Tropical Storm Christine (1973)

Tropical Storm Christine

Satellite image of Tropical Storm Christine on September 1, 1973
Meteorological history
Formed	August 25, 1973
Remnant low	September 4, 1973
Dissipated	September 6, 1973
Tropical storm
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds	70 mph (110 km/h)
Lowest pressure	996 mbar (hPa); 29.41 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities	1 indirect
Areas affected	Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico
IBTrACS
Part of the 1973 Atlantic hurricane season

Tropical Storm Christine was the first tropical cyclone to form as far east as longitude 30° W in the Atlantic Ocean since Tropical Storm Ginger in 1967.^[1] Forming as a tropical depression over the country of Guinea on August 25, 1973, the system tracked nearly due west for several days before intensifying into a tropical storm on August 28. However, the National Hurricane Center did not issue their first advisory on the system until its intensity was confirmed by a reconnaissance aircraft on August 30. Turning slightly northward, Christine gradually intensified, attaining its peak strength on September 2. At that time, the storm had winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 996 mbar (hPa; 29.41 inHg), just below hurricane status. Shortly after, increasing wind shear caused the system to quickly weaken. By September 4, Christine had been downgraded to a tropical depression as it tracked through the Leeward Islands. After degenerating into a tropical wave, the cyclone's remnants fully dissipated on September 6.

Although Christine had weakened to a tropical depression by the time it passed through the Leeward Islands, heavy rains from the storm, peaking at 11.74 in (298 mm), caused flooding in Puerto Rico. Over 600 homes were flooded and dozens of families had to be evacuated from several towns. One person died from electrocution after stepping on a downed wire on a flooded street. Minor damage was recorded in the Virgin Islands, mainly downed power lines which left roughly 500 people without telephone service.