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Hurricane Chantal (1989) facts for kids

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Hurricane Chantal was a powerful storm that hit the coast of Texas on August 1, 1989. It was a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. This means it had strong winds, but it wasn't the most intense type of hurricane. Chantal caused a lot of damage, about $100 million, and sadly, it led to thirteen deaths in Texas and Louisiana. Even after it weakened, Chantal brought heavy rain and flooding to the Chicago area.

What Was Hurricane Chantal?

Hurricane Chantal was a tropical cyclone. These are huge spinning storms that form over warm ocean waters. Chantal started as a tropical wave. This is a disturbance in the atmosphere that can grow into a storm. It became a tropical depression, then a tropical storm, and finally a hurricane.

Chantal's Path and Impact

Chantal formed in the Caribbean Sea. It moved northwest towards the Gulf of Mexico. As it traveled, it gathered strength from the warm ocean water. By July 31, 1989, it was a tropical storm.

Hitting the Coast

On August 1, 1989, Hurricane Chantal made landfall. This means it reached the coast. It hit near High Island, Texas. At this time, it was a Category 1 hurricane. Its winds were very strong, reaching about 80 miles per hour (130 km/h).

Damage in Texas and Louisiana

The hurricane brought heavy rain and strong winds. It caused a lot of flooding, especially in coastal areas. Many homes and businesses were damaged. Trees were knocked down, and power went out for many people. The storm surge, which is a rise in sea level caused by the storm, also caused flooding along the coast.

Chantal's Journey Inland

After hitting Texas, Chantal moved further inland. It weakened into a tropical depression. Even though it was weaker, it still carried a lot of moisture. This moisture caused heavy rainfall in states like Oklahoma and Missouri.

Flooding in Chicago

Near the end of its life, Chantal's leftover moisture reached the Chicago metropolitan area. This caused significant flooding there. Even though Chicago is far from the coast, the remnants of the hurricane still had a big impact.

Images for kids

  • Chantal jul 31 1989 1925Z

    Tropical Storm Chantal on July 31

  • Chantal 1989 rainfall

    Rainfall totals in the United States associated with Hurricane Chantal

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Huracán Chantal (1989) para niños

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