&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Sat196208291431zalma.png) TIROS V image of Alma from August 29, 1962 at 1431z | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | August 26, 1962 |
| Dissipated | August 30, 1962 |
| Category 1 hurricane | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 85 mph (140 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 984 mbar (hPa); 29.06 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 1 indirect |
| Damage | $1 million (1962 USD) |
| Areas affected | Puerto Rico, East Coast of the United States |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1962 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Hurricane Alma impacted much of the East Coast of the United States in late August 1962. The second tropical storm of the season, Alma formed from a tropical wave located offshore South Florida on August 26. Initially a tropical depression, it subsequently moved inland over South Florida. Impact in the state was minor, generally limited to light rainfall and rough seas. Early on August 27, the depression reemerged into the Atlantic Ocean and strengthened into Tropical Storm Alma later that day. Thereafter, it moved northeastward and remained offshore the East Coast of the United States. Alma strengthened into a hurricane on August 28, while located offshore the Outer Banks of North Carolina. In the eastern portion of the state, strong winds downed electrical poles, which caused power outages. Storm tides caused erosion in some areas. Damage in North Carolina reached $35,000 (1962 USD).
The storm continued to intensify and peaked as an 85 mph (137 km/h) Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale on August 28. The storm's outer bands brought rainfall, rough seas, and strong winds, especially in Massachusetts. However, the precipitation was mostly beneficial, as New England was suffering from drought conditions. In Massachusetts, strong winds caused power and telephone outages, and felled numerous trees. Rough seas offshore Massachusetts destroyed over 100 boats. Losses in New England were less than $1 million. Alma curved eastward and weakened to a tropical storm in the northwestern Atlantic on August 30. Several hours later, the storm transitioned into an extratropical cyclone while situated south of Nova Scotia.