Preliminary Report
Tropical Storm Dean
28 July - 03 August 1995

1995 PRELIMINARY REPORTS

Hurricane Allison (1)
Tropical Storm Barry (TS)
Tropical Storm Chantal (TS)
Tropical Storm Dean (TS)
Hurricane Erin (2)
Hurricane Felix (4)
Tropical Storm Gabrielle (TS)
Hurricane Humberto (2)
Hurricane Iris (2)
Tropical Storm Jerry (TS)
Tropical Storm Karen (TS)
Hurricane Luis (4)
Hurricane Marilyn (3)
Hurricane Noel (1)
Hurricane Opal (4)
Tropical Storm Pablo (TS)
Hurricane Roxanne (3)
Tropical Storm Sebastien (TS)
Hurricane Tanya (1)

a. Synoptic History

Tropical Storm Dean developed from a broad quasi-stationary middle-level trough extending from the northeastern Gulf of Mexico through Florida. On the 27th of July, a weak cyclonic circulation was indicated by buoy reports in the eastern Gulf of Mexico accompanied by surface pressure falls of about 2.5 mb in 24 hours. At that time, satellite images showed that the thunderstorm activity was disorganized but the upper-level outflow was beginning to become established. On the 28th, animation of high resolution visible satellite images clearly showed a low-level cyclonic rotation. Based on that information and on surface reports, it is estimated that Tropical Depression Four formed about 300 nautical miles southeast of New Orleans at 1800 UTC July 28.

A reconnaissance plane was dispatched to the area and located a circulation center of 1008 mb minimum pressure. The maximum flight-level (1500 ft) wind was 37 mph. The depression moved slowly toward the west to west-northwest around a well-established mid-level high pressure ridge located over the central U.S., with no significant change in strength. The depression was under continuous reconnaissance surveillance and, during the time between the last fix at 1712 UTC 30 July of mission number 5 and the first fix of mission number 6 at 2142 UTC 30 July, the pressure dropped from 1005 mb to 999 mb and the flight-level (1500 ft) winds increased from 46 to 58 mph. Using this data, it is estimated that the depression became Tropical Storm Dean at 1800 UTC 30 July about 60 nautical miles from the upper Texas coast. The center of Dean crossed the coast near Freeport, Texas a few hours later. Tropical cyclones have occasionally intensified just prior to making landfall in that area.

Dean weakened to tropical depression status shortly after landfall and continued on a northwestward track through Texas. The depression became nearly stationary for about 24 to 36 hours over the northwest portion of the state producing heavy rainfall. It dissipated at 0000 UTC August 3 as it merged with a frontal zone.

b. Meteorological Statistics

There were no reports of tropical storm force winds (1-min sustained) from surface land stations. The highest observed wind was a 51-mph gust reported by Galveston Scholes Field at 2115 UTC 30 July.

1. Storm Surge Data

The storm tide rose and covered the road along highway 82 between Johnsons Bayou and Holly Beach in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. Minor storm surge flooding of highway 87 occurred on the 30th.

2. Tornadoes

There were two tornadoes associated with Dean. The first occurred in Galveston County at High Island around 2330 UTC and the second touched down just southeast of Anahua near 0300 UTC.

c. Casualty and Damage Statistics

There were no reports of injuries or deaths associated with Dean. However, rainfall was a problem causing near $500,000 in damage. Evacuation of 20 families was necessary in Chambers County due to rainfall flooding. Data were provided by local weather service forecast offices.