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==Preparations== ==Preparations==
]
The NHC forecasts for Emily generally very accurate.<ref name=prelim03/> On August&nbsp;29, or two days before the storm's closest approach, the NHC issued a ] from ] to ], including the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds of North Carolina as well as the Chesapeake Bay south of the ]. A day later, the watch was discontinued south of ]. A hurricane warning was issued from ] to the border of North Carolina and Virginia on August&nbsp;30, and a day later was extended to ], Delaware. The watches and warnings were canceled as Emily turned out to sea.<ref name=prelim09>{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/prenhc/prelim09.gif|title=Watch and warning summary for Hurricane Emily|publisher=National Hurricane Center|first=Miles|last=Lawrence|date=1993-09-30|series=Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives|accessdate=2015-09-13|format=GIF}}</ref> The NHC forecasts for Emily generally very accurate.<ref name=prelim03/> On August&nbsp;29, or two days before the storm's closest approach, the NHC issued a ] from ] to ], including the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds of North Carolina as well as the Chesapeake Bay south of the ]. A day later, the watch was discontinued south of ]. A hurricane warning was issued from ] to the border of North Carolina and Virginia on August&nbsp;30, and a day later was extended to ], Delaware. The watches and warnings were canceled as Emily turned out to sea.<ref name=prelim09>{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/prenhc/prelim09.gif|title=Watch and warning summary for Hurricane Emily|publisher=National Hurricane Center|first=Miles|last=Lawrence|date=1993-09-30|series=Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives|accessdate=2015-09-13|format=GIF}}</ref>


Ahead of the storm, about 160,000&nbsp;people evacuated from the Outer Banks.<ref name=prelim03/> Several other towns across southeastern North Carolina were also evacuated, with schools closed across the region.<ref>{{cite report|author=Lombardy|publisher=Wilmington, Delaware National Weather Service|title=Post-Storm Hurricane Report|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/ilm.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> In Virginia Beach, residents along the ocean and low-lying areas were recommended to evacuate. At least 750&nbsp;people left their homes, of whom 711 resided in storm shelters. At ], ships were sent out to sea to ride out the storm, aircraft were evacuated, and non-essential personnel were sent home. The ] was closed for 13&nbsp;hours.<ref name="norfolk">{{cite report|publisher=Norfolk, Virginia National Weather Service|title=Post-Storm Report Hurricane Emily|date=1993-09-10|accessdate=2015-09-13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/orf01.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> To the north, officials in ] declared a phase one emergency ahead of the storm, in which tourists were recommended to leave and the beaches were closed. About 100,000&nbsp;people in Maryland evacuated the coast, and another 3,600 stayed in storm shelters.<ref>{{cite report|publisher=Baltimore, Maryland National Weather Service|title=Post-Storm Report Hurricane Emily|date=1993-09-02|accessdate=2015-09-13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/bwi.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> In Delaware, 892&nbsp;people used storm shelters in response to a voluntary evacuation.<ref>{{cite report|author=Lombardy|publisher=Wilmington, Delaware National Weather Service|title=Post-Storm Report Hurricane Emily|date=1993-09-02|accessdate=2015-09-13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/ilg.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> About 20,000&nbsp;people also evacuated from ], New York.<ref name=prelim03/> Ahead of the storm, about 160,000&nbsp;people evacuated from the Outer Banks, mostly tourists.<ref name=prelim03/> Along the coast, 33&nbsp;emergency shelters were opened.<ref name="7b">{{cite report|title=Situation Report (SITREP) No. 6 Hurricane Emily|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|author=C. Richard Mayson|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/fatl07b.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> The ] evacuated their personnel to the mainland, leaving behind a skeleton crew to maintain their facilities.<ref name="4b"/> Several towns across southeastern North Carolina were also evacuated, with schools closed across the region.<ref>{{cite report|author=Lombardy|publisher=Wilmington, Delaware National Weather Service|title=Post-Storm Hurricane Report|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/ilm.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> In Virginia Beach, residents along the ocean and low-lying areas were recommended to evacuate. At least 750&nbsp;people left their homes, of whom 711 resided in storm shelters. The ] was closed for 13&nbsp;hours.<ref name="norfolk">{{cite report|publisher=Norfolk, Virginia National Weather Service|title=Post-Storm Report Hurricane Emily|date=1993-09-10|accessdate=2015-09-13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/orf01.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> To the north, officials in ] declared a phase one emergency ahead of the storm, in which tourists were recommended to leave and the beaches were closed. About 100,000&nbsp;people in Maryland evacuated the coast, and another 3,600 stayed in storm shelters.<ref>{{cite report|publisher=Baltimore, Maryland National Weather Service|title=Post-Storm Report Hurricane Emily|date=1993-09-02|accessdate=2015-09-13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/bwi.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> In Delaware, 892&nbsp;people used storm shelters in response to a voluntary evacuation.<ref>{{cite report|author=Lombardy|publisher=Wilmington, Delaware National Weather Service|title=Post-Storm Report Hurricane Emily|date=1993-09-02|accessdate=2015-09-13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/ilg.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> About 20,000&nbsp;people also evacuated from ], New York.<ref name=prelim03/>

The ] assisted in coordinating preparations for the storm. The ] sent power equipment to ] that had previously been used after the ].<ref name="6b"/> The ] stockpiled food in the areas expected to be impacted. Power companies deliberately shut off the power in the Outer Banks to reduce damage to the system and mitigate risk of electrocutions.<ref name="9b">{{cite report|title=Situation Report (SITREP) No. 6 Hurricane Emily|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|author=C. Richard Mayson|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/fatl09b.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> At ], ships were sent out to sea to ride out the storm, aircraft were evacuated, and non-essential personnel were sent home.<ref name="norfolk"/> The North Carolina government announced ahead of the storm that it would not create a State Disaster Fund, instead relying on private volunteer organizations such as the ] and the ].<ref name="4b">{{cite report|title=Situation Report (SITREP) No. 6 Hurricane Emily|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|author=C. Richard Mayson|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/fatl04b.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> The state's park service pre-positioned 60&nbsp;members with chainsaws to help with tree clearing work.<ref name="6b">{{cite report|title=Situation Report (SITREP) No. 6 Hurricane Emily|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|date=1993-09-01|accessdate=2015-09-14|author=C. Richard Mayson|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/fatl06b.gif|format=GIF}}</ref>


==Impact== ==Impact==
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While Emily was approaching the Outer Banks, ] offshore Cape Hatteras recorded 2&nbsp;minute sustained winds of 99&nbsp;mph (159&nbsp;km/h), along with gusts of 147&nbsp;mph (237&nbsp;km/h). Closer to shore, surface winds were estimated at around 115&nbsp;mph (185&nbsp;km/h) in the Pamlico Sound. The ] in ] reported sustained winds of 60&nbsp;mph (96&nbsp;km/h) before the instrument reading was disrupted. There was also an unofficial wind report in the same town of 106&nbsp;mph (172&nbsp;km/h) gusts.<ref name=prelim02/> Farther north, the ] recorded wind gusts of 37&nbsp;mph (59&nbsp;km).<ref name=prelim07>{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/prenhc/prelim07.gif|title=Hurricane Emily Selected Surface Observations|publisher=National Hurricane Center|first=Miles|last=Lawrence|date=1993-09-30|series=Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives|accessdate=2015-09-13|format=GIF}}</ref> The strong winds incurred high tides on the south side of Hatteras Island,<ref name=prelim02/> causing a peak ] of {{convert|10.2|ft|m|abbr=on}} in Buxton.<ref name=prelim03>{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/prenhc/prelim03.gif|title=Preliminary Report Hurricane Emily: 22&nbsp;August &ndash; 06&nbsp;September&nbsp;1993|publisher=National Hurricane Center|first=Miles|last=Lawrence|date=1993-09-30|series=Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives|accessdate=2015-09-13|format=GIF}}</ref> Above normal tides were reported in ].<ref>{{cite report|author=Richard Shenot|date=1993-09-08|title=Preliminary Storm Report... Hurricane Emily|publisher=Charleston, South Carolina National Weather Service|accessdate=2015-09-13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/bwi.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> High tides also spread farther north, with a storm surge of {{convert|1.2|ft|m|abbr=on}} at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel and {{convert|0.6|ft|m|abbr=on}} in ].<ref name=prelim07/> The heaviest rainfall related to the storm occurred over the Outer Banks, with a peak of {{convert|7.51|in|mm|abbr=on}} in Buxton.<ref name="rain">{{cite web|author=David Roth|title=Hurricane Emily - August 31-September 1, 1993|publisher=Weather Prediction Center|date=2013-03-06|accessdate=2015-09-13|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/emily1993.html}}</ref> Minimal rainfall occurred farther inland, and to the north of the storm, ] reported {{convert|2.80|in|mm|abbr=on}} of precipitation.<ref name=prelim03/> While Emily was approaching the Outer Banks, ] offshore Cape Hatteras recorded 2&nbsp;minute sustained winds of 99&nbsp;mph (159&nbsp;km/h), along with gusts of 147&nbsp;mph (237&nbsp;km/h). Closer to shore, surface winds were estimated at around 115&nbsp;mph (185&nbsp;km/h) in the Pamlico Sound. The ] in ] reported sustained winds of 60&nbsp;mph (96&nbsp;km/h) before the instrument reading was disrupted. There was also an unofficial wind report in the same town of 106&nbsp;mph (172&nbsp;km/h) gusts.<ref name=prelim02/> Farther north, the ] recorded wind gusts of 37&nbsp;mph (59&nbsp;km).<ref name=prelim07>{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/prenhc/prelim07.gif|title=Hurricane Emily Selected Surface Observations|publisher=National Hurricane Center|first=Miles|last=Lawrence|date=1993-09-30|series=Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives|accessdate=2015-09-13|format=GIF}}</ref> The strong winds incurred high tides on the south side of Hatteras Island,<ref name=prelim02/> causing a peak ] of {{convert|10.2|ft|m|abbr=on}} in Buxton.<ref name=prelim03>{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/prenhc/prelim03.gif|title=Preliminary Report Hurricane Emily: 22&nbsp;August &ndash; 06&nbsp;September&nbsp;1993|publisher=National Hurricane Center|first=Miles|last=Lawrence|date=1993-09-30|series=Hurricane Emily: Hurricane Digital Wallet Archives|accessdate=2015-09-13|format=GIF}}</ref> Above normal tides were reported in ].<ref>{{cite report|author=Richard Shenot|date=1993-09-08|title=Preliminary Storm Report... Hurricane Emily|publisher=Charleston, South Carolina National Weather Service|accessdate=2015-09-13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/preloc/bwi.gif|format=GIF}}</ref> High tides also spread farther north, with a storm surge of {{convert|1.2|ft|m|abbr=on}} at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel and {{convert|0.6|ft|m|abbr=on}} in ].<ref name=prelim07/> The heaviest rainfall related to the storm occurred over the Outer Banks, with a peak of {{convert|7.51|in|mm|abbr=on}} in Buxton.<ref name="rain">{{cite web|author=David Roth|title=Hurricane Emily - August 31-September 1, 1993|publisher=Weather Prediction Center|date=2013-03-06|accessdate=2015-09-13|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/emily1993.html}}</ref> Minimal rainfall occurred farther inland, and to the north of the storm, ] reported {{convert|2.80|in|mm|abbr=on}} of precipitation.<ref name=prelim03/>


Severe flooding from the storm affected a {{convert|17|mi|km|abbr=on}} portion of Hatteras Island. At ] and ], water levels along the Pamlico Sound reached their highest in the 20th century, reaching {{convert|8.5|ft|m|abbr=on}} above normal. Some residents who did not evacuate had to ride out the storm in their attics to escape flooding. The combination of strong winds and the floods left 553&nbsp;homes uninhabitable in the Outer Banks.<ref name="ncdc"/> Damage in the state was estimated at $35&nbsp;million, mostly on Hatteras Island,<ref name=prelim03/> and largely to the south of ].<ref name="ncdc"/> Rough surf killed two people in ],<ref name=prelim03/> and one person was injured while escaping a flooded home.<ref name="ncdc"/> Officials cut power to ] fearing that downed power lines could start a fire. On ], there were reports of sinkholes caused by heavy rains, some of which swallowed up three four-wheel-drive vehicles. Because Emily hit during ] weekend, the tourism industry suffered after Emily, losing $10&nbsp;million when 160,000 were evacuated from northeastern North Carolina.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/hurricane/archives/emily93.htm |title=Hurricane Climbs N.C. Coast to Virginia |publisher=Washington Post |date= January 30, 1999|accessdate=2009-07-31}}</ref> Storm surge and flooding left 25% of the population of ] homeless, causing ] to issue a federal disaster declaration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.csc.noaa.gov/products/nchaz/htm/emily.htm |title=NOAA: North Carolina hurricanes: Hurricane Emily |publisher=Csc.noaa.gov |date=1993-08-31 |accessdate=2009-07-31}}</ref> Severe flooding from the storm affected a {{convert|17|mi|km|abbr=on}} portion of Hatteras Island. At ] and ], water levels along the Pamlico Sound reached their highest in the 20th century, reaching {{convert|8.5|ft|m|abbr=on}} above normal. Some residents who did not evacuate had to ride out the storm in their attics to escape flooding. The combination of strong winds and the floods left 553&nbsp;homes uninhabitable in the Outer Banks.<ref name="ncdc"/> Tidal floods, sand, and debris closed ], and traffic lights along the route were damaged.<ref name="4b"/> Damage in the state was estimated at $35&nbsp;million, mostly on Hatteras Island,<ref name=prelim03/> and largely to the south of ].<ref name="ncdc"/> Rough surf killed two people in ],<ref name=prelim03/> and one person was injured while escaping a flooded home.<ref name="ncdc"/> Officials cut power to ] fearing that downed power lines could start a fire. On ], there were reports of sinkholes caused by heavy rains, some of which swallowed up three four-wheel-drive vehicles. Because Emily hit during ] weekend, the tourism industry suffered after Emily, losing $10&nbsp;million when 160,000 were evacuated from northeastern North Carolina.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/hurricane/archives/emily93.htm |title=Hurricane Climbs N.C. Coast to Virginia |publisher=Washington Post |date= January 30, 1999|accessdate=2009-07-31}}</ref> Storm surge and flooding left 25% of the population of ] homeless, causing ] to issue a federal disaster declaration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.csc.noaa.gov/products/nchaz/htm/emily.htm |title=NOAA: North Carolina hurricanes: Hurricane Emily |publisher=Csc.noaa.gov |date=1993-08-31 |accessdate=2009-07-31}}</ref>


Due to uncertainty of when and if Emily would make its northeast turn, 750&nbsp;people evacuated in Virginia. On September&nbsp;30, ] ] declared a state of emergency and put the ] on alert.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/news/rt0901p2.gif|title=Virginia Prepares|author=Staff Writer|date=1993-09-01|agency=]|newspaper=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2012-12-23}}</ref> In ], lightning from Emily set a roof on fire in the ] section of the city while 5,000&nbsp;residents were left without power. The ] also lost power because of the storm. Emily's light rains in the area were not enough to break a prolonged drought that hampered Virginia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_action=doc&p_docid=0EB4E833EB96CC10&p_docnum=42&p_queryname=4&p_product=NPNB&p_theme=aggregated4&p_nbid=L4FD4FNCMTEzNDQwNDc1OS42NDYxNDI6MToxNDoxNjQuMTA2LjIwMS41MA|title=Infoweb Newsbank}}</ref> In the ] section of ], high waves caused minor flooding.<ref name="norfolk"/> Heavy surf and a strong ] caused one person to drown in Virginia Beach. Rough seas and high tides later caused coastal flooding along Fire Island in New York.<ref name="ncdc">{{cite journal|page=94|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6bWJundte|archivedate=2015-09-13|url=http://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS-9612DD49-0CBE-4970-A932-1896A778A4CE.pdf|title=Storm Data and Unusual Phenomena with Late Reports and Corrections|last=Goodge|first=Grant|year=1993|journal=Storm Data|series=National Climatic Data Center's Storm Data Publications|publisher=]|accessdate=2015-09-13|format=PDF}}</ref> Due to uncertainty of when and if Emily would make its northeast turn, 750&nbsp;people evacuated in Virginia. On September&nbsp;30, ] ] declared a state of emergency and put the ] on alert.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1993/emily/news/rt0901p2.gif|title=Virginia Prepares|author=Staff Writer|date=1993-09-01|agency=]|newspaper=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2012-12-23}}</ref> In ], lightning from Emily set a roof on fire in the ] section of the city while 5,000&nbsp;residents were left without power. The ] also lost power because of the storm. Emily's light rains in the area were not enough to break a prolonged drought that hampered Virginia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_action=doc&p_docid=0EB4E833EB96CC10&p_docnum=42&p_queryname=4&p_product=NPNB&p_theme=aggregated4&p_nbid=L4FD4FNCMTEzNDQwNDc1OS42NDYxNDI6MToxNDoxNjQuMTA2LjIwMS41MA|title=Infoweb Newsbank}}</ref> In the ] section of ], high waves caused minor flooding.<ref name="norfolk"/> Heavy surf and a strong ] caused one person to drown in Virginia Beach. Rough seas and high tides later caused coastal flooding along Fire Island in New York.<ref name="ncdc">{{cite journal|page=94|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6bWJundte|archivedate=2015-09-13|url=http://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS-9612DD49-0CBE-4970-A932-1896A778A4CE.pdf|title=Storm Data and Unusual Phenomena with Late Reports and Corrections|last=Goodge|first=Grant|year=1993|journal=Storm Data|series=National Climatic Data Center's Storm Data Publications|publisher=]|accessdate=2015-09-13|format=PDF}}</ref>

Revision as of 05:02, 14 September 2015

Hurricane Emily
Category 3 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS)
Hurricane Emily off North Carolina coastline
FormedAugust 22, 1993
DissipatedSeptember 6, 1993
Highest winds1-minute sustained: 115 mph (185 km/h)
Lowest pressure960 mbar (hPa); 28.35 inHg
Fatalities3 direct
Damage$35 million (1993 USD)
Areas affectedEast coast of the United States (especially Outer Banks of North Carolina)
Part of the 1993 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Emily brushed the Outer Banks of North Carolina with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and rough seas. The sixth tropical cyclone, fifth named storm, and first hurricane of the 1993 Atlantic hurricane season, Emily developed from a tropical wave while located several hundred miles east-northeast of the Lesser Antilles on August 22. Initially, it headed northwestward while minimal intensification, though by August 25, the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Emily. The storm then became nearly stationary while southeast of Bermuda and steadily strengthened during that time. Late on August 26, Emily was briefly upgraded to a hurricane, though it weakened back early on the following day. However, by late on August 27, Emily was a hurricane once again. The storm then moved northwestward and maintained Category 1 intensity until becoming a Category 2 hurricane on August 31. By 1800 UTC, Emily became a Category 3 hurricane, while less than 25 miles (40 km) offshore Cape Hatteras.

However, the storm veered out to sea later on August 29 and weakened, falling to tropical storm intensity while located northeast of Bermuda on September 3. After curving southward and then back to the northeast, Emily further weakened to a tropical depression on September 4. The storm lost all tropical characteristics on September 6, while located several hundred miles southeast of Newfoundland. The outer fringes of Emily lashed the Outer Banks of North Carolina with heavy rainfall, high tides, and strong winds. The combination of those effects damaged 553 homes beyond repair, leaving 25% of the population of Cape Hatteras homeless. Elsewhere in the area, sinkholes formed along North Carolina Highway 12 and strong winds uprooted trees, downed power lines, and tore off roofs. Further north, two swimmers near Nags Head drowned. In Virginia, winds left 5,000 people without electricity and lightning in Lee Hall caused a roof to ignite. Light rainfall was also reported in southeastern Maryland. Losses reached $50 million, with all damage occurring in North Carolina.

Meteorological history

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key Saffir–Simpson scale   Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown Storm type circle Tropical cyclone square Subtropical cyclone triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

Hurricane Emily originated from an African tropical wave that passed through the Cape Verde Islands on August 17, 1993. The wave traversed the tropical Atlantic and developed a closed cyclonic circulation five days later, when the National Hurricane Center (NHC) classified it as a tropical depression. At the time, it was located 800 miles (1,300 km) east-northeast of Puerto Rico while moving toward the northwest. The depression remained poorly organized for several days, with an ill-defined circulation center and sporadic thunderstorms, in part due to unfavorable wind shear from an upper-level low to its north. On August 25, it became nearly stationary in response to weakening steering currents. After the upper environment became less hostile to development, a reconnaissance aircraft flight into the depression found unusually high sustained winds—an indication that the cyclone had quickly strengthened into a strong tropical storm. The NHC named the storm Emily and upgraded it to a hurricane the following day, based on reports of 75 mph (120 km/h) winds from reconnaissance aircraft.

Upon becoming a hurricane, Emily was centered roughly 1,000 mi (1,600 km) east of the Florida peninsula. A ridge of high pressure began to develop to its north on August 27, forcing the hurricane to curve toward the west. The cyclone's winds vacillated between tropical storm and hurricane force over the course of the day, although Emily resumed its strengthening by August 28, developing favorable upper-level outflow. Located over warm sea surface temperatures, the hurricane continued to improve in appearance on satellite images, as the barometric pressure within its eye steadily decreased. Emily turned to the northwest on August 29, when a shortwave trough eroded the southern periphery of the ridge. The NHC expressed uncertainty in forecasting Emily's track from thereon, stating that South Carolina, North Carolina, and other Mid-Atlantic states were at risk of a direct hit from the hurricane. As high pressure re-established itself near North Carolina, Emily briefly turned west-northwestward on August 30 before initiating a prolonged curve toward the north. By that time, the NHC forecast Emily to remain offshore, although one tropical cyclone forecast model predicted that the hurricane would move inland.

Early on August 31, a reconnaissance flight indicated that Emily had become a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale, and further intensification was expected because of warm water temperatures. Later that day, reconnaissance reported that Emily had intensified to a peak intensity of 115 mph (185 km/h), or a Category 3 major hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale; the aircraft also observed flight-level winds of 152 mph (245 km/h). At the time of its peak intensity, the hurricane was located 23 mi (37 km) east of Hatteras Island and was turning northward. Its eye, measuring 45 mi (75 km) in diameter, moved over Hatteras and the Pamlico Sound, which was considered a direct hit instead of a landfall. Continuing around the large high pressure area, Emily turned to the northeast after affecting the Outer Banks into an area of cooler water temperatures. The eye remained distinct, and Emily maintained much of its intensity through early on September 2. That day, the hurricane turned sharply to the east due to a trough. Increased wind shear weakened Emily, and its eye feature quickly dissipated. On September 3, Emily weakened to a tropical storm after turning to the southeast. The storm stalled and continued weakening, with significant deterioration of the convection. Late on September 4, Emily weakened further to a tropical depression, after only a small area of thunderstorms remained near the center. The system turned to the northeast and became extratropical on September 6 before dissipating shortly thereafter.

Preparations

Satellite image of Hurricane Emily approaching the Outer Banks

The NHC forecasts for Emily generally very accurate. On August 29, or two days before the storm's closest approach, the NHC issued a hurricane watch from Cape Romain, South Carolina to Fenwick Island, Delaware, including the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds of North Carolina as well as the Chesapeake Bay south of the Patuxent River. A day later, the watch was discontinued south of Little River, South Carolina. A hurricane warning was issued from Bogue Inlet to the border of North Carolina and Virginia on August 30, and a day later was extended to Cape Henlopen, Delaware. The watches and warnings were canceled as Emily turned out to sea.

Ahead of the storm, about 160,000 people evacuated from the Outer Banks, mostly tourists. Along the coast, 33 emergency shelters were opened. The United States Coast Guard evacuated their personnel to the mainland, leaving behind a skeleton crew to maintain their facilities. Several towns across southeastern North Carolina were also evacuated, with schools closed across the region. In Virginia Beach, residents along the ocean and low-lying areas were recommended to evacuate. At least 750 people left their homes, of whom 711 resided in storm shelters. The Norfolk International Airport was closed for 13 hours. To the north, officials in Ocean City, Maryland declared a phase one emergency ahead of the storm, in which tourists were recommended to leave and the beaches were closed. About 100,000 people in Maryland evacuated the coast, and another 3,600 stayed in storm shelters. In Delaware, 892 people used storm shelters in response to a voluntary evacuation. About 20,000 people also evacuated from Fire Island, New York.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency assisted in coordinating preparations for the storm. The United States Department of Defense sent power equipment to Fort Bragg that had previously been used after the Great Flood of 1993. The United States Department of Agriculture stockpiled food in the areas expected to be impacted. Power companies deliberately shut off the power in the Outer Banks to reduce damage to the system and mitigate risk of electrocutions. At Naval Station Norfolk, ships were sent out to sea to ride out the storm, aircraft were evacuated, and non-essential personnel were sent home. The North Carolina government announced ahead of the storm that it would not create a State Disaster Fund, instead relying on private volunteer organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. The state's park service pre-positioned 60 members with chainsaws to help with tree clearing work.

Impact

Rainfall amounts from Emily

While Emily was approaching the Outer Banks, Diamond Shoal Light offshore Cape Hatteras recorded 2 minute sustained winds of 99 mph (159 km/h), along with gusts of 147 mph (237 km/h). Closer to shore, surface winds were estimated at around 115 mph (185 km/h) in the Pamlico Sound. The National Weather Service in Buxton, North Carolina reported sustained winds of 60 mph (96 km/h) before the instrument reading was disrupted. There was also an unofficial wind report in the same town of 106 mph (172 km/h) gusts. Farther north, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel recorded wind gusts of 37 mph (59 km). The strong winds incurred high tides on the south side of Hatteras Island, causing a peak storm surge of 10.2 ft (3.1 m) in Buxton. Above normal tides were reported in Charleston, South Carolina. High tides also spread farther north, with a storm surge of 1.2 ft (0.37 m) at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel and 0.6 ft (0.18 m) in Lewes, Delaware. The heaviest rainfall related to the storm occurred over the Outer Banks, with a peak of 7.51 in (191 mm) in Buxton. Minimal rainfall occurred farther inland, and to the north of the storm, Ocean City, Maryland reported 2.80 in (71 mm) of precipitation.

Severe flooding from the storm affected a 17 mi (27 km) portion of Hatteras Island. At Frisco and Hatteras, water levels along the Pamlico Sound reached their highest in the 20th century, reaching 8.5 ft (2.6 m) above normal. Some residents who did not evacuate had to ride out the storm in their attics to escape flooding. The combination of strong winds and the floods left 553 homes uninhabitable in the Outer Banks. Tidal floods, sand, and debris closed Highway 12, and traffic lights along the route were damaged. Damage in the state was estimated at $35 million, mostly on Hatteras Island, and largely to the south of Avon. Rough surf killed two people in Nags Head, and one person was injured while escaping a flooded home. Officials cut power to Hatteras Island fearing that downed power lines could start a fire. On Highway 12, there were reports of sinkholes caused by heavy rains, some of which swallowed up three four-wheel-drive vehicles. Because Emily hit during Labor Day weekend, the tourism industry suffered after Emily, losing $10 million when 160,000 were evacuated from northeastern North Carolina. Storm surge and flooding left 25% of the population of Cape Hatteras homeless, causing Dare County to issue a federal disaster declaration.

Due to uncertainty of when and if Emily would make its northeast turn, 750 people evacuated in Virginia. On September 30, Governor of Virginia Douglas Wilder declared a state of emergency and put the National Guard on alert. In Newport News, lightning from Emily set a roof on fire in the Lee Hall section of the city while 5,000 residents were left without power. The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel also lost power because of the storm. Emily's light rains in the area were not enough to break a prolonged drought that hampered Virginia. In the Sandbridge section of Virginia Beach, high waves caused minor flooding. Heavy surf and a strong undertow caused one person to drown in Virginia Beach. Rough seas and high tides later caused coastal flooding along Fire Island in New York.

See also

References

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External links

Tropical cyclones of the 1993 Atlantic hurricane season
TDOne TSArlene TSBret TSCindy TSDennis 3Emily 1Floyd 2Gert 1Harvey TDTen
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