&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:DeliaSep519731700UTC.png) Satellite image of Tropical Storm Delia on September 5 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | September 1, 1973 |
| Dissipated | September 7, 1973 |
| Tropical storm | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 70 mph (110 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 986 mbar (hPa); 29.12 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 2 direct, 3 indirect |
| Damage | $6 million (1973 USD) |
| Areas affected | Mexico and the Southern United States |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1973 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Tropical Storm Delia was the first tropical cyclone on record to make landfall in the same city twice.[1] Forming out of a tropical wave on September 1, 1973, Delia gradually strengthened into a tropical storm as it moved north by September 3. After reaching this strength, the storm turned more westward and further intensified, nearly attaining hurricane status the next day. The storm peaked with winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) and a barometric pressure of 986 mbar (hPa; 29.11 inHg). Several hours later, Delia made landfall near Freeport, Texas; however, the storm began to execute a counterclockwise loop, causing it to move back over the Gulf of Mexico. On September 5, the storm made another landfall in Freeport before weakening to a depression. The remnants of Delia eventually dissipated early on September 7 over northern Mexico.
Due to the erratic movement of the storm along the Texas coastline, significant rainfall fell in areas near the center and in parts of Louisiana. This led to widespread flooding, especially of farmland, that left $6 million in damages. Five people were killed during the storm.