Hurricane Gabrielle (2001)

Infobox Hurricane
Name=Hurricane Gabrielle
Type=hurricane
Year=2001
Basin=Atl
Image location=Hurricane Gabrielle 17 sept 2001 1801Z.jpg


Formed=September 11, 2001
Dissipated=September 19, 2001
1-min winds=70
Pressure=975
Da

Inflated=1
Fatalities=2 direct, 1 indirect
Areas=Florida, Newfoundland
Hurricane season=2001 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Gabrielle was, at the time of landfall near Venice, Florida, a strong tropical storm that produced a torrential amount of rain. The storm caused 3 deaths, one of those indirect.

Meteorological history

By September 5, a weak low- to mid-level trough was nearly stationary a short distance off the southeastern coastline of the United States. It remained stationary for several days,cite web|author=Miles Lawrence and Eric Blake|year=2001|title=Hurricane Gabrielle Tropical Cyclone Report|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-02-27|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2001gabrielle.html] and on September 11 a low-level circulation developed about convert|125|mi|km south-southeast of Charleston. With minimal associated convection,cite web|author=Avila|year=2001|title=September 8 Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-02-28|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Outlook-A/2001/Sep/2001090815.ABNT20] the system degenerated into an open trough as it drifted southwestward due to weak steering currents.cite web|author=Beven|year=2001|title=September 8 Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=NHC|accessdate=2007-02-28|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Outlook-A/2001/Sep/2001090903.ABNT20] The broad feature extending from the Bahamas to the eastern Gulf of Mexico gradually developed a mid-level center by September 9 over Florida. A surface low pressure area developed on September 10 over the eastern Gulf of Mexico,cite web|author=Stewart|year=2001|title=September 10 Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=NHC|accessdate=2007-02-28|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Outlook-A/2001/Sep/2001091009.ABNT20] and despite disorganized convection conditions favored further development.cite web|author=Pasch & Franklin|year=2001|title=September 10 Tropical Weather Outlook (2)|publisher=NHC|accessdate=2007-02-28|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Outlook-A/2001/Sep/2001091021.ABNT20] The low gradually became better organized,cite web|author=Pasch|year=2001|title=September 11 Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=NHC|accessdate=2007-02-28|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Outlook-A/2001/Sep/2001091115.ABNT20] and by September 11 the low was well-organized enough with sufficiently organized convection for the National Hurricane Center to classify it as Tropical Depression Eightcite web|author=Pasch|year=2001|title=Tropical Depression Eight Discussion One|publisher=NHC|accessdate=2007-02-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al082001.discus.001.html] while located about 170 miles (270 km) west-northwest of Key West, Florida.

Located in an environment of weak steering currents, the depression drifted to the west-southwest. Northerly wind shear and the presence of an upper-level low near the system initially prevented further organization, leaving the center of the depression poorly defined with minimal convection.cite web|author=Franklin|year=2001|title=Tropical Depression Eight Discussion Two|publisher=NHC|accessdate=2007-02-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al082001.discus.002.html] The depression gradually became better organized as it slowly executed a small counter-clockwise loop, and early on September 12 the system developed increased banding features over the eastern half of its circulation.cite web|author=Stewart|year=2001|title=Tropical Depression Eight Discussion Three|publisher=NHC|accessdate=2007-02-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al082001.discus.003.html] By early on September 13 the upper level outflow over the depression became much more conducive for intensification, though at the surface the circulation initially remained very broad with light winds around the center.cite web|author=Franklin|year=2001|title=Tropical Depression Eight Discussion Six|publisher=NHC|accessdate=2007-02-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al082001.discus.006.html] Shortly thereafter, deep convection developed and persisted near the center,cite web|author=Stewart|year=2001|title=Tropical Depression Eight Discussion Seven|publisher=NHC|accessdate=2007-02-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al082001.discus.007.html] and at 1200 UTC on September 13 the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Gabrielle while located about convert|200|mi|km southwest of Venice, Florida. Under the influence of a mid-level trough, the storm accelerated northeastward and quickly intensified despite increasing amounts of westerly wind shear. Its center reformed several times under the deep convection, and on September 14 Gabrielle made landfall near Venice, Florida with winds of convert|70|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on. At the time, Hurricane Hunters reported gusts to hurricane force,cite web|author=Avila|year=2001|title=Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Eleven|publisher=NHC|accessdate=2007-02-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al082001.discus.011.html] cite web|author=Beven|year=2001|title=Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Twelve|publisher=NHC|accessdate=2007-02-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al082001.discus.012.html] and the National Hurricane Center indicated the possibility that Gabrielle made landfall as a hurricane.

Land interaction and vertical wind shear quickly weakened Gabrielle over land; its convection decreased markedly with the strongest remaining convection remaining well to the northeast of the center.cite web|author=Beven|year=2001|title=Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Thirteen|publisher=NHC|accessdate=2007-02-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al082001.discus.013.html] Upon reaching the Atlantic Ocean 18 hours after it made landfall with winds of convert|45|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on, one forecaster at the National Hurricane Center remarked that the storm resembled an occluded frontal low, with a large circulation devoid of convection in a non-symmetric wind field.cite web|author=Avila|year=2001|title=Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Fifteen|publisher=NHC|accessdate=2007-02-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al082001.discus.015.html] Another forecaster likened the storm to a subtropical cyclone due to dry air continuing to limit organization.cite web|author=Beven|year=2001|title=Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Sixteen|publisher=NHC|accessdate=2007-02-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al082001.discus.016.html] On September 15, convection gradually developed closer to the center, though operationally forecasters were unsure whether the convection was in association with Gabrielle or to a cold front to its west.cite web|author=Beven|year=2001|title=Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Seventeen|publisher=NHC|accessdate=2007-02-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al082001.discus.017.html] A Hurricane Hunters flight into the system reported the center of Gabrielle became elongated, resembling a trough, with one forecaster considering the storm on the verge of becoming an extratropical cyclone.cite web|author=Pasch|year=2001|title=Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Nineteen|publisher=NHC|accessdate=2007-02-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al082001.discus.019.html] Shortly thereafter, convection increased near the center as the storm became stronger and better organized.cite web|author=Stewart|year=2001|title=Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Twenty|publisher=NHC|accessdate=2007-02-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al082001.discus.020.html]

Despite strong amounts of wind shear, Gabrielle intensified to attain hurricane status early on September 17 while located about 350 miles (560 km) to the west of Bermuda. Continuing northeastward, the hurricane strengthened slightly further to reach peak winds of convert|80|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on about convert|230|mi|km northwest of Bermuda. Shortly thereafter, a banding eye briefly developed in the center of the convection.cite web|author=Stewart|year=2001|title=Hurricane Gabrielle Discussion Twenty-Five|accessdate=2007-02-28|publisher=NHC|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al082001.discus.025.html] However, increased wind shear diminished the convection, and Gabrielle weakened to tropical storm status September 18.cite web|author=Avila & Cobb|year=2001|title=Hurricane Gabrielle Discussion Twenty-Six|accessdate=2007-02-28|publisher=NHC|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al082001.discus.026.html] By early on September 19, wind shear dissipated nearly all of the associated deep convection, and Gabrielle transitioned into an extratropical cyclone about convert|350|mi|km south of Newfoundland. The extratropical remnant continued to the northeast, passing a short distance southeast of Newfoundland before restrengthening to reach winds of convert|75|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on. The storm weakened, and on September 21 the extratropical remnant of Gabrielle merged with another extratropical storm over the far northern Atlantic Ocean.

Preparations

Shortly after Gabrielle become a tropical storm, the National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning from Craig Key through the Dry Tortugas in the Florida Keys and along the Florida west coast from Flamingo to the mouth of the Suwanee River. Additionally, a hurricane watch was issued from Chokoloskee to Tarpon Springs. The next day, a tropical storm warning was issued for Lake Okeechobee and the Florida east coast from Jupiter to Saint Augustine.

The government of Bermuda issued a gale warning for the island before changing it to a tropical storm warning on September 16.cite web|author=Lawrence|year=2001|title=Hurricane Gabrielle Discussion Twenty-Two|publisher=NHC|accessdate=2007-02-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al082001.discus.022.html]

The Newfoundland Weather Center issued severe weather warnings for portions of Atlantic Canada prior to the arrival of the extratropical remnant of Gabrielle.cite web|author=Canadian Hurricane Centre|year=2002|title=2001 Tropical Cyclone Season Summary|accessdate=2007-02-27|url=http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/storm01.html] Rough sea warnings were issued for waters off of the Avalon Peninsula of eastern Newfoundland, and fishermen were recommended to remain away from the ocean.cite news|author=Staff Writer|date=2001-09-20|title=Hurricane-force Gabrielle smashes Newfoundland|publisher=CBC News|accessdate=2007-02-27|url=http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2001/09/19/storm010919.html]

Impact

United States

Upon making landfall, Gabrielle produced moderate winds along coastal areas of western Florida, reaching convert|58|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on at Venice. High tides from rough waves and the storm surge reached convert|6.2|ft|m, the highest tide since 1926. The tide flooded the northern shoreline of Charlotte Harbor and at the entrance to the Peace River, while further to the south a surge of greater than convert|3|ft|m inundated the barrier island at Fort Myers Beach and flooded some cars. Beach erosion was common in the areas where the storm surge was greatest, as well.cite web|author=Tampa, Florida National Weather Service|year=2001|title=Report on Tropical Storm Gabrielle|accessdate=2007-03-01|url=http://www.srh.noaa.gov/tbw/html/tbw/2003/gabrielle.html]

While crossing the state, the storm produced locally strong winds along the Atlantic Florida coastline, peaking at convert|59|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on at Saint Augustine.

Gabrielle, at the time a tropical storm, produced a torrential amount of rain over the state of Florida. Amounts added up to between the 4-7 inch range along its track. A foot of rain fell in Volusia and Lake counties in northeast Florida. Other reports of urban flooding and river flooding was also acknowledged throughout the state. In addition to the severe flooding of up to one foot, many reports of tornadoes also poured in. In all, there were eighteen reports of twisters as Gabrielle came ashore.

The FAA had grounded private aircraft following the tragic events of the terrorist attacks on the very day that this storm formed. As the storm approached an exemption was issued for Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama. Owners were able to evacuate their aircraft and provide emergency relief flights after the storm passed. [http://www.aopa.org/page_2.html#n4ga]

In all, Gabrielle killed two people directly and one indirectly. A fifteen-year-old boy died of drowning in Winter Springs, Florida. Another died due to a rip current off the coastline of Alabama. The indirect death was the cause of an individual falling off a boat and drowning due to intoxication.

Bermuda and Canada

In Bermuda, the combination of Gabrielle and the cold front to its west dropped about 1.8 inches of precipitation in a 4 day period. Wind gusts peaked at convert|55|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on in an outer rainband. No damage was reported in the territory.cite web|author=Bermuda Weather Service|year=2001|title=September 2001 Tropical Cyclone Summary|accessdate=2007-02-28|url=http://www.weather.bm/data/2001-09.html]

The extratropical remnant of Gabrielle passed a short distance south of Newfoundland, the second cyclone in less than a week to affect the area. The storm produced moderately strong wind gusts of over 60 mph (100 km) across the southern portion of the island, including a peak gust of 80 mph (130 km/h) at Cape Race. The storm also produced rough seas of up to 36 feet (11 m) in height. The remnant of Gabrielle dropped heavy rainfall in a short amount of time across Newfoundland, with one station at Cape Race recording convert|1.9|in|mm in just 1 hour. The rainfall set the all time 6 hour precipitation record at St. John's, with a total of convert|3.54|in|mm.cite web|author=Canadian Hurricane Centre|year=2001|title=Backgrounder: 2001 Canadian Hurricane Season|accessdate=2007-02-27|url=http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/press/02-06-03back_e.html] Rainfall peaked at 6.9 inches (175 mm) at the Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John's.

In St. John's, the rainfall caused severe flooding, with the mayor of the city considering Gabrielle "the worst storm in 100 years". There, the flooding washed out roads and parking lots, and also flooded some basements with several feet (1 m) of water. There were multiple reports of sewers unable to accompany the excess of water. Hurricane force wind gusts canceled flights and left thousands without power, telephone, or heat.cite web|author=Canadian Hurricane Centre|year=2002|title=The Top 10 Canadian Weather Stories for 2001|accessdate=2007-03-01|url=http://www.msc-smc.ec.gc.ca/media/top10/2001_e.html] Hundreds of homes and buildings were damaged by the passage of Gabrielle, totaling several million dollars in damage.cite news|author=Staff Writer|date=2001-09-21|title=Newfoundland seeks federal help for flood damage|publisher=CBC News|accessdate=2007-02-27|url=http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2001/09/21/gabrielle010921.html]

Aftermath

In response to the flooding in St. John's, Newfoundland, the city mayor activated the city's Emergency Preparedness Program. On September 27, about a week after the passage of the storm, the Emergency Measures Organization began accepting applications for flood-related damage.cite web|author=Sean Kelly|date=2001-09-27|title=Minister provides update on disaster assistance resulting from Hurricane Gabrielle|publisher=Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Municipal and Provincial Affairs|accessdate=2007-02-27|url=http://www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2001/mpa/0927n05.htm] By about a month after the storm, 169 applications were processed, with an additional 1,762 received by the Emergency Measures Organization. Eligibility for the disaster assistance included restoration to property or household items of an essential nature.cite web|author=Lynn Hammond|date=2001-10-19|title=Questions and answers concerning assistance for damages caused by Tropical Storm Gabrielle|publisher=Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Municipal and Provincial Affairs|accessdate=2007-02-27|url=http://www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2001/mpa/0927n05.htm] A few days after the passage of the storm, the government of Newfoundland appealed to the federal government for federal disaster relief fund; the government later approved.cite web|author=Staff Writer|date=2001-11-26|title=Ottawa offering aid to Gabrielle victims|publisher=CBC News|accessdate=2007-02-27|url=http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2001/11/26/gabrielle011126.html] Ultimately, disaster relief assistance totaled $6.3 million (2001 CAD), primarily to individual assistance.cite web|author=Newfoundland and Labrador Fire & Emergency Services|accessdate=2007-02-27|year=2006|title=Recent Disasters in Newfoundland|url=http://www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/lands/sm/pdf/03_fred_hollett.pdf]

The name Gabrielle was not retired, and was re-used in 2007.

ee also

* List of Atlantic hurricanes
* List of Florida hurricanes

References

External links

* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2001gabrielle.html National Hurricane Center Tropical Cyclone Report on Gabrielle]
* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/GABRIELLE_text.html US National Hurricane Center Tropical Storm Gabrielle advisory archive]
* [http://www.hoa.gov.nl.ca/hoa/links/Citrep/Final%20PUBLIC%20GABRIELLE.pdf Canada Aftermath]