1856 Last Island hurricane

Infobox Hurricane|Name=1856 Last Island hurricane
Basin=Atl
Type=hurricane
Formed=sometime before August 9, 1856
Dissipated=August 12, 1856
1-min winds=130
Pressure=934
Fatalities=200+
Areas=Louisiana and southwestern Mississippi
Hurricane season=1856 Atlantic hurricane seasonThe Last Island hurricane of 1856 was an intense Atlantic hurricane that destroyed Last Island in southern Louisiana. The first tropical cyclone, first hurricane, and first major hurricane of the season, it rapidly intensified before making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane. The powerful winds and storm surge of 11–12 feet destroyed the island,cite web|author=Hurriane Research Division|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/metadata_master.html#1856_1|title=HURDAT Meta-Data|publisher=NOAA|accessdate=2008-02-19] which was a popular tourist resort.cite web|author=Corley, Linda G.|year=2005|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=HqSYrLvkbh8C&pg=PA293&lpg=PA293&dq=last+island+hurricane&source=web&ots=6VDroZHh2K&sig=-JI4HS3uuCfmQ4d_UKujCxjKF48|title=Buried Treasures|publisher=AuthorHouse|accessdate=2008-02-19] The cyclone killed more than 200 people.

According to modern estimates by NOAA, the storm probably approached Category 5 strength, and its central pressure has been estimated around 934 mbar. It tied with Hurricane Hugo as the tenth most intense hurricane to hit the mainland United States.cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=2004|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastint.shtml|title=The Most Intense Hurricanes in the United States 1851-2004|publisher=NOAA|accessdate=2008-02-19]

Meteorological history

The cyclone was first detected in the eastern Gulf of Mexico 125 miles (200 km) west-northwest of Key West, Florida, on August 8. At the time, it was analyzed as a minimal hurricane by the Atlantic hurricane reanalysis project near Key West, but because it was already a hurricane when it was first observed, it probably had developed further east than here. It steadily advanced northwest, strengthening to the equivalent of a Category 3 hurricane. The hurricane gradually slowed prior to landfall on August 10, and it attained its estimated peak intensity of 150 mph (240 km/h). It was a tropical cyclone of small diameter, and its maximum sustained winds may have reached Category 5 status, but were unrecorded. The eye made landfall on Last Island, Louisiana during the evening hours of August 10. The cyclone is believed to have struck southern Louisiana at peak intensity with an approximate central pressure of 934 mbar (27.58 inHg).cite web|author=Hurricane Research Division|year=2007|title=Atlantic hurricane best track|publisher=NOAA|accessdate=2007-11-12|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/easyhurdat_5106.html] A ship reported a peripheral pressure of 955 mbar (28.20 inHg),cite web|author=Partagas, Jose Fernandez and Dias, H. F.|year=1995|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Landsea/Partagas/1851-1857/1856.pdf|title=Part One: Year 1856|publisher=NOAA|accessdate=2008-02-19] so a lower pressure was based on the small size of the hurricane. It quickly weakened over land, and it diminished to a tropical storm on August 11. It dissipated over southwestern Mississippi on August 12 with fully tropical characteristics.

Impact

The city of New Orleans was inundated with 13.14 inches (335 mm) of rain. Every building in the town of Abbeville, Louisiana, was destroyed. There was severe flooding throughout Plaquemines Parish.cite web|author=Roth, David|url=http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lch/research/lalate19hu.php|title=Louisiana Hurricane History: Late 19th Century|publisher=National Weather Service|accessdate=2008-02-19]

The most destructive effects were felt along the immediate coast near the point of landfall. On the days leading up to August 10, Last Island vacationers noticed the sea churning and were mesmerized by the intensity and forms of the waves. Rev. Robert McAllister, a survivor, later wrote "Each breaker extended to the right and left as far as the eye, straining its vision, could reach... We did not know then as we did afterwards that the voice of those many waters was solemnly saying to us, 'Escape for thy life.'"cite web|url=http://lafourche.com/presbyterian/lastisland.htm|title=A minister tempered by the elements|publisher=Lafourche.com|accessdate=2008-02-19]

On August 9, people noticed a roaring noise out in the gulf, and cattle on the island walked back and forth nervously for hours. On August 10, the weather got worse with the skies turning black, and rain coming down in torrents. The hurricane swept over the island, and the storm lasted for two days. All of the 100 residences on the barrier island were demolished.

A story later emerged, possibly a legend, that the resort guests attended a lavish ball at the hotel, as the hurricane's winds grew in intensity outside. When the storm broke with full force on the 10th, the doomed guests awaited for the "Star", the steamer that serviced the island. However, the ship did not arrive in time. At 4 o'clock, the storm surge engulfed the entire island and destroyed all of the buildings, including the multi-story resort hotel. Certain versions of the tale say that the steamer did reach Last Island, but that it was too late. The pounding waves forced the ship aground, but some survivors managed to save themselves by climbing aboard the wreck.

At least 200 people were killed, and the island itself was split up into the Last Islands (Isles Dernieres). The island reportedly stayed submerged for several days before parts of it reemerged as large sandbars. Following the storm surge, the remains of the "Star" were the only sign that an island had ever existed there. There were approximately 400 vacationers on the island, fewer than half of whom survived. Today, the area is utilized by pelicans and other birds.

Legacy

Lafcadio Hearn's "Chita" (1889) is based on the Last Island hurricane of 1856.

See also

* List of tropical cyclones
* List of Atlantic hurricanes

References

External links

* [http://www.nola.com/hurricane/index.ssf?/washingaway/lastislandswaltz.html NOLA.com article about the storm]
* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastint.shtml NOAA list of intense hurricanes]
* [http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lch/research/lalate19hu.php Louisiana hurricane history]
* [http://lafourche.com/presbyterian/lastisland.htm Robert McAllister's eyewitness account]
* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastdeadlyapp1.shtml The Deadliest Atlantic Tropical Cyclones, 1492-1996]