Tropical Storm Debbie (1965)

Meteorological history

A low-pressure area developed into a weak tropical depression on September 24 off the north coast of Honduras in the western Caribbean Sea. It was initially disorganized, without a well-developed circulation. On September 25, while still a tropical depression, the system was named Debbie. Without intensifying further, the depression crossed the northeastern Yucatán Peninsula on September 26. The next day, the depression turned toward the north in the central Gulf of Mexico before beginning a northeast motion. On September 28, Debbie intensified into a tropical storm, attaining peak winds of 50 mph (85 km/h). This occurred after the storm developed two distinct spiral rainbands.

As Debbie approached the northern Gulf Coast, it failed to intensify, despite warm sea surface temperatures, abundant moisture, and an anticyclone aloft. In addition, the storm never developed good outflow, partially due to stable air related to Tropical Storm Hazel in the eastern Pacific Ocean. After maintaining peak winds for about 12 hours, Debbie weakened due to cooler, drier air, deteriorating to a tropical depression on September 29. That day, it turned to the northwest, passing just east of the Mississippi Delta. On September 30, the circulation of Debbie dissipated just offshore Mississippi. Its remnants made landfall, accelerated northeastward, and were eventually absorbed by an extratropical cyclone.

Impact

The precursor to Debbie produced heavy rainfall across the western Caribbean Sea. Swan Island off the north coast of Honduras reported 5.43 in in a 24-hour period. In Belize City, Belize, the storm produced high tides and 1.04 in of rainfall. Grand Cayman reported light rains for two days. The government of Cuba advised residents to restrict boating activities around the country. Similarly, the Weather Bureau issued a small craft warning for the Dry Tortugas and for the Florida Keys through Key Largo.

Before Debbie dissipated, local Weather Bureau offices issued a gale warning and a hurricane watch from the mouth of the Mississippi River to Cedar Key, Florida. Small boat owners throughout the region were advised to remain at port. The threat of the storm prompted the evacuation of oil platforms, as well as thousands of residents in low-lying areas of St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. In New Orleans, storm tides reached 6 ft. High tides inundated roads and highways in southeastern Louisiana. The storm affected areas that were severely damaged by Hurricane Betsy earlier in September.

Despite being a weak storm, Debbie dropped heavy rainfall along the coast, peaking at 17.2 in in Mobile, Alabama. Of the total, 15 in fell in 15 hours, which broke the daily rainfall record in the city. The rains resulted in 6 ft of flooding that closed several businesses and roads, causing the worst traffic jam on record in the city. Hundreds of cars were flooded, and more than 200 people had to leave their inundated homes. Damage in the city was estimated at $25 million, which was the only significant damage from the storm. Rainfall extended from Louisiana to the east coast of Florida, and as far north as North Carolina. In eastern Georgia near Brunswick, the storm dropped more than 9 in of precipitation, causing flooding in airfields and along canals.

References

References

1. Arnold L. Sugg, Miami Weather Bureau. (1965-09-25). "Tropical Depression Advisory Number 1 Debbie". National Hurricane Center.
2. Arnold L. Sugg. (March 1966). "The Hurricane Season of 1965". Monthly Weather Review.
3. W. Clyde Connor. (1965-10-06). "Tropical Storm Debbie... Gulf of Mexico". National Hurricane Center.
4. David M. Roth. (2009-04-12). "Tropical Storm Debbie - September 26-October 1, 1965". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center.
5. "Summary 2". National Hurricane Center.
6. Staff writer. (1965-09-26). "S. Florida Keys on Debbie Alert". Star-News.
7. Connor, New Orleans Weather Bureau. (1965-09-28). "New Orleans Weather Bureau: Tropical Storm Debbie Bulletin for Press Radio and TV 8 AM CST September 28, 1965". National Hurricane Center.
8. Staff writer. (1965-09-28). "Destination Debbie: Florida Panhandle". The Evening Independent.
9. Staff writer. (1965-09-28). "Debbie Dallying, Carol Convoluting". The Palm Beach Post.
10. Staff writer. (1965-10-01). "Debbie Floods Mobile".
11. Staff writer. (1965-10-01). "15 Inches Rain in 15 Hours for Mobile". The Morning Record.
12. Staff writer. (1965-09-30). "Debbie Breaks Up Near Biloxi". Ocala Star-Banner.