Hurricane Greta (1956)

Hurricane Greta
November 2, 1956 weather map, featuring the storm
Meteorological history
FormedOctober 30, 1956
DissipatedNovember 6, 1956
Category 2 hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds100 mph (155 km/h)
Lowest pressure970 mbar (hPa); 28.64 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities1 direct
Damage$3.6 million (1956 USD)
Areas affectedSoutheast United States, Lucayan Archipelago, Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles
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Part of the 1956 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Greta was an extremely large late-season Atlantic hurricane in the 1956 Atlantic hurricane season. Originating from a tropical depression near Jamaica on October 30, the system initially featured non-tropical characteristics as it tracked northward. By November 2, the system began producing gale-force winds around the low-pressure area; however, winds near the center of circulation were calm. By November 3, the system intensified into a tropical storm and was named Greta. Steadily strengthening, Greta attained hurricane intensity on November 4, eventually reaching a peak intensity with 100 mph (160 km/h) winds. Shortly after, Greta began to gradually weaken as it tracked over cooler waters. The storm eventually became extratropical on November 7 over the central Atlantic. Although Greta did not directly impact land as a tropical storm or hurricane, it generated large swells that impacted numerous areas. One person was killed in Puerto Rico and coastal damages from the waves amounted to roughly $3.6 million (1956 USD).