&sq=Google&lang=en&file=File:Tropical_Storm_Laura_1971.jpg) Tropical Storm Laura approaching Central America | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | November 12, 1971 |
| Dissipated | November 22, 1971 |
| Tropical storm | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 70 mph (110 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 994 mbar (hPa); 29.35 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 1 reported |
| Damage | Minimal |
| Areas affected | Cayman Islands, Cuba, Central America |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1971 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Tropical Storm Laura was the final storm in the active 1971 Atlantic hurricane season. It formed on November 12 in the western Caribbean Sea, and reached winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) as it approached western Cuba. Across the island, Laura produced heavy rainfall, peaking at 32.5 inches (83 cm). The resulting flooding killed one person and caused crop damage. 26,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes. Initially, Laura was forecast to move across the island and impact the southern United States, but it executed a small loop and turned to the southwest. The storm moved ashore on Belize, one of only four November storms to affect the country. Little impact occurred during Laura's final landfall, and it dissipated on November 22 over central Guatemala.