View source for 1953 Atlantic hurricane season

{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is a legitimate description when the title is already adequate; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
{{good article}}
{{Infobox hurricane season
| Basin=Atl
| Year=1953
| Track=1953 Atlantic hurricane season summary map.png
| First storm formed=May 25, 1953
| Last storm dissipated=December 9, 1953
| Strongest storm name=[[Hurricane Carol (1953)|Carol]]
| Strongest storm winds=140
| Strongest storm pressure=929
| Total depressions=19
| Total storms=14
| Total hurricanes=7
| Total intense=3
| Fatalities=14+
| Damages=3.75
| Average wind speed=1
| five seasons=[[1951 Atlantic hurricane season|1951]], [[1952 Atlantic hurricane season|1952]], '''1953''', [[1954 Atlantic hurricane season|1954]], [[1955 Atlantic hurricane season|1955]]
| East Pacific season=1953 Pacific hurricane season
| West Pacific season=1953 Pacific typhoon season
| North Indian season=1950s North Indian Ocean cyclone seasons
}}
The '''1953 Atlantic hurricane season''' was an active [[Atlantic hurricane season|season]], with fourteen [[tropical storm]]s, seven of which developed into hurricanes; three of the hurricanes attained [[major hurricane]] status (Category&nbsp;3 or greater on the [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale|Saffir-Simpson scale]]). This was the first season in which an official list of female names was used to [[Tropical cyclone naming|name storms]] in the basin. The season officially began on June&nbsp;15,<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|agency=United Press|newspaper=The Times-News|title=Tiny Hurricane Training Medium for Observers|access-date=2011-02-08|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YGg1AAAAIBAJ&pg=3873,6585368&dq=weather+bureau+hurricane+season&hl=en}}</ref> and lasted until November&nbsp;15,<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|date=1954-11-14|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Sarasota Herald-Tribune|access-date=2011-02-08|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0pgcAAAAIBAJ&pg=2879,3413031&dq=hurricane&hl=en|title=Hurricane Season Closes Tonight, Scores Better Than Average}}</ref> although activity occurred both before and after the season's limits.

The strongest hurricane of the season was [[Hurricane Carol (1953)|Carol]], although by the time it struck [[Atlantic Canada]] it was much weaker. Both hurricanes [[Hurricane Barbara (1953)|Barbara]] and [[Hurricane Florence (1953)|Florence]] struck the United States; the former crossed the [[Outer Banks]] and impacted much of the east coast, and Florence struck a sparsely populated region of the [[Florida Panhandle]] without causing much damage. Bermuda was threatened by three hurricanes within two weeks. In addition to the hurricanes, [[Tropical Storm Alice (1953)|Tropical Storm Alice]] developed in late May and left several fatalities in Cuba. The final hurricane of the season, Hazel, produced additional rainfall in Florida after previous flooding conditions. The season's last tropical storm, Irene, dissipated north of the [[Lesser Antilles]] on December&nbsp;9.

== Timeline ==
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  from:25/05/1953 till:07/06/1953 color:TS text:"[[Tropical Storm Alice (1953)|Alice (TS)]]"
  from:11/07/1953 till:15/07/1953 color:TS text:"Two (TS)"
  from:11/08/1953 till:15/08/1953 color:C1 text:"[[Hurricane Barbara (1953)|Barbara (C1)]]"
  from:28/08/1953 till:09/09/1953 color:C5 text:"[[Hurricane Carol (1953)|Carol (C5)]]"
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  from:08/09/1953 till:12/09/1953 color:C1 text:"Dolly (C1)"
  from:15/09/1953 till:18/09/1953 color:C3 text:"Edna (C3)"
  barset:break
  from:15/09/1953 till:21/09/1953 color:TS text:"Eight (TS)"
  from:23/09/1953 till:27/09/1953 color:C3 text:"[[Hurricane Florence (1953)|Florence (C3)]]"
  from:02/10/1953 till:12/10/1953 color:C1 text:"Gail (C1)"
  from:03/10/1953 till:06/10/1953 color:TS text:"Eleven (TS)"
  from:07/10/1953 till:10/10/1953 color:C1 text:"Hazel (C1)"
  from:23/11/1953 till:26/11/1953 color:TS text:"Thirteen (TS)"
  from:07/12/1953 till:09/12/1953 color:TS text:"Irene (TS)"

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  from:01/05/1953 till:01/06/1953 text:May
  from:01/06/1953 till:01/07/1953 text:June
  from:01/07/1953 till:01/08/1953 text:July
  from:01/08/1953 till:01/09/1953 text:August
  from:01/09/1953 till:01/10/1953 text:September
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  from:01/12/1953 till:31/12/1953 text:December
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== Systems ==
=== Tropical Storm Alice ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=June 6, 1953 Tropical Storm Alice weather map.jpg
|Track=Alice 1953 track.png
|Formed=May 25
|Dissipated=June 7
|1-min winds=60
|Pressure=994
}}
{{Main|Tropical Storm Alice (1953)}}
A tropical storm developed east of [[Nicaragua]] on May&nbsp;25, executing a counterclockwise loop over [[Central America]]. After weakening over land, Alice re-intensified over the western Caribbean, moving over western Cuba on May 21 with winds of 50&nbsp;mph (80&nbsp;km/h). On June&nbsp;1, it entered the Gulf of Mexico, and later executed another loop off the northwest coast of Cuba.<ref name="mwr">{{cite web|author=Grady Norton|work=Miami Weather Bureau Office|publisher=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]|year=1953|title=Hurricanes of 1953|access-date=2010-01-05|url=http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/mwr/081/mwr-081-12-0388.pdf}}</ref> Alice quickly weakened due to a [[cold front]],<ref>{{cite web|author=United Press International|author-link=United Press International|work=[[Sarasota Herald-Tribune]]|date=1953-06-03|title=Cold Gulf Air Cools 'Cane Alice|access-date=2010-01-05|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HNwbAAAAIBAJ&pg=1463,235999&dq=tropical+storm+alice&hl=en}}</ref> and advisories were discontinued by June&nbsp;3.<ref>{{cite web|work=Palm Beach Post|author=Staff Writer|date=1953-06-03|title=Storm 'Alice' Fizzles in Gulf|access-date=2010-01-05|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tX4yAAAAIBAJ&pg=6518,1138090&dq=tropical+storm+alice&hl=en}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> While near Cuba, Alice produced drought-breaking rainfall that caused flooding and several unofficial drowning deaths.<ref name="mwr"/>

After passing near Cuba, Alice turned to the north and restrengthened to peak winds of {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, possibly even stronger to hurricane intensity. Alice again weakened before making landfall near [[Panama City Beach, Florida|Panama City Beach]] on June&nbsp;6 as a minimal tropical storm, and dissipating shortly thereafter.<ref name="mwr"/> Alice brought heavy rainfall to Florida, peaking at {{convert|13.48|in|mm}} in [[Lake Placid, Florida|Lake Placid]]. Near where it made landfall, the storm dropped light rainfall, and there were no reports of damage in the state.{{Tropical Cyclone Rainfall in Florida}}<ref name="mwr"/> Alice was the first [[North Atlantic tropical cyclone]] to have a female name.<ref>{{cite web|author=United Press International|author-link=United Press International|work=[[Reading Eagle]]|date=1953-06-01|title=Tropical Storm Whips Cuban Coast|access-date=2010-01-05|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EMgtAAAAIBAJ&pg=1259,12022&dq=tropical+storm+alice&hl=en}}</ref> It was also one of 22&nbsp;tropical or subtropical cyclones on record in the month of May.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}
{{clear}}

=== Tropical Storm Two ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=Two 1953-07-12 1230Z.jpg
|Track=1953 Atlantic tropical storm 2 track.png
|Formed=July 11
|Dissipated=July 15
|1-min winds=40
|Pressure=1005
|Pressurepre=≤
}}
A tropical depression developed over southwestern Florida on July&nbsp;11. It moved northeastward toward a [[trough (meteorology)|trough]] across northern Florida. The depression intensified into a tropical storm on July&nbsp;12 and reached peak winds of 45&nbsp;mph (75&nbsp;km/h). On July&nbsp;15, the storm began interacting with a nearby cold front, signaling that it transitioned into an extratropical storm. On the next day, the storm brushed [[Nantucket]] with {{convert|31|mph|km/h|order=out|abbr=on}} winds before the storm was absorbed by the front.<ref name="meta">{{cite report|author=Chris Landsea|date=May 2018|title=Documentation of Atlantic Tropical Cyclones Changes in HURDAT (1953)|publisher=Hurricane Research Division|access-date=2018-07-31|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/metadata_master.html#1953_1|display-authors=etal}}</ref>
{{clear}}

=== Hurricane Barbara ===
{{Main|Hurricane Barbara (1953)}}
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=Barbara_1953-08-14_weather_map.jpg
|Track=Barbara 1953 track.png
|Formed=August 11
|Dissipated=August 15
|1-min winds=80
|Pressure=973
}}
A [[tropical wave]] developed into Tropical Storm Barbara over the [[Bahamas]] on August&nbsp;11. It intensified as it moved north-northwestward, becoming a hurricane by the next day,<ref name="mwr"/><ref name="paper">{{cite web|author=R. P. James and C. F. Thomas|title=Hurricane Barbara, 1953|date=August 1953|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=January 11, 2010|url=http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/mwr/081/mwr-081-08-0255.pdf}}</ref> and reaching peak winds of 90&nbsp;mph (150&nbsp;km/h) just south of [[Cape Hatteras]] on August&nbsp;13.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} Barbara moved over the [[Outer Banks]], passing between [[Morehead City]] and [[Ocracoke, North Carolina|Ocracoke]], and it turned and accelerated to the northeast. Steadily weakening and losing tropical characteristics, the hurricane transitioned into an extratropical cyclone late on August&nbsp;15. It turned northward, crossing eastern [[Nova Scotia]] and dissipating over [[Labrador]] on August&nbsp;16.<ref name="paper"/>{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}

Before Barbara struck the Outer Banks, officials ordered evacuations for a few islands, and several thousand tourists voluntarily left the region.<ref name="ap813">{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|agency=Associated Press|date=1953-08-13|newspaper=The Milwaukee Sentinel|title=Vacationers Flee Carolina Hurricane|access-date=2011-01-20|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uXIxAAAAIBAJ&pg=6109,7880869&dq=hurricane&hl=en}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Wind gusts reached {{convert|90|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at [[Hatteras, North Carolina|Hatteras]] and [[Nags Head, North Carolina|Nags Head]]. Torrential rainfall fell across the state and extended northward into [[Virginia]],<ref name="paper"/> peaking at {{convert|11.1|in|mm|abbr=on}} near [[Onley, Virginia|Onley]] along the [[Eastern Shore of Virginia]].<ref>{{cite web|author=David M. Roth|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|date=2011-02-07|title=Rainfall Summary of Hurricane Barbara|access-date=2011-02-07|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/barbara1953filledrainblk.gif|format=JPG}}</ref> Across the region, the hurricane left flooding and downed trees,<ref name="ap813"/> some of which survived the [[Great Atlantic Hurricane of 1944]].<ref name="paper"/> Monetary damage from Barbara was estimated around $1.3&nbsp;million (1953&nbsp;[[United States dollar|USD]], ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|1300000|1953}}}} {{#time:Y}}&nbsp;USD),<ref name="mi">{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|agency=United Press|newspaper=The Miami News|date=1953-08-15|title=Storm Turns Out to Sea, 7 Lose Lives|access-date=2021-02-19|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71456157/the-miami-news/|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}}</ref> mostly from the crop damage.<ref name="dt">{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|agency=United Press|date=1953-08-14|title=Hurricane Veers into Atlantic After Killing 7 Along Coast|newspaper=The Daily Times|access-date=2011-01-20|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZK0iAAAAIBAJ&pg=857,1453445&dq=hurricane&hl=en}}</ref> Newspaper reports indicated there were seven deaths in the country;<ref name="dt"/> two additional deaths occurred offshore [[Atlantic Canada]] when a dory sunk.<ref name="Canada">{{cite web|author=Canadian Hurricane Centre|date=2010-11-09|title=1953-Barbara|access-date=2021-02-19|url=http://www.ec.gc.ca/Hurricane/default.asp?lang=En&n=A5DD293A-1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813043735/http://www.ec.gc.ca/Hurricane/default.asp?lang=En&n=A5DD293A-1|archive-date=2012-08-13}}</ref>
{{clear}}

=== Hurricane Carol ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=Carol_1953-09-07_weather_map.jpg
|Track=Carol 1953 path.png
|Formed=August 28
|Dissipated=September 9
|1-min winds=140
|Pressure=929
}}
{{main|Hurricane Carol (1953)}}
On August&nbsp;28, a tropical wave developed into a tropical depression near [[Cape Verde]]. After moving west-southwestward, it turned to the northwest, intensifying into a tropical storm on August&nbsp;31 and into a hurricane on September&nbsp;2. Passing northeast of the Lesser Antilles, Carol rapidly intensified to Category 5 intensity, reaching peak winds of 160&nbsp;mph (260&nbsp;km/h) on September&nbsp;3, making it the strongest hurricane of the season.<ref name="mwr"/>{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} It gradually weakened, bypassing [[Bermuda]] on September&nbsp;6 and producing high waves.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|agency=United Press|date=1953-09-05|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|title=Edge of Hurricane Buffets Bermuda|access-date=2011-01-18|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yp9aAAAAIBAJ&pg=2975,1709463&dq=hurricane&hl=en}}</ref> Carol later turned to the north-northeast, brushing [[Cape Cod]] and causing boating accidents across New England. Four people were killed in the region.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|newspaper=Lawrence Journal|title=Four New England Drownings Due to Carol|agency=Associated Press|date=1953-09-07|access-date=2011-01-18|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xDFdAAAAIBAJ&pg=2265,4246875&dq=hurricane+england&hl=en}}</ref> Fishing losses totaled around $1&nbsp;million (1953&nbsp;[[United States dollar|USD]], ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|1000000|1953}}}} {{#time:Y}}&nbsp;USD).<ref name="mwr"/>

After bypassing New England, Carol brushed western [[Nova Scotia]] before moving ashore near [[Saint John, New Brunswick]] as a minimal hurricane.<ref name="Canada2">{{cite web|publisher=Canadian Hurricane Centre|date=2010-09-14|title=1953-Carol|access-date=2021-02-19|url=http://www.ec.gc.ca/Hurricane/default.asp?lang=En&n=57B70220-1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813043016/http://www.ec.gc.ca/Hurricane/default.asp?lang=En&n=57B70220-1|archive-date=2012-08-13}}</ref> As the storm moved ashore, it produced hurricane conditions in eastern Maine, one of only six Atlantic hurricanes to do so.<ref>{{cite web|author=Hurricane Research Division|title=Chronological List of All Hurricanes which Affected the Continental United States: 1851-2010|date=December 2010|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/All_U.S._Hurricanes.txt|format=TXT|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|access-date=2011-01-16}}</ref> In Nova Scotia, several boats were wrecked or washed ashore, with one drowning death reported. High seas caused [[coastal flooding]], while strong winds downed large areas of trees. Heavy losses to the apple crop occurred in [[Annapolis Valley]], totaling $1&nbsp;million (1950&nbsp;[[Canadian dollar|CAD]], ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|1034000|1953}}}} {{#time:Y}}&nbsp;USD<!--per http://www.bankofcanada.ca/en/rates/inflation_calc.html - it would be $8,440,931.86 in 2010 CAD, per http://www.xe.com/ucc/ - it would be $9,401,664.55 in 2010 USD, per http://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm - it would be $1,033,555.05 in 1953 USD-->).<ref name="Canada2"/> Carol later dissipated southwest of [[Greenland]] on September&nbsp;9.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}
{{clear}}

=== Tropical Storm Five ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=Five 1953-08-31 1230Z.jpg
|Track=1953 Atlantic tropical storm 5 track.png
|Formed=August 29
|Dissipated=September 1
|1-min winds=35
|Pressure=1007
}}
On August&nbsp;29, a tropical storm developed over southern Florida.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} While moving through the state, the storm dropped heavy rainfall, reaching {{convert|4.67|in|mm|abbr=on}} at [[Fort Lauderdale, Florida|Fort Lauderdale Beach]]; similar rainfall was observed in the northern Bahamas. Described by one Weather Bureau forecaster as "wide and flat", the storm gradually organized over the western Atlantic Ocean.<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|newspaper=Times Daily|date=1953-08-29|title=Another Area of Suspicion Found on Florida Coast|access-date=2011-01-29|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SQUsAAAAIBAJ&pg=3252,5323941&dq=storm+florida&hl=en}}</ref> On August&nbsp;31, the storm turned to the northwest, with maximum sustained winds of 40&nbsp;mph (65&nbsp;km/h). The system weakened to a tropical depression before moving ashore near [[Savannah, Georgia]] on September&nbsp;1. It dissipated that day over land.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}
{{clear}}

=== Hurricane Dolly ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=Dolly 1953-09-10 1230Z.jpg
|Track=Dolly 1953 track.png
|Formed=September 8
|Dissipated=September 12
|1-min winds=65
|Pressure=989
}}
The origins of Dolly were from a tropical wave that moved through the eastern [[Caribbean Sea]],<ref name="mwr"/> producing {{convert|10|in|mm|abbr=on}} in [[Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands|Saint Thomas]] in the [[U.S. Virgin Islands]]. The rains closed schools and government buildings around [[San Juan, Puerto Rico]], and flooding was reported in [[Guayama, Puerto Rico|Guayama]], [[Yabucoa, Puerto Rico|Yabucoa]], and [[Patillas, Puerto Rico|Patillas]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|newspaper=The Virgin Islands Daily News|date=1953-09-10|title=Rain Part of Tropical Storm in Area|access-date=2011-02-16|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZoJhAAAAIBAJ&pg=1646,1443955&dq=rico&hl=en}}</ref> On September&nbsp;8, a tropical storm developed north of [[Puerto Rico]], which moved slowly west-southwestward before turning to the north.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} It quickly intensified, and after [[Hurricane Hunters]] reported an [[eye (cyclone)|eye]], Dolly reached hurricane status on September&nbsp;9. At that time, [[tropical cyclone warnings and watches|hurricane warnings]] were issued in the Bahamas, although the storm turned away from the [[archipelago]].<ref name="mi"/>{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} It intensified to peak winds of 75&nbsp;mph (120&nbsp;km/h) on September&nbsp;10, as reported by aircraft.<ref name="mwr"/>

Dolly weakened as it accelerated northeastward, although it still threatened to strike Bermuda with strong winds. As a result, the [[United States Air Force]] ordered all of the planes on the island to fly to the mainland.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Schenectady Daily Times|date=1953-09-12|title=New Storm Bears Down on Bermuda|agency=United Press|author=Staff Writer|access-date=2011-01-30|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=92EpAAAAIBAJ&pg=4429,1547397&dq=bermuda&hl=en}}</ref> After continued weakening, Dolly passed over the island on September&nbsp;11, producing only [[gale]]-force winds, rains, and little to no damage.<ref name="mwr"/><ref name="bem">{{cite web|publisher=Bermuda Weather Service|date=May 2007|title=Hurricanes - General Information for Bermuda|access-date=2011-01-30|url=http://www.weather.bm/TropicalArchive/Hurricanes_Info_for_Bermuda_2007.doc|format=DOC}}</ref> It deteriorated into a tropical storm on September&nbsp;12 and transitioned into an extratropical cyclone later that day. The remnants of Dolly later turned eastward, dissipating just west of [[Portugal]] on September&nbsp;17.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}
{{clear}}

=== Hurricane Edna ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=Edna 1953-09-17 1230Z.jpg
|Track=Edna 1953 track.png
|Formed=September 15
|Dissipated=September 18
|1-min winds=100
|Pressure=962
}}
Shortly behind Dolly, another tropical wave spawned a tropical depression over the [[Lesser Antilles]] on September&nbsp;15.<ref name="mwr"/> As it moved through the region, it produced unsettled conditions across the northeast Caribbean.<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|date=1953-09-14|title=Atlantic Storm Gathers Force|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Victoria Advocate|access-date=2011-01-30|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=21tTAAAAIBAJ&pg=3938,5641220&dq=edna&hl=en}}</ref> Edna quickly intensified as it tracked northwestward, attaining hurricane status on September&nbsp;15 and peak winds of 115&nbsp;mph (185&nbsp;km/h) the next day. After peaking, the hurricane turned to the northeast and maintained most of its intensity for a few days.<ref name="mwr"/> It passed just north of Bermuda early on September&nbsp;18 with winds of 115&nbsp;mph (185&nbsp;km/h), before beginning a steady weakening trend as it accelerated. By September&nbsp;19, Edna completed the transition into an extratropical cyclone, lasting another day before dissipating west of [[Ireland]].{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}

Before Edna struck Bermuda, the islanders were well-prepared due to being previously impacted by hurricanes Carol and Dolly, and they boarded up their homes.<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|title=Bodacious Edna Blasts Bermuda|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|agency=Associated Press|date=1953-09-18|access-date=2011-01-30|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wYtaAAAAIBAJ&pg=3678,771511&dq=bermuda&hl=en}}</ref> The hurricane caused "considerable damage", with wind gusts reaching {{convert|120|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="mwr"/> The winds downed trees, blocking roads, and also caused disruptions to the power and water services.<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|agency=Associated Press|title=Hurricane Hits Bermuda, Moves On To Shipping Lanes|newspaper=The Miami News|access-date=2021-02-19|date=1953-09-18|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71455702/the-miami-news/|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}}</ref> During its passage, Edna produced heavy rainfall and also damaged several roofs. There were three injuries on the island.<ref name="bem"/>
{{clear}}

=== Tropical Storm Eight ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=Eight 1953-09-17 1230Z.jpg
|Track=1953 Atlantic tropical storm 7 track.png
|Formed=September 15
|Dissipated=September 21
|1-min winds=45
|Pressure=1002
}}
A tropical depression formed in the central [[Gulf of Mexico]] on September&nbsp;15 and moved northeastward.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} The storm produced heavy seas across the region, which damaged two small boats.<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|title=Tropical Storm Believed Brewing in Gulf of Mexico|date=1953-09-15|newspaper=The Victoria Advocate|agency=Associated Press|access-date=2011-02-01|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VzYcAAAAIBAJ&pg=1630,5642087&dq=gulf+storm&hl=en}}</ref> The storm reached peak winds of 50&nbsp;mph (75&nbsp;km/h) while moving in a small clockwise loop southeast of Louisiana. The storm weakened into a tropical depression on September&nbsp;17, but re-intensified to a tropical storm three days later. On September&nbsp;20, the storm moved ashore in [[Taylor County, Florida]] and dissipated the next day over the state, bringing {{convert|2|to|5|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rainfall to coastal areas.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}<ref name="meta"/>
{{clear}}

=== Hurricane Florence ===
{{Main|Hurricane Florence (1953)}}
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=Florence_1952-09-26_weather_map.jpg
|Track=Florence 1953 track.png
|Formed=September 23
|Dissipated=September 27
|1-min winds=100
|Pressure=968
|Pressurepre=≤
}}
Florence developed on September&nbsp;23 near [[Jamaica]] from a tropical wave.<ref name="mwr"/> While passing that island, it produced heavy rainfall that blocked roads.<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|agency=Associated Press|date=1953-09-24|title=Jamaica Warned of Nearby Hurricane|newspaper=St. Joseph Gazette|access-date=2011-01-27|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=OilaAAAAIBAJ&pg=5763,4876604&dq=hurricane&hl=en}}</ref> It intensified to hurricane status on September&nbsp;24 while passing through the [[Yucatán Channel]],<ref name="mwr"/> and while doing so left heavy damage in western Cuba.<ref name="en">{{cite book|author=David Longshore|title=Encyclopedia of hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones|page=186|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8kXwskQHBLoC&q=Hurricane%20Florence%201953%20gulf%20coast&pg=PA186|access-date=2011-01-27|year=2008|publisher=Facts on File, Inc.|isbn=9781438118796}}</ref> After turning north and entering the [[Gulf of Mexico]], Florence quickly intensified to peak winds of 115&nbsp;mph (185&nbsp;km/h). It gradually weakened before making landfall on September&nbsp;26 as a minimal hurricane in a sparsely populated region of the [[Florida Panhandle]].{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}

Before Florence hit the United States Gulf Coast, about 10,000&nbsp;people evacuated [[Panama City, Florida]],<ref name="pc">{{cite report|author=E. L. Quarantelli|date=May 1982|title=Inventory of Disaster Field Studies in the Social and Behaviroal Sciences 1919 - 1979|page=D-9|publisher=University of Delaware|access-date=2021-02-19|url=http://dspace.udel.edu:8080/dspace/bitstream/19716/1309/1/MR32.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528055948/http://dspace.udel.edu:8080/dspace/bitstream/19716/1309/1/MR32.pdf|archive-date=2008-05-28}}</ref> and the [[United States Weather Bureau|Weather Bureau]] issued timely warnings that was credited in preventing any deaths or major injuries.<ref name="mwr"/> Winds reached {{convert|84|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at [[Eglin Air Force Base]],<ref name="up927">{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|agency=United Press|date=1953-09-27|title=Hurricane Florence Dies Over Northwest Florida|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|access-date=2021-02-19|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yotaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=VE8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5398%2C4716019}}</ref> and the heaviest rainfall was {{convert|14.71|in|mm|abbr=on}} in [[Lockhart, Alabama]].<ref name="rain">{{cite web|author=David M. Roth|date=2008-09-23|title=Hurricane Florence - September 24-28, 1953|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|access-date=2011-01-26|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/florence1953.html| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110104011416/http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/florence1953.html| archive-date= 4 January 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref> The combination of winds and heavy rainfall left crop damage in the Florida panhandle and southeastern Alabama, although coastal damage was not severe. Overall, 421&nbsp;houses were damaged and another three were destroyed, with monetary damage estimated around $200,000 (1953&nbsp;[[United States dollar|USD]], ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|200000|1953}}}} {{#time:Y}}&nbsp;USD).<ref name="mwr"/> After landfall, Florence quickly transitioned into an extratropical cyclone, and as it continued across the southeastern United States it produced moderately heavy rainfall. It dissipated on September&nbsp;28 southeast of [[New England]].<ref name="rain"/>{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}
{{clear}}

=== Hurricane Gail ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=Gail 1953-10-04 1230Z.jpg
|Track=Gail 1953 track.png
|Formed=October 2
|Dissipated=October 12
|1-min winds=70
|Pressure=986
}}
On October&nbsp;2, a tropical wave spawned a tropical depression about 815&nbsp;mi (1310&nbsp;km) west-southwest of the Cape Verde islands. The depression quickly intensified into Tropical Storm Gail, and the next day, a ship encountered the storm, reporting a minimum pressure of 986&nbsp;[[bar (unit)|mbar]] (29.12&nbsp;[[Inch of Mercury|inHg]]). As the ship crossed through the center, it reported winds of 80&nbsp;mph (130&nbsp;km/h), indicating Gail attained hurricane status. Initially, the Weather Service believed that Gail dissipated and a new storm formed in the same region on October&nbsp;5, but a reanalysis in 2015 indicated that they were the same storm. The confusion resulted from Gail turning to the northeast on October&nbsp;4, steered by an approaching trough. On October&nbsp;6, Gail turned back to the west-northwest, remaining a moderate tropical storm for several days. On October&nbsp;11, the cold front that absorbed [[#Hurricane Hazel|Hurricane Hazel]] turned Gail to the north, and absorbed it the next day in the central Atlantic.<ref name="mwr"/>{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}<ref name="meta"/>
{{clear}}

=== Tropical Storm Eleven ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=Eleven 1953-10-04 1230Z.jpg
|Track=1953 Atlantic tropical storm 10 track.png
|Formed=October 3
|Dissipated=October 6
|1-min winds=40
|Pressure=1001
|Pressurepre=≤
}}
On October&nbsp;3, a tropical storm developed near the southern coast of Cuba. It moved northwestward, crossing the island before turning to the northeast. Early on October&nbsp;5, the storm brushed southeastern Florida,{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} producing gusty winds and rainfall. The threat of the storm prompted small craft warnings from the Florida Keys through South Carolina.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hurricane Gail Is Found Week Off U. S. Coast|author=Staff Writer|agency=United Press|newspaper=The Tampa Tribune|access-date=2021-02-19|date=1953-10-04|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71456005/the-tampa-tribune/|via=Newspapers.com}} {{free access}}</ref> As it accelerated northeastward, the storm strengthened slightly to [[maximum sustained wind]]s of 45&nbsp;mph (75&nbsp;km/h), before becoming extratropical on October&nbsp;6. Two days later, the remnants moved over Atlantic Canada with winds of 70&nbsp;mph (120&nbsp;km/h),{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} producing flooding rainfall that washed out several roads. The storm caused two deaths after it wrecked a boat in [[Broad Cove, Nova Scotia]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Environment Canada|date=2009-11-09|url=http://www.ec.gc.ca/Hurricane/default.asp?lang=En&n=EF5987AB-1|access-date=2021-02-07|title=1953-NN-3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703045121/http://www.ec.gc.ca/hurricane/default.asp?lang=En&n=61895B74-1|archive-date=2013-07-03|url-status=live}}</ref> Later, the cyclone passed south of Greenland before dissipating southwest of [[Iceland]] on October&nbsp;10.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}
{{clear}}

=== Hurricane Hazel ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=Hazel 1953-10-09 1230Z.jpg
|Track=Hazel 1953 track.png
|Formed=October 7
|Dissipated=October 10
|1-min winds=75
|Pressure=980
}}
The twelfth tropical storm and the final hurricane of the season formed in the [[Yucatán Channel]] on October&nbsp;7. Given the name Hazel, the storm tracked north-northeastward, then northeastward through the Gulf of Mexico while gradually intensifying. On October&nbsp;9, Hazel strengthened into a hurricane and made landfall just north of [[Fort Myers, Florida]] at its peak intensity of 85&nbsp;mph (140&nbsp;km/h). The storm crossed the state in about six hours, during which it weakened slightly back to a tropical storm. Over the western Atlantic Ocean, Hazel re-intensified to its peak winds, although by late on October&nbsp;10 it transitioned into an extratropical storm between North Carolina and Bermuda. The remnants continued northeastward, dissipating southeast of Newfoundland on October&nbsp;12.<ref name="mwr"/>{{Atlantic hurricane best track}} On [[Sable Island]], the storm produced heavy winds and rain.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Environment Canada|date=2009-11-09|url=http://www.ec.gc.ca/Hurricane/default.asp?lang=En&n=7C9317C9-1|title=Hazel-1953|access-date=2021-02-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703045147/http://www.ec.gc.ca/hurricane/default.asp?lang=En&n=7C9317C9-1|archive-date=2013-07-03|url-status=live}}</ref>

Due to the fairly light winds across Florida, damage from Hazel was minor, estimated around $250,000 (1953&nbsp;[[United States dollar|USD]], ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|250000|1953}}}} {{#time:Y}}&nbsp;USD). During its passage, the storm spawned a tornado in [[St. James City, Florida|St. James City]] that destroyed several homes, and there were indications of another tornado in Okeechobee City. The primary impact from Hazel was from its rainfall,<ref name="mwr"/> peaking at {{convert|10.53|in|mm}} in [[Daytona Beach, Florida|Daytona Beach]].<ref>{{cite web|author=David M. Roth|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|date=2010-08-17|title=Tropical Storm Hazel - October 6-10, 1953 |url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/hazel1953.html| access-date= 4 February 2011 <!--DASHBot-->}}</ref> The rains added to previous flooding conditions across the state, causing a record flood stage along the [[St. Johns River]] that flooded {{convert|6|mi|km|abbr=on}} of highway. Overall flooding damage was estimated up to $10&nbsp;million (1953&nbsp;[[United States dollar|USD]], ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|10000000|1953}}}} {{#time:Y}}&nbsp;USD), but it was impossible to determine how much was due to Hazel.<ref name="mwr"/>
{{clear}}

=== Tropical Storm Thirteen ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=Thirteen 1953-11-24 1230Z.jpg
|Track=1953 Atlantic tropical storm 13 track.png
|Formed=November 23
|Dissipated=November 26
|1-min winds=45
|Pressure=999
}}
A tropical storm developed from a dissipating cold front on November&nbsp;23, about 460&nbsp;mi (740&nbsp;km) northeast of Barbuda in the Lesser Antilles. It moved northeastward, strengthening to peak winds of 50&nbsp;mph (85&nbsp;km/h) on November&nbsp;24. It later turned sharply to the west as it began a weakening trend, followed by a curve to the north. The cyclone dissipated on November&nbsp;26 about 450&nbsp;mi (725&nbsp;km) east-northeast of Bermuda, without ever affecting land.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}
{{clear}}

=== Tropical Storm Irene ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=Atl
|Image=Irene 1953-12-08 1230Z.jpg
|Track=1953 Atlantic tropical storm 14 track.png
|Formed=December 7
|Dissipated=December 9
|1-min winds=55
|Pressure=999
|Pressurepre=≤
}}
{{see also|List of off-season Atlantic hurricanes}}
The final tropical cyclone of the season developed on December&nbsp;7 about 705&nbsp;mi (1735&nbsp;km) east-northeast of the Lesser Antilles, from the end of a dissipating cold front. Given the name ''Irene'', the storm moved to the northwest and later to the west. Based on ship observations, it is estimated that Irene intensified to a peak of 65&nbsp;mph (100&nbsp;km/h) on December&nbsp;8, before weakening the next day. Late on December&nbsp;9, Irene dissipated about 270&nbsp;mi (435&nbsp;km) north of the Lesser Antilles.{{Atlantic hurricane best track}}<ref name="meta"/>
{{clear}}

== Storm names ==
{{Tropical cyclone naming}}
The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Atlantic in 1953. This was the first season in which systems that attained at least tropical storm status were given female names.<ref name="gp">{{cite web|author=Gary Padgett|date=June 2007|title=History of the Naming of Atlantic Tropical Cyclones, Part 1 - The Fabulous Fifties|access-date=2011-02-08|url=http://www.australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2008/summ0707.htm|publisher=Australian Severe Weather}}</ref> This list was used again the [[1954 Atlantic hurricane season|following season]], except for ''Gail'', which was replaced with ''Gilda'', due to the former name's confusion with the term [[gale]].<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Victoria Advocate|location=Victoria, Texas|date=September 10, 1954|title=Plenty of Names Left for Hurricane Season|access-date=August 4, 2011|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HRdIAAAAIBAJ&pg=1534,5767404&dq=hurricane+florence&hl=en}}</ref>

{| style="width:80%;"
|
* [[Tropical Storm Alice (1953)|Alice]]
* [[Hurricane Barbara (1953)|Barbara]]
* [[Hurricane Carol (1953)|Carol]]
* Dolly
* Edna
* [[Hurricane Florence (1953)|Florence]]
* Gail
* Hazel
|
* Irene
* {{tcname unused|Jill}}
* {{tcname unused|Katherine}}
* {{tcname unused|Lucy}}
* {{tcname unused|Mabel}}
* {{tcname unused|Norma}}
* {{tcname unused|Orpha}}
* {{tcname unused|Patsy}}
|
* {{tcname unused|Queen}}
* {{tcname unused|Rachel}}
* {{tcname unused|Susie}}
* {{tcname unused|Tina}}
* {{tcname unused|Una}}
* {{tcname unused|Vicky}}
* {{tcname unused|Wallis}}
|}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
* [[1953 Pacific hurricane season]]
* [[1953 Pacific typhoon season]]
* Australian region cyclone seasons: [[1952–53 Australian region cyclone season|1952–53]] [[1953–54 Australian region cyclone season|1953–54]]
* South Pacific cyclone seasons: [[1952–53 South Pacific cyclone season|1952–53]] [[1953–54 South Pacific cyclone season|1953–54]]
* South-West Indian Ocean cyclone seasons: [[1952–53 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season|1952–53]] [[1953–54 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season|1953–54]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1953.pdf Monthly Weather Review]
* [http://ams.allenpress.com/archive/1520-0469/12/5/pdf/i1520-0469-12-5-486.pdf On the formation of Tropical Storm Alice, 1953]

{{TC Decades|Year=1950|basin=Atlantic|type=hurricane}}
{{1953 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}}
{{Tropical cyclone season|1953}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:1953 Atlantic Hurricane Season}}
[[Category:1953 Atlantic hurricane season| ]]
[[Category:Articles which contain graphical timelines]]