Hurricane Gaston (2004)

Infobox Hurricane
Name=Hurricane Gaston
Type=hurricane
Year=2004
Basin=Atl
Image location=Hurricane Gaston 2004.jpg


Formed=August 26, 2004
Dissipated=September 3, 2004
1-min winds=65
Pressure=986
Da

Inflated=0
Fatalities=8 direct, 1 indirect
Areas=South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts
Hurricane season=2004 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Gaston was a minimal hurricane that made landfall in South Carolina on August 29, 2004. It then crossed North Carolina and Virginia before exiting to the northeast and dissipating. The storm killed nine people — eight of them directly — and caused $130 million (2004 USD) in damage. Gaston produced torrential downpours that inundated Richmond, Virginia. Although originally designated a tropical storm, Gaston was reclassified as a hurricane when post-storm analysis revealed it had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (Category 1 hurricane strength). [Franklin, James L. [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2004gaston.shtml NHC Report on Gaston] National Hurricane CenterRetrieved: August 31, 2006]

Meteorological history

On August 22, 2004, a cold front—the same front which eventually spawned Tropical Storm Hermine—moved off the coast of the Carolinas and drifted southward before stalling on August 24. On August 25, Surface observations indicated that a broad low pressure area developed along the deteriorating frontal boundary. Convection remained sporadic and disorganized, until thunderstorm activity began to increase and the system developed banding structure on August 26. At 1200 UTC on August 27, the low organized, and was designated as Tropical Depression Seven while located about convert|130|mi|km|abbr=on|lk=on east-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina.Cite web|author=James L. Franklin, Daniel P. Brown and Colin McAdie|title=Hurricane Gaston Tropical Cyclone Report|year=2004|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-04-15|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/TCR-AL072004_Gaston.pdf]

Because steering currents were initially weak, the depression was nearly stationary in movement, although forecasts predicted a ridge to the northeast of the system would gradually steer it to the west. The cyclone was situated over warm ocean waters and contained good anticyclonic flow, leading forecast models to predict at least moderate intensification. [cite web|author=Stewart/Beven|title=Tropical Depression 7 Discussion Number 1|year=2004|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-05-15|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2004/dis/al072004.discus.001.shtml?] Later that same day, it gradually drifted southwest and convective banding continued to increase. At 1100 UTC on August 28, the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Gaston. An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters aircraft completed a flight into Gaston, revealing that the intensity was higher than previously reported. At the time, it was believed that Gaston had reached peak intensity of convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on, placing it very close to hurricane status. [Cite web|author=Franklin|title=Tropical Storm Gaston Discussion Number 7|year=2004|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-04-15|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2004/dis/al072004.discus.007.shtml?] However, during post-season analysis, it was discovered that Gaston had briefly attained Category 1 Hurricane intensity at 1800 UTC on August 28. At 1400 UTC on August 29, Gaston made landfall at Awendaw, South Carolina, between Charleston and McClellanville, as a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 km/h). The storm quickly weakened to a tropical storm as it continued northward through South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, and it began to gradually move north-northeastward. [Cite web|author=Pasch|title=Tropical Storm Gaston Discussion Number 9|year=2004|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-04-17|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2004/dis/al072004.discus.009.shtml?] At 0000 UTC on August 30, the storm weakened to a tropical depression over northeastern South Carolina. As it accelerated to the northeast, it emerged in the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay and regained tropical storm status late on August 30.cite web|author=Stewart|title=Tropical Storm Gaston Discussion Number 14|year=2004|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-04-17|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2004/dis/al072004.discus.014.shtml?] Initially, the system maintained a good radar signature, although satellite imagery soon indicated that convection became limited in intensity and coverage. Also, a front-like band appeared to be forming southeast of the center, which indicated signs of weakening.Cite web|author=Beven|title=Tropical Storm Gaston Discussion Number 15|year=2004|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-04-17|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2004/dis/al072004.discus.015.shtml?] At 0600 UTC on August 31, Gaston crossed the Delmarva Peninsula for the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The system began to lose tropical characteristics as it became associated with the frontal system, although there was still some thunderstorm activity wrapped around the center. [cite web|author=Pasch|title=Tropical Storm Gaston Discussion Number 17|year=2004|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-04-17|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2004/dis/al072004.discus.017.shtml?] Forward speed increased to about convert|30|mph|km/h|abbr=on, and over convert|60|F|C water [cite web|author=Franklin|title=Tropical Storm Gaston Discussion Number 18|year=2004|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-04-17|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2004/dis/al072004.discus.018.shtml?] the storm lost all of its tropical characteristics early on September 1, and became a extratropical cyclone south of the Canadian Maritimes. The extratropicalremnants of Gaston were absorbed by a larger extratropical system on September 3, aboutconvert|750|mi|km|abbr=on south-southeast of Reykjavik, Iceland.

Preparations

On August 27, shortly after the formation of Gaston, tropical storm watches were issued for coastal locations from Surf City, North Carolina to Fernandina Beach, Florida. On August 28, a tropical storm warning was put into effect from the Savannah River to the inlet of the Little River; shortly after, the tropical storm watch was modified to a hurricane at 0000 UTC on August 29. At 0300 UTC the tropical storm watch that was issued from Surf City, North Carolina to Fernandina Beach, Florida was upgraded to a tropical storm warning, and all other tropical storm watches were upgraded to tropical storm warnings. At 1500 UTC, all hurricane watches and warnings were discontinued and by 0000 UTC on August 30, all advisories were subsequently discontinued.

In South Carolina, residents living in low-lying Charleston and Georgetown counties as well as those living in mobile homes were urged to evacuate or move to higher grounds.Cite web|author=Associated Press|title=S.C Hit by Tropical Storm Gaston|year=2004|publisher=Insurance Journal|accessdate=2008-04-22|url=http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2004/08/30/45386.htm] No mandatory evacuations were ordered, although voluntary evacuations were advised for the Barrier Island.Cite web|author=Charleston, SC NWS|title=Tropical Storm Gaston Post-Tropical Storm Report|year=2004|publisher=|accessdate=2008-04-22|url=http://www.erh.noaa.gov/chs/text/PSHCHS_09032004.txt] In those locations and other coastal counties, it is estimated that 100–200 people sought protection in 6 shelters. In Charleston and surrounding areas, bridges were closed to large vehicles and trucks. In anticipation of Gaston, mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr advised, "The best advice for everyone is to stay put. Stay put, don't go out please. This will be past us quickly and let's just stay out of harm's way and get it behind us."Cite web|author=Associated Press|title=S.C Hit by Tropical Storm Gaston|year=2004|publisher=Insurance Journal|accessdate=2008-04-22|url=http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2004/08/30/45386.htm]

By August 29, flood watches were in effect for eastern South Carolina and eastern and southern North Carolina. [Cite web|author=Halbach|title=Tropical Storm Gaston Advisory Number 10|year=2004|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|accessdate=2008-04-22|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical2004/GASTON/GASTON_10.html] On August 30, flood warnings were issued for portions of central Virginia, and tornado watches were put into effect for parts of southeast Virginia and northern North Carolina. [cite web|author=Ladar|title=Tropical Storm Gaston Advisory Number 13|year=2004|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|accessdate=2008-04-22|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical2004/GASTON/GASTON_13.html] In Charlotte, North Carolina, an estimated 30 National Guard soldiers were activated to assist in helping in flooded areas. [Cite web|author=Associated Press|title=Weakened Gaston to bring North Carolina wind, rain|year=2004|publisher=|accessdate=2008-04-22|url=http://www.wcnc.com/hurricane/stories/082904ccjrWCNCcancelled.c543ebbd.html]

Impact

outh Carolina

On August 29, Gaston made landfall near Bulls Bay with maximum sustained winds of convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on|lk=on. At the Isle of Palms, a gust of convert|81|mph|km/h|abbr=on was reported by a storm chaser. Widespread wind damage occurred in northern Charleston County and in Berkeley County. The high winds blew down numerous trees and branches, destroying eight homes. In total over 3,000 structures sustained minor to significant damage, and trees fell on several vehicles. Several lamp posts, power lines, mailboxes, signs and fences were damaged or destroyed by fallen debris. The heaviest rain fell from Williamsburg County, through Florence and Darlington counties,Cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Event report for Tropical Storm Gaston (2)|year=2004|publisher=|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~553563] where rainfall amounts ranged from convert|5|in|mm|abbr=on|lk=on to over convert|10|in|mm|abbr=on|lk=on. This resulted in flash flooding, up to convert|5|ft|m|abbr=on|lk=on deep in some cases, which overwashed and closed several roads. The Lumber River crested at a record high of nearly 8 feet above flood stage, forcing the evacuation of many homes and flooding farmlands. In Berkeley County, 20 structures were severely damaged or destroyed, and dozens of other structures suffered minor flooding damage.

One F1 tornado was reported in Marlboro County, although damage was unknown. Storm surge ranged from Convert|4|ft|m|abbr=on to convert|4.5|ft|m|abbr=on feet in Bulls Bay. There was also minor beach erosion at Bald Head Island and on the east side of Ocean Isle Beach. In all, damage rose to over $16 million (2004 USD).During the height of the storm over 150,000 costumers were without power.cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Event report for Tropical Storm Gaston|year=2004|publisher=|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~553561]

North Carolina

Gaston tracked into North Carolina as a tropical depression early on August 30, producing up to convert|6.10|in|mm|abbr=on|lk=on of rain near Red Springs. Wind gusts peaked at convert|45|mph|km/h|abbr=on|lk=on at the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport. Also, the Elizabeth City Coast Guard Air Station reported gusts of convert|39|mph|km/h|abbr=on|lk=on.Cite web|author=National Weather Service, Raleigh NC|title=Hurricane Gaston Event Report|year=2004|publisher=National Weather Service|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~nwsfo/storage/cases/20040830/] These winds knocked out power to 6,500 customers.Cite web|author=The Associated Press|title=Gaston Recap|publisher=The Palm Beach Post|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/storm/content/weather/special/storm/2004/atlantic/gaston/news.html] In Chatham County and Johnston County, numerous trees were blown down. A fallen tree landed on a post office, inflicting damage to the roof and back porch. [Cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=North Carolina event report for Tropical Depression Gaston|year=2004|publisher=|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~548424] Windspread flooding occurred as a result of the heavy rainfall. In Raleigh, the Marsh Creek overflowed it's banks, flooding several trucks and closing numerous onramps to Interstate 40. [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=North Carolina event report for Tropical Depression Gaston (2)|year=2004|publisher=|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~548425] Persistent rainfall on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge caused the Linville River near Linville to rapidly rise, flooding a bridge. Many other small creeks and rivers overflowed which forced some evacuations in the early hours of the morning. [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=North Carolina event report for Tropical Depression Gaston (3)|year=2004|publisher=|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~548433] In Selma, convert|6|in|mm|abbr=on to convert|12|in|mm|abbr=on of water was reported on Interstate 95. [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=North Carolina event report for Tropical Depression Gaston (4)|year=2004|publisher=|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~548427] Additionally, a tornado spawned by the storm damaged several homes in Hoke County.

Virginia

As the storm tracked northward through Virginia as a tropical depression, it produced torrential rainfall, peaking at Convert|12.60|in|mm|abbr=on|lk=on in Richmond. [cite web|author=David Roth|title=Hurricane Gaston rainfall summary|year=2004|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain//gaston2004.html] There were also numerous reports of rainfall over convert|10|in|mm|abbr=on|lk=on, primarily in the central portions of the state. The heavy precipitation caused moderate to severe damage in Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Hanover, Henrico, and Prince George counties, where 350 homes and 230 businesses were damaged or destroyed, and many roads were closed due to high water. The town of Hanover, Virginia reported almost a foot of rain, 11.7 inches to be exact. The heaviest–hit location was downtown Richmond, where 20 blocks of the city were under water. In the historic district, a brick building collapsed and dozens of other structures received flood damage as water reached convert|10|ft|m|abbr=on|lk=on in some places.Cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Tropical Storm Gaston Event Report|year=2004|publisher=|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~560472] It is estimated that 29 homes were declared uninhabitable. [Cite web|author=Robb Crocker and Matthew Philips|title=Back To Business|year=2004|publisher=|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=http://www.richmond.com/print.aspx?articleId=6123] At the Richmond battlefield, a foot of standing water left $32,500 (2004 USD) in damage. [Cite web|author=Civil War News|title=Winds And Rain Hit City Point & Richmond|year=2004|publisher=|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=http://www.civilwarnews.com/archive/articles/winds_c_point_rich.htm] Rushing water floated automobiles and crashed them into buildings in some parts of the city. [Cite news|author=Associated Press|title=Flooding devastates part of Richmond; Tropical Storm leaves at least 5 dead in Virginia|year=2004|publisher=|accessdate=2008-05-02] Also, over 120 roads were closed within Richmond, with several more in other areas. The stretch of Interstate 95 in the city was closed as flash flooding caused 20 traffic accidents.cite web|author=LISA A. BACON|title=Tropical Storm Gaston Kills Five in Virginia|year=2004|publisher=New York Times|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/01/national/01floods.html] An intersection was closed due to a convert|30|ft|m|abbr=on|lk=on crest as a result of flowing underground water. [Cite news|author=Associated Press|title=Flooding devastates Richmond, Va.: Five people were killed, businesses destroyed from storm's deluge|year=2004|publisher="Charleston Daily Mail"|accessdate=2008-05-02] Along the James River, swift–water rescues were required to bring people who were stranded in their car to safety. Additionally, at least 1,000 people were forced from their homes. In total, damage from flooding in the city totaled to over $20 million (2004 USD) and nine people were killed, eight directly. Gaston touched off numerous tornadoes in the state. In all, 19 tornadoes were confirmed in Virginia.cite web|author=Storm Prediction Center|title=August 30, 2004 event reports|year=2004|publisher=NOAA|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/040830_rpts.html] These were mostly weak, commonly ranking F0 or F1 on the Fujita Scale. Damage from the tornadoes was mostly minor, and typically limited to fallen trees and light structural damage. A tornado in Hopewell downed 25–30 trees and damaged a shed. [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Tropical Storm Gaston Event Report (2)|year=2004|publisher=|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~560453] Also, an F0 tornado in Nottoway County tore metal roofing off the roof of a church. [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Tropical Storm Gaston Event Report (3)|year=2004|publisher=|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~560450]

Atlantic Canada

On August 30, the hurricane produced a shield of rain just off the coast of mainland Nova Scotia, although on Sable Island convert|72|mm|in|abbr=on|lk=on of rain fell in four hours.cite web|author=Canadian Hurricane Centre|title=2004 Tropical Cyclone Season Summary|year=2004|publisher=|accessdate=2008-05-01|url=http://www.ns.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/storm04.html] Other than reports of light rainfall there was no damage and little if any effects in the region.cite web|author=Canadian Hurricane Centre|title=2004 Tropical Cyclone Season Summary|year=2004|publisher=|accessdate=2008-05-01|url=http://www.ns.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/storm04.html]

Aftermath in Richmond

Much of downtown Richmond was a mess; many buildings in the disaster area were condemned. A story in the "Richmond Times-Dispatch" said, "The air downtown is ripe with the smell of fresh mud and rotting vegetables." [ [http://infoweb.newsbank.com.ezproxy.vccs.edu:2048/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_action=doc&p_docid=104E9FA92E2F21C8&p_docnum=12&p_queryname=2&p_product=NPNB&p_theme=aggregated4&p_nbid=G56P4FECMTEzNTAxODc5My43NTc1OTM6MTo1OjEzMTYw Please Log In ] ] On August 31, Governor Mark Warner declared a state of emergency. [ [http://www.palmbeachpost.com/storm/content/weather/special/storm/2004/atlantic/gaston/news.html Storm 2004 Hurricane Season: Gaston ] ]

Consumer concerns

Approximately 2,000 cars and trucks were reported towed from the disaster area following Gaston. Consequently, the flooded-out cars and trucks, known as "flood cars," were sold on used car lots at a cheap price. There were also isolated reports of scamming. [ [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A55387-2004Sep27.html The Scam After the Storm? (washingtonpost.com) ] ]

Economic impact

Many small businesses in the Richmond area were hit hard by the flooding brought by Gaston. While some managed to reopen, some closed for longer periods of time or even permanently. After the storm, city officials cordoned off Shockoe Bottom along between 15th and 18th Streets, south of East Broad Street, so building inspectors and crews from the Department of Public Utilities and Dominion Virginia Power could ensure that the area's stores, restaurants, warehouses and apartments were safe to enter and that there were no gas leaks.

"Property insurance by itself probably won't cover damages"," said a spokesman for the State Corporation Commission. "However, many businesses in the Bottom have flood insurance, since most lenders would make it a requirement in flood-prone areas..."

"The best other businesses can hope for, in the rebuilding process, is federal assistance through grant money and low-interest loans if Richmond is declared a federal disaster area"," he later said. [ [http://timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031777660746&path=%21news%21special%21generic4&s=1058750351796] Dead link|date=March 2008]

The flooding from Gaston also affected VDOT's emergency road repair fund. VDOT estimated that repairing the wrecked roads and bridges would cost $10 to $20 million, and that did not cover damage to streets and roads that Richmond and Henrico Counties maintain. [ [http://timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031777692726&path=%21news%21special%21generic4&s=1058750351796] Dead link|date=March 2008]

Already stretching its budget thin, VDOT had to set $16 million aside for major projects other than snow removal, leaving very little to pay for storm damage. [ [http://timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031777692726&path=%21news%21special%21generic4&s=1058750351796] Dead link|date=March 2008]

Recovery and criticism

After the storm, the Richmond city government poured money into reconstruction and expansion of the drainage system and new emergency-notification technology that officials said would make Richmond ready for future storms. Beginning in 2006, the city had spent $1.9 million on projects to mitigate the impact of major rainfalls. The city had also stepped up the frequency of its inspections and cleanings of the existing drain system, and has installed a new flash flood warning system.

$8.7 million was spent to help the victims of the storm, much of it from FEMA. [ [http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031784713215&path=%21news%21special%21generic4&s=1058750351796] Dead link|date=March 2008] In Shockoe Bottom, most of the buildings were rebuilt and most of the businesses were back up and running. Some business owners say that the relief came too late [ [http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031781759770&path=%21news%21special%21generic4&s=1058750351796] Dead link|date=March 2008] "The city hasn't done anything to 17th Street. It's uglier than when the storm hit"," said one owner of a restaurant that was destroyed in the storm that dropped about a foot of water on downtown Richmond. "It's still a disaster area." Fact|date=February 2007

This sparked criticism of the city government in response to Hurricane Gaston. Many complained about potholes lining the roads, brick sidewalks that were a mess, and faded crosswalks. Also, because of poor drainage, streets are covered with a thick layer of silt and because of the lack of trash cans, storm debris is everywhere.

Even a year later, some of the damage from Gaston still lingered.

Hundreds of people were asking officials of how to recover their homes and businesses wrecked by Gaston in an area the city hopes will drive its economic growth. People wanted to know if their buildings had been condemned and what that meant and they wanted to know when they could return and whether the mud was toxic. They wanted to know whether to pay that month's rent on a building that may no longer be habitable. Some of their questions were answered while others were left unanswered.

Lack of retirement

Despite its effects, the name Gaston was not retired and will be used again in the 2010 season.

ee also

* List of tropical cyclones
* List of Atlantic hurricanes

References

External links

* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2004gaston.shtml? Hurricane Gaston Tropical Cyclone Report]