View source for Hurricane Flora

{{Short description|Category 4 Atlantic hurricane in 1963}}
{{Other hurricanes|List of storms named Flora}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2012}}
{{Infobox weather event
| image = Flora radar.gif
| caption = [[SCANFAR|Radar image]] of Flora over the [[Sargasso Sea]] as viewed from the [[USS Albany (CA-123)|USS ''Albany'']] on October&nbsp;9
| alt = Grayscale photograph of a radar scope showing the structure of Hurricane Flora
| formed = {{start date|1963|9|28}}
| extratropical = October 12, 1963
| dissipated = {{end date|1963|10|17}}
}}{{Infobox weather event/NWS
| winds = 130
| pressure = 933
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| year = 1963
| fatalities = 7,193<br/><small>([[List of deadliest Atlantic hurricanes|Fifth-deadliest Atlantic hurricane]] on record)</small>
| damage = 773400000
| areas = Northern South America, [[Lesser Antilles]], [[Greater Antilles]], [[Lucayan Archipelago]], [[Bermuda]], [[Eastern Canada]]
| refs = 
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season = [[1963 Atlantic hurricane season]]
}}

'''Hurricane Flora''' was an extremely deadly and devastating [[tropical cyclone]] that is among the [[List of deadliest Atlantic hurricanes|deadliest]] [[North Atlantic tropical cyclone|Atlantic hurricane]]s in [[recorded history]], with a death total of at least 7,193. The seventh tropical storm and sixth hurricane of the [[1963 Atlantic hurricane season]], Flora developed from a disturbance in the [[Intertropical Convergence Zone]] on September 26 while located {{convert|755|mi|km}} southwest of the [[Cape Verde]] islands. After remaining a weak depression for several days, it rapidly organized on September 29 to attain tropical storm status. Flora continued to strengthen, reaching [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale|Category 3]] hurricane status after moving through the [[Windward Islands]] and passing over [[Tobago]], and it reached [[maximum sustained wind]]s of {{convert|145|mph|km/h}} in the Caribbean.

The storm struck southwestern [[Haiti]] near peak intensity, turned to the west, and drifted over [[Cuba]] for four days before turning to the northeast. Flora passed over the [[Bahamas]] and accelerated northeastward, becoming an [[extratropical cyclone]] on October 12. Due to its slow movement across Cuba, Flora is the wettest known tropical cyclone for Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.<ref>{{cite book|author=Roth, David M|year=2008|title=Hurricane Flora&nbsp;— September 29&nbsp;– October 8, 1963|author2=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|access-date=June 9, 2012|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/flora1963.html}}</ref> The significant casualties caused by Flora were the most for a tropical cyclone in the Atlantic Basin since the [[1900 Galveston hurricane|1900 Galveston Hurricane]].<ref name="GORDON63">{{cite journal |author1=Dunn, Gordon E |author2=Moore, Paul L |author3=Clark Gilbert B |journal=Monthly Weather Review |author4=Frank, Neil L |author5=Hill, Elbert C |author6=Kraft, Raymond H |author7=Sugg, Arnold L |url=http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/mwr/092/mwr-092-03-0128.pdf |year=1964 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205130224/http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/mwr/092/mwr-092-03-0128.pdf |title=The Hurricane Season of 1963 |access-date=May 13, 2012 |doi=10.1175/1520-0493-92.3.128 |issn=0027-0644 |page=136 |volume=92 |issue=3 |archive-date=February 5, 2012 |url-status=live |publisher=American Meteorological Society |doi-broken-date=July 12, 2025 |bibcode=1964MWRv...92..128D |df=mdy |doi-access=free }}</ref><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti -->

== Meteorological history ==
{{storm path|Flora 1963 track.png}}
The [[tropical wave]] that ultimately spawned Hurricane Flora moved off the coast of [[West Africa]] sometime late on September&nbsp;23 or early September&nbsp;24.<ref name="Metadata">{{cite book |last1=Delgado |first1=Sandy |last2=Landsea |first2=Chris |title=[HURDAT Meta-Data, 1961-1965 revisions] |date=November 2019 |publisher=Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory Hurricane Research Division |location=Miami, Florida |pages=220–241 |url=https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/metadata-1961-1965.pdf |access-date=July 31, 2023 |chapter=1963 Atlantic Hurricane Database Reanalysis}}</ref>{{rp|222}}<ref name="TCR">{{cite web |title=Hurricane Flora, September 30&ndash;October 12, 1963|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/ |publisher=United States Weather Bureau |access-date=July 31, 2023}} The individual pages of this report are each respectively located at the following links: {{hlist|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim01.gif 1]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim02.gif 2]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim03.gif 3]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim04.gif 4]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim05.gif 5]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim06.gif 6]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim07.gif 7]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim08.gif 8]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim09.gif 9]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim10.gif 10]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim11.gif 11]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim12.gif 12]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim13.gif 13]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim14.gif 14]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim15.gif 15]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim16.gif 16]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim17.gif 17]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim18.gif 18]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim19.gif 19]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim20.gif 20]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim21.gif 21]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim22.gif 22]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim23.gif 23]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim24.gif 24]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim25.gif 25]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim26.gif 26]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim27.gif 27]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim28.gif 28]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim29.gif 29]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim30.gif 30]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim31.gif 31]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim32.gif 32]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim33.gif 33]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim34.gif 34]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim35.gif 35]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim36.gif 36]|[https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim37.gif 37]}}</ref>{{rp|3}}{{efn|For consistency, all dates and times are based on [[Coordinated Universal Time]].|name=time}} The disturbance gradually became better organized as it moved west across the tropical Atlantic.<ref name="Metadata" />{{rp|222}} Imagery from the [[TIROS-7]] satellite captured the developing system on September&nbsp;26 in the vicinity of {{coord|11.5|-35.0}}, revealing a large and complex cluster of clouds.<ref name="TCR" />{{rp|3}}<ref name="Dunn et al. 1964">{{cite journal |last1=Dunn |first1=Gordon E. |last2=Moore |first2=Paul L. |last3=Clark |first3=Gilbert B. |last4=Frank |first4=Neil L. |last5=Hill |first5=Elbert C. |last6=Kraft |first6=Raymond H. |last7=Sugg |first7=Arnold L. |title=The Hurricane Season of 1963 |journal=Monthly Weather Review |date=March 1964 |volume=92 |issue=3 |pages=128–138 |doi=10.1175/1520-0493(1964)092<0128:THSO>2.3.CO;2 |publisher=American Meteorological Society|bibcode=1964MWRv...92..128D |doi-access=free}}</ref>{{rp|133}} Two disturbances comprising the complex were detected by the satellite, though it is unclear which particular disturbance became Flora.<ref name="Metadata" />{{rp|223}} While the [[United States Weather Bureau]] contemporaneously assessed that Flora [[tropical cyclogenesis|formed]] from the precursor disturbance on September&nbsp;26, a [[Atlantic hurricane reanalysis project|reanalysis]] of the [[HURDAT|official Atlantic hurricane database]] by the [[Hurricane Research Division]] (HRD) determined that the Flora first became a tropical depression on September&nbsp;28, 48&nbsp;hours later than initially assessed, on account of the incipient disturbance's lack of organization in both the September&nbsp;26 TIROS-7 imagery and a subsequent image taken on September&nbsp;27.<ref name="Metadata" />{{rp|223}}<ref name="Delgado et al. 2018b">{{cite journal |last1=Delgado |first1=Sandy |last2=Landsea |first2=Christopher W. |last3=Willoughby |first3=Hugh |title=Supplemental Material |journal=Journal of Climate |date=June 2018 |volume=31 |issue=11 |doi=10.1175/JCLI-D-15-0537.s1|doi-access=free}}</ref> Weather observations were scant in the vicinity of Flora around the time it became a tropical depression,<ref name="Dunn et al. 1964" />{{rp|133}} preventing a more accurate determination of Flora's genesis.
<ref name="Frank 1964">{{cite journal |last1=Frank |first1=Neil L. |title=The 1963 Hurricane Season |journal=Weatherwise |date=February 1964 |volume=17 |issue=1 |pages=16–23 |doi=10.1080/00431672.1964.9927014 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |bibcode=1964Weawi..17a..16F }}</ref>{{rp|20}} However, a [[KLM]] jet airliner en route to [[Paramaribo, Suriname]], encountered disturbed weather east of the [[Lesser Antilles]] on September&nbsp;28, prompting the Weather Bureau office in [[San Juan, Puerto Rico]], to request special weather observations from ships in the area the next day and schedule a [[Hurricane Hunters|aerial reconnaissance]] mission into the storm for September&nbsp;30.<ref name="TCR" />{{rp|3}}<ref name="Dunn et al. 1964" />{{rp|133}} Retrospective analyses of Flora indicate that it reached [[tropical storm]] intensity on September&nbsp;29.<ref name="IBTrACS">{{cite web |title=1963 Major Hurricane FLORA (1963272N09314) |url=https://ncics.org/ibtracs/index.php?name=v04r00-1963272N09314 |publisher=University of North Carolina–Asheville |access-date=July 31, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Metadata" />{{rp|224}} Delayed ship reports documented [[gale-force]] winds and low pressures in the vicinity of Flora between September&nbsp;29–30.<ref name="Dunn et al. 1964" />{{rp|133}} Flora reached hurricane intensity east of the Lesser Antilles by 00:00&nbsp;[[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]] on September&nbsp;30.<ref name="Metadata" />{{rp|224}}<ref name="IBTrACS" />

Aircraft hurricane reconnaissance first intercepted the center of Flora around {{cvt|120|mi}} east of [[Trinidad]] at 14:07&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;30, finding a well-defined [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] surrounded by an [[eyewall]] spanning {{cvt|8|mi}} across within the compact hurricane.<ref name="Metadata" />{{rp|225}}<ref name="TCR" />{{rp|3}}<ref name="Dunn et al. 1964" />{{rp|133}} The flight also assessed winds exceeding the hurricane-force threshold and a central air pressure of 994&nbsp;[[bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[pascal (unit)|hPa]]; 29.35&nbsp;[[inches of mercury|inHg]]). A summary of the [[1963 Atlantic hurricane season]] authored by Weather Bureau staff and published in the ''[[Monthly Weather Review]]'' described the mission's observations as "[indicating] that hurricane Flora was the most concentrated and best organized tropical cyclone of the past two years."<ref name="Dunn et al. 1964" />{{rp|133}}  Hurricane Flora [[rapid intensification|rapidly intensified]] as it traversed the [[Windward Islands]] throughout September&nbsp;30. The center of the hurricane made [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] on [[Tobago]] at around 18:00&nbsp;UTC that day. A minimum air pressure of 974&nbsp;mbar (hPa; 28.76&nbsp;inHg) was registered at [[Crown Point, Tobago]], which when reconciled with Flora's size, location, and forward speed suggested [[maximum sustained wind]]s of around 105&nbsp;mph (165&nbsp;km/h).<ref name="Metadata" />{{rp|226}} The center of Flora passed roughly {{cvt|30|mi}} south of [[Grenada]] about three hours later as the hurricane entered the southeastern [[Caribbean Sea]].<ref name="TCR" />{{rp|3}}

[[File:Hurricane Flora US Navy aircraft radar 1963-10-02 1100Z.png|thumb|Radar image of Flora on October&nbsp;2 as observed by [[U.S. Navy]] aircraft reconnaissance<ref name="Allison and Thompson 1966">{{cite report|type=NASA Technical Note|number=TN D-3127 |last1=Allison |first1=Lewis J. |last2=Thompson |first2=Harold P. |title=Tiros VII Infrared Radiation Coverage of the 1963 Atlantic Hurricane Season with Supporting Television and Conventional Meteorological Data |date=June 1966 |url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19660019779/downloads/19660019779.pdf |access-date=July 31, 2023 |publisher=Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA |location=Washington, D.C. }}</ref>{{rp|30}}|alt=Grayscale radar image of the hurricane]]
Within the southeastern Caribbean Sea, Flora took a steady course towards [[Haiti]]'s [[Tiburon Peninsula]] that curved progressively northwards with time. The hurricane's rate of intensification on October&nbsp;1 had become more gradual, though the storm was continuing to strengthen. However, Flora began to strengthen quickly between October&nbsp;2–3, with periodic aircraft reconnaissance missions finding increasing winds and deepening air pressures.<ref name="Metadata" />{{rp|226}}<ref name="Dunn et al. 1964" />{{rp|134}} Flight-level winds reaching {{cvt|167|mph}} were recorded by reconnaissance missions on both October&nbsp;2 and October&nbsp;3.<ref name="Dunn et al. 1964" />{{rp|134}} The HRD reanalysis estimated that Flora became a [[major hurricane]] by around 06:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;2,{{efn|A ''major hurricane'' is a storm that ranks as Category&nbsp;3 or higher on the [[Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale]].<ref name="AOML FAQ">{{cite web |title=Hurricanes Frequently Asked Questions |url=https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd-faq/#saffir-simpson-and-general-info |website=Atlantic Oceanographic & Meteorological Laboratory |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=June 20, 2023 |location=Miami, Florida |date=June 1, 2023|at=The Saffir-Simpson Scale}}</ref>}} with Flora's winds continuing to increase before reaching a peak of around 150&nbsp;mph (240&nbsp;km/h) by 18:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;4; this intensity is equivalent to a [[List of Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes|Category 4 hurricane]] on the modern [[Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale]]. Based on aircraft reconnaissance data, Flora had a minimum central air pressure of around 933&nbsp;mbar (hPa; 27.55&nbsp;inHg) and wind gusts of 180–200&nbsp;mph (290–320&nbsp;km/h) at the time of its peak strength.<ref name="Metadata" />{{rp|227–229}}<ref name="IBTrACS" /><ref name="Dunn et al. 1964" />{{rp|134}} The hurricane had slowed its forward course and began moving more towards the north-northwest on October&nbsp;3,<ref name="TCR" />{{rp|3}} leading to a landfall on southwestern Haiti near [[Côtes-de-Fer]] at 01:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;4.<ref name="Metadata" />{{rp|231}}<ref name="Dunn et al. 1964" />{{rp|134}} 
While the HRD reanalysis assessed that Flora made landfall at its peak intensity, the eight-hour gap between landfall and the preceding aircraft reconnaissance mission meant that Flora may have been considerably stronger than estimated at its Haitian landfall.<ref name="Metadata" />{{rp|231}} Flora traversed the Tiburon Peninsula in roughly two hours before emerging into the [[Windward Passage]]. The hurricane subsequently made landfall on eastern [[Cuba]] approximately {{cvt|30|mi}} east of [[Guantanamo Bay]] at around 18:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;4 with maximum sustained winds estimated at 120&nbsp;mph (195&nbsp;km/h);<ref name="Metadata" />{{rp|231}} this intensity is equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale.<ref name="Delgado et al. 2018">{{cite journal |last1=Delgado |first1=Sandy |last2=Landsea |first2=Christopher W. |last3=Willoughby |first3=Hugh |title=Reanalysis of the 1954–63 Atlantic Hurricane Seasons |journal=Journal of Climate |date=June 2018 |volume=31 |issue=11 |pages=4177–4192 |doi=10.1175/JCLI-D-15-0537.1 |bibcode=2018JCli...31.4177D |doi-access=free}}</ref>{{rp|4189}}

[[File:Hurricane Flora upper-air analysis 1963-10-06 1200Z.png|thumb|left|[[Weather map#Constant pressure charts|Weather map]] on October&nbsp;6 showing ridges west and east of Flora|alt=Contoured weather map]]
Changing [[atmospheric circulation]] patterns over the United States in early October&nbsp;1963 were consequential in shaping Flora's trajectory leading up to and after the hurricane's landfalls on Haiti and Cuba. Although Flora's northward curve leading to its landfall on Haiti was spurred by the presence of a [[trough (meteorology)|trough]] off the [[U.S. East Coast]],{{efn|The recurring presence of a trough off the U.S. East Coast turned hurricanes [[Hurricane Arlene (1963)|Arlene]], [[1963 Atlantic hurricane season#Hurricane Beulah|Beulah]], and [[1963 Atlantic hurricane season#Hurricane Debra|Debra]] away from the contiguous U.S. earlier in the year.<ref name="Dunn et al. 1964" />{{rp|134}}}} the subsequent northward retreat of the trough and strengthening [[ridge (meteorology)|ridging]] over the eastern U.S. caused Flora to slowly curve west between October&nbsp;5–7. Additional areas of [[high pressure area|high pressure]] to Flora's west and east prevented the hurricane from moving away from the region, resulting in Flora lingering near or over eastern Cuba for several days.<ref name="TCR" />{{rp|3}}<ref name="Dunn et al. 1964" />{{rp|134–135}} While the hurricane's winds diminished somewhat due to Flora's persistent interaction with land, the storm maintained a strong intensity due in part to a conducive atmospheric environment and the presence of moist tropical air atop the warm waters surrounding Cuba.<ref name="TCR" />{{rp|3}} The hurricane also grew during its traversal of eastern Cuba, with its [[radius of outermost closed isobar]] expanding nearly three-fold. On October&nbsp;6, Flora moved over the [[Gulf of Guacanayabo]] and likely restrengthened.<ref name="Metadata" />{{rp|233}} At around 00:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;7, the center of Flora again moved ashore Cuba, this time a few miles west of [[Santa Cruz del Sur]], with estimated maximum sustained winds of 100&nbsp;mph (155&nbsp;km/h).<ref name="Metadata" />{{rp|233}} A strengthening [[anticyclone]] over the [[Gulf of Mexico]] stopped Flora's slow westward advance on October&nbsp;7. Concurrently, the passage of two troughs off the U.S. East Coast and [[The Bahamas]] caused Flora to curve east and later northeast over the same regions of Cuba previously traversed by the hurricane.<ref name="Dunn et al. 1964" />{{rp|135}} Between October&nbsp;7–8, Flora's winds weakened to tropical storm intensity.<ref name="TCR" />{{rp|3}} However, Flora promptly intensified after reemerging into the Atlantic Ocean near [[Gibara]] along the northern Cuban coast after 12:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;8, regaining hurricane intensity six hours later.<ref name="Metadata" />{{rp|235}}

Now moving more steadily towards the northeast, the center of Flora passed over [[Mayaguana]] at around 06:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;9 with sustained winds of around 100&nbsp;mph (155&nbsp;km/h). A minimum air pressure of 977&nbsp;mbar (hPa; 28.85&nbsp;inHg) was recorded on the island within Flora's eye. The hurricane continued to intensify after leaving the Bahamas, with sustained winds topping out at 110&nbsp;mph (175&nbsp;km/h).<ref name="Metadata" />{{rp|236}}<ref name="IBTrACS" /> Accelerating northeast,<ref name="Metadata" />{{rp|237}} Flora passed southeast of [[Bermuda]] on October&nbsp;10 and began losing its tropical characteristics as it moved over the cooler waters of the [[Middle latitudes|mid-latitude]] Atlantic.<ref name="TCR" />{{rp|3}}<ref name="Metadata" />{{rp|239}} The occurrence of [[frontogenesis]] by around 00:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;12 signaled the completion of Flora's [[extratropical transition|transition]] into an [[extratropical cyclone]]. Although Flora weakened during this period, ships in the storm's vicinity observed hurricane-force winds.<ref name="Metadata" />{{rp|239}} Remaining a strong extratropical cyclone, the remnants of Flora progressed northeast and meandered near the [[Denmark Strait]] between October&nbsp;15–17, gradually weakening before being absorbed by a stronger extratropical cyclone.<ref name="Metadata" />{{rp|240}}

==Preparations==
[[File:Flora1963filledrainblk.gif|right|thumb|250px|Hurricane Flora's storm total rainfall]]
The [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|Weather Bureau]] in [[San Juan, Puerto Rico]], issued a [[tropical cyclone warnings and watches|hurricane warning]] for [[Trinidad]], [[Tobago]], and the [[Grenadines]] south of [[Saint Vincent (island)|Saint Vincent]] in the cyclone's first advisory on Hurricane Flora. Gale warnings were later issued for islands off northern [[Venezuela]]<ref name="TCR" />{{rp|3}} and from Saint Vincent northward to [[Martinique]]. Advisories on Flora emphasized the danger of the hurricane and advised preparations to be rushed to completion. The advisories also recommended small craft throughout the [[Windward Islands]] to remain at harbor and for shipping in the path of the hurricane to advise extreme caution.<ref name="tcr4">{{cite web|author=Higgs|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 4)|publisher=[[United States Weather Bureau]]|access-date=November 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim04.gif}}</ref> People in low-lying areas and near beaches were advised to evacuate to higher grounds, as well.<ref name="tcr5">{{cite web|author=Hoose & Davis|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 5)|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau|access-date=November 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim05.gif}}</ref> Lead time was short, especially in Tobago which received news of the approaching hurricane just two hours before it struck.<ref name="eval2">{{cite web|author=U.S. Weather Bureau|year=1963|title=Report of Preliminary Evaluation of Warning Services, Hurricane Flora|access-date=November 28, 2006|publisher=[[United States Weather Bureau]]|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/eval02.gif}}</ref>

On October 2, two days before it made landfall on southwestern [[Hispaniola]], the San Juan Weather Bureau issued a gale warning from [[Barahona (city)|Barahona]] in the [[Dominican Republic]] to [[Sud-Est (department)|Sud-Est]], Haiti. Advisories recommended small craft in the southern portions of the countries to remain at port.<ref name="tcr9">{{cite web|author=Hoose|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 9)|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau|access-date=November 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim09.gif}}</ref> Later that day, the gale warning was upgraded to a hurricane warning in southwestern Haiti.<ref name="tcr10">{{cite web|author=Higgs|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 10)|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau|access-date=November 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim10.gif}}</ref> On the day of when Flora made landfall, advisories recommended all citizens on beaches and in low-lying areas west of [[Santo Domingo]] to evacuate.<ref name="tcr14">{{cite web|author=Hoose|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 14)|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau|access-date=November 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim14.gif}}</ref> Carmelo Di Franco, the provisional Director of Civic Defense for the Dominican Republic, organized safety procedures and the dissemination of tropical cyclone bulletins from the San Juan Weather Bureau. Di Franco also organized for the transmission of hurricane emergency information to citizens, believed to reduce the loss of life.<ref name="mic2">{{cite web|author=Ralph L. Higgins|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 2|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau Office|access-date=December 4, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/sju1020b.gif}}</ref> On the afternoon before the hurricane struck, the head of the Haitian [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross]] prohibited radio broadcasts of tropical cyclone advisories for fear of panic among citizens. As a result, many thought the hurricane would miss the country.<ref name="mic5">{{cite web|author=Ralph L. Higgins|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 5|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau Office|access-date=December 4, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/sju1020e.gif}}</ref>

In [[Cuba]], the government enacted the [[Agrarian reforms in Cuba|Second Agrarian Reform Law]] the day before Hurricane Flora made landfall and had its attention focused on [[Cuban Revolution|revolutionary politics]] rather than hurricane preparations.<ref name="Gustav">{{cite journal |last1=Cederlöf |first1=Gustav |date=2025 |title=Disaster Risk Reduction and the Cuban Exception: Infrastructural and Ideological Power after Hurricane Flora (1963) |journal=Annals of the American Association of Geographers |volume=115 |issue=5 |pages=1071–1087 |doi=10.1080/24694452.2025.2473660|bibcode=2025AAAG..115.1071C |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name="Mikael">{{cite journal |last1=Wolfe |first1=Mikael |date=2020 |title="A Revolution Is a Force More Powerful Than Nature": Extreme Weather and the Cuban Revolution, 1959–64 |journal=Environmental History |volume=25 |issue=3 |pages=469–491 |doi=10.1093/envhis/emaa004}}</ref> Officials at the [[Cuban National Observatory]] issued radio bulletins on the hurricane, which included the position of Flora, its intensity, direction of motion, and necessary warnings. By the time the hurricane left the island, more than 40,000 had been evacuated to safer areas.<ref name="jose">{{cite web|author=José Fernández Partagás|year=1963|title=Information from Cuba|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=November 29, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/jose1003.gif}}</ref>

The Weather Bureau predicted Flora to turn to the northwest after entering the [[Windward Passage]] and affect the [[Bahamas]].<ref name="tcr19">{{cite web|author=Dunn|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 19)|publisher=Miami Weather Bureau|access-date=November 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim19.gif}}</ref> Forecasters advised those in The Bahamas to quickly complete preparations, though the eye of the hurricane did not pass over the archipelago until four days later. When Flora turned to the northeast out to sea, forecasters again advised Bahamian citizens to prepare for the hurricane, and on October 9, weather advisories advised the southeastern Bahamas to prepare for gale-force winds and strong tides.<ref name="LincolnStar1">{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|publisher=The Lincoln Star|year=1963|title=Storm Leaves Cuba, Heads for Bahamas|access-date=December 22, 2006|url=http://www.thehurricanearchive.com/Viewer.aspx?img=24240119&firstvisit=true&currentResult=1&currentPage=10}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> One advisory considered there to be less than a 50% chance of the hurricane reaching southeastern Florida, though weather bulletins advised Florida citizens to monitor the hurricane. At its closest approach to Florida, the hurricane remained {{convert|330|mi|km}} away, though gale warnings were issued from [[Stuart, Florida|Stuart]] to [[Key West, Florida|Key West]] due to the hurricane's large size.<ref name="tcr26">{{cite web|author=Sugg & Moore|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 26)|publisher=Miami Weather Bureau|access-date=November 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim26.gif}}</ref><ref name="tcr20">{{cite web|author=Dunn & Kraft|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 20)|publisher=Miami Weather Bureau|access-date=November 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim20.gif}}</ref>

==Impact==
{|class="wikitable" style="float:right;margin:0 0 0.5em 1em;"
|+ '''Storm effects by region <ref>[http://www.emdat.be/disaster-list International Disaster Database: Disaster List] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923101618/http://www.emdat.be/disaster-list |date=September 23, 2010 }}</ref>'''
|-
! Region || Deaths || Damage<br />(1963 [[United States dollar|USD]])
|-
| [[Trinidad and Tobago]] || 24 || $30&nbsp;million
|-
| [[Grenada]] || 6 || $25,000
|-
| [[Dominican Republic]] || 400+ || $60&nbsp;million
|-
| [[Haiti]] || 5,000 || $180&nbsp;million
|-
| [[Cuba]] || 1,750 || $500&nbsp;million
|-
| [[Jamaica]] || 11 || $11.9&nbsp;million
|-
| [[Bahamas]] || 1 || $1.5&nbsp;million
|-
| Florida || 1 || 0
|-
! Total || 7,193 || $773.4&nbsp;million
|-
|}
Throughout its path, Hurricane Flora resulted in more than 7,000 deaths and about $773.4&nbsp;million in damage (1963&nbsp;USD$, {{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|773400000|1963|r=2}}}} {{#time:Y}}&nbsp;USD). It is estimated that, if a hurricane like Flora had struck in 1998, it would have caused over 12,000 casualties.<ref name="NHRCuba">{{cite web |author1=Roger A. Pielke Jr. |author2=Jose Rubiera |author3=Christopher Landsea |author4=Mario L. Fernandez |author5=Roberta Klein |year=2003 |url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Landsea/NHR-Cuba.pdf |title=Hurricane Vulnerability in Latin America and The Caribbean: Normalized Damage and Loss Potentials. |access-date=December 23, 2008 |publisher=NOAA |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119012813/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Landsea/NHR-Cuba.pdf |archive-date=November 19, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

===East Caribbean===
Hurricane Flora passed [[Barbados]] a few days after [[Hurricane Edith (1963)|Hurricane Edith]] moved through the area. The two hurricanes resulted in about $65,000 in damage (1963&nbsp;USD), primarily to fishing interests.<ref name="gordon">{{cite web|author=G.M.D. Rudder|year=1963|title=Letter from Barbados describing damage from Hurricanes Edith and Flora|publisher=Barbados Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, and Fisheries|access-date=November 29, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/sju1227b.gif}}</ref>

About four hours before the [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] of Hurricane Flora moved over [[Tobago]], the large hurricane began producing heavy rainfall throughout the island. Two hours later, strong winds began affecting the island, and while moving across the island Flora produced winds of up to {{convert|100|mph|km/h}}.<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --><ref name="draftd2">{{cite web|author=Miami, Florida Weather Bureau Office|publisher=[[United States Weather Bureau]]|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora, September 26&nbsp;– October 13|access-date=November 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/draftd2.gif}}</ref> While moving past Tobago, the hurricane produced rough surf and tides {{convert|5|to|7|ft|m}} above normal.<ref name="tcr4"/> The hurricane sunk six ships between 4 and 9 tons in Scarborough harbour. One crew member drowned while attempting to save his vessel.<ref name="john">{{cite web|author=John D. Lee|year=1963|title=Trinidad and Tobago Effects|publisher=Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service|access-date=November 29, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/ttpp0130.gif}}</ref> Heavy rainfall caused a large mudslide from Mount Dillon onto a road leading to [[Castara]]. This was considered the most well-known mudslide on the island.<ref name="tobnews2">{{cite web|author=Stanley Wharton |year=2004 |title=Living with Geohazards |publisher=Tobago News |access-date=November 28, 2006 |url=http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/article?id=1387644 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070629133428/http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/article?id=1387644 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 29, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The strong winds caused severe damage to [[coconut]], [[banana]], and [[Theobroma cacao|cocoa]] plantations,<ref name="tobagodive">{{cite book|author1=Dominique De-Light |author2=Polly Thomas |year=1998|title=The Rough Guide to Trinidad and Tobago|access-date=January 2, 2009|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K6beeta3vsQC&q=flora+tobago+coconut+damage+1963&pg=PA303|publisher= Rough Guides|isbn= 978-1-85828-747-8}}</ref> with 50% of the coconut trees being destroyed and another 11% being severely damaged. 75% of forest trees fell, and most of the remaining were greatly damaged. The passage of Hurricane Flora destroyed 2,750 of Tobago's 7,500 houses, and damaged 3,500 others. The hurricane killed 18 on the island and resulted in $30&nbsp;million in crop and property damage (1963&nbsp;USD).<ref name="trintob">{{cite web|author1=C. B. Daniel |author2=R. Maharaj |author3=G. De Souza |year=2002 |title=Tropical Cyclones Affecting Trinidad and Tobago, 1725 to 2000 |publisher=Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service |access-date=November 28, 2006 |url=http://nema.gov.tt/resources/downloads/tropicalcyclones.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050523100912/http://nema.gov.tt/resources/downloads/tropicalcyclones.pdf |archive-date=May 23, 2005 |df=mdy }}</ref>

Winds on [[Trinidad]] reached {{convert|55|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} with much higher gusts of over {{convert|70|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. Heavy rainfall and strong winds in the northern mountainous region lowered the visibility to zero. Due to the mountain range on its northern coast, damage on the island was minimal, totaling to $100,000 (1963&nbsp;USD).<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --> Two people on the island died due to drowning.<ref name="trintob"/> When Flora passed the island and the winds turned to the southwest, many small boats in the westward facing harbor were sunk.<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --> Near [[Chaguaramas, Trinidad|Chaguaramas]], nine boats were destroyed and eight were damaged.<ref name="john"/> Additionally, several large vessels sustained damage and resulted in them being intentionally sunk. Damage in [[Grenada]] was minor, around $25,000 (1963&nbsp;USD), though six people died due to drowning.<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --> Rough seas and higher than normal tides were reported along the south coast of [[Puerto Rico]],<ref name="tcr10"/> though no damage or deaths were reported there.<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti -->

===Dominican Republic and Haiti===
[[File:Destruction in Petit Trou de Nippes from Hurricane Flora, 1963.jpg|thumb|left|[[Petit-Trou-de-Nippes]], one of the many Haitian villages left in ruins, was about 85% destroyed.]]
Flora produced heavy rainfall and moderately strong winds in the [[Dominican Republic]]. The highest rainfall amount reported was {{convert|39.43|in|mm}} at Polo Barahona.<ref name="DRrain">{{cite book|author=Roth, David M|year=2008|title=Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima|chapter=Hurricane Flora (1963) rainfall graphic|author2=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|access-date=2012-06-09|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/flora1963filledrainblk.gif}}</ref> Flooding from the hurricane, considered to be the most extensive on record, greatly damaged bridges and roads, with many roads left unpassable for several months after the hurricane struck. Over {{convert|3,800|mi2|km2|abbr=on}} in the western portion of the country were flooded. The hurricane caused about $60&nbsp;million in damage (1963&nbsp;USD) and over 400 deaths.<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti -->

{{Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti}}
While moving across southwestern [[Haiti]], Hurricane Flora produced winds of up to {{convert|120|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} near [[Derez]],<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --> while the capital city of [[Port-au-Prince]] reported peak winds of {{convert|65|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="mic3">{{cite web|author=Ralph L. Higgins|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 3|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau Office|access-date=December 4, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/sju1020c.gif}}</ref> Intense [[rainband]]s dropped torrential precipitation estimated at over {{convert|75|in|mm}} in [[Miragoâne]], with one location recording over {{convert|57|in|mm}} in three days.<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --> One location in the southwestern peninsula recorded {{convert|16|in|mm}} of precipitation in 12 hours.<ref name="mic4">{{cite web|author=Ralph L. Higgins|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 4|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau Office|access-date=December 13, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/sju1020d.gif}}</ref> The [[storm surge]] on the southern coast is unknown, but estimated to exceed {{convert|12|ft|m}}.<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --> Flash floods from the hurricane washed out large sections of several towns, while mudslides buried some entire towns,<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --> resulting in many deaths. Heavy rainfall led to river flooding along the [[Rivière Grise|Grise River]], which crested at {{convert|14|ft|m}} above normal. The flood waters created new channels and washed away entire banana plantations.<ref name="mic3"/>

Strong winds in southwestern Haiti from the hurricane damaged or destroyed hundreds of trees. The path of Flora over the area was best determined by the trajectory of fallen trees across the peninsula. The strong winds left entire villages roofless, with many buildings entirely destroyed. The combination of rough waves and strong winds destroyed three entire communities. Many of those who died in southwestern Haiti suffered from intense burns from strong winds.<ref name="mic4"/> In most areas, crops were entirely destroyed.<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --> The [[coffee]] crop was harvested prior to the arrival of the hurricane, though heavy rainfall and severe flooding ruined the crop for later years. Additionally, strong winds downed shading trees for the coffee crop on the southern peninsula. One official estimated it would require three years for the coffee crop to be replanted and regrown.<ref name="mic3"/>

About 3,500 people were confirmed dead, with several thousands missing at one report five months after the hurricane. It is estimated the passage of Hurricane Flora killed around 5,000 people and caused between $125&nbsp;million and $180&nbsp;million in damage in Haiti (1963&nbsp;USD).<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti -->

===Cuba, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Florida===
{{expand section|date=May 2017}}
{{deadliest Atlantic hurricanes|align=right}}
Strong northerly winds from Flora eroded the northern beaches in the [[Cuba]]n province of [[Camagüey Province|Camagüey]] by up to {{convert|1|km|ft|order=flip}}.<ref name="jose"/> [[Santa Cruz del Sur]] reported strong southerly winds and rough seas. Winds in Cuba reached {{convert|125|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Due to its slow movement across Cuba, the storm dropped extreme rainfall amounts on the eastern side of the island. Isolated locations in Cuba received over {{convert|80|in|mm|abbr=on}} of precipitation,<ref name="NHRCuba"/> with Santiago de Cuba recording {{convert|100.39|in|mm|abbr=on}}, which is the highest rainfall total measured on Cuba from any rainfall event on record.<ref name="CUBARAIN">{{cite web|publisher=Instituto Nacional de Recursos Hidráulicos |year=2003 |title=Lluvias intensas observadas y grandes inundaciones reportadas |language=es |access-date=February 10, 2007 |url=http://www.hidro.cu/hidrologia1.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312215337/http://www.hidro.cu/hidrologia1.htm |archive-date=March 12, 2007 |df=mdy }}</ref> Strong winds and flooding caused significant damage to crops in the region. The storm destroyed about 25% of coffee, 10% of the corn, up to 15% of sugar crops throughout the country, while at least a majority of banana and orange crops were lost. Further, Flora destroyed an estimated 50% of winter rice crops in Camagüey and [[Oriente Province|Oriente]] provinces &ndash; roughly 25% of production nationally. Approximately 50% of cotton was lost in Oriente Province, which produced about half of Cuba's cotton crop.<ref name="CIA">{{cite report|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000331418.pdf|title=The Effects of Hurricane Flora on Cuba|date=November 15, 1963|publisher=[[Central Intelligence Agency]]|access-date=May 25, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124124254/https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000331418.pdf|archivedate=January 24, 2017}}</ref>

Many citizens were left stranded at the tops of their homes. Floodwaters damaged or destroyed tens of thousands of homes throughout Cuba. A tabulation complete through October&nbsp;20 indicated that the storm damaged approximately 21,000&nbsp;homes and destroyed more than 11,000&nbsp;others in Oriente Province alone.<ref name="CIA"/> Throughout the country, the hurricane destroyed as many as 30,000&nbsp;dwellings.<ref name="lap">{{cite book|author=Louis A. Pérez|title=Cuba: Between Reform and Revolution|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=New York City, New York|date=October 1, 2014|page=6|isbn=978-0199301447|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sri6BwAAQBAJ&q=500+million+cuba+hurricane+flora&pg=PA6|access-date=November 27, 2015}}</ref> Many bridges, highways, and railroads, particularly in Oriente Province, became impassable due to flooding, landslides, and washouts. However, much of the damage was incurred to secondary highways and railways.<ref name="CIA"/> Overall, Flora caused about $500&nbsp;million in damage in Cuba and approximately 1,750&nbsp;fatalities.<ref name="GORDON63"/><ref name="lap"/>

Heavy rainfall fell across the island of Jamaica due to southwest flow into the mountains on Flora's southern periphery over several days. The maximum amount recorded was {{convert|60|in|mm}} at Spring Hill persistent,{{Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima}} which led to numerous landslides across the eastern portion of the island.<ref name="uwi">{{cite web|url=http://www.mona.uwi.edu/cardin/virtual_library/docs/1139/1139.pdf|title=Assessment of Rainfall Characteristics and Landslide Hazards in Jamaica|author=Ahmad Rafi|author2=Lawrence Brown|work=Jamaica National Meteorological Service|publisher=[[University of Wisconsin]]|page=27|date=January 10, 2006|access-date=June 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015154045/http://www.mona.uwi.edu/cardin/virtual_library/docs/1139/1139.pdf|archive-date=October 15, 2014}}</ref>  Damage to the island totaled $11.9&nbsp;million (1963 dollars).<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti --> Rough seas from Flora affected the Bahamas and the southeastern Florida coast on October 5 as the hurricane stalled over Cuba, keeping small craft in port,<ref name="Newport1">{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|publisher=Newport Daily News |year=1963 |title=Flora Batters Eastern Cuba |access-date=December 22, 2006 |url=http://www.thehurricanearchive.com/Viewer.aspx?img=55853750&firstvisit=true&currentResult=1&currentPage=0 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="Oshkosh1">{{cite web|author=Oshkosh Daily Northwestern |publisher=Oshkosh Daily Northwestern |year=1963 |title=Hurricane Weakening, Florida Danger Lessens |access-date=December 22, 2006 |url=http://www.thehurricanearchive.com/Viewer.aspx?img=17809369&firstvisit=true&currentResult=2&currentPage=0 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> and hurricane-force winds affected [[Ragged Island, Bahamas|Ragged Island]] later that day. Rainfall amounts peaked at {{convert|17.19|in|mm}} at Duncan Town, in the Bahamas.<ref name="WPCMAX"/> Damage to the island [[archipelago]] reached $1.5&nbsp;million (1963 dollars).<ref name="GORDON63"/><!-- defined by Template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti -->

==Aftermath==
{{See also|List of retired Atlantic hurricane names}}
[[File:Hurricane Flora 1963 Haiti rescue operations.jpg|thumb|Haitians isolated by Flora awaiting rescue. [[USS Lake Champlain (CV-39)|USS ''Lake Champlain'']] and [[USS Thetis Bay|USS ''Thetis Bay'']] launched marine helicopters that evacuated 347 storm victims and distributed 330,105 lb of relief supplies.]]
In [[Tobago]], the great agricultural damage from Flora caused the crop plantations to be abandoned. As a result, the economy of the island changed towards tourism.<ref name="tobagodive"/> The destruction of the Tobagonian rainforests resulted in a continual decline of agriculture on the island due to animals previously in the forest eating the crops for food.<ref name="tobnew1">{{cite news|newspaper=Tobago News|title=Cocrico killing agriculture|access-date=November 28, 2006|date=July 29, 2005|url=http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/article?id=3451662 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20051028142439/http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/article?id=3451662 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 28, 2005 }}</ref> The passage of the hurricane reduced the height of the rainforest canopy above {{convert|800|ft|m|abbr=on}} by half. Twenty-five years passed before the canopy reached its previous height.<ref name="trintobnew3">{{cite news|author=Patricia Turpin|date=September 30, 2004|title='Ivan the Terrible' and the trees|access-date=November 28, 2006|newspaper=Tobago News|url=http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/article?id=1139564 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070927223354/http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/article?id=1139564 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref>

In the [[Dominican Republic]], damage reports were largely unknown by a month after the hurricane passed the island, primarily in the [[Provinces of the Dominican Republic|western provinces]]. There, roads were still impassable, large areas remained without electricity, and helicopters could not land in remote areas due to mud, silt, and up to {{convert|3|ft|m|abbr=on}} of water in all landing fields. One official estimated several months would pass before survey teams could obtain information on loss of life and overall damages.<ref name="mic1">{{cite report|author=Ralph L. Higgins|date=November 20, 1963|title=Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti|page=1|publisher=Weather Bureau Office San Juan, Puerto Rico|access-date=May 7, 2020|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/sju1020a.gif}}</ref>

Hurricane Flora had a lasting impact on Cuba's [[disaster risk reduction]] policies. The extensive damage and loss of life led the Cuban government to institutionalize disaster preparedness as a central part of state governance. The event catalyzed the development of Cuba's [[Civil Defense]] system, integrating community-based preparedness and centralized response mechanisms, which significantly reduced mortality in subsequent hurricanes.<ref name="Gustav"/> The [[Politics of Cuba|government of Cuba]] implemented further restrictions on ongoing rations, including adding rations on sugar for the first time in the country's history.<ref name="CIA"/> Amidst a political crisis between Cuba and the United States, the [[List of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies|Cuban Red Cross]] refused aid from the [[American Red Cross]], referring to the offer of aid as hypocritical "by a country [the United States] that is trying to destroy us [Cuba] with economic blockades and other measures."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/50412187/the-miami-herald/|title=Fidel Ups Flora Toll To 500|date=October 13, 1963|newspaper=Miami Herald|page=27-A|access-date=May 7, 2020|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The [[Soviet Union]] delivered large quantities of food, medicine, and other supplies vital to recovery, while the other [[Satellite state#Soviet satellite states|satellite states in Europe]] promised aid. [[China]] sent medicine and powdered milk totaling about $200,000 in value while also contributing the same amount in cash.<ref name="CIA"/>

=== Retirement ===
Due to the severe damage and loss of life the hurricane caused across the Caribbean, the name ''Flora'' was retired from the rotating list of Atlantic tropical cyclone names by the [[Weather Bureau]] in the fall of 1963. It was replaced with [[List of storms named Fern|''Fern'']] for the [[1967 Atlantic hurricane season|1967 season]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EtAlAAAAIBAJ&dq=hurricane%20names&pg=3748%2C4222769|title=Flora, There'll never be another you|date=October 9, 1963|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|access-date=February 10, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=http://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2008/summ0708.htm|title=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary August 2007|author=Padgett, Gary|date=November 30, 2007|access-date=April 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606010056/http://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2008/summ0708.htm|archive-date=June 6, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/Publications/NatHurricaneOpsPlans/HOPs-1967.pdf|page=61|publisher=Interdepartmental Committee for Meteorological Services|location=Washington, D.C.|title=1967 National Hurricane Plan|date=May 1967|access-date=April 3, 2024}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
* [[List of Atlantic hurricanes]]
* [[List of South America tropical cyclones]]
* [[List of wettest tropical cyclones]]
* [[List of the wettest tropical cyclones by country#Cuba|List of wettest tropical cyclones in Cuba since 1963]]
* [[List of Cuba hurricanes]]

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes}}
{{Retired Atlantic hurricanes}}
{{1963 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1963 Atlantic hurricane season|Flora]]
[[Category:Cape Verde hurricanes|Flora]]
[[Category:Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes|Flora]]
[[Category:Retired Atlantic hurricanes|Flora]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in the Windward Islands|Flora]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Grenada|Flora]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Trinidad and Tobago|Flora]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Haiti|Flora]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in the Dominican Republic|Flora]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Cuba|Flora]]
[[Category:1963 in the Dominican Republic]]
[[Category:History of British Grenada]]
[[Category:1963 in Cuba]]