Alberto: A Hydrometeorological Nightmare
Author(s)
Garza, Carlos, Jr.
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Hatcher, Kathryn J.
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Abstract
The year 1994 was an enigma of sorts as far as
tropical activity is concerned. While the summer season
yielded only three hurricanes, several tropical systems were
spawned that produced disastrous results over the southeastern
part of the U.S. Tropical Storm Alberto will go down in
history as a system that was considered a "weak" tropical
storm. However, it was "very strong" as far as floodproducers
go. More than 16 inches of rain were experienced
over a large area in south Georgia. And there were small
areas that received storm totals of well over 25 inches of rain
(for example, Americas, Georgia recorded a storm total of
nearly 27 inches). When all was said and done, one third of
Georgia and about one-sixth of Alabama received over 7
inches of rain from Alberto.
The meteorological conditions surrounding Alberto were
not unusual. However, as the storm approached land, minor
changes in the upper atmosphere caused the system to move
more slowly, and even reverse its course, before eventually
moving completely out of the southeast. The path of the
storm, the basins traversed, and the wetness of the area before
the storm, all acted together to contribute to one of the largest
floods in Georgia history. Northwest Florida and southeast
Alabama also experienced similar flooding conditions.
Because of the magnitude of Alberto's devastation in
southeast, it will be many years before a complete analysis is
done. However, this presentation should serve to provide
food for thought while giving an overview of the event.
Sponsor
Sponsored and Organized by: U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology
Date
1995-04
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings