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Hurricane Chantal (1989)
Encyclopedia
Hurricane Chantal was one of three tropical cyclones to make landfall in Texas during the 1989 Atlantic hurricane season
. The third named storm and the first hurricane of the season, Chantal slowly developed on July 30 in the southern Gulf of Mexico from a tropical disturbance within that was within Intertropical Convergence Zone
(ITCZ) while near Trinidad
and Tobago
. The storm made landfall near High Island, Texas
, causing flash floods that killed thirteen people.
near Trinidad and Tobago
on July 24. The system crossed westward over the Caribbean Sea
, and there were no signs of organization until July 27 near the coast of Honduras
. Despite the predictions for slow development from the tropical weather lookouts, it was possible that the system developed a surface low center near Belize City, Belize late on July 28. After the system moved inland over the Yucatán Peninsula, it became disorganized, although the National Hurricane Center indicated in the tropical weather outlook that once it moved into the Gulf of Mexico
there was potential for development. Although the outflow of the system had appeared impressive on satellite images, the potential for development seemed uncertain, mostly due to the close proximity to land. The storm quickly became better organized based on satellite data and ship reports.
Almost immediately after emerging into the Gulf of Mexico on July 30, the cloud pattern of system quickly became better organized. Later after emerging into the Gulf of Mexico, ships and satellite images confirmed that Tropical Depression Four had formed offshore of the north coast of the Yucatán Peninsula; although it was likely that the depression formed 80 miles (129 km) north of the Yucatán Peninsula several hours earlier than confirmed. The following morning after development occurred, the depression had intensified into a tropical storm 575 miles (920 km) southeast of Texas
; the National Hurricane Center assigned it to the name Chantal. Although it became a tropical storm early that morning, the system was not upgraded to a tropical storm until reconnaissance flight confirmed tropical storm force winds about six hours later, when sustained winds were already 50 mph (85 km/h). Tropical Storm Chantal rapidly strengthened thereafter, with the National Hurricane Center satellites using the Dvorak technique to indicate t-numbers range from 2.5 to 3.5 within just twelve hours. Chantal continued to intensify, and headed northwestward at 11 mph (18 km/h) due to weak ridging over Florida
.
Later on July 31, satellite imagery revealed better organization, and another reconnaissance flight found winds at 91 mph (151 km/h) while flying at 1500 feet (457 m). Based on these discoveries, it was estimated that Chantal had intensified into a hurricane early on August 1. Hurricane Chantal continued to intensify, slightly, and attained its peak intensity on August 1 at 1000 UTC, reaching maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 986 millibars. Only three hours thereafter, Hurricane Chantal made landfall near High Island, Texas
with winds still at 80 mph (130 km/h). After landfall, Chantal rapidly weakened to a tropical storm just five hours after landfall, and quickly degenerating to tropical depression early on August 2. Tropical Depression continued its course and eventually dissipated over western Oklahoma
on August 3. The remnants of Chantal then moved northward over the Great Plains
and was tracked northward over New York
, eventually reaching New England
and Newfoundland just before Hurricane Dean
approached.
to the mouth of the Mississippi River
, meaning that tropical storm force winds were possible within 48 hours. Three hours thereafter, a hurricane warning was issued from Freeport, Texas
to Morgan City, Louisiana
, signifying that hurricane force winds were likely in 24 hours or less. Simultaneous to the hurricane warning, a tropical storm warning was put into effect from Port O'Connor, Texas to Mobile, Alabama
,significantly overlapping the existing hurricane warning.
. Rainfall produced by Chantal in the city of Houston alone varied extensively, with 7.14 inches (181 mm) at William P. Hobby Airport
after twenty-four hours, and only 1.21 inches (31 mm) at George Bush Intercontinental Airport
(then known as Houston Intercontinental Airport) in the same time lapse. Rainfall from Hurricane Chantal had peaked at 20 inches (508 mm) in Friendswood, Texas
, although the measurement was unofficial. The highest "official" rainfall from Hurricane Chantal was recorded in Clear Lake, Texas
at 16 inches (406 mm).
Waves of seven feet (two m) in height were reported on High Island during Hurricane Chantal, while Kemah, Texas
measured tides of 3.8 feet (1.1 m), and the Galveston Flagship pier reported 3.5 feet (one m). There was extensive beach erosion
across the upper Texas coast and heavy rainfall well inland. About 3,000 homes sustained wind or water damages and numerous trees and signs were knocked down by the storm. In addition, one tornado had touched down on Crystal Beach, Texas
, completely destroying a boat shed. Two people in Texas drowned when their raft overturned during the floods and several motorists were stranded in the floodwaters.
capsized south of Morgan City, Louisiana
. Four others on the boat were rescued by the United States Coast Guard
.
to the Great Lakes
region. About three in (75 mm) of rain was reported in Nebraska
while hail
and 75 mph (120 km/h) wind gusts were reported in Minnesota
and Wisconsin
. In Chicago
, about three in (75 mm) of rain fell in just three hours causing isolated street flooding. The damage in the Midwest was minimal and there were no reported injuries or deaths.
1989 Atlantic hurricane season
The 1989 Atlantic hurricane season was an active season that produced fifteen tropical cyclones, eleven named storms, seven hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. The season was officially designated from June 1, 1989, to November 30, 1989, dates which conventionally...
. The third named storm and the first hurricane of the season, Chantal slowly developed on July 30 in the southern Gulf of Mexico from a tropical disturbance within that was within Intertropical Convergence Zone
Intertropical Convergence Zone
The Intertropical Convergence Zone , known by sailors as The Doldrums, is the area encircling the earth near the equator where winds originating in the northern and southern hemispheres come together....
(ITCZ) while near Trinidad
Trinidad
Trinidad is the larger and more populous of the two major islands and numerous landforms which make up the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. It is the southernmost island in the Caribbean and lies just off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. With an area of it is also the fifth largest in...
and Tobago
Tobago
Tobago is the smaller of the two main islands that make up the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is located in the southern Caribbean, northeast of the island of Trinidad and southeast of Grenada. The island lies outside the hurricane belt...
. The storm made landfall near High Island, Texas
High Island, Texas
High Island is an unincorporated area located in the Bolivar Peninsula census-designated place, Galveston County, Texas, United States. The community is located in the extreme eastern part of the county on Bolivar Peninsula, less than one mile from Chambers County and less than two miles from...
, causing flash floods that killed thirteen people.
Meteorological history
The origins of Hurricane Chantal can be tracked back to a tropical disturbance within the Intertropical Convergence ZoneIntertropical Convergence Zone
The Intertropical Convergence Zone , known by sailors as The Doldrums, is the area encircling the earth near the equator where winds originating in the northern and southern hemispheres come together....
near Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago officially the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is an archipelagic state in the southern Caribbean, lying just off the coast of northeastern Venezuela and south of Grenada in the Lesser Antilles...
on July 24. The system crossed westward over the Caribbean Sea
Caribbean Sea
The Caribbean Sea is a sea of the Atlantic Ocean located in the tropics of the Western hemisphere. It is bounded by Mexico and Central America to the west and southwest, to the north by the Greater Antilles, and to the east by the Lesser Antilles....
, and there were no signs of organization until July 27 near the coast of Honduras
Honduras
Honduras is a republic in Central America. It was previously known as Spanish Honduras to differentiate it from British Honduras, which became the modern-day state of Belize...
. Despite the predictions for slow development from the tropical weather lookouts, it was possible that the system developed a surface low center near Belize City, Belize late on July 28. After the system moved inland over the Yucatán Peninsula, it became disorganized, although the National Hurricane Center indicated in the tropical weather outlook that once it moved into the Gulf of Mexico
Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico is a partially landlocked ocean basin largely surrounded by the North American continent and the island of Cuba. It is bounded on the northeast, north and northwest by the Gulf Coast of the United States, on the southwest and south by Mexico, and on the southeast by Cuba. In...
there was potential for development. Although the outflow of the system had appeared impressive on satellite images, the potential for development seemed uncertain, mostly due to the close proximity to land. The storm quickly became better organized based on satellite data and ship reports.
Almost immediately after emerging into the Gulf of Mexico on July 30, the cloud pattern of system quickly became better organized. Later after emerging into the Gulf of Mexico, ships and satellite images confirmed that Tropical Depression Four had formed offshore of the north coast of the Yucatán Peninsula; although it was likely that the depression formed 80 miles (129 km) north of the Yucatán Peninsula several hours earlier than confirmed. The following morning after development occurred, the depression had intensified into a tropical storm 575 miles (920 km) southeast of Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
; the National Hurricane Center assigned it to the name Chantal. Although it became a tropical storm early that morning, the system was not upgraded to a tropical storm until reconnaissance flight confirmed tropical storm force winds about six hours later, when sustained winds were already 50 mph (85 km/h). Tropical Storm Chantal rapidly strengthened thereafter, with the National Hurricane Center satellites using the Dvorak technique to indicate t-numbers range from 2.5 to 3.5 within just twelve hours. Chantal continued to intensify, and headed northwestward at 11 mph (18 km/h) due to weak ridging over Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
.
Later on July 31, satellite imagery revealed better organization, and another reconnaissance flight found winds at 91 mph (151 km/h) while flying at 1500 feet (457 m). Based on these discoveries, it was estimated that Chantal had intensified into a hurricane early on August 1. Hurricane Chantal continued to intensify, slightly, and attained its peak intensity on August 1 at 1000 UTC, reaching maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 986 millibars. Only three hours thereafter, Hurricane Chantal made landfall near High Island, Texas
High Island, Texas
High Island is an unincorporated area located in the Bolivar Peninsula census-designated place, Galveston County, Texas, United States. The community is located in the extreme eastern part of the county on Bolivar Peninsula, less than one mile from Chambers County and less than two miles from...
with winds still at 80 mph (130 km/h). After landfall, Chantal rapidly weakened to a tropical storm just five hours after landfall, and quickly degenerating to tropical depression early on August 2. Tropical Depression continued its course and eventually dissipated over western Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
on August 3. The remnants of Chantal then moved northward over the Great Plains
Great Plains
The Great Plains are a broad expanse of flat land, much of it covered in prairie, steppe and grassland, which lies west of the Mississippi River and east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States and Canada. This area covers parts of the U.S...
and was tracked northward over New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, eventually reaching New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
and Newfoundland just before Hurricane Dean
Hurricane Dean (1989)
Hurricane Dean was the fourth named storm and second hurricane of the 1989 Atlantic hurricane season. Dean formed on July 31 and reached tropical storm status the following day east of the Leeward Islands...
approached.
Preparations
Preparations for Hurricane Chantal began on July 31 at 1000 UTC, starting with a tropical storm watch being issued from Port O'Connor, TexasPort O'Connor, Texas
Port O'Connor is an unincorporated village in Calhoun County, Texas, United States, on the coastline between Galveston and Corpus Christi. The ZIP Code Tabulation Area including Port O'Connor had a population of 1,078 at the 2000 census...
to the mouth of the Mississippi River
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
, meaning that tropical storm force winds were possible within 48 hours. Three hours thereafter, a hurricane warning was issued from Freeport, Texas
Freeport, Texas
Freeport is a city in Brazoria County, Texas within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area and is situated in Southeast Texas. As of the 2000 U.S...
to Morgan City, Louisiana
Morgan City, Louisiana
Morgan City is a city in St. Martin and St. Mary parishes in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The population was 12,404 at the 2010 census....
, signifying that hurricane force winds were likely in 24 hours or less. Simultaneous to the hurricane warning, a tropical storm warning was put into effect from Port O'Connor, Texas to Mobile, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
Mobile is the third most populous city in the Southern US state of Alabama and is the county seat of Mobile County. It is located on the Mobile River and the central Gulf Coast of the United States. The population within the city limits was 195,111 during the 2010 census. It is the largest...
,significantly overlapping the existing hurricane warning.
Texas
Chantal produced an 82 mph (132 km/h) wind gust in Galveston and dropped 7 to 12 inches (18 to 30 cm) of rain across eastern and southern TexasTexas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
. Rainfall produced by Chantal in the city of Houston alone varied extensively, with 7.14 inches (181 mm) at William P. Hobby Airport
William P. Hobby Airport
William P. Hobby Airport is a public airport in Houston, Texas, located from Downtown Houston. The airport covers and has four runways. Hobby Airport is Houston's oldest commercial airport and was the city's primary air terminal until the opening of Houston Intercontinental Airport in 1969...
after twenty-four hours, and only 1.21 inches (31 mm) at George Bush Intercontinental Airport
George Bush Intercontinental Airport
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, is a Class B international airport in Houston, Texas, serving the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area, the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the United States. Located north of Downtown Houston between Interstate 45 and U.S. Highway 59...
(then known as Houston Intercontinental Airport) in the same time lapse. Rainfall from Hurricane Chantal had peaked at 20 inches (508 mm) in Friendswood, Texas
Friendswood, Texas
Friendswood is a city in the U.S. state of Texas within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area. The city lies in Galveston and Harris counties. As of the 2000 U.S...
, although the measurement was unofficial. The highest "official" rainfall from Hurricane Chantal was recorded in Clear Lake, Texas
Clear Lake, Texas
Clear Lake is near the south shore of Lavon Lake, twelve miles southeast of McKinney in southeastern Collin County...
at 16 inches (406 mm).
Waves of seven feet (two m) in height were reported on High Island during Hurricane Chantal, while Kemah, Texas
Kemah, Texas
Kemah is a city in the U.S. state of Texas within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area. The city's population was 2,330 as of the 2000 census. Located in Galveston County, Kemah's main industry comes from shipping...
measured tides of 3.8 feet (1.1 m), and the Galveston Flagship pier reported 3.5 feet (one m). There was extensive beach erosion
Erosion
Erosion is when materials are removed from the surface and changed into something else. It only works by hydraulic actions and transport of solids in the natural environment, and leads to the deposition of these materials elsewhere...
across the upper Texas coast and heavy rainfall well inland. About 3,000 homes sustained wind or water damages and numerous trees and signs were knocked down by the storm. In addition, one tornado had touched down on Crystal Beach, Texas
Crystal Beach, Texas
Crystal Beach is an unincorporated area in the Bolivar Peninsula census-designated place, in Galveston County, Texas, United States. Also known as Patton, Crystal Beach stretches 7 miles along Texas State Highway 87 in the middle of Bolivar Peninsula.It is located along 27 miles of beach on...
, completely destroying a boat shed. Two people in Texas drowned when their raft overturned during the floods and several motorists were stranded in the floodwaters.
Gulf of Mexico
One fatality was reported during an oil rig evacuation. Ten other people perished when a lifeboatLifeboat (shipboard)
A lifeboat is a small, rigid or inflatable watercraft carried for emergency evacuation in the event of a disaster aboard ship. In the military, a lifeboat may be referred to as a whaleboat, dinghy, or gig. The ship's tenders of cruise ships often double as lifeboats. Recreational sailors sometimes...
capsized south of Morgan City, Louisiana
Morgan City, Louisiana
Morgan City is a city in St. Martin and St. Mary parishes in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The population was 12,404 at the 2010 census....
. Four others on the boat were rescued by the United States Coast Guard
United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven U.S. uniformed services. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency...
.
Midwest
While moving inland, Chantal produced severe weather from NebraskaNebraska
Nebraska is a state on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States. The state's capital is Lincoln and its largest city is Omaha, on the Missouri River....
to the Great Lakes
Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are a collection of freshwater lakes located in northeastern North America, on the Canada – United States border. Consisting of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, they form the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by total surface, coming in second by volume...
region. About three in (75 mm) of rain was reported in Nebraska
Nebraska
Nebraska is a state on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States. The state's capital is Lincoln and its largest city is Omaha, on the Missouri River....
while hail
Hail
Hail is a form of solid precipitation. It consists of balls or irregular lumps of ice, each of which is referred to as a hail stone. Hail stones on Earth consist mostly of water ice and measure between and in diameter, with the larger stones coming from severe thunderstorms...
and 75 mph (120 km/h) wind gusts were reported in Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state...
and Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
. In Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
, about three in (75 mm) of rain fell in just three hours causing isolated street flooding. The damage in the Midwest was minimal and there were no reported injuries or deaths.
See also
- Other storms of the same name