Hurricane Carmen

2025-06-30T18:02:44Z

2600:1005:B065:88BC:0:5B:9311:F501: /* Impact */

{{short description|Category 4 Atlantic hurricane in 1974}}
{{Infobox weather event
| image = Hurricane Carmen 1974 satellite.jpg
| caption = Carmen as a Category 4 storm on September 1
| alt = Black-and-white image of Hurricane Carmen near the Yucatán Peninsula
| formed = August 29, 1974
| dissipated = September 10, 1974
}}{{Infobox weather event/NWS
| winds = 130
| pressure = 928
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| year = 1974
| fatalities = 8
| damage = 162000000
| areas = [[Lesser Antilles]], [[Puerto Rico]], [[Hispaniola]], [[Jamaica]], [[Yucatán Peninsula]], [[Belize]], [[Louisiana]], Texas
| refs =
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season = [[1974 Atlantic hurricane season]]
}}

'''Hurricane Carmen''' was the most intense [[tropical cyclone]] of the [[1974 Atlantic hurricane season]]. A destructive storm with widespread impacts, Carmen developed from a [[tropical wave]] that emerged from [[Africa]] toward the end of August. The disturbance traveled westward, and organized as a [[tropical depression]] east of the [[Lesser Antilles]] on August 29. The storm moved through the [[Caribbean Sea]], and in an environment conducive to intensification, it quickly strengthened to its initial peak intensity as a Category 4 hurricane on the [[Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale]]. Carmen moved ashore on the [[Yucatán Peninsula]], where, despite striking a sparsely populated region, it caused significant crop damage and killed several people. Before the storm's arrival, officials had set up several evacuation centers, and many residents had moved to higher ground.

Upon entering the [[Gulf of Mexico]], Carmen turned northward and re-intensified as it approached the United States. Initially threatening the major city of [[New Orleans]], it veered westward and made landfall on the marshland of southern [[Louisiana]], eventually dissipating over eastern Texas on September 10. [[Tropical cyclone watches and warnings]] had been issued for the storm, and approximately 100,000 residents left their homes and sought shelter. Damage was lighter than first feared, but the [[sugar industry of the United States|sugar industry]] suffered substantial losses. Throughout its course, the hurricane killed 8 people and caused $162 million in damage. Due to the severity of the storm, the name ''Carmen'' was [[List of retired Atlantic hurricane names|retired]] from the list of Atlantic [[Tropical cyclone naming|tropical cyclone names]].

==Meteorological history==
{{storm path|Carmen 1974 track.png|alt=The track of Hurricane Carmen shown on a map of the southwestern Atlantic}}
The origins of Hurricane Carmen can be traced to a weather disturbance over [[Africa]] during the middle of August 1974. The disturbance moved slowly westward with little [[convection (meteorology)|convective activity]] initially, although upon entering the [[Atlantic Ocean]], it spawned a [[tropical wave]] within the [[Intertropical Convergence Zone]]. The wave had intensified and broadened by August 25, and it eventually split into two components, the northernmost of which consolidated into an organized storm system.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Owen E. Thompson|title=Hurricane Carmen: August–September 1974 – Development of a Wave in the ITCZ|date=May 1976|journal=[[Monthly Weather Review]]|publisher=[[American Meteorological Society]]|volume=104|issue=5|pages=656–658|doi=10.1175/1520-0493(1976)104<0656:HCAOAW>2.0.CO;2|issn=1520-0493|last2=Miller|first2=Joanna|bibcode = 1976MWRv..104..656T |doi-access=free}}</ref> Moving westward, the system developed into a tropical depression on August 29, more than {{convert|200|mi|km|abbr=on}} east of [[Guadeloupe]].{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} Due to favorable [[Outflow (meteorology)|outflow]] from an [[anticyclone]] nearby, the depression gradually strengthened as it moved through the [[Lesser Antilles]].<ref name="MWR">{{cite journal|author=John R. Hope|title=Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1974|journal=Monthly Weather Review|publisher=American Meteorological Society|volume=103|issue=4|date=April 1975|pages=289–290|doi=10.1175/1520-0493(1975)103<0285:AHSO>2.0.CO;2|issn=1520-0493|bibcode = 1975MWRv..103..285H |doi-access=free}}</ref> It attained tropical storm status on August 30, south of [[Puerto Rico]],<ref name="HURDAT"/> and was named Carmen by the [[National Hurricane Center]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Neil Frank|title=Tropical Storm Carmen Special Advisory Number 1|date=August 30, 1974|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=March 30, 2010|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0188-jpg/1974/atlantic/carmen/public/pub302300z.jpg |format=JPG}}</ref> At first, the storm's proximity to [[Hispaniola]] prevented further strengthening,<ref>{{cite web|author=John R. Hope|title=Tropical Cyclone Discussion Tropical Storm Carmen|date=August 31, 1974|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=March 30, 2010|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0188-jpg/1974/atlantic/carmen/tropdisc/tcd310300z.jpg |format=JPG}}</ref> but by August 31, it had managed to intensify into a Category 1 hurricane on the [[Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale]].<ref name="HURDAT"/> As Carmen passed south of [[Jamaica]], an [[eye (cyclone)|eye feature]] briefly appeared.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone Discussion Tropical Storm Carmen|date=August 31, 1974|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=March 30, 2010|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0188-jpg/1974/atlantic/carmen/tropdisc/tcd311500z.jpg |format=JPG}}</ref>

On September 1, the hurricane began to [[rapid deepening|rapidly deepen]] over warm waters of the [[Caribbean Sea]]; by 18:00 [[Coordinated Universal Time]] (UTC), it had strengthened to Category 4 intensity.<ref name="HURDAT"/> Continuing westward, the storm passed north of [[Swan Islands, Honduras|Swan Island]] later that day.<ref name="MWR"/> Early on September 2, a [[eyewall replacement cycle|double eyewall]] appeared on satellite imagery.<ref>{{cite web|author=John R. Hope|title=Tropical Cyclone Discussion Hurricane Carmen|date=September 2, 1974|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=March 30, 2010|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0188-jpg/1974/atlantic/carmen/tropdisc/tcd020300z.jpg |format=JPG}}</ref> Carmen's forward movement gradually slowed as the storm took a [[west by north]] direction,<ref>{{cite web|author=Joseph M. Pelissier|title=Tropical Cyclone Discussion Hurricane Carmen|date=September 2, 1974|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=March 30, 2010|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0188-jpg/1974/atlantic/carmen/tropdisc/tcd020900z.jpg |format=JPG}}</ref> and it reached its initial peak intensity with [[maximum sustained winds]] of 150 mph (240 km/h), accompanied by a central [[barometric pressure]] of 928 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]] (hPa; 27.4 [[Inches of mercury|inHg]]).<ref name="HURDAT"/> Atmospheric steering currents became increasingly weaker, and Carmen slowed to a drift.<ref>{{cite web|author=Neil Frank|title=Tropical Cyclone Discussion Hurricane Carmen|date=September 2, 1974|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=March 30, 2010|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0188-jpg/1974/atlantic/carmen/tropdisc/tcd022100z.jpg |format=JPG}}</ref> Later on September 2, the hurricane made [[landfall]] on the [[Yucatán Peninsula]]; its northern jog spared [[Belize City]] from a direct hit. The storm's center passed a few miles north of [[Chetumal, Quintana Roo|Chetumal]], [[Quintana Roo]].<ref name="HURDAT"/>

The cyclone drifted inland, deteriorating to a tropical storm on September 3.<ref name="HURDAT"/> About a day later, Carmen emerged into the [[Gulf of Mexico]], where it nearly stalled. Turning northward, the storm regained hurricane strength on September 5.<ref name="HURDAT"/> Carmen continued to strengthen and accelerated northward towards the [[United States Gulf Coast]],<ref name="MWR"/> reaching a forward speed of {{convert|12|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}; at 00:00 UTC on September 7, it once again became a Category 3 major hurricane.<ref name="HURDAT"/> The storm then became a Category 4 hurricane again and reached its second peak intensity while located south of [[Louisiana]]; although the wind speeds were identical to that of its initial peak, the barometric pressure was slightly higher. Carmen weakened and veered westward before landfall, ultimately striking south-central Louisiana. After moving ashore, the hurricane quickly lost strength and late on September 9 degenerated into a tropical depression. The depression moved westward and soon dissipated over eastern Texas.<ref name="HURDAT"/>

==Preparations==
[[File:Hurricane Carmen near United States Landfall 1974.jpg|thumb|right|Hurricane Carmen in the Gulf of Mexico near landfall in Louisiana|alt=View of Hurricane Carmen approaching the United States]]
Initial reactions to the approaching hurricane in the Yucatán Peninsula were regarded as calm by the United States media. Mexican officials declared an emergency alert by September 2, although they did not advise any evacuations. Meteorologists in the United States urged those living near the coast to move inland immediately.<ref name="TVA1">{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|work=The Victoria Advocate|date=September 2, 1974|access-date=April 25, 2010|title=Hurricane Grows, Yucatan Target of Carmen|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=861&dat=19740902&id=ZQtaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ZUsNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6606,241459}}</ref> Fearing significant loss of life and property, the [[Red Cross]] began preparations for the approaching hurricane in Belize.<ref name="TVA1"/> The following day, the [[Mexican Army]] rushed to set up emergency operation centers and shelters in five cities. Mobile communication units and relief teams were prepared for deployment following the storm's passage.<ref name="BCT1"/> Many of the nearly 35,000 residents in and around the city of Chetumal evacuated to higher ground.<ref name="SHT1">{{cite news|author=United Press International|work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune|date=September 3, 1974|access-date=April 25, 2010|title=Carmen Smashes Across Yucatan (Part One)|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CfwjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=62YEAAAAIBAJ&dq=hurricane%20carmen%20yucatan&pg=6386%2C1154179}}</ref>

Although it initially threatened the United States city of [[New Orleans]], the hurricane turned west prior to making landfall and spared the area from severe damage.<ref name="MWR"/> Contrary to its actual path, forecasters predicted the hurricane to execute an eastward swerve toward Florida. Had the cyclone instead continued northward and traveled over [[Lake Pontchartrain]], low-lying areas could have suffered "catastrophic" flooding.<ref name="LA preps">{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Hurricane Carmen batters Louisiana|date=September 8, 1974|newspaper=The Southeast Missourian|access-date=April 25, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=gtEfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2dgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1178,717871}}</ref> Over 100,000 residents of the [[U.S. Gulf Coast|Gulf Coast]], mostly in [[Louisiana]] and [[Mississippi]], evacuated in advance of the hurricane,<ref>{{cite news|title=Carmen lashes coast|date=September 8, 1974|newspaper=The Chicago Tribune|access-date=April 25, 2010|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/607737012.html?dids=607737012:607737012&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Sep+08%2C+1974&author=&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=Carmen+lashes+coast&pqatl=google|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026123927/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/607737012.html?dids=607737012:607737012&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Sep+08,+1974&author=&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=Carmen+lashes+coast&pqatl=google|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 26, 2012}}</ref> causing heavy congestion on highways.<ref name="LA preps"/> About 60,000 people sought shelter in facilities across the New Orleans region, according to Red Cross officials.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Carmen sputters|date=September 9, 1974|publisher=The Park City Daily News|access-date=April 25, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=eCQqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=qkYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6606,1394818}}</ref>

[[Tropical cyclone warnings and watches|Hurricane warning]]s were issued along the coast, while [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]] personnel went door-to-door on [[Grand Isle, Louisiana|Grand Isle]] urging residents to leave the area. From there through the coast of southwestern Florida, small craft were advised to remain near shore due to rough seas.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Hurricane Carmen Rages North|date=September 7, 1974|newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen|access-date=April 25, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zb0yAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7-wFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1010,1806048}}</ref> Offshore, workers were removed from oil rigs.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Weather Service Warns Hurricane Carmen Will Strike Gulf Coast Area|date=September 4, 1974|newspaper=The Times-News|access-date=April 25, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZhsaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=eCQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2522,450488}}</ref> Many Mississippi citizens, having experienced the destruction of [[Hurricane Camille]] just five years earlier, quickly left their coastal homes.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Gulf Residents Recall Camille|date=September 8, 1974|publisher=The Herald-Journal|access-date=April 25, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ii8sAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_ssEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7315,1357318}}</ref>

==Impact==
As a tropical depression and storm, Carmen produced moderate rainfall across [[Puerto Rico]] and the northern Lesser Antilles, peaking at {{convert|5.91|in|mm|abbr=on}} in [[Jájome Alto, Cayey, Puerto Rico]].<ref name="HPC">{{cite web|author=David Roth|title=Hurricane Carmen – August 29 – September 11, 1974|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|access-date=April 15, 2010|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/carmen1974.html}}</ref> The storm spawned a tornado on Puerto Rico and triggered flash flooding, which collectively left over $2 million in damage.<ref name="MWR"/> Winds approaching [[gale force]] affected several islands.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=New storm builds, Becky heads north|date=August 30, 1974|newspaper=The Bangor Daily News|access-date=April 15, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FgM0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=KyMIAAAAIBAJ&pg=3426,4985064&dq=puerto+rico+storm+flood&hl=en}}</ref> Heavy rain fell on [[Hispaniola]] as the storm progressed westward,<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Hurricane No. 2|date=September 1, 1974|newspaper=La Nación|access-date=April 15, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jqUeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=fc8EAAAAIBAJ&pg=3324,11577163&dq=tropical-storm-carmen+haiti&hl=en}}</ref> and on [[Jamaica]], the storm caused three drownings.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Storm May Regain Hurricane Strength|date=September 4, 1974|newspaper=The Argus-Press|access-date=April 15, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nG0iAAAAIBAJ&sjid=sawFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4436,163167&dq=tropical+storm+carmen+jamaica&hl=en}}</ref> High winds and heavy rainfall were reported there and in [[Cuba]].<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Carmen Roars Toward Yucatan|date=September 1, 1974|newspaper=The Victoria Advocate|access-date=April 15, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=861&dat=19740901&id=ZAtaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ZUsNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6854,11144}}</ref> The hurricane damaged local reefs on the north shore of Jamaica during its passage.<ref>{{cite web|author=J.S. Levinton |title=Coral Reefs: limiting factors, morphology, and nutrition of corals |publisher=Prentice-Hall |access-date=May 6, 2010 |url=http://www.geology.iupui.edu/Academics/CLASSES/G130/reefs/ME_20.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100613132252/http://www.geology.iupui.edu/Academics/CLASSES/G130/reefs/ME_20.htm |archive-date=June 13, 2010 }}</ref> In [[Louisiana]], Carmen caused about $150 million damage, much of it was in crop damage. Also, there were five storm-related deaths in Louisiana. Freshwater and tidal flooding occurred there, and, to a lesser degree, in the other [[Gulf Coast of the United States|Gulf Coast]] states.

On account of the hurricane's landfall intensities and the widespread damage it caused, the name ''Carmen'' was later [[list of retired Atlantic hurricane names|retired]] from the rotating lists of Atlantic hurricane names. It will never again be used to name a tropical storm in the Atlantic basin.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames_history.shtml|title=Tropical Cyclone Naming History and Retired Names|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=February 16, 2024}}</ref>

===Yucatán Peninsula===
[[File:Hurricane Carmen at landfall in the Yucatán (radar image).jpg|thumb|right|200px|Radar image of Hurricane Carmen near landfall on September 2|alt=Radar image of Hurricane Carmen]]
Although Carmen made landfall as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, it caused significantly less damage than anticipated because it struck a sparsely populated region. However, torrential rainfall from the storm inundated farmland across the region, ruining rice crops. The fishing industry also sustained major losses. Communication with the hardest hit regions was lost following Carmen's passage; however, early reports stated that at least five people were injured.<ref name="BCT1">{{cite news|author=United Press International|work=Beaver County Times|date=September 3, 1974|access-date=April 25, 2010|title=Carmen Sweeps Across Yucatan|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=A-EtAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yNoFAAAAIBAJ&dq=hurricane%20carmen%20yucatan&pg=2370%2C208095}}</ref> Several days later, officials in Mexico confirmed that three people had been killed by the storm. Sustained winds of 136 mph (217 km/h) were reported in the city of [[Chetumal]],<ref name="MWR" /> which was described as a "disaster".<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|work=Bangor Daily News|date=September 6, 1974|access-date=April 25, 2010|title=Hurricane watch out along Gulf|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4HEzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lyMIAAAAIBAJ&dq=hurricane%20carmen%20yucatan&pg=535%2C1669889}}</ref> More than 5,000 people in the city lost their homes and belongings as a result of the storm. Officials in the area estimated that damage in Chetumal alone reached $8 million (1974 USD).<ref name="TMG1">{{cite news|author=United Press International|work=The Montreal Gazette|date=September 4, 1974|access-date=April 25, 2010|title=Hurricane stalls, getting weaker|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BQwyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=u6EFAAAAIBAJ&dq=hurricane%20carmen%20yucatan%20damage&pg=2748%2C350502}}</ref> Throughout the Yucatán Peninsula, Hurricane Carmen claimed four lives and wrought $10 million (1974 USD) in damage.<ref>{{cite news|author=United Press International|work=Beaver County Times|date=September 6, 1974|access-date=April 25, 2010|title=Hurricane Gathers Strength In Gulf|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BuEtAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yNoFAAAAIBAJ&dq=hurricane%20carmen%20yucatan%20damage&pg=4255%2C1401653}}</ref>

Following Carmen's passage, officials feared the worst for an area of 1,000 mi<sup>2</sup> (2,590 km<sup>2</sup>) where communication was lost in Belize. A reconnaissance task force was sent out from Belize City the day after Carmen made landfall to assist any residents stranded by the storm.<ref name="SHT2">{{cite news|author=United Press International|work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune|date=September 3, 1974|access-date=April 25, 2010|title=Carmen Smashes Across Yucatan (Part Two)|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CfwjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=62YEAAAAIBAJ&dq=hurricane%20carmen%20yucatan&pg=1798%2C1169512}}</ref> One person was killed off the coast of Belize after being washed off his boat by large swells produced by Carmen. Three other fishermen were listed as missing following similar incidents. Thousands of people moved from coastal areas inland to escape the storm. Crop damage in the country was reportedly severe.<ref>{{cite news|author=United Press International|work=The Bryan Times|date=September 4, 1974|title=Carmen stalls in Gulf, 2 other storms develop}}</ref>

===United States===
Carmen dropped moderate rainfall along its path, though the heaviest rainfall occurred well to the east of the storm's center, in southern [[Alabama]] and the northern [[Florida Panhandle]]. Precipitation peaked at over {{convert|13|in|mm|abbr=on}} in [[Atmore, Alabama]].<ref name="HPC"/> Winds gusted up to {{convert|86|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, and along the coast, tides ran as high as {{convert|6|ft|m|abbr=on}} above normal.<ref name="MWR"/> Over northwestern Louisiana, winds ranged from {{convert|40|to|45|mph|abbr=on}} and brought down several trees.<ref>{{cite web|author=National Weather Service Shreveport|title=Preliminary Post Storm Report: Hurricane Carmen|date=September 9, 1974|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=April 25, 2010|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0189-jpg/1974/atlantic/carmen/preloc/shv091730z.jpg |format=JPG}}</ref> In New Orleans, despite wind gusts to {{convert|72|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, minimal damage was reported.<ref>{{cite web|author=National Weather Service New Orleans|title=Preliminary Storm Report: Hurricane Carmen|date=September 9, 1974|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=April 25, 2010|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0189-jpg/1974/atlantic/carmen/preloc/msy092027z.jpg |format=JPG}}</ref> The hurricane's effects in [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana|Baton Rouge]] were confined to strewn debris and a few downed trees.<ref>{{cite web|author=National Weather Service Baton Rouge|title=Preliminary Report: Hurricane Carmen|date=September 9, 1974|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=April 25, 2010|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0189-jpg/1974/atlantic/carmen/preloc/btr091300z.jpg |format=JPG}}</ref> Because Carmen moved ashore over uninhabited marshland, it caused far less damage than initially feared.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Hurricane Carmen dies out|date=September 9, 1974|newspaper=The Rome News-Tribune|access-date=April 25, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=X7EFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LjMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3263,1184100}}</ref> Nonetheless, tidal flooding from the Gulf of Mexico and coastal bodies of water was severe. Freshwater flooding was less extreme. In total, the storm inundated {{convert|2380500|acres|ha}} of land in Louisiana, including {{convert|742300|acre|ha|abbr=on}} in [[Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana|Terrebonne Parish]] and {{convert|590000|acres|ha}} in [[Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana|Plaquemines Parish]].<ref name="phase">{{cite web|title=Inventory and Assessment of Existing Economic and Resource Conditions |date=July 31, 1997 |publisher=Louisiana Department of Natural Resources |access-date=May 6, 2010 |url=http://dnr.louisiana.gov/crm/D%20R%20S%20Reports/Feasibility/B.S.%20Phase%201%20Step%20F.pdf }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=United States Corps of Engineers |date=December 14, 2004 |access-date=April 26, 2010 |title=Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement: Mississippi River & Tributaries-Morganza, Louisiana To The Gulf Of Mexico Hurricane Protection |url=http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/pd/projectslist/ProjectData/118926/reports/FinalPEISSummary.doc |format=DOC |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090121042409/https://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/pd/projectslist/ProjectData/118926/reports/FinalPEISSummary.doc |archive-date=January 21, 2009 }}</ref> A large oak tree was overturned by high winds in the town of Jeanerette in Iberia Parish.
[[File:Carmen 1974 rainfall.png|left|thumb|Rainfall map of the [[Gulf Coast]]|alt=Map of the southeastern United States showing rainfall amounts from Hurricane Carmen]]

The storm's greatest impact was the loss of [[sugar cane]] crops in Louisiana. An estimated {{convert|308000|acres|ha|abbr=on}} of sugar cane in 16 parishes was damaged, and about 20 percent was completely ruined.<ref>{{cite news|author=United Press International|title=Hurricane Carmen hurts sugar crop|date=September 9, 1974|newspaper=The Lodi News-Sentinel|access-date=April 25, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=95gzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=bzIHAAAAIBAJ&pg=6099,558955}}</ref> After a tour of the affected area, then-[[List of Governors of Louisiana|Governor]] [[Edwin Edwards]] estimated crop damage alone at $400 million,<ref name="Beaver">{{cite news|author=United Press International|title=Carmen Leaves Her Mark|date=September 9, 1974|newspaper=The Beaver County Times|access-date=April 25, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=COEtAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yNoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2282,1792253}}</ref> although a more recent estimate placed total agricultural damage from the hurricane at $74 million.<ref name="phase"/> The sugar cane crop was crucial to the country's sugar supplies, rendering the losses "doubly bad",<ref name="Beaver"/> and sugar [[futures contract|futures]] rose drastically after the storm.<ref>{{cite news|author=Elizabeth M. Fowler|title=Sugar Prices Soar Daily Limit On Effect of Hurricane Carmen; Cotton Declines November Delivery Up Cash Prices Open Interest|date=September 10, 1974|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=April 25, 2010|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/09/10/archives/sugar-prices-soar-daily-limit-on-effect-of-hurricane-carmen-cotton.html}}</ref> Other crops damaged by Carmen included soybeans, rice, and cotton.<ref name="phase"/>

Tidal action along the coast affected the balance of salinity in coastal marshes and water bodies. The sudden intrusion of saltwater stressed delicate plants. Fish, shrimp and oysters also suffered the ecological effects of Hurricane Carmen. Flooding on land caused some wildlife to drown. Several parks in Louisiana sustained damage, either from flooding or high winds; losses to [[Grand Isle, Louisiana|Grand Island]] State Park in particular totaled $114,600. The oil and gas industry was also affected, and its estimated $24.7 million in losses resulted mainly from damage to equipment and offshore facilities. The storm diminished oil production by 1.4 million barrels when it shut down operations for 24 to 48 hours at various locations.<ref name="phase"/> Over 60,000 [[electric cooperative]] customers lost power.<ref>{{cite web|title=History|publisher=Dixie Electric Membership Corporation|access-date=May 6, 2010|url=http://www.demco.org/about-us/history}}</ref>

The hurricane caused two fatalities in Louisiana: a utility repairman who was electrocuted while working on power lines damaged by strong winds,<ref name="Beaver"/> and a motorist who was involved in a storm-related traffic accident.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Hurricane Carmen Leaves Two Dead; Ravages Crops|date=September 10, 1974|newspaper=The Virgin Islands Daily News|access-date=April 25, 2010|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KzETAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BK4DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6472,909464}}</ref> Total monetary losses in the state was estimated at $150 million.<ref name="MWR"/> Overall, the hurricane spawned four confirmed tornadoes.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Tom|last1=Grazulis|first2=Bill|last2=McCaul|title=List of Known Tropical Cyclones Which Have Spawned Tornadoes|publisher=Tornado Project|access-date=April 25, 2010|url=http://www.tornadoproject.com/alltorns/allhurricanes.htm}}</ref> One touched down near [[Brandon, Mississippi]], destroying a barn and causing other damage.<ref>{{cite web|author=National Weather Service Jackson|title=Preliminary Post Storm Report: Hurricane Carmen|date=September 9, 1974|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=April 25, 2010|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0189-jpg/1974/atlantic/carmen/preloc/jan091600z.jpg |format=JPG}}</ref> Another struck [[Kaplan, Louisiana]], injuring one person.<ref>{{cite web|author=National Weather Service Lake Charles|title=Preliminary Report: Hurricane Carmen|date=September 8, 1974|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=April 25, 2010|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0189-jpg/1974/atlantic/carmen/preloc/lch081945z.jpg |format=JPG}}</ref> The storm's effects in Mississippi were described as minimal and were mainly confined to minor traffic accidents during bouts of heavy precipitation.<ref>{{cite web|author=National Weather Service Jackson|title=Preliminary Report: Hurricane Carmen|date=September 11, 1974|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=April 25, 2010|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/cdmp/dvd0189-jpg/1974/atlantic/carmen/preloc/jan111315z.jpg |format=JPG}}</ref> Light to moderate rainfall from the storm extended as far east as Florida and Georgia and as far west as Oklahoma and Texas.<ref name="HPC"/>

== In popular culture ==
Hurricane Carmen was depicted in the 1994 movie ''[[Forrest Gump]]'', in which the hurricane plays a major part in the movie's plot.

==See also==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
* [[List of storms named Carmen|Other storms of the same name]]
* [[List of Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes]]
* [[List of retired Atlantic hurricane names]]
* [[List of wettest tropical cyclones in the United States#Alabama|List of wettest tropical cyclones in Alabama]]
* [[Hurricane Audrey]] (1957) – caused severe impacts in Louisiana and Mississippi
* [[Hurricane Laura]] (2020) – devastated Southwestern Louisiana
* [[Hurricane Delta]] (2020) and [[Hurricane Zeta]] (2020) – both also made landfall on the Yucatán Peninsula and in Louisiana

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1974.pdf 1974 Monthly Weather Review]
* [http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/carmen1974.html Carmen Rainfall Totals]

{{Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes}}
{{Retired Atlantic hurricanes}}
{{1974 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}}

{{featured article}}

[[Category:1974 Atlantic hurricane season|Carmen]]
[[Category:1974 in Mexico]]
[[Category:Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes|Carmen 1974]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Puerto Rico|Carmen 1974]]
[[Category:Atlantic hurricanes in Mexico|Carmen 1974]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Louisiana|Carmen 1974]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Alabama|Carmen 1974]]
[[Category:Retired Atlantic hurricanes|Carmen]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Mississippi|Carmen 1974]]
[[Category:1974 in Alabama]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Oklahoma|Carmen 1974]]
[[Category:1974 natural disasters in the United States]]
[[Category:1974 in Puerto Rico]]
[[Category:1974 in Mississippi]]
[[Category:1974 in Louisiana]]

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Hurricane Carmen

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