Hurricane Flora
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2008-07-16T18:46:53Z
Plasticup
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/* Haiti */ added {{Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti}}
{{Infobox Hurricane
| Name=Hurricane Flora
| Type=hurricane
| Year=1963
| Basin=Atl
| Image location=Flora radar.gif
| Image name=Radar image of Hurricane Flora
| Formed=[[September 26]], [[1963]]
| Dissipated=[[October 12]], [[1963]]
| 1-min winds=120
| Pressure=940
| Damages=528
| Inflated=2
| Fatalities=7,186 - 8,000[http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastdeadlyapp1.shtml]
| Areas=[[Lesser Antilles]], [[Dominican Republic]], [[Haiti]], [[Cuba]]
| Hurricane season=[[1963 Atlantic hurricane season]]
}}
'''Hurricane Flora''' is among the [[List of deadliest Atlantic hurricanes|deadliest]] [[Atlantic hurricane]]s in [[recorded history]], with a death total of over 7,000. The seventh tropical storm and sixth hurricane of the [[1963 Atlantic hurricane season]], Flora developed from a disturbance in the [[Intertropical Convergence Zone]] on [[September 26]] while located about 755 miles (1220 km) southwest of the [[Cape Verde]] islands. After remaining a weak depression for several days, it rapidly organized on [[September 29]] to attain tropical storm status. Flora continued to quickly strengthen to reach [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale|Category 3]] hurricane status before moving through the [[Windward Islands]] and passing over [[Tobago]], and it reached peak winds of 140 mph (225 km/h) in the [[Caribbean Sea]]. It struck southwestern [[Haiti]] near peak intensity, turned to the west, and drifted over [[Cuba]] for four days before turning to the northeast. Flora passed through the [[Bahamas]] and accelerated northeastward, becoming an [[extratropical cyclone]] on [[October 12]].
==Storm history==
{{storm path|Flora 1963 track.png}}
A disturbance in the [[Intertropical Convergence Zone]] organized into a tropical depression on [[September 26]] while located about 755 miles (1220 km) southwest of the island of [[Fogo, Cape Verde|Fogo]] in the [[Cape Verde|Cape Verde Islands]]. Upon forming, the depression had a poorly-organized circulation with [[rainbands|banding features]] to its north and east. The depression moved west-northwestward, and the system failed to organize significantly by a day after developing. On [[September 27]], the banding features dissipated, though the area of convection around the center increased. Satellite imagery was unavailable until [[September 30]], during which there were not sufficient ship reports to indicate the presence of a low-level circulation. The depression continued west-northwestward, and it is estimated it intensified into Tropical Storm ''[[Flora]]'' on [[September 29]] while located about 560 miles (900 km) east-southeast of [[Trinidad]], or about 350 miles (570 km) north of [[Cayenne]], [[French Guiana]]. Operationally, advisories were not initiated until a day later.<ref name="mwr">{{cite web|author=Gordon E. Dunn|year=1964|title=The Hurricane Season of 1963|publisher=U.S. Weather Bureau Office|accessdate=2006-11-27|url=http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/mwr/092/mwr-092-03-0128.pdf}}</ref>
Flora quickly intensified after it became a tropical storm, and early on [[September 30]] it attained hurricane status. Later that day, [[Hurricane Hunters|Reconnaissance Aircraft]] confirmed the existence of the hurricane, with the flight reporting a well-defined, circular {{convert|8|mi|km|sing=on}} wide [[eye (cyclone)|eye]]. One observer noted Flora to be the best organized tropical cyclone over the previous two years. After attaining major hurricane status, Flora passed directly over the island of [[Tobago]] late on the 30th with winds of {{convert|120|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. The hurricane continued west-northwestward as it entered the [[Caribbean Sea]], and early on [[October 2]] it reached winds of 140 mph. 30 hours later, Flora intensified slightly further and attained peak winds of {{convert|145|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} while located about 105 miles (170 km) south of the border of [[Haiti]] and the [[Dominican Republic]].<ref name="mwr"/>
[[Image:Flora Cuba track.JPG|right|thumb|200px|Hurricane Flora's track near Cuba]]
After turning to the northwest, Hurricane Flora maintained its peak strength, and made landfall in the [[Sud Department]] of Haiti early on [[October 4]] as a {{convert|145|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} Category 4 hurricane on the [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale|Saffir-Simpson Scale]] with gusts from 180 to 200 mph.<ref name="tcr3"/> The calm of the [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] lasted for up to 70 minutes in one location.<ref name="mic2">{{cite web|author=Ralph L. Higgins|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 2|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau Office|accessdate=2006-12-04|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/sju1020b.gif}}</ref> After quickly weakening to a {{convert|120|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} hurricane, Flora turned more to the west in the [[Windward Passage]], and restrengthened slightly to strike southeastern [[Cuba]] about {{convert|30|mi|km}} east of [[Guantánamo Bay (Cuba)|Guantanamo Bay]] with winds of {{convert|125|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. A [[anticyclone|high pressure system]] to its north turned the motion of the hurricane to a westward drift, causing it to weaken quickly over land. Flora neared the north coast of [[Cuba]] on [[October 4]] before turning to the south. It executed a cyclonic loop and entered the coastal waters off the [[Granma Province]]. An anticyclone to the west of Flora turned the hurricane to the north, bringing it ashore near [[Santa Cruz del Sur]] on [[October 7]] with winds of around {{convert|90|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. Flora initially turned southeastward over central Cuba, and late on [[October 8]] a [[trough (meteorology)|short-wave trough]] turned the hurricane northeastward, bringing it into the coastal waters of the [[Holguín Province]].<ref name="mwr"/> Flora remained a hurricane while drifting over land due to abundant moisture and a favorable upper level environment.<ref name="tcr3">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Preliminary Report Page Three|accessdate=2006-11-27|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim03.gif}}</ref>
After passing over the southeastern [[Bahamas]] early on [[October 9]], Flora began to restrengthen, and on [[October 10]] it reached major hurricane status while located 290 miles (465 km) south of [[Bermuda]]. The hurricane gradually weakened as it continued northeastward, and weakened to a Category 1 hurricane on [[October 11]]. Flora gradually lost its convection over the north [[Atlantic Ocean]], and transitioned into an [[extratropical cyclone]] on [[October 12]] while located 270 miles (435 km) east-southeast of [[Cape Race]], [[Newfoundland (island)|Newfoundland]]. The extratropical remnant dissipated the next day.<ref name="mwr"/>
==Preparations==
The [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|Weather Bureau]] in [[San Juan, Puerto Rico]] issued a [[tropical cyclone warnings and watches|hurricane warning]] for [[Trinidad]], [[Tobago]], and the [[Grenadines]] south of [[Saint Vincent (island)|Saint Vincent]] in the cyclone's first advisory on Hurricane Flora. Gale warnings were later issued for islands off northern [[Venezuela]]<ref name="tcr3"/> and from Saint Vincent northward to [[Martinique]]. Advisories on Flora emphasized the danger of the hurricane and advised preparations to be rushed to completion. The advisories also recommended small craft throughout the [[Windward Islands]] to remain at harbor and for shipping in the path of the hurricane to advise extreme caution.<ref name="tcr4">{{cite web|author=Higgs|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 4)|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau|accessdate=2006-11-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim04.gif}}</ref> People in low-lying areas and near beaches were advised to evacuate to higher grounds, as well.<ref name="tcr5">{{cite web|author=Hoose & Davis|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 5)|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau|accessdate=2006-11-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim05.gif}}</ref> Lead time was short, especially in Tobago which received news of the approaching hurricane just two hours before it struck.<ref name="eval2">{{cite web|author=U.S. Weather Bureau|year=1963|title=Report of Preliminary Evaluation of Warning Services, Hurricane Flora|accessdate=2006-11-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/eval02.gif}}</ref>
On [[October 2]], two days before it made landfall on southwestern [[Hispaniola]], the San Juan Weather Bureau issued a gale warning from [[Barahona]] in the [[Dominican Republic]] to the [[Sud-Est Department]] of [[Haiti]]. Advisories recommended small craft in the southern portions of the countries to remain at port.<ref name="tcr9">{{cite web|author=Hoose|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 9)|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau|accessdate=2006-11-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim09.gif}}</ref> Later that day, the gale warning was upgraded to a hurricane warning in southwestern Haiti.<ref name="tcr10">{{cite web|author=Higgs|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 10)|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau|accessdate=2006-11-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim10.gif}}</ref> On the day of when Flora made landfall, advisories recommended all citizens on beaches and in low-lying areas west of [[Santo Domingo]] to evacuate.<ref name="tcr14">{{cite web|author=Hoose|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 14)|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau|accessdate=2006-11-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim14.gif}}</ref> Carmelo Di Franco, the provisional Director of Civic Defense for the Dominican Republic, organized safety procedures and the dissemination of tropical cyclone bulletins from the San Juan Weather Bureau. Di Franco also organized for the transmission of hurricane emergency information to citizens, believed to reduce the loss of life.<ref name="mic2"/> On the afternoon before the hurricane struck, the head of the Haitian [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross]] prohibited radio broadcasts of tropical cyclone advisories for fear of panic among citizens. As a result, many thought the hurricane would miss the country.<ref name="mic5">{{cite web|author=Ralph L. Higgins|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 5|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau Office|accessdate=2006-12-04|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/sju1020e.gif}}</ref>
Officials at the [[Cuban National Observatory]] issued radio bulletins on the hurricane, which included the position of Flora, its intensity, direction of motion, and necessary warnings. By the time the hurricane left the island, more than 40,000 had been evacuated to safer areas.<ref name="jose">{{cite web|author=José Fernández Partagás|year=1963|title=Information from Cuba|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2006-11-29|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/jose1003.gif}}</ref>
The Weather Bureau predicted Flora to turn to the northwest after entering the [[Windward Passage]] and affect the [[Bahamas]].<ref name="tcr19">{{cite web|author=Dunn|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 19)|publisher=Miami Weather Bureau|accessdate=2006-11-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim19.gif}}</ref> Forecasters advised those in the Bahamas to quickly complete preparations, though the eye of the hurricane did not pass over the archipelago until four days later. When Flora turned to the northeast out to sea, forecasters again advised Bahamian citizens to prepare for the hurricane, and on October 9, weather advisories advised the southeastern Bahamas to prepare for gale-force winds and strong tides. <ref name="LincolnStar1">{{cite web|author=The Lincoln Star|year=1963|title=Storm Leaves Cuba, Heads for Bahamas|accessdate=2006-12-22|url=http://www.thehurricanearchive.com/Viewer.aspx?img=24240119&firstvisit=true¤tResult=1¤tPage=10}}</ref> One advisory considered there to be less than a 50% chance of the hurricane reaching southeastern [[Florida]], though weather bulletins advised Florida citizens to monitor the hurricane. At its closest approach to Florida, the hurricane remained 330 miles (530 km) away, though gale warnings were issued from [[Stuart, Florida|Stuart]] to [[Key West, Florida|Key West]] due to the hurricane's large size.<ref name="tcr26">{{cite web|author=Sugg & Moore|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 26)|publisher=Miami Weather Bureau|accessdate=2006-11-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim26.gif}}</ref><ref name="tcr20">{{cite web|author=Dunn & Kraft|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Advisories (Page 20)|publisher=Miami Weather Bureau|accessdate=2006-11-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/prelim20.gif}}</ref>
==Impact==
{|class="wikitable" style="float:right;margin:0 0 0.5em 1em;"
|+ '''Storm effects by region <ref name="mwr"/>'''
|-
! Region || Deaths || Damage<br>(1963 [[United States dollar|USD]]) || Damage<br>(2006 USD)
|-
| [[Tobago]] || 18 || $30 million || $198 million
|-
| [[Trinidad]] || 2 || $100,000 || $660,000
|-
| [[Grenada]] || 6 || $25,000 || $165,000
|-
| [[Dominican Republic]] || 400+ || $60 million || $395 million
|-
| [[Haiti]] || 5,000 || $125 million || $825 million
|-
| [[Cuba]] || 1,750 || $300 million || $2 billion
|-
| [[Jamaica]] || 11 || $11.9 million || $78.4 million
|-
| [[Bahamas]] || 1 || $1.5 million || $50 million
|-
| [[Florida]] || 1 || 0 || 0
|-
! Total || 7,189 || $528.6 million || $3.5 billion
|-
|colspan="7" |Source: [http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/mwr/092/mwr-092-03-0128.pdf]
|-
|}
Throughout its path, Hurricane Flora resulted in over 7,000 deaths and over $525 million in damage (1963 USD, $3.5 billion 2006 USD). It is estimated that, if a hurricane like Flora struck in 1998, it would cause over 12,000 casualties.[http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Landsea/NHR-Cuba.pdf]
===East Caribbean===
Hurricane Flora passed [[Barbados]] a few days after [[1963 Atlantic hurricane season#Hurricane Edith|Hurricane Edith]] moved through the area. The two hurricanes resulted in about $65,000 in damage (1963 USD), primarily to fishing interests.<ref name="gordon">{{cite web|author=G.M.D. Rudder|year=1963|title=Letter from Barbados describing damage from Hurricanes Edith and Flora|publisher=Barbados Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, and Fisheries|accessdate=2006-11-29|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/sju1227b.gif}}</ref>
About four hours before the [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] of Hurricane Flora moved over [[Tobago]], the large hurricane began producing heavy rainfall throughout the island. Two hours later, strong winds began affecting the island, and while moving across the island Flora produced winds of up to 100 mph.<ref name="mwr"/><ref name="draftd2">{{cite web|author=Miami, Florida Weather Bureau Office|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora, September 26 - October 13|accessdate=2006-11-28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/prenhc/draftd2.gif}}</ref> While moving past the island, the hurricane produced rough surf and 5 to {{convert|7|ft|m}} above normal tides.<ref name="tcr4"/> The passage of the hurricane sunk six ships between 4 to 9 tons in Scarborough harbour. One crew member drowned while attempting to save his vessel.<ref name="john">{{cite web|author=John D. Lee|year=1963|title=Trinidad and Tobago Effects|publisher=Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service|accessdate=2006-11-29|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/ttpp0130.gif}}</ref> Heavy rainfall caused a large mudslide from Mount Dillon onto a road leading to [[Castara]]. This was considered the most well-known mudslide on the island.<ref name="tobnews2">{{cite web|author=Stanley Wharton|year=2004|title=Living with Geohazards|publisher=Tobago News|accessdate=2006-11-28|url=http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/article?id=1387644}}</ref> The strong winds caused severe damage to coconut, banana, and cocoa plantations,<ref name="tobagodive">{{cite web|author=Tobago Dive Experience|year=2006|title=General information for Tobago|accessdate=2006-11-28|url=http://www.tobagodiveexperience.com/tde/generalinfo.aspx}}</ref> with 50% of the coconut trees being destroyed and another 11% being severely damaged. 75% of forest trees fell, and most of the remaining were greatly damaged. The passage of Hurricane Flora destroyed 2,750 of Tobago's 7,500 houses, and damaged 3,500 others. The hurricane killed 18 on the island and resulted in $30 million in crop and property damage (1963 USD).<ref name="trintob">{{cite web|author=C. B. Daniel, R. Maharaj, & G. De Souza|year=2002|title=Tropical Cyclones Affecting Trinidad and Tobago, 1725 to 2000|publisher=Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service|accessdate=2006-11-28|url=http://nema.gov.tt/resources/downloads/tropicalcyclones.pdf}}</ref>
Winds on [[Trinidad]] reached {{convert|55|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} with much higher gusts of over {{convert|70|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. Heavy rainfall and strong winds in the northern mountainous region lowered the visibility to zero. Due to the mountain range on its northern coast, damage on the island was minimal, totaling to $100,000 (1963 USD).<ref name="mwr"/> Two people on the island died due to drowning.<ref name="trintob"/> When Flora passed the island and the winds turned to the southwest, many small boats in the westward facing harbor were sunk.<ref name="mwr"/> Near [[Chaguaramas]], nine boats were destroyed and eight were damaged.<ref name="john"/> Additionally, several large vessels sustained damage and resulted in them being intentionally sunk. Damage in [[Grenada]] was minor, around $25,000 (1963 USD), though six people died due to drowning.<ref name="mwr"/> Rough seas and higher than normal tides were reported along the south coast of [[Puerto Rico]],<ref name="tcr10"/> though no damage or deaths were reported there.<ref name="mwr"/>
===Dominican Republic===
Flora produced heavy rainfall and moderately strong winds in the [[Dominican Republic]]. Flooding from the hurricane, considered to be the most extensive on record, greatly damaged bridges and roads, with many roads left unpassable for several months after the hurricane struck. Over 3,800 sq. miles (10,000 km²) in the western portion of the country were flooded. The hurricane caused about $60 million in damage (1963 USD) and over 400 deaths.<ref name="mwr"/>
===Haiti===
{{Wettest tropical cyclones in Haiti}}
While moving across southwestern [[Haiti]], Hurricane Flora produced winds of up to {{convert|120|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} near [[Derez]],<ref name="mwr"/> while the capital city of [[Port-au-Prince]] reported peak winds of 65 mph (102 km/h).<ref name="mic3">{{cite web|author=Ralph L. Higgins|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 3|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau Office|accessdate=2006-12-04|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/sju1020c.gif}}</ref> Intense [[rainband]]s dropped torrential precipitation estimated at over {{convert|75|in|mm}} in [[Miragoane]], with one location recording over {{convert|57|in|mm}} in three days.<ref name="mwr"/> One location in the southwestern peninsula recorded 16 inches (422 mm) of precipitation in 12 hours.<ref name="mic4">{{cite web|author=Ralph L. Higgins|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 4|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau Office|accessdate=2006-12-13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/sju1020d.gif}}</ref> The [[storm surge]] on the southern coast is unknown, but estimated to exceed 12 feet.<ref name="mwr"/> Flash floods from the hurricane washed out large sections of several towns, while mudslides buried some entire towns,<ref name="mwr"/> resulting in many deaths. Heavy rainfall led to river flooding along the [[Grisse River]], which crested at {{convert|14|ft|m}} above normal. The flood waters created new channels and washed away entire banana plantations.<ref name="mic3"/>
In most areas, crops were entirely destroyed.<ref name="mwr"/> The coffee crop was harvested prior to the arrival of the hurricane, though heavy rainfall and severe flooding ruined the crop for later years. Additionally, strong winds downed shading trees for the coffee crop in the southern peninsula. One official estimated it would require three years for the coffee crop to be replanted and regrown.<ref name="mic3"/>
Strong winds in southwestern Haiti from the hurricane damaged or destroyed hundreds of trees. The path of Flora over the area was best determined by the trajectory of fallen trees across the peninsula. The strong winds left entire villages roofless, with many buildings entirely destroyed. The combination of rough waves and strong winds destroyed three entire communities. Many of those who died in southwestern Haiti suffered from intense burns from strong winds.<ref name="mic4"/>
About 3,500 people were confirmed dead, with several thousands missing at one report five months after the hurricane. It is estimated the passage of Hurricane Flora killed around 5,000 people and caused between $125 million to $180 million in damage in Haiti (1963 USD).<ref name="mwr"/>
===Cuba===
{{deadliest Atlantic hurricanes|align=right}}
Strong northerly winds from Flora eroded the northern beaches in the [[Cuba]]n province of [[Camagüey Province|Camagüey]] by up to 3,300 feet (1 km). [[Santa Cruz del Sur]] reported strong southerly winds and rough seas. Winds in Cuba reached 125 mph (200 km/h). Nearly all crops in southeastern Cuba were affected by strong winds and flooding. Many were left stranded at the tops of their houses. Several entire houses were swept away by the flooding. Many roads and bridges were destroyed, resulting in major disruptions to communications.<ref name="jose"/>
Isolated locations in Cuba received over {{convert|80|in|mm}} of rain.[http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Landsea/NHR-Cuba.pdf]
===Bahamas and Florida===
Rough seas from Flora affected the Bahamas and southeastern Florida coast on October 5 as the hurricane stalled over Cuba, keeping small craft in port, <ref name="Newport1">{{cite web|author=Newport Daily News|year=1963|title=Flora Batters Eastern Cuba|accessdate=2006-12-22|url=http://www.thehurricanearchive.com/Viewer.aspx?img=55853750&firstvisit=true¤tResult=1¤tPage=0}}</ref> <ref name="Oshkosh1">{{cite web|author=Oshkosh Daily Northwestern|year=1963|title=Hurricane Weakening, Florida Danger Lessens|accessdate=2006-12-22|url=http://www.thehurricanearchive.com/Viewer.aspx?img=17809369&firstvisit=true¤tResult=2¤tPage=0}}</ref> and hurricane-force winds affected [[Ragged Island]] later that day.
==Aftermath==
{{seealso|List of retired Atlantic hurricane names}}
In [[Tobago]], the great agricultural damage from Flora caused the crop plantations to be abandoned. As a result, the economy of the island changed towards tourism.<ref name="tobagodive"/> The destruction of the Tobagan rainforests resulted in continual decline of agriculture on the island due to animals previously in the forest eating the crops for food.<ref name="tobnew1">{{cite web|author=Tobago News|year=2005|title=Cocrico killing agriculture|accessdate=2006-11-28|url=http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/article?id=3451662}}</ref> The passage of the hurricane reduced the height of the rainforest canopy from {{convert|800|ft|m}} to 400 feet. 25 years passed before the canopy reached its previous height.<ref name="trintobnew3">{{cite web|author=Patricia Turpin|year=2004|title='Ivan the Terrible' and the trees|accessdate=2006-11-28|publisher=Tobago News|url=http://www.thetobagonews.com/index.pl/article?id=1139564}}</ref>
In the [[Dominican Republic]], damage reports were largely unknown by a month after the hurricane passed the island, primarily in the [[Provinces of the Dominican Republic|western provinces]]. There, roads were still impassable, large areas remained without electricity, and helicopters could not land in remote areas due to mud, silt, and up to {{convert|3|ft|m}} of water in all landing fields. One official estimated several months would pass before survey teams could obtain information on loss of life and overall damages.<ref name="mic1">{{cite web|author=Ralph L. Higgins|year=1963|title=Hurricane Flora Subsequent Report to the Dominican Republic and Haiti Page 1|publisher=San Juan Weather Bureau Office|accessdate=2006-12-04|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1963/flora/preloc/sju1020a.gif}}</ref>
Because of the enormous impact in Haiti and Cuba, the name '''Flora''' was retired after this year and was replaced by '''Fern'''.
==See also==
{{tcportal}}
* [[List of Atlantic hurricanes]]
* [[List of wettest tropical cyclones by country#Cuba|List of wettest tropical cyclones in Cuba since 1963]]
* [[List of South America tropical cyclones]]
==External links==
* [http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1963.pdf Monthly Weather Summary]
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{Retired Atlantic hurricanes}}
{{1963 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}}
[[Category:1963 Atlantic hurricane season|Flora]]
[[Category:Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes|Flora]]
[[Category:Retired Atlantic hurricanes|Flora]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Haiti|Flora]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in the Dominican Republic|Flora]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Cuba|Flora]]
[[Category:1963 meteorology]]