A Frightening Afternoon in 1969

THIS IS HISTORIC INFORMATION ABOUT 1969’s HURRICANE CAMILLE.  IT IS NOT CURRENT INFORMATION.

On the afternoon of August 17, 1969, an Air Force crew led by Marvin Little penetrated the eye of Camille. One way of estimating the surface winds was to visually observe the sea condition. Their report indicated that it was unlike anything they had ever seen in their training. Dr. Robert Simpson, the head of the National Hurricane Center knew that the training was based on 150 mph. His instinct told him that the winds were probably in the neighborhood of 180 knots (210 mph.)

He would take the unprecedented step of listing the winds at 190 mph in a special advisory that would prompt action from many people along the coast who had planned to stay put.

And at 3 p.m., a historic advisory was written.  Here is the discussion…

…And the text of the advisory…

Category: Tropical