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Hurricane Bret

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Revision as of 21:44, 13 September 2009 by Thegreatdr (talk | contribs) (→Aftermath: Adding 1999 USD where appropriate)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) For other storms of the same name, see Hurricane Bret.
Hurricane Bret
Category 4 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS)
Hurricane Bret at landfall
FormedAugust 18, 1999 (1999-08-18)
DissipatedAugust 25, 1999 (1999-08-26)
Highest winds1-minute sustained: 145 mph (230 km/h)
Lowest pressure944 mbar (hPa); 27.88 inHg
Fatalities1 direct, 6 indirect
Damage$15 million (1999 USD)
Areas affectedSouth Texas and Mexico
Part of the 1999 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Bret was a strong, Category 4 hurricane that became the first tropical cyclone since Hurricane Jerry in 1989 to make landfall in Texas at hurricane intensity. Forming from a tropical wave on August 18, Bret slowly organized within weak steering currently in the Bay of Campeche. By August 20, the storm began to track northward and underwent rapid intensification on August 21. After this period of strengthening, Bret attained its peak intensity with winds of 145 mph (230 km/h) and a barometric pressure of 944 mbar (hPa; 27.88 inHg). Later that day, the storm weakened to a Category 3 hurricane and made landfall on Padre Island, Texas. Shortly thereafter, the storm quickly weakened, becoming a tropical depression 24 hours after moving inland. The remnants of the storm eventually dissipated early on August 26 over northern Mexico.

Along the Texas coastline, Bret threatened several cities, resulting in the evacuation of 180,000 residents. Numerous shelters were opened throughout the region and prisons were evacuated. In nearby Mexico, roughly 7,000 people evacuated the coastline ahead of the storm. Bret made landfall in a sparsely populated region, resulting in relatively little damage in comparison to its intensity. Nevertheless, seven people were killed by the storm, four in Texas and three in Mexico. Most of the deaths were due to car accidents caused by slick roads. In all, the storm caused $15 million (1999 USD; $19.7 million 2009 USD) in damages. Due to the lack of major impact from the hurricane, the World Meteorological Organization did not retire the name in the spring of 2000, and it was used again in 2005.

Meteorological history

A map of a path across the eastern Gulf of Mexico into Texas. The Pacific Ocean can be seen on the left of the image, most of Central America is visible at the bottom and most of Cuba is shown on the right.
Storm path

Hurricane Bret originated from a tropical wave that moved off the west coast of Africa on August 5. The wave tracked generally westward, interacting with an upper-level low on August 15 in the western Caribbean Sea. This resulted in the formation of a surface low pressure area and shower and thunderstorm activity developed around the low. By August 18 the system was over the Yucatán Peninsula. Later that day, the low emerged into the Bay of Campeche and a Hurricane Hunter reconnaissance mission into the system revealed that it had developed into a tropical depression around 1:00 pm CDT (1800 UTC), the third of the 1999 season.

Initially, the depression did not strengthen due to moderate wind shear and tracked in an erratic, slow motion due to weak steering currents over the system. By August 19, shear over the depression weakened, allowing deep convection to develop over the center and later that day, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) upgraded the system to a tropical storm, giving it the name Bret. A small tropical cyclone, Bret gradually developed over the following few days as it tracked towards the north. The storm was well-organized by the morning of August 20 and began developing banding features.

An organizing tropical cyclone over the southern Gulf of Mexico. The storm, depicted by a circular area of thunderstorms and curving clouds, is located between the Yucatan Peninsula and the Mexican mainland.
Tropical Storm Bret intensifying on August 20

By the evening of August 20, Bret attained hurricane status as maximum winds around the center were recorded at 75 mph (120 km/h) by a dropsonde during a Hurricane Hunter mission. Around this time, Bret established a north northwest track in response to a mid-level ridge. The following day, Bret began to undergo rapid intensification, as a well-defined eye developed and by the morning of August 22, the storm attained its peak intensity as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 145 mph (230 km/h) and a barometric pressure of 944 mbar (hPa; 27.88 inHg). Not long after reaching this intensity, an upper-level trough to the west of the storm began to erode the cloud shield of Bret.

Late on August 22, Bret turned towards the northwest in response to a mid-tropospheric ridge over the Gulf of Mexico and to a mid-tropospheric circulation over the Rio Grande Valley. Several hours before landfall, the hurricane weakened to a Category 3 hurricane and the forward motion slowed. Around 7:00 pm CDT (0000 UTC; August 23), the center of Hurricane Bret passed over Padre Island, Texas, marking the storm's landfall. At this time, the storm had winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) and a barometric pressure of 951 mbar (hPa; 28.08 inHg). Rapid weakening took place as the storm tracked inland. Roughly 12 hours after landfall, Bret weakened to a tropical storm and further to a tropical depression by the evening of August 23. The remnants of Bret persisted until August 26, at which time it dissipated over the mountains of northern Mexico.

Preparations

Texas

Traffic along a wet highway in Texas. Most of the cars are on the right side of the road; however, at least two cars on on the left side.
Residents evacuating Padre Island on August 22

On August 21, once Bret was forecast to near the Texas coastline, the NHC issued a hurricane watch for areas between the border of Mexico and Baffin Bay. Hours later, the watch was upgraded to a warning as the hurricane intensified and posed a more direct threat to the area. A tropical storm warning and hurricane watch were later issued for areas north of Baffin Bay to Port Aransas. The following day, the hurricane warning was extended to include areas through Port O'Connor. At the same time, the tropical storm warning and hurricane watch were extended to Freeport. As Bret neared landfall, the hurricane watch for areas between Port O'Connor and Freeport was discontinued. The hurricane warning for Port Aransas to Port O'Connor was discontinued hours after Bret made landfall and began to weaken. By the end of the day on August 23, all watches and warnings in relation to the hurricane were discontinued.

By August 22, the city officials in Corpus Christi, Texas declared a state of emergency as Bret posed a significant threat to the region. Tens of thousands of residents were urged to evacuate costal areas and seek refuge in either a local shelter or with a relative further inland. An estimated 180,000 people evacuated from coastal regions of Texas due to Bret. The Corpus Christi International Airport was closed midday on August 22. Texas State Highway 361 was shut down following the announcement of the Port Aransas closure. Highways throughout the area were clogged with evacuees, creating long lines for gas and emergency items. Three schools, two universities and one college were all closed on August 23 and remained closed for several days.

Eleven shelters were opened in the San Antonio area, with a total capacity of 3,525. About 325 prisoners were evacuated from a Nueces County jail as the building they were in was deemed to be unsafe during hurricane conditions. About 1,000 sailors working in anti-mine programs evacuated to the USS Inchon prior to the storm. Originally, the ship was meant to ride out the storm at sea; however, inadequate repair work inhibited the ship from leaving port. The ship reportedly had enough supplies to maintain the sailors for roughly 45 days. By 12:00 pm CDT on August 22, Mustang Island and Padre Island were completely evacuated and officials shut down roads leading in and out of the islands to prevent anyone from re-entering them before the all-clear was given. A strict order against price gouging was put in place by city officials in Corpus Christi to prevent people taking advantage of evacuees by raising the price of food and gas.

Mexico

In Mexico, officials closed eighteen ports on the Gulf of Mexico to "small and medium craft" in preparation for the storm. In northern Mexico, more than 500 shelters were opened as thousands of residents were advised to evacuate from low-lying areas. The Mexican Army, Red Cross, and firefighters were put on standby to deal with emergency calls during the storm. On August 22, a state of emergency was declared for Tamaulipas. The following day, at least 120 firefighters were dispatched to Monterrey, Nuevo Leon to swiftly respond to any emergencies. The Mexican government put significant focus on the safety on residents in the city as it was anticipated to receive the most impact from Hurricane Bret. An estimated 7,000 fishermen evacuated from coastal regions near the Texas border. In Matamoros an additional 31 shelters were opened to assist residents in the region. Schools throughout northern Mexico were closed for several days due to Bret.

Impact

Mexico

A map of rainfall in Mexico and the southern United States. The heaviest rainfall is along the Texas-Mexico border near the Gulf of Mexico.
Rainfall totals from Hurricane Bret in Mexico and Texas

Prior to developing into a tropical depression, the initial disturbance produced scattered rainfall across the Yucatán Peninsula, with isolated totals exceeding 7 in (180 mm). As the system stalled in the Bay of Campeche, coastal areas received minor rainfall from the outer bands of the system. Although Bret made landfall near the Texas-Mexico border, the small size of the system resulted in limited impacts in Mexico. In Nuevo Leon, an estimated 14 in (360 mm) of rain fell within a 24-hour span and similar amounts likely fell in nearby Tamaulipas. In Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon and Coahuila, ten villages were isolated by floodwaters that washed out roads. Ten people were injured during a head-on collision, all of whom belonged to the same family. In Nogales, heavy rains caused ponding on streets, leading to traffic jams. High winds also downed a few traffic lights and power lines. During the evacuation prior to Bret, one person was trampled to death. Following landfall, a man was electrocuted by downed power lines and another drowned in floodwaters. In Apodaca, seven families were evacuated to safer areas due to flooding. At least 150 families were left homeless following a flash flood in Cadereyta that inundated most of the town.

Texas

A sign on its side, blown down by high winds, for Exit 10 that reads "Carbon Plant Rd. ½ mile in Texas. A building and another large, green exit sign can be seen in the background.
A sign blown down by Hurricane Bret

Upon making landfall, Bret produced a storm surge up to 8.8 ft (2.7 m) on Matagorda Island, Texas. Around Galveston, minor beach erosion was recorded due to large swells produced by the hurricane. Twelve new inlets were created on Padre Island, one of which was large enough to be mistaken as Mansfield Pass. The small size of Bret contributed to heavy rains being confined to a small area. The highest amount, 13.18 in (335 mm) was recorded in central Kenedy County. The lowest barometric pressure recorded overland was at the Brooks County Airport at 976 mbar (hPa; 28.84 inHg). The Aransas River rapidly reached flood stage due to heavy rains and the Rio Grande produced minor flooding close to the Gulf of Mexico. In beaches near Corpus Christi, upwards of 40 ft (1.1 m) of sand was lost. A total of 10 hectares of cropland was destroyed by the storm.

A damaged electric tower in Kennedy County resulted in power outages for thousands of people. At the height of the storm, an estimated 64,000 people were without power in south Texas. Portions of Texas State Highway Loop 281 were submerged in floodwaters, leaving $50,000 (1999 USD) in damages. Damages in Corpus Christi were estimated at $100,000 (1999 USD). In Duval County, 200 homes were damaged by flooding and large areas of agricultural land were flooded. Damages in the county amounted to roughly $2 million (1999 USD). One tornado in Aransas County destroyed a Recreational vehicle and a barn. Four other F0 tornadoes touched down in the state. Damages to homes and businesses in Corpus Christi were estimated up to $500,000 (1999 USD); agricultural damages reached $1 million and another $500,000 (1999 USD) was reported in losses. Slick roads from Bret's heavy rains caused the collision of a truck and a tractor, killing four people. Damage amounted to $15 million (1999 USD) throughout southern Texas.

Aftermath

A gas pump laying on its side. The sign for the gas station is visible in the background.
A gas pump blown over by Hurricane Bret in Texas

On August 23, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) deployed 717 personnel, mainly from the disaster response team, to the affected regions in south Texas. The following day, 564 National Guard troops were deployed in the state. In the days following the storm, many mosquitoes and other insects laid eggs in areas of built up waters, causing insect outbreaks. Authorities sprayed insecticide to minimize the potential for disease outbreaks. By August 25, all shelters opened prior to Bret were closed as residents were allowed to return home. On August 26, President Bill Clinton added the counties of Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells and Webb to the major disaster declaration area. This allowed residents in those counties to receive federal funding.

Reconstruction of public facilities, roads, and water pipes received increased funding on September 3 to speed up the program. The following day, twelve disaster recovery centers were opened in the affected counties for residents to apply for federal funding. On September 9, two more disaster recovery centers were opened for residents in south Texas. Later that day, $831,593.28 (1999 USD) in disaster housing grants was distributed to affected residents. On September 15, roughly 10,200 people applied for disaster loans, amounting to $3.1 million (1999 USD). A total of 167 also received crisis intervention from FEMA. In Corpus Christi, winds and rain covered the city in debris and brush, costing $200,000 (1999 USD) for clean-up.

Due to the lack of major impact from the hurricane, the World Meteorological Organization did not retire the name in the spring of 2000.

See also

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References

  1. ^ Miles B. Lawrence and Todd B. Kimberlain (February 26, 2001). "Hurricane Bret Preliminary Report". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 11, 2009.
  2. James Franklin (August 18, 1999). "Tropical Depression Three Discussion Two". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 21, 2009.
  3. Jack Beven (August 19, 1999). "Tropical Depression Three Discussion Four". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 21, 2009.
  4. Jarvinen (August 20, 1999). "Tropical Storm Bret Discussion Seven". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 21, 2009.
  5. James Franklin (August 20, 1999). "Hurricane Bret Discussion Ten". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 21, 2009.
  6. Miles B. Lawrence (August 21, 1999). "Hurricane Bret Discussion Thirteen". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 21, 2009.
  7. Richard Pasch (August 22, 1999). "Hurricane Bret Discussion Fifteen". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 21, 2009.
  8. John L. Guiney (August 22, 1999). "Hurricane Bret Discussion Eighteen". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 21, 2009.
  9. ^ Staff Writer (August 19, 1999). "Hurricane Bret Update". The Corpus Christi Caller-Times. Retrieved June 11, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. Yang Zhang, Carla S. Prater, and Michael K. Lindell (August 2004). "Risk Area Accuracy and Evacuation from Hurricane Bret" (PDF). Emergency Management Agency. Retrieved June 11, 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ Staff Writer (August 23, 1999). "Bret drenches South Texas". The Corpus Christi Caller-Tribune. Retrieved June 11, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  12. "Tropical Storm Could Turn Into Hurricane". Akron Beacon Journal. August 21, 1999. p. A3.
  13. Template:Es icon "Amenaza ' Bret ' a Tamaulipas". El Norte. August 22, 1999. p. 16.
  14. Template:Es icon "Huracán alcanza rachas de 260 kilómetros por hora; esperan que impacte hoy en Corpus Christi". El Norte. August 23, 1999.
  15. Template:Es icon "Festejan en alerta por Bret". El Norte. August 23, 1999. p. 11.
  16. Template:Es icon "Cambia rumbo; no confían". El Norte. August 23, 1999. p. 21.
  17. Template:Es icon "Inician desalojos en Nuevo Laredo". El Norte. August 23, 1999. p. 22.
  18. ^ David M. Roth (2009). "Hurricane Bret - August 16-29, 1999". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved June 12, 2009.
  19. Template:Es icon "Vive Matamoros alerta permanente". El Norte. August 24, 1999. p. 16.
  20. Template:Es icon "Evitan huracán , pero chocan". El Norte. August 24, 1999. p. 17.
  21. Template:Es icon "Lluvias 'ahogan' vialidad". El Norte. August 25, 1999. p. 2.
  22. Template:Es icon "Mata a 3 coletazo de ' Bret '". El Norte. August 25, 1999. p. 1.
  23. Template:Es icon "Evacuan a 7 familias en Apodaca". El Norte. August 26, 1999. p. 16.
  24. Template:Es icon "Pierden todo en una hora". El Norte. August 27, 1999. p. 18.
  25. National Weather Service in Houston-Galveston, Texas (August 24, 1999). "Preliminary Storm Reports". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 12, 2009.
  26. ^ National Weather Service in Corpus Christi, Texas (August 24, 1999). "Preliminary Storm Reports". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 12, 2009.
  27. National Weather Service in Brownsville, Texas (August 24, 1999). "Preliminary Storm Reports". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 12, 2009.
  28. Template:Es icon "Deja ' Bret ' inundaciones en la frontera con México". El Norte. August 24, 1999. p. 18.
  29. ^ Federal Emergency Management Agency (August 24, 1999). "Hurricane Bret Disaster Update". Government of the United States. Retrieved June 12, 2009.
  30. Stuart Hinson (1999). "Texas Event Report: Flash Flood". National Climatic Data Center. Retrieved June 11, 2009.
  31. Stuart Hinson (1999). "Texas Event Report: Flash Flood". National Climatic Data Center. Retrieved June 11, 2009.
  32. Stuart Hinson (1999). "Texas Event Report: F0 Tornado". National Climatic Data Center. Retrieved June 11, 2009.
  33. Gary Padgett (January 17, 2007). "Monthly Tropical Weather Summary for August 1999". Australia Severe Weather. Retrieved June 11, 2009.
  34. National Weather Service in Houston-Galveston, Texas (June 20, 2008). "Hurricane Bret (August 1999)". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 12, 2009.
  35. Federal Emergency Management Agency (August 23, 1999). "Hurricane Bret Update". Government of the United States. Retrieved June 12, 2009.
  36. Staff Writer (August 25, 1999). "Bret brings mosquitoes, other Pests". Corpus Christi Courier-Tribune. Retrieved June 11, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  37. Federal Emergency Management Agency (August 25, 1999). "Hurricane Bret Disaster Update". Government of the United States. Retrieved June 12, 2009.
  38. Federal Emergency Management Agency (August 26, 1999). "Four Texas Counties Added For Federal Disaster Aid". Government of the United States. Retrieved June 12, 2009.
  39. Federal Emergency Management Agency (September 3, 1999). "More Federal Funds Coming To Hurricane-Damaged Counties". Government of the United States. Retrieved June 12, 2009.
  40. Federal Emergency Management Agency (September 4, 1999). "Disaster Recovery Centers To Open In 12 South Texas Counties Following Hurricane Bret". Government of the United States. Retrieved June 12, 2009.
  41. Federal Emergency Management Agency (September 9, 1999). "Additional Disaster Recovery Centers To Open In Corpus Christi And Alice". Government of the United States. Retrieved June 12, 2009.
  42. Federal Emergency Management Agency (September 9, 1999). "First Disaster Checks On The Way To Hurricane Bret Applicants". Government of the United States. Retrieved June 12, 2009.
  43. Federal Emergency Management Agency (September 15, 1999). "Texas Disaster Relief Continues, Housing Assistance Tops $3 Million". Government of the United States. Retrieved June 12, 2009.
  44. Staff Writer (August 25, 1999). "City set for long cleanup". The Corpus Christi Caller-Tribune. Retrieved June 11, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  45. "Retired Hurricane Names". National Hurricane Center. April 22, 2009. Retrieved August 21, 2009.

External links

Tropical cyclones of the 1999 Atlantic hurricane season
TSArlene TDTwo 4Bret 4Cindy 2Dennis TSEmily TDSeven 4Floyd 4Gert TSHarvey TDEleven TDTwelve 2Irene 2Jose TSKatrina 4Lenny
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