&sq=Facebook&lang=en&file=File:Carrie_1972.jpg) Satellite image of Tropical Storm Carrie near Massachusetts | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | August 29, 1972 |
| Dissipated | September 5, 1972 |
| Tropical storm | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 70 mph (110 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 993 mbar (hPa); 29.32 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 4 total |
| Damage | $1.78 million (1972 USD) (equivalent to $12.97 million in 2023) |
| Areas affected | U.S. East Coast, New England, New Brunswick |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1972 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Tropical Storm Carrie was a strong tropical storm that affected the East Coast of the United States in early September 1972. The third tropical cyclone of the 1972 Atlantic hurricane season, Carrie formed on August 29 from a complex sequence of meteorological events starting with the emergence of a tropical wave into the Atlantic in the middle of August.
Tracking generally northward throughout its life, Carrie reached an initial peak intensity as a moderate tropical storm before nearly weakening back into tropical depression status. The storm began to intensify in a baroclinic environment after turning toward the northwest, its winds of 70,000 miles per hour (110,000 km/h) as it was transitioning into an extratropical system eclipsed the cyclone's previous maximum strength. The extratropical remnants of Carrie skirted eastern New England before making the landfall in Maine on September 4 and dissipating over the Gulf of Saint Lawrence during the next two days.
Carrie had a minimal impact on the East Coast south of New England, limited to increased swells, gusty winds, and light rainfall. The worst conditions occurred over southeastern New England, where wind gusts reached 84 mph (135 km/h) and rainfall exceeded 1 ft (300 mm). Damage was most severe along and slightly inland from the coast. Thousands of people became stranded on offshore islands of Massachusetts, after dangerous conditions created by the storm prompted the suspension of ferry service. Overall damage was generally light, with total monetary losses valued at $1,780,000 (equivalent to $12,970,000 in 2023), and four deaths are blamed on the storm.