User:IrishSurfer21/Tropical Depression Nine (1977)

Tropical Depression Nine

Satellite image of Tropical Depression Nine upon formation over the southwestern Atlantic Ocean on November 3
Meteorological history
Formed	November 3, 1977
Remnant low	November 7, 1977
Dissipated	November 11, 1977
Tropical depression
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds	35 mph (55 km/h)
Lowest pressure	1006 mbar (hPa); 29.71 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities	53
Damage	$203 million (1977 USD)
Areas affected	Southern United States, East Coast of the United States
Part of the 1977 Atlantic hurricane season

Tropical Depression Nine was a weak tropical cyclone that caused destructive flash flooding along the East Coast of the United States, particularly in Appalachia and the New York metropolitan area. The ninth tropical cyclone of the 1977 Atlantic hurricane season.

Heavy rainfall began to affect North Carolina on November 4, reaching amounts of 5–7 inches (127–177.8 millimeters) across the state's mountain region, and up to 11 inches (279.4 millimeters) in some locations within two days. Significant flooding was reported in Mitchell County near the intersection of Cane Creek and the North Toe River, damaging multiple buildings. Six bridges in the area were washed away, while many more were blocked by landslides or partially washed out.^[1] The French Broad River crested at 18.5 feet (5.6 meters), inundating the town of Marshall, nearby Hot Springs was also affected by the overflow of a local creek causing a mobile home to be swept away and damage to a grocery store and cafe. Tourists were reported trapped in Polk County after the floods dismantled bridges and power lines, damaged a high school, and submerged homes. Local authorities called it the worst floods in the area since 1947 and estimated damage to be in the millions.^[2] In the aftermath of the floods, a damage survey of five counties found the worst damage to be in Yancey County; the floods left more than 1,000 households displaced.^[3]

Heavy rainfall affected New Jersey on November 8, accumulating to about 8.5 inches (215.9 millimeters) in Newark. Slick roads caused a fatal automobile incident in South Brunswick. Flooding left highways impassible in Mahwah and Englewood. A mudslide resulted in a vehicle fire on Interstate 80 while another mudslide covered a roadway in Hawthorne. Disruptions in railway travel between New Jersey and New York were experienced due to track blockage, affecting thousands of commuters. A janitor suffered minor injuries after being struck by a collapsing roof at an elementary school in Hillside. Strong winds were observed across the state amidst the heavy rains. Wind gusts of 62 mph (99 km/h) were measured from Cape May to Long Beach. These strong gusts toppled antennas, chimneys, trees and signs. A large radio tower in Northfield was blown over, costing $10,000 in damage. High tides at 6 feet (1.8 meters) caused counter erosion at Gateway National Recreational Area resulting in the loss of more than half of the 150,000 cubic yards (114,683 cubic meters) of sand that had been recently added to beaches in the park.^[4] In Bergen and Passaic counties, damage exceeded $40 million. The Ramapo River reached a record flood stage of 12.36 ft (3.77 m) above regular level in Mahwah, during the morning hours of November 8.^[5]

In New York, rainfall peaked at 9.56 in (242.82 mm) at a weather station in Central Park,^[6] resulting in flash flooding across the New York metropolitan area. Staten Island was considered the hardest hit area in New York. Within Staten Island, the worst affected neighborhoods were Midland Beach and New Dorp, where several street blocks were flooded. At least three blocks were submerged under 3 ft (0.9 m) of floodwaters as late as the afternoon of November 10. Over 3,000 dwellings across Staten Island were inundated by floodwaters, of which, 700 had to be evacuated. Multiple businesses along Hylan Boulevard were submerged by floodwaters. Damage in Staten Island totaled approximately $3 million.^[5] Fallen trees delayed hundreds of Long Island Rail Road passengers in Port Jefferson, a similar incident occurred in Port Washington. More than 100 customers across Long Island experienced power cuts due to fallen trees. An apartment complex suffered water damage in Suffern, forcing the evacuation of residents.^[4]

A beach home in Stratford, Connecticut was toppled into Long Island Sound by rough waves; the Connecticut River rose about 2.5 feet (0.7 meters), however, only minor damage was reported in Connecticut.^[4]

Following the floods in North Carolina, President Jimmy Carter declared sixteen counties as disaster areas and Yancey County was designated as the priority of the disaster zones.^[1]