Hurricane Georges
Template:Short description Template:Other hurricanes Template:Infobox weather eventTemplate:Infobox weather event/NWSTemplate:Infobox weather event/EffectsTemplate:Infobox weather event/Footer
Hurricane Georges (Template:IPAc-en) was a powerful and long-lived tropical cyclone which caused severe destruction as it traversed the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico in September 1998, making seven landfalls along its path. Georges was the seventh tropical storm, fourth hurricane, and second major hurricane of the 1998 Atlantic hurricane season. It became the most destructive storm of the season, the costliest Atlantic hurricane since Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and remained the costliest until Hurricane Charley in 2004, and the deadliest since Hurricane Gordon in 1994. Georges killed 615 people, mainly on the island of Hispaniola, caused extensive damage resulting in just under $10 billion (US dollars in 1998) in damages and leaving nearly 500,000 people homeless in St. Kitts and Nevis, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and Cuba.
The hurricane made landfall in at least six countries (Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and the United States), more than any other hurricane since Hurricane Inez of the 1966 season. Throughout its path of destruction, it caused extreme flooding and mudslides, as well as heavy crop damage. Thousands were left homeless as a result of the storm in the Lesser Antilles, and damage in those islands totaled about US$880 million. In the Greater Antilles, hundreds of deaths were confirmed, along with over $2.4 billion in damages. Hundreds of thousands were left homeless, due to catastrophic flooding, torrential rainfall, and high storm surge. Flooding was exacerbated heavily by coastal defenses being broken from high waves. Crops were heavily damaged, and thousands of houses were destroyed due to mudslides.
Damage from Georges was extensive in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico as well. In Puerto Rico, the storm was the first hurricane to pass over the island since the 1932 San Ciprián hurricane. Storm surges Template:Cvt high were recorded, along with damage across much of the country. Roads were rendered impassible, and beaches eroded due to heavy flooding. Some areas were left isolated. Crop damage was extreme, especially to the Banana plant. A total of 96 percent of the territory's population was left without power due to nearly half of the island's electrical lines being downed. A little under 73,000 houses had been damaged, with just over 28,000 others being destroyed. Due to no fully developed water systems being present, 75% water and sewage services had been lost. According to contemporary reports, Hurricane Georges caused $3.6 billion in damage in Puerto Rico. In September 2017, Governor Pedro Rosselló estimated the actual damage was around $7–8 billion.
In the United States, damage was widespread across multiple states. In Florida, a high storm surge caused flooding. All of Florida Keys were left without power. In Miami, over 200,000 had no power due to winds knocking down power lines. 17 tornadoes were confirmed throughout the state. Rainfall as high as Template:Cvt was recorded, which caused devastating flooding. Thousands of homes were damaged throughout the state. In Louisiana, impacts were mostly minor. Evacuations were well-timed and led to zero deaths in the state. Three died indirectly, however: two men collapsed and died due to stress, and a house burned down because of a candle being tipped over, killing one.Template:Citation needed In Mississippi, rainfall as high as Template:Convert was recorded. Homes were flooded and people were forced to evacuate days after the storm had passed. Mobile homes were damaged and/or overturned. In Alabama, Template:Cvt high waves were recorded. Homes, apartment buildings, and businesses were damaged. 20 tornadoes touched down, with one causing over $1.5 million. Template:Cvt rainfall accumulation was recorded. Many bridges, highways, and roads were shut down due to flooding. The only direct death in the US was recorded in the state. In Georgia, damage was minor. Rainfall accumulating to about Template:Convert closed several roads across multiple counties. The name Georges was retired due to extreme damage caused by the storm.
Meteorological historyEdit
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Template:Storm path A tropical wave exited the coast of Africa on September 13. Moving westward, the large system quickly developed a closed circulation and was classified Tropical Depression Seven on September 15. A strong upper-level ridge forced the depression to the west-northwest, where warm water temperatures allowed it to strengthen to a tropical storm on September 16. Georges's circulation developed strong banding features around a well-organized Central Dense Overcast, and with the aid of a developing anti-cyclone, Georges attained hurricane status late on September 17.<ref name="tcr"/>
Conditions became nearly ideal for continued development, including warm water temperatures, low-level inflow to the hurricane's north, and good upper-level outflow. A banding eye developed, and Georges reached major hurricane strength on September 19 while 675 mi (1085 km) east-southeast of Guadeloupe. By September 19, an upper-level anticyclone was well established over Georges and satellite pictures suggested that the hurricane was beginning to strengthen rapidly, as indicated by the cooling cloud tops, increased symmetry of the deep convection, and the warming and contracting of the well-defined Template:Convert wide eye as rapid intensification continued, and Georges peaked as a very dangerous and a high-end Category 4 storm with Template:Convert wind and a 937 minimal pressure late on September 19 and early September 20. At that time, Georges was the most intense, strongest storm since Hurricane Hugo, and along with Hurricane Luis, it is one of the largest major hurricanes in the South Atlantic with hurricane-force wind fields extending more than Template:Convert from the north and with a more than Template:Convert wide tropical storm force wind field. Shortly after peaking, upper-level wind shear from the development of an upper-level low weakened the hurricane on September 20 in the afternoon, as the central pressure had risen 26 mb as Georges approached the Leeward Islands.<ref name="tcr"/>
On September 21, after weakening considerably, Category 3 Georges made landfall directly on Antigua and three hours later in St. Kitts, though its Template:Convert wide tropical storm force wind field affected all the Leeward Islands. After weakening to a Category 2 hurricane over the Caribbean, upper-level shear decreased, and Georges strengthened a bit before making landfall near Fajardo, Puerto Rico as a Template:Convert Category 3 hurricane early in the morning. Over the mountainous terrain of the island, the hurricane weakened again, but over the Mona Passage it again re-intensified to hit eastern Dominican Republic with winds of Template:Convert on September 22. Like in Puerto Rico, Georges was greatly weakened by the mountainous terrain, and after crossing the Windward Passage, it struck Template:Convert east of Guantánamo Bay, Cuba on September 23. Well-defined upper-level outflow allowed the hurricane to remain well organized, and while paralleling the northern coastline of the island Georges retained minimal hurricane status.<ref name="tcr"/>
Hurricane Georges reached the Straits of Florida on September 24, and as it had done earlier in its lifetime, quickly restrengthened to Category 2 status on September 25 due to warm water temperatures and little upper-level shear. It continued to the west-northwest and struck Key West later on September 25 with winds of Template:Convert. Despite moving over warmer water, Georges only managed to peak at Template:Convert in the Gulf of Mexico, likely due to its disrupted inner core. A mid-tropospheric anticyclone pushed the hurricane slowly north-northwestward, forcing Georges to make its seventh and final landfall near Biloxi, Mississippi on September 28. Within 24 hours, Georges had weakened to a tropical depression, and due to weak steering currents, the storm looped over southern Mississippi, then drifted to the east. The weak circulation moved eastward over the interior of the Florida Panhandle and dissipated on October 1 near the Florida/Georgia border.<ref name="tcr"/>
PreparationsEdit
Lesser AntillesEdit
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Late on September 18, a hurricane watch was issued for Saint Lucia, Anguilla, Saba, and Sint Maarten; it was extended to include the British and United States Virgin Islands on the following day. Later on September 19, a hurricane warning was put into effect for islands between Dominica and Anguilla, as well as Saint Martin, but excluding Saint Barthélemy. Early on the following day, a tropical storm warning was issued for Saint Lucia and Martinique. About six hours later, the hurricane warning issued on September 19 was extended on September 20 to include islands north and west of Dominica until Puerto Rico. Simultaneously, the tropical storm warning in effect for Saint Lucia and Martinique was discontinued. By later on September 21, the hurricane warning was canceled for all islands east of the Virgin Islands including Antigua, Barbuda, St. Barthelemy, and St. Martin. At 0300 UTC on the following day, the hurricane warning was extended to include the British and United States Virgin Islands, though six hours later, it was also discontinued.<ref name="tcr"/>
Several hundred people on the island of Montserrat went into twelve hurricane shelters as Georges passed by with winds of Template:Convert.<ref name="Montserrat">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On September 18, the National Disaster Preparedness Committee in Dominica began meetings to prepare for possible impacts from Georges. Residents began stocking up on supplies by this time. For the following two days, the island was placed under a state of high alert, as direct impact from a Category 4 hurricane was anticipated. By the following morning, most businesses had boarded up their windows and roads were quiet. Officials declared that schools would be closed on September 21 and shelters across the island were opened.<ref name="Dominica">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Greater AntillesEdit
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Beginning at 21:00 UTC on September 21 with a hurricane watch for Puerto Rico, the NHC and national governments in the Greater Antilles and the Bahamas issued a number of tropical cyclone watches and warnings in anticipation of the hurricane. As the storm progressed across the islands, the warnings were gradually canceled, until the Government of Cuba discontinued a hurricane watch at 03:00 UTC on September 26.<ref name="tcr"/>
In the days prior to the hurricane's arrival, thousands of citizens in the Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico prepared for the major hurricane by boarding windows and purchasing supplies. Puerto Rican governor Pedro Rosselló activated the island's National Guard, opened 416 shelters, and enacted a temporary prohibition on alcohol sales. More than 28,000 people across the island evacuated their homes to the shelters in the northern portion of the island. Both the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross deployed workers there with supplies for a potentially deadly event.<ref name="puertoprep">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="puertorico">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Due to initial forecasts of the hurricane brushing the northern portion of the country, the Dominican Republic was caught off guard. Instead, like in Puerto Rico, Georges traversed the entire country, and passed close to Santo Domingo. Neighboring Haiti expected the worst, opening shelters and evacuating vulnerable people from low-lying coastal areas.<ref name="hisprep">Template:Cite news</ref>
Prior to making landfall, more than 200,000 people were evacuated from coastal areas in eastern Cuba. In the potentially impacted area, Cuba's revolutionary army was sent to farm lands to harvest crops that could be destroyed during the storm. Members of the Cuban government travelled door-to-door to alert everyone of the hurricane. In addition to this, President Fidel Castro spoke live on national television to explain the country's plans to withstand the hurricane, as well as ensuring a quick recovery effort by using all of the nation's resources.<ref name="cubaprep">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
United StatesEdit
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Initial forecasts of a southeastern Florida landfall forced over 1.2 million to evacuate, including much of the Florida Keys. Despite the mandatory evacuation order, 20,000 people, including over 7,000 Key West citizens, refused to leave. Some of those who remained to ride out the storm were shrimpers, whose boats were their entire livelihood. Insurance companies refused to insure some of the older shrimp boats, leading shrimpers to ride it out with all they had left.<ref name="keys">Template:Cite news</ref> Due to lack of law enforcement, those who stayed in Key West went through red lights, double-parked, and disobeyed traffic laws. Long-time Florida Keys citizens noted the solitude of the time and enjoyed the island for how it once was, rather than the large crowds of tourists.<ref name="keyss">Template:Cite news</ref>
In the northern Gulf of Mexico, Georges was forecast to attain major hurricane status and make landfall in southeastern Louisiana. Because of this, portions of the state were evacuated, including New Orleans. There, the Louisiana Superdome was, for the first time in its history, used as a refuge of last resort for those unable to evacuate New Orleans. More than 14,000 citizens rode out the storm in the facility, causing difficulties to supply necessities. The building had no problems related to the weather, though evacuees looted the building, stole furniture, and damaged property. However, the damage was much less than in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Many citizens in southern Mississippi were told to leave due to a mandatory or recommended evacuation. Of those in the evacuation area, 60% actually left. Most of those who stayed remained because they believed their house was safe enough for the storm. Of those who left, most went to a relative's house in their own county.<ref name="storn1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Prior to making landfall, Georges's track was very uncertain. This forced for the mandatory evacuations of Alabama's two coastal counties, Baldwin and Mobile Counties, with a combined population of over 500,000 people.<ref name="carib">Template:Cite news</ref> Despite the order, only 67% of the area actually left to a safer place. Most of those who remained stayed because they believed their house would be able to withstand the hurricane. The majority of those who did leave went to a relative's house in a safer portion of the state.<ref name="storn1"/> In the days before making landfall, only 22% of the population in recommended evacuation areas along the Florida Panhandle actually left. However, most of them were prepared to leave if the situation became worse. Those who did leave were concerned about the severity of the storm, while those who stayed felt their home was safe enough for the hurricane's effects. Floridians who evacuated typically left for a friend or relative's house, and only went to another area of their county.<ref name="storn1"/>
ImpactEdit
| Country | State | Deaths | Damage | Ref | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda | 3 | Template:Ntsp | <ref name="Impact"/> | ||
| Guadeloupe | 0 | Template:Ntsp | citation | CitationClass=web
}}</ref> | |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | 5 | Template:Ntsp | <ref name="cubdam"/> | ||
| British Virgin Islands | 0 | Template:Ntsp | <ref name="Impact"/> | ||
| Dominican Republic | 380 | Template:Ntsp | <ref name="cubdam"/> | ||
| Haiti | 209 | Template:Ntsp | <ref>Template:Cite report</ref> | ||
| Bahamas | 1 | Unknown | |||
| Cuba | 6 | Template:Ntsp | <ref name="RW32299">Template:Cite report</ref> | ||
| United States | U.S. Virgin Islands | 0 | Template:Ntsp | <ref name="Costliest TC's">Template:Cite report</ref>
<ref name="tallies up">Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| Puerto Rico | 7 | ||||
| Alabama | 1 | Template:Ntsp | <ref name="Costliest TC's"/> | ||
| Florida | 0 | ||||
| Georgia | 0 | ||||
| Louisiana | 3 | ||||
| Mississippi | 0 | ||||
| Total | 615 | Template:Ntsp | |||
A large and long-lasting hurricane, Hurricane Georges brought torrential rainfall and mudslides along much of its path through the Greater Antilles. In all, the hurricane caused at least $9.37 billion in damage and 615 fatalities. In the two months after Georges's final landfall, the American Red Cross spent $104 million on relief aid through Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi, making Georges the costliest disaster aid in the program's 125-year history.<ref name="tcr">Template:Cite report</ref>
Leeward IslandsEdit
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Upon moving through the Leeward Islands, Georges brought strong winds and heavy rainfall, amounting to a maximum of Template:Convert at St. John.<ref name="tcr"/>
AntiguaEdit
In Antigua, strong winds caused severe property damage, mostly caused to roofs. 10–20% of houses were greatly impacted, including three schools. High winds during the passage of the hurricane downed telephone and power lines, causing loss of communication and power across much of the island.<ref name="lees">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> An unofficial wind observation from Antigua reported winds at 94 mph with gusts to 116 mph.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Between Barbuda and Antigua, Georges killed 3 people, left 3,800 homeless and resulting at $60 million damage.<ref name="overall">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
GuadeloupeEdit
The weakening hurricane spared the island as it passed Template:Convert to the north, causing moderate damage (houses and roofs, uprooted trees, power lines and outages, beach erosion) especially in Grande-Terre. In Basse-Terre, minor to moderate damage was common; the worst damage was to the banana crops, 85% to 100% devastated, with a cost of 100 million francs (22 million USD). The maximal rainfall was up to Template:Convert in the mountainous area.
The Met office in Desirade, east of Guadeloupe had a Template:Convert wind and a Template:Convert sustained gust. In Raizet, they experienced a Template:Convert wind and a maximal gust near Template:Convert. The minimal pressure fell to 1000–1001 mb (29.54 IHg) for several hours.
Météo France forecast 24 hours before the impact a 65 mph sustained winds with max gust in the 90–100 mph and a minimal pressure in the 985–990 mb range in the main station in Raizet, meaning the worst has been avoid.
St. Kitts and NevisEdit
After passing through Antigua, Georges produced strong winds of up to Template:Convert while passing over St. Kitts, Georges caused catastrophic damage downing power lines, telephone lines, and trees across the island. Lack of electricity resulted in damage to water facilities, as well. Georges's high winds caused extensive property damage, damaging 80–85% of the houses on the island, and destroying 20–25% of homes. Many schools, businesses, hospitals, and government buildings lost their roofs, while the airport experienced severe damage to its main terminal and control tower, limiting flights to the daytime. St. Kitts' economy was disrupted from severe agricultural losses, including the devastation of 50% of their sugar crop. In addition, damaged hotels and piers created a long-term impact through lack of tourism—an industry the island relies on. In all, Hurricane Georges caused 5 fatalities, left 3,000 homeless, and resulted in $458 million (1998 USD) in damage on the island.<ref name="kittnevis">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In the other part of the country, Nevis fared better. Like on St. Kitts, high winds downed power and telephone lines, damaging the water system there. 35% of homes on the island were damaged, though none were destroyed. Rainfall and debris killed several hundred livestock and seriously damaged coconut trees, amounting to $2.5 million (1998 USD) in agricultural damage. There were no casualties reported on the island, and damaged amounted to $39 million (1998 USD).<ref name="kittnevis"/>
Damage in St. Kitts totaled EC$1.2 billion (US$458 million).<ref name="OCHA">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Total damage on Nevis amounted to $39 million.<ref name="Damages">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The total damage from the storm was nearly twice the country's Gross Domestic Product of US$271 million.<ref name="GovernmentLetter">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
British Virgin IslandsEdit
No major damage was reported to public buildings in the British Virgin Islands. Some of the islands' homes had roofs blown off. The environment suffered major damage. There were many reports of eroded soil in areas where construction was in progress. Some of the soils were planted on roads in mangrove farms and in the sea, which could have potentially killed sea life.<ref name="Impact">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> National Parks around the islands suffered minor damage except for Queen Elizabeth Park, which had many fallen trees. None of the schools in the area suffered any damage and opened again four days after Georges had passed. There were no fatalities in the islands and one minor injury was reported. There was no major damage to the islands' medical buildings. Pipe damage was found in two areas, but there was no damage to the sewage systems. The total damage in the British Virgin Islands was valued at US$9.404 million.<ref name="Impact"/>
U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto RicoEdit
U.S. Virgin IslandsEdit
As Georges moved through the northern end of the Lesser Antilles, it produced significant rainfall and strong winds over the United States Virgin Islands. Maximum rainfalls reached Template:Convert at the airport in St. Croix and Template:Convert at St. Thomas Airport. The strongest sustained winds and gusts were recorded on St. Croix as well, measuring Template:Convert respectively.<ref name="sd"/>Template:Rp A total of 20 homes were destroyed and 50 others sustained damage. Most of the losses were confined to agriculture and livestock.<ref name="NOAA">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Fifty-five boats were sunk across the islands. Several power lines were downed throughout St. Croix by high winds, leaving some residences without power.<ref name="sd"/>Template:Rp However, compared to the intensity of Georges during its passage of the islands, relatively few people, 15% of the island's customers, lost power. This was due to the improved power grid set up across the island for this type of event.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Total losses on the island were estimated at $2 million (1998 USD).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In other nearby islands, Georges impact was relatively minor to moderate. Power outages, flooding, and minor to moderate structural damage was common.<ref name="carib"/>
Puerto RicoEdit
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Georges was the first hurricane to cross the entire island of Puerto Rico since the San Ciprian hurricane in 1932.<ref name="puertovirgin"/> The hurricane brought storm surge peaking at an estimated Template:Convert in height in Fajardo, along with tides up to Template:Convert above normal.<ref name="tcr"/><ref name="wave">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The hurricane spawned two F2 tornadoes on the island, though they caused little damage. Georges dropped immense precipitation in the mountain regions, peaking at Template:Convert in Jayuya with many other locations reporting at least Template:Convert of precipitation.<ref name="tcr"/><ref name="hpc">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Hurricane-force winds were observed throughout the island. Sustained winds and gusts reached Template:Convert, respectively, at the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Ceiba. Unofficially, a sustained wind speed of Template:Convert and a gust of Template:Convert were observed in Isabela.<ref name="tcr"/>
The mountain flooding drained off in the island's rivers, causing every river to overflow its banks. Near the coast, the surfeit of water carved new channels from the record discharge rate. The storm's strong winds caused beach erosion in many places along the coastline. Eroded beaches, flooding, and debris left many roads impassable or destroyed, isolating some areas on the western portion of the island.<ref name="puertovirgin">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Georges's deluge of rainfall caused significant damage to the agricultural industry, including the loss of 75% of its coffee crop, 95% of its banana or plantain crop, and 65% of its live poultry.
Its large circulation brought fierce winds to the entire island, damaging 72,605 houses and destroying 28,005 others. This left tens of thousands homeless after the storm's passage.<ref name="tcr"/> Over 22,000 people were sheltered in 139 shelters in cities throughout the island. All shelters experienced power outages, and after the storm passed through, lack of water and sewer systems became a serious problem.<ref name="storn1"/> High winds downed nearly half of the island's electric and telephone lines, leaving 96% of the population powerless and 8.4% of telephone customers without service. Lack of electricity greatly damaged the water system, resulting in the loss of water and sewer service for 75% of the island.<ref name="puertovirgin"/> In the nearby small island of Culebra, Georges destroyed 74 houses and damaged 89 others, although damage estimates are not available there.<ref name="puertovirgin"/>
In all, Georges caused $3.6 billion in damage and there were no direct casualties due to well-executed warnings.<ref name="tcr"/> However, Georges indirectly caused eight deaths in Puerto Rico. Two deaths occurred due to carbon monoxide poisoning from operating a gasoline-powered generator indoors, while two other people were hospitalized for the same issue. Four other fatalities occurred after a lit candle started a house fire. Additionally, there was one death each from head trauma and electrocution in the aftermath of the hurricane.<ref name="puerto">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
On September 24, 2017, nineteen years after the storm, Puerto Rico's Governor Pedro Rosselló estimated that the damage was probably between $7 and $8 billion.<ref name="tallies up"/> Repairs had been made to the roofs, crops (plantains, poultry, coffee, and sugar cane), and transportation system. The damage done by the hurricane had a serious impact on the economy, as much of the main sources of production were destroyed and many of the island's inhabitants had been forced to move from their homes. The lifestyle of many Puerto Ricans was also forced to change, as many of their farms were left damaged beyond repair. The recovery funds were used not only for restoration, but also for staff to aid the island. FEMA brought about temporary roofing for those whose roofs were torn apart. The U.S. Army also brought about one million blocks of ice and one million gallons of water, in order to compensate the effects of the loss of 95% of power across the island. In 2019, damage from Georges was still being repaired, as there was not enough money funded to repair all of the damage caused by the hurricane. Additionally, more money is needed to regrow the crops destroyed by the storm.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Greater AntillesEdit
HispaniolaEdit
Though there are no recorded amounts, satellite-derived rainfall estimates show up to Template:Convert of rain falling in the mountainous terrain of the countries. This heavy rainfall resulted in mudslides and flooding, killing a total of 589 people across the island and leaving more than 350,000 homeless.<ref name="tcr"/>
Dominican RepublicEdit
In the Dominican Republic, Georges brought strong winds and very heavy rains, along with a Template:Convert storm surge. Nearly 10 hours of continuous rainfall resulted in mudslides and overflown rivers across the mountainous country, damaging many cities along the southern coastline, including the capital. Template:Convert winds downed and uprooted trees across much of the country, littering streets with debris and mud. Thousands of houses were destroyed, while many were completely destroyed from the flooding and winds. The entire country was without electricity during the aftermath of the storm, damaging water and communication systems.<ref name="domrep">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Heavy wind damage and flooding caused extensive damage to the airport in Santo Domingo, restricting usage to military and non-commercial flights.<ref name="car">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Most impacted by Hurricane Georges was the agricultural industry. The areas hardest hit by the hurricane coincided with the country's main crop-growing areas, including the provinces around Santo Domingo. After a severe drought in 1997, extreme rainfall damaged around Template:Convert of food crops, including various types of vegetables, fruits, and roots — some of the country's main diet food. Substantial amounts of tobacco and sugar plantations, the country's most important export crop, were severely damaged. The extreme flooding caused great losses in the poultry industry, an important economy in the area. The Dominican Republic had to import significant amounts of rice and other crops to compensate for the losses.<ref name="crop">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Death toll reports were slow in the wake of the storm, but a total of 380 people died from Hurricane Georges and leaving more than 185,000 homeless.<ref name="tcr"/> Damage in the Dominican Republic amounted to $1.8 billion (1998 USD).<ref name="dpdamage">Template:Cite news</ref>
HaitiEdit
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Upon reaching Haiti, Georges was a weakened hurricane, but it still brought heavy rainfall across the entire country. The capital city of Port-au-Prince was largely unharmed, with the exception of flooding in low-lying coastal areas, damaging the main commercial port.<ref name="car"/> The rest of the country, however, experienced a significant number of mudslides due to deforestation along the mountains.<ref name="hait">Template:Cite news</ref> These mudslides destroyed or severely damaged many houses, leaving 167,332 homeless.<ref name="tcr"/> Damage was greatest along the northern coastline from Cap-Haïtien to Gonaïves due to the flooding and mudslides.<ref name="hispd">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On the southern coast, the head of a U.S.-based medical team, stranded for several days by flooding in the remote town of Belle Anse, anticipated a rise in malnutrition, disease, homelessness and poverty.<ref name="Haiti docs stranded">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Lluberas">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Lack of electricity led to a total disruption of Haiti's water supply system, causing a decrease in sanitary conditions across the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.<ref name="haiti">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In all, 209 people died in Haiti.<ref name="tcr"/>
Like in the Dominican Republic, the agricultural sector suffered extreme damage. After a severe drought in 1997, Georges's severe flooding stopped any chances of recovering quickly. Most of the country's significant crop land, including Artibonite Valley, suffered total losses. Up to 80% of banana plantations were lost, while vegetable, roots, tubers, and other food crops were ruined. In addition, thousands of small farm animals were either killed or lost.<ref name="crop"/> Total agricultural losses amounted to $179 million (1998 USD, $250 million 2009 USD).<ref name="caribd">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The country requested food assistance in the aftermath of the hurricane to alleviate the serious losses.<ref name="crop"/>
CubaEdit
Template:See also Upon making landfall, Hurricane Georges produced torrential rainfall, amounting to a maximum of Template:Convert at Limonar in the province of Guantánamo. Several other locations reported over a foot (300 mm) of precipitation as well.<ref name="tcr"/> Storm surge of Template:Convert was expected along the eastern coastline, along with dangerous waves on top of the surge. Though winds were reduced by the time Georges hit Cuba, it still retained winds of Template:Convert, along with stronger gusts in squalls.<ref name="pubadvcuba">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The hurricane's heavy rainfall resulted in mudslides along the mountainous terrain. This, combined with strong winds, damaged 60,475 homes, of which 3,481 were completely destroyed.<ref name="tcr"/> In the country, 100,000 were left homeless due to Hurricane Georges.<ref name="seasum">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> High winds downed power lines, trees, and telephone poles, leaving many in eastern Cuba without electricity in the aftermath of the storm. Along the coast, severe flooding washed out railroad and highway bridges. Though eastern Cuba was the area most affected, the central and western portion of the island, including Havana, experienced torrential rains and strong wind gusts.<ref name="cubad">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> There, strong waves broke over the seawall, and caused heavy flood damage to some of the town's old buildings.<ref name="havana">Template:Cite news</ref>
Like in Puerto Rico and Hispaniola, the severe drought during the El Niño of 1997 exacerbated the flood's disruption to crops in eastern Cuba. The heavy rainfall from Georges damaged the crops greatly, despite the effort to harvest them prior to its arrival. Up to 70% of the plantain crop, a chief food in the country's diet, was destroyed. The sugarcane crop fared badly as well, limiting one of the country's important export crops. The coffee and cocoa plantations also suffered from the hurricane, further damaging the country's food supply.<ref name="crop"/>
Well-executed evacuations and warnings limited the death toll to six,<ref name="tcr"/> while damage amounted to $305 million (1998 USD, $500 million 2009 USD).<ref name=cubdam>Template:Cite journal</ref>
BahamasEdit
Though Georges was forecast to move through the Bahamas, it passed to the south of the archipelago. It brought Template:Convert winds to Turks and Caicos Islands and South Andros, as well as precipitation in the storm's outer bands. Though damage was minimal, one person died in the country.<ref name="tcr"/>
United StatesEdit
Template:See also Throughout the mainland areas of the United States, Georges left approximately $2.5 billion in damage. The hurricane ranked as the country's fifth costliest hurricane at the time of its occurrence. Due to extensive preparations, only one direct death was attributed to the storm. A tornado outbreak produced 47 tornadoes–20 in Alabama, 17 in Florida, and 10 in Georgia, leaving 36 injuries and about $9 million in damage.
FloridaEdit
In the Florida Keys, Georges brought a storm surge of up to Template:Convert in Tavernier.<ref name="keys"/> The islands, some only Template:Convert high and Template:Convert wide, flooded easily.<ref name="keyss"/> Tides reaching about Template:Convert above normal inundated many parts of the Overseas Highway. Strong winds downed palm trees and power lines, leaving all of the Keys without power. Georges's waves overturned two boats in Key West,<ref name="keys"/> damaged 1,536 houses, and destroyed 173 homes, many of which were mobile homes. Rainfall amounted to a maximum of Template:Convert in Tavernier, while other locations reported lesser amounts.<ref name="tcr"/> Damage in the Florida Keys amounted to $200 million.<ref name="after">Template:Cite news</ref> Strong winds knocked down power lines, leaving 200,000 without power in the Miami area.<ref name="keys"/>
Georges produced a storm surge of up to Template:Convert in the Florida Panhandle.<ref name="tcr"/> Some roads were completely washed away in Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach.<ref name="nwsmobile">Template:Cite report</ref> The storm surge and waves flattened about Template:Convert of dunes. Between Panama City Beach and Perdido Key, most of the beach access stairs and walkways suffered damage.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> As the storm moved slowly through the northern Gulf Coast, it produced torrential rainfall amounting to a maximum of Template:Convert in Munson, causing extensive inland flooding. Several rivers and creeks in the western Florida Panhandle reached record or near-record levels, including the Blackwater River at Baker, the Yellow River at Milligan, and the Shoal River at Crestview.<ref name="nwsmobile"/> Hundreds of homes along these rivers were flooded, with at least 200 homes damaged in Santa Rosa County and at least 639 homes damaged and 7 others destroyed in Escambia County.<ref>Template:Cite news Template:Free access</ref><ref>Template:Cite news Template:Free access</ref> The storm left about $100 million in damage in the Florida Panhandle.<ref name="after"/>
Throughout the state, the storm spawned 17 tornadoes – the largest outbreak in the state since Hurricane Agnes in 1972.<ref name="FLTorn">Template:Cite report</ref> The strongest tornado, rated F2 on the Fujita scale, touched-down in Suwannee County near Live Oak, destroying one mobile home,<ref name="gs">Template:Cite news</ref> seven homes,<ref name="sd">Template:Cite journal</ref>Template:Rp and 12 cars,<ref name="gs"/> while five other structures suffered damage.<ref name="sd"/>Template:Rp Several residents were tossed out of their homes.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dead link</ref> Five people were injured and damage from the tornado reached over $1 million.<ref name="sd"/>Template:Rp<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dead link</ref> Overall, damage in Florida totaled at least $340 million.<ref name="tcr"/>
LouisianaEdit
Template:See also Template:Multiple image Upon making landfall in Mississippi, Georges brought a storm surge peaking at Template:Convert near Pointe a la Hache, along with higher waves on top of it, though the instrument failed shortly after the observation. The storm surge caused extensive beach erosion, with nearly Template:Convert of sand was lost, including Template:Convert sand dunes, leaving boardwalks formerly situated atop the dunes suspended near the water's surface. The storm surge also inundated the Chandeleur Islands, the first line of protection for the coasts of Louisiana and Mississippi. The long island chain was reduced to a few banks of sand in the Gulf of Mexico. Grand Gosier, the home to a flock of brown pelicans, experienced severe flooding, destroying their habitats.<ref name="after"/> Located on the weaker side of the storm, rainfall totals in Louisiana were low, with a maximum amount of Template:Convert in Bogalusa.<ref name="tcr"/>
Sustained winds in the state reached Template:Convert and gusts peaked at Template:Convert.<ref name="tcr"/> High winds downed power lines, leaving 160,000 without electricity across the state.<ref name="power">Template:Cite news</ref> At least 50 homes located outside the levee system were flooded by the storm surge, while 85 fishing camps on the banks of Lake Pontchartrain were destroyed. Overall, impact from the hurricane was fairly minor, with damages estimated at $30.1 million, but no direct deaths due to well-executed evacuations.<ref name="tcr"/> However, there were three indirect fatalities in the state. Two men collapsed and died due to medical conditions aggravated by the stress of the evacuation; the other death occurred as the result of a house fire ignited by an emergency candle that was tipped over.Template:Citation needed
MississippiEdit
Upon making landfall, Hurricane Georges brought a storm surge of up to Template:Convert in Biloxi. Beach erosion occurred along the coastline, resulting in some property damage on beach houses. However, around Biloxi, coastal casinos and the shipyards experienced little damage from the storm.<ref name="miss">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> While stalling over the southern portion of the state, it produced torrential rainfall, amounting to Template:Convert in Pascagoula. The heavy rainfall contributed to significant river overflowing, including the Tchoutacabouffa River at D'Iberville, which set a record crest of Template:Convert. The overflown rivers in the southern portion of the state flooded homes and forced more to evacuate just days after the hurricane came through.<ref name="tcr"/> Along the coast of Mississippi, more than 1,000 homes were flooded.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> One of the worst impacted areas inland was Stone County, where 54 homes had minor damage, 26 suffered major damage, and 5 were destroyed. In addition, squall lines spawned multiple tornadoes, damaging evacuation shelters in Pascagoula and Gautier.<ref name="power"/>
One location observed hurricane-force winds, with a sustained wind speed of Template:Convert at Keesler Air Force Base. In Harrison County, winds downed power lines, signs, and traffic lights, while damaging some roofs. Impact was similar but more severe in Jackson County, with more considerable damage to the roofs of some buildings, while a few mobile homes were damaged or overturned. Throughout the state, winds left approximately 230,000 people without power.<ref name="carib"/> After the storm, over 6,800 people stayed in 49 shelters. One shelter in Forrest County was damaged, forcing the citizens to another camp.<ref name="storn1"/> Overall, Hurricane Georges caused about $676.8 million in damage, though no deaths were reported.<ref name="tcr"/>
AlabamaEdit
Upon making landfall, storm surge heights along the coast of Alabama were estimated to have ranged from Template:Convert, with a peak of Template:Convert in Fort Morgan, along with Template:Convert waves on top of it.<ref name="tcr"/><ref name="carib1">Overall Impact</ref> Along the coastline, heavy rainfall and strong waves caused extensive property damage. In Gulf Shores, 251 houses, 16 apartment buildings, and 70 businesses experienced significant damage. On Dauphin Island, the hurricane damaged 80 houses and left around 40 uninhabitable.<ref name="after"/> Many waterfront homes on the western side of the island were pushed into other homes or strewn into pieces across the sand. Some roads were completely washed away. In Orange Beach, two condominiums were heavily damaged, one by fire and the other by high waves. Extensive storm surge flooding also occurred along Mobile Bay. With storm surge of Template:Convert at Mobile Bay Causeway, a number of businesses near the bridge were damaged.
Sustained winds in Alabama reached Template:Convert at Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, while gusts peaked at Template:Convert at an agricultural station in Fairhope.<ref name="tcr"/> High winds downed power lines and trees, leaving 177,000 people without power after the storm.<ref name="carib1"/> A total of 17 shelters housed 4,977 people in the aftermath of the storm. Wind damage to the buildings was minimal.<ref name="storn1"/><ref>Before and After Effects Template:Webarchive</ref> The storm spawned 20 tornadoes throughout Alabama. The most devastating tornado touched-down in Enterprise, causing severe damage to Camp Wiregrass and a few homes, while many residences in the city were left without electricity after numerous power lines were downed. Damages from the tornado amounted to roughly $1.5 million.
While moving slowly through the state, it dropped torrential rainfall, peaking at Template:Convert in Bay Minette. Outer squalls spawned tornadoes in the southeast portion of the state, though damage from them was minimal.<ref name="tcr"/> Several rivers in southern Alabama crested at record or near record heights at some locations, including the Conecuh River at Brewton, Fish River, Perdido River, and Styx River. Many homes situated near the banks of these rivers were destroyed or suffered extensive damage. Flooding shut down many bridges, highways, and secondary roads in Baldwin and Escambia counties, including Interstate 10 near the Alabama–Florida state line; U.S. Route 29 and Alabama State Route 113 in Flomaton; and US 31 in Brewton and Flomaton. Overall, damage in Alabama amounted to $125 million. Freshwater flooding in Mobile resulted in one death, the only direct death in the United States.<ref name="tcr"/>
GeorgiaEdit
In Georgia, several counties reported Template:Convert of rainfall, causing a number of roads to become impassable and generally leaving a small amount of damage, including up to $45,000 in damage in Quitman County.<ref name="sd"/>Template:Rp In addition to the flooding, some instances of thunderstorm wind impacts also occurred. In Appling County, an intense thunderstorm related to Georges damaged 12 mobile homes and a vehicle and downed some power lines and large trees, with damage totaling about $65,000.<ref name="sd"/>Template:Rp Another intense thunderstorm in Worth County impacted several residences, knocked a mobile home off its foundation, destroyed a barn, overturned a school bus, and downed a number of trees that fell onto power lines, leaving around $350,000 in damage.<ref name="sd"/>Template:Rp Thunderstorms also toppled a tree onto a car in Macon County and ripped off the porch of a mobile home in Schley County.<ref name="sd"/>Template:Rp
Numerous tornadoes touched down across the state of Georgia in relation to Georges and its remnants. The most damaging tornado occurred in Miller County, with a strong F1 destroying a doublewide trailer, seriously injuring two occupants, and deroofing several outbuilding, twisting sheet metal, and demolishing a grain bin. Damage totaled approximately $750,000.<ref name="sd"/>Template:Rp Three tornadoes impacted Sumter County, the first of which destroyed one home and seven mobile homes in De Soto and damaged several businesses, while more homes were struck by trees felled by the twister. The second tornado demolished one home and several mobile homes. A third tornado was spawned at a pecan grove near Andersonvile, although it may have been a continuation of the previous twister.<ref name="sd"/>Template:Rp
AftermathEdit
RetirementEdit
Template:See also Due to the extensive hurricane related damage and loss of life, the name Georges was retired by the World Meteorological Organization following this storm, and will never again be used for a North Atlantic tropical cyclone. It was replaced with Gaston for the 2004 season.<ref name="2002–07names">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
See alsoEdit
- List of Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes
- List of Cuba hurricanes
- List of disasters by cost
- List of retired Atlantic hurricane names
- List of wettest tropical cyclones in the United States
NotesEdit
External linksEdit
Template:Retired Atlantic hurricanes Template:Hurricane Georges series Template:Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes Template:1998 Atlantic hurricane season buttons Template:Authority control