Random Article Summary #14

Tropical Storm Hanna hit the Gulf Coast and Southeastern regions of the United States. It formed from a combination of a surface trough, a tropical wave, and an upper-level low pressure system. The storm reached peak intensity with winds of 60 miles per hour and crossed southeastern Louisiana, making a second landfall on the Alabama-Mississippi border. Louisiana and Mississippi received minimal damage, but Alabama experienced coastal flooding and Florida had high winds, heavy rainfall, and three deaths from swimming accidents. Georgia also experienced flooding and significant crop damage. Overall, the storm caused around $20 million in damage. In September 2002, a tropical wave entered the Gulf of Mexico, causing a weak low to form along a surface trough. An upper-level low moved into the Gulf, allowing atmospheric convection to develop. The system became a tropical depression, and then a tropical storm named Hanna. It intensified and made landfall in southeastern Louisiana and the Alabama-Mississippi border before dissipating inland. The National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning and watch for various coastal areas. After the storm made landfall, flood watches were issued and residents started preparing by boarding up windows and filling sandbags. The Red Cross also opened shelters in the Gulf Coast region. Tropical Storm Hanna caused approximately $20 million in damages, which is equivalent to $23 million in 2008 USD. Tropical Storm Hanna caused little damage in Louisiana and Mississippi. In Alabama, there was significant rain and some minor flooding and beach erosion. In Florida, there were strong winds and heavy rains, leading to power outages, minor damage, and three drownings. The total damage in Florida was estimated to be $400,000.