.gif)
Hurricane Felix (1995)
Encyclopedia
Hurricane Felix was the sixth named tropical cyclone
and the third hurricane of the unusually active 1995 Atlantic hurricane season
. Though the Cape Verde-type hurricane
never made landfall, Felix stalled off the coast of North Carolina
, resulting in great uncertainty over its track. The hurricane caused eight deaths and severe beach erosion from North Carolina
to Massachusetts
.
on August 6. Deep convection quickly organized around a center, and the system developed into Tropical Depression Seven on August 8 while a short distance southwest of the Cape Verde
islands. The depression moved to the west-northwest, and 18 hours after forming it strengthened into a tropical storm, receiving the name Felix. It continued to slowly intensify as it headed west-northwestward, a motion caused by the subtropical ridge
, and attained hurricane status on the August 11, while this 620 mi (997.8 km) east-northeast of Guadeloupe
.
A split in the deep-layered trough over the western Atlantic Ocean
resulted in Felix turning to the northwest. There, where warm sea surface temperature
s and little upper-level shear
provided conditions favorable for intensification, the hurricane began to rapidly intensify
to its peak strength, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (225 km/h) on August 12. An eyewall replacement cycle, combined with upper level shear from its anticyclone
being displaced over the hurricane, caused Felix to weaken and develop a broader inner core about 18 hours after reaching Category 4 intensity. Its northwest motion continued, bringing Felix, then a 85 mph (0.0379984 km) hurricane, within 75 mi (120.7 km) of Bermuda
on August 15.
The subtropical ridge built to the west, forcing Felix to take a west-northwest track. Initially, it appeared that the westward motion would cause Felix to strike the mid-Atlantic
coastline, though a weakness in the ridge caused the hurricane to stall just 165 mi (265.5 km) east of the Outer Banks
from August 17 to August 19. Cooler, drier air weakened Felix to a minimal hurricane, and while stationary, it presented an eye 60 mi (96.6 km) to 80 mi (128.7 km) in diameter. After one shortwave
trough
failed to pull the hurricane towards open sea on August 18, Felix drifted eastward, and executed a clockwise loop before another shortwave trough brought the hurricane to the northeast. Cooler waters weakened Felix to a tropical storm on August 20, and after passing to the east of Newfoundland, the storm became extratropical
on August 22. As an extratropical storm, Felix persisted until August 25 when it dissipated between Iceland
and Ireland
.
, officials in the United States
issued hurricane warnings from Little River, South Carolina
to Chincoteague, Virginia
, and tropical storm warnings from Chincoteague to near Manasquan, New Jersey
on August 15. Also that same day, officials in Dare County, North Carolina
, ordered a mandatory evacuation for the Outer Banks, a decision that caused $4 million (1995 USD) in daily losses for local businesses. At the time, over 200,000 tourists and residents were in the evacuation zone, including 5,000 to 8,000 in Hatteras
, the city furthest from the mainland by road. Had the hurricane continued on its path, it would have made landfall on the night of August 16. For this same reason, schools were cancelled throughout Dare County; further inland in North Carolina, shelters were opened in schools in Roanoke Rapids
and Rocky Mount
.
In southeastern Virginia
, officials feared a repeat of the 1933 Chesapeake Potomac Hurricane
, which caused a deadly storm surge
in downtown Norfolk
. Contrary to typical North Carolina hurricanes, which parallels the coast, Felix was predicted to make landfall
head on, a situation known to exacerbate storm surge. The large size of the hurricane, potential for re-strengthening, and slow forward motion, caused a worst-case scenario in which up to 9 feet (2.7 m) of water would be pushed onshore and cause widespread flooding throughout southeastern Virginia. The projected path caused 66 U.S. Navy
ships to depart the Norfolk Naval Base
for safer waters.
, 8 to 12-foot (2.4 to 3.7 m) waves caused minor coastal flooding in Cataño
. Strong waves and rip currents were responsible for the deaths of eight people.
, officials issued hurricane warnings about one day prior to moving past the island. The Bermuda International Airport
canceled flights during the storm's onslaught, and gusty winds downed numerous trees and power lines. Although no surface wind reports are available, estimates based on elevated observations indicate that Felix produced winds of 80-85 mph (129–137 km/h) at the surface of the island. The hurricane's passage postponed the scheduled vote for Bermuda
's independence. The winds left 20,000 without power initially, though power was quickly restored. Rough surf from Felix destroyed a few boats and damaged hotels on the island's southern shore, though damage was minor.
. In addition, persistent cyclonic winds caused strong rip currents along the coastline. The rip currents and strong waves caused three drowning deaths in North Carolina
and five in New Jersey
. The winds caused extensive beach erosion in North Carolina
and New Jersey
, especially in Ocean City, New Jersey
where 240 feet (73.2 m) of beach was lost and 10-foot (3 m) cliffs were formed. In Atlantic City
, beaches were closed for the first time since Hurricane Gloria
in 1985. Flooding was also present in Virginia
with tides 4 feet (1.2 m) above normal. Numerous other beaches from North Carolina to Massachusetts were closed, as well. Storm tides were 2.5 foot (0.762 m) above normal in most locations, including the Outer Banks
where North Carolina Highway 12 was flooded sporadically for four days.
Because Hurricane Felix remained offshore, it caused little property damage. Two houses in the Hamptons were washed away by the strong waves. In North Carolina
, 20 to 30 houses experienced minor damage, totaling to $57,000 in damage (1995 USD, $70,000 2005 USD). Strong waves from the hurricane sunk two boats with one person each off the coast of Maine
, with damage to the boats totaling to $75,000 (1995 USD). Both men swam to shore, one of whom suffered minor injuries after the crash. Strong waves also swept a woman out to sea in Bailey Island, Maine. She was rescued, but not before suffering from hypothermia
and cuts over her body.
, authorities closed several beaches due to swells of up to 20 feet (6.1 m). Buoys near the Newfoundland coast recorded wave heights of 49 feet (14.9 m), while buoys further offshore reported wave heights of 82 feet (25 m). Upon moving past Nova Scotia, the hurricane dropped light rainfall of up to 1.5 inches (40 mm).
, $10 million (1995 USD) was required to replenish the sand, the first restoration project since 1962. Geologists argue it is a losing battle, believing it is pointless to replace the sand lost due to nature. Others argue the beach is helping small towns with tourism, many times their primary source of income. In addition, one estimate indicated it would cost less to replace the beach than to pay for the disaster-relief when a storm might destroy unprotected houses.
Tropical cyclone
A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a large low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor...
and the third hurricane of the unusually active 1995 Atlantic hurricane season
1995 Atlantic hurricane season
The 1995 Atlantic hurricane season was the third most active Atlantic hurricane season on record. It officially began on June 1, 1995, and lasted until November 30, 1995. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the north Atlantic ocean...
. Though the Cape Verde-type hurricane
Cape Verde-type hurricane
A Cape Verde-type hurricane is an Atlantic hurricane that develops near the Cape Verde islands, off the west coast of Africa. The average hurricane season has about two Cape Verde-type hurricanes, which are usually the largest and most intense storms of the season because they often have plenty of...
never made landfall, Felix stalled off the coast of North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
, resulting in great uncertainty over its track. The hurricane caused eight deaths and severe beach erosion from North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
to Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
.
Meteorological History
The origins of Hurricane Felix were from a tropical wave that moved off the coast of AfricaAfrica
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
on August 6. Deep convection quickly organized around a center, and the system developed into Tropical Depression Seven on August 8 while a short distance southwest of the Cape Verde
Cape Verde
The Republic of Cape Verde is an island country, spanning an archipelago of 10 islands located in the central Atlantic Ocean, 570 kilometres off the coast of Western Africa...
islands. The depression moved to the west-northwest, and 18 hours after forming it strengthened into a tropical storm, receiving the name Felix. It continued to slowly intensify as it headed west-northwestward, a motion caused by the subtropical ridge
Subtropical ridge
The subtropical ridge is a significant belt of high pressure situated around the latitudes of 30°N in the Northern Hemisphere and 30°S in the Southern Hemisphere. It is characterized by mostly calm winds, which acts to reduce air quality under its axis by causing fog overnight, and haze during...
, and attained hurricane status on the August 11, while this 620 mi (997.8 km) east-northeast of Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is an archipelago located in the Leeward Islands, in the Lesser Antilles, with a land area of 1,628 square kilometres and a population of 400,000. It is the first overseas region of France, consisting of a single overseas department. As with the other overseas departments, Guadeloupe...
.
A split in the deep-layered trough over the western Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's oceanic divisions. With a total area of about , it covers approximately 20% of the Earth's surface and about 26% of its water surface area...
resulted in Felix turning to the northwest. There, where warm sea surface temperature
Sea surface temperature
Sea surface temperature is the water temperature close to the oceans surface. The exact meaning of surface varies according to the measurement method used, but it is between and below the sea surface. Air masses in the Earth's atmosphere are highly modified by sea surface temperatures within a...
s and little upper-level shear
Wind shear
Wind shear, sometimes referred to as windshear or wind gradient, is a difference in wind speed and direction over a relatively short distance in the atmosphere...
provided conditions favorable for intensification, the hurricane began to rapidly intensify
Rapid deepening
Rapid deepening, also known as rapid intensification, is a meteorological condition that occurs when the minimum sea-level atmospheric pressure of a tropical cyclone decreases drastically in a short period of time. The National Weather Service describes rapid deepening as a decrease of...
to its peak strength, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (225 km/h) on August 12. An eyewall replacement cycle, combined with upper level shear from its anticyclone
Anticyclone
An anticyclone is a weather phenomenon defined by the United States' National Weather Service's glossary as "[a] large-scale circulation of winds around a central region of high atmospheric pressure, clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere"...
being displaced over the hurricane, caused Felix to weaken and develop a broader inner core about 18 hours after reaching Category 4 intensity. Its northwest motion continued, bringing Felix, then a 85 mph (0.0379984 km) hurricane, within 75 mi (120.7 km) of Bermuda
Bermuda
Bermuda is a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Located off the east coast of the United States, its nearest landmass is Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, about to the west-northwest. It is about south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and northeast of Miami, Florida...
on August 15.
Mid-Atlantic States
The Mid-Atlantic states, also called middle Atlantic states or simply the mid Atlantic, form a region of the United States generally located between New England and the South...
coastline, though a weakness in the ridge caused the hurricane to stall just 165 mi (265.5 km) east of the Outer Banks
Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is a 200-mile long string of narrow barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, beginning in the southeastern corner of Virginia Beach on the east coast of the United States....
from August 17 to August 19. Cooler, drier air weakened Felix to a minimal hurricane, and while stationary, it presented an eye 60 mi (96.6 km) to 80 mi (128.7 km) in diameter. After one shortwave
Shortwave
Shortwave radio refers to the upper MF and all of the HF portion of the radio spectrum, between 1,800–30,000 kHz. Shortwave radio received its name because the wavelengths in this band are shorter than 200 m which marked the original upper limit of the medium frequency band first used...
trough
Trough (meteorology)
A trough is an elongated region of relatively low atmospheric pressure, often associated with fronts.Unlike fronts, there is not a universal symbol for a trough on a weather chart. The weather charts in some countries or regions mark troughs by a line. In the United States, a trough may be marked...
failed to pull the hurricane towards open sea on August 18, Felix drifted eastward, and executed a clockwise loop before another shortwave trough brought the hurricane to the northeast. Cooler waters weakened Felix to a tropical storm on August 20, and after passing to the east of Newfoundland, the storm became extratropical
Extratropical cyclone
Extratropical cyclones, sometimes called mid-latitude cyclones or wave cyclones, are a group of cyclones defined as synoptic scale low pressure weather systems that occur in the middle latitudes of the Earth having neither tropical nor polar characteristics, and are connected with fronts and...
on August 22. As an extratropical storm, Felix persisted until August 25 when it dissipated between Iceland
Iceland
Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
and Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
.
Preparations
Initial forecasts predicted a landfall on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, with winds of 100 mph (160 km/h); however, these forecasts were made with great uncertainty. While Felix was still near BermudaBermuda
Bermuda is a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Located off the east coast of the United States, its nearest landmass is Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, about to the west-northwest. It is about south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and northeast of Miami, Florida...
, officials in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
issued hurricane warnings from Little River, South Carolina
Little River, South Carolina
Little River is a census-designated place in Horry County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 7,027 at the 2000 census....
to Chincoteague, Virginia
Chincoteague, Virginia
Chincoteague is a town on Chincoteague Island in Accomack County, Virginia, United States. The population was 4,317 at the 2000 census. The town is perhaps best known for the Chincoteague Ponies, although these are not actually on the island of Chincoteague but on nearby Assateague Island...
, and tropical storm warnings from Chincoteague to near Manasquan, New Jersey
Manasquan, New Jersey
-Government:Manasquan is governed under the Borough form of New Jersey municipal government. The government consists of a Mayor and a Borough Council comprising six council members, with all positions elected at large. A Mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office and only...
on August 15. Also that same day, officials in Dare County, North Carolina
Dare County, North Carolina
-National protected areas:* Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge * Cape Hatteras National Seashore * Fort Raleigh National Historic Site* Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge* Wright Brothers National Memorial-Demographics:...
, ordered a mandatory evacuation for the Outer Banks, a decision that caused $4 million (1995 USD) in daily losses for local businesses. At the time, over 200,000 tourists and residents were in the evacuation zone, including 5,000 to 8,000 in Hatteras
Hatteras, North Carolina
Hatteras is an unincorporated community in Dare County, North Carolina, United States, on the Outer Banks island of Hatteras. North Carolina Highway 12 passes through the community linking it to Frisco and Ocracoke . It is south of the famous Cape Hatteras and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton...
, the city furthest from the mainland by road. Had the hurricane continued on its path, it would have made landfall on the night of August 16. For this same reason, schools were cancelled throughout Dare County; further inland in North Carolina, shelters were opened in schools in Roanoke Rapids
Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina
Roanoke Rapids is a city in Halifax County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 16,957 at the 2000 census. It is the principal city of the Roanoke Rapids Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
and Rocky Mount
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Rocky Mount is an All-America City Award-winning city in Edgecombe and Nash counties in the coastal plains of the state of North Carolina. Although it was not formally incorporated until February 28, 1867, the North Carolina community that became the city of Rocky Mount dates from the beginning of...
.
In southeastern Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
, officials feared a repeat of the 1933 Chesapeake Potomac Hurricane
1933 Chesapeake Potomac Hurricane
The 1933 Chesapeake-Potomac Hurricane was the eighth storm and third hurricane of the very active 1933 Atlantic hurricane season. The August storm formed in the central Atlantic, where it moved west-northwest...
, which caused a deadly storm surge
Storm surge
A storm surge is an offshore rise of water associated with a low pressure weather system, typically tropical cyclones and strong extratropical cyclones. Storm surges are caused primarily by high winds pushing on the ocean's surface. The wind causes the water to pile up higher than the ordinary sea...
in downtown Norfolk
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. With a population of 242,803 as of the 2010 Census, it is Virginia's second-largest city behind neighboring Virginia Beach....
. Contrary to typical North Carolina hurricanes, which parallels the coast, Felix was predicted to make landfall
Landfall (meteorology)
Landfall is the event of a tropical cyclone or a waterspout coming onto land after being over water. When a waterspout makes landfall it is reclassified as a tornado, which can then cause damage inland...
head on, a situation known to exacerbate storm surge. The large size of the hurricane, potential for re-strengthening, and slow forward motion, caused a worst-case scenario in which up to 9 feet (2.7 m) of water would be pushed onshore and cause widespread flooding throughout southeastern Virginia. The projected path caused 66 U.S. Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
ships to depart the Norfolk Naval Base
Naval Station Norfolk
Naval Station Norfolk, in Norfolk, Virginia, is a base of the United States Navy, supporting naval forces in the United States Fleet Forces Command, those operating in the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Indian Ocean...
for safer waters.
Impact
Though Felix did not make landfall, its large circulation created large swells across much of the western Atlantic Ocean. In Puerto RicoPuerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
, 8 to 12-foot (2.4 to 3.7 m) waves caused minor coastal flooding in Cataño
Cataño, Puerto Rico
Cataño is a municipality located on northern coast of Puerto Rico bordering the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent to the north and east by San Juan; north of Bayamón and Guaynabo; east of Toa Baja and west of Guaynabo and is part of the San Juan Metropolitan Area. Cataño is spread over 7 wards and...
. Strong waves and rip currents were responsible for the deaths of eight people.
Bermuda
In BermudaBermuda
Bermuda is a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Located off the east coast of the United States, its nearest landmass is Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, about to the west-northwest. It is about south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and northeast of Miami, Florida...
, officials issued hurricane warnings about one day prior to moving past the island. The Bermuda International Airport
Bermuda International Airport
L.F. Wade International Airport , formerly named Bermuda International Airport, is the sole airport serving Bermuda, a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is located in the parish of St. George's and is northeast of Bermuda's capital city of Hamilton. In 2006, L.F. Wade...
canceled flights during the storm's onslaught, and gusty winds downed numerous trees and power lines. Although no surface wind reports are available, estimates based on elevated observations indicate that Felix produced winds of 80-85 mph (129–137 km/h) at the surface of the island. The hurricane's passage postponed the scheduled vote for Bermuda
Bermuda
Bermuda is a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Located off the east coast of the United States, its nearest landmass is Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, about to the west-northwest. It is about south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and northeast of Miami, Florida...
's independence. The winds left 20,000 without power initially, though power was quickly restored. Rough surf from Felix destroyed a few boats and damaged hotels on the island's southern shore, though damage was minor.
United States
While stalling offshore, Hurricane Felix generated strong waves of up to 15 feet (4.6 m) in Martha's VineyardMartha's Vineyard
Martha's Vineyard is an island located south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, known for being an affluent summer colony....
. In addition, persistent cyclonic winds caused strong rip currents along the coastline. The rip currents and strong waves caused three drowning deaths in North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
and five in New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
. The winds caused extensive beach erosion in North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
and New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, especially in Ocean City, New Jersey
Ocean City, New Jersey
Ocean City is a city in Cape May County, New Jersey, United States. It is the principal city of the Ocean City Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of Cape May County. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city population was 11,701...
where 240 feet (73.2 m) of beach was lost and 10-foot (3 m) cliffs were formed. In Atlantic City
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City is a city in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States, and a nationally renowned resort city for gambling, shopping and fine dining. The city also served as the inspiration for the American version of the board game Monopoly. Atlantic City is located on Absecon Island on the coast...
, beaches were closed for the first time since Hurricane Gloria
Hurricane Gloria
Hurricane Gloria was a powerful Cape Verde-type hurricane that formed during the 1985 Atlantic hurricane season and prowled the Atlantic Ocean from September 16 to September 28. Gloria reached Category 4 status on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale near the Bahamas, but weakened significantly...
in 1985. Flooding was also present in Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
with tides 4 feet (1.2 m) above normal. Numerous other beaches from North Carolina to Massachusetts were closed, as well. Storm tides were 2.5 foot (0.762 m) above normal in most locations, including the Outer Banks
Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is a 200-mile long string of narrow barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, beginning in the southeastern corner of Virginia Beach on the east coast of the United States....
where North Carolina Highway 12 was flooded sporadically for four days.
Because Hurricane Felix remained offshore, it caused little property damage. Two houses in the Hamptons were washed away by the strong waves. In North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
, 20 to 30 houses experienced minor damage, totaling to $57,000 in damage (1995 USD, $70,000 2005 USD). Strong waves from the hurricane sunk two boats with one person each off the coast of Maine
Maine
Maine is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, New Hampshire to the west, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the northeast. Maine is both the northernmost and easternmost...
, with damage to the boats totaling to $75,000 (1995 USD). Both men swam to shore, one of whom suffered minor injuries after the crash. Strong waves also swept a woman out to sea in Bailey Island, Maine. She was rescued, but not before suffering from hypothermia
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a condition in which core temperature drops below the required temperature for normal metabolism and body functions which is defined as . Body temperature is usually maintained near a constant level of through biologic homeostasis or thermoregulation...
and cuts over her body.
Canada
In Nova ScotiaNova Scotia
Nova Scotia is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the most populous province in Atlantic Canada. The name of the province is Latin for "New Scotland," but "Nova Scotia" is the recognized, English-language name of the province. The provincial capital is Halifax. Nova Scotia is the...
, authorities closed several beaches due to swells of up to 20 feet (6.1 m). Buoys near the Newfoundland coast recorded wave heights of 49 feet (14.9 m), while buoys further offshore reported wave heights of 82 feet (25 m). Upon moving past Nova Scotia, the hurricane dropped light rainfall of up to 1.5 inches (40 mm).
Aftermath
Due to the extensive beach erosion, government officials questioned whether to rebuild on barrier islands. In Virginia BeachVirginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is an independent city located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of Virginia, on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay...
, $10 million (1995 USD) was required to replenish the sand, the first restoration project since 1962. Geologists argue it is a losing battle, believing it is pointless to replace the sand lost due to nature. Others argue the beach is helping small towns with tourism, many times their primary source of income. In addition, one estimate indicated it would cost less to replace the beach than to pay for the disaster-relief when a storm might destroy unprotected houses.
See also
- Other storms of the same name
- Timeline of the 1995 Atlantic hurricane seasonTimeline of the 1995 Atlantic hurricane seasonThis timeline documents all the storm formations, strengthening, weakening, landfalls, extratropical transitions, as well as dissipation during the 1995 Atlantic hurricane season. The season officially began on June 1, 1995, and ended on November 30, and no storms formed off-season...
- List of North Carolina hurricanes (1980–present)
- List of New Jersey hurricanes