&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:08L_1981-08-29_1301Z.jpg) Tropical Depression Eight over Mexico and Texas on August 29 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | August 26, 1981 |
| Dissipated | August 29, 1981 |
| Tropical depression | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 35 mph (55 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 1004 mbar (hPa); 29.65 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 5 |
| Damage | $56.2 million (1981 USD) |
| Areas affected | Mexico, Southern United States |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1981 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Tropical Depression Eight caused severe flooding in southeastern Texas in late August 1981. The twelfth tropical cyclone of the annual hurricane season, the depression developed from a tropical disturbance over the Bay of Campeche on August 26. Moving northwestward, the cyclone failed to intensify into a tropical storm before making landfall in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas to the north of Tampico on August 28, with winds of 35 mph (55 km/h). After moving inland, the depression curved north-northwestward before degenerating into a surface low pressure area near the Mexico–United States border on August 29. The remnants moved eastward across Texas and entered Louisiana before dissipating on September 1.
Although the system was only a surface low upon reaching Texas, a large thunderstorm complex developed near its center on August 29. This resulted in heavy rainfall across southeastern Texas, with a peak total of 21 in (530 mm) in Pine Springs, with much of that falling in only about six hours. One of the hardest hit areas was Lavaca County. At least 15 streets in downtown Hallettsville were flooded, damaging hundreds of cars, 150 to 200 homes, 75 businesses, and a few local government buildings. Five people were killed by floodwaters in Shiner. Throughout Lavaca County, more than 286 homes were damaged or destroyed, 17 bridges and several roads were washed out, and hundreds of head of cattle were drowned. The depression spawned 14 tornadoes, one of which caused extensive damage in the Galveston area. Overall, the depression left five fatalities and more than $56.2 million (1981 USD) in damage.[nb 1]
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