Hurricane Irene (1999)

Hurricane Irene was a hurricane that produced somewhat heavy damage across southern Florida in October 1999. The ninth named storm and the sixth hurricane of the season, Irene developed in the western Caribbean Sea on October 13 from a tropical wave. It moved northward, hitting western Cuba before attaining hurricane status. Irene struck Florida on October 15 as a Category 1 hurricane, first at Key West and later near Cape Sable. The storm moved across the state and tracked northward over the Gulf Stream. It approached the Carolinas but remained offshore. Irene turned eastward and significantly intensified into a strong Category 2 hurricane on October 18. By the following day, the system became extratropical due to cooler waters to the southeast of Newfoundland and was quickly absorbed by another extratropical low.

This article is about the 1999 hurricane over Cuba and Florida. For 2011's Hurricane Irene, which impacted the Caribbean and eastern North America, see Hurricane Irene. For additional hurricanes and other tropical storms named Irene, see Tropical Storm Irene.
Hurricane Irene
Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS/NWS)
Irene approaching peak intensity on October 18.
FormedOctober 13, 1999
DissipatedOctober 24, 1999
(Extratropical after October 19, 1999)
Highest winds1-minute sustained: 110 mph (175 km/h)
Lowest pressure958 mbar (hPa); 28.29 inHg
Fatalities3 direct, 16 indirect
Damage$800 million (1999 USD)
Areas affectedCuba, Bahamas, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia
Part of the 1999 Atlantic hurricane season

The hurricane first produced heavy rainfall across western Cuba, causing four deaths and damage. Irene was a wet Florida hurricane in October, similar to many hurricanes of the 1930s and 1940s.[1] It later dropped 10 to 20 inches (255 to 510 mm) of rainfall in the Miami metropolitan area, causing urban flooding unseen since Hurricane Dennis in 1981. Despite being only a Category 1 hurricane, Irene caused eight indirect deaths and $800 million (1999 USD)[nb 1] in damage across Florida.[2] The hurricane produced flooding and caused one death in the northwestern Bahamas. In North Carolina and Virginia, Irene produced over 10 inches (255 mm) of rain, adding more flooding after previous hurricanes Dennis and Floyd. The flooding closed many roads, and caused rivers to crest past their banks, though damage in the area was relatively minor.

Meteorological history
Map plotting the track and the intensity of the storm, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale

A broad area of low pressure formed over the western Caribbean Sea on October 8, and it persisted until October 11, when a tropical wave reached the area and caused the convection to organize, resulting in the development of a low-level circulation. Convection increased and organized around the circulation's center late on October 12, and the system organized into Tropical Depression Thirteen on October 13 off the north coast of Honduras. The depression continued to organize over the favorable conditions present in the Caribbean Sea, and attained tropical storm status later on October 13, when it was assigned the name Irene.[1] Operationally, the system remained a tropical wave until it already reached tropical storm strength.[3]

Tropical Storm Irene strengthened as it moved northward, and reached maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (115 km/h) early on October 14. Operationally, Irene was upgraded to a hurricane on October 14, although later analysis after the hurricane season indicated it remained a tropical storm until later. Irene continued to move towards the north-northeast, crossed over the western portion of the Isla de la Juventud as a strong tropical storm, and hours later, it struck mainland Cuba near Batabano. The storm was able to strengthen further over the Florida Straits, and Irene attained hurricane status on October 15. It passed over Key West, turned more to the north-northeast, and struck mainland Florida at Cape Sable as an 80 mph (130 km/h) hurricane.[1]

Hurricane Irene near landfall in Florida.

Irene entered the Atlantic Ocean near Jupiter, Florida early on October 16, still as a Category 1 hurricane. It turned to the north, remained a hurricane despite little convection, then turned to the northeast in response to an approaching upper-level trough. Just offshore, Irene moved parallel to the coastlines of South Carolina and North Carolina on October 17. On October 18, as it interacted with very warm ocean waters and the upper level trough, Irene rapidly intensified, reaching peak winds of 110 mph (175 km/h) with a pressure of 952 mbar, a Category 2 hurricane. Despite its strength, the circulation was very asymmetrical, and the convection was not particularly organized. The hurricane continued to accelerate to the northeast, steadily weakening until becoming extratropical on October 19 to the south of Newfoundland. The extratropical storm continued to the northeast until becoming absorbed by another, larger extratropical storm late that same day.[1]

Preparations

In Cuba, slightly over 228,000 residents were evacuated from low-lying areas before the storm. Around 10% stayed in temporary shelters, while the rest stayed with family or friends.[4] Included in the evacuation total were 6,000 tourists[5] and over 1,000 residents in rickety houses. Workers protected tobacco leaves by moving them to sealed warehouses, and transported cattle and livestock to higher ground. The hurricane forced the closure of schools and the cancellation of some flights.[6] The Cuban government issued a hurricane watch for Pinar del Río Province, Havana, Havana Province, and Isla de la Juventud 21 hours before Irene hit. These areas, along with Matanzas Province, were upgraded to a hurricane warning 15 hours before Irene hit the area.[1]

Initially, forecasters predicted Irene to parallel the west coast of Florida, weakening to a tropical storm before making landfall on the west-central portion of the state. However, when a more eastward track became evident,[7] officials in Monroe, Charlotte, Lee, and Manatee Counties issued evacuation orders for people in mobile homes and recreational vehicles. In addition, Key West issued a curfew during the storm's onslaught.[5] The National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning from Florida City around the Florida Peninsula to Boca Grande, including all the Florida Keys and the Dry Tortugas. A tropical storm warning was also issued from Florida City northward to Savannah, Georgia.[1] In addition, the majority of flights during Irene's passage were cancelled in Miami International Airport.[5] Governor Jeb Bush declared a state of emergency on Florida the day before Irene made landfall, and ordered for the activation of the Florida National Guard to aid in disaster efforts.[8]

While moving northward off the coast of Florida, Irene was initially expected to make landfall along the South Carolina coastline, prompting the National Hurricane Center to issue a hurricane warning from Edisto Beach, South Carolina to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Because of this, voluntary evacuation orders were issued for portions of South Carolina. However, when the track shifted further to the east, mandatory evacuation orders were issued for coastal areas of North Carolina, with tens of thousands removed from their homes. The evacuation order included several beach towns; those living in low-lying areas and mobile homes were advised to seek shelter. In addition, many of those left homeless from Hurricane Floyd's passage just weeks before were evacuated to shelters. Jim Hunt, the Governor of North Carolina, declared a state of emergency, with the state's emergency management team switching from a recovery objective towards a preparations mission.[9]

Impact
Storm deaths by region
RegionDirectIndirectTotal
Cuba224
Florida088
Bahamas145
North Carolina011
New Jersey011
Total31619

Irene killed 19 people (16 indirectly) and caused $800 million ($937 million 2006 USD) in damage. Most of the damage and deaths occurred due to the torrential rain the storm caused.

Cuba

While crossing Cuba, Irene produced heavy rainfall, totaling as high as 35.6 inches (905 mm) in Manaca-Iznaga.[10] A rainfall total of 11.9 inches (303 mm) was noted at Playa Girón in Matanzas Province. The city of Havana reported 4.8 inches (122 mm),[11] while many other locations reported more than 7 inches (178 mm). In addition, the city of Havana recorded a peak wind gust of 78 mph (126 km/h).[1]

The flooding caused by Irene damaged more than 471,000 acres (1,900 km2) of sugar cane and 39,000 acres (158 km2) of banana plantations.[12] Irene's rainfall also flooded tobacco fields.[5] Throughout the country, Irene's rainfall damaged 27,336 houses and caused the total loss of 730.[4] 13 hospitals were also affected to some extent. 154 sectors of Havana lost power due to the storm.[11] In all, four people were killed by the storm in Cuba,[6] two of whom in Havana due to electrocution.[11]

Florida
Flooding from Irene

While moving through the Florida Keys, Irene produced a storm surge of up to 2.3 feet (0.7 m) in Key Vaca, while Key West reported a surge of 1.5 feet (0.5 m). The hurricane produced sustained winds peaking at 79 mph (127 km/h); it also produced strong gusts, the strongest of which was clocked at 102 mph (164 km/h) at Big Pine Key.[1] Irene produced heavy rainfall in the Keys, including 12 inches (305 mm) of rain in Key West. The rainfall flooded roads throughout the Keys, prompting officials to close 50 miles (80 km) of U.S. Highway 1. Irene spawned a tornado in Islamorada, causing heavy damage to three houses. Moderate wind gusts caused power outages throughout the Keys, but damage was overall minor.[13]

Despite moving across the state as a minimal hurricane, there were no reports of hurricane-force winds on mainland Florida. The highest official recorded wind report was 60 mph (97 km/h) in Miami Beach, while the highest accurate wind gust was 71 mph (114 km/h) in Vero Beach. In addition to the National Weather Service Reports, the South Florida Water Management District reported higher wind gusts near Lake Okeechobee of up to 93 mph (150 km/h) in Belle Glade, though these were likely caused by small-scale meso-cyclone-induced downbursts.[1] Irene produced heavy rainfall across southeastern Florida, peaking at 17.45 inches (443 mm) at Boynton Beach, though many areas in the Miami Metropolitan Area received from 10 to 15 inches (255 to 380 mm). One F1 and three F0 tornadoes touched down in Broward and Palm Beach counties, injuring three people.[14]

Cattle walking in flood waters

Strong wind gusts left 700,000 people without power from Miami to West Palm Beach, including the National Hurricane Center. The center briefly lost power, but during an hour and a half delay to reboot the computers, they obtained information from computers in the Mid-West and Washington, D.C. Officials from the Florida Power & Light Company were unable to repair power lines due to strong wind gusts, while Irene's flooding submerged underground lines, preventing repairs until the waters subsided.[13] Five people, including three in one family, were killed when they walked through electrified waters due to downed power lines.[15] The rains from Irene flooded roads and canals, stalling numerous cars.[13] Three people drowned when they drove their vehicles into the canals.[1] The floodwaters persisted for nearly a week in areas, displacing hundreds from their homes and isolating thousands. Property damage in southeastern Florida totalled $262 million.[16]

Irene also caused severe agricultural damage in southeastern Florida totalling to $338 million[16] Floodwaters killed 30 cattle at one farm, though the owners protected the rest of their 1700 cattle by raising the feeding areas above the flood plain.[17] According to an initial estimate, the flooding destroyed between 5% and 15% of fruit groves along its path.[18] The flooding delayed the winter planting of corn and bell peppers and damaged tomato plants, forcing Miami-Dade County growers to replant damaged crops.[19] The hurricane also damaged sugar cane, vegetables, and citrus crops,[20] with citrus canker spreading after the storm passed through the area. Due to the crop damage, the U.S. Department of Agriculture declared Broward, Collier, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties as disaster areas. This qualified eligible farmers for low-interest emergency loans.[21]

Beach erosion from Irene

After moderate beach erosion from previous hurricanes Dennis and Floyd, Irene caused significant beach erosion on the eastern Florida coastline. The erosion exposed the foundations of private homes, leaving some uninhabitable.[7] Beach erosion damage totalled to $21 million.[22] Many beach access points were closed until more sand could be pumped in, or until the stairways were rebuilt. Strong north winds and high seas severely destroyed or damaged docks in the Indian River Lagoon.[7] Heavy rainfall, ranging from 5  to 9 inches (127 to 229 mm) in Martin and St. Lucie counties flooded 260 homes. Strong wind gusts from 60 to 70 mph (97 to 113 km/h) severely damaged 34 houses and caused light damage to 1,114 homes in Martin, St. Lucie, and Brevard Counties. In addition the winds damaged 465 mobile homes, 15 severely, and destroyed one. 555 commercial buildings also experienced light damage, and gusty winds downed about 1,000 trees. Rough seas broke a large barge free from its mooring into a bridge on Florida Highway 528.[22] In Flagler County, the hurricane caused severe damage to four homes, and minor damage to 173 houses and 18 businesses.[23] Damage in northeastern Florida totaled to $51 million.[24]

Bahamas

Hurricane Irene passed near the northwestern Bahamas, causing moderate flooding[25] and spawning a few tornadoes. One tornado caused damage in Marsh Harbour and killed one on Abaco island.[26] Four indirect deaths occurred when a truck drove off a wet pier during a downpour.[13]

Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic
Rainfall from Irene

Hurricane Irene dropped moderate rainfall ranging from 5 to 6 inches (125 to 150 mm) in eastern South Carolina. The flooding closed several roads, including some in western Georgetown County which were washed out.[27] Moderate wind gusts of up to 48 mph (77 km/h) in Charleston downed trees and power lines, causing sporadic power outages. The winds also caused minor beach erosion along the coastline.[28]

While paralleling the coast of North Carolina, Irene produced heavy rainfall across the state, peaking at 11 inches (280 mm) in Ernul with several other locations reporting over 6 inches (152 mm).[1] The rainfall caused severe river flooding in North Carolina, many of which had not receded from Hurricane Floyd's passage less than a month earlier. Due to the runoff, the Tar, Cape Fear, and Neuse Rivers all crested above their banks. The flooding also caused a dam in south-central Hoke County to overflow.[29] Irene spawned two tornadoes; an F0 in Onslow County[30] and an F2 in Weeksville. The F2 destroyed two trailers, damaged several houses, and injured one person.[31] The heavy flooding closed several roads throughout North Carolina, causing several traffic accidents.[32] Hurricane Irene was indirectly responsible for one death when a man hydroplaned on a wet road and crashed. Despite the severe flooding, Hurricane Irene caused little damage in North Carolina.[33]

Hurricane Irene also produced heavy rainfall in southeastern Virginia of up to 12 inches (305 mm) in Chesapeake.[1] The rainfall resulted in widespread street flooding, with some locations reporting flooding of up to 4 feet (1.2 m).[34] In Delaware, precipitation ranged from 1 inch (25 mm) in Kent County to almost 4 inches (100 mm) in Selbyville, located along the state's southern end. The rainfall caused some flooding in poor drainage areas, but little damage occurred.[35] Over southern New Jersey, the storm dropped up to 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain in Beach Haven, while radar estimates indicated that up to 3 inches (76 mm) fell in some areas.[36] Farther north, Irene produced wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph (64 to 80 km/h) in the northern portions of the state. In the city of Englewood, an 400 lb (180 kg), unmounted security gate fell, killing an 87-year old woman.[37] A combination of Irene and an approaching cold front produced approximately 2 to 4 inches (51 to 102 mm) of rainfall and gusts between 45 and 55 mph (72 and 89 km/h) over coastal areas of Massachusetts, while a peak total of 5.37 inches (136 mm) precipitation fell and gusts reached 60 mph (97 km/h) on Nantucket. Winds toppled trees branches and power lines, while a tree fell on a car, causing minor injuries to its two occupants.[38]

Aftermath

Following the hurricane, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement launched an emergency appeal for Cuba. The appeal raised $217,498 (1999 CHF) to supply hygiene items, household goods, water purification tablets, and water containers to the 12,000 living in temporary shelters. The appeal asked for repair supplies and to improve the response capacity of the national society for future disasters. The Cuban Red Cross mobilized over 4,500 volunteers to the affected areas to provide first aid to injured, distribute meals and medical supplies, and collaborate with blood banks.[4] The government-controlled media broadcast system guaranteed repair items, though many people remained in damaged houses in the weeks after the storm.[39]

Just days after Irene moved through Florida, President Bill Clinton declared 18 counties as disaster areas. The declaration allowed affected businesses and homeowners to apply for federal assistance, such as money for temporary housing, minor home repairs, or disaster-related expenses. In addition, the president issued an emergency declaration for Florida, which released federal resources to aid in debris removal and emergency services.[40] In addition, President Clinton declared the 66 counties in North Carolina eligible for assistance due to Hurricane Floyd were also eligible for more assistance due to damage from Irene.[41]

In the Bahamas, township volunteers assisted in cleanup efforts. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force distributed hurricane relief supplies to those affected.[26]

See also

Notes
  1. All damage figures are in 1999 USD, unless otherwise noted

References
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  2. "NOAA's Hurricane Officials On Target With Pre-Seasonal Storm Forecast; Close 1999 Season Reporting Above Average Fury And Floods". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1999-11-30. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2006-06-25.
  3. Lixion A. Avila (1999-10-13). "Tropical Storm Irene Discussion Number One". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2006-06-25.
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  41. "Hurricane Irene Victims Now Eligible For Federal Aid". Federal Emergency Management Agency. 1999-10-25. Archived from the original on 2006-09-29. Retrieved 2006-07-06.

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