1970 Atlantic hurricane season facts for kids
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| First storm started: | May 17, 1970 |
| Last storm ended: | October 28, 1970 |
| Strongest storm: | Hurricane Celia - 945 mbar, 125 mph winds |
| Number of storms: | 10 named storms |
| Major hurricanes (Cat. 3+) | 2 |
| Cost of damage: | $453.8 million (1970 USD) $2.6 billion (2009 USD) |
| People killed: | 71 |
| Closest Seasons: | 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972 |
The 1970 Atlantic hurricane season was a time in 1970 when many tropical cyclones formed in the Atlantic Ocean. This period officially started on June 1, 1970, and ended on November 30, 1970. During this season, storms like Hurricane Celia caused a lot of damage and led to 20 deaths. Another storm, Tropical Storm Dorothy, caused 51 deaths, mostly in Martinique.
Contents
Understanding the 1970 Hurricane Season
The 1970 Atlantic hurricane season was a busy time for storms. It officially ran from June 1 to November 30. This is the period when most tropical storms and hurricanes form in the Atlantic.
Key Storms and Their Impact
During this season, ten named storms formed. Two of these grew into major hurricanes. A major hurricane is a very strong storm, rated Category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale.
- Hurricane Alma: This was the first hurricane of the season. It formed in May and reached Category 1 strength.
- Tropical Storm Becky: Becky was a tropical storm in July.
- Hurricane Celia: Celia was the strongest storm of 1970. It reached Category 3 strength. Celia caused a lot of damage, especially in Texas, USA. It was responsible for 20 deaths.
- Tropical Storm Dorothy: Dorothy caused a lot of rain and flooding. Most of the 51 deaths from this storm happened in Martinique.
- Hurricane Ella: Ella was another major hurricane, reaching Category 3.
- Tropical Storm Felice: Felice was a tropical storm in September.
- Tropical Storm Greta: Greta also formed in September.
- Other Storms: There were also other storms, including Tropical Depression Nineteen and two unnamed hurricanes.
Timeline of Storms
Here is a simple look at when the storms happened:
- May: Hurricane Alma
- July: Tropical Storm Becky, Hurricane Celia
- August: Tropical Storm Four, Tropical Storm Dorothy
- September: Hurricane Ella, Tropical Storm Felice, Tropical Depression Nineteen, Tropical Storm Greta
- October: Unnamed Hurricane Nine, Unnamed Hurricane Ten
Naming the Storms
Each year, a list of names is prepared for tropical storms. When a storm gets strong enough, it is given the next name on the list.
Names Used in 1970
These are the names that were ready for use in 1970. The names that were not used are shown in a special way.
- Alma
- Becky
- Celia
- Dorothy
- Ella
- Felice
- Greta
- Hallie (unused)
- Isabel (unused)
- Judith (unused)
- Kendra (unused)
- Lois (unused)
- Marsha (unused)
- Noreen (unused)
- Orpha (unused)
- Patty (unused)
- Rena (unused)
- Sherry (unused)
- Thora (unused)
- Vicky (unused)
- Wilna (unused)
Retired Names
Sometimes, if a hurricane causes a lot of damage or deaths, its name is "retired." This means the name will not be used again for another storm. After the 1970 season, the name Celia was retired because of the severe impact it had. A new name, "Carmen," was used instead in 1974.
Related Information
Images for kids
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Rainfall from Tropical Depression Fifteen in Puerto Rico.
See also
In Spanish: Temporada de huracanes en el Atlántico de 1970 para niños
