Tropical Storm Barry (2001)

Infobox Hurricane
Name=Tropical Storm Barry
Type=Tropical storm
Year=2001
Basin=Atl
Image location=Tropical Storm Barry (2001).jpg


Formed=August 2, 2001
Dissipated=August 7, 2001
1-min winds=60
Pressure=990
Da

Inflated=1
Fatalities=2 direct, 7 indirect
Areas=Cuba, Florida, Alabama
Hurricane season=2001 Atlantic hurricane season

Tropical Storm Barry was a strong tropical storm that made landfall on the Florida Panhandle during August 2001. The third tropical cyclone and second named storm of the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season, Barry developed from a tropical wave that moved off the coast of Africa on July 24 and tracked westward. The wave entered the Caribbean on July 29 and spawned a low pressure area that organized into Tropical Storm Barry on August 3. After fluctuations in intensity and track, the system attained peak winds of convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on in the Gulf of Mexico, and headed northward before moving ashore on the Gulf Coast.

Unlike the devastating Tropical Storm Allison earlier in the season, Barry's effects were moderate. Nine deaths occurred, six in Cuba and three in Florida. As a tropical cyclone, rainfall peaked at convert|8.9|in|mm|abbr=on at Tallahassee, and winds gusts topped out at convert|79|mph|km/h|abbr=on. The wave that would become Barry dropped large amounts of rain across southern Florida, which led to significant flooding and structural damage. Moderate flooding occurred throughout the Panhandle, where damage was also reported as a result of high wind gusts. As the storm's remnants tracked inland, parts of the Mississippi Valley received light precipitation. Barry is estimated to have caused $30 million (2001 USD, $36.5 million 2008 USD) in damage.

Meteorological history

On July 24, 2001, a tropical wave emerged off the west coast of Africa, and tracked westward across the Atlantic Ocean. Little development occurred until July 28, when convective activity began to increase. The wave moved into the eastern Caribbean on July 29, and while tracking west-northwest convection continued to increase over the next few days. The disturbance emerged into the Gulf of Mexico on August 1, with associated rainfall over southern Florida and the western tip of Cuba. A broad low pressure system with a minimum central pressure of 1014 mb developed along the wave near the Dry Tortugas, at the end of the Florida Keys, that same day, and began to intensify as it moved northwestward. At around 1800 UTC on August 2, an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft investigated the system and discovered that the low had organized into Tropical Storm "Barry". The low developed into a tropical depression six hours earlier, as revealed by post-season analysis.cite web|author=Jack Beven|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Barry|date=April 22, 2001|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-07-17|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2001barry.html] There is uncertainty as to whether the storm actually held tropical characteristics at the time of designation because an upper-level low was situated over the surface center.cite web|author=Jack Beven|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Barry|year=2001|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-07-17|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2001barry.html]

Upon becoming a tropical cyclone, convection wrapped around roughly half of the center. Outflow in the eastern semi-circle was good, although due to upper-level wind shear, it was restricted to southeast of the circulation. [cite web|author=Stewart|title=Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 2|date=August 2, 2001|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-07-17|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al032001.discus.002.html] The cyclone became embedded within a mid- to-upper-level trough between the ridge over the central U.S. and the ridge over the northwestern Caribbean. A strong, upper-level cyclonic shear axis extended from just south of Cape Hatteras to near Brownsville, Texas, which prevented Barry from accelerating in forward speed. [cite web|author=Beven|title=Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 3|date=August 2, 2001|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-07-17|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al032001.discus.003.html] The ridge over the United States weakened, thus collapsing the steering pattern; this resulted in a west-southwestward drifting motion of the tropical storm by around August 3. Early on August 3, strong westerly winds prevailed, and separated the center of circulation from what limited convection remained. [cite web|author=Avila|title=Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 4|August 3, 2004|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-07-17|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al032001.discus.004.html] The storm quickly regained some convection, although maximum sustained winds remained weak, at about 40 mph (60 km/h). [cite web|author=Stewart|title=Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 5|date=August 3, 2004|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-07-17|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al032001.discus.005.html] Despite a slight drop in barometric pressure, post-season analysis revealed Barry weakened into a tropical depression early on August 4 due to the persistent wind shear and falling external pressure.

At 1800 UTC on August 4 the cyclone re-intensified slightly, and was upgraded to a tropical storm as the shear decreased. [cite web|author=Avila|title=Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 8|date=August 4, 2001|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-07-17|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al032001.discus.008.html] Early on August 5, a strengthening period began as deep convection ignited over and near the low-level center. [cite web|author=Stewart|title=Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 12|date=August 5, 2001|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-07-17|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al032001.discus.012.html] Prior to landfall, banding features developed on the eastern half of the circulation, despite some residual westerly shear. [cite web|author=Franklin|title=Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 15|date=August 5, 2004|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-07-17|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al032001.discus.015.html] Within seven hours the barometric pressure dropped from 1004 mb to 990 mb and overall satellite presentation had begun to improve. Barry reached its peak intensity at 1800 UTC on August 5 with winds of convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on, just shy of hurricane status. An eye formed at around the same time. At 0500 UTC on August 6, Barry increased in forward speed and made landfall at Santa Rosa Beach, Florida with winds of convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on. [cite web|author=Stewart|title=Tropical Storm Barry Discussion Number 17|date=August 6, 2001|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-07-17|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al032001.discus.017.html] Moving inland, the system weakened rapidly to a tropical depression; the National Hurricane Center issued its last advisory on the storm early on August 6. [cite web|author=Franklin|title=Tropical Depression Barry Discussion Number 18|date=August 6, 2004|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-07-17|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2001/dis/al032001.discus.018.html] By the evening hours, maximum sustained winds near the center were around convert|5|mph|km/h|abbr=on to convert|10|mph|km/h|abbr=on as the system slowed significantly and drifted northwest at about convert|7|mph|km/h|abbr=on|lk=on.cite web|author=Pereira|title=HPC Storm Summary #20 for T.D. Barry|date=August 6, 2001|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|accessdate=2008-07-17|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical2001/barry/08070103.html] The depression turned northwestward, and steadily weakened to a remnant low near Memphis, Tennessee on August 7, and the low dissipated on August 8 over southeastern Missouri.

Preparations

In advance of the storm, the National Hurricane Center issued tropical storm watches and warnings for much of the U.S. Gulf Coast. They were upgraded to a hurricane warning when the storm was predicted to reach hurricane intensity. Because that strengthening failed to occur, the hurricane warning was downgraded to a tropical storm warning shortly before landfall. Westward, the warnings for Louisiana and Mississippi were discontinued. After Tropical Storm Barry made landfall, all tropical storm warnings for the Florida Panhandle were discontinued. Flood warnings were issued for parts of Leon and Wakulla counties, while a flash flood watch was in effect for parts of southern Georgia. A tornado watch was issued for the eastern Florida Panhandle, southern Georgia, as well as portions of central and eastern Alabama. [cite web|author=Roth|title=HPC Storm Summary #19 for T.D. Barry|date=August 6, 2001|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|accessdate=2008-07-18|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical2001/barry/08060121.html]

As Barry approached the Florida Panhandle, voluntary evacuations took place in eight counties.cite web|author=Bill Kaczor|title=Tropical Storm Barry prompts preparations in Florida|date=August 5, 2001|publisher="The Florida Times-Union"|accessdate=2008-07-17|url=http://www.jacksonville.com/apnews/stories/080501/D7DMMK4G2.html] Shelters opened in six counties, though most were placed on standby. In parts of Franklin County, mandatory evacuations were ordered, and in Okaloosa County, tolls on the Mid-Bay Bridge were suspended. [Cite web|author=State Emergency Response Team|title=Tropical Storm Barry Situation Report #2|date=August 5, 2001|publisher=Red Cross|accessdate=2008-07-17|url=http://redcross.tallytown.com/situation/barry-fsr-02.pdf] Forty C-130 cargo aircraft and about 300 personnel from Hurlburt Field were moved to the Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas to flee the storm's projected path. In Tallahassee, county officials filled sandbags in areas vulnerable to flooding. At Grand Isle State Park, Park Rangers moved picnic tables out of tidal range and closed the camping grounds for a period of time. [cite web|author=Janet McConnaughey|title=Residents prepare sandbags for Tropical Storm Barry|date=August 5, 2001|publisher="The Topeka Capital-Journal"|accessdate=2008-07-17|url=http://www.cjonline.com/stories/080501/new_barry.shtml] Additionally, the storm forced NASA to delay a shuttle launch in southern Florida. Elsewhere, thousands of personnel were evacuated from several offshore oil platforms.cite web|author=Stephanie Kriner|title=Barry Strengthens as it Roars Toward Gulf Coast|date=August 5, 2001|publisher=Red Cross|accessdate=2008-07-31|url=http://www.redcross.org/news/ds/hurricanes/010805barry.html] The city of New Orleans closed 60 of its 72 floodgates to avoid possible flooding.cite web|author=Staff Writer|title=Tropical storm hits Florida|date=August 6, 2001|publisher=BBC|accessdate=2008-07-17|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/1474369.stm] Throughout southeastern Louisiana, including New Orleans, roughly 500 Red Cross volunteers and staff members were on standby. The threat of the storm forced the cancellation of an 'N Sync concert at Pro Player Stadium. [cite web|author=Thom Smith|title='N Sync to play benefit concert in South Beach|date=October 12, 2001|publisher="The Palm Beach Post"|accessdate=2008-07-22|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-47498224.html]

Impact

Cuba and Florida

The wave that would eventually become Barry dropped widespread rainfall in western Cuba, though no damages were reported. Offshore, high seas sank a Cuban refugee boat, drowning six of its 28 passengers.

Three people in Florida were killed by the storm, and total damage is estimated at around $30 million (2001 USD, $36.5 million 2008 USD). In southern Florida, the precursor to Barry produced 3 in (75 mm) to convert|8|in|mm|abbr=on, with rainfall peaking at convert|13|in|mm|abbr=on. The rain helped relieve persistent drought conditions, though it caused significant flooding in Martin County on August 2, where a total of 300 homes received water damage. About 63 structures and 6 mobile homes in the county sustained major damage. [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Tropical Storm Barry Florida Event Report|year=2001|publisher=|accessdate=2008-07-21|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~418326] In the Treasure Coast, catfish were reportedly swimming through flooded streets. [cite web|author=Sarah Eisenhauer & Jill Taylor|title=Homes flooded|date=August 3, 2001|publisher="Palm Beach Post "|accessdate=2008-07-25|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PBPB&p_theme=pbpb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EDC4CD787ECE278&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM] Winds downed a convert|60|ft|m|abbr=on radio tower, striking a house. [cite web|author=Michael Barbaro|title=Heavy rain, gusts whipping S. Florida|date=August 2, 2001|publisher="The Miami Herald"|accessdate=2008-07-31|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MH&s_site=miami&p_multi=MH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EDBEB74276A3E30&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM]

Due to the initial slow movement of the storm, outer rain bands began affecting the Florida Panhandle on August 4, with the heaviest rainfall observed on August 5 – August 6. The storm dropped 5 in (125 mm) to 9 in (225 mm); the highest official report was convert|8.9|in|mm|abbr=on at Tallahassee, though unofficial reports ranged as high as 11 in (175 mm). The rainfall inundated several structures in Bay County due to roof damage. Flooding occurred in Leon County and parts of Apalachicola National Forest, where torrential rains flowed into the Cascade Lakes, Lake Bradford and Munson Slough; the Munson Slough rose to its highest level since 1994. Numerous county and secondary roads were closed by floodwater in Walton, Washington, and Bay counties,cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Tropical Storm Barry Florida Event Report (2)|accessdate=2008-07-18|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~418329] as well as in the Tallahassee area.cite web|author=The Florida State Emergency Response Team|title=Tropical Depression Barry Situation Report # 06|date=August 6, 2001|publisher=Red Cross|accessdate=2008-07-21|url=http://redcross.tallytown.com/situation/barry-fsr-06.pdf] In and around Tallahassee, 100 vehicles were stalled by flood waters and towed, while four residents of an apartment complex on Allen Road were forced to evacuate due to rising waters. [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Tropical Storm Barry Florida Event Report (3)|accessdate=2008-07-21|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~418335] Sporadic flooding also occurred in Franklin County and Wakulla County. [cite web|author=The Florida State Emergency Response Team|title=Tropical Depression Barry Situation Report # 10|date=August 8, 2001|publisher=Red Cross|accessdate=2008-07-21|url=http://www.tallytown.com/redcross/situation/barry-fsr-10.pdf] An indirect death occurred from a traffic accident due to heavy rain in Jackson County.

Wind gusts peaked at convert|79|mph|km/h|abbr=on at the Eglin Air Force Base Range Station C-72. Light to moderate winds were widespread, causing damage throughout Walton, Washington, Bay, Calhoun, Gulf and Okaloosa counties.cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Tropical Storm Barry Florida Event Report (4)|accessdate=2008-07-22|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~418329] Trees were downed or damaged, and several structures suffered light wind damage. [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Tropical Storm Barry Florida Event Report (5)|accessdate=2008-07-22|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~418328] Window damage was reported at a high-rise condominium building in Destin, while nearby, the Mid-Bay Bridge was closed due to high winds.cite web|author=The Florida State Emergency Response Team|title=Tropical Depression Barry Situation Report # 5|date=August 6, 2001|publisher=Red Cross|accessdate=2008-07-21|url=http://redcross.tallytown.com/situation/barry-fsr-05.pdf] The Freeport Elementary School in Walton County sustained minor roof damage.cite web|author=David Firestone|title=Storm Loses Its Punch, and a Region Relaxes|date=August 7, 2001|publisher="New York Times"|accessdate=2008-08-11|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B01E4DB1E3CF934A3575BC0A9679C8B63] Storm surge was generally light, ranging from convert|2|ft|m|abbr=on to convert|3|ft|m|abbr=on, with only minor beach erosion as a result. As a tropical system, Barry spawned a few weak tornadoes that caused minor damage. In an outer rain band, a lightning strike in Jacksonville killed one person. Another death is blamed on a rip current off of Sanibel Island. In total, the storm left 34,000 customers in the state without power.

Elsewhere

Tropical Storm Barry dropped light to moderate rainfall across Alabama, topping out at convert|4.57|in|mm|abbr=on, near the town of Evergreen.cite web|author=David Roth|title=Tropical Cyclone Rainfall for the Gulf Coast|year=|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|accessdate=2008-07-23|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/barry2001.html] About 2 in (50 mm) fell over the state's peanut-growing region, helping to alleviate drought conditions. [cite web|author=Garry Mitchell|title=Alabama welcomes rains from Barry|date=August 8, 2001|publisher=Associated Press|accessdate=2008-07-31|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=GF&s_site=grandforks&p_multi=GF&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EDCE4A22206734E&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM] Heavy showers were also reported in the Birmingham area. [cite web|author=Associated Press|title=Remnants of Barry bring heavy rain to Alabama|date=August 7, 2001|publisher=CNN|accessdate=2008-07-23|url=http://archives.cnn.com/2001/WEATHER/08/07/barry.remnants/] Despite moderate rainfall totals inland, coastal locations received very little precipitation. [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Tropical Storm Barry Alabama Event Report|year=2001|publisher=|accessdate=2008-07-23|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~414128] Minor street flooding occurred in Geneva, Enterprise and New Brockton. [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Tropical Storm Barry Alabama Event Report (2)|year=2001|publisher=|accessdate=2008-07-23|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~414131] Wind gusts peaked at convert|39|mph|km/h|abbr=on at Montgomery, [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Tropical Storm Barry Alabama Event Report (3)|year=2001|publisher=|accessdate=2008-07-23|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~414131] although damage was light, mostly from downed trees. Damage to awnings and small structures was reported in Florala. [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|title=Tropical Storm Barry Alabama Event Report (4)|year=2001|publisher=|accessdate=2008-07-23|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~414133] Barry's remnants produced light rainfall across Mississippi and Georgia, though no damage was reported. As the storm continued to track inland, it dropped up to 3 in (75 mm) of rain throughout Arkansas, Missouri and western Tennessee.

See also

* Tropical cyclone
* Tropical Storm Allison

References

External links

* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2001barry.html Barry (2001) Tropical cyclone report]
* [http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/barry2001.html HPC report]