Remembering Hurricane Donna

Today marks the 53rd anniversary of the arrival of Hurricane Donna to New England. Donna impacted most of the Caribbean Islands and every single state on the Eastern seaboard. The hurricane recorded 160 mile-an-hour winds with gusts up to 200 miles-an-hour. Hurricane Donna holds the record for retaining ‘major hurricane’ status of Category 3 or better in the Atlantic basin for the longest period of time. In fact, it was so strong that the name "Donna" has been retired.

This storm is the only one on record to produce hurricane-force winds in Florida, the mid-Atlantic States, and New England. Donna hit New England in southeastern Connecticut with sustained winds of 100 miles-an-hour, gusting to 125 to 130 miles-an-hour. It eventually moved diagonally through New England into Maine. The hurricane produced pockets of four-to-eight inches of rain as well as five to ten-foot storm surges. The storm ultimately killed 364 people and caused over $500 million in damage.

Here is a video showing the effects of the Hurricane on the Rockaways on Long Island.



Donna crossed the Florida Peninsula on September 11. Despite its path over land, the storm remained intense and reorganized when it moved back into the Atlantic Ocean. It struck eastern North Carolina and parts of South Carolina as a Category 3 storm. After reaching the ocean a third time, Hurricane Donna accelerated, crossing Long Island and then the New England region on late September 12 and early September 13 as a Category 3 hurricane on Long Island. Take a look at the front page of the Naugatuck Daily News from the previous day, September 12, 1960.

Storm surge values reached 11 feet in New York Harbor, which destroyed many piers. A resort area in Cliffwood Beach, New Jersey, saw its boardwalk and tourist attractions destroyed by the hurricane, and the area never recovered. Blue Hill Observatory in Massachusetts reported gusts to over 145 mph. The strong southwest winds associated with Donna at Chatham led to a significant deposit of salt spray, which whitewashed southwest-facing windows. Many trees and shrubs saw their leaves brown due to the salt.

From the time it became a tropical depression to when it dissipated after becoming an extratropical storm, Donna roamed the Atlantic from August 29 to September 14, a total of 17 days. Donna briefly achieved Category 5 strength while crossing the Atlantic. The highest sustained winds measured for Hurricane Donna were 160 miles-an-hour, and the lowest measured pressure was 930mb. At the time Donna struck North Carolina, its eye was unusually large, ranging from 50 to 80 miles in diameter.

Paul

Roller Coaster Ride Continues Through the Weekend

What a week! The mercurial roller coaster ride continues with the hottest weather in nearly eight weeks. Today's high temperatures will reach the lower 90s inland and upper 80s along the immediate shoreline after a warm front pushed through the region yesterday. I'm sure you certainly felt the difference last night with the muggy and mild air in place. The low temperature at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford was a balmy 72 degrees.

The last time the temperature reached 90 degrees at the airport in Lordship was July 20, which marked the end of the historic seven-day heat wave. In fact, the mercury did not climb to at least 90 degrees during the entire month of August. Consider the normal high temperature for this time of the year is 76 degrees. The record high for today is 90 degrees, which was set in 1983.

You may recall the chilly start we had early Monday morning. Temperatures dropped into the 40s across much of the region, and the dew point fell into the mid 40s, allowing for a touch of Autumn. However, the warm front brought a few showers yesterday, and now we are baking in the heat and humidity. It should be short-lived, however, as a cold front approaches from the West later tomorrow. Here's a look at the airport's hourly observations beginning early Tuesday morning.

The last time the temperature reached 90 degrees in September at Sikorsky Airport was September 8, 2010. There are only two later dates on the annual calendar with record highs of 90 degrees or more. They are September 23, 1970 (91 degrees) and September 25, 1957 (91 degrees). Tomorrow's high temperatures will reach the lower 80s under increasing cloudiness as the cold front arrives tomorrow night. That front will bring showers and thunderstorms, some of which may deliver heavy rain and gusty winds.

We'll feel a change of seasons by the start of the weekend as Canadian high pressure builds into the region. Friday features clearing skies, but it will be windy and cooler with a high in the low 70s, just below the normal high for the date. Saturday and Sunday will be mostly sunny, breezy, and much cooler with daytime highs in the 60s to close to 70 degrees and nighttime lows in the upper 40s to lower 50s. Here is the Saturday morning forecast map.

Paul

September Preview

Where did the Summer go? It's hard to believe that Labor Day weekend --- the unofficial end of Summer --- is over, and most of us are back to our regular routines of work and school. Now that we've unofficially dropped the curtain on Summer and turned the calendar page, what can we expect during the month of September?

Obviously, the changing of the seasons is the main story this month, but the loss of daylight continues to be a prominent feature through the end of the month. We'll enjoy about 13 hours of sunlight today with sunrise at 6:21 this morning and sunset at 7:22 this evening. However, by the last day of the month, over a week after the Autumnal Equinox, the sunrise happens at 6:48 and the sunset is at 6:36. There will be less than 12 hours of daylight by September 30.

As far as temperatures are concerned, the numbers will continue to decline through the end of the month. The average high and low temperatures for today are 78 and 62 degrees, respectively. By the middle of the month, the averages drop to 74 and 58, and by the end of September, the average high and low are 69 and 52 degrees, respectively.

The hottest temperature ever recorded in September in southwestern Connecticut was 99 degrees on September 2, 1953. The coolest reading ever recorded was 36 degrees, which happened three times --- September 21, 1956, September 24, 1963, and September 28, 1957. The warmest September on record happened in 1961 when the average temperature was 70.4 degrees. The coldest September occurred in 1963 with an average of 61.5 degrees.

September can be a fairly wet month. The average rainfall based on 40 years of climatology is 3.58 inches. The wettest September ever happened in 1960 when over a half-foot (7.42") of rain fell, while the driest September took place one year earlier in 1959 with only 0.43 inches recorded. There has never been any snow recorded in September. You may recall last September 28 when nearly five inches (4.80") of rain fell at Sikorsky Airport.

The Autumnal Equinox takes place Sunday, September 22, at 4:44 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, technically bringing "equal day and equal night" over the face of the Earth. The Autumnal Equinox officially signals the end of Summer and the beginning of Autumn. The Equinox is the point where nights reach the same length as days. As Autumn wears on, the Sun will continue to sink lower and lower in the sky until the Winter Solstice in about three months' time.

The Full Harvest Moon takes place on Monday, September 19, at 7:13 a.m. This is the Full Moon closest to the Autumnal Equinox. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice-- the chief Indian staples--are now ready for gathering.

Enjoy the month of September.

Paul

Clear Skies and Perfect Weather Make for Wonderful Evening at Provident Bank Park

The weather was just about perfect for my first trip to Provident Bank Park in Pomona, New York, Saturday evening, August 24, 2013. Clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and low humidity were on the weather menu for the Saturday evening Can Am League game between the New Jersey Jackals and the host Rockland Boulders.

The ballpark is located in picturesque Pomona, New York, just off the Palisades Parkway and North of the Tappan Zee Bridge, and it has been the home of the Boulders since it opened in June of 2011. I've always been a fan of Independent baseball, especially the Can Am League, since my then-12-year-old son was a batboy for the erstwhile New Haven County Cutters during the Summer of 2006.

The Boulders returned from a lengthy ten-game road trip after stops at Fargo, ND, Lincoln, KS, and Kansas City, KS. Not surprisingly, a crowd of over 5,485 attended the game, which the Jackals won, 5-3, to increase their lead over the Boulders to four games for the last playoff spot. It was 1970s "Disco Night," and there was a fireworks show after the game. Many of the fans wore Boulders' jerseys, tee shirts, and caps. The team is extremely popular.

This is the most beautiful and attractive minor league ballpark I've ever visited. There is a walkway around the entire park, which includes a train station and a miniature train ride across the outfield concourse. There is a bar under a bridge in left field, which is modeled after Citi Field in New York, according to one of the ushers. A green monster in center field mirrors the famous one at Fenway Park in Boston. And the "Short Porch Cafe" in rightfield is reminiscent of the short porch in right at Yankee Stadium.

The children's area in right field offers a complete playground, including slides, gym equipment, and an inflatable bounce area. There is a nearby picnic area, and there are plenty of concession stands around the ballpark. It seems just about everywhere there is a place where one can sit and relax and take in the game from just about any vantage point at the ballpark.

The scoreboard, which is located in left field, includes a huge video board which shows game replays, fans, and between-innings promotions and attractions. The video is crisp and clear, and there many cameras throughout the stadium. There is another scoreboard located along the first base line between the first and second deck which includes the inning-by-inning score, and the balls, strikes, outs, and time of day (to the exact second). There is no doubt I will visit this ballpark again. I love it. 

Paul

Essex Steam Train and Riverboat Offers Idyllic Summer Getaway

If you've never experienced a trip aboard the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, let me assure you that it's arguably the most nostalgic day trip you can take in Connecticut. The weather was just about perfect yesterday, so I decided to make the one-hour trip to the Connecticut River Valley for the three-hour round trip aboard the train and boat.

The Essex Steam Train, which is operated by the Valley Railroad Company, is just off exit 69 of I-95. Visitors purchase tickets at the train station, which is off exit 3 of Route 9 in Essex. The train is powered by coal and water and travels through some of the most beautiful country in the state. I saw forests and streams, beautiful vistas and nostalgic towns, and some incredible views of the Connecticut River.

The steam train has two coal-fired locomotives available to pull its collection of fully-restored railroad cars. Passengers can hear the hiss of steam, the blast of the whistle, and the clickety-clack of the tracks while experiencing a trip back in time to the days of steam-powered trains. 

The train travels northward at about 20 miles an hour through the scenic towns of Deep River and Chester. I gazed out my window to see meadows, picturesque farms, a millpond with waterfall, and several bridges over rivers and creeks. The train slowly journeys along the Connecticut River near Deep River, where I clearly saw the undeveloped Selden Neck State Park, which is accessible only by boat.

I saw several coves and preserves that are inaccessible via car. The train passed near tidal wetlands, which provide a perfect habitat for birds. Cormorants, ducks, swans, Greenland geese, blue heron, egrets, and red-winged blackbirds were easily spotted, and at certain times of the year, Bald Eagles have been seen along the river.

Finally, at Deep River Station, passengers who are taking the river boat ride disembark and board the riverboat for a relaxing and informative ride up the beautiful Connecticut River, from Deep River to East Haddam. The Becky Thatcher takes us on a 90-minute ride along the river, which is alive with recreational boaters and vacationers during the waning days of Summer vacation.

We passed bridges, ferries, and river-front homes. The highlight of the trip, though, was seeing the historic Goodspeed Opera House and Gillette Castle (below). One of the boat's staff provided colorful stories and commentary about the history, natural wonders, and local legends while passengers enjoyed the view from one of the three decks aboard the ship. There is also a well-stocked refreshment stand on board, too. What a great ride.

Finally, we disembarked at Deep River Station for the short train ride back to Essex. Needless to say, the three hours passed in a flash. The views of the sparkling water and neighboring coastal areas were breathtaking, and Mother Nature cooperated by delivering one of the best days of the year. There's no question I'll be back again.

Paul

Summer Nature Walk Through Wildlife Sanctuary

I enjoy a good, long walk, so today I traveled to the Connecticut Audubon Society on Burr Street in Fairfield to explore the wonders of nature by hiking three miles through its scenic wildlife sanctuary. Although the weather was warm and humid, plenty of sunshine and a light wind made for a pleasant walk. Of course, I brought my camera along for the lengthy hike.

Located in the historic Greenfield Hill section, the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield was constructed in 1971 and is adjacent to the 155-acre Roy and Margot Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary features rolling woodlands, meadows, streams, marshes and ponds with raised boardwalks and bridges. They allow access to a variety of habitats, over seven miles of trails, an observation platform, and an Algonquin wigwam replica. Here is the entrance to the sanctuary.

The wildlife walk has become a tradition each Summer. Not long after entering the trail, hikers see incredible scenery, hear chirping birds, rustling leaves, and running streams. It is an escape from the frantic world in which we live. It's refreshing, and I thoroughly enjoy walking through the sanctuary. Come along for the walk as I entered the trail.

There are many paths from which to choose within the sanctuary, and they are well-defined. Most of the walking trails are dirt-covered, although there are some grassy trails, and a number of wooden bridges to cross. There are several eye-opening views within the sanctuary, especially those out in the open fields. Here are some scenic photos I took midway through my walk.

I have always had an affinity for nature and the annual hike affords me the opportunity of "getting away from it all," even for a little while. The walk offers time for peace and reflection. Generally, the three-mile hike takes about an hour, and before long I've completed the circuitous journey along the well-trodden path. I urge anyone who enjoys hiking and nature to make the pilgrimage to the audubon society. Here's another part of the walk I enjoyed.

According to its Web site, the Connecticut Audubon Society (CAS), founded in 1898, conserves Connecticut’s environment through science-based education and advocacy focused on the state’s bird populations and habitats. The society operates nature facilities in Fairfield, Milford, Glastonbury and Pomfret.

The goal of the center is to promote awareness of Connecticut's terrestrial and freshwater wetland ecosystems and foster their preservation through hands-on experience and learning and related activities. It's a great place to bring the family.

Paul