1964 Atlantic hurricane season
Season summary map
Seasonal boundaries
First system formedJune 2, 1964
Last system dissipatedNovember 10, 1964
Strongest storm
NameCleo
 • Maximum winds150 mph (240 km/h)
(1-minute sustained)
 • Lowest pressure938 mbar (hPa; 27.7 inHg)
Seasonal statistics
Total depressions13
Total storms13
Hurricanes7
Major hurricanes
(Cat. 3+)		5
Total fatalities271
Total damage~ $640.63 million (1964 USD)
Related articles

The 1964 Atlantic hurricane season featured the highest number of U.S.-landfalling hurricanes since 1933.[1] The season officially began on June 15, and lasted until November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. The season was above average, with thirteen named storms, seven hurricanes, and five major hurricanes. The first system, an unnamed tropical storm, developed on June 2, almost two weeks before the official start of the season. Striking Florida on June 6, the storm brought localized flooding to portions of Cuba and the Southeastern United States, leaving about $1 million in damage. The next storm, also unnamed, developed near the end of July; it did not impact land.

The effects of Hurricanes Cleo, Dora, and Isbell combined were devastating to Florida. Cleo also brought destruction to portions of the Caribbean, especially Guadeloupe and Haiti. After moving inland, Cleo brought flooding to states such as Virginia. Overall, the storm caused 220 deaths and about $198.5 million in damage.[nb 1] Dora lashed much of North Florida and southeastern Georgia with hurricane-force winds, leaving five fatalities and around $280 million in damage. In October, Isbell brought strong winds and several tornadoes to Florida, as well as flooding to Cuba and The Carolinas. Isbell killed seven people and left approximately $30 million in damage.

The strongest tropical cyclone of the season was Hurricane Cleo, a powerful Category 4 hurricane that severely affected areas in the Caribbean, including the Leeward Islands, Haiti, and Cuba. Cleo went on to hit the United States, in the eastern Florida peninsula as a minimal Category 2 hurricane, particularly in Miami, Florida, where the storm brought severe damage to the state alone, and bringing heavy rain, and severe flooding to the Carolinas in the United States East Coast as a tropical storm. The names Cleo, Dora, and Hilda were retired following the season. Collectively, the tropical cyclones resulted in 271 fatalities and approximately $640.63 million in damage.

Season summary

Hurricane IsbellHurricane HildaHurricane Gladys (1964)Hurricane DoraHurricane CleoTropical Storm Abby (1964)Saffir–Simpson scale
Track of Hurricane Dora as it approached North Florida

The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 15, 1964.[2] It was a slightly above average season in which thirteen tropical storms formed,[3] compared with the 1950–2000 average of 9.6 named storms.[4] Seven of these reached hurricane status,[3] which is slightly higher than the 1950–2000 average of 5.9.[4] Five of the seven hurricanes reached major hurricane status – Category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson scale – above the 1950–2000 mean of 2.3 per season.[3][4] Prior to the season, National Hurricane Center director Gordon Dunn noted that the probability of a hurricane striking the United States was "astronomical."[5] The tropical cyclones of the 1964 Atlantic hurricane season collectively caused at least 271 deaths and about $640.63 million in damage.[6] The season officially ended on November 30, 1964.[2]

The first system, an unnamed tropical storm, developed on June 2.[3] It struck Florida as a tropical depression and then strengthened into a tropical storm while out at sea. The storm ceased to exist on June 11. Thereafter, the season went dormant for nearly seven weeks, as the next cyclone, another unnamed storm, did not form until July 23. This would be followed by the development of a third unnamed system on July 28. Tropical cyclogenesis increased in August, which had four tropical cyclones, Abby, Brenda, Cleo, and Dora. The strongest storm of the season, Cleo, peaked with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph (240 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 938 mbar (27.7 inHg). Four additional storms originated in September, including Ethel, Florence, Gladys, and Hilda. Hurricane Isbell was the sole tropical cyclone to form in the month of October. The final system, another unnamed storm, existed developed on November 5 and dissipated on November 10.[3]

The season's activity was reflected with an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) rating of 153.[1] 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 tropical storm strength.[7]

Systems

Tropical Storm One

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationJune 2 – June 11
Peak intensity70 mph (110 km/h) (1-min);
989 mbar (hPa)

A disturbance that moved out of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) developed into a tropical depression to the east of British Honduras (modern day Belize) on June 2.[3][8]: 177  Moving slowly northward to north-northeastward across the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, the depression failed to intensify significantly. Shortly after 12:00 UTC on June 6, it made landfall just south of Cedar Key, Florida, with winds of 30 mph (48 km/h). Early the following day, the depression emerged into the Atlantic Ocean near Jacksonville and began to strengthen and move northeastward. While located offshore South Carolina on June 7, the system became a tropical storm. Further deepening occurred slowly, with the storm peaking with winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) late on June 9.[3] By June 11, it was absorbed by an extratropical low while located about 350 mi (560 km) south-southeast of Sable Island in Nova Scotia.[8]: 177 

The storm brought local flooding to portions of western Cuba and the Southeastern United States. Some areas in North Florida experienced considerable damage from strong winds and hail associated with thunderstorm, particularly in Cross City. Damage in the Jacksonville area alone was over $300,000.[8]: 177  A few gale warnings were issued between Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Nags Head, North Carolina. More than 8 in (200 mm) of rain in the former resulted in inundated streets and overflowing streams. Additionally, about 20 in (510 mm) of water covered streets in downtown Conway, South Carolina.[9] Overall, the storm caused about $1 million in damage.[8]: 177 

Tropical Storm Two

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationJuly 23 – July 26
Peak intensity60 mph (95 km/h) (1-min);
1001 mbar (hPa)

A low-pressure area formed near Columbia, South Carolina, early on July 23 and became a tropical depression. Due to its association with a mid to upper-level trough through July 25, the depression may have been a subtropical cyclone, though such a classification could not be confirmed prior to when satellite imagery became routine.[10]: 387  The depression moved east-northeastward and emerged into the Atlantic near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, early on July 24. Several hours later, the depression intensified into a tropical storm.[3] Based on ship data and baroclinic intensification, the storm likely peaked with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (97 km/h) just before becoming extratropical about 205 mi (330 km) of Nantucket, Massachusetts, around 12:00 UTC on July 26.[10]: 389  The extratropical remnants moved northeastward towards Atlantic Canada,[3] until another extratropical cyclone absorbed it near the south coast of Newfoundland late on July 27.[10]: 389 

Hurricane Three

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationJuly 28 – August 2
Peak intensity85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min);
990 mbar (hPa)

Television Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS) indicated an area of disturbed weather with a weak surface circulation in the vicinity of Cape Verde on July 25.[11] Reports from a reconnaissance aircraft indicate that a tropical depression developed at 06:00 UTC on July 28, while located about halfway between the Leeward Islands and the northernmost islands of Cape Verde.[11][3] Initially the depression moved rapidly west-northwestward, which likely caused the minimal intensification. By July 30, a north-northwest to south-southeast oriented trough forced the depression to re-curve north-northwestward.[11]

While situated about 300 mi (485 km) east of Bermuda on July 31, it began heading northeastward. Later that day, the depression finally organized further and developed a well-defined rainband. The Atlantic hurricane database indicates that the depression strengthened into a tropical storm at 18:00 UTC on July 31, due to ships reports of winds reaching 46 mph (74 km/h).[11][3] On August 1, it intensified further into a hurricane. Around that time, maximum sustained winds peaked at 85 mph (137 km/h).[3] The storm continued moving rapidly northeastward and began to interact with a cold front.[11] It transitioned into an extratropical cyclone on August 2, while located about 525 mi (845 km) east of Cape Race, Newfoundland.[3]

Tropical Storm Abby

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 5 – August 8
Peak intensity70 mph (110 km/h) (1-min);
1000 mbar (hPa)

A weak trough developed into a tropical depression late on August 5 while located about 225 mi (360 km) south of Dauphin Island, Alabama.[12][3] The depression moved westward and initially remained disorganized.[12][3] At 12:00 UTC on August 7, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Abby.[3] It was a small tropical cyclone, spanning a diameter of less than 100 mi (160 km).[12] The storm quickly intensified further late on August 7. A few hours later, Abby made landfall near Matagorda, Texas, at just below hurricane intensity.[3] Abby may have reached hurricane status, but the lack of definitive observations prevented an upgrade.[8]: 178  It weakened to a tropical depression early on August 8, before dissipating later that day.[3]

Overall, impact from this system was minor. In Texas, precipitation peaked at 6.14 in (156 mm) at the Victoria Regional Airport.[13] However, only localized flooding occurred and rainfall was mostly beneficial. In the city of Victoria, several streets were temporarily inundated with water.[14] A fishing company in Matagorda lost a portion of its roof.[15] Abby resulted in an estimated $750,000 in losses,[8]: 177  with $150,000 in damage to property and $600,000 to crops. The impacts from the storm were most severe in Jackson and Victoria counties, where damage to crops were estimated at $275,000 and $250,000, respectively.[16]

Tropical Storm Brenda

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 8 – August 10
Peak intensity50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min);
1006 mbar (hPa)

A minor trough of low pressure was situated west of Bermuda in early August. An airline crew member observed a low-level circular cloud forming at 32.0°N, 69.0°W at 18:00 UTC on August 7.[17] Early on August 8, a tropical depression developed about 135 mi (215 km) northwest of Bermuda. It moved east-southeastward and strengthened into Tropical Storm Brenda six hours later. At 13:00 UTC on August 8, the cyclone struck Bermuda with winds of 50 mph (80 km/h).[3] The island experienced sustained winds up to 45 mph (72 km/h) and gusts up to 65 mph (105 km/h). A tornado damaged several aircraft, most of which were privately owned.[17] Damage reached approximately $275,000.[8]: 177 

Shortly after moving across Bermuda on August 8, spiral bands appeared on the island's radar.[17] Advisories on Brenda were not initiated until 18:00 UTC on August 8, due to sparsity of data, making it difficult to confirm the existence of a tropical cyclone.[18] A cold front caused the storm to re-curve northeastward on August 9.[17] Brenda then began weakening and dissipated late on the following day, while located about 585 mi (940 km) east-northeast of Bermuda.[3][18]

Hurricane Cleo

Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 20 – September 5
Peak intensity150 mph (240 km/h) (1-min);
938 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave developed into Tropical Storm Cleo while located about 1,000 mi (1,610 km) east of Barbados late on August 20.[8]: 178 [3] It continued west-northwestward, quickly intensifying into a hurricane later on August 21. Cleo rapidly deepened and reached Category 3 early on August 22. Several hours later, Cleo struck Marie-Galante and the main island of Guadeloupe with winds of 125 mph (201 km/h). The storm then intensified into a Category 4 hurricane and entered the Caribbean Sea. While located south of the Dominican Republic around 18:00 UTC on August 23, Cleo attained its peak intensity with winds of 155 mph (249 km/h). The hurricane then made landfall near Les Cayes, Haiti, on August 25 at the same intensity.[3] The storm re-emerged into the Caribbean hours later as a Category 2 hurricane but weakened to Category 1 intensity around 12:00 UTC. Cleo briefly moved ashore near Cape Cruz, Cuba, with winds of 80 mph (130 km/h).[3]

The cyclone emerged into the Gulf of Guacanayabo, before striking Sancti Spíritus Province as a minimal hurricane early on August 26. Cleo briefly weakened to a tropical storm before emerging into the Atlantic and re-strengthening, becoming a hurricane again at 18:00 UTC. Now moving north-northwestward, the system reached Category 2 intensity early on August 27, hours before striking Miami Beach, Florida, with winds of 110 mph (180 km/h). The system quickly weakened inland, falling to tropical storm intensity near Port St. Lucie later that day. Cleo briefly re-emerged into the Atlantic off the coast of North Florida, before making another landfall on St. Simons Island, Georgia, early on August 29 with winds of 60 mph (97 km/h). Cleo weakened to a tropical depression over South Carolina on August 30 but did not dissipate. Thereafter, the cyclone curved northeastward and eventually eastward while crossing the Carolinas and Virginia. Cleo re-intensified into a tropical storm while re-entering the Atlantic near Norfolk, Virginia, on September 1. It moved east-northeastward and became a hurricane again about 24 hours later. Late on September 3, Cleo became a Category 2 hurricane again. The cyclone then to the northeast and lost tropical characteristics, becoming extratropical to the southeast of Newfoundland on September 4. The remnants meandered in the Atlantic until dissipating about halfway between southern Greenland and Ireland on September 10.[3]

In Guadeloupe, the storm destroyed 1,000 homes and caused extensive damage to roofs, roads, and power lines. Additionally, the banana crop was ruined. Overall, there were 14 deaths and about $50 million in damage. Cleo caused seven fatalities and at least $2 million in damage in Dominican Republic.[19]: C–D  Strong winds in Haiti caused severe damage. On Île-à-Vache, 50 houses either had the roof caved in or the walls knocked over. In Les Cayes, 70% of houses were destroyed, as was the sugar mill. In rural areas outside of the city, 90% to 95% of dwellings were demolished.[20] About half of the houses in Camp-Perrin were leveled. Near Saint-Louis-du-Sud, many sugarcane crops, particularly on the west side of the city, were ruined.[21] The storm left 192 fatalities and $5 million in damage in Haiti.[8]: 179 [19]: D  Impact in Cuba was minor, with one death and $2 million in damage.[19]: D  In Florida, Cleo left damage along much of the east coast. Winds left about 620,000 people without electricity in South Florida alone.[22] Throughout the state, the storm damaged almost 19,000 homes and destroyed 4 others, while 2,187 mobile homes were flattened or suffered severe impact. Additionally, 605 small businesses were damaged or destroyed. There were three deaths in Broward County and about $125 million in damage, including agriculture.[23] Cleo brought flooding to a few other states, especially Virginia. In the Hampton Roads area, many streets were inundated and blocked. Hundreds of dwellings were flooded, forcing several areas to evacuate. Three deaths and about $3 million in damage occurred in Virginia.[8]: 180  Overall, the storm caused 220 fatalities and about $198.5 million in damage.[8]: 180 [23]

Hurricane Dora

Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 28 – September 13
Peak intensity130 mph (215 km/h) (1-min);
942 mbar (hPa)

A tropical depression developed from a low-pressure area on August 28, shortly after moving offshore the west coast of Africa near Dakar, Senegal.[10]: 317  The depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Dora at 18:00 UTC on August 31. It then curved northeastward and continued to strengthen, reaching hurricane status about 48 hours later. Intensification slowed somewhat, though Dora became a Category 3 major hurricane on September 5. Deepening further, the storm became a Category 4 for six hours early on September 6 and peaked with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (210 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 942 mbar (27.8 inHg) early the following day. Dora then remained a Category 3 hurricane until early the next day, when it weekend to Category 2 hurricane while curving westward.[3]

Approaching the east coast of Florida, Dora briefly weakened to a Category 1 hurricane early on September 9, before reaching Category 2 status several hours later.[3] Dora's motion then became erratic, making a few very small cyclonic loops.[24]: 4  Around 04:00 UTC on September 10, the hurricane made landfall near St. Augustine, Florida, with winds of 110 mph (180 km/h). Dora initially weakened quickly after moving inland, falling to tropical storm status within 14 hours of landfall. Dora then briefly drifted over southwestern Georgia, until turning east-northeastward late on September 11. The system transitioned into an extratropical cyclone over South Carolina around 12:00 UTC on September 13. The remnants emerged into the Atlantic near Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and continued northeastward, striking Newfoundland on September 15,[3] shortly before being absorbed by a larger extratropical cyclone.[10]: 330 

Dora was the only hurricane in the twentieth century to make landfall in the First Coast region of Florida.[25] Along the coast, tides reached up to 10 ft (3.0 m) above mean sea level. Sustained hurricane-force winds were reported from Flagler County to far southeastern Georgia.[8]: 182  In Jacksonville, Florida, approximately 156,000 customers were left without electricity, while about 19% of phones in Duval County were out of service.[26]: 9  Much of the damage in the Jacksonville area occurred to older buildings and those located in coastal areas. Additionally, sections of the city experienced wind-induced river flooding in the vicinity of the St. Johns River.[8]: 183  Three homes were destroyed and 3,992 suffered damage, while 5 mobile homes were demolished and 25 experienced impact, overall in Duval County.[27] Heavy rainfall damaged many unharvested crops and inundated numerous of roads and bridges, isolated some communities for several days.[8]: 183  Throughout Florida, 74 dwellings were flattened and 9,374 received damage, while 14 mobile homes were destroyed and 218 others suffered severe impact. About 50 farm buildings and 423 small businesses were severely damaged or demolished.[28] Three deaths and at least $230 million in damage occurred.[8]: 183  In Georgia, the storm damaged about 1,135 homes and obliterated five others. Additionally, 18 trailers suffered major impact, while 43 small businesses were destroyed or experienced severe damage.[28] There was one death in the state and at least $9 million in damage. A few other states were affected by the storm, though impact there was much lesser.[8]: 183  One death occurred in Virginia.[8] Overall, Dora caused $280 million in damage and five deaths.[8]: 183 [25]

Hurricane Ethel

Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 4 – September 14
Peak intensity105 mph (165 km/h) (1-min);
974 mbar (hPa)

TIROS observed a large cloud mass near 18°N, 37°W on September 4.[29] It developed into a tropical depression early that day while located about 665 mi (1,070 km) east of Cape Verde. The depression moved west-northwestward and intensified into Tropical Storm Ethel at 18:00 UTC on September 4.[3] Initially, it was suggested that Hurricane Dora could absorb Ethel, as the storms were located 690 mi (1,110 km) apart.[29] On September 7, Ethel strengthened into a hurricane. By early on the following day, it curved westward and continued to slowly deepen, before turning to the north-northwestward on September 11.[3]

By late on September 12, the storm curved northeastward and passed to the northeast of Bermuda early the next day,[3] bringing 4.05 in (103 mm) of precipitation and wind gusts up to 70 mph (110 km/h).[29][30] Throughout the island, low-lying areas were flooded and trees were felled. At St. George's Island, residents were briefly left without electricity and telephones and the causeway linking St. George's Island to the main island was inundated.[31] Early on September 13, Ethel intensified into a Category 2 hurricane and soon peaked with winds of 105 mph (169 km/h). The system became extratropical late on September 14, while located about 255 mi (410 km) southeast of Cape Race. Newfoundland. The extratropical remnants slowly weakened while meandering around the Atlantic, until dissipating just north of the Azores on September 17.[3]

Tropical Storm Florence

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 5 – September 10
Peak intensity45 mph (75 km/h) (1-min);
1002 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic Ocean from the west coast of Africa on September 5.[8]: 183  The wave quickly developed into a tropical depression at 06:00 UTC on September 5, while located about 40 mi (64 km) west of Dakar, Senegal.[3] Shortly later, the depression produced squally weather in Cape Verde.[8]: 183  The depression then re-curved northwestward and began to intensify. At 00:00 UTC on September 7, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Florence. About twenty four hours later, the storm attained its maximum sustained wind speed of 45 mph (72 km/h). Florence then curved north-northeastward later that day and slowly weakened.[3] A reconnaissance aircraft reported that Florence degenerated into an area of squalls to the south of the Azores at 06:00 UTC on September 10.[3][8]: 183 

Hurricane Gladys

Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 13 – September 24
Peak intensity130 mph (215 km/h) (1-min);
945 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa on September 8.[32] Tracking westward, it developed into Tropical Storm Gladys while centered about midway between the Lesser Antilles and Cape Verde early on September 13. The storm moved northwestward and intensified into a hurricane on September 14, before weakened back to a tropical storm early the next day. Gladys re-strengthened into a hurricane on September 16. By the next day, the cyclone quickly intensified, briefly peaking as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (210 km/h) around 18:00 UTC. Gladys weakened to a Category 3 early on September 18. Gladys weakened to a Category 2 as it re-curved northward on September 20.[3]

The storm weakened to a Category 1 as it turned northwestward on September 22 and briefly threatened the East Coast of the United States. However, it veered northeastward on September 23 and moved rapidly toward Atlantic Canada. By 00:00 UTC on September 25, Gladys became extratropical just offshore Newfoundland and promptly dissipated.[3] Along the East Coast of the United States, Gladys produced light rainfall, gusty winds, and storm surge. Coastal flooding was reported in North Carolina and Virginia.[33][34] In the former, high tides inundated homes and buildings with 2 ft (0.61 m) of water in two small villages on the Outer Banks and flooded a highway to Manteo.[33][35] In the state of Virginia, one death occurred when a man was fatally struck in the throat by debris.[36] Abnormally high tides also affected the Mid-Atlantic, New England,[37][38] and Atlantic Canada,[39] with tides ranging from 2.2–6.1 ft (0.67–1.86 m) higher than average in Virginia.[34]

Hurricane Hilda

Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 28 – October 4
Peak intensity140 mph (220 km/h) (1-min);
941 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave developed into a tropical depression at 12:00 UTC on September 28, while located about 40 mi (64 km) south of Trinidad, Cuba.[40][3] The depression tracked west-northwestward and struck Isla de la Juventud, Cuba, early on September 29. After briefly re-emerging into the northwestern Caribbean Sea later that day, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Hilda at 11:00 UTC on September 29 while making landfall near Sandino, Cuba. By late on September 29, it emerged into the Gulf of Mexico near Cape San Antonio. The storm continued to intensify, reaching hurricane status on September 30. During the following 30 hours, Hilda strengthened significantly and peaked as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 140 mph (230 km/h) late on October 1. It re-curved northward and began weakening due to unfavorable conditions. Around 23:00 UTC on October 3, the storm made landfall near Franklin, Louisiana, as a Category 2 with winds of 105 mph (169 km/h). It rapidly weakened inland and became extratropical over southern Mississippi by 12:00 UTC that day. The remnant extratropical low continued eastward and emerged into the Atlantic late on October 5, before dissipating well north of the Bahamas on October 7.[3]

In Cuba, the storm caused minor impact, with damage totaling about $1 million.[8]: 177  Offshore the United States in the Gulf of Mexico, 13 oil platforms were destroyed and 5 others were damaged beyond repair. Losses to the oil industry reached $100 million.[41]: 20  In Louisiana, sustained winds of 90 to 105 mph to (150 to 165 km/h) lashed the Abbeville-Morgan City-New Iberia area. Additionally, several tornadoes in the New Orleans area resulted in significant damage. One tornado near Larose killed 22 people despite being on the ground for only 1–1.5 mi (1.6–2.4 km). There were 37 fatalities and an estimated 5,000 injuries. Approximately 19,000 homes were damaged in the state, 2,600 of which were severely impacted.[42]: 107  Outside of Louisiana, damage was primarily caused by flooding in the Southeastern United States. Impacted worst by flooding was North Carolina, where 2,000 homes and buildings suffered water damage and one death was reported.[8]: 185  Throughout the United States, the storm caused 38 fatalities and $125 million in losses.[8]: 177 

Hurricane Isbell

Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationOctober 8 – October 16
Peak intensity115 mph (185 km/h) (1-min);
964 mbar (hPa)

A diffused frontal trough developed into a tropical depression in the western Caribbean on October 9.[3][8]: 185  The depression initially remained disorganized as it track northwestward, but strengthened into Tropical Storm Isbell at 12:00 UTC on October 11. Re-curving northeastward, Isbell quickly strengthened further and reached hurricane status about 24 hour alter. The storm briefly became a Category 2 just before making landfall in Sandino, Cuba, with winds of 100 mph (160 km/h) at 19:00 UTC on October 13. Isbell briefly weakened to a Category 1, but strengthened into a Category 3 and peaked with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) at 12:00 UTC on October 14. The cyclone weakened to a Category 2 prior to making landfall near Everglades City, Florida, with winds of 105 mph (169 km/h). Early on October 15, Isbell weakened to a Category 1 hurricane and then emerged into the Atlantic near Jupiter, Florida. Isbell curved northwestward on October 16, weakening to a tropical storm just before making landfall in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, with winds of 70 mph (110 km/h). The storm quickly became extratropical and was soon absorbed by another extratropical cyclone over North Carolina late on October 16.[3]

The storm produced strong winds throughout western Cuba. Hundreds of homes were destroyed, as were several tobacco warehouses. There were four deaths in Cuba,[43][44] three of them caused by collapsing houses in the Guane area.[44] Isbell was responsible for three deaths and approximately $10 million in damage in Cuba.[8]: 177  Several tornadoes in Florida caused significant damage overall.[45] Throughout the state, 1 house was destroyed, 33 others were severely damage, and 631 others suffered minor impact. Additionally, 66 trailers were destroyed and 88 were inflicted with major damage.[46] Three deaths occurred in the state, one due to a heart attack and two from drowning in Florida Keys when their shrimp boat sank.[45] Because the storm weakened considerably, impact in North Carolina was generally minor. The storm also spawned at least six tornadoes in the state, which demolished trailers and unroofed homes and other buildings in several communities.[43] Damage throughout the United States totaled $10 million.[8]: 177 

Tropical Storm Thirteen

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationNovember 5 – November 10
Peak intensity70 mph (110 km/h) (1-min);
997 mbar (hPa)

An area of disturbed weather within the ITCZ developed into a tropical depression early on November 5, while located about 135 mi (215 km) north-northwest of Colón, Panama.[3][8]: 187  The depression strengthened slowly, reaching tropical storm status on November 6. Thereafter, it curved westward towards Central America. Early on November 7, the storm made landfall near Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, with winds of 70 mph (110 km/h). Several hours later, it weakened to a tropical depression along the north coast of Honduras early on November 8, shortly before re-emerging into the Caribbean. The storm did not re-intensify and made landfall in Belize on November 9. It dissipated early on the following day.[3]

In Nicaragua, winds and heavy rainfall caused significant crop damage, especially to bananas. Many residents living near the Caratasca Lagoon evacuated. The entire town of Caukira was flooded, with five small houses completely destroyed. Tides were as high as 18 ft (5.5 m) above-normal. In Puerto Castilla, large amounts of precipitation caused flooding and destroyed a bridge, leaving part of the population out of communication. Another bridge collapsed in the town of Rus-Rus. Strong winds and heavy rainfall also resulted in "considerable damage" on the Bay Islands.[8]: 187  Overall, the storm resulted in about $5 million in damage.[8]: 177 

Other systems

In addition to the thirteen tropical storms, TIROS VII monitored two systems operationally considered tropical depressions – one on July 15 at 21°N 41°W / 21°N 41°W / 21; -41 and another on September 19 at 16°N 27°W / 16°N 27°W / 16; -27. However, a re-examination of the satellite imagery as part of the Atlantic hurricane reanalysis project did not depict tropical depressions, while ship data was unavailable for either potential cyclone. Thus, it could not be confirmed that either system became a tropical cyclone.[10]: 391 

Storm names

The following names were used for named storms that formed in the North Atlantic in 1964. This is the same list used in the 1960 season with the exception of Dora, which replaced Donna.[47] A storm was named Isbell for the first time in 1964. Names that were not assigned are marked in gray.

  • Hilda
  • Isbell
  • Janet (unused)
  • Katy (unused)
  • Lila (unused)
  • Molly (unused)
  • Nita (unused)
  • Odette (unused)
  • Paula (unused)
  • Roxie (unused)
  • Stella (unused)
  • Trudy (unused)
  • Vesta (unused)
  • Winny (unused)

Retirement

The names Cleo, Dora, and Hilda were later retired and replaced with Candy, Dolly, and Hannah, respectively, in the 1968 season.[48][49]

Season effects

The following table lists all of the storms that have formed in the 1964 Atlantic hurricane season. It includes their duration, names, landfall(s) (in parentheses), damages, and death totals. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but were still related to that storm. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical, a wave, or a low, and all of the damage figures are in 1964 USD.

Saffir–Simpson scale
TD TS C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
1964 Atlantic hurricane 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)
One June 2 – 11 Tropical storm 70 (110) 989 Yucatán Peninsula, Cuba, Southeastern United States $1 million None
Two July 23 – 26 Tropical storm 60 (95) 1001 East Coast of the United States, Atlantic Canada Unknown None
Three July 28 – August 2 Category 1 hurricane 85 (140) 990 British Isles None None
Abby August 5 – 8 Tropical storm 65 (100) 1000 United States Gulf Coast $750,000 None
Brenda August 8 – 10 Tropical storm 50 (85) 1006 Bermuda $275,000 None
Cleo August 20 – September 5 Category 4 hurricane 150 (240) 938 Lesser Antilles, Greater Antilles, The Bahamas, Southeastern United States, Newfoundland $187.5 million 220
Dora August 28 – September 13 Category 4 hurricane 130 (215) 942 Bahamas, East Coast of the United States, Atlantic Canada $280 million 5
Ethel September 4 – 14 Category 2 hurricane 105 (165) 974 Bermuda Minimal None
Florence September 5 – 10 Tropical storm 45 (75) 1002 West Africa, Cape Verde None None
Gladys September 13 – 24 Category 4 hurricane 130 (215) 945 East Coast of the United States, Atlantic Canada $100,000 1
Hilda September 28 – October 4 Category 4 hurricane 140 (220) 941 Cuba, Yucatán Peninsula. East Coast of the United States, United States Gulf Coast $125 million 38
Isbell October 8 – 16 Category 3 hurricane 115 (185) 964 Cuba, East Coast of the United States $30 million 7
Thirteen November 5 – 10 Tropical storm 70 (110) 997 Central America $5 million None
Season aggregates
13 systems June 2 – November 10  150 (240) 938 ~$640.63 million 271  

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ All damage figures are in 1966 USD, unless otherwise noted

References

  1. 1 2 Atlantic basin Comparison of Original and Revised HURDAT. Hurricane Research Division; Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. March 2015. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  2. 1 2 "Hurricane Watch Starts Today; Season Officially Open June 15". The Palm Beach Post. United Press International. June 1, 1964. p. 20. Retrieved February 18, 2021 – via Newspapers.com. Free access icon
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 "Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)" (Database). United States National Hurricane Center. April 5, 2023. Retrieved January 14, 2024. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  4. 1 2 3 Philip J. Klotzbach; William M. Gray (December 8, 2006). Extended Range Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity and U.S. Landfall Strike Probability for 2007 (Report). Colorado State University. Archived from the original on December 18, 2006. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  5. ↑ "Odds In Favor Of Hurricanes". Star-News. United Press International. June 20, 1964. p. 8. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  6. ↑ Gordon E. Dunn (March 1965). The Hurricane Season of 1964 (PDF). United States Weather Bureau (Report). Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
  7. ↑ David Levinson (August 20, 2008). 2005 Atlantic Ocean Tropical Cyclones. National Climatic Data Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on December 1, 2005. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Gordon E. Dunn (March 1965). The Hurricane Season of 1964 (PDF). United States Weather Bureau (Report). Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
  9. ↑ "Carolinas Get Soaking". Chicago Tribune. June 8, 1964. p. 16. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Christopher W. Landsea; Sandy Delgado (2019). "1964 Atlantic Hurricane Database Reanalysis" (PDF). Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. Retrieved April 26, 2021.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 Unnamed Tropical Storm – July 28–August 3, 1964. United States Weather Bureau (Report). National Hurricane Center; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1964. p. 1. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
  12. 1 2 3 Preliminary Report On Tropical Storm "Abby". United States Weather Bureau (Report). National Hurricane Center; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1964. p. 1. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
  13. ↑ Roth, David M (January 3, 2023). "Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima". Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Data. United States Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved January 6, 2023. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  14. ↑ "No Report Of Damage In Area". The Victoria Advocate. National Hurricane Center; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. August 8, 1964. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
  15. ↑ "Abby Fizzles Out". Galveston Tribune. August 10, 1964. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
  16. ↑ Final Report Tropical Storm Abby, August 7, 1964. United States Weather Bureau (Report). National Hurricane Center; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. September 9, 1964. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
  17. 1 2 3 4 Tropical Storm Brenda – August 4–10, 1964. United States Weather Bureau (Report). National Hurricane Center; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1964. p. 1. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
  18. 1 2 Tropical Storm Brenda – August 4–10, 1964. United States Weather Bureau (Report). National Hurricane Center; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1964. p. 2. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
  19. 1 2 3 Hurricane Cleo August 20 – September 4, 1964 (PDF). United States Weather Bureau (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1964. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 31, 2011. Retrieved June 9, 2014.
  20. ↑ Norman E. Warner (September 9, 1964). Hurricane Cleo: Memorandum of Debriefing Session Held for Purpose of Informing Haitian Officials of Results of Aerial Survey of Damage (Report). Port-au-Prince, Haiti: United States Department of State. p. 3. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  21. ↑ Norman E. Warner (September 9, 1964). Hurricane Cleo: Memorandum of Debriefing Session Held for Purpose of Informing Haitian Officials of Results of Aerial Survey of Damage (Report). Port-au-Prince, Haiti: United States Department of State. p. 2. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  22. ↑ "1964 – Hurricane Cleo". Sun-Sentinel. August 23, 2001. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  23. 1 2 Hurricane Cleo: 9/64 (DR-046). United States Weather Bureau (Report). National Hurricane Center; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  24. ↑ George Cry (1964). Hurricane Dora, August 28 – September 16, 1964 (PDF). United States Weather Bureau (Report). Silver Spring, Maryland: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 5, 2017. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
  25. 1 2 John H. Campbell (June 6, 2014). "Dora: A look back". United States Army Corps of Engineers. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
  26. ↑ Emergency Preparedness Guide Duval County Emergency Management 2014–2015 (PDF) (Report). Jacksonville, Florida: Duval County Emergency Management. 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 18, 2014. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  27. ↑ Hurricane Dora Florida Damage Summary (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1964. p. 3. Retrieved September 1, 2015.
  28. 1 2 Hurricane Dora Florida Damage Summary (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1964. p. 1. Retrieved September 1, 2015.
  29. 1 2 3 Hurricane Ethel, September 4–6, 1964. United States Weather Bureau (Report). National Hurricane Center; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1964. p. 2. Retrieved June 14, 2013.
  30. ↑ Mark Guishard; James Dodgson; Michael Johnston (May 2015). Hurricanes – General Information for Bermuda (Report). Hamilton, Bermuda: Bermuda Weather Service. Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  31. ↑ "Dora Dumps Heavy Rains on Carolinas". Cumberland Times-News. Associated Press. September 19, 1964. p. 1. Retrieved November 13, 2015 – via Newspapers.com. Free access icon
  32. ↑ Harry M. Hoose (September 21, 1964). Report on Hurricane Gladys, September 13–14, 1964. Weather Bureau Office San Juan, Puerto Rico (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
  33. 1 2 Albert Hardy (1964). Page Two – Hurricane Gladys in North Carolina (Report). National Hurricane Center. p. 2. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
  34. 1 2 Sasche (September 23, 1964). Preliminary Report on Hurricane Gladys. Weather Bureau Office Norfolk, Virginia (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
  35. ↑ "Gladys Hovers Off N.C." Spokane Daily Chronicle. Associated Press. September 22, 1964. p. 29. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
  36. ↑ "East Coast Sparred as Hurricane Veers". Oshkosh Daily Northwestern. Associated Press. September 23, 1964. p. 3. Retrieved April 29, 2021 – via Newspapers.com. Free access icon
  37. ↑ "Fickle Gladys heads away into open sea". The Greeley Daily Tribune. Associated Press. September 23, 1964. p. 1. Retrieved April 29, 2021 – via Newspapers.com. Free access icon
  38. ↑ "Hurricane Gladys Turns Back on Northeast Mainland". The Billings Gazette. United Press International. September 24, 1964. p. 1. Retrieved April 29, 2021 – via Newspapers.com. Free access icon
  39. ↑ 1964-Gladys (Report). Environment Canada. November 6, 2009. Archived from the original on July 3, 2013. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
  40. ↑ Preliminary Report On Hurricane "Hilda": September 28 to October 5, 1964. United States Weather Bureau (Report). National Hurricane Center; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1964. p. 1. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
  41. ↑ Diane Austin; Bob Carriker; Tom McGuire; Joseph Pratt; Tyler Priest; Allan G. Pulsipher (July 2004). History of the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry in Southern Louisiana (PDF). Louisiana State University (Report). United States Department of the Interior. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 19, 2009. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
  42. ↑ Luther H. Hodges (October 1964). Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena (PDF). National Climatic Data Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 18, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  43. 1 2 "Isbell Takes Dead Aim on North Carolina Coast". The Daily Times News. Associated Press. October 15, 1964. p. 1A. Retrieved April 29, 2021 – via Newspapers.com. Free access icon
  44. 1 2 ""El Mundo", Havana, October 14, 1964 (Isbell)". National Hurricane Center; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1964-10-14.
  45. 1 2 Preliminary Report – Hurricane Isbell: October 8–17, 1964. United States Weather Bureau (Report). National Hurricane Center; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1964. p. 5. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
  46. ↑ Hurricane Isbell: Oct. 13–17, 1964 (DR-070). United States Weather Bureau (Report). National Hurricane Center; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2006-09-27.
  47. ↑ "Roll of Hurricanes Starts with Abby". Reading Eagle. Associated Press. June 24, 1964. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
  48. ↑ Tropical Cyclone Naming History and Retired Names. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. April 13, 2012. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
  49. ↑ "Brenda Follows Abby (Hope Not)". Spartanburg Herald-Journal. June 11, 1968. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
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