1969 Atlantic hurricane season

Template:Short description Template:Good article Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox tropical cyclone season The 1969 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active Atlantic hurricane season since the 1933 season, and was the final year of the most recent positive Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) era. The hurricane season officially began on June 1, and lasted until November 30. Altogether, 12 tropical cyclones reached hurricane strength, the highest number on record at the time; a mark not surpassed until 2005. The season was above-average despite an El Niño, which typically suppresses activity in the Atlantic Ocean, while increasing tropical cyclone activity in the Pacific Ocean. Activity began with a tropical depression that caused extensive flooding in Cuba and Jamaica in early June. On July 25, Tropical Storm Anna developed, the first named storm of the season. Later in the season, Tropical Depression Twenty-Nine caused severe local flooding in the Florida Panhandle and southwestern Georgia in September.

The most significant storm of the season was Hurricane Camille, which peaked as a Category 5 hurricane on August 17 and devastated the Gulf Coast of the United States upon striking Mississippi the next day. Strong winds and storm surge heights especially impacted Mississippi and Louisiana. Later in its duration, the storm caused severe flooding Virginia and West Virginia. Camille alone was responsible for 259 deaths and $1.43 billion.<ref group="nb">All monetary values are in 1969 United States dollars unless otherwise noted.</ref> It was the costliest United States hurricane at the time, until Hurricane Agnes in 1972. In early September, Hurricane Francelia caused deadly floods in Central America, with 271 people killed in Central America. Hurricane Inga had the third longest duration of an Atlantic tropical cyclone. The last storm, Hurricane Martha, was the only known tropical cyclone to make landfall in Panama. Martha caused minor flooding in the former and Costa Rica. Overall, the systems of the season collectively caused 535 deaths and over $1.5 billion in losses.

Season summary

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File:CamilleNEWradarAug17196922z.png

Radar image of Hurricane Camille on August 17

The 1969 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1.<ref name="seasondates">Template:Cite news Template:Free access</ref> Of the twenty-three tropical cyclones that developed in the North Atlantic Ocean in 1969, eighteen of them intensified into tropical storms;Template:Atlantic hurricane best track this was above the 1950–2000 average of 9.6 named storms.<ref name="Gray Dec">Template:Cite report</ref> In terms of tropical storms, it was the busiest season since 1933.<ref name="mwr"/> Twelve systems reached hurricane status, a record that stood until there were fifteen named storms in 2005. Three of the hurricanes deepened into major hurricanes, which are Category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale.<ref name="ACE"/> Between 1950 and 2000, there was an average of 2.3 major hurricanes per season.<ref name="Gray Dec"/> Throughout the season, the U.S. Weather Bureau issued more advisories than in any previous season. Additionally, reconnaissance aircraft were utilized for more flight hours than in any year in the Atlantic basin until that point.<ref name="mwr"/> The season officially ended on November 30.<ref name="seasondates"/>

File:Hurricanes Camille and Debbie (GIBBS Satellite), August 16, 1969.jpg

ESSA-9 Satellite imagery of Hurricane Camille (Left) and Hurricane Debbie (Right) on August 16, 1969 at 12:00 UTC

Hurricane Camille made landfall in Mississippi on August 18 as a Category 5 hurricane, one of only four tropical cyclones on record to strike the continental United States at that strength, after the 1935 Labor Day hurricane, and addition to: Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and Hurricane Michael in 2018.<ref name="ACE"/> During the 1969 season, Project Stormfury conducted seeding experiments on Hurricane Debbie, which declined in wind speed by 31% on the first day and by 18% of the following day. With a duration of almost 25 days from September 20 to October 15, Hurricane Inga became the third longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record in the Atlantic, behind only the 1899 San Ciriaco hurricane, and Hurricane Ginger in 1971.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track On November 24, Hurricane Martha became the first tropical cyclone on record to strike Panama.<ref name="mwr"/>

The season was above average despite an El Niño, which typically suppresses tropical cyclogenesis in the Atlantic Ocean while increasing activity in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The Atlantic upper tropospheric shear line, a semi-permanent feature that extended southeastward into the Caribbean Sea, which enhances outflow from disturbances, remained persistent throughout the season. However, the opposite periphery of the shear line inhibits the divergent outflow of a disturbance. This may have increased the number of tropical cyclones developing, while causing other storms to remain weak or dissipate over the deep tropics. Additionally, an abnormally strong mid-tropospheric ridge replaced the southward-displaced westerlies that deterred tropical cyclone formation in 1968. Five hurricanes and two tropical storms made landfall, causing 535 deaths and $1.5 billion in damage; Tropical Depression Twenty-Nine also resulted in damage.<ref>Template:Cite journal

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File:Inga 1969-10-03 weather map.jpg

Weather map featuring Hurricane Inga on October 3

Tropical cyclogenesis began early, with a tropical depression that affected Jamaica. Activity briefly went dormant between June 15 and July 25, when the next depression originated. That same day, the season's first named storm, Anna, developed over the eastern Atlantic. There were five tropical cyclones that formed in the month of August – Blanche, Camille, Debbie, Eve, and Francelia. Camille was the most intense tropical cyclone of the season, peaking as a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of Template:Convert and a minimum barometric pressure of Template:Convert.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track

September was the most active month of the season, with six tropical cyclones, five of which intensified into a tropical storm – Gerda, Holly, Inga, and an unnamed hurricane. Of the five named storms that originated in October, three intensified into hurricanes, including Kara, Laurie, and an unnamed storm.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track While an unnamed hurricane existed into November, Martha was the only tropical cyclone to originate in that month. Martha, the last storm of the season, dissipated over Panama on November 25.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track

The season's activity was reflected with an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) rating of 149. 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 Template:Convert, which is the threshold for tropical storm status.<ref name="ACE">Template:Cite report</ref>

Systems

June tropical depression

Template:Infobox Hurricane Small A tropical depression developed near the Yucatan Peninsula on June 7. It moved north, reaching western Cuba by the following day.<ref name="ATL Trop Systems">Template:Cite journal</ref> As the depression moved towards Florida, small-craft warnings were issued for the southern coast.<ref name="TD7">Template:Cite news</ref> The depression made landfall in Florida on June 9 and dissipated shortly thereafter. As a result of Template:Convert rain in Cuba, Radio Havana warned of a flash flood<ref name="TD7"/> and later reported that three rivers were overflowing in Camagüey. Flooding also forced 1,801 people from their homes.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Sustained winds of Template:Convert and gusts up to Template:Convert were observed on the island.<ref name="TD7-2">Template:Cite news</ref> Impact from the depression in Florida is unknown.<ref name="mwr"/>

Damage was catastrophic in Jamaica with landslides, flooding, broken communication lines, cancellation of its railway service and evacuation of hundreds of people from their homes. The Jamaica Railway Corporation's trains were disrupted by landslides blocking the tracks from Spanish Town to Port Antonio and floodwaters inundating a bridge in Gregory Park. A train bound for Kingston was disrupted by the flooded bridge, as was a diesel tram, isolating both trains at Richmond. Furthermore, the former train did not reach its destination due to landslides. The Jamaica Telephone Company reported troubles due to waterlogged telephone lines. Schools and colleges in Kingston suspended classes and motorists in the area had difficulty traveling due to flooded roads. Correspondents from The Gleaner reported heavy rains, which inundated roads, washed away livestock and destroyed crops. On June 9, the Church Welfare Organization of the West Indies Junior Seventh Day Adventists set out food, money and blankets the victims.<ref name="TD7-3">Template:Cite news Template:Free access</ref>

July tropical depression

A tropical wave situated about Template:Convert east of Trinidad developed into a tropical depression on July 25.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> The depression moved northwestward toward the Lesser Antilles and later that day crossed Barbados with winds of Template:Convert. It continued to the northwest and may have struck Martinique on July 26. At 0000 UTC on the following day, the depression dissipated about Template:Convert west-southwest of Basseterre, Guadeloupe.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track

Tropical Storm Anna

Template:Infobox Hurricane Small On July 23, a tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa.<ref name="thebigmap">Template:Cite journal</ref> By 06:00 UTC on July 25, the system developed into Tropical Depression Twelve. Initially, the depression strengthened slowly while moving west-northwestward. Eventually, it was upgraded to Tropical Storm Anna at 06:00 UTC on July 27. Modest intensification ensued during the next 18 hours, after which Anna maintained winds of Template:Convert for nearly two days. At 12:00 UTC on July 30, Anna began to weaken and moved in a more northwesterly direction. By 12:00 UTC on July 31, Anna degenerated into a surface-based trough while situated north of the Lesser Antilles, but continued to produce gale-force winds.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track<ref name="mwr"/>

Anna reorganized into a tropical storm by 12:00 UTC on August 1, but weakened to a tropical depression as it re-curved northeastward on August 2, while situated offshore of the East Coast of the United States. By 18:00 UTC, however, Anna once again regained tropical-storm status, and underwent steady intensification on the following day. At 18:00 UTC on August 3, Anna peaked with winds of Template:Convert, and six hours later attained its minimum central pressure of Template:Convert. Anna subsequently weakened and merged with an extratropical low-pressure area on the same day, while centered near Sable Island. The remnants continued rapidly east-northeastward across the Atlantic until becoming unidentifiable on August 5.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track<ref name="mwr">Template:Cite journal</ref>

August tropical depression

A trough in the western Gulf of Mexico produced an area of thunderstorms. On August 7, a Hurricane Hunters flight observed a circulation, indicating that a tropical depression developed. The system moved southwestward, making landfall near Tuxpan in northeastern Mexico early on August 8. It quickly dissipated after moving ashore.<ref name="meta">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Hurricane Blanche

Template:Infobox Hurricane Small A tropical wave was initially tracked about Template:Convert east of the Lesser Antilles on August 6.<ref name="thebigmap"/> The system curved west-northward on August 6 and eventually moved around the western periphery of the Bermuda high. Late on August 10, a closed circulation developed, indicative of a tropical depression, and by 00:00 UTC on August 11 the system became a tropical storm while located about Template:Convert east of Wabasso Beach, Florida. Under the influence of a trough, Blanche headed rapidly north to north-northeastward while significantly intensifying, becoming a hurricane by 18:00 UTC on the same date, based on Navy reconnaissance reports.<ref name="mwr"/>

At 00:00 UTC on August 12, Blanche peaked at Template:Convert. Afterward, the strong southwesterly current in which Blanche was embedded caused the storm to accelerate northeastward. By 12:00 UTC Blanche lost its tropical characteristics near Sable Island, having developed an asymmetrical wind field. At Sable Island, a weather station reported sustained winds of Template:Convert and gusts up to Template:Convert. While passing to the south of Newfoundland, the extratropical remnants of Blanche turned eastward and east-southeastward, eventually to be absorbed by a frontal zone late on August 14.<ref name="mwr"/>

Hurricane Debbie

Template:Infobox Hurricane Small On August 14, a tropical wave developed into a tropical depression while located about midway between the Lesser Antilles and the coast of Africa. The following day, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Debbie. By 12:00 UTC on August 16, Debbie became a Category 1 hurricane, and continued intensification led to its first peak of Template:Convert by 18:00 UTC on August 17. Debbie then began oscillating between a Category 1 and a Category 2 hurricane for the next few days,Template:Atlantic hurricane best track possibly due to being seeded by silver iodide as part of Project Stormfury, though reanalysis suggested that an eyewall replacement cycle was the culprit instead.<ref name="mwr"/><ref name="meta"/> Debbie was chosen as a test for Project Stormfury because it did not threaten any land, it passed within range of seeding aircraft, and was intense with a distinct eye.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Moving northwestward, Debbie began re-intensifying on August 19, becoming Category 3 hurricane with winds of Template:Convert by 18:00 UTC. By 00:00 UTC on August 20, Debbie peaked with winds of Template:Convert, which it maintained for a full day. The storm's minimum barometric pressure of Template:Convert was measured by hurricane hunters during this timeframe. Debbie curved northeastward as Hurricane Camille moved offshore the East Coast of the United States, weakening to a Category 2 hurricane early on August 21. Gradually losing strength, Debbie passed well to the southeast of Bermuda,Template:Atlantic hurricane best track although it is believed that if not for the presence of nearby Hurricane Camille, which emerged into the Atlantic from the United States on August 20, Debbie would have likely ended up further west, closer to the island.<ref name="mwr"/> Debbie accelerated and fell to below Category 2 intensity by 12:00 UTC on August 23. Six hours later Debbie became extratropical while still bearing hurricane-force winds, shortly before passing just offshore Newfoundland. The remnants of Debbie turned northeastward and deteriorated to gale strength late on August 24. About three days later, Debbie's remnants dissipated about Template:Convert east-northeast of Cape Farewell, Greenland.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track In Newfoundland, wind gusts up to Template:Convert were observed in St. John's, while rainfall up to Template:Convert was recorded along the Avalon and Bonavista peninsulas.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> The remnants of Debbie began to lose definition as they accelerated northeastward,<ref name="disc38">Template:Cite report</ref> while moving over increasingly cold waters. Debbie's remnants finally dissipated west of Norway on August 27.<ref name="mwr"/>Template:Atlantic hurricane best track<ref name="meta"/>

Hurricane Camille

A tropical disturbance moved off the west coast of Africa on August 5, and developed into Tropical Storm Camille near Grand Cayman on August 14.<ref name="mwr"/>Template:Atlantic hurricane best track The storm strengthened quickly into a strong Category 2 hurricane with winds of Template:Convert when it struck near the western tip of Cuba on August 15.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track The storm damaged 100 homes on Isla de la Juventud,<ref name="ap817">Template:Cite news Template:Free access</ref> while 20,000 residents were left homeless on the mainland;<ref name="ap816">Template:Cite news Template:Free access</ref> five fatalities were also reported and damages reached $5 million.<ref name="pdfnoaa">Template:Cite journal</ref> Early on August 16, Camille emerged into the Gulf of Mexico. Between August 16–17, the storm rapidly deepened, attaining a minimum barometric pressure of Template:Convert, along with maximum sustained winds of Template:Convert, making it a Category 5 hurricane. After briefly weakening to Category 4 intensity near the Mississippi River Delta, Camille re-intensified prior to landfall near Waveland, Mississippi, early on August 18,Template:Atlantic hurricane best track becoming one of only four tropical cyclones to strike the mainland United States as a Category 5, the others being the 1935 Labor Day hurricane, Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and Hurricane Michael in 2018. With winds of Template:Convert and an estimated pressure of Template:Convert at landfall, Camille was the second strongest and next most intense hurricane to strike the mainland United States, as measured by wind and pressure, respectively, after the 1935 hurricane.Template:U.S. hurricanes Mississippi bore the brunt of Hurricane Camille. A combination of strong winds—estimated at up to Template:Convert in gusts—and large storm surges caused adverse impact in the state. In Mississippi alone, 3,881 dwellings were destroyed and 41,848 were damaged. About 406 trailers were destroyed and an additional 325 suffered major losses. An estimated 645 farm buildings were destroyed and another 2,002 received major damage. In addition, 569 small businesses were impacted.<ref name="mwr"/>

In Mississippi's neighboring states of Alabama and Louisiana, 1,781 homes were destroyed and 6,000 others were inflicted losses. About 676 trailers were demolished and 296 were severely impacted. Additionally, 124 small businesses were either destroyed or incurred major damage.<ref name="mwr"/> Camille rapidly weakened after landfall on August 18 and was only a tropical depression about 24 hours later. However, the storm maintained intensity as it recurved to the east over the Ohio River Valley.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track It dropped heavy rainfall while approaching the Atlantic Ocean, especially in Virginia.<ref name="mwr"/> Up to Template:Convert fell in west central Nelson County.Template:Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima In Nelson County alone, 133 bridges washed out, while in some places entire communities were under water. Rivers crested at record heights, causing severe flooding. In the state of Virginia and West Virginia combined, an estimated 349 homes were destroyed and 2,587 received damage to some degree. Eighty-three trailers were demolished and 71 others received major losses. Reportedly, 730 farm buildings were destroyed and 535 were inflicted minor damage. Ninety-six small businesses were also severely damaged or destroyed.<ref name="mwr"/> Along its path, rainfall was recorded in several other states, including Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> After reaching the Atlantic, Camille re-strengthened into a strong tropical storm with winds of Template:Convert on August 21,Template:Atlantic hurricane best track but was absorbed by a cold front south of Newfoundland on August 22. With losses estimated at $1.42 billion, Camille was considered the costliest hurricane in United States history at the time.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> Additionally, there were 256 deaths in the United States.<ref name="mwr"/>

Tropical Storm Eve

Template:Infobox Hurricane Small In the wake of Hurricane Camille, a quasi-stationary front moved across the Southern United States and became situated over North Florida. A cut-off low pressure area developed along the system and acquired a low-level circulation.<ref name="mwr"/> By 0000 UTC on August 25, the system was classified as a tropical depression while located about Template:Convert east of Jacksonville, Florida.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track Due to cold air in the region, the depression strengthened slowly while tracking nearly due east. Late on August 25, it was upgraded to Tropical Storm Eve.<ref name="mwr"/>

On August 26, the National Hurricane Center noted although conditions would prevent rapid deepening, further intensification was possible.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> The storm threatened the Mid-Atlantic states and Bermuda,<ref>Template:Cite news Template:Free access</ref> but remained offshore and caused no impacts in either region. Eve strengthened slightly on August 26, reaching maximum sustained winds of Template:Convert. Although the storm weakened later that day, Eve reached its minimum barometric pressure of Template:Convert. Early on August 2, Eve was downgraded to a tropical depression.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track It began to succumb to the effects of cold air, which entrained the circulation of the storm.<ref name="mwr"/> At 0000 UTC on August 28,Template:Atlantic hurricane best track Eve degenerated into a trough of low pressure while located about Template:Convert west-northwest of Bermuda.<ref name="mwr"/>

Hurricane Francelia

Template:Infobox Hurricane Small Template:Main article A tropical wave developed into a tropical depression near the Windward Islands on August 29.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track<ref name="mwr"/> Initially, the depression slowly strengthened while moving west-northwestward and was upgraded to Tropical Storm Francelia until more than 24 hours later. While located north of Honduras, it curved west-southwestward and was upgraded to a hurricane on September 1. Late on September 3, Francelia made landfall near Punta Gorda, Belize with winds of Template:Convert. The storm quickly weakened inland, and less than 24 hours later, it dissipated over northern Guatemala.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track However, the remnants of Francelia later contributed to the development of Hurricane Glenda in the eastern Pacific Ocean.<ref name="mwr"/>

During its early stages, Francelia brought gusty winds and light rainfall to several islands in the Caribbean Sea.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> While remaining nearly stationary offshore Central America, heavy precipitation fell in some countries, especially Guatemala where severe flooding killed 269 people and caused $15 million in damage. Throughout the country, approximately 10,200 people were left homeless. In neighboring Honduras, the hurricane caused damage in the northern portions of the country, with the offshore Bay Islands Department being particularly hard hit. There, the storm damaged or destroyed the majority of two towns. In El Salvador, flooding isolated towns for several days and caused crop damage.<ref name="usaid">Template:Cite report</ref> Coastal areas of Belize lost electricity and telephone service, and high winds resulted in extensive damage to banana crops.<ref name="oc">Template:Cite news</ref> A number of rivers in the region flooded, including the Belize River, which reached Template:Convert above normal.<ref name="mwr"/> Francelia ranked as the deadliest tropical cyclone in Guatemala, until Hurricane Mitch in 1998.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> Overall damage was estimated at $35.6 million, and there were 271 deaths.<ref name="usaid"/>

Early September tropical depression

Template:Infobox Hurricane Small A tropical depression exited the coast of Africa on September 5 and proceeded westward. Two days later, it developed into a tropical depression, with winds of around Template:Convert. At that time, the system had a tight circulation with organized convection over the center. On September 9, the system began weakening, dissipating a day later. The remnants eventually crossed the Lesser Antilles on September 13.<ref name="meta"/>

Hurricane Gerda

Template:Infobox Hurricane Small Template:Main article A tropical wave located over the central Bahamas developed into a tropical depression on September 6.<ref name="mwr"/> The depression moved northwestward and initially remained disorganized. By early on September 7, the depression made landfall near West Palm Beach, Florida.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track Impact in the state was minimal, limited mostly to light rainfall. Later on September 7, the depression reemerged into the Atlantic Ocean just south of Cape Canaveral. It began to strengthen on the following day and was upgraded to Tropical Storm Gerda at 0600 UTC. By late on September 8, Gerda intensified into a hurricane. The storm deepened significantly further, peaking with winds of Template:Convert on September 9. Early on September 10, Gerda weakened slightly while approaching New England and Atlantic Canada.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track

It made landfall near Eastport, Maine, at 01:00 UTC on September 10, becoming the only hurricane on record to have impacted the state.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track Despite landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, the strongest sustained wind speed recorded was Template:Convert in Washington County, Maine as the sheared nature kept the strongest winds farther east. Twenty-four-hour rainfall amounts exceeding Template:Convert were observed in some areas of New England,<ref name="ncdc09"/> with a precipitation peak of Template:Convert in Wellfleet, Massachusetts.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> Due to the winds and rainfall, portions of Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire reported power outages and localized flooding.<ref name="ncdc09"/> By 0600 UTC on September 10, Gerda became extratropical over southeastern Quebec.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track In Atlantic Canada, winds left many without electricity in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and left about $3.5 million in losses to apple crops.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref>

Hurricane Holly

Template:Infobox Hurricane Small A tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic Ocean from the west coast of Africa on September 8.<ref name="mwr"/> Moving westward to west-northwestward, it developed into a tropical depression at 1200 UTC on September 14, while located about Template:Convert southeast of Puerto Rico,Template:Atlantic hurricane best track based on Hurricane Hunter observations of an organized circulation.<ref name="D1">Template:Cite report</ref> It quickly organized and was soon upgraded to Tropical Storm Holly.<ref name="D2">Template:Cite report</ref> Continuing northwestward, it steadily intensified, and the Hurricane Hunters reported that Holly attained hurricane status on September 16,<ref name="D4">Template:Cite report</ref> with peak winds of Template:Convert and a minimum barometric pressure of Template:Convert.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track

On September 16, Holly weakened slightly while turning westward toward the Lesser Antilles.<ref name="D7">Template:Cite report</ref> Due to the lack of good upper-level outflow, as well as unfavorable water, Holly quickly weakened to tropical storm status on September 18, as confirmed by the Hurricane Hunters.<ref name="D11">Template:Cite report</ref> By the next day, it weakened to tropical depression status and later moved through the Lesser Antilles. Holly dissipated on September 21 in the Caribbean Sea, while situated between the Los Roques archipelago of Venezuela and Puerto Rico.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track

Mid-September tropical depression

Template:Infobox Hurricane Small Ship reports on September 19 indicated the presence of low pressure area in the Gulf of Mexico, centered about Template:Convert west-northwest of Key West, Florida.<ref name="TD29-1"/> It is estimated that a tropical depression developed at 1200 UTC on that day. The depression headed north-northwestward and did not strengthen significantly, although it may have briefly become a tropical storm.<ref name="meta"/>Template:Atlantic hurricane best track By early on September 21, the depression made landfall between Panama City and Port St. Joe, Florida.<ref name="TD29-1"/> It degenerated into a remnant low pressure area only a few hours later.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track A high-pressure ridge blocked the system's movement, moving it to the east. By September 23, the system became a low pressure trough. Upper-level wind shear moved the circulation to the east-northeast and moved into the Atlantic Ocean the next day.<ref name="mwr"/>

Rainfall in Florida peaked at Template:Convert in Havana, and exceeding Template:Convert in most of the central Panhandle.<ref name="TD29-1">Template:Cite report</ref> Many bridges and roads were washed out or inundated by water, including portions of U.S. Route 98 and State Road 20 between Tallahassee and Panama City.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> In addition, a tornado spawned by the depression destroyed a trailer, damaged 30 homes, and toppled ballpark bleachers, fences, lights, and electrical poles. Damage in Florida reached almost $3.78 million, including $1.65 million to crops and $2.135 million to property. In southwest Georgia, precipitation totals exceeding Template:Convert were common, while rainfall peaked at Template:Convert in southern Decatur County. Severe local flooding ensued, causing damage to property and crops, mostly to peanuts that were not threshed.<ref name="ncdc09">Template:Cite journal</ref> Up to Template:Convert of rainfall fell in Alabama, while precipitation totals reached Template:Convert in Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.<ref name="TD29-1"/>

Hurricane Inga

Template:Main article Template:Infobox Hurricane Small A tropical disturbance developed into a tropical depression on September 20. By the following day, it strengthened into Tropical Storm Inga while centered about Template:Convert east-southeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico. At the time, the storm was moving westward at Template:Convert. However, by September 23, the storm weakened to a tropical depression. The depression continued west-northwestward, passing north of the Leeward Islands, before drifting northwestward. Inga became a tropical storm again on September 29. It continued to intensify, and achieved hurricane status on September 30, while curving northeastward. The storm then turned towards the south, and ultimately completed a cyclonic loop as it bent back westward. Late on October 3, Inga turned to the northwest.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track

Early on October 5, the hurricane produced wind gusts up to Template:Convert on Bermuda, though minimal impact occurred other than power outages.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Thereafter, Inga curved northeastward and continued deepen. Later on October 5, it peaked as a strong Category 2 with maximum sustained winds of Template:Convert and a minimum barometric pressure of Template:Convert.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track While moving into an environment of colder sea surface temperatures,<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> the storm began to weaken. As cold air became entrained into its circulation, the storm began to lose tropical characteristics.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> Inga briefly re-strengthened while beginning to drift generally eastward. However, storm turned southward and began to weaken, deteriorating to a tropical storm on October 10.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track Heading westward, Inga was downgraded to a tropical depression,<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> before dissipating fully on October 15,Template:Atlantic hurricane best track while located about Template:Convert from where it initially attained hurricane status.<ref name="mwr"/>

September hurricane

Template:Infobox Hurricane Small A subtropical depression formed approximately Template:Convert east-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, around 12:00 UTC on September 21. Six hours later, the system intensified into a subtropical storm as it headed east-northeastward. The storm curved northeastward by September 24 and transitioned into a hurricane that day, peaking with maximum sustained winds of Template:Convert and a minimum barometric pressure of Template:Convert. Shortly thereafter, the hurricane began accelerating, before dissipating about Template:Convert south of Newfoundland early on September 26.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track

September tropical storm

Template:Infobox Hurricane Small A tropical storm developed from a subtropical depression southwest of the Azores on September 24. After a day of drifting west-southwest, it moved westward where it became a subtropical storm, and later a tropical storm on September 26. The cyclone reached peaked with maximum sustained winds of Template:Convert on September 27 while moving northward. Satellite estimates suggest that it may have reached hurricane intensity but such could not be concluded by other data.<ref name="meta"/> It retained that intensity for two days, but on September 30, it became extratropical well east of Newfoundland.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track

Subtropical Storm One

Template:Infobox Hurricane Small An upper-level low pressure area in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico spawned a subtropical depression at 1200 UTC on September 29.<ref name="TD32-1"/>Template:Atlantic hurricane best track Operationally, it was classified as Tropical Depression Thirty-Two.<ref name="TD32-1">Template:Cite report</ref> Six hours later, the strengthened into a subtropical storm. Early on the following day, the storm peaked with maximum sustained winds of Template:Convert.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track It maintained that intensity for about 24 hours, before cool air and wind shear began weakening the storm early on October 1.<ref name="TD32-1"/> Shortly thereafter, the storm weakened back to a subtropical depression, a few hours prior to landfall near Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The subtropical depression rapidly dissipated inland.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track

Rainfall was relatively light and the heaviest amounts were displaced far east of the track, with precipitation peaking at Template:Convert in Saint Augustine, Florida.<ref name="TD32-1"/> Closer to the location of landfall, rainfall reached nearly Template:Convert in Pensacola. Several waterspouts were reported in the Panama City area,<ref name="tpbp">Template:Cite news Template:Free access</ref> while a tornado touched down in Carabelle, and another unroofed a home in the St. James community.<ref name="ncdc10">Template:Cite journal</ref> United States Coast Guard planes searched for three people in a light aircraft that went missing as it traveled from DeFuniak Springs to Sebring.<ref name="tpbp"/> The storm brought rainfall to several others states, reaching as far north as Maine.<ref name="TD32-1"/>

Tropical Storm Jenny

Template:Infobox Hurricane Small On October 1, a tropical depression developed over the northwestern Caribbean Sea from the same cut-off low pressure that spawned the previous subtropical storm on September 29.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track<ref name="mwr"/> The depression moved quickly north-northeastward and struck Cuba early on October 2. While approaching the southwest coast of Florida later that day, the system intensified into Tropical Storm Jenny. Simultaneously, Jenny attained its peak intensity with winds of Template:Convert and a minimum pressure of Template:Convert. Around 0000 UTC on October 2, the storm made landfall between Fort Myers and Naples, Florida, with winds of Template:Convert.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track Jenny emerged into the western Atlantic as a tropical depression, but increased ridging forced the storm to track west-southwestward back over Florida. The cyclone was unable to re-strengthen and dissipated on October 6 south of Louisiana.<ref name="mwr"/>

The storm crossed Cuba as a tropical depression. Minimal impact was reported. The storm produced moderate to heavy rainfall over parts of the Florida Peninsula, peaking at Template:Convert near Deland.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> Minor road washouts were reported in Lee County.<ref>Template:Cite news Template:Free access</ref> Rainfall along the lower Kissimmee River and the Lake Okeechobee basin caused some pastures and flood plain areas to be inundated by water. Lake Kissimmee rose Template:Convert in height due to precipitation.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> Jenny's remnants later contributed to the development of heavy rains in southern Louisiana.<ref name="mwr"/>

Hurricane Kara

Template:Infobox Hurricane Small A cold core trough of low pressure over the western Atlantic Ocean warmed on the eastern end, becoming a tropical depression on October 7 about Template:Convert north of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.<ref name="mwr"/>Template:Atlantic hurricane best track The depression passed south of Turks and Caicos Islands and later to the west of Mayaguana. Early on October 9, the system turned northward and intensified into Tropical Storm Kara after several hours.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track Southwesterly flow associated with an upper-level trough then caused the storm to curve northeastward. On October 10, an upper-level low pressure formed offshore North Carolina. Initially, Kara moved rapidly north-northwest around the low. However, by October 11, Kara and the low merged, resulting in the former moving erratically. While tracking southwestward into warmer ocean temperatures,<ref name="mwr"/> the storm continued to strengthen.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track

After executing a small cyclonic loop,Template:Atlantic hurricane best track Kara developed an eye feature on October 14,<ref name="mwr"/> before strengthening into a hurricane on October 15.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track While moving offshore North Carolina, the storm brought tides of Template:Convert above normal between October 10 and October 15, causing coastal flooding in very low-lying areas.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> By October 15, an upper-level westerlies forced the storm to move northeastward and accelerate.<ref name="mwr"/> Kara began losing tropical characteristics and weakening after encountering a cold trough over the northeast Atlantic,<ref name="mwr"/> falling to tropical storm intensity late on October 18. The storm soon became extratropical about Template:Convert north-northeast of Corvo Island in the Azores.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track

Hurricane Laurie

Template:Infobox Hurricane Small A low pressure area developed into a tropical depression while located about Template:Convert northeast of Guanaja in the Bay Islands Department of Honduras. Although conditions were favorable for rapid deepening, the depression failed to do so because it was not vertically stacked and struck the Yucatan Peninsula late on October 18.<ref name="mwr"/> After emerging into the Gulf of Mexico on the following day, the system strengthened into Tropical Storm Laurie. Later on October 19, Laurie curved northward and continued intensifying. At 18:00 UTC on October 20, the storm became a hurricane. It then curved eastward over the central Gulf of Mexico and continued to deepen, peaking as a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of Template:Convert and a minimum barometric pressure of Template:Convert.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track Thereafter, drier air began weakening Laurie on October 22.<ref name="mwr"/> Laurie curved southeastward and then southward, allowing it to remain well offshore the Gulf Coast of the United States.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track

Early on October 23, the cyclone weakened to a tropical storm while curving west-southwestward. Late the following day, Laurie deteriorated into a tropical depression. After moving southwestward and then southward, the storm made landfall near Paraíso, Tabasco, Mexico, early on October 27. Laurie promptly dissipated.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track Offshore, oil rig personnel were evacuated as the storm approached. A hurricane watch was issued from Galveston, Texas, to Pensacola, Florida; the watch was extended eastward to Apalachicola, Florida, on October 21. Voluntary evacuations occurred in southern Louisiana out of fear of a storm similar to Hurricane Betsy in 1965 or Camille earlier that year. Impact on land was primarily limited to minor beach erosion. It caused minor damage in the Yucatan Peninsula and in Tabasco.<ref name="laurie2">Template:Cite report</ref>

October tropical storm

Template:Infobox Hurricane Small A subtropical depression formed west-southwest of the Azores on October 28. It moved northwestward, reaching tropical storm strength on October 29, and after turning sharply east, the system attained its peak of Template:Convert winds. The storm transitioned into an extratropical on October 31 west of the Azores.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track

October hurricane

Template:Infobox Hurricane Small A large extratropical storm over the North Atlantic formed a subtropical storm on October 31 south of Newfoundland. It moved southeast, gaining tropical characteristics and strength on the way. It reached hurricane strength on November 4, peaking as a minimal Category 1 storm while approaching the Azores, but weakened prior to passing through the islands. The system transitioned into an extratropical cyclone on November 7.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track

Hurricane Martha

Template:Infobox Hurricane Small Template:Main article Tropical Storm Martha developed in the southwestern Caribbean Sea on November 21. Initially, the storm developed with sustained winds of Template:Convert, skipping tropical depression status. It remained stationary and quickly intensified into a hurricane. Martha attained maximum sustained winds of Template:Convert on November 22. Subsequently, Martha weakened and drifted southward. On November 24, Martha made landfall in Veraguas, Panama, as a strong tropical storm.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track Martha was the only tropical cyclone on record to make landfall in Panama.<ref name="mwr"/><ref name="masters">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The system weakened to a tropical depression and dissipated over land on November 25.Template:Atlantic hurricane best track

Because the storm weakened prior to landfall, strong winds were not expected or reported in the impacted countries.<ref name="NHC3">Template:Cite report</ref> In Panama, more than Template:Convert of precipitation may have fallen in some areas. Agricultural land was flooded in Almirante, Bocas del Toro and streets became inundated in low-lying areas of Puerto Armuelles, Chiriquí.<ref name="chapman"/> The storm also brought significant rains to Costa Rica. Flooding and mudslides isolated most of the capital city of San José.<ref name="mwr"/> Numerous streets were inundated in Golfito.<ref name="chapman">Template:Cite report</ref> Damage in Costa Rica reached $30 million and 5 deaths were reported.<ref name="mwr"/>

Storm names

Template:Tropical cyclone naming The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Atlantic in 1969.<ref name="NHOP 69">Template:Cite report</ref><ref name="funk">Template:Cite news Template:Free access</ref> This is the same list used in the 1965 season,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> except for Blanche, Camille, Eve, and Francelia, which replaced Betsy, Carol, Elena, and Frances, respectively.<ref>Template:Cite news Template:Free access</ref><ref name="noaa hrd"/><ref name="GP August 07">Template:Cite report</ref> Storms were named Blanche, Camille, Eve, Francelia, Holly, Kara, Laurie and Martha for the first (and in the case of Camille, only) time in 1969.

Anna Blanche Camille Debbie Eve Francelia Gerda

Holly Inga Jenny Kara Laurie Martha Template:Tcname unused

Template:Tcname unused Template:Tcname unused Template:Tcname unused Template:Tcname unused Template:Tcname unused Template:Tcname unused Template:Tcname unused

Retirement

Template:See also After the season, the name Camille was retired.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The name Cindy was selected to replace Camille in 1973. However, the 4Template:Nbhyear lists then in use were replaced in 1971 by a new series of 10 lists, running through 1980 before recycling.<ref name="noaa hrd">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Season effects

This is a table of all of the storms that formed in the 1969 Atlantic hurricane season. It includes their name, duration, peak classification and intensities, areas affected, damage, 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 1969 USD.

Template:TC stats table end3

See also

• 1969 Pacific hurricane season
• 1969 Pacific typhoon season
• 1969 North Indian Ocean cyclone season
• South-West Indian Ocean cyclone seasons: 1968–69, 1969–70
• Australian region cyclone seasons: 1968–69, 1969–70
• South Pacific cyclone seasons: 1968–69, 1969–70

External links

• HPC rainfall pages for 1969 tropical cyclones