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Tropical Storm Barry (2001)

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This article is about the tropical storm of 2001. For other storms of the same name, see Hurricane Barry.
Tropical Storm Barry
Tropical storm (SSHWS/NWS)
Tropical Storm Barry nearing Florida Panhandle
FormedAugust 2, 2001
DissipatedAugust 7, 2001
Highest winds1-minute sustained: 70 mph (110 km/h)
Lowest pressure990 mbar (hPa); 29.23 inHg
Fatalities2 direct, 7 indirect
Damage$30 million (2001 USD)
Areas affectedCuba, Florida, Alabama
Part of the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season

Tropical Storm Barry was a strong tropical storm that made landfall on the Florida Panhandle during August 2001. The third tropical cyclone and second named storm of the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season, Barry developed from a tropical wave that moved off the coast of Africa on July 24 and tracked westward. The wave entered the Caribbean on July 29 and sparked some convection, which organized into Tropical Storm Barry on August 3. After fluctuations in intensity and track, the system attained peak winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) in the Gulf of Mexico, and moved northward before moving ashore on the Gulf Coast.

Unlike the previous Tropical Storm Allison, Barry's effects were moderate. Nine deaths occurred, six in Cuba when a refugee boat sank, and three in Florida. As a tropical cyclone, rainfall officially peaked at 8.9 in (230 mm) at Tallahassee, and winds gusts topped out at 79 mph (127 km/h). However, the wave that would become Barry dropped higher amounts across southern Florida. Moderate to significant flooding occurred throughout the Panhandle, where structural damage occurred as a result of the winds. As the storm's remnants tracked inland, parts of the Mississippi Valley received light precipitation. In all, Barry is estimated to have caused $30 million (2001 USD, $36.5 million 2008 USD).

Storm 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

On July 24, 2001, a tropical wave emerged off the west coast of Africa, and tracked westward across the Atlantic Ocean. Little development occurred until July 28, when convective activity began to increase. The wave moved into the eastern Caribbean on July 29, and while tracking west-northwest convection continued to increase over the next few days. The disturbance emerged into the Gulf of Mexico on August 1, with associated rainfall over southern Florida and the western tip of Cuba. A broad low pressure system with a minimum central pressure of 1014 developed along the wave near Dry Tortugas, Florida that same day, and beg an to intensify as it moved northwestward. At around 1800 UTC on August 2, an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft investigated the system and discovered that the low had organized into Tropical Storm Barry. The low developed into a tropical depression six hours earlier, as revealed by post-season analysis.[1] There is some uncertainty as to whether the storm actually held tropical characteristics at the time of being designated, because an upper-level low was situated over the surface center.[1]

Upon becoming a tropical cyclone, convection wrapped around roughly half of the center. Outflow in the eastern semi-circle was good, although due to upper-level wind shear, it was restricted to southeast of the circulation.[2] The cyclone became embedded within a mid- to-upper-level trough between the ridge over the central U.S. and a ridge over the northwestern Caribbean. A strong, upper-level cyclonic shear axis extended from just south of Cape Hatteras to near Brownsville, Texas, which prevented Barry from accelerating in forward speed.[3] The ridge over the United States weakened, thus collapsing the steering pattern; this resulted in a west-southwestward drifting motion of the tropical storm by around August 3.[1] Early on August 3, strong westerly winds prevailed, and separated the center of circulation from what limited convection remained.[4] The storm quickly regained some convection, although maximum sustained winds remained weak, at about 40 mph (60 km/h).[5] Despite a slight drop in barometric pressure, Barry weakened into a tropical depression early on August 4 due to the persistent wind shear and falling external pressure.[1]

At 1800 UTC on August 4 the cyclone re-intensified slightly, and was upgraded to a tropical storm[1] as the shear decreased.[6] Early on August 5, a strengthening period began as deep convection ignited over and near the low-level center.[7] Prior to landfall, banding features developed on the eastern half of the circulation, despite some residual westerly shear.[8] Within seven hours the barometric pressure dropped from 1004 mb to 990 mb and overall satellite presentation had begun to improve. Barry reached its peak intensity at 1800 UTC on August 5 with winds of 70 mph (110 km/h), just shy of hurricane status.[1] An eye formed at around the same time, and at 0500 UTC on August 6, Barry increased in forward speed and made landfall at Santa Rosa Beach, Florida with winds of 70 mph (110 km/h).[9] Moving inland, the system weakened rapidly to a tropical depression; the National Hurricane Center issued its last advisory on the storm early on August 6.[10] By the evening hours, maximum sustained winds near the center were around 5 mph (8.0 km/h) to 10 mph (16 km/h) as the system slowed significantly and drifted northwest at about 7 mph (11 km/h).[11] The depression turned northwestward, and steadily weakened to a remnant low near Memphis, Tennessee on August 7, and the low dissipated on August 8 over southeastern Missouri.[1]

Preparations

Radar image of the storm making landfall on the Florida Panhandle

Forecasters issued tropical storm watches and warnings for much of the U.S. Gulf Coast, which were upgraded to a hurricane warning as the storm was predicted to reach hurricane strength. However, when that strengthening failed to occur, the hurricane warning was downgraded to a tropical storm warning shortly before landfall. Westward, the warnings for Louisiana and Mississippi were discontinued. After Tropical Storm Barry made landfall, all tropical storm warnings for the Florida Panhandle were discontinued.[1] Flood warnings were issued for parts of Leon and Wakulla counties, while a flash flood watch was in effect for parts of southern Georgia.[11] A tornado watch was also issued for the eastern Florida Panhandle, southern Georgia, as well as portions of central and eastern Alabama.[12]

As Barry approached the Florida Panhandle, voluntary evacuations took place in eight counties.[13] Shelters were also open in six counties, although most were placed on standby. In parts of Franklin County, mandatory evacuations were ordered. Also, in Okaloosa County, tolls on the Mid-Bay Bridge were suspended.[14] Forty C-130 cargo aircraft and about 300 personnel from Hurlburt Field were moved to the Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas to flee the storm's projected path. In Tallahassee, county officials filled sandbags in areas vulnerable to flooding.[13] Rangers at Grand Isle State Park moved picnic tables out of tidal range and closed the camping grounds for a period of time.[15] The threat of the storm also forced the cancellation of an 'N Sync concert at Pro Player Stadium.[16] Additionally, the storm forced NASA to delay a shuttle launch in southern Florida. Elsewhere, several offshore oil platforms evacuated thousands of personnel. The city of New Orleans, Louisiana closed 60 of its 72 floodgates to avoid possible flooding.[17]

Impact

Rainfall totals across the United States

Cuba and Florida

Barry produced heavy rains across western Cuba, although there were no reports of damage. Offshore, the storm sank a Cuban refugee boat, drowning six of the 28 passengers.[1]

Three people in Florida were killed by the storm, and total damage is estimated at around $30 million (2001 USD, $36.5 million 2008 USD).[18] In southern Florida, the wave that would become Barry produced 3 in (76 mm) to 8 in (200 mm), with peak rainfall reaching 13 in (330 mm). The rain helped to relieve persistent drought conditions.[1] Heavy precipitation caused serious flooding in Martin County on August 2, where 300 homes received water damage. About 63 structures and six mobile homes in the county sustained major damage.[19] It is reported that catfish swam through flooded streets in the Treasure Coast area.[20]

Due to the initial slow movement of the storm, outer rain bands began affecting the Florida Panhandle on August 4, with the heaviest rainfall observed on August 5–August 6. There, the storm dropped 5 in (130 mm) to 9 in (230 mm); the highest official report was 8.9 in (230 mm) at Tallahassee, though unofficial reports ranged as high as 11 in (280 mm) on the Panhandle.[1] The rainfall inundated several homes in Bay County due to roof damage. Significant flooding occurred in Leon County and parts of Apalachicola National Forest, where torrential rains flowed into the Cascade Lakes, Lake Bradford and Munson Slough; the Munson Slough rose to its highest level since 1994. Horses, livestock, vehicles and equipment, as well as dozens of houses were affected by the flooding. Several county and secondary roads were closed by floodwater in Walton, Washington, and Bay counties,[18] as well as in the Tallahassee area.[21] In and around Tallahassee, 100 vehicles stalled by flood waters were towed, while four residents of an apartment complex on Allen Road were forced to evacuate due to rising waters.[22] Sporadic reports of flooding were also reported in Franklin County and Wakulla County.[23] An indirect death occurred from a traffic accident due to heavy rain in Jackson County.[1]

Wind gusts from the storm peaked at 79 mph (127 km/h), recorded at the Eglin Air Force Base Range Station C-72.[1] Light to moderate winds were widespread, and damage was reported throughout Walton, Washington, Bay, Calhoun, Gulf and Okaloosa counties.[24] Numerous trees were downed or damaged, and several structures suffered light wind damage.[25] Window damage was reported at a high-rise condo in Destin, while nearby, the Mid-Bay Bridge was closed due to high winds.[26] The Freeport Elementary School in Walton County sustained minor roof damage.[27] Storm surge was generally light, ranging from 2 ft (0.61 m) to 3 ft (0.91 m) with only minor beach erosion occurring.[24] As a tropical system, Barry spawned a few weak tornadoes that caused minor damage. In an outer rain band, a lightning strike in Jacksonville killed one person. Another death occurred as a result of a rip current in Sanibel Island.[1]

Elsewhere

Tropical Storm Barry dropped light to moderate rainfall across Alabama, topping out at 4.57 in (116 mm) near Evergreen.[28] About 2 in (51 mm) fell over the state's peanut-growing region, helping to aleviate drought conditions. Heavy showers were reported in the Birmingham area.[29] Despite moderate rainfall totals inland, coastal locations recieved very little precipitation.[30] Minor street flooding occurred in Geneva, Enterprise and New Brockton.[31] Wind gusts peaked at 39 mph (63 km/h) at Montgomery[32] although damage was light, mostly from downed trees. Damage to awnings and small structures was reported in Florala.[33] Barry's remnants also dropped light rainfall across Mississippi and Georgia, though no damages were reported. As the storm continued to track inland it produced up to around 3 in (76 mm) of rain throughout Arkansas, Missouri and western Tennessee.[11]

See also

Template:Tcportal

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Jack Beven (2001). "Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Barry". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  2. ^ Stewart (2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 2". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  3. ^ Beven (2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 3". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  4. ^ Avila (2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 4". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  5. ^ Stewart (2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 5". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  6. ^ Avila (2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 8". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  7. ^ Stewart (2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 12". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  8. ^ Franklin (2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 15". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  9. ^ Stewart (2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 17". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  10. ^ Franklin (2001). "Tropical Depression Barry Discussion Number 18". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  11. ^ a b c Pereira (2001). "HPC Storm Summary #20 for T.D. Barry". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  12. ^ Roth (2001). "HPC Storm Summary #19 for T.D. Barry". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved 2008-07-18.
  13. ^ a b Bill Kaczor (2001). "Tropical Storm Barry prompts preparations in Florida". The Florida Times-Union. Retrieved 2008-07-17. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  14. ^ State Emergency Response Team (2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Situation Report #2" (PDF). Red Cross. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  15. ^ Janet McConnaughey (2001). "Residents prepare sandbags for Tropical Storm Barry". The Topeka Capital-Journal. Retrieved 2008-07-17. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  16. ^ Thom Smith (2001). "'N Sync to play benefit concert in South Beach". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved 2008-07-22. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  17. ^ Staff Writer (2001). "Tropical storm hits Florida". BBC. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  18. ^ a b National Climatic Data Center. "Tropical Storm Barry Florida Event Report (2)". Retrieved 2008-07-18.
  19. ^ National Climatic Data Center (2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Florida Event Report". Retrieved 2008-07-21.
  20. ^ Sarah Eisenhauer & Jill Taylor (2001). "Homes flooded". Palm Beach Post . Retrieved 2008-07-25. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  21. ^ The Florida State Emergency Response Team (2001). "Tropical Depression Barry Situation Report # 06" (PDF). Red Cross. Retrieved 2008-07-21.
  22. ^ National Climatic Data Center. "Tropical Storm Barry Florida Event Report (3)". Retrieved 2008-07-21.
  23. ^ The Florida State Emergency Response Team (2001). "Tropical Depression Barry Situation Report # 10" (PDF). Red Cross. Retrieved 2008-07-21.
  24. ^ a b National Climatic Data Center. "Tropical Storm Barry Florida Event Report (4)". Retrieved 2008-07-22.
  25. ^ National Climatic Data Center. "Tropical Storm Barry Florida Event Report (5)". Retrieved 2008-07-22.
  26. ^ The Florida State Emergency Response Team (2001). "Tropical Depression Barry Situation Report # 5" (PDF). Red Cross. Retrieved 2008-07-21.
  27. ^ The Florida State Emergency Response Team (2001). "Tropical Depression Barry Situation Report # 6" (PDF). Red Cross. Retrieved 2008-07-21.
  28. ^ David Roth. "Tropical Cyclone Rainfall for the Gulf Coast". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved 2008-07-23.
  29. ^ Associated Press (2001). "Remnants of Barry bring heavy rain to Alabama". CNN. Retrieved 2008-07-23.
  30. ^ National Climatic Data Center (2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Alabama Event Report". Retrieved 2008-07-23.
  31. ^ National Climatic Data Center (2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Alabama Event Report (2)". Retrieved 2008-07-23.
  32. ^ National Climatic Data Center (2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Alabama Event Report (3)". Retrieved 2008-07-23.
  33. ^ National Climatic Data Center (2001). "Tropical Storm Barry Alabama Event Report (4)". Retrieved 2008-07-23.
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