1964 Atlantic hurricane season

The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 15, 1964. It was a slightly above average season in which twelve tropical storms formed, compared with the 1950–2000 average of 9.6 named storms. Six of these reached hurricane status, which is near the 1950–2000 average of 5.9. All six of the hurricanes reached major hurricane status – well above the 1950–2000 mean of 2.3 per season. Prior to the season, National Hurricane Center Director Gordon Dunn noted that the probability of a hurricane striking the United States was "astronomical." Four hurricanes and three tropical storms made landfall during the season, causing at least 270 deaths and $609.5 million in damage. Tropical Storm Brenda and Hurricane Gladys also caused damage and fatalities, but neither struck land. The season officially ended on November 30, 1964.

The first system, an unnamed tropical storm, developed on June 2, 13 days before the start of the season. It struck Florida as a tropical depression and then strengthened into a tropical storm while out at sea. The storm ceased to exist on June 11. Thereafter, the season went dormant for nearly seven weeks, as the next cyclone, another unnamed storm, did not form until July 28. Tropical cyclogenesis increased in August, which had four tropical cyclones, Abby, Brenda, Cleo, and Dora. Four additional storms originated in September, including Ethel, Florence, Gladys, and Hilda. The strongest storm of the season, Hilda, peaked with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph (240 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 941 mbar (27.8 inHg). Hurricane Isbell was the sole tropical cyclone to form in the month of October. The final system, another unnamed storm, existed developed on November 5 and dissipated on November 10, about 20 days before the end of the season.

The season's activity was reflected with an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) rating of 170. ACE is, broadly speaking, a measure of the power of the hurricane multiplied by the length of time it existed, so storms that last a long time, as well as particularly strong hurricanes, have high ACEs. It is only calculated for full advisories on tropical systems at or exceeding 39 mph (63 km/h), which is tropical storm strength.

Tropical Storm One

A disturbance that moved out of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) developed into a tropical depression to the east of British Honduras (modern day Belize) on June 2. Moving slowly northward to north-northeastward across the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, the depression failed to intensify significantly. Between 12:00 UTC and 18:00 UTC on June 6, it made landfall near Cedar Key, Florida, with winds of 35 mph (55 km/h). Early the following day, the depression emerged into the Atlantic Ocean near Jacksonville and began to strengthen and move northeastward. While located offshore South Carolina on June 7, the system became a tropical storm. Further deepening occurred slowly, with the storm peaking with winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) on June 9. By June 11, it was absorbed by an extratropical low while located about 365 mi (585 km) south-southeast of Sable Island in Nova Scotia.

The storm brought local flooding to portions of western Cuba and the Southeastern United States. Some areas in North Florida experienced considerable damage from strong winds and hail associated with thunderstorm, particularly in Cross City. Damage in the Jacksonville area alone was over $300,000. A few gale warnings were issued between Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Nags Head, North Carolina. More than 8 in (200 mm) of rain in the former resulted in inundated streets and overflowing streams. Additionally, about 20 in (510 mm) of water covered streets in downtown Conway, South Carolina. Overall, the storm caused about $1 million in damage.

Tropical Storm Two

Television Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS) indicated an area of disturbed weather with a weak surface circulation in the vicinity of Cape Verde on July 25. Reports from a reconnaissance aircraft indicate that a tropical depression developed at 06:00 UTC on July 28, while located about halfway between the Leeward Islands and the northernmost islands of Cape Verde. Initially the depression moved rapidly west-northwestward, which likely caused the minimal intensification. By July 30, a north-northwest to south-southeast oriented trough forced the depression to re-curve north-northwestward.

While situated about 300 mi (480 km) east of Bermuda on July 31, it began heading northeastward. Later that day, the depression finally organized further and developed a well-defined rainband. The Atlantic hurricane database indicates that the depression strengthened into a tropical storm at 18:00 UTC on July 31, due to ships reports of winds reaching 46 mph (74 km/h). Around that time, maximum sustained winds peaked at 50 mph (85 km/h). The storm continued moving rapidly northeastward and began to interact with a cold front. It transitioned into an extratropical cyclone on August 2, while located about 525 mi (845 km) east of Cape Race, Newfoundland.

Tropical Storm Abby

A weak trough developed into a tropical depression on August 5 while located about 225 mi (360 km) south of Dauphin Island, Alabama. The depression moved westward and initially remained disorganized. At 12:00 UTC on August 7, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Abby. It was a small tropical cyclone, spanning a diameter of less than 100 mi (160 km). The storm quickly intensified further to peak with winds of 65 mph (100 km/h) late on August 7. A few hours later, Abby made landfall near Matagorda, Texas at the same intensity. It weakened to a tropical depression early on August 8, before dissipating later that day.

Overall, impact from this system was minor. In Texas, precipitation peaked at 6.14 in (156 mm) at the Victoria Regional Airport. However, only localized flooding occurred and rainfall was mostly beneficial. In the city of Victoria, several streets were temporarily inundated with water. A fishing company in Matagorda lost a portion of its roof. Abby resulted in an estimated $750,000 in losses, with $150,000 in damage to property and $600,000 to crops. The impacts from the storm were most severe in Jackson and Victoria counties, where damage to crops were estimated at $275,000 and $250,000, respectively.

Tropical Storm Brenda

A minor trough of low pressure was situated west of Bermuda in early August. An airline crew member observed a low-level circular cloud forming at 32.0°N, 69.0°W at 18:00 UTC on August 7. Around that time, a tropical depression developed about 245 mi (395 km) west of Bermuda. It moved just north of due east and strengthened into Tropical Storm Brenda on August 8. Shortly thereafter, the storm struck Bermuda. Sustained winds on the island reached 45 mph (75 km/h), while gusts up to 65 mph (100 km/h) were reported. A tornado damaged several aircraft, most of which were privately owned. Losses reached approximately $275,000.

Shortly after moving across Bermuda on August 8, spiral bands appeared on the island's radar. Advisories on Brenda were not initiated until 18:00 UTC on August 8, due to sparsity of data, making it difficult to confirm a tropical cyclone. A cold front caused the storm to re-curve northeastward on August 9. Later that day, Brenda attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 1,006 mbar (29.7 inHg). Brenda then began weakening and dissipated late on the following day, while located about 585 mi (940 km) east-northeast of Bermuda.

Hurricane Cleo

A tropical wave developed into a tropical depression while located about 890 mi (1,430 km) east of Barbados late on August 20. Early the following day, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Cleo. It continued west-northwestward, quickly deepening into a hurricane later on August 21. Cleo rapidly deepened and reached Category 3 early on August 22. Several hours later, Cleo struck Guadeloupe with winds of 115 mph (185 km/h). The storm then intensified into a Category 4 hurricane and entered the Caribbean Sea. While located south of Dominican Republic around 18:00 UTC on August 23, Cleo attained its peak intensity with of 155 mph (250 km/h). Cleo weakened slightly before making landfall near Les Cayes, Haiti, on August 25, with winds of 150 mph (240 km/h). The storm re-emerged into the Caribbean hours later, but rapidly weakened, falling to Category 3 hurricane at 12:00 UTC and to Category 1 hurricane only six hours later. Around 12:00 UTC on August 25, the hurricane briefly moved ashore near Cape Cruz, Cuba, while winds were at 80 mph (130 km/h).

Cleo emerged into the Gulf of Guacanayabo, before striking Sancti Spíritus Province as a minimal hurricane early on August 26. Several hours later, the hurricane emerged into the Atlantic Ocean and began re-strengthening while moving northward, becoming a Category 2 hurricane early the next day. Around 06:00 UTC on August 27, Cleo made landfall on Key Biscayne, Florida, with winds of 105 mph (165 km/h). The system quickly weakened inland, falling to tropical storm intensity early the following day. However, Cleo did not deteriorate to a tropical depression until on August 29. Thereafter, the cyclone meandered slowly across The Carolinas and Virginia, but did not dissipate. Cleo instead re-intensified into a tropical storm while re-entering the Atlantic near Norfolk, Virginia, on September 1. It moved east-northeastward and became a hurricane again about 24 hours later. By early on September 4, the cyclone accelerated and curved north-northeastward. Cleo weakened to a tropical storm on September 5 and soon became extratropical while located about 370 mi (600 km) east-northeast of Cartwright, Newfoundland and Labrador.

In Guadeloupe, the storm destroyed 1,000 homes and caused extensive damage to roofs, roads, and power lines. Additionally, the banana crop was ruined. Overall, there were 14 deaths and about $50 million in damage. Cleo caused seven fatalities and at least $2 million in damage in Dominican Republic. Strong winds in Haiti caused severe damage. On Île-à-Vache, 50 houses either had the roof caved in or the walls knocked over. In Les Cayes, 70% of houses were destroyed, as was the sugar mill. In rural areas outside of the city, 90% to 95% of dwellings were demolished. About half of the houses in Camp-Perrin were leveled. Near Saint-Louis-du-Sud, many sugarcane crops, particularly on the west side of the city, were ruined. The storm left 192 fatalities and $5 million in damage in Haiti. Impact in Cuba was minor, with one death and $2 million in damage. In Florida, Cleo left damage along much of the east coast. Winds left about 620,000 people without electricity in South Florida alone. Throughout the state, the storm damaged almost 19,000 homes and destroyed 4 others, while 2,187 mobile homes were flattened or suffered severe impact. Additionally, 605 small businesses were damaged or destroyed. There were three deaths and about $125 million in damage, including agriculture. Cleo brought flooding to a few other states, especially Virginia. In the Hampton Roads area, many streets were inundated and blocked. Hundreds of dwellings were flooded, forcing several areas to evacuate. Two deaths and about $3 million in damage occurred in Virginia. Overall, the storm caused 219 fatalities and about $187.5 million in damage.

Hurricane Dora

A tropical depression developed from a low pressure on August 28, shortly after moving offshore the west coast of Africa near Dakar, Senegal. The depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Dora on September 1. It then curved northeastward and continued to strengthen, reaching hurricane status by early on September 3. Intensification slowed somewhat, though Dora became a Category 3 major hurricane on September 5. Deepening further, the peaked as a Category 4 with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 942 mbar (27.8 inHg) early the following day. At 18:00 UTC on September 16, Dora weakened to a Category 3 hurricane, then a Category 2 hurricane while curving westward early the following day. However, later on September 17, the system re-strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane.

Approaching the east coast of Florida, Dora's motion became erratic, making a few cyclonic loops. Around 04:00 UTC on September 10, the hurricane made landfall near St. Augustine, Florida, with winds of 115 mph (185 km/h). Two hours later, Dora weakened to a Category 2 hurricane. However, deterioration then slowed, with the hurricane falling to tropical storm intensity on September 11. Dora then briefly drifted over southwestern Georgia, until turned east-northeastward late the next day. Early on September 14, the storm re-emerged into the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and became extratropical several hours later. The remnants of Dora moved rapidly northeastward and dissipated offshore Newfoundland early on September 16.

Hurricane Dora was the only hurricane in the twentieth century to make landfall in the First Coast region of Florida. Along the coast, tides reached up to 10 ft (3.0 m) above mean sea level. Strong winds lashed North Florida, with sustained wind of 125 mph (205 km/h) observed in St. Augustine. In Jacksonville, approximately 156,000 customers were left without electricity, while about 19% of phones in Duval County were out of service. Much of the damage in the Jacksonville area occurred to older buildings and those located in coastal areas. Additionally, sections of the city experienced wind-induced river flooding in the vicinity of the St. Johns River. Three homes were destroyed and 3,992 suffered damage, while 5 mobile homes were demolished and 25 experienced impact, overall in Duval County. Heavy rainfall damaged many unharvested crops and inundated numerous of roads and bridges, isolated some communities for several days. Throughout Florida, 74 dwellings were flattened and 9,374 received damage, while 14 mobile homes were destroyed and 218 others suffered severe impact. About 50 farm buildings and 423 small businesses were severely damaged or demolished. Three deaths and at least $230 million in damage occurred. In Georgia, the storm damaged about 1,135 homes and obliterated five others. Additionally, 18 trailers suffered major impact, while 43 small businesses were destroyed or experienced severe damage. There was one death in the state and at least $9 million in damage. A few other states were affected by the storm, though impact there was much lesser. One death occurred in Virginia. Overall, Dora caused $280 million in damage and five deaths.

Hurricane Ethel

TIROS observed a large cloud mass near 18°N, 37°W on September 4. Later that day, it developed into a tropical depression while located about 665 mi (1,070 km) east of Cape Verde. The depression moved west-northwestward and intensified into Tropical Storm Ethel at 12:00 UTC on September 4. Initially, it was suggested that Hurricane Dora could absorb Ethel, as the storms were located 690 mi (1,110 km) apart. On September 7, Ethel strengthened into a hurricane. By early on the following day, it curved westward and continued to slowly deepen. Late on September 9, the storm peaked as a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph (185 km/h).

Thereafter, the storm weakened back to a Category 2 hurricane early on September 10. It further deteriorated to a Category 1 on the following day. Early on September 12, Ethel re-strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane. Later that day, the storm passed to the northwest of Bermuda on September 12, bringing 4.05 in (103 mm) of and wind gusts up to 70 mph (110 km/h). Throughout the island, low-lying areas were flooded and trees were felled. At St. George's Island, residents were briefly left without electricity and telephones and the causeway linking St. George's Island to the main island was inundated. Next, it resumed weakened and was downgraded to a Category 1 late on September 13. Ethel accelerated northeastward and became extratropical late on September 15, while located about 540 mi (870 km) northwest of Corvo Island in the Azores.

Tropical Storm Florence

A tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic Ocean from the west coast of Africa on September 5. The wave quickly developed into a tropical depression at 1800 UTC on September 5, while located about 180 mi (290 km) northwest of Dakar, Senegal. Shortly later, the depression produced squally weather in Cape Verde. Despite having sustained winds of only 25 mph (35 km/h), the system's minimum barometric pressure of 1,002 mbar (29.6 inHg) was recorded early on September 6. The depression then re-curved northwestward and began to intensify. Early on September 8, it was upgraded to Tropical Storm Florence. Six hours later, the storm attained its maximum sustained wind speed of 45 mph (75 km/h). Florence curved north-northeastward on September 8 and slowly weakened. A reconnaissance aircraft reported that Florence degenerated into an area of squalls to the south of the Azores at 0600 UTC on September 10.

Hurricane Gladys

A emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa on September 8. Tracking westward, it developed into a tropical depression while centered about midway between the Lesser Antilles and Cape Verde on September 13. Shortly thereafter, it strengthened Tropical Storm Gladys. On September 14, Gladys abruptly strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane, with winds increasing from 70 mph (110 km/h) to 100 mph (155 km/h) in just six hours. However, early on the following day, Gladys weakened slightly to a Category 1 hurricane. Between late on September 16 and late on September 17, the storm rapidly intensified and peaked as a 145 mph (230 km/h) Category 4 hurricane later that day. Gladys began weakening on the following day and re-curved northward on September 19.

The storm turned northwestward on September 22 and briefly threatened the East Coast of the United States. However, it veered northeastward on September 23 and moved rapidly toward Atlantic Canada. By 00:00 UTC on September 25, Gladys became extratropical while centered between Sable Island and the Nova Scotia mainland. Along the East Coast of the United States, Gladys produced light rainfall, gusty winds, and storm surge. Coastal flooding was reported in North Carolina and Virginia. In the former, high tides inundated homes and buildings with 2 ft (0.61 m) of water in two small villages on the Outer Banks and flooded a highway to Manteo. In the state of Virginia, one death occurred when a man was fatally struck in the throat by debris. Abnormally high tides also affected the Mid-Atlantic, New England, and Atlantic Canada, with tides ranging from 2.2–6.1 ft (0.6–1.8 m) higher than average in Virginia.

Hurricane Hilda

A tropical wave developed into a tropical depression at 12:00 UTC on September 28, while located about 40 mi (65 km) south of Trinidad, Cuba. The depression tracked west-northwestward and struck Isla de la Juventud, Cuba early on September 29. After briefly re-emerging into the northwestern Caribbean Sea later that day, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Hilda at 1200 UTC on September 29. Around that time, Hilda made landfall near Sandino, Cuba with winds of 40 mph (65 km/h). By late on September 29, it emerged into the Gulf of Mexico near Cape San Antonio. The storm continued to intensify, reaching hurricane status on September 30. During the following 30 hours, Hilda strengthened significantly and peaked as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 150 mph (240 km/h) late on October 1. It re-curved northward and began weakening due to unfavorable conditions. Around 00:00 UTC on October 4, the storm made landfall near Franklin, Louisiana with winds of 110 mph (175 km/h). It rapidly weakened inland and became extratropical over southern Mississippi by 1200 UTC that day.

In Cuba, the storm caused minor impact, with damage totaling about $1 million. Offshore the United States in the Gulf of Mexico, 13 oil platforms were destroyed and 5 others were damaged beyond repair. Losses to the oil industry reached $100 million. In Louisiana, sustained winds of 100 to 120 mph to (155 to 195 km/h) lashed the Abbeville-Morgan City-New Iberia area. Additionally, several tornadoes in the New Orleans area resulted in significant damage. There were 37 fatalities and an estimated 5,000 injuries. Approximately 19,000 homes were damaged in the state, 2,600 of which were severely impacted. Outside of Louisiana, damage was primarily caused by flooding in the Southeastern United States. Impacted worst by flooding was North Carolina, where 2000 homes and buildings suffered water damage and one death was reported. Throughout the United States, the storm caused 38 fatalities and $125 million in losses.

Hurricane Isbell

A diffused frontal trough developed into a tropical depression in the southwestern Caribbean on October 8. The depression initially remained disorganized as it track northwestward, but strengthened into Tropical Storm Isbell on October 13. Re-curving northeastward, Isbell quickly strengthened further and reached hurricane status by later that day. Late on October 13, Isbell made landfall in the Pinar del Río Province of Cuba. Despite land interaction, the storm continued strengthening and peaked as a Category 3 hurricane winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) on the following day. Isbell moved northeastward and made landfall near Everglades, Florida, at the same intensity late on October 14. After reaching the Atlantic on the following day, the storm began to weaken and fell Category 1 hurricane. Isbell turned northward and continued weakening, before transitioning to an extratropical cyclone while located just offshore of eastern North Carolina on October 16.

The storm produced strong winds throughout western Cuba. Hundreds of homes were destroyed, as were several tobacco warehouses. There were four deaths in Cuba, three of them caused by collapsing houses in the Guane area. Several tornadoes in Florida caused significant damage overall. Throughout the state, 1 house was destroyed, 33 severely damage, and 631 suffered minor impact. Additionally, 66 trailers were destroyed and 88 were inflicted with major damage. Three deaths occurred in the state, one due to a heart attack and two from drowning in Florida Keys when their shrimp boat sank. Because the storm weakened considerably, impact in North Carolina was generally minor. The storm also spawned at least six tornadoes in the state, which demolished trailers and unroofed homes and other buildings in several communities. Damage throughout the United States totaled $10 million.

Tropical Storm Twelve

An area of disturbed weather within the ITCZ developed into a tropical depression early on November 5, while located about 135 mi (220 km) north-northwest of Colón, Panama. The depression strengthened slowly, reaching tropical storm status on November 6. Thereafter, it curved westward and headed for Central America. Early on November 7, the storm made landfall near Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, with winds of 40 mph (65 km/h). Several hours later, it weakened to a tropical depression, shortly before re-emerging into the Caribbean Sea. The storm failed to re-intensify and made landfall in Belize on November 9. It dissipated early on the following day.

In Nicaragua, winds and heavy rainfall caused significant crop damage, especially to bananas. Many residents living near the Caratasca Lagoon evacuated. The entire town of Caukira was flooded, with five small houses completely destroyed. Tides were as high as 18 ft (5.5 m) above-normal. In Puerto Castilla, large amounts of precipitation caused flooding and destroyed a bridge, leaving part of the population out of communication. Another bridge collapsed in the town of Rus-Rus. Strong winds and heavy rainfall also resulted in "considerable damage" on the Bay Islands. Overall, the storm resulted in about $5 million in damage.

Other systems

In addition to the twelve tropical storms, there were three depressions monitored throughout the season. On July 25, a tropical depression developed east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Winds of 35–45 mph (55–75 km/h) occurred in squalls associated with the system as it moved northeast. It was last noted on July 27 as it moved over Nova Scotia. TIROS VII depicted two tropical depressions, one on July 15 and the other on September 19 at 20°N 25°W / 20; -25 and 15°N 27°W / 15; -27, respectively. Due to the sparsity of data in the region and lack of complete satellite coverage, no further information on these systems is available.

Storm names

The following names were used for named storms that formed in the North Atlantic in 1964. This is the same list used in the 1960 season with the exception of Dora, which replaced Donna. A storm was named Isbell for the first time in 1964. The names Cleo, Dora, and Hilda were later retired and replaced with Candy, Dolly, and Hannah, respectively, in the 1968 season. Names that were not assigned are marked in gray.