Tropical Depression One brought severe flooding to Jamaica in June1979. The second tropical cyclone of the Atlantic hurricane season, the depression developed from a tropical wave to the south of Grand Cayman on June11. Tracking generally northward, the depression passed west of Jamaica. On June12, the depression peaked with maximum sustained winds of 35mph (55km/h), never having reached tropical storm status. The following day, it made landfall in Cuba, where minimal impact was recorded. Early on June14, the depression emerged into the western Atlantic Ocean and then moved parallel to the east coast of Florida for a few days. The depression made another landfall in South Carolina on June16 and dissipated shortly thereafter.
The slow movement of the depression to the west of Jamaica resulted in torrential rainfall, peaking at 32in (810mm) in Friendship, a city in Westmoreland Parish. Throughout western Jamaica, about 1,000homes were destroyed or severely damaged, while up to 40,000people were left homeless. The city of New Market was submerged for at least six months. Crops, electricity, telephones, buildings, and railways also suffered damage during the disaster. There were 40deaths and approximately $27million (1979USD) in damage. The depression also brought heavy precipitation to Cuba and the Bahamas, while farther north, light rainfall and rough seas plagued the East Coast of the United States. One individual in South Carolina went missing and was later presumed to have died after their boat was torn loose from its mooring.
Meteorological history
A tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic Ocean from the west coast of Africa on May30. Minimal development occurred as the wave tracked westward across much of the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea. However, by June11, the system began to interact with a stationary trough of low pressure in the western Caribbean Sea.[1] Based on ship and land observations,[2] a tropical depression developed at 12:00UTC that day while located about 230 miles (370km) south of Grand Cayman.[3] Initially the depression was forecast to move northwestward at about 5mph (8km/h);[2] instead, it drifted to the northeast.[3] Minimal intensification occurred, as satellite imagery, weather stations, and a reconnaissance aircraft indicated the depression remained below tropical storm status.[4][5] Around 18:00UTC on June12, the depression attained its maximum sustained wind speeds of 35mph (55km/h).[3]
Early on June13, satellite and weather radar showed heavy rainbands moving across Jamaica and eastern Cuba.[6] Due its interaction with the two islands, the depression weakened slightly.[7] Later on June13, the storm made landfall near Venezuela, Cuba with winds of 30mph (45km/h). Moving northward, it emerged into the Atlantic Ocean near Cayo Santa María early the next day. Around 12:00UTC on June14, the system re-strengthened and again attained its maximum sustained wind speed of 35mph (55km/h). Despite moving back over open waters, the depression failed to intensify further. Operationally, the system was thought to have made landfall in east-central Florida, but later analysis revealed that the center remained over water. The depression continued northward until striking near Charleston, South Carolina late on June16, still with the same intensity. It degenerated into a remnant low pressure area about six hours later.[3] Its remnants continued northeastward across the Southeastern United States, the Mid-Atlantic, and New England until dissipating fully on June18.[1]
Impact
The depression's slow movement resulted in torrential rainfall on the island of Jamaica. Precipitation peaked at 32 inches (810mm) in Friendship, located in Westmoreland Parish.[8] As the flooding began, several shelters were open in the parish.[9] Residents in the Savanna-la-Mar area were forced to evacuate by boats or makeshift rafts.[10] The flooding also ruined crops. Sugar cane, which was already 70–80percent harvested, suffered about $2.25million (1979 USD) in damage. It was estimated that 4million lb (1.8million kg) of bananas were lost, worth nearly $1 million. In total, agricultural interests incurred $5.89million in damage, chiefly f which was in Westmoreland Parish. The storm affected an estimated 300mi (480km) of roadways impacted, with about 2,000ft (610m) of highway completely washed out. Three bridges collapsed, while 10others sustained damage.[11]
The increasing height and volume of the Bluefields River led to debris flow and created a colluvium– an unconsolidated deposit of sediments – near the mouth of the river. In the valley areas, temporary lakes were formed and small dams were overtopped.[12] The cities of Chigwell, Enfield, Exeter, Leamington, and New Market were all submerged during the flooding. New Market was inundated with as much as 80ft (24m) of water during the disaster,[13] which did not completely recede until more than six months later.[10] This resulted in extreme damage to or complete loss of crops, livestock, and household possessions.[10] Extensive impact to property was reported, including to electricity, telephones, buildings, and railways, with a "conservative" estimate of $39.3million in damage. At least 1,000homes were severely damaged or destroyed.[11] As many as 40,000people were left homeless.[9] Overall, there were 40deaths and approximately $27million in damage.[14]
Following the storm, Hanover, Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, and Westmoreland parishes were considered disaster areas.[11] A task force was established by the Prime MinisterMichael Manley for reconstruction efforts.[13] About 7,758families, a total of 36,391people, required assistance with food supplies for over 13weeks. The Housing Task Force called for the construction of 582new houses, 300of which for those left homeless. The houses constructed for the people rendered homeless were prefabricated by the Ministry of Housing and then erected by the local authorities, under the guidance of the Ministry of Local Government.[15] In response to the disaster, the Government of Jamaica established the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management in July1980.[16]
The depression and its remnants also brought rainfall and high tides to the eastern United States. In South Carolina, precipitation peaked at 6.89in (175mm) in Cheraw.[1] Along the coast, waves reached 13ft (4.0m) in height, strong enough to tear a boat from its mooring at Surfside Beach. One person was listed as missing and later presumed to have died.[17]
Paul J. Hebert (June 11, 1979). Tropical Depression Advisory. National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 23, 2014.
Paul J. Hebert (June 11, 1979). Tropical Depression Advisory. National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 23, 2014.
Paul J. Hebert (June 13, 1979). Tropical Depression Advisory. National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 23, 2014.
Paul J. Hebert (June 13, 1979). Tropical Depression Advisory. National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 23, 2014.
Economic Impact. Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Report). Kingston, Jamaica: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; National Hurricane Center. 1979. p.10. Retrieved May 23, 2014.