Hurricane Emily (1993): Difference between revisions

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While Emily was approaching the Outer Banks of North Carolina, [[Diamond Shoal Light]] offshore Cape Hatteras recorded 2&nbsp;minute sustained winds of 99&nbsp;mph (159&nbsp;km/h), along with gusts of 147&nbsp;mph (237&nbsp;km/h). Closer to shore, surface winds were estimated at around 115&nbsp;mph (185&nbsp;km/h) in the Pamlico Sound. The [[National Weather Service]] in [[Buxton, North Carolina|Buxton]] reported sustained winds of 60&nbsp;mph (96&nbsp;km/h),<ref name=prelim02/> with gusts to {{convert|98|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, before the wind instrument failed due to water intrusion. A reliable but unofficial wind station reported a gust of {{convert|107|mph|km/h|abbr=on}},<ref name="twenty">{{cite news|author=Irene Nolan|title=Remembering Hurricane Emily|date=October 1993|newspaper=Island Free Press|publisher=Newport/Morehead City National Weather Service|accessdate=2015-09-14|url=http://www.weather.gov/mhx/Emily}}</ref> at a commercial building also in Buxton.<ref name="water"/> The strong winds incurred high tides on the south side of Hatteras Island,<ref name=prelim02/> causing a peak [[storm surge]] of {{convert|10.2|ft|m|abbr=on}} in Buxton.<ref name=prelim03>{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/prenhc/prelim03.gif|title=Preliminary Report Hurricane Emily: 22&nbsp;August &ndash; 06&nbsp;September&nbsp;1993|publisher=National Hurricane Center|first=Miles|last=Lawrence|date=1993-09-30|series=Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives|accessdate=2015-09-13|format=GIF}}</ref> The heaviest rainfall related to the storm occurred over the Outer Banks, with a peak of {{convert|7.51|in|mm|abbr=on}} in Buxton.<ref name="rain">{{cite web|author=David Roth|title=Hurricane Emily - August 31-September 1, 1993|publisher=Weather Prediction Center|date=2013-03-06|accessdate=2015-09-13|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/emily1993.html}}</ref> Minimal rainfall occurred farther inland, with only {{convert|1.00|in|mm|abbr=on}} reported at Gum Neck in mainland [[Tyrrell County, North Carolina|Tyrrell County]].<ref name="srcc02"/>
While Emily was approaching the Outer Banks of North Carolina, [[Diamond Shoal Light]] offshore Cape Hatteras recorded 2&nbsp;minute sustained winds of 99&nbsp;mph (159&nbsp;km/h), along with gusts of 147&nbsp;mph (237&nbsp;km/h). Closer to shore, surface winds were estimated at around 115&nbsp;mph (185&nbsp;km/h) in the Pamlico Sound. The [[National Weather Service]] in [[Buxton, North Carolina|Buxton]] reported sustained winds of 60&nbsp;mph (96&nbsp;km/h),<ref name=prelim02/> with gusts to {{convert|98|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, before the wind instrument failed due to water intrusion. A reliable but unofficial wind station reported a gust of {{convert|107|mph|km/h|abbr=on}},<ref name="twenty">{{cite news|author=Irene Nolan|title=Remembering Hurricane Emily|date=October 1993|newspaper=Island Free Press|publisher=Newport/Morehead City National Weather Service|accessdate=2015-09-14|url=http://www.weather.gov/mhx/Emily}}</ref> at a commercial building also in Buxton.<ref name="water"/> The strong winds incurred high tides on the south side of Hatteras Island,<ref name=prelim02/> causing a peak [[storm surge]] of {{convert|10.2|ft|m|abbr=on}} in Buxton.<ref name=prelim03>{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/prenhc/prelim03.gif|title=Preliminary Report Hurricane Emily: 22&nbsp;August &ndash; 06&nbsp;September&nbsp;1993|publisher=National Hurricane Center|first=Miles|last=Lawrence|date=1993-09-30|series=Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives|accessdate=2015-09-13|format=GIF}}</ref> The heaviest rainfall related to the storm occurred over the Outer Banks, with a peak of {{convert|7.51|in|mm|abbr=on}} in Buxton.<ref name="rain">{{cite web|author=David Roth|title=Hurricane Emily - August 31-September 1, 1993|publisher=Weather Prediction Center|date=2013-03-06|accessdate=2015-09-13|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/emily1993.html}}</ref> Minimal rainfall occurred farther inland, with only {{convert|1.00|in|mm|abbr=on}} reported at Gum Neck in mainland [[Tyrrell County, North Carolina|Tyrrell County]].<ref name="srcc02"/>


Overall damage from the storm was lighter than expected,<ref>{{cite report|title=Situation Report (SITREP) No. 7 Hurricane Emily|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|author=Glenn C. Woodard|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/femaga01.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> and was confined to the barrier islands of [[Dare County, North Carolina|Dare]] and [[Hyde County, North Carolina|Hyde]] counties.<ref name="fem6"/> Severe flooding from the storm affected a {{convert|17|mi|km|abbr=on}} portion of Hatteras Island.<ref name="ncdc"/> The hurricane's winds pushed water from the Pamlico Sound to the south, lowering levels along the mainland and inundating the barrier islands.<ref name="wp91"/> At [[Frisco, North Carolina|Frisco]] and [[Hatteras, North Carolina|Hatteras]], water levels along the Pamlico Sound reached their highest in the 20th century, reaching {{convert|8.5|ft|m|abbr=on}} above normal,<ref name="ncdc"/> surpassing that of [[Hurricane Gloria]] eight years prior.<ref name="wp91"/> It is possible that the water levels were the highest since the [[1899 San Ciriaco hurricane]]. In Buxton, the waters rose {{convert|3|to|4|ft|m|abbr=on}} per hour at one point, leaving behind flood marks as high as {{convert|10.54|ft|m|abbr=on}}. The entire villages of [[Avon, North Carolina|Avon]] and Hatteras were flooded. Only the highest dunes along the [[Cape Hatteras National Seashore]] were not inundated, and a section of dunes just north of Buxton was nearly breached.<ref name="water">{{cite book|title=Summary of Floods in the United States, January 1992 through September 1993|chapter=August 31, 1993, Storm Surge and the Flood of Hurricane Emily on Hatteras Island, North Carolina|publisher=United States Geological Survey|author=J. Curtis Weaver|author2=Thomas J. Zembrzuski, Jr.|page=262-267|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c0MlAQAAIAAJ&pg=PR6&lpg=PR6&dq=hurricane+emily+disaster+declaration+1993&source=bl&ots=FUqnaDwWtr&sig=C7cCWE0Qhi12rrweqRurmcpwnOA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CFUQ6AEwCWoVChMIhMqaqYH4xwIVwoI-Ch0s1A1k#v=onepage&q=emily&f=false}}</ref> The waters &ndash; {{convert|1|to|2|ft|m|abbr=on}} higher than the predicted [[return period|100 year flood]] &ndash; broke through windows and flooded houses,<ref name="erh"/> and some residents who did not evacuate had to ride out the storm in their attics to escape flooding.<ref name="ncdc"/> Many boats were damaged in marinas,<ref name="srcc02"/> and cars were observed floating in flooded parking lots in Buxton.<ref name="erh">{{cite report|publisher=Newport/Morehead City, North Carolina National Weather Service|title=Hurricane Emily – August 31, 1993|author=Chris Collins|date=2011-10-18|accessdate=2015-09-14|url=http://www.erh.noaa.gov/mhx/EventReviews/19930831/19930831.php}}</ref>
Overall damage from the storm was lighter than expected,<ref>{{cite report|title=Situation Report (SITREP) No. 7 Hurricane Emily|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|author=Glenn C. Woodard|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/femaga01.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> and was confined to the barrier islands of [[Dare County, North Carolina|Dare]] and [[Hyde County, North Carolina|Hyde]] counties.<ref name="fem6"/> Severe flooding from the storm affected a {{convert|17|mi|km|abbr=on}} portion of Hatteras Island.<ref name="ncdc"/> The hurricane's winds pushed water from the Pamlico Sound to the south, lowering levels along the mainland and inundating the barrier islands.<ref name="wp91"/> At [[Frisco, North Carolina|Frisco]] and [[Hatteras, North Carolina|Hatteras]], water levels along the Pamlico Sound reached their highest in the 20th century, reaching {{convert|8.5|ft|m|abbr=on}} above normal,<ref name="ncdc"/> surpassing that of [[Hurricane Gloria]] eight years prior.<ref name="wp91"/> It is possible that the water levels were the highest since the [[1899 San Ciriaco hurricane]]. In Buxton, the waters rose {{convert|3|to|4|ft|m|abbr=on}} per hour at one point, leaving behind flood marks as high as {{convert|10.54|ft|m|abbr=on}}. The entire villages of [[Avon, North Carolina|Avon]] and Hatteras were flooded. Only the highest dunes along the [[Cape Hatteras National Seashore]] were not inundated, and a section of dunes just north of Buxton was nearly breached.<ref name="water">{{cite book|title=Summary of Floods in the United States, January 1992 through September 1993|chapter=August 31, 1993, Storm Surge and the Flood of Hurricane Emily on Hatteras Island, North Carolina|publisher=United States Geological Survey|series=Water Supply Paper|author=J. Curtis Weaver|author2=Thomas J. Zembrzuski, Jr.|url=http://ks.water.usgs.gov/pubs/reports/wsp.2499.sumnc0893.html}}</ref> The waters &ndash; {{convert|1|to|2|ft|m|abbr=on}} higher than the predicted [[return period|100 year flood]] &ndash; broke through windows and flooded houses,<ref name="erh"/> and some residents who did not evacuate had to ride out the storm in their attics to escape flooding.<ref name="ncdc"/> Many boats were damaged in marinas,<ref name="srcc02"/> and cars were observed floating in flooded parking lots in Buxton.<ref name="erh">{{cite report|publisher=Newport/Morehead City, North Carolina National Weather Service|title=Hurricane Emily – August 31, 1993|author=Chris Collins|date=2011-10-18|accessdate=2015-09-14|url=http://www.erh.noaa.gov/mhx/EventReviews/19930831/19930831.php}}</ref>


High winds destroyed several roofs and knocked down power lines.<ref name="fem11">{{cite report|title=Situation Report (SITREP) No. 7 Hurricane Emily|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|author=Glenn C. Woodard|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/femaga11.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> All towns south of the [[Oregon_Inlet#Herbert_C._Bonner_Bridge|Bonner Bridge]] were without power, and Buxton lost water supply after the main water line was damaged.<Ref name="fem7"/> The combination of strong winds and the floods left 553&nbsp;homes uninhabitable in the Outer Banks,<ref name="ncdc"/> with 168&nbsp;houses completely destroyed,<ref name="twenty"/> including three houses washed away.<ref name="fem11"/> Six of the destroyed homes were owned by the Coast Guard.<ref name="fem6">{{cite report|title=Situation Report (SITREP) No. 7 Hurricane Emily|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|author=Glenn C. Woodard|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/femaga06.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> About 25% of the population of Hatteras was left homeless.<ref name="erh"/> The Cape Hatteras School sustained about $3.1&nbsp;million in damage.<ref name="water"/> Tidal floods, sand, and debris closed [[North Carolina State Highway 12|Highway 12]]. Traffic lights along the route were damaged,<ref name="4b"/> and downed trees blocked the road in two areas.<ref name="wp91"/> Sinkholes developed along the route, some of which were large enough to contain three cars.<ref name="erh"/> Damage in the state was estimated at $35&nbsp;million, mostly on Hatteras Island,<ref name=prelim03/> and largely to the south of Avon.<ref name="ncdc"/> Rough surf killed two people in [[Nags Head, North Carolina|Nags Head]],<ref name=prelim03/> and one person was injured while escaping a flooded home.<ref name="ncdc"/>
High winds destroyed several roofs and knocked down power lines.<ref name="fem11">{{cite report|title=Situation Report (SITREP) No. 7 Hurricane Emily|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|author=Glenn C. Woodard|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/femaga11.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> All towns south of the [[Oregon_Inlet#Herbert_C._Bonner_Bridge|Bonner Bridge]] were without power, and Buxton lost water supply after the main water line was damaged.<Ref name="fem7"/> The combination of strong winds and the floods left 553&nbsp;homes uninhabitable in the Outer Banks,<ref name="ncdc"/> with 168&nbsp;houses completely destroyed,<ref name="twenty"/> including three houses washed away.<ref name="fem11"/> Six of the destroyed homes were owned by the Coast Guard.<ref name="fem6">{{cite report|title=Situation Report (SITREP) No. 7 Hurricane Emily|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|author=Glenn C. Woodard|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/femaga06.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> About 25% of the population of Hatteras was left homeless.<ref name="erh"/> The Cape Hatteras School sustained about $3.1&nbsp;million in damage.<ref name="water"/> Tidal floods, sand, and debris closed [[North Carolina State Highway 12|Highway 12]]. Traffic lights along the route were damaged,<ref name="4b"/> and downed trees blocked the road in two areas.<ref name="wp91"/> Sinkholes developed along the route, some of which were large enough to contain three cars.<ref name="erh"/> Damage in the state was estimated at $35&nbsp;million, mostly on Hatteras Island,<ref name=prelim03/> and largely to the south of Avon.<ref name="ncdc"/> Rough surf killed two people in [[Nags Head, North Carolina|Nags Head]],<ref name=prelim03/> and one person was injured while escaping a flooded home.<ref name="ncdc"/>
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==Aftermath==
==Aftermath==
Immediately following the demise of Emily's strongest winds over land, various assessment teams left Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to determine the extent of damage.<ref>{{cite report|title=Situation Report (SITREP) No. 7 Hurricane Emily|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|author=Glenn C. Woodard|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/femaga03.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> FEMA coordinated contacts with the [[United States congressional delegations from North Carolina|North Carolina congressional delegations]] to inform the members of the storm.<ref>{{cite report|title=Situation Report (SITREP) No. 7 Hurricane Emily|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|author=Glenn C. Woodard|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/femaga05.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> All airports on the Outer Banks were reopened by September&nbsp;1.<ref name="fem6"/> Due to the widespread power outages across the Outer Banks, power companies flew a helicopter to over the region to assess the damage.<ref>{{cite report|title=Situation Report #12|publisher=North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/femanc01.gif}}</ref> The power was expected to be out for two weeks.<ref>{{cite report|title=Need/Damage Assessment ESF #3 - Public Works & Engineering|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|author=Glenn C. Woodard|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/femaga07.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> Six water-carrying vehicles were sent to Dare County to provide water.<ref>{{cite report|title=Situation Report #12|publisher=North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/femanc02.gif}}</ref> In the three months after the storm, saltwater intrusion into the Cape Hatteras water supply caused the [[chlorine]] level to rise from 40&nbsp;milligrams (0.0014&nbsp;ounces) per litre to 280&nbsp;milligrams (0.01&nbsp;ounces) per litre; it took another three months for the chlorine levels to decrease to normal levels.<ref name="water"/>
Immediately following the demise of Emily's strongest winds over land, various assessment teams left Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to determine the extent of damage.<ref>{{cite report|title=Situation Report (SITREP) No. 7 Hurricane Emily|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|author=Glenn C. Woodard|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/femaga03.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> FEMA coordinated contacts with the [[United States congressional delegations from North Carolina|North Carolina congressional delegations]] to inform the members of the storm.<ref>{{cite report|title=Situation Report (SITREP) No. 7 Hurricane Emily|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|author=Glenn C. Woodard|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/femaga05.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> All airports on the Outer Banks were reopened by September&nbsp;1.<ref name="fem6"/> Due to the widespread power outages across the Outer Banks, power companies flew a helicopter to over the region to assess the damage.<ref>{{cite report|title=Situation Report #12|publisher=North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/femanc01.gif}}</ref> The power was expected to be out for two weeks.<ref>{{cite report|title=Need/Damage Assessment ESF #3 - Public Works & Engineering|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|author=Glenn C. Woodard|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/femaga07.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> Six water-carrying vehicles were sent to Dare County to provide water.<ref>{{cite report|title=Situation Report #12|publisher=North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/femanc02.gif}}</ref> Highway 12 was later reopened and repaired at a cost of around $1&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite report|title=NC 12 Storm Repairs|format=PDF|accessdate=2015-09-15|url=http://www.wral.com/asset/news/local/wral_investigates/2012/11/19/11793749/1353363530-Copy_of_NC_12_Storm_Repair_Costs_2_.pdf|date=2012-11-19|
In the three months after the storm, saltwater intrusion into the Cape Hatteras water supply caused the [[chlorine]] level to rise from 40&nbsp;milligrams (0.0014&nbsp;ounces) per litre to 280&nbsp;milligrams (0.01&nbsp;ounces) per litre; it took another three months for the chlorine levels to decrease to normal levels.<ref name="water"/>


All shelters were closed by September&nbsp;1 after the storm left the area, causing residents to return home, although Hatteras Island initially remained closed to everyone but emergency workers.<ref name="fem7">{{cite report|title=Situation Report (SITREP) No. 7 Hurricane Emily|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|author=Glenn C. Woodard|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/femaga07.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> Due to the power outages, many restaurants lost products when their refrigerators failed.<ref name="srcc02"/> After most businesses on Hatteras were damaged, many residents became temporarily unemployed. Residents emptied their damaged homes along the roads, primarily Highway 12, and in response workers cleared the damage and debris. Within two weeks of the storm, businesses began to reopen, following outside assistance and the cleaning work of the residents; by that time, the island was reopened to tourists.<ref name="twenty"/>
All shelters were closed by September&nbsp;1 after the storm left the area, causing residents to return home, although Hatteras Island initially remained closed to everyone but emergency workers.<ref name="fem7">{{cite report|title=Situation Report (SITREP) No. 7 Hurricane Emily|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|author=Glenn C. Woodard|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/femaga07.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> Due to the power outages, many restaurants lost products when their refrigerators failed.<ref name="srcc02"/> After most businesses on Hatteras were damaged, many residents became temporarily unemployed. Residents emptied their damaged homes along the roads, primarily Highway 12, and in response workers cleared the damage and debris. Within two weeks of the storm, businesses began to reopen, following outside assistance and the cleaning work of the residents; by that time, the island was reopened to tourists.<ref name="twenty"/>

Revision as of 19:24, 15 September 2015

Hurricane Emily
Category 3 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS)
Hurricane Emily off North Carolina coastline
FormedAugust 22, 1993
DissipatedSeptember 6, 1993
Highest winds1-minute sustained: 115 mph (185 km/h)
Lowest pressure960 mbar (hPa); 28.35 inHg
Fatalities3 direct
Damage$35 million (1993 USD)
Areas affectedEast coast of the United States (especially Outer Banks of North Carolina)
Part of the 1993 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Emily brushed the Outer Banks of North Carolina with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and rough seas. The sixth tropical cyclone, fifth named storm, and first hurricane of the 1993 Atlantic hurricane season, Emily developed from a tropical wave while located several hundred miles east-northeast of the Lesser Antilles on August 22. Initially, it headed northwestward while minimal intensification, though by August 25, the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Emily. The storm then became nearly stationary while southeast of Bermuda and steadily strengthened during that time. Late on August 26, Emily was briefly upgraded to a hurricane, though it weakened back early on the following day. However, by late on August 27, Emily was a hurricane once again. The storm then moved northwestward and maintained Category 1 intensity until becoming a Category 2 hurricane on August 31. By 1800 UTC, Emily became a Category 3 hurricane, while less than 25 miles (40 km) offshore Cape Hatteras.

However, the storm veered out to sea later on August 29 and weakened, falling to tropical storm intensity while located northeast of Bermuda on September 3. After curving southward and then back to the northeast, Emily further weakened to a tropical depression on September 4. The storm lost all tropical characteristics on September 6, while located several hundred miles southeast of Newfoundland. The outer fringes of Emily lashed the Outer Banks of North Carolina with heavy rainfall, high tides, and strong winds. The combination of those effects damaged 553 homes beyond repair, leaving 25% of the population of Cape Hatteras homeless. Elsewhere in the area, sinkholes formed along North Carolina Highway 12 and strong winds uprooted trees, downed power lines, and tore off roofs. Further north, two swimmers near Nags Head drowned. In Virginia, winds left 5,000 people without electricity and lightning in Lee Hall caused a roof to ignite. Light rainfall was also reported in southeastern Maryland. Losses reached $50 million, with all damage occurring in North Carolina.

Meteorological history

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

Hurricane Emily originated from an African tropical wave that passed through the Cape Verde Islands on August 17, 1993. The wave traversed the tropical Atlantic and developed a closed cyclonic circulation five days later, when the National Hurricane Center (NHC) classified it as a tropical depression. At the time, it was located 800 miles (1,300 km) east-northeast of Puerto Rico while moving toward the northwest.[1] The depression remained poorly organized for several days, with an ill-defined circulation center and sporadic thunderstorms, in part due to unfavorable wind shear from an upper-level low to its north.[2][3][4] On August 25, it became nearly stationary in response to weakening steering currents.[1] After the upper environment became less hostile to development,[5] a reconnaissance aircraft flight into the depression found unusually high sustained winds—an indication that the cyclone had quickly strengthened into a strong tropical storm. The NHC named the storm Emily and upgraded it to a hurricane the following day, based on reports of 75 mph (120 km/h) winds from reconnaissance aircraft.[1][6]

Upon becoming a hurricane, Emily was centered roughly 1,000 mi (1,600 km) east of the Florida peninsula. A ridge of high pressure began to develop to its north on August 27, forcing the hurricane to curve toward the west. The cyclone's winds vacillated between tropical storm and hurricane force over the course of the day, although Emily resumed its strengthening by August 28, developing favorable upper-level outflow.[1][7] Located over warm sea surface temperatures, the hurricane continued to improve in appearance on satellite images, as the barometric pressure within its eye steadily decreased.[8][9] Emily turned to the northwest on August 29, when a shortwave trough eroded the southern periphery of the ridge.[1][10] The NHC expressed uncertainty in forecasting Emily's track from thereon, stating that South Carolina, North Carolina, and other Mid-Atlantic states were at risk of a direct hit from the hurricane.[11] As high pressure re-established itself near North Carolina, Emily briefly turned west-northwestward on August 30 before initiating a prolonged curve toward the north. By that time, the NHC forecast Emily to remain offshore, although one tropical cyclone forecast model predicted that the hurricane would move inland.[1][12]

Early on August 31, a reconnaissance flight indicated that Emily had become a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale, and further intensification was expected because of warm water temperatures.[13] Later that day, reconnaissance reported that Emily had intensified to a peak intensity of 115 mph (185 km/h), or a Category 3 major hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale; the aircraft also observed flight-level winds of 152 mph (245 km/h). At the time of its peak intensity, the hurricane was located 23 mi (37 km) east of Hatteras Island and was turning northward. Its eye, measuring 45 mi (75 km) in diameter, moved over Hatteras and the Pamlico Sound, which was considered a direct hit instead of a landfall.[1][14][15] Continuing around the large high pressure area, Emily turned to the northeast after affecting the Outer Banks into an area of cooler water temperatures.[15][16] The eye remained distinct, and Emily maintained much of its intensity through early on September 2.[17] That day, the hurricane turned sharply to the east due to a trough.[15] Increased wind shear weakened Emily, and its eye feature quickly dissipated.[18] On September 3, Emily weakened to a tropical storm after turning to the southeast. The storm stalled and continued weakening,[15] with significant deterioration of the convection.[19] Late on September 4, Emily weakened further to a tropical depression, after only a small area of thunderstorms remained near the center.[15][20] The system turned to the northeast and became extratropical on September 6 before dissipating shortly thereafter.[15]

Preparations

Map of the Outer Banks, with locations listed

The NHC forecasts for Emily generally very accurate.[21] On August 29, or two days before the storm's closest approach, the NHC issued a hurricane watch from Cape Romain, South Carolina to Fenwick Island, Delaware, including the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds of North Carolina as well as the Chesapeake Bay south of the Patuxent River. A day later, the watch was discontinued south of Little River, South Carolina. A hurricane warning was issued from Bogue Inlet to the border of North Carolina and Virginia on August 30, and a day later was extended to Cape Henlopen, Delaware.[22] Warnings were posted about 26 hours prior to the storm's closest approach.[23] The watches and warnings were canceled as Emily turned out to sea.[22]

Ahead of the storm, about 160,000 people evacuated from the Outer Banks, mostly tourists.[21] Because Emily hit during the busy Labor Day weekend, the tourism industry suffered after Emily, losing about $10 million in business.[23] Many residents, including 600 on Ocracoke Island, rode out the storm in their homes.[24] Along the coast, 33 emergency shelters were opened.[25] The United States Coast Guard evacuated their personnel to the mainland, leaving behind a skeleton crew to maintain their facilities.[26] Several towns across southeastern North Carolina were also evacuated, with schools closed across the region.[27] Due to uncertainty of when and if Emily would make its northeast turn, Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder declared a state of emergency and put the National Guard on alert.[28] In Virginia Beach, residents along the ocean and low-lying areas were recommended to evacuate,[29] and Tangier Island in the Chesapeake Bay was forced to evacuate. Residents in mobile homes and campgrounds were also advised to seek shelter.[28] At least 750 people left their homes, of whom 711 resided in storm shelters. The Norfolk International Airport was closed for 13 hours.[29] Beaches were closed in the region, and six people were arrested and fined in Virginia Beach.[24] To the north, officials in Ocean City, Maryland declared a phase one emergency ahead of the storm, in which tourists were recommended to leave and the beaches were closed. About 100,000 people in Maryland evacuated the coast, and another 3,600 stayed in storm shelters.[30] In Delaware, 892 people used storm shelters in response to a voluntary evacuation.[31] About 20,000 people also evacuated from Fire Island, New York.[21]

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assisted in coordinating preparations for the storm. The United States Department of Defense sent power equipment to Fort Bragg that had previously been used after the Great Flood of 1993.[32] The United States Department of Agriculture stockpiled food in the areas expected to be impacted. Power companies deliberately shut off the power in the Outer Banks to reduce damage to the system and mitigate risk of electrocutions.[33] At Naval Station Norfolk, 28 ships were sent out to sea to ride out the storm, aircraft were evacuated, and non-essential personnel were sent home.[24][29] The North Carolina government announced ahead of the storm that it would not create a State Disaster Fund, instead relying on private volunteer organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.[26] The state's park service pre-positioned 60 members with chainsaws to help with tree clearing work.[32]

Impact

Rainfall amounts from Emily

North Carolina

While Emily was approaching the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Diamond Shoal Light offshore Cape Hatteras recorded 2 minute sustained winds of 99 mph (159 km/h), along with gusts of 147 mph (237 km/h). Closer to shore, surface winds were estimated at around 115 mph (185 km/h) in the Pamlico Sound. The National Weather Service in Buxton reported sustained winds of 60 mph (96 km/h),[15] with gusts to 98 mph (158 km/h), before the wind instrument failed due to water intrusion. A reliable but unofficial wind station reported a gust of 107 mph (172 km/h),[34] at a commercial building also in Buxton.[35] The strong winds incurred high tides on the south side of Hatteras Island,[15] causing a peak storm surge of 10.2 ft (3.1 m) in Buxton.[21] The heaviest rainfall related to the storm occurred over the Outer Banks, with a peak of 7.51 in (191 mm) in Buxton.[36] Minimal rainfall occurred farther inland, with only 1.00 in (25 mm) reported at Gum Neck in mainland Tyrrell County.[37]

Overall damage from the storm was lighter than expected,[38] and was confined to the barrier islands of Dare and Hyde counties.[39] Severe flooding from the storm affected a 17 mi (27 km) portion of Hatteras Island.[40] The hurricane's winds pushed water from the Pamlico Sound to the south, lowering levels along the mainland and inundating the barrier islands.[24] At Frisco and Hatteras, water levels along the Pamlico Sound reached their highest in the 20th century, reaching 8.5 ft (2.6 m) above normal,[40] surpassing that of Hurricane Gloria eight years prior.[24] It is possible that the water levels were the highest since the 1899 San Ciriaco hurricane. In Buxton, the waters rose 3 to 4 ft (0.91 to 1.22 m) per hour at one point, leaving behind flood marks as high as 10.54 ft (3.21 m). The entire villages of Avon and Hatteras were flooded. Only the highest dunes along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore were not inundated, and a section of dunes just north of Buxton was nearly breached.[35] The waters – 1 to 2 ft (0.30 to 0.61 m) higher than the predicted 100 year flood – broke through windows and flooded houses,[23] and some residents who did not evacuate had to ride out the storm in their attics to escape flooding.[40] Many boats were damaged in marinas,[37] and cars were observed floating in flooded parking lots in Buxton.[23]

High winds destroyed several roofs and knocked down power lines.[41] All towns south of the Bonner Bridge were without power, and Buxton lost water supply after the main water line was damaged.[42] The combination of strong winds and the floods left 553 homes uninhabitable in the Outer Banks,[40] with 168 houses completely destroyed,[34] including three houses washed away.[41] Six of the destroyed homes were owned by the Coast Guard.[39] About 25% of the population of Hatteras was left homeless.[23] The Cape Hatteras School sustained about $3.1 million in damage.[35] Tidal floods, sand, and debris closed Highway 12. Traffic lights along the route were damaged,[26] and downed trees blocked the road in two areas.[24] Sinkholes developed along the route, some of which were large enough to contain three cars.[23] Damage in the state was estimated at $35 million, mostly on Hatteras Island,[21] and largely to the south of Avon.[40] Rough surf killed two people in Nags Head,[21] and one person was injured while escaping a flooded home.[40]

Elsewhere

Outside of North Carolina, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel recorded wind gusts of 37 mph (59 km).[43] To the north of the storm, Ocean City, Maryland reported 2.80 in (71 mm) of precipitation.[21] Above normal tides were reported as far south as Charleston, South Carolina.[44] High tides also spread farther north, with a storm surge of 1.2 ft (0.37 m) at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel and 0.6 ft (0.18 m) in Lewes, Delaware.[43]

The storm's high waves caused beach erosion northward through Virginia.[37] In Newport News, lightning from Emily set a roof on fire in the Lee Hall section of the city while 5,000 residents were left without power. The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel also lost power because of the storm. Emily's light rains in the area were not enough to break a prolonged drought that hampered Virginia.[45] In the Sandbridge section of Virginia Beach, high waves caused minor flooding.[29] Heavy surf and a strong undertow caused one person to drown in Virginia Beach. Rough seas and high tides later caused coastal flooding along Fire Island in New York.[40]

Aftermath

Immediately following the demise of Emily's strongest winds over land, various assessment teams left Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to determine the extent of damage.[46] FEMA coordinated contacts with the North Carolina congressional delegations to inform the members of the storm.[47] All airports on the Outer Banks were reopened by September 1.[39] Due to the widespread power outages across the Outer Banks, power companies flew a helicopter to over the region to assess the damage.[48] The power was expected to be out for two weeks.[49] Six water-carrying vehicles were sent to Dare County to provide water.[50] Highway 12 was later reopened and repaired at a cost of around $1 million.Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page). Due to the power outages, many restaurants lost products when their refrigerators failed.[37] After most businesses on Hatteras were damaged, many residents became temporarily unemployed. Residents emptied their damaged homes along the roads, primarily Highway 12, and in response workers cleared the damage and debris. Within two weeks of the storm, businesses began to reopen, following outside assistance and the cleaning work of the residents; by that time, the island was reopened to tourists.[34]

On September 3, then-governor Jim Hunt declared a state of disaster.[35] On September 10, then-president Bill Clinton declared Dare County, North Carolina, as a disaster area. This allowed residents there to apply for federal assistance, as well as local governments to apply for aid to rebuild public buildings.[51]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Lawrence, Miles (1993-09-30). Preliminary Report Hurricane Emily: 22 August – 06 September 1993 (GIF) (Report). Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-04-20.
  2. ^ Lawrence, Miles (1993-08-22). Tropical Depression Five Discussion Number 2 (Report). Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
  3. ^ Mayfield, Britt M. (1993-08-23). Tropical Depression Five Discussion Number 4 (Report). Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
  4. ^ Pasch, Richard (1993-08-24). Tropical Depression Five Discussion Number 7 (Report). Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
  5. ^ Avila, Lixion; Jarrell, Jerry (1993-08-25). Tropical Depression Five Discussion Number 14 (Report). Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-01-21.
  6. ^ Lawrence, Miles (1993-08-26). Hurricane Emily Discussion Number 17 (Report). Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
  7. ^ Avila, Lixion (1993-08-28). Hurricane Emily Discussion Number 23 (Report). Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-01-21.
  8. ^ Avila, Lixion (1993-08-28). Hurricane Emily Discussion Number 24 (Report). Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-01-21.
  9. ^ Avila, Lixion (1993-08-28). Hurricane Emily Discussion Number 25 (Report). Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-01-21.
  10. ^ Avila, Lixion (1993-08-29). Hurricane Emily Discussion Number 27 (Report). Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-01-21.
  11. ^ Lawrence, Miles (1993-08-29). Hurricane Emily Discussion Number 29 (Report). Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-01-21.
  12. ^ Mayfield, Britt M. (1993-08-30). Hurricane Emily Discussion Number 32 (Report). Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-02-10.
  13. ^ Pasch, Richard (1993-08-31). Hurricane Emily Discussion Number 35 (Report). Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-04-20.
  14. ^ Lawrence, Miles (1993-08-31). Hurricane Emily Discussion Number 38 (Report). Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-04-20.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h Lawrence, Miles (1993-09-30). Preliminary Report Hurricane Emily: 22 August – 06 September 1993 (GIF) (Report). Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-04-20.
  16. ^ Avila, Lixion (1993-09-01). Hurricane Emily Discussion Number 40 (Report). Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2012-04-20.
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  21. ^ a b c d e f g Lawrence, Miles (1993-09-30). Preliminary Report Hurricane Emily: 22 August – 06 September 1993 (GIF) (Report). Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2015-09-13.
  22. ^ a b Lawrence, Miles (1993-09-30). Watch and warning summary for Hurricane Emily (GIF) (Report). Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2015-09-13.
  23. ^ a b c d e f Chris Collins (2011-10-18). Hurricane Emily – August 31, 1993 (Report). Newport/Morehead City, North Carolina National Weather Service. Retrieved 2015-09-14.
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  33. ^ C. Richard Mayson (1993-09-01). Situation Report (SITREP) No. 6 Hurricane Emily (GIF) (Report). Federal Emergency Management Agency. Retrieved 2015-09-14.
  34. ^ a b c Irene Nolan (October 1993). "Remembering Hurricane Emily". Island Free Press. Newport/Morehead City National Weather Service. Retrieved 2015-09-14.
  35. ^ a b c d J. Curtis Weaver; Thomas J. Zembrzuski, Jr. "August 31, 1993, Storm Surge and the Flood of Hurricane Emily on Hatteras Island, North Carolina". Summary of Floods in the United States, January 1992 through September 1993. Water Supply Paper. United States Geological Survey.
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  42. ^ Cite error: The named reference fem7 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
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  45. ^ "Infoweb Newsbank".
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  51. ^ "Designated Areas: North Carolina Hurricane Emily". Federal Emergency Management Association. Retrieved 2015-09-14.

External links

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