. The hurricane produced a storm surge that flooded coastal streets with 3 to 4 feet (0.9–1.2 m) of water. In all, the hurricane caused at least 21 deaths, primarily due to drowning in high waters. Damage totaled to around $1 million (1933 USD).<ref name="mwr"/>
[edit] Hurricane Fourteen
On September 10, as Hurricane 13 was intensifying over the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, another area of disturbed weather developed into a tropical storm over the western Caribbean Sea off the coast of Guatemala. It moved slowly northward and strengthened, becoming a hurricane on September 12 just east of Belize. On the next day, the hurricane made landfall on the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, and the system weakened to a tropical storm as it moved northwestward across the Yucatán Peninsula. On September 14 it again regained hurricane status over the Bay of Campeche. The hurricane struck Tampico on the 15th then dissipated.<ref name="mwr"/>
The storm caused severe damage in Tampico and further inland, leaving several thousand homeless. According to
The New York Times, at least 67 people were killed.
Tuxpan, south of Tampico, also suffered heavy damage with many houses and office buildings destroyed. Total property losses were estimated at several million dollars.<ref>"67 Mexicans Die In Storm",
The New York Times, September 17, 1933.</ref>
[edit] Hurricane Fifteen
On the other side of the Caribbean Sea, the 15th tropical storm was first observed on September 16 to the east of the southern Leeward Islands. The cyclone tracked to the west-northwest through the islands, slowly strengthening to hurricane strength on September 20 near Jamaica. Continuing west-northwestward, the hurricane reached Category 2 status and made landfall 40 miles (65 km) south of Cozumel Island on September 22. The hurricane weakened slightly over the Yucatán Peninsula then re-strengthened over the Gulf of Mexico to reach a peak intensity of 110 mph (175 km/h) on September 24. Only a week after Hurricane 14 had hit there, the storm made landfall near Tampico. It dissipated on September 25 over Mexico.<ref name="mwr"/>
Near Jamaica, the hurricane caused rough seas, although damage, if any, is unknown.<ref name="mwr"/> While moving across the Yucatán Peninsula, the storm produced heavy rainfall and strong winds. In Cozumel, the winds destroyed a 300-foot (91 m) pier and several buildings. Rough seas sunk several ships, and one person drowned. The rainfall caused several rivers to overflow, causing flooding and damage to roads and railroads in the state of Veracruz.<ref name="sept221933">Associated Press. "Storm Crossing Yucatan; Damage Reported Heavy". Retrieved on 2006-10-01.</ref> Many people in low-lying areas around Tampico evacuated for the storm.<ref name="sept231933">AP. "Storm Moving Through Gulf". Retrieved on 2006-10-01.</ref>
Reports indicate much of the city of Tampico was destroyed, and the total number of deaths and injuries amounted to over 5,000. Most of the deaths occurred from flood waters, which were 10 to 15 feet (3.0–4.6 m) deep and covered the entire city;<ref name="sept261933">Associated Press. "Port City of Mexico Destroyed by Storm". Retrieved on 2006-10-01.</ref> many bodies were washed out to sea, and were never recovered. The flooding washed out roads and railroads, delaying relief efforts into the devastated area. Water and food supplies in and around Tampico were damaged or contaminated, resulting in a threat of famine or disease that further aggravated the situation.<ref name="gdsept281933">Galveston Daily News. "Storm Relief". Retrieved on 2006-10-01.</ref> Torrential rains caused more flooding, and the powerful winds damaged or destroyed nearly every building in the city and left many homeless.<ref name="sept28ap">Associated Press. "Tampico Flooded After Hurricane". Retrieved on 2006-10-01.</ref> The strong winds downed numerous power lines, leaving the entire city in blackout, and destroyed two large water towers. There were at least 10 cases of looting; all of the perpretators were executed. Damage in and around Tampico totaled to over $10 million (1933 USD),<ref name="sept291933">The Hammond Times. "Tampico Hurricane". Retrieved on 2006-10-01.</ref> and the storm killed over 184 people.<ref name="deadliest"/>
The thousands of victims took refuge in churches, theatres, and public buildings. Immediately after the storm, the Mexican military placed the city under martial law.<ref name="sept291933"/> Military and federal authorities dispatched trains with food, water, and medicine,<ref name="sept28ap"/> and planes bearing engineers and doctors. Mexican president Abelardo L. Rodríguez rallied citizens to aid the affected people in the storm area. The local chamber of deputies allowed $140,000 (1933 USD) in funds for the storm victims.<ref name="gdsept281933"/>
[edit] Tropical Storm Sixteen
On September 27, a small tropical storm was seen about 290 miles (460 km) east of Saint Kitts. This sixteenth storm moved quickly westward and passed between St. Kitts and St. Martin later that night. On September 28, the cyclone passed to the south of Puerto Rico and reached its peak intensity of 45 mph (70 km/h). It continued quickly westward and hit the southern tip of the Dominican Republic on September 29. Later that night, it hit Jacmel in southwestern Haiti as a minimal tropical storm. The system turned abruptly to the northeast and weakened to a tropical depression. It then hit northwestern Haiti near Gonaïves on September 30. The circulation center dissipated shortly thereafter. Remnants moved to the northwest and dissipated on October 4.<ref name="mwr"/><ref name="unisys"/>
[edit] Tropical Storm Seventeen
The seventeenth tropical storm of the season developed on
September 28 from an area of disturbed weather to the east of
Costa Rica. It tracked to the north-northwest and passed near
Cabo Gracias a Dios early on
September 29. The storm turned to the west into the
Gulf of Honduras, and on
September 30, it made landfall on east-central
Belize. Shortly thereafter, the system dissipated.<ref name="mwr"/><ref name="unisys"/>
[edit] Hurricane Eighteen
As the calendar turned to October, a persistent area of disturbed weather about 85 miles (135 km) north of Colón, Panama developed into a tropical storm on the first day of the month. It moved northward and steadily intensified, becoming a hurricane on October 3 just west of Jamaica. The hurricane turned to the north-northwest and hit the Cuban province of La Habana with winds of 110 mph (175 km/h) on October 4. The hurricane passed over Havana and turned to the northeast and strengthened, becoming a major hurricane as it moved through the Florida Keys. The hurricane reached a peak intensity of 150 mph (240 km/h) while passing through the Bahamas on October 6, becoming the strongest recorded storm of the season—just 6 mph (10 km/h) below the threshold for the modern maximum of Category 5. The hurricane weakened as it accelerated to the northeast, and it became extratropical on October 8 to the south of Nova Scotia. It paralleled the Nova Scotia coast, turned to the east-southeast, and lost its tropical characteristics on October 9 over the open north Atlantic Ocean.<ref name="unisys"/>
In Cuba, people boarded up numerous buildings, and emergency workers assisted authorities in spreading the word about the impending storm; residents in vulnerable areas evacuated to shelters on higher ground. The hurricane's powerful winds destroyed several houses in Camagüey, and heavy rainfall overflowed numerous rivers in low-lying districts.<ref name="oct41933">United Press International. Hurricane Aims for Florida, Cuba. Retrieved on 2006-10-02.</ref> The winds damaged and disrupted telephone and telegraph lines and injured a few people in Havana. Despite government orders for police to kill any looters, large-scale looting occurred in Havana after the storm. Two looters were shot to death, and a third was injured. Two civilians were also wounded by snipers who fired to disperse thieves.<ref name="oct51933">AP. Tropical Storm Moves Northeast into the Ocean. Retrieved on 2006-10-02.</ref>
Residents in southeast Florida boarded up for the storm while the National Weather Bureau issued storm warnings for portions of the coastline.<ref name="oct41933"/> The hurricane produced strong winds and rain in the Florida Keys and extreme southern Florida, but damage was minimal.<ref name="oct51933"/> In northwest Miami, the hurricane spawned a tornado that damaged three houses and injured two.<ref name="oct51933ap">AP. "Tropical Hurricane Hits Key West, but then Veers to Sea". Retrieved on 2006-10-02.</ref> Damage in the Bahamas is unknown.
[edit] Hurricane Nineteen
After a two-week period of inactivity, a tropical storm was detected in the western Caribbean Sea on October 25. It moved to the east-northeast then curved to the northwest while slowly intensifying. On October 29, it strengthened into a hurricane near Jamaica and reached peak winds of 105 mph (170 km/h) before striking the western portion of the island. The hurricane turned to the northeast and weakened. It made landfall on southeastern Cuba as a strong tropical storm on October 31. The weakening storm changed its course to the north-northwest, as it drifted through Cuba and the Bahamas. On November 4 the storm turned once more to the northeast, accelerated, and became extratropical on November 7 near Bermuda.<ref name="unisys"/>
While drifting over western Jamaica, the hurricane dropped heavy precipitation and produced strong winds, which severely damaged the banana crop.<ref name="oct301933">The Daily Gleaner. Struck!. Retrieved on 2006-10-02.</ref> The rainfall caused mudslides, downed trees, and disrupted road and rail traffic and telegraph services.<ref name="oct301933b>The Daily Gleaner. "Storm Sweeps over the West of the Island Doing Damage". Retrieved on 2006-10-02.</ref> The hurricane destroyed or severely damaged hundreds of homes, leaving hundreds to thousands homeless. Twenty-three people were killed in Jamaica.<ref name="nov21933">The Daily Gleaner. Hurricane Sufferers in the West are Calling for Help. Retrieved on 2006-10-02.</ref> The storm dropped heavy rainfall in Cuba, as well, though damage there is unknown.<ref name="nov11933">Daily Gleaner. The Wonder Year. Retrieved on 2006-10-02.</ref>
[edit] Tropical Storm Twenty
Almost simultaneous to Hurricane 19, a tropical storm developed a short distance east of the central Bahamas on October 26. It moved north-northeastward, then northeastward, steadily strengthening along its path. On October 27, a barometric pressure of 993 mbar (29.32 inHg) was recorded within the storm, and on October 28 the storm reached a peak intensity of 70 mph (110 km/h). On October 29, the storm became extratropical and turned north to hit Nova Scotia. Wedged between two high pressure systems, it continued northward until dissipating over extreme eastern portions of Quebec on October 30.<ref name="octmwr">Willis E. Hurd (1933). Weather of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Marine Division. Retrieved on 2006-09-07.</ref>
In Halifax, Nova Scotia, the storm's moderately powerful winds downed telephone and telegraph wires and uproofed several buildings. Heavy seas caused by the storm damaged or destroyed many boats, and rainfall flooded highways across the province.<ref name="oct301933canada">UP. Hurricane Leaves Path of Wreckage Across Nova Scotia. Retrieved on 2006-10-02.</ref>
[edit] Tropical Storm Twenty-One
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