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In advance of Hurricane Beth, hurricane warnings were issued for coastal and marine areas of Nova Scotia and [[Newfoundland (Island)|Newfoundland]]. In [[Halifax Regional Municipality|Halifax]], bus service was disrupted by the storm, and in [[Antigonish, Nova Scotia|Antigonish]], business owners closed their stores and filled sandbags to prepare.<ref name="Halifax">{{cite news|author=The Canadian Press|title=Nova Scotia awash as rain, storms hit|date=August 16, 1971|publisher=''The Windsor Star''|accessdate=November 1, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=O0M_AAAAIBAJ&sjid=rlAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2155,379553&dq=hurricane-beth+canada+warnings&hl=en}}</ref>
In advance of Hurricane Beth, hurricane warnings were issued for coastal and marine areas of Nova Scotia and [[Newfoundland (Island)|Newfoundland]]. In [[Halifax Regional Municipality|Halifax]], bus service was disrupted by the storm, and in [[Antigonish, Nova Scotia|Antigonish]], business owners closed their stores and filled sandbags to prepare.<ref name="Halifax">{{cite news|author=The Canadian Press|title=Nova Scotia awash as rain, storms hit|date=August 16, 1971|publisher=''The Windsor Star''|accessdate=November 1, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=O0M_AAAAIBAJ&sjid=rlAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2155,379553&dq=hurricane-beth+canada+warnings&hl=en}}</ref>


The hurricane left extensive damage in its wake, especially to crops and infrastructure.<ref name="CHC">{{cite web|author=Natural Resources Canada|title=Major Hurricanes|date=|publisher=The Atlas of Canada|accessdate=November 1, 2010|url=http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/environment/naturalhazards/naturalhazards1999/majorhurricanes/hurricanes_stats_new.html}}</ref> [[Halifax International Airport]] reported {{convert|10.49|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rainfall over 30 hours. The heavy precipitation throughout the country triggered severe flooding, stranding hundreds of travelers. The mayor of [[Dartmouth, Nova Scotia|Dartmouth]] reported that the area was a "disaster", as 500 homes were reportedly inundated. Antigonish also experienced significant flooding; waters there approached the top of parking meters.<ref name="traffic">{{cite news|author=The Associated Press|title=Hurricane Beth Pours Rain on Nova Scotia; One Killed|date=August 17, 1971|publisher=''The Spokesman-Review''|accessdate=November 1, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=K-0vAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Y-0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=7288,239060&dq=hurricane-beth+canada&hl=en}}</ref> Impacted crops in the region included cereal grain, corn, and tobacco, whose inundated fields resembled vast lakes.<ref>{{cite web|author=|title=1971 – Beth|date=|publisher=Environment Canada|accessdate=February 14, 2011|url=http://www.ec.gc.ca/Hurricane/default.asp?lang=En&n=9027A5DB-1}}</ref>
The hurricane left extensive damage in its wake, especially to crops and infrastructure.<ref name="CHC">{{cite web|author=Natural Resources Canada |title=Major Hurricanes |date= |publisher=The Atlas of Canada |accessdate=November 1, 2010 |url=http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/environment/naturalhazards/naturalhazards1999/majorhurricanes/hurricanes_stats_new.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602021559/http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/environment/naturalhazards/naturalhazards1999/majorhurricanes/hurricanes_stats_new.html |archivedate=June 2, 2011 |df= }}</ref> [[Halifax International Airport]] reported {{convert|10.49|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rainfall over 30 hours. The heavy precipitation throughout the country triggered severe flooding, stranding hundreds of travelers. The mayor of [[Dartmouth, Nova Scotia|Dartmouth]] reported that the area was a "disaster", as 500 homes were reportedly inundated. Antigonish also experienced significant flooding; waters there approached the top of parking meters.<ref name="traffic">{{cite news|author=The Associated Press|title=Hurricane Beth Pours Rain on Nova Scotia; One Killed|date=August 17, 1971|publisher=''The Spokesman-Review''|accessdate=November 1, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=K-0vAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Y-0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=7288,239060&dq=hurricane-beth+canada&hl=en}}</ref> Impacted crops in the region included cereal grain, corn, and tobacco, whose inundated fields resembled vast lakes.<ref>{{cite web|author=|title=1971 – Beth|date=|publisher=Environment Canada|accessdate=February 14, 2011|url=http://www.ec.gc.ca/Hurricane/default.asp?lang=En&n=9027A5DB-1}}</ref>


Transport suffered severely: several main roads, including part of the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] and [[Nova Scotia Highway 102]], in northeastern Nova Scotia received flood damage and were temporarily blocked off.<ref>{{cite news|author=The Associated Press|title=Hurricane Beth Drenches Halifax|date=August 17, 1971|publisher=''Bangor Daily News''|accessdate=November 1, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=syw0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=QeEIAAAAIBAJ&pg=2306,465040&dq=hurricane-beth+canada&hl=en}}</ref> Additionally, the rising waters washed out several bridges in the region and swept away automobiles. Railways were covered by water, forcing trains to suspend their operation.<ref name="Halifax"/> Drinking water in Dartmouth was contaminated due to excessive runoff into Lake Antigonish,<ref name="CHC"/> and a trailer park in Antigonish flooded, prompting 600 residents to evacuate.<ref>{{cite news|author=The Associated Press|title=Hurricane Blasts Nova Scotia; Flood Damage Is 'Disastrous'|date=August 17, 1971|publisher=''Sarasota Herald-Tribune''|accessdate=November 1, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hvojAAAAIBAJ&sjid=cGYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7343,209407&dq=hurricane-beth+canada&hl=en}}</ref> Overall monetary damage from Beth is estimated at between $3.5 million and $5.1 million USD.<ref name="CHC"/> One person was indirectly killed by the hurricane in a traffic accident induced by heavy rain.<ref name="traffic"/>
Transport suffered severely: several main roads, including part of the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] and [[Nova Scotia Highway 102]], in northeastern Nova Scotia received flood damage and were temporarily blocked off.<ref>{{cite news|author=The Associated Press|title=Hurricane Beth Drenches Halifax|date=August 17, 1971|publisher=''Bangor Daily News''|accessdate=November 1, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=syw0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=QeEIAAAAIBAJ&pg=2306,465040&dq=hurricane-beth+canada&hl=en}}</ref> Additionally, the rising waters washed out several bridges in the region and swept away automobiles. Railways were covered by water, forcing trains to suspend their operation.<ref name="Halifax"/> Drinking water in Dartmouth was contaminated due to excessive runoff into Lake Antigonish,<ref name="CHC"/> and a trailer park in Antigonish flooded, prompting 600 residents to evacuate.<ref>{{cite news|author=The Associated Press|title=Hurricane Blasts Nova Scotia; Flood Damage Is 'Disastrous'|date=August 17, 1971|publisher=''Sarasota Herald-Tribune''|accessdate=November 1, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hvojAAAAIBAJ&sjid=cGYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7343,209407&dq=hurricane-beth+canada&hl=en}}</ref> Overall monetary damage from Beth is estimated at between $3.5 million and $5.1 million USD.<ref name="CHC"/> One person was indirectly killed by the hurricane in a traffic accident induced by heavy rain.<ref name="traffic"/>
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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/1971.html 1971 tropical cyclone rainfall data]
*[http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/1971.html 1971 tropical cyclone rainfall data]
*[http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1971.pdf Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1971]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080923015222/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1971.pdf Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1971]
{{1971 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}}
{{1971 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}}
{{Good article}}
{{Good article}}

Revision as of 21:53, 6 April 2017

Hurricane Beth
Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS/NWS)
Satellite image of Beth on August 12
FormedAugust 10, 1971
DissipatedAugust 16, 1971
Highest winds1-minute sustained: 85 mph (140 km/h)
Lowest pressure977 mbar (hPa); 28.85 inHg
Fatalities1 indirect
Damage$5.1 million (1971 USD)
Areas affectedBahamas, Florida, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland
Part of the 1971 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Beth was a short-lived tropical cyclone which traveled from Florida to Nova Scotia in the middle of August 1971. The second named storm of the 1971 Atlantic hurricane season, Beth's genesis was impeded by a cold environment surrounding the storm. However, as it continued on its northeastward course, it achieved fully tropical characteristics and peaked as a modest Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale. The cyclone struck Nova Scotia on August 16 before dissipating shortly after. Beth produced substantial precipitation, and the resultant flooding inflicted severe damage to infrastructure and crops.

Meteorological history

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
  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

On August 9, a low pressure system in the upper levels of the atmosphere formed off the east coast of Florida. It became a surface low by the next day and acquired the characteristics of a tropical cyclone; it is officially stated to have become a tropical depression at 1200 UTC on August 10. The depression slowly advanced northeastward within a relatively cold environment, and as such, it did not intensify for several days. The system turned more toward the east as it approached the coast of North Carolina, at which time its structure became conducive to further development. On August 14, the depression was declared a tropical storm and assigned the name Beth following recent data from a reconnaissance aircraft.[1][2]

Several hundred miles off the U.S. East Coast, Beth accelerated somewhat – reaching forward speeds of up to 19 mph (31 km/h) as it resumed a northeastward course. Its minimum central pressure deepened to 990 millibars (29 inHg), and correspondingly, maximum sustained winds increased. In response, the cyclone was recognized as a Category 1 hurricane. It continued to mature as it passed east of Cape Cod, achieving peak winds of 85 mph (137 km/h) and a pressure of 977 mb (28.9 inHg). Subsequently, the hurricane weakened slightly while nearing Nova Scotia. On August 16, it made landfall near Copper Lake before crossing Cape Breton Island. Shortly thereafter, Beth was swept up by a nearby cold front and transitioned into an extratropical cyclone.[1][2]

Preparations and impact

Weather map of Beth on August 15

In advance of Hurricane Beth, hurricane warnings were issued for coastal and marine areas of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. In Halifax, bus service was disrupted by the storm, and in Antigonish, business owners closed their stores and filled sandbags to prepare.[3]

The hurricane left extensive damage in its wake, especially to crops and infrastructure.[4] Halifax International Airport reported 10.49 in (266 mm) of rainfall over 30 hours. The heavy precipitation throughout the country triggered severe flooding, stranding hundreds of travelers. The mayor of Dartmouth reported that the area was a "disaster", as 500 homes were reportedly inundated. Antigonish also experienced significant flooding; waters there approached the top of parking meters.[5] Impacted crops in the region included cereal grain, corn, and tobacco, whose inundated fields resembled vast lakes.[6]

Transport suffered severely: several main roads, including part of the Trans-Canada Highway and Nova Scotia Highway 102, in northeastern Nova Scotia received flood damage and were temporarily blocked off.[7] Additionally, the rising waters washed out several bridges in the region and swept away automobiles. Railways were covered by water, forcing trains to suspend their operation.[3] Drinking water in Dartmouth was contaminated due to excessive runoff into Lake Antigonish,[4] and a trailer park in Antigonish flooded, prompting 600 residents to evacuate.[8] Overall monetary damage from Beth is estimated at between $3.5 million and $5.1 million USD.[4] One person was indirectly killed by the hurricane in a traffic accident induced by heavy rain.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Hurricane Specialists Unit (2009). "Easy to Read HURDAT 1851–2008". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 1, 2010.
  2. ^ a b "Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1971" (PDF). Monthly Weather Review. 100 (4). American Meteorological Society: 256–267. April 1972. Bibcode:1972MWRv..100..256S. doi:10.1175/1520-0493(1972)100<0256:AHSO>2.3.CO;2. Retrieved November 1, 2010. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |authors= ignored (help)
  3. ^ a b The Canadian Press (August 16, 1971). "Nova Scotia awash as rain, storms hit". The Windsor Star. Retrieved November 1, 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  4. ^ a b c Natural Resources Canada. "Major Hurricanes". The Atlas of Canada. Archived from the original on June 2, 2011. Retrieved November 1, 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ a b The Associated Press (August 17, 1971). "Hurricane Beth Pours Rain on Nova Scotia; One Killed". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved November 1, 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  6. ^ "1971 – Beth". Environment Canada. Retrieved February 14, 2011.
  7. ^ The Associated Press (August 17, 1971). "Hurricane Beth Drenches Halifax". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved November 1, 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ The Associated Press (August 17, 1971). "Hurricane Blasts Nova Scotia; Flood Damage Is 'Disastrous'". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved November 1, 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)