1962 Atlantic hurricane season facts for kids
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| Season summary map | |
| First storm formed | June 30, 1962 |
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| Last storm dissipated | December 4, 1962 |
| Strongest storm | Ella – 958 mbar (hPa) (28.3 inHg), 110 mph (175 km/h) (1-minute sustained) |
| Total depressions | 10 |
| Total storms | 7 |
| Hurricanes | 4 |
| Major hurricanes (Cat. 3+) | 0 |
| Total fatalities | 39 overall |
| Total damage | > $4.88 million (1962 USD) |
| Atlantic hurricane seasons 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964 |
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The 1962 Atlantic hurricane season was a period when tropical storms and hurricanes formed in the Atlantic Ocean. This season was not very busy. It had the fewest named storms since 1939. Only five storms were strong enough to be given names.
The official hurricane season usually runs from June 1 to November 30. In 1962, the season officially began on June 15. However, the first named storm did not appear until August 26. Even though it was a quiet season, some storms still caused damage.
Contents
Understanding Tropical Storms
A tropical cyclone is a rotating storm system. It forms over warm ocean waters. These storms can be called different things. This depends on how strong their winds are.
Types of Tropical Storms
- Tropical Depression: This is the weakest type. Winds are 38 mph (62 km/h) or less. It has a closed wind circulation.
- Tropical Storm: Winds are between 39 mph (63 km/h) and 73 mph (117 km/h). At this point, the storm gets a name.
- Hurricane: This is the strongest type. Winds are 74 mph (118 km/h) or more. Hurricanes are divided into categories. This is based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale helps us understand how strong a hurricane is. It uses wind speed to put hurricanes into five categories.
- Category 1: Winds 74–95 mph (118–153 km/h)
- Category 2: Winds 96–110 mph (154–177 km/h)
- Category 3: Winds 111–129 mph (178–208 km/h)
- Category 4: Winds 130–156 mph (209–251 km/h)
- Category 5: Winds 157 mph (252 km/h) or more
Storms of the 1962 Season
The 1962 Atlantic hurricane season had seven named storms. It also had several tropical depressions that did not become named storms. The strongest storm of the season was Hurricane Ella.
Timeline of Storms
The timeline below shows when each storm was active. It also shows how strong each storm became.
Notable Storms of 1962
- Hurricane Alma: This was the first named hurricane of the season. Alma reached Category 1 strength. It formed in late August.
- Tropical Storm Becky: Becky formed around the same time as Alma. It was a tropical storm. It did not become a hurricane.
- Tropical Storm Celia: Celia was a long-lasting tropical storm. It was active for many days in September.
- Hurricane Daisy: Daisy became a Category 2 hurricane. It was one of the stronger storms. It moved across the Atlantic in early October.
- Hurricane Ella: Ella was the strongest storm of 1962. It also reached Category 2 strength. Ella was active in mid-October.
- Hurricane Seven: This was the last hurricane of the season. It formed in late November. It lasted into early December.
Images for kids
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Satellite picture of the Caribbean tropical depression over Central America from October 4, 1962, at 1348z
