 Radar image of Hurricane Hattie on October 30 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | October 27, 1961 |
| Dissipated | November 1, 1961 |
| Category 5 major hurricane | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 165 mph (270 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 914mbar (hPa); 26.99 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 319 |
| Damage | $60.3 million (1961USD) |
| Areas affected | British Honduras (Belize),Guatemala,Honduras |
IBTrACS | |
Part of the1961 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Hurricane Hattie was the strongest and deadliesttropical cyclone of the1961 Atlantic hurricane season, reaching peak intensity as aCategory 5 hurricane. The ninthtropical storm, seventh hurricane, fifthmajor hurricane, andsecond Category 5 of the season, Hattie originated from an area oflow pressure that strengthened into a tropical storm over the southwestern Caribbean Sea on October 27. Moving generally northward, the storm quickly became a hurricane and later major hurricane the following day. Hattie then turned westward west ofJamaica and strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane, withmaximum sustained winds of 165 mph (270 km/h). It weakened to Category 4 before makinglandfall south ofBelize City on October 31. The storm turned southwestward and weakened rapidly over the mountainous terrain ofCentral America, dissipating on November 1.
Hattie first affected the southwestern Caribbean, where it produced hurricane-force winds and caused one death onSan Andres Island. It was initially forecast to continue north and strikeCuba, prompting evacuations on the island. While turning west, Hattie dropped heavy rainfall of up to 11.5 in (290 mm) onGrand Cayman. The country ofBelize, at the time known asBritish Honduras, sustained the worst damage from the hurricane.[nb 1] The former capital, Belize City, was buffeted by strong winds and flooded by a powerfulstorm surge. The territory governor estimated that 70% of the buildings in the city had been damaged, leaving more than 10,000 people homeless. The destruction was so severe that it prompted the government to relocate inland to a new city,Belmopan. Overall, Hattie caused about $60 million in losses[nb 2] and 307 deaths in the territory. Although damage from Hattie was heavier than ahurricane in 1931 that killed 2,000 people, the death toll from Hattie was considerably lower as a result of early warnings. Elsewhere in Central America, Hattie killed 12 people.
Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depressionFor a few days toward the end of October 1961, alow-pressure area persisted in the westernCaribbean Sea, north of thePanama Canal Zone.[2] On October 25, an upper-levelanticyclone moved over the low; the next day, atrough over the western Gulf of Mexico provided favorableoutflow for the disturbance. At 0000UTC on October 27, a ship nearby reported southerly winds of 46 mph (74 km/h). Later that day, the airport onSan Andres Island reported easterly winds of 60 mph (97 km/h). The two observations confirmed the presence of a closed wind circulation, centered about 70 miles (110 km) southeast of San Andres, or 155 mi (249 km) east of the Nicaraguan coast; as a result, theMiami Weather Bureau began issuing advisories on the newly formed Tropical Storm Hattie.[3]
After being classified, Hattie moved steadily northward, passing very near or over San Andres Island. A station on the island recorded a pressure of 991 mbar (29.3 inHg) and sustained winds of 80 mph (130 km/h), which indicated that Hattie had reached hurricane status.[3] Late on October 28, aHurricane Hunters flight encountered a much stronger hurricane, with winds of 125 mph (201 km/h) in a small area near the center. At the time, gale-force winds extended outward 140 mi (230 km) to the northeast and 70 miles (110 km) to the southwest.[2] Early on October 29, a trough extending from Nicaragua to Florida was expected to allow Hattie to continue northward, based on climatology for similar hurricanes.[3] Later that day, Hattie was forecast to be an imminent threat to theCayman Islands and western Cuba.[2] Around that time, a strengtheningridge to the north turned the hurricane northwestward, which spared theGreater Antilles but increased the threat toCentral America.[3]
With the strengthening ridge to its north, Hattie began restrengthening after retaining the same intensity for about 24 hours.[3][4] Initially, forecasters at the Miami Weather Bureau predicted the storm to turn northward again. Late on October 29, the center of the hurricane passed about 90 miles (140 km) southwest ofGrand Cayman, at which time the interaction between Hattie and the ridge to its north produced squally winds of around 30 mph (48 km/h) across Florida. Early on October 30, the Hurricane Hunters confirmed the increase in intensity, reporting winds of 140 mph (230 km/h).[2] The storm'sminimum central pressure continued to drop throughout the day, reaching 924 mbar (27.3 inHg) by 1300 UTC; a lower pressure of 920 mbar (27 inHg) was computed at 1700 UTC that day, based on a flight-level reading from the Hurricane Hunters.[3] Hattie later curved toward the west-southwest, passing between the Cayman Islands and theSwan Islands. Late on October 30, Hattie attained peak winds of 165 mph (266 km/h), concomitantly with a minimum central pressure of 914 mbar (27.0 inHg), about 190 mi (310 km) east of the border of Mexico andBritish Honduras. This made Hattie aCategory 5 hurricane on theSaffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, making it the latest hurricane on record to reach the status until areanalysis of the1932 season revealed thatHurricane Fourteen had a similar intensity on November 5, six days after Hattie.[4] Additionally, Hattie was the strongest October hurricane in the northwest Caribbean. The record would stand for thirty-seven years untilHurricane Mitch in 1998 broke the record.[5]
Hattie maintained much of its intensity as it continued toward the coast of British Honduras. After moving through several small islands offshore, the hurricane madelandfall a short distance south ofBelize City on October 31, with aneyewall of about 25 miles (40 km) in diameter.[3] Based on a post-season analysis, it was determined that Hattie had weakened to winds of 150 mph (240 km/h) before moving ashore. During landfall, a ship anchored between Belize City andStann Creek registered a minimum central pressure of 924 mbar (27.3 inHg).[4] The hurricane deteriorated rapidly over land, dissipating on November 1 as it moved into the mountains ofGuatemala. During its dissipation,Tropical Storm Simone was developing off the Pacific coast of Guatemala,[3][4] however, later analysis concluded that Simone was not a tropical cyclone at all. Later,Tropical Storm Inga formed from a complex interaction with the remnants of Hattie and nearby disturbed weather.[6]
Upon initiating advisories on Hattie, the Miami Weather Bureau noted the potential for heavy rainfall andflash flooding in the southwestern Caribbean. The advisories recommended for small vessels to remain at harbor across the region.[2] Initially, the hurricane was predicted to move near or through the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and Cuba.[3] As a result, Cuban officials advised residents in low-lying areas to evacuate.[7]
Hurricane Hattie first posed a threat to theYucatán Peninsula and British Honduras on October 30 when it turned toward the area.[2] Officials at the Miami Weather Bureau warned of the potential for high tides, strong winds, and torrential rainfall. The warnings allowed for extensive evacuations in high-risk areas.[2] Most people in the capital, Belize City, were evacuated or moved to shelters,[3] and a school was operated as a refuge.[8] A hospital in the city was evacuated,[9] and over 75% of the population ofStann Creek fled to safer locations.[3] After Hattie made landfall, officials in Mexico ordered the closure of ports along theIsthmus of Tehuantepec.[9]
_(20345898205).jpg)
Despite predictions for heavy rainfall in the southwestern Caribbean, the hurricane's movement was more northerly than expected, resulting in less precipitation along theCentral American coast than anticipated.[2] In its early developmental stages, Hattie struckSan Andrés Island, located offshore easternNicaragua, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) and gusts of 104 mph (167 km/h). As the hurricane neared the island, the airport was closed due to tropical-storm-force winds.[3] Rough seas and winds damaged private property and two hotels. Many palm tree plantations were devastated. The schoonerAdmirar, anchored in one of the island's bays, capsized during the storm.[10] Overall, Hattie resulted in one death, fifteen injuries, and $300,000 in damage (1961USD) in San Andrés. The hurricane was the fourth on record to strike the island, and of the four was the only to approach from the south.[3]
In the northwestern Caribbean, Hattie passed close to Grand Cayman with heavy rainfall. At least 11.5 inches (290 mm) of rain were reported on the island, including 7.8 inches (200 mm) in six hours.[2] Winds on Grand Cayman were below hurricane force, and only minor damage occurred due to the rain.[2]
The interaction between Hattie and the ridge of high pressure to its north produced sustained winds of 20 mph (32 km/h) across most of Florida, with a gust of 72 mph (116 km/h) reported atHillsboro Inlet Light; the winds caused somebeach erosion in the state.[2] The U.S. Weather Bureau issued a small craft warning for the west and east Florida coastlines, as well as northward toBrunswick, Georgia.[11]
Later, Hattie impacted various countries inCentral America with flashfloods, causing 11 deaths in Guatemala and one fatality in Honduras.[3] TheSwan Islands reported wind gusts just below hurricane force, resulting in minor damage and one injury.[2]
Hurricane Hattie moved ashore in British Honduras with astorm tide of up to 14 feet (4.3 m) near Belize City,[3] a city of 31,000 people located at sea level; its only defenses against the storm tide were a small seawall and a strip of swamp lands.[12] The capital experienced high waves and a 10 ft (3 m) storm tide along its waterfront that reached the third story of some buildings. A trained observer estimated winds of over 150 mph (240 km/h), and winds in the territory were unofficially estimated as strong as 200 mph (320 km/h).[3] When Hattie affected the area, most buildings in Belize City were wooden, and most of this type were destroyed.[9] Offshore, the hurricane heavily damaged 80% of theBelize Barrier Reef, although the reef recovered after the storm.[13]
High winds caused a power outage,[12] downed trees across the region, and destroyed the roofs of many buildings.[14]Governor Colin Thornley estimated that more than 70% of the buildings in the territory were damaged, and more than 10,000 people were left homeless.[9] Some shelters set up before the storm were destroyed in the hurricane.[2] The hurricane destroyed the wall at aninsane asylum, which allowed the residents to escape.[14] High waves damaged a prison,[15] prompting officials to institute a "daily parole" program for the inmates.[14] Hattie also flooded theGovernment House, washing away all records.[15] All of Belize City was coated in a layer of mud and debris,[14] and majority of the city was destroyed or severely damaged, as was nearbyStann Creek.[3] The hurricane left significant crop damage across the region, including $2 million in citrus fruits and similar losses to timber, cocoa, and bananas.[3] The year's production of sugar cane was also heavily damaged. About 70% of the territory'smahogany trees were downed, as were most citrus and grapefruit trees. The hurricane damaged several factories and oil rigs in the region.[16] Damage throughout the territory totaled $60 million (1961 USD),[3] and a total of 307 deaths were reported;[17] more than 100 of the fatalities were in Belize City,[2] including 36 who evacuated to a British administration building that was later destroyed in the storm.[18] The government of British Honduras considered Hurricane Hattie more damaging than ahurricane in 1931 that killed 2,000 people; the lower death toll of Hattie was due to advance warning.[3]
After Hattie struck, officials in Belize City declaredmartial law.[9] A manager ofUnited Press International described Belize City as "nothing but a huge pile of matchsticks,"[9] and many roads were either flooded for days or covered with mud.[19] Doctors providedtyphoid vaccinations to 12,000 residents in two days to prevent the spread of the disease. Due to the high death toll, officials ordered mass cremations to stop additional disease from spreading.[20] At the city's police station, workers provided fresh water and rice to storm victims.[9] Many residents throughout British Honduras donated supplies to the storm victims, such that an airlines manager described it as "taxing ... manpower and facilities." One airline allowed donations to be flown to Belize City at no cost.[16] The city's three newspapers were unable to operate due to lack of power after the storm.[16] By November 5, Belize City's post office reopened on a limited basis, and all business initially remained closed. About 4,000 homeless residents fromStann Creek were moved by boat to the northern portion of the territory.[18] Many homeless people from the Belize City area set up atent city onbushland about 16 mi (26 km) inland, which was initially intended to be temporary.[18][21] In December 1961,barracks were erected near a Red Cross Hospital to house the homeless in the camp. The site was namedHattieville and became a proper city, with utilities installed in the subsequent decade.[21]
About 200 British soldiers arrived from Jamaica to quell looting and maintain order.[18][20] At least 20 people were arrested in the day after Hattie struck.[15] The British government sent flights of aid to the territory containing food, clothing, and medical supplies.[9] TheHouse of Commons quickly passed a bill to provide£10,000 in aid. TheSave the Children fund sent £1,000 to British Honduras,[22] and the Mexican government sent three flights with food and medicine to the territory.[9] Two Americandestroyers arrived in the country by November 2, reporting the need for assistance.[9] TheUSSAntietam remained at port for weeks after the storm with six medical officers and sixMarine helicopters. Four other ships sailed to the territory to provide 458,000 pounds (208,000 kg) of food.[20][23] The United States government allocated about $300,000 in assistance through theInternational Development Association.[22] The Canadian government providedC$75,000 worth of aid, including food, blankets, and medical supplies.[24]
In 1962,Jimmy Cliff released his breakthrough single, "Hurricane Hattie".[25][26] By Hattie's one year anniversary, private and public workers repaired and rebuilt buildings affected by the storm. New hotels were constructed, and many stores were reopened.Prime MinisterGeorge Cadle Price successfully appealed for assistance from the British government, which ultimately provided £20 million in loans.[27] In the days after the storm, the government announced plans to relocate the capital of British Honduras farther inland on higher ground. Work on the new capital,Belmopan, was completed in 1970.[8][28] On the 44th anniversary of the hurricane in 2005, the government of Belize unveiled a monument in Belize City to recognize the victims of the hurricane.[29]
Due to the destruction and loss of life attributed to the hurricane, the name Hattie wasretired by theWorld Meteorological Organization (WMO) following the season, and will never again be used for an Atlantic hurricane.[30] The name was replaced with Holly for the1965 season.[31]
| 1950s | |
|---|---|
| 1960s | |
| 1970s | |
| 1980s | |
| 1990s | |
| 2000s | |
| 2010s | |
| 2020s | |
| 1920s |
|
|---|---|
| 1930s |
|
| 1940s |
|
| 1950s | |
| 1960s | |
| 1970s | |
| 1980s | |
| 1990s | |
| 2000s | |
| 2010s | |
| 2020s | |
Tropical cyclones of the1961 Atlantic hurricane season | ||
|---|---|---|
 | ||
