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Hurricane Liza (1968)
Encyclopedia
Hurricane Liza was the third hurricane of the 1968 Pacific hurricane season
. Forming from an area of the Intertropical Convergence Zone
(ITCZ) on August 28 and reaching tropical storm strength in the same day, Liza meandered generally westward over the Pacific Ocean
, reaching hurricane strength on August 29 while far from land. It maintained that intensity until September 2, when the hurricane was downgraded to a tropical storm, but avoided tropical depression status despite the presentation seen by an Air Force
reconnaissance plane. After weakening, the storm moved northwestward, weakening to a depression on September 4, when it began a turn to the east. There is a possibility that the depression completed a small loop between the downgrade and its dissipation on September 6.
Although it remained far from land, the waves triggered by Liza were able to reach California
, where they combined with high tide, threatening beachfront homes that had weakened foundations after a previous tide. The hurricane was responsible for sweeping hundreds of Labor Day
swimmers out into the ocean in Zuma Beach
and Newport Beach, all of whom were saved by lifeguards. The waves also tore off a group of sundecks estimated at $5,000 (1968 USD) near Laguna Beach.
and Guatemala
. A report of 40 mi/h winds, a barometric pressure of 1010.5 mbar
, and heavy thundershowers was received from a Coast Guard cutter
called the Androscoggin while the ship was 150 mi (241.4 km) south of Tehuantepec
. The report also mentioned that the thundershowers were generating 9 feet (2.7 m) high swells. The conditions developed in a northward bend in the ITCZ that was moving westward. No activity other than clusters of rain were shown on satellite until August 28, when a tropical disturbance suddenly developed along the bend, reaching tropical depression status as the day began. The depression became Tropical Storm Liza later that day, when the ship Jag Jawan reported winds of 60 mi/h and 1003.2 mbar. Another ship named Teverya, which was 60 mi (96.6 km) northwest of the Jag Jawan, reported similar wind speeds, but a pressure of 998 mbar, the lowest barometric pressure recorded from the storm throughout its life. Satellite pictures showed a vortex arrangement consisting of three cloud masses and two arching bands of cumulonimbus clouds, all of which were producing cirrus outflow
.
The tropical storm moved west-northwest for 48 hours after being named, reaching hurricane intensity on August 29, with satellite pictures showing an eye
. Until September 1, all ships kept out of range of the hurricane, leaving satellite imagery as the only method for obtaining information. The August 30 ESSA-6 satellite image of the hurricane showed a circular eye embedded in a nearly circular central dense overcast
(CDO) spanning 5° of latitude in diameter. Inflow was apparent in feeder bands from the south, but a large area of dry air and clear skies spanned to the north and west of the hurricane. It was estimated that the hurricane was at its peak intensity at this time. On August 31, the CDO had shrunk, but the cyclone still maintained intensity until September 1, when the hurricane had moved over cooler water and began to weaken due to cold inflow. Around this time, an unnamed ship passing north of the center going eastward reported winds of 85 mi/h and 40 feet (12.2 m) to 45 feet (13.7 m) high seas. The weakening of the hurricane accelerated, becoming uncoupled from the warm waters and losing its cirrus cap, exposing the center. An Air Force
reconnaissance plane sent to investigate the storm on September 2 showed that the hurricane had weakened into a tropical storm. However, the cyclone was so disorganized at this time that the observer remarked that there was a possibility that Liza was no longer even a tropical storm. The storm continued to evaporate and was downgraded to a depression on September 4 and drifted southwestward until it dissipated on September 6.
, the best track data, and the post-season report concerning the hurricane. The first involved the peak intensity of the hurricane. The post-season report released by the Environmental Science Services Administration noted that the 85 mi/h winds recorded by the unknown ship on September 1 were received two days after cool inflow, and gave the hurricane a peak intensity estimate of 115 mi/h on August 30, making Liza a Category 3 hurricane and the most intense hurricane of the season. However, the JTWC and the best track data both gave peak intensities equivalent to the ship report on September 1. Liza was the first of three hurricanes of the season that was thought to have reached Category 3 strength. The other two were Pauline
and Rebecca.
Another dispute exists concerning the track the hurricane took, specifically between the downgrade to tropical depression and dissipation. The best track and ESSA report both showed that Liza went southwestward through the time period. However, the JTWC final report on Liza reported that Liza made a tiny loop that was entirely within 24°N to 25°N latitude and 125°W to 126°W longitude from September 4 to September 6.
as well as cause riptides on beaches. Officials at Long Beach
were keeping an eye on breakwater activity and Laguna Beach lifeguards were prepared in case the swells reported there grew. At Newport Beach, the Corps of Engineers
were brought in to create a buffer with sand and rock to protect homes between 41st Street and 46th Street, and concern in West Newport Beach was that the hurricane would cause more damage to oceanfront homes that were weakened by swirling seas the previous week. The waves were expected to be the only cause of damage from the hurricane, which forecaster Emii Kurtz remarked was "much too far away" to affect atmospheric weather conditions.
From September 2 to September 3, large waves, some as high as 12 feet (3.7 m), impacted beaches throughout southern California, with Los Angeles and Orange
Counties experiencing growing breakers, and Cabrillo Beach
experiencing riptides for two days straight. Due to the Labor Day beach turnout, many reports of rescuing swimmers who were swept up by waves caused by the hurricane were received. On September 2, forty-seven swimmers in Zuma Beach had to be rescued despite warnings to stay out of deep water, and an additional 261 rescues were reported in Newport. More rescues were reported the next day, although no exact total from the second day is known. At the El Morro Beach Trailer Park near Laguna Beach, a group of sundecks estimated at $5,000 (1968 USD) were ripped from their supports by rough seas. Long Beach, in terms of damage, was particularly hit hard by Liza, with debris and sea foam from the heavy surf clogging storm drains. A group of tidal pools formed along an area of the beach, draining out from a parking lot on 72nd Street onto Ocean Boulevard, resulting in flooding that closed a section of the boulevard between 68th Place and 72nd Place to traffic. Various flower gardens were also reported to have been swamped by the flooding, but no damage to housing was reported. The weakened properties in West Newport Beach also sustained no additional damage.
1968 Pacific hurricane season
The 1968 Pacific hurricane season ties the record for having the most active August in terms of tropical storms. It officially started on May 15, 1968 in the eastern Pacific and June 1 in the central Pacific and lasted until November 30, 1968...
. Forming from an area of the 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) on August 28 and reaching tropical storm strength in the same day, Liza meandered generally westward over the Pacific Ocean
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the Earth's oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, bounded by Asia and Australia in the west, and the Americas in the east.At 165.2 million square kilometres in area, this largest division of the World...
, reaching hurricane strength on August 29 while far from land. It maintained that intensity until September 2, when the hurricane was downgraded to a tropical storm, but avoided tropical depression status despite the presentation seen by an Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
reconnaissance plane. After weakening, the storm moved northwestward, weakening to a depression on September 4, when it began a turn to the east. There is a possibility that the depression completed a small loop between the downgrade and its dissipation on September 6.
Although it remained far from land, the waves triggered by Liza were able to reach California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, where they combined with high tide, threatening beachfront homes that had weakened foundations after a previous tide. The hurricane was responsible for sweeping hundreds of Labor Day
Labor Day
Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.-History:...
swimmers out into the ocean in Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach is a County beach located at 30000 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California. One of the largest and most popular beaches in the Los Angeles County, Zuma is known for its long, wide sands and excellent surf...
and Newport Beach, all of whom were saved by lifeguards. The waves also tore off a group of sundecks estimated at $5,000 (1968 USD) near Laguna Beach.
Meteorological history
For a period beginning on August 25, the ITCZ was active near the border between MexicoMexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
and Guatemala
Guatemala
Guatemala is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Belize to the northeast, the Caribbean to the east, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast...
. A report of 40 mi/h winds, a barometric pressure of 1010.5 mbar
Bar (unit)
The bar is a unit of pressure equal to 100 kilopascals, and roughly equal to the atmospheric pressure on Earth at sea level. Other units derived from the bar are the megabar , kilobar , decibar , centibar , and millibar...
, and heavy thundershowers was received from a Coast Guard cutter
United States Coast Guard Cutter
Cutter is the term used by the United States Coast Guard for its commissioned vessels. A Cutter is or greater in length, has a permanently assigned crew, and has accommodations for the crew to live aboard...
called the Androscoggin while the ship was 150 mi (241.4 km) south of Tehuantepec
Tehuantepec
Tehuantepec is a city and municipality in the southeast of the Mexican state of Oaxaca. It is part of the Tehuantepec District in the west of the Istmo Region. The area was important in pre Hispanic period as part of a trade route that connected Central America with what is now the center of...
. The report also mentioned that the thundershowers were generating 9 feet (2.7 m) high swells. The conditions developed in a northward bend in the ITCZ that was moving westward. No activity other than clusters of rain were shown on satellite until August 28, when a tropical disturbance suddenly developed along the bend, reaching tropical depression status as the day began. The depression became Tropical Storm Liza later that day, when the ship Jag Jawan reported winds of 60 mi/h and 1003.2 mbar. Another ship named Teverya, which was 60 mi (96.6 km) northwest of the Jag Jawan, reported similar wind speeds, but a pressure of 998 mbar, the lowest barometric pressure recorded from the storm throughout its life. Satellite pictures showed a vortex arrangement consisting of three cloud masses and two arching bands of cumulonimbus clouds, all of which were producing cirrus outflow
Outflow (meteorology)
Outflow, in meteorology, is air that flows outwards from a storm system. It is associated with ridging, or anticyclonic flow. In the low levels of the troposphere, outflow radiates from thunderstorms in the form of a wedge of rain-cooled air, which is visible as a thin rope-like cloud on weather...
.
The tropical storm moved west-northwest for 48 hours after being named, reaching hurricane intensity on August 29, with satellite pictures showing an eye
Eye (cyclone)
The eye is a region of mostly calm weather found at the center of strong tropical cyclones. The eye of a storm is a roughly circular area and typically 30–65 km in diameter. It is surrounded by the eyewall, a ring of towering thunderstorms where the second most severe weather of a cyclone...
. Until September 1, all ships kept out of range of the hurricane, leaving satellite imagery as the only method for obtaining information. The August 30 ESSA-6 satellite image of the hurricane showed a circular eye embedded in a nearly circular central dense overcast
Eye (cyclone)
The eye is a region of mostly calm weather found at the center of strong tropical cyclones. The eye of a storm is a roughly circular area and typically 30–65 km in diameter. It is surrounded by the eyewall, a ring of towering thunderstorms where the second most severe weather of a cyclone...
(CDO) spanning 5° of latitude in diameter. Inflow was apparent in feeder bands from the south, but a large area of dry air and clear skies spanned to the north and west of the hurricane. It was estimated that the hurricane was at its peak intensity at this time. On August 31, the CDO had shrunk, but the cyclone still maintained intensity until September 1, when the hurricane had moved over cooler water and began to weaken due to cold inflow. Around this time, an unnamed ship passing north of the center going eastward reported winds of 85 mi/h and 40 feet (12.2 m) to 45 feet (13.7 m) high seas. The weakening of the hurricane accelerated, becoming uncoupled from the warm waters and losing its cirrus cap, exposing the center. An Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
reconnaissance plane sent to investigate the storm on September 2 showed that the hurricane had weakened into a tropical storm. However, the cyclone was so disorganized at this time that the observer remarked that there was a possibility that Liza was no longer even a tropical storm. The storm continued to evaporate and was downgraded to a depression on September 4 and drifted southwestward until it dissipated on September 6.
Disputes
There are two disputes between the Joint Typhoon Warning CenterJoint Typhoon Warning Center
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center is a joint United States Navy – United States Air Force task force located at the Naval Maritime Forecast Center in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii...
, the best track data, and the post-season report concerning the hurricane. The first involved the peak intensity of the hurricane. The post-season report released by the Environmental Science Services Administration noted that the 85 mi/h winds recorded by the unknown ship on September 1 were received two days after cool inflow, and gave the hurricane a peak intensity estimate of 115 mi/h on August 30, making Liza a Category 3 hurricane and the most intense hurricane of the season. However, the JTWC and the best track data both gave peak intensities equivalent to the ship report on September 1. Liza was the first of three hurricanes of the season that was thought to have reached Category 3 strength. The other two were Pauline
Hurricane Pauline (1968)
Hurricane Pauline was the deadliest hurricane of the 1968 Pacific hurricane season. Forming from a disturbance in the Intertropical Convergence Zone on September 26 and becoming a tropical storm on September 29, the hurricane strengthened to a peak of as a Category 1 hurricane on...
and Rebecca.
Another dispute exists concerning the track the hurricane took, specifically between the downgrade to tropical depression and dissipation. The best track and ESSA report both showed that Liza went southwestward through the time period. However, the JTWC final report on Liza reported that Liza made a tiny loop that was entirely within 24°N to 25°N latitude and 125°W to 126°W longitude from September 4 to September 6.
Impact and records
Despite never making landfall, the United States Weather Bureau warned that Liza could cause damage in California due to 4 feet (1.2 m) to 6 feet (1.8 m) swells it generated merging with high tide, creating 5 feet (1.5 m) to 10 feet (3 m) breaker waves which they reported could sweep over jetties and breakwatersBreakwater (structure)
Breakwaters are structures constructed on coasts as part of coastal defence or to protect an anchorage from the effects of weather and longshore drift.-Purposes of breakwaters:...
as well as cause riptides on beaches. Officials at Long Beach
Long Beach, California
Long Beach is a city situated in Los Angeles County in Southern California, on the Pacific coast of the United States. The city is the 36th-largest city in the nation and the seventh-largest in California. As of 2010, its population was 462,257...
were keeping an eye on breakwater activity and Laguna Beach lifeguards were prepared in case the swells reported there grew. At Newport Beach, the Corps of Engineers
United States Army Corps of Engineers
The United States Army Corps of Engineers is a federal agency and a major Army command made up of some 38,000 civilian and military personnel, making it the world's largest public engineering, design and construction management agency...
were brought in to create a buffer with sand and rock to protect homes between 41st Street and 46th Street, and concern in West Newport Beach was that the hurricane would cause more damage to oceanfront homes that were weakened by swirling seas the previous week. The waves were expected to be the only cause of damage from the hurricane, which forecaster Emii Kurtz remarked was "much too far away" to affect atmospheric weather conditions.
From September 2 to September 3, large waves, some as high as 12 feet (3.7 m), impacted beaches throughout southern California, with Los Angeles and Orange
Orange County, California
Orange County is a county in the U.S. state of California. Its county seat is Santa Ana. As of the 2010 census, its population was 3,010,232, up from 2,846,293 at the 2000 census, making it the third most populous county in California, behind Los Angeles County and San Diego County...
Counties experiencing growing breakers, and Cabrillo Beach
Cabrillo Beach
Cabrillo Beach is a historic beach located in San Pedro, California.Cabrillo has two separate beach areas.- Lifeguards : and Los Angeles County Lifeguards are responsible for the beach and ocean safety in and around the Cabrillo Beach area....
experiencing riptides for two days straight. Due to the Labor Day beach turnout, many reports of rescuing swimmers who were swept up by waves caused by the hurricane were received. On September 2, forty-seven swimmers in Zuma Beach had to be rescued despite warnings to stay out of deep water, and an additional 261 rescues were reported in Newport. More rescues were reported the next day, although no exact total from the second day is known. At the El Morro Beach Trailer Park near Laguna Beach, a group of sundecks estimated at $5,000 (1968 USD) were ripped from their supports by rough seas. Long Beach, in terms of damage, was particularly hit hard by Liza, with debris and sea foam from the heavy surf clogging storm drains. A group of tidal pools formed along an area of the beach, draining out from a parking lot on 72nd Street onto Ocean Boulevard, resulting in flooding that closed a section of the boulevard between 68th Place and 72nd Place to traffic. Various flower gardens were also reported to have been swamped by the flooding, but no damage to housing was reported. The weakened properties in West Newport Beach also sustained no additional damage.
See also
- List of Pacific hurricanes
- Other storms with the same nameHurricane LizaThe name Liza has been used for four tropical cyclones in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Liza is not to be confused with Lisa, which is used in the Atlantic Basin.* 1961's Tropical Storm Liza - A minimal storm that did not affect land....