A Re-analysis of the 1943 Atlantic Hurricane Season - The First Flight into a Hurricane

The Atlantic basin hurricane database re-analysis project is to extend and improve the quality of the National Hurricane Center's North Atlantic best track and intensity hurricane database, HURDAT, from 1851 to the present. This effort is helping to correct several errors and biases, apply more consistent analysis techniques and modern interpretations, and better determine tropical cyclone landfall attributes associated with HURDAT. For reanalysis during 1943, the research relies upon station observation records, historical weather maps, ship reports, and written journalistic and private accounts of the tropical storms and hurricanes - including the first flight into a hurricane. An overview of the proposed revisions for existing tropical cyclones to HURDAT for this year is presented along with any new systems to be incorporated into the hurricane database. The highlight of this hurricane season that occurred during World War II is the hurricane that struck the upper coast of Texas in July. Details about the historic flight into this hurricane and how this led to the establishment of the aircraft reconnaissance program that continues today are also presented.