Hurricane Earl

Landfall | Summary
Posting Date: September 3, 1998, 3:00:00 AM

Hurricane Earl made landfall early this morning near Panama City, Florida, at approximately 0200 EDT. Earl was a Category 1 hurricane at landfall with estimated sustained wind speeds between 75 and 80 mph and central pressure of 988 mb. According to meteorological sources, the storm maintained its asymmetrical aspect with the strongest winds in the southeast quadrant of the hurricane, producing significant storm surge. The good news is that overland wind speeds were not as high as might be expected from a Category 1 hurricane. Hurricane Earl is currently located about 30 miles south of Albany, Georgia and is moving in a northeasterly direction at 16 mph. Maximum sustained winds are still close to 75 mph., but these winds are primarily over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico and are not overland wind speeds. Projections indicate that the storm will continue in its current direction and that is intensity will begin to dissipate. However, there is still a high degree of uncertainty with respect to future track. If Earl takes a more easterly turn and moves out over open water to the east of Georgia, it may regain intensity. Based on our latest simulations and available information about the meteorological parameters of this storm, we believe that the losses will not exceed $150 million. Please note that all AIR clients can view possible scenarios and associated industry loss estimates by accessing the Event Scenario page of this Web site. Also please note that because expected losses are so low, we will not be generating CATMAP®/2 event sets.

Landfall | Downloads
Posting Date: September 3, 1998, 3:00:00 AM