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{{main|Tropical Depression Eight (1981)}}
{{main|Tropical Depression Eight (1981)}}
Tropical Depression Eight developed from a tropical disturbance over the [[Bay of Campeche]] on August&nbsp;26. Moving northwestward, the cyclone failed to intensify into a tropical storm before making landfall in the Mexican state of [[Tamaulipas]] to the north of [[Tampico]] on August&nbsp;28, with winds of 35&nbsp;mph (55&nbsp;km/h). After moving inland, the depression curved north-northwestward before degenerating into a surface low-pressure area near the Mexico–United States border on August&nbsp;29. The remnants moved eastward across Texas and entered [[Louisiana]] before dissipating on September&nbsp;1.<ref name="DReight"/>
This tropical depression formed in the Bay of Campeche on August 26 and moved slowly northwest, moving ashore northeast Mexico on August 29 and into the United States on August 30. As an ill-defined surface low, a large thunderstorm complex formed near its center that day, unleashing heavy rainfall in a band {{convert|50|mi|km}} wide which stretched along a path {{convert|200|mi|km}} long from [[Seguin, Texas]] to north of [[Houston]], Texas. The highest rainfall amount reported was from Pine Springs in [[Fayette County, Texas]], where {{convert|21|in|mm}} fell in the 24‑hour period ending on the morning of August 31. Five died in the town of [[Shiner, Texas]] due to the flood.<ref>John Patton. [http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2003/ofr03-193/cd_files/USGS_Storms/patton.htm Data and Descriptions of Selected Substantial Storms and Floods as Documented by John Patton.] Retrieved on May 11, 2008.</ref> Downtown Halletsville flooded to a depth of {{convert|5|ft|m}}. Significant flooding occurred along the Lavaca, Guadalupe, and [[Colorado River|Colorado]] rivers in Texas. The cyclone spawned 14 tornadoes as well, including one at Scholes Field in [[Galveston, Texas]] which produced winds as high as {{convert|92|mph|km/h}} at 7:15&nbsp;pm on August 31.<ref>The [[Galveston Daily News]]. [http://www.thehurricanearchive.com/Viewer.aspx?img=110156365_clean&firstvisit=true&src=search&currentResult=1&currentPage=0 Summary of Storm Activity.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108051640/http://www.thehurricanearchive.com/Viewer.aspx?img=110156365_clean&firstvisit=true&src=search&currentResult=1&currentPage=0 |date=January 8, 2016 }} Retrieved on May 13, 2008.</ref>


Although the system was only a surface low upon reaching Texas, a large thunderstorm complex developed near its center on August&nbsp;29. This resulted in heavy rainfall across southeastern Texas, with a peak total of 21&nbsp;in (530&nbsp;mm) in Pine Springs in [[Fayette County, Texas|Fayette County]],<ref name="DReight"/> with much of that falling in only about six hours. One of the hardest hit areas was [[Lavaca County, Texas|Lavaca County]]. At least 15&nbsp;streets in downtown [[Hallettsville, Texas|Hallettsville]] were flooded, damaging hundreds of cars, 150 to 200&nbsp;homes, 75&nbsp;businesses, and a few local government buildings.<ref name="ncdc8"/> Five people were killed by floodwaters in [[Shiner, Texas|Shiner]].<ref name="DReight"/> Throughout Lavaca County, more than 286&nbsp;homes were damaged or destroyed, 17&nbsp;bridges and several roads were washed out, and hundreds of head of cattle were drowned. The depression spawned 14&nbsp;tornadoes, one of which caused extensive damage in the [[Galveston, Texas|Galveston area]].<ref name="ncdc8"/> Overall, the depression left more than $56.2&nbsp;million in damage.<ref name="ncdc8"/><ref name="reagan"/>
Its surface circulation remained ill-defined as it produced another round of heavy rainfall across northwest Louisiana on September 1. A large [[mesoscale convective system]] moved in from Oklahoma and northeast Texas, dissipating what was left of this tropical depression by September 2. Paid losses by the [[Federal Emergency Management Agency]] (FEMA) totaled nearly US$21&nbsp;million (1981&nbsp;dollars), with total damages exceeding US$26&nbsp;million (1981&nbsp;dollars).<ref name="DReight"/><ref>[[Federal Emergency Management Agency]]. [http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/statistics/sign1000.shtm Significant Flood Events: 1978&nbsp;– March 31, 2008.] Retrieved on May 11, 2008. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080201121723/http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/statistics/sign1000.shtm |date=February 1, 2008 }}</ref>
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Revision as of 21:35, 27 September 2021

1981 Atlantic hurricane season
Season summary map
Seasonal boundaries
First system formedApril 6, 1981
Last system dissipatedNovember 17, 1981
Strongest storm
NameHarvey
 • Maximum winds130 mph (215 km/h)
(1-minute sustained)
 • Lowest pressure946 mbar (hPa; 27.94 inHg)
Seasonal statistics
Total depressions22
Total storms12
Hurricanes7
Major hurricanes
(Cat. 3+)		3
Total fatalities11 total
Total damage$45 million (1981 USD)
Related articles
Atlantic hurricane seasons
1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983

The 1981 Atlantic hurricane season was a fairly active season that featured 22 tropical depressions and 12 storms. The season officially began on June 1, 1981, and lasted until November 30, 1981. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. Almost all of the named storms made landfall. Cindy, Harvey, and Irene did not affect land, either directly or indirectly.

Hurricane Dennis caused millions of dollars in damage in Dade County, Florida and produced the highest rainfall totals of any tropical cyclone this season. Tropical Depression Eight caused the most damage, due to flooding in Texas at the end of August, and led to most fatalities of any tropical cyclone this season (five). Tropical Depressions Two and Eight caused a majority of the damage and fatalities this season, with both affecting Louisiana and Texas.

Seasonal summary

Hurricane Katrina (1981)Tropical Depression Eight (1981)Hurricane Dennis (1981)Tropical Storm Bret (1981)Tropical Storm Arlene (1981)Saffir-Simpson scale
Severe flooding from Tropical Depression Two

The 1981 season was high in activity with eighteen tropical depressions and twelve storms forming that year. The season began early, as Tropical Storm Arlene formed on May 6. Arlene made landfall in Cuba, being absorbed later by a low.[1] Tropical Depression Two moved out of the Gulf of Mexico into eastern Texas on June 5, producing localized rainfall amounts of 12 in (300 mm) and numerous tornadoes over Louisiana before recurving across the Southeast United States.[2] Tropical Storm Bret formed as a subtropical low in the open Atlantic Ocean, and made landfall in the Delmarva Peninsula.[3]

Tropical Depression Four formed in the Gulf of Mexico on July 25, moving into Mexico the next day, and causing heavy rains in west Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas when its remnants moved into the United States.[4] Tropical Storm Cindy formed on August 2 in the open Atlantic and became an extratropical cyclone on August 5.[5] Hurricane Dennis formed on August 7 near South America. Dennis degenerated into a depression while making landfall in the Leeward Islands, but regained storm strength while over Cuba. Dennis moved near the southeast United States coastline from Florida to Virginia, briefly becoming a hurricane. Dennis weakened into a tropical storm and was declared an extratropical cyclone on August 22.[6]

Image of Emily, Floyd, Gert, and formative stage of Harvey from September 9, 1981.

Tropical Depression Seven formed in mid-August and tracked through the Windward Islands before dissipating near Trinidad and Tobago.[7] Tropical Depression Eight led to a significant flooding event between San Antonio and Houston on August 30 and August 31 while recurving through Texas into Louisiana.[8] Hurricane Emily formed on September 1 southeast of Bermuda. Emily made a cyclonic loop as a tropical storm. Emily strengthened into a hurricane out in the North Atlantic Ocean and by September 12, was no longer identifiable.[9] Hurricane Floyd was a Category 3 hurricane that grazed Bermuda, but no damage was reported.[10] Hurricane Gert formed September 8, strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane, and followed the same track as Floyd, dissipating near the Azores.[11][12][13] Hurricane Harvey became the strongest storm of the season, reaching Category 4 strength. Harvey never affected land, but ships reported tropical storm-force winds.[14] Tropical Depression Thirteen brought gusts of tropical storm force to Bermuda in mid-to-late September.[15] Hurricane Irene also stayed out at sea, reaching Category 3 strength and was extratropical in early October. The extratropical Irene made landfall in France.[16]

Tropical Depression Fifteen was small and well-organized as it crossed the tropical Atlantic before weakening as it moved through the northeast Caribbean and southwest North Atlantic during late September and early October.[17][18] Tropical Storm Jose was a short-lived storm forming out in the open Atlantic in late October. Jose never affected land and dissipated on November 1 near the Azores.[19] Hurricane Katrina formed in the Caribbean Sea, and made landfall in Cuba after reaching hurricane strength.[20] The final storm of the season, Subtropical Storm Three, formed in the Atlantic Ocean on November 12 and moved north, making landfall in Nova Scotia and becoming extratropical soon after.[21]

The season's activity was reflected with a cumulative accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) rating of 100,[22] which is classified as "near normal".[23] ACE is, broadly speaking, a measure of the power of the hurricane multiplied by the length of time it existed, so storms that last a long time, as well as particularly strong hurricanes, have high ACEs. It is only calculated for full advisories on tropical systems at or exceeding 39 mph (63 km/h), which is the threshold for tropical storm intensity.[22]

Systems

Tropical Storm Arlene

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationMay 6 – May 9
Peak intensity60 mph (95 km/h) (1-min);
999 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Tropical Storm Arlene (1981)

A tropical disturbance that originated in the Pacific Ocean crossed Central America and entered the Caribbean Sea in early May. The disturbance developed into a tropical depression over the northwestern Caribbean on May 6, well before the official start of the hurricane season. By the following day, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Arlene. Around 00:00 UTC on May 8, Arlene reached its minimum barometric pressure of 999 mbar (29.5 inHg). Shortly thereafter, the cyclone made landfall on the south coast of Camagüey Province in Cuba with winds of 50 mph (85 km/h). Arlene weakened to a tropical depression while moving over Cuba. After emerging into the Atlantic Ocean over the Bahamas, the system re-intensified into a tropical storm late on May 8 and reached maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h). However, convection soon diminished and Arlene weakened back to a tropical depression early on May 9, shortly before being absorbed by a trough. The storm caused only minimal impacts.[1]

Tropical Depression Two

Tropical depression (SSHWS)
 
DurationJune 3 – June 5
Peak intensity35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min);
996 mbar (hPa)

A tropical depression formed in the Bay of Campeche on June 3. Classified as Tropical Depression Two, the system moved north-northwest, lured by a closed upper-cyclone over the southern Great Plains.[2] Shortly before 12:00 UTC on June 5, the depression made landfall near Matagorda, Texas, with winds of 35 mph (55 km/h).[7] Surface observations indicate that the depression's barometric pressure at landfall ranged from 991 to 996 mbar (29.3 to 29.4 inHg).[2] Although the depression dissipated later on June 5,[7] its remnants quickly recurved through the Mississippi Valley, and deepened as it moved off the coast of the Mid-Atlantic states into the Atlantic on June 7.[2]

The depression, in conjunction with an upper-level low, dropped heavy rainfall in the Greater Houston area, with a peak total of 15 in (380 mm) at Lake Anahuac.[2] In Texas City, 1 to 6 in (25 to 152 mm) of water inside 16 homes forced the evacuation of their occupants,[24] with at least 23 homes suffering water damage. Water also entered city hall. Some roads had roughly 18 in (460 mm) of standing water, stranding some motorists for hours.[25] In Galveston, a tornado damaged forty homes and apartments, with severe damage to three homes and two apartment units. One business suffered major roof damage, while several cars were damaged at an auto dealership.[24] The depression also spawned eight tornadoes in Louisiana.[2] The most destructive tornado touched down in Rapides Parish, where it substantially damaged or destroyed thirty-eight cars at a dealership in Lecompte, severely damaged five homes and caused minor damage to four others, downed large trees, and tossed an 18-wheeler truck approximately 200 ft (61 m).[26] Overall, the depression killed three people, two due to flooding and one from an associated tornado.[27] At least $4 million in damage was caused by this depression.[2]

Tropical Storm Bret

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationJune 29 – July 1
Peak intensity70 mph (110 km/h) (1-min);
996 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Tropical Storm Bret (1981)

A low-pressure area initially associated with a frontal system developed into a subtropical storm on June 29 while roughly 575 mi (925 km) east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.[3] The system headed westward and transitioned into Tropical Storm Bret around 06:00 UTC on June 30. Bret attained its peak intensity six hours later with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) and a minimum atmospheric pressure of 996 mbar (29.4 inHg). However, Bret rapidly weakened as it approached the Mid-Atlantic and deteriorated to a minimal tropical storm by the time it made landfall on the Delmarva Peninsula early on July 1. The cyclone dissipated over northern Virginia several hours later.[7]

Rainfall amounts were light, with a narrow area of over 1 in (25 mm) of precipitation reported near its track and within the central Appalachians, while a peak total of 4.48 in (114 mm) was observed at Big Meadows, Virginia.[28] Locally heavy rains in western Pennsylvania caused some basement and street flooding.[29] No significant damage was reported,[3] but one fatality was reported at Nags Head, North Carolina, due to riptides.[30]

Tropical Depression Four

Tropical depression (SSHWS)
 
DurationJuly 25 – July 26
Peak intensity35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min);
1008 mbar (hPa)

A tropical disturbance moved across the Caribbean sea between July 20 and July 24 before moving across the Yucatán peninsula.[31] After emerging into the south-central Gulf of Mexico, the disturbance organized into a tropical depression early on July 25. The depression moved west-northwest into northeast Mexico on July 26 before its surface circulation dissipated. Heavy rains fell across western Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas when the remains of this system interacted with a stationary front across the southern Plains between July 28 and July 30.[4]

Tropical Storm Cindy

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 2 – August 5
Peak intensity60 mph (95 km/h) (1-min);
1002 mbar (hPa)

A subtropical depression that developed along a cold front organized into Tropical Storm Cindy on August 2, in the open Atlantic midway between Bermuda and Nova Scotia. Cindy tracked east-northeast until it became extratropical on August 5 as it moved over colder water. The storm never affected land and caused no known damage.[5]

Hurricane Dennis

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 7 – August 21
Peak intensity80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min);
995 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Dennis (1981)

A tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa on August 5. Two days later, the wave developed into a tropical depression well south of the Cape Verde Islands. The depression intensified into a tropical storm early on August 8. However, Dennis then encountered strong wind shear, causing the storm to weaken to a tropical depression on August 11. After crossing the Windward Islands on August 12, Dennis entered the Caribbean but degenerated into a tropical wave early the following day. The wave became a tropical depression again late on August 15 while approaching Cuba. Dennis reintensified into a tropical storm around 00:00 UTC on August 16, just prior to landfall near Playa Girón, Matanzas Province. The cyclone emerged into the Straits of Florida hours later, before striking the Florida Keys and then mainland Monroe County early the next day. It drifted across Florida, reaching the Atlantic near Cape Canaveral on August 19. Dennis continued to intensify and made landfall near Emerald Isle, North Carolina, but moved east-northeastward and soon tracked offshore. Late on August 20, Dennis deepened into a hurricane with winds of 80 mph (130 km/h), before weakening to a tropical storm over colder waters on August 21. Dennis became extratropical northeast of Bermuda early on August 22 and persisted until being absorbed by a frontal system on August 26.[32]

In the Caribbean, Dennis dropped heavy precipitation on some islands, including Martinique, Saint Lucia, the Virgin Islands,[33] and the Greater Antilles. Flooding in Jamaica left at least 50 people homeless.[34] In Florida, heavy rain fell in many areas to the east of the storm's path. Much of southeast Florida received at least 7 in (180 mm) of precipitation,[35] while over 25.56 in (649 mm) of rain fell in Homestead.[6] Nearly all of Dade County was flooded to the south of Kendall Drive. Many businesses and homes in cities such as Homestead and Florida City suffered water damage.[36] However, the worst damage was incurred to crops, which experienced a loss of over $17.26 million.[37] One death and nearly $18.5 million in damage occurred in Florida.[37][38] Farther north, Dennis also caused flooding in the Carolinas, inundating many streets and causing crop damage in both states.[35] A weather-related traffic accident in South Carolina resulted in two fatalities.[39] Twenty families in Columbus County, North Carolina, evacuated after the Waccamaw River overran its banks.[40] Overall, Dennis left caused three deaths and about $28.5 million in damage.[38][39][40]

Tropical Depression Seven

Tropical depression (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 18 – August 21
Peak intensity35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min);
1007 mbar (hPa)

This system developed over the tropical Atlantic Ocean on August 18, moving westward and then southwestward towards the Windward Islands. The depression dissipated east of Trinidad and Tobago late on August 21.[7]

Tropical Depression Eight

Tropical depression (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 26 – August 30
Peak intensity35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min);
1004 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Tropical Depression Eight (1981)

Tropical Depression Eight developed from a tropical disturbance over the Bay of Campeche on August 26. Moving northwestward, the cyclone failed to intensify into a tropical storm before making landfall in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas to the north of Tampico on August 28, with winds of 35 mph (55 km/h). After moving inland, the depression curved north-northwestward before degenerating into a surface low-pressure area near the Mexico–United States border on August 29. The remnants moved eastward across Texas and entered Louisiana before dissipating on September 1.[8]

Although the system was only a surface low upon reaching Texas, a large thunderstorm complex developed near its center on August 29. This resulted in heavy rainfall across southeastern Texas, with a peak total of 21 in (530 mm) in Pine Springs in Fayette County,[8] with much of that falling in only about six hours. One of the hardest hit areas was Lavaca County. At least 15 streets in downtown Hallettsville were flooded, damaging hundreds of cars, 150 to 200 homes, 75 businesses, and a few local government buildings.[40] Five people were killed by floodwaters in Shiner.[8] Throughout Lavaca County, more than 286 homes were damaged or destroyed, 17 bridges and several roads were washed out, and hundreds of head of cattle were drowned. The depression spawned 14 tornadoes, one of which caused extensive damage in the Galveston area.[40] Overall, the depression left more than $56.2 million in damage.[40][41]

Hurricane Emily

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 1 – September 12
Peak intensity90 mph (150 km/h) (1-min);
966 mbar (hPa)

On September 1, a subtropical storm became Tropical Storm Emily southwest of Bermuda. Emily moved northeast, crossing the island the next day, but measured winds were below tropical storm force. The storm continued generally northeast and strengthened into a hurricane. Hurricane Emily weakened over the north Atlantic and was no longer identifiable as a weather system by September 12. Hurricane Emily caused beach erosion across the East Coast of the United States, but no other damage was reported.[9]

Hurricane Floyd

Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 3 – September 12
Peak intensity115 mph (185 km/h) (1-min);
975 mbar (hPa)

Floyd was first tracked as a tropical depression on September 3 when it organized east of the Leeward Islands. As the depression moved northwest, it caused heavy rain. The highest rainfall reported was 5.7 inches (140 mm) at Antigua. It strengthened into a tropical storm, then reached hurricane strength on September 7.[10]

Floyd turned to the northeast and passed just southeast of Bermuda as a weakening hurricane. As a tropical storm, Floyd moved east across the Atlantic until losing its identity on September 12.[10]

No damages are associated with Floyd. Although Bermuda was directly affected, the island experienced the weaker half of the storm.[10]

Hurricane Gert

Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 7 – September 15
Peak intensity105 mph (165 km/h) (1-min);
988 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave exited western Africa on September 1, gradually developing a concentrated area of convection. Early on September 7, satellite imagery indicated that Tropical Depression Eleven formed about 400 mi (645 km) east of the Leeward Islands. The depression intensified into Tropical Storm Gert on the following day. The newly upgraded storm passed between Dominica and Guadeloupe and continued to intensify, making landfall on southeastern Puerto Rico with winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) late on September 8. After emerging into the Atlantic, Gert weakened while passing just north of the Dominican Republic.[12] It restrengthened while turning northward near the Bahamas, becoming a hurricane on September 10. Midday on September 11, Gert peaked with winds of 105 mph (165 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 988 mbar (hPa; 29.18 inHg). The hurricane turned northeastward and weakened over cooler waters, passing about 100 mi (160 km) north of Bermuda on September 12 as a tropical storm. On September 14, Gert weakened further to tropical depression status, dissipating the next day.[13]

While passing through the Leeward Islands, Gert dropped moderate rainfall of 5.85 in (148.5 mm) on St. Thomas. Winds gusted to 50 mph (85 km/h) on the island. In Puerto Rico, rainfall peaked at 6.02 in (153 mm) in the municipality of Maricao,[12] flooding some highways. Several towns on the southside of the island lost electricity during the storm due to downed power lines.[42] Gale warnings were issued for the Turks and Caicos Islands and later the southeastern Bahamas, and light rainfall occurred in the region, reaching 3.20 in (81.28 mm) on the island of San Salvador. Winds were light in Bermuda.[12]

Hurricane Harvey

Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 11 – September 19
Peak intensity130 mph (215 km/h) (1-min);
946 mbar (hPa)

Harvey formed in the central Atlantic, reaching hurricane strength only a few hours after first becoming a named system on September 12. From its initial position several hundred miles east of the Leeward Islands, Harvey moved northwest. Its path began curving more to the north, and was considered a threat to Bermuda until the continuing curve took Harvey away from the island. Harvey's track became more easterly, and the storm weakened and became extratropical as it approached the Azores. Harvey caused no reported damage, although several ships reported experiencing tropical-storm-force winds.[14]

Tropical Depression Thirteen

Tropical depression (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 22 – September 24
Peak intensity35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min);
998 mbar (hPa)

The thirteenth operationally classified tropical depression developed 275 mi (445 km) southwest of Bermuda on September 22,[43] and was initially expected to intensify into a tropical storm.[44] Although it failed to further intensify, Tropical Depression Thirteen brought squalls to Bermuda with winds gusts of tropical storm-force as it passed west of the island on September 23. Moving northward, the system merged with a developing extratropical cyclone south of Nova Scotia on September 24.[15]

Hurricane Irene

Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 21 – October 2
Peak intensity120 mph (195 km/h) (1-min);
959 mbar (hPa)

Satellite imagery detected a tropical disturbance off the coast of Africa on September 19. By September 23, the disturbance had developed a closed circulation and was designated as Tropical Storm Irene. The storm tracked northwest, becoming a hurricane on September 25. Irene then began to curve eastward as it gradually strengthened. On September 28, Irene strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane and reached its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 km/h). Irene then gradually weakened, weakening below hurricane strength on October 1. Early on October 2, Irene became extratropical while located north of the Azores. The remaining extratropical storm moved over France on October 3.[16]

Tropical Depression Fifteen

Tropical depression (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 27 – October 4
Peak intensity35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min);
1010 mbar (hPa)

This tropical depression formed southwest of the Cape Verde Islands on September 27,[17] and tracked through the deep tropics before weakening as it moved over the Leeward Islands late on September 30. Heavy rains occurred at Guadeloupe as the system passed by the island.[18] The depression then recurved to the south and east of Bermuda late on October 3.

Tropical Storm Jose

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationOctober 29 – November 1
Peak intensity50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min);
998 mbar (hPa)

Jose was a weak and short-lived tropical storm that formed far from land on October 29. It moved generally northeast before becoming subtropical and then dissipating on November 1 near the Azores.[19]

Hurricane Katrina

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationNovember 3 – November 8
Peak intensity85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min);
980 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Katrina (1981)

A tropical depression formed on November 3 in the western Caribbean Sea about 150 miles (240 km) south of the Cayman Islands. The depression moved north, reaching tropical storm strength as it moved through the Caymans. Katrina continued to strengthen, reaching hurricane strength half a day before landfall in Cuba. A weakening Katrina moved across eastern Cuba on November 6. After emerging over water, the storm accelerated northeast through the Bahamas. Katrina's circulation fell apart, and the storm merged with a front on November 8.

Hurricane Katrina is reported to have killed two and caused widespread flood damage in Cuba's Camagüey province.[20]

Subtropical Storm Three

Subtropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationNovember 12 – November 17
Peak intensity70 mph (110 km/h) (1-min);
978 mbar (hPa)

A frontal low over the warm waters of the Gulf Stream organized into a subtropical storm on November 12 while 400 miles (640 km) east of Jacksonville, Florida. After moving northeastward, it turned to the northwest, threatening the northeastern United States as an intensifying subtropical storm that was gradually developing tropical characteristics. A high pressure system turned it to the northeast, and after peaking at 70 mph (110 km/h) it became extratropical near Nova Scotia on November 17. The storm produced significant beach erosion and coastal flooding.[21]

Storm names

The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Atlantic in 1981. It was the first use for all of these names since the post-1978 naming change, except for Arlene, Cindy, and Irene, which had been previously used in 1959, 1963, 1967, and 1971. There were no names retired this year; thus, the same list was used again in the 1987 season.

  • Harvey
  • Irene
  • Jose
  • Katrina
  • Lenny (unused)
  • Maria (unused)
  • Nate (unused)
  • Ophelia (unused)
  • Philippe (unused)
  • Rita (unused)
  • Stan (unused)
  • Tammy (unused)
  • Vince (unused)
  • Wilma (unused)

Season effects

This is a table of the storms in 1981 and their landfall(s), if any. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but are still storm-related. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical or a wave or low.

Saffir–Simpson scale
TD TS C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
1981 North Atlantic tropical cyclone season statistics
Storm
name 		Dates active Storm category
at peak intensity 		Max 1-min
wind
mph (km/h) 		Min.
press.
(mbar) 		Areas affected Damage
(USD) 		Deaths Ref(s)
Unnumbered April 6 – April 7 Tropical depression Unknown Unknown None None None
Unnumbered April 19 – April 21 Tropical depression Unknown Unknown None None None
Arlene May 6 – May 9 Tropical storm 60 mph (95 km/h) 999 hPa (29.50 inHg) Cuba, Bahamas Minimal None
Two June 3 – June 5 Tropical depression 35 mph (55 km/h) 1002 hPa (29.59 inHg) Southern United States (Texas), Midwestern United States, Maryland $4 million 3 [2]
Unnumbered June 17 – June 19 Tropical depression 35 mph (55 km/h) Unknown None None None
Bret June 29 – July 1 Tropical storm 70 mph (110 km/h) 996 hPa (29.41 inHg) Old South (Virginia), Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Midwestern United States Minimal 1 [30]
Unnumbered July 2 – July 4 Tropical depression 35 mph (55 km/h) Unknown None None None
Four July 25 – July 26 Tropical depression 35 mph (55 km/h) 1008 hPa (29.77 inHg) Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana None None
Cindy August 2 – August 5 Tropical storm 60 mph (95 km/h) 1002 hPa (29.59 inHg) None None None
Dennis August 7 – August 21 Category 1 hurricane 80 mph (130 km/h) 995 hPa (29.38 inHg) Lesser Antilles, Greater Antilles (Cuba), Southeastern United States (Florida and North Carolina) $28.5 million 3 [38][39][40]
Seven August 17 – August 21 Tropical depression 35 mph (55 km/h) 1007 hPa (29.74 inHg) None None None
Eight August 26 – August 29 Tropical depression 35 mph (55 km/h) 1004 hPa (29.65 inHg) Mexico, South Central United States, Alabama, Tennessee $56.2 million 5 [8][40][41]
Emily August 31 – September 11 Category 1 hurricane 90 mph (150 km/h) 966 hPa (28.53 inHg) East Coast of the United States None None
Floyd September 3 – September 12 Category 3 hurricane 115 mph (185 km/h) 975 hPa (28.79 inHg) Leeward Islands, Bermuda None None
Gert September 7 – September 15 Category 2 hurricane 105 mph (165 km/h) 988 hPa (29.18 inHg) Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Bermuda None None
Harvey September 11 – September 19 Category 4 hurricane 130 mph (215 km/h) 946 hPa (27.94 inHg) None None None
Thirteen September 22 – September 24 Tropical depression 35 mph (55 km/h) 998 hPa (29.47 inHg) Bermuda None None
Irene September 21 – October 2 Category 3 hurricane 120 mph (195 km/h) 959 hPa (28.32 inHg) None None None
Fifteen September 27 – October 4 Tropical depression 35 mph (55 km/h) 1010 hPa (29.83 inHg) Leeward Islands None None
Jose October 29 – November 2 Tropical storm 50 mph (85 km/h) 998 hPa (29.47 inHg) Azores None None
Katrina November 3 – November 7 Category 1 hurricane 85 mph (140 km/h) 980 hPa (28.94 inHg) Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Cuba, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands Minimal 2 [20]
Three November 12 – November 17 Subtropical storm 70 mph (110 km/h) 978 hPa (28.88 inHg) East Coast of the United States None None
Season aggregates
22 cyclones April 6
-November 17		 135 mph (217 km/h) 946 hPa (27.9 inHg) $88.7 million 14

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Joseph M. Pelissier (1981). "Preliminary Report Tropical Storm Arlene: May 6–9, 1981". National Hurricane Center. p. 1. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h David M. Roth (August 4, 2008). "Tropical Depression Two – June 4–7, 1981". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
  3. ^ a b c Miles B. Lawrence (July 11, 1981). "Preliminary Report Tropical Storm Bret: 29 June – 1 July 1981". National Hurricane Center. p. 1. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
  4. ^ a b David M. Roth (August 4, 2008). "Tropical Depression Four – July 24–30, 1981". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
  5. ^ a b John R. Hope. "Preliminary Report Tropical Storm Cindy: 2 – August 5, 1981". p. 1. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  6. ^ a b David M. Roth (March 6, 2013). "Hurricane Dennis – August 15–20, 1981". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  7. ^ a b c d e "Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)" (Database). United States National Hurricane Center. April 5, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2024. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  8. ^ a b c d e David M. Roth (May 12, 2008). "Tropical Depression Eight – August 27–September 1, 1981". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  9. ^ a b Gil B. Clark (October 16, 1981). "Preliminary Report Hurricane Emily: August 31 – September 11". p. 1. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  10. ^ a b c d Joseph M. Pelissier (1982). Preliminary Report Hurricane Floyd: September 03  - 12, 1981 (Report). National Hurricane Center. p. 1. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  11. ^ David M. Roth (March 6, 2013). "Tropical Storm Gert – September 7–9, 1981". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  12. ^ a b c d Miles B. Lawrence (October 10, 1981). "Preliminary Report Hurricane Gert: 07 – September 15, 1981". National Hurricane Center. p. 1. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  13. ^ a b Miles B. Lawrence (October 10, 1981). "Preliminary Report Hurricane Gert: 07 – September 15, 1981". National Hurricane Center. p. 2. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  14. ^ a b John R. Hope. "Preliminary Report Hurricane Harvey: 11 – September 19, 1981". National Hurricane Center. p. 1. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  15. ^ a b Associated Press. Irene expected to become hurricane. Archived January 8, 2016, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on May 16, 2008.
  16. ^ a b Robert C. Sheets (October 20, 1981). "Preliminary Report Hurricane Irene: September 21 – October 3, 1981". National Hurricane Center. p. 1. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  17. ^ a b Associated Press. 110 MPH Winds Whip Up Atlantic. Archived January 8, 2016, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on May 18, 2008.
  18. ^ a b United Press International. Hurricane, Depression Pack Little Punch. Archived January 8, 2016, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on May 18, 2008.
  19. ^ a b Miles B. Lawrence (November 16, 1981). "Preliminary Report Tropical Storm Jose: October 29 – November 1, 1981". National Hurricane Center. p. 1. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  20. ^ a b c Miles B. Lawrence (November 30, 1981). "Preliminary Report Hurricane Katrina: 3 – November 7, 1981". p. 1. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  21. ^ a b Miles B. Lawrence (November 30, 1981). "Preliminary Report Subtropical Storm (Number Two?): 12 -17 November 1981". National Hurricane Center. p. 1. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  22. ^ a b Hurricane Research Division (March 2011). "Atlantic basin Comparison of Original and Revised HURDAT". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved July 23, 2011.
  23. ^ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (May 27, 2010). "Background information: the North Atlantic Hurricane Season". Climate Prediction Center. Archived from the original on May 10, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
  24. ^ a b Bill Blum (June 5, 1981). Storm Report (Report). National Weather Service Galveston, Texas. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
  25. ^ Teri Crook (June 6, 1981). "Excessive rainfall paralyzes Texas City residents". The Galveston Daily News. p. 1A. Retrieved February 20, 2020 – via Newspapers.com. Free access icon
  26. ^ Storm Report (Report). National Weather Service Alexandria, Louisiana. June 5, 1981. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
  27. ^ "At least three people were killed and a dozen..." United Press International. June 5, 1981. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
  28. ^ David M. Roth (March 6, 2013). Tropical Storm Bret - June 29-July 3, 1981. Weather Prediction Center (Report). College Park, Maryland: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  29. ^ "Tropical storm breaks up in Virgina". Miami Herald. Miami, Florida. July 2, 1981. p. 2A. Retrieved September 9, 2021 – via Newspapers.com. Free access icon
  30. ^ a b "Yachts Safe After Storm". The Montreal Gazette. Montreal, Quebec. July 3, 1981. p. 28. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  31. ^ National Climatic Data Center. July 24, 1981 18:00 UTC Channel: Visible (~0.65um) Satellite: GOES-4. Retrieved on May 13, 2008.
  32. ^ "Preliminary Report Hurricane Dennis: 7 – August 21, 1981". National Hurricane Center. p. 1. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  33. ^ "The ragged remnants of onetime Tropical Storm Dennis veered northward". United Press International. August 12, 1981. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  34. ^ "Florida Keys threatened by storm". United Press International. August 15, 1981. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  35. ^ a b "Preliminary Report Hurricane Dennis: 7 – August 21, 1981". National Hurricane Center. p. 2. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  36. ^ "Tropical Storm Crosses Florida, Traveling North". The New York Times. United Press International. August 19, 1981. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  37. ^ a b Report on Tropical Storm Dennis August 16 – 18, 1981 (PDF) (Report). South Florida Water Management District. July 1982. p. 55-56. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 4, 2010. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  38. ^ a b c William Stracener (August 19, 1981). "Tropical storm Dennis, packing a stiff watery punch and 50 mph winds". United Press International. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  39. ^ a b c "A hurricane for only one day, Dennis was downgraded". United Press International. August 21, 1981. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  40. ^ a b c d e f g "Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena" (PDF). Storm Data. 23 (8). Asheville, North Carolina: National Climatic Data Center: 19. August 1981. ISSN 0039-1972. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 27, 2021. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  41. ^ a b "Reagan declares Lavaca County is disaster area". The Daily News. United Press International. September 23, 1981. p. 3. Retrieved September 27, 2021 – via Newspapers.com. Free access icon
  42. ^ "Gert lashes Puerto Rico, could threaten Florida". The Indianapolis Star. Associated Press. September 9, 1981. p. 1. Retrieved September 27, 2021 – via Newspapers.com. Free access icon
  43. ^ "13th Tropical Depression Of Year Forms". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. United Press International. September 23, 1981. p. 10-A. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  44. ^ "Tropical depression aims at Bermuda". The Miami News. September 23, 1981. p. 2A. Retrieved September 27, 2021 – via Newspapers.com. Free access icon
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