What was the name of the Category 3 Atlantic hurricane that occurred in 1957 and devastated the southwestern Louisiana coast?

The Category 3 Atlantic hurricane that occurred in 1957 and devastated the southwestern Louisiana coast was named Hurricane Audrey. It is remembered as a catastrophic and very deadly storm.

When did Hurricane Audrey form and dissipate, and what was its peak intensity?

Hurricane Audrey formed on June 24, 1957, and dissipated on June 29, 1957. It reached its peak intensity as a major Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 125 mph.

What were the peak sustained winds and lowest central pressure recorded for Hurricane Audrey?

Hurricane Audrey reached peak sustained winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) and recorded a lowest central pressure of 946 mbar (27.94 inHg). These metrics classify it as a major hurricane, indicating its significant strength.

How many fatalities and how much damage did Hurricane Audrey cause in 1957 US dollars?

Hurricane Audrey resulted in at least 416 fatalities and caused approximately $150 million in damage in 1957 US dollars. These figures underscore the immense destructive power and tragic human cost of the storm.

Which regions of the United States and Canada were affected by Hurricane Audrey?

Hurricane Audrey affected a wide area, including the South Central United States (particularly Texas and Louisiana), the Southeastern United States, the Midwestern United States, New England, as well as parts of Canada in Ontario and Quebec. The storm's impact was widespread, demonstrating its extensive reach.

What made Hurricane Audrey significant in terms of its timing and intensity for the Atlantic basin?

Hurricane Audrey was significant as it was the strongest June Atlantic hurricane ever recorded by pressure, a record it shared with Hurricane Alex in 2010. It was also the first major hurricane to form in the Gulf of Mexico since 1945, highlighting its unusual strength for that time of year.

How did Hurricane Audrey make landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast, and what was its primary destructive force?

Hurricane Audrey made landfall between the mouth of the Sabine River and Cameron, Louisiana, as an intense Category 3 hurricane. Its most destructive force was a powerful storm surge that inundated coastal communities and penetrated as far as 20 miles inland.

What was the initial source of Hurricane Audrey's formation?

Hurricane Audrey originated from a tropical wave that moved into the Bay of Campeche. This wave organized into a tropical depression, marking the beginning of the storm's development in favorable conditions.

What were the primary causes of destruction along the Louisiana coast during Hurricane Audrey?

The primary causes of destruction along the Louisiana coast were the hurricane's powerful storm surge, which peaked at an estimated 12 feet and extended 25 miles inland, and its intense winds. These forces combined to completely destroy many coastal communities.

Besides wind and storm surge, what other weather phenomena were associated with Hurricane Audrey's impact?

In addition to strong winds and storm surge, Hurricane Audrey also spawned two tornadoes in Louisiana and produced heavy rainfall, with a peak accumulation of 10.63 inches recorded near Basile, Louisiana. These secondary weather events contributed to the overall devastation.

How did the extratropical remnants of Hurricane Audrey affect other parts of the United States?

After moving inland and transitioning into an extratropical cyclone, Audrey's remnants continued to cause damage. They produced 18 tornadoes in Mississippi and Alabama and brought record rainfall to the Midwest, leading to significant flooding and further casualties.

What was the overall death toll attributed to Hurricane Audrey in the United States and Canada?

Hurricane Audrey caused at least 416 fatalities in the United States, with the majority concentrated in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. Additionally, 15 people lost their lives in Ontario and Quebec, Canada, making it the deadliest tropical cyclone on record for Quebec.

How did Hurricane Audrey's death toll compare to other U.S. hurricanes in the preceding decade?

With at least 416 fatalities, Hurricane Audrey was the deadliest hurricane to strike the United States since the 1928 Okeechobee hurricane. Its death toll was also comparable to the combined total of all storms affecting the country in the decade prior.

What atmospheric conditions contributed to the formation and rapid intensification of Hurricane Audrey?

Hurricane Audrey benefited from anomalously intense low-pressure areas at high altitudes and favorable sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico, which were 3°F above normal. The alignment of a polar trough also created ideal upper-level outflow conditions, promoting rapid intensification.

How quickly did the tropical depression that became Audrey strengthen into a hurricane?

The tropical depression that became Hurricane Audrey strengthened into a tropical storm just six hours after its initial classification and then into a hurricane on June 25, 1957. This rapid development indicated very favorable environmental conditions for intensification.

What was the significance of the pressure drop observed in Hurricane Audrey between its last aircraft observation and landfall?

The pressure within Hurricane Audrey dropped by approximately 30 mbar (0.89 inHg) between the last aircraft observation and its landfall. This substantial pressure decrease indicated a rapid strengthening of the hurricane just before it made landfall.

How was Hurricane Audrey's intensity at landfall assessed differently by operational forecasts compared to later reanalysis?

Operationally, Hurricane Audrey was assessed as a Category 4 hurricane at landfall. However, subsequent reanalysis by the Atlantic hurricane reanalysis project revised its peak intensity downward, classifying it as a Category 3 hurricane.

What was the initial forecast regarding hurricane activity for June 1957?

The Weather Bureau issued an experimental 30-day forecast on June 17, 1957, indicating a high likelihood of one or two tropical storms developing within the forecast period. This forecast suggested an awareness of potential tropical cyclone activity for the month.

When and where was the first bulletin issued for Hurricane Audrey?

The first bulletin for Hurricane Audrey was issued by the Weather Bureau office in New Orleans, Louisiana, on June 25, 1957. At that time, Audrey was still classified as a tropical depression in the Bay of Campeche.

What was the timeline for issuing hurricane watches and warnings for Hurricane Audrey along the U.S. Gulf Coast?

A hurricane watch was issued for the coasts of Texas and Louisiana on June 26, 1957. Hurricane warnings for the entire Louisiana coast followed later that day, with warnings extended westward to High Island, Texas, by June 27.

What criticism was leveled against the Weather Bureau's warnings regarding Hurricane Audrey?

A significant criticism of the Weather Bureau's warnings was that they lacked a sense of urgency, despite being technically accurate. This perceived lack of urgency may have contributed to some residents hesitating to evacuate before the storm's impact.

Approximately how many people evacuated from the U.S. Gulf Coast in advance of Hurricane Audrey?

Approximately 75,000 people evacuated from low-lying areas along the U.S. Gulf Coast in anticipation of Hurricane Audrey. This mass evacuation was a critical measure to mitigate potential loss of life from the storm's surge.

What incident led to the loss of nine crewmen off the coast of Galveston, Texas, during Hurricane Audrey?

Nine crewmen lost their lives when the fishing vessel *Keturah* sank after colliding with an oil rig approximately 11 miles off Galveston, Texas. The vessel had been disabled and was being towed when the tow line broke amidst the storm's rough seas.

How did the storm surge affect Galveston Island and its infrastructure?

The storm surge in Galveston reached 6.2 feet above mean sea level, topping the Galveston Seawall and causing flooding in downtown streets and businesses. This inundation also led to damage at beachfront establishments and erosion of beach segments.

What was the total monetary damage attributed to Hurricane Audrey in Texas?

The total monetary damage caused by Hurricane Audrey in Texas was estimated at $8 million. This figure reflects the widespread damage to property and infrastructure across the state's coastal regions.

How far inland did the storm surge from Hurricane Audrey penetrate along the Louisiana coast?

The storm surge from Hurricane Audrey penetrated as far as 20 miles inland along the Louisiana coast. This extensive inundation submerged over 1.6 million acres of land, causing widespread flooding and destruction.

What were the peak tide levels recorded in Cameron, Louisiana, and along a stretch of the coast?

In Cameron, Louisiana, tides peaked at 10.6 feet above mean sea level, with waves reaching up to 10 feet atop the high water. Along a 24-mile stretch of the Louisiana coastline, tides exceeded 12 feet, peaking at 12.4 feet just west of Cameron.

What was the extent of damage to homes in coastal Louisiana communities like Cameron and Vermilion Parish?

Coastal Louisiana communities, including Cameron and Grand Chenier, suffered immense damage, with 60-80% of homes destroyed or displaced. In Cameron and the adjacent Vermilion Parish, an estimated 90-95% of all buildings sustained irreparable damage.

How were homes and structures displaced by the storm surge in Louisiana?

Wood-frame houses were swept inland by Hurricane Audrey's storm surge, with some carried several miles from their original locations and deposited along the Intracoastal Waterway. This displacement resulted in severe structural damage and altered the landscape.

What were the major crop losses in Louisiana attributed to Hurricane Audrey?

Major crop losses in Louisiana included rice damaged by saltwater inundation, corn blown down by strong winds, and cotton fields flooded by heavy rains. Preliminary estimates placed the total crop damage in the state at $5 million.

What was the total estimated damage from Hurricane Audrey in Louisiana?

The total estimated damage from Hurricane Audrey in Louisiana amounted to $120 million. This figure highlights the catastrophic economic impact the hurricane had on the state's infrastructure and property.

How many fatalities and injuries were reported in Louisiana due to Hurricane Audrey?

An estimated 400 people lost their lives in Louisiana due to Hurricane Audrey, accounting for the majority of the storm's total fatalities. Additionally, approximately 1,000 people were reported injured across the state.

How many tornadoes were spawned by Hurricane Audrey's remnants across the United States?

Hurricane Audrey's remnants spawned a total of 19 tornadoes across the United States. These tornadoes caused significant damage and casualties in several states, particularly in the Southeast.

Which state experienced the most tornadoes associated with Hurricane Audrey's remnants?

Alabama experienced the highest number of tornadoes associated with Hurricane Audrey's remnants, with 14 tornadoes touching down across the state. These tornadoes were part of a localized outbreak that caused considerable damage.

What were the rainfall totals in Paris, Illinois, and Hermann, Missouri, due to Audrey's extratropical remnants?

The extratropical remnants of Hurricane Audrey brought heavy rainfall to the Midwest, with totals reaching 10.20 inches in Paris, Illinois, and 10.16 inches in Hermann, Missouri. These significant rainfall amounts contributed to record-breaking precipitation in some areas.

How did flash flooding in Indiana impact highways and infrastructure?

Flash flooding in central Indiana caused the closure of 17 highways, and tragically, two women drowned when a bus was swept off a highway near Indianapolis. The severe flooding also washed away crop lands and destroyed bridges.

What was the total damage caused by Hurricane Audrey in Indiana, and what portion was attributed to railroad losses?

The total damage in Indiana from Hurricane Audrey was $2.45 million, with railroad losses alone accounting for $1.2 million. This indicates a substantial impact on the state's transportation infrastructure.

How many lives were lost in Illinois, Indiana, and New York due to the extratropical remnants of Hurricane Audrey?

A total of ten lives were lost across Illinois, Indiana, and New York due to the heavy rains and strong winds associated with Hurricane Audrey's extratropical remnants. These states experienced significant impacts from the storm's dissipation phase.

What were the primary impacts of Hurricane Audrey's remnants in Ontario, Canada?

In Ontario, Canada, the remnants of Hurricane Audrey brought tropical storm force winds and gusts up to 80 mph. Heavy rainfall caused washouts of roads and rail lines, and six people were trapped in Algonquin Provincial Park due to the hazardous conditions.

How many fatalities occurred in Ontario and Quebec due to Hurricane Audrey's remnants?

In Canada, 15 people were killed by Hurricane Audrey's remnants, with six fatalities reported in Ontario and ten in Quebec. The storm was particularly deadly in Quebec, becoming the deadliest tropical cyclone on record for that province.

How did Hurricane Audrey's storm surge affect the coastline morphology of Louisiana?

The storm surge from Hurricane Audrey significantly altered Louisiana's coastline, causing about 50% of the coast to retreat inland and leading to substantial sedimentation in the form of mudflats. This reshaping of the shoreline had lasting ecological consequences.

What was the National Hurricane Research Project's (NHRP) conclusion regarding the data available after Hurricane Audrey?

The NHRP concluded that despite ample storm tide observations, a lack of inland data hindered a detailed reconstruction of Audrey's surge. This realization prompted the Weather Bureau to install additional tide recorders along the coast to improve future data collection.

What was the basis of Whitney Bartie's lawsuit against the U.S. federal government following Hurricane Audrey?

Whitney Bartie sued the U.S. federal government, alleging that the U.S. Weather Bureau provided inadequate and insufficiently urgent warnings about Hurricane Audrey. His family perished because they did not evacuate, believing the forecasts lacked sufficient warning.

What was the court's ruling regarding the Weather Bureau's responsibility in the Bartie v. United States case?

The court ruled that the Weather Bureau had failed to convey the necessary urgency in its warnings but determined that issuing evacuation orders was not within the Bureau's official duties. The case was dismissed, citing the discretionary function exception under the Federal Tort Claims Act for unintentional errors.

What was the outcome of Whitney Bartie's appeal in the case of *Bartie v. United States*?

Whitney Bartie's appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit resulted in a ruling in favor of the United States, upholding the dismissal of his lawsuit. The court found that negligence on the part of the Weather Bureau had not been sufficiently established.

What was the estimated damage to offshore oil facilities caused by Hurricane Audrey?

The damage to offshore oil facilities alone caused by Hurricane Audrey was estimated at $16 million. Despite this cost, the oil industry reported minimal fatalities compared to the widespread devastation in coastal communities.

What was the peak rainfall recorded in Louisiana during Hurricane Audrey?

The heaviest rainfall associated with Hurricane Audrey in Louisiana was recorded just west of Basile, measuring 10.63 inches. Most of the significant rainfall occurred east of the storm's center of circulation.

How did the Weather Bureau's advisories advise residents regarding evacuation?

The Weather Bureau's advisories advised the evacuation of "low or exposed areas." However, many residents in inland areas at slightly higher elevations did not perceive themselves as being at risk, potentially leading to incomplete evacuations.

What was the role of the National Hurricane Research Project (NHRP) in studying Hurricane Audrey's impacts?

Hurricane Audrey's extensive storm surge provided the first major research opportunity for the newly formed National Hurricane Research Project (NHRP). Their study highlighted the need for better inland surge data to improve forecasting and inform emergency decisions.

What specific type of damage did the F2 tornado in Clara, Mississippi cause?

An F2 tornado in Clara, Mississippi, destroyed a grocery store and several other large buildings. This tornado was one of four that touched down in Mississippi, contributing to the state's overall damage total.

What was the total number of tornadoes spawned by Hurricane Audrey across all affected regions?

Across all affected regions, Hurricane Audrey spawned a total of 19 tornadoes. These tornadoes occurred in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, causing significant damage and casualties.

Hurricane Audrey Wiki: Audrey's Fury: Anatomy of a Catastrophic Storm

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Meteorological History

Genesis and Intensification

Hurricane Audrey originated from a tropical wave that entered the Bay of Campeche on June 22, 1957. Benefiting from unusually warm sea surface temperatures (85°F / 29°C) and favorable upper-level atmospheric conditions, the system rapidly organized. It intensified into a tropical depression on June 24 and a tropical storm just six hours later. By June 25, reconnaissance aircraft confirmed Audrey had become a hurricane, marking the first hurricane of the 1957 Atlantic season and one of the strongest June hurricanes on record in the Atlantic basin.

Landfall Intensity

Audrey accelerated northward, undergoing a second phase of rapid intensification. It reached major hurricane status (Category 3) with peak sustained winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 946 mbar (27.94 inHg) just prior to landfall. The storm made landfall on June 27 between the Sabine River mouth and Cameron, Louisiana, causing unprecedented destruction with its powerful storm surge and high winds.

Extratropical Transition

After moving inland, Audrey gradually weakened and turned northeast. It transitioned into an extratropical cyclone over West Virginia on June 29. The remnants of Audrey merged with another extratropical system over the Great Lakes, contributing to a significant intensification of the merged system, a phenomenon reminiscent of Hurricane Hazel in 1954.

Preparations and Warnings

Initial Advisories

The Weather Bureau issued its first bulletin on Audrey as a tropical depression on June 25. A hurricane watch was posted for the Texas and Louisiana coasts the following day. Hurricane warnings were issued for the entire Louisiana coast by the morning of June 26, with warnings extended westward along the Texas coast by June 27. Despite warnings being issued 24 hours prior to landfall, the storm's rapid acceleration surprised many.

Evacuations

Approximately 75,000 people evacuated from low-lying coastal areas. However, the perceived lack of urgency in official advisories and localized edits to warnings by some officials contributed to incomplete evacuations. Many residents in areas later inundated did not consider themselves to be at sufficiently low elevation to warrant evacuation.

Securing Assets

Offshore oil rigs and personnel were evacuated. Aircraft and personnel were moved from vulnerable Air Force and National Guard bases in Mississippi and Alabama to safer inland locations. Coastal communities implemented evacuation plans, with the American Red Cross establishing shelters for thousands of displaced residents.

Impact and Devastation

Fatalities and Damage

Hurricane Audrey was exceptionally deadly, causing at least 416 fatalities in the United States, primarily due to storm surge drowning. This made it the deadliest U.S. hurricane since 1928. Damage was estimated at $150 million (1957 USD), with the most severe destruction concentrated in southwestern Louisiana. Fifteen additional fatalities occurred in Canada.

Storm Surge and Coastal Destruction

The storm surge, peaking at 12.4 feet (3.8 m) west of Cameron, Louisiana, inundated coastal areas up to 20 miles inland. Communities like Cameron were virtually obliterated, with an estimated 90-95% of buildings in affected parishes suffering irreparable damage. Homes were swept miles inland, and debris, including dead wildlife, clogged waterways.

Inland Effects

Beyond the coast, Audrey spawned 19 tornadoes across the southeastern United States, causing additional damage and injuries, particularly in Alabama and Mississippi. Heavy rainfall associated with the storm's remnants led to significant flooding in the Midwest, setting rainfall records in some areas and causing further fatalities.

Aftermath and Lessons Learned

Rescue and Relief

Rescue efforts were immediately launched by the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies. Over 40,000 people were left homeless, with many temporarily housed in shelters. Statues were erected in memory of the victims, particularly in southwestern Louisiana.

Environmental Impact

The storm surge caused significant ecological damage, including saltwater inundation of coastal marshes, leading to a decrease in waterfowl and vegetation. Animal populations suffered high mortality rates. The coastal morphology was altered, with significant erosion and sedimentation.

Legal and Operational Changes

The high death toll led to a lawsuit against the U.S. Weather Bureau, highlighting issues with the clarity and urgency of storm warnings. While the suit was ultimately dismissed, it contributed to improvements in communication and the installation of more tide recorders. The name "Audrey" was retired from future use.

Notes

Clarifications

A major hurricane is defined as a Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale. All damage totals are in 1957 U.S. dollars unless otherwise specified. The data presented here is based on historical meteorological reports and analyses.

Related Storms

Similar Impacts

Hurricane Audrey's path and devastating impact on Louisiana and Texas have similarities to other major storms in the region:

Hurricane Rita (2005): A Category 5 hurricane that made landfall as a Category 3, causing significant damage in the same areas.
Hurricane Laura (2020): A powerful Category 4 hurricane that brought catastrophic destruction to western Louisiana.

Early Season Storms

Audrey's status as a powerful June hurricane highlights the potential for early-season tropical cyclone activity:

1909 Velasco Hurricane: A Category 3 storm that impacted the Texas coast.
Hurricane Beryl (2024): A record-breaking Category 5 hurricane that formed early in the season.

Sources

Primary References

The information presented is derived from historical meteorological reports and analyses, primarily from the National Hurricane Center and Monthly Weather Review publications. Specific details are sourced from archived news reports and official climate data.

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References

All damage totals are in 1957 United States dollars unless otherwise noted.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Hurricane Audrey Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional meteorological or emergency management advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always refer to official meteorological advisories and consult with qualified professionals for specific guidance related to weather events and disaster preparedness.

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Audrey's Fury

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Meteorological History ☁️

📈 Genesis and Intensification

🎯 Landfall Intensity

➡️ Extratropical Transition

Preparations and Warnings 🛡️

📢 Initial Advisories

🚶 Evacuations

✈️ Securing Assets

Impact and Devastation 💥

💀 Fatalities and Damage

🌊 Storm Surge and Coastal Destruction

🌪️ Inland Effects

Aftermath and Lessons Learned 🧹

🆘 Rescue and Relief

🏞️ Environmental Impact

⚖️ Legal and Operational Changes

Notes 📝

ℹ️ Clarifications

Related Storms 🔗

➡️ Similar Impacts

📅 Early Season Storms

Sources 📚

📄 Primary References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Meteorological History

Genesis and Intensification

Landfall Intensity

Extratropical Transition

Preparations and Warnings

Initial Advisories

Evacuations

Securing Assets

Impact and Devastation

Fatalities and Damage

Storm Surge and Coastal Destruction

Inland Effects

Aftermath and Lessons Learned

Rescue and Relief

Environmental Impact

Legal and Operational Changes

Notes

Clarifications

Related Storms

Similar Impacts

Early Season Storms

Sources

Primary References

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice