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{{Short description|Category 1 Atlantic hurricane in 2021}} {{Short description|Category 1 Atlantic hurricane in 2021}}
{{Infobox Hurricane {{Infobox weather event
| Name = Hurricane Nicholas | image = Nicholas 2021-09-14 0404Z.png
⚫ | caption = Hurricane Nicholas at peak intensity just before landfall in ] early on September 14
| Year = 2021
⚫ | formed = September 12, 2021
| Basin = Atl
⚫ | post-tropical = September 15, 2021
| Type = hurricane
⚫ | dissipated = September 20, 2021
| Image location = Nicholas 2021-09-14 0404Z.png
}}{{Infobox weather event/NWS
⚫ | Image name = Hurricane Nicholas at peak intensity just before landfall in ] early on September 14
| winds = 65
⚫ | Formed = September 12, 2021
⚫ | pressure = 988
⚫ | Dissipated = September 20, 2021
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
⚫ | Post-tropical = September 15
| 1-min winds = 65 | year = 2021
⚫ | fatalities = 2 direct, 2 indirect
⚫ | Pressure = 988
| Damages = 1100 | damage = 1100000000
⚫ | areas = ], ], ]
| Damagespost =
| ibtracs = 2021256N21265
⚫ | Fatalities = 2 direct, 2 indirect
⚫ | refs =
⚫ | Areas = ], ], ]
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| Hurricane season = ] | season = ]
⚫ | Related =
}} }}


'''Hurricane Nicholas''' was a slow and erratic ] that made ] in the ] of ] in mid-September 2021. The fourteenth ], and sixth ] of the ], Nicholas originated from a ] that emerged off the west coast of ] on August 28. The system developed into a tropical storm on September 12, with the ] (NHC) assigning the system the name ''Nicholas''. Nicholas gradually intensified initially, due to adverse effects of strong ]. However, late on September 13, Nicholas began intensifying at a faster rate, and at 03:00 UTC on September 14, Nicholas intensified into a Category 1 hurricane, with maximum ]s of 75 mph (120 km/h) and a ] of {{convert|988|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. At 5:30 UTC on the same day, Nicholas made landfall in Texas at peak intensity. Afterward, the system gradually weakened, weakening into a tropical storm several hours later, and weakening further into a tropical depression on the next day. The system proceeded to drift slowly over ]. On September 15, Nicholas degenerated into a ], before being absorbed into another ] on September 20. '''Hurricane Nicholas''' was a slow-moving and erratic ] that made ] in the ] of ] in mid-September 2021. The fourteenth ] and sixth ] of the ], Nicholas originated from a ] that emerged off the west coast of ] on August 28. The system developed into a tropical storm on September 12, with the ] (NHC) naming the cyclone ''Nicholas''. Nicholas gradually intensified initially, due to adverse effects of strong ]. However, late on September 13, Nicholas began intensifying at a faster rate, and at 03:00 UTC on September 14, Nicholas intensified into a Category 1 hurricane, with maximum ]s of {{convert|75|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and a ] of {{convert|988|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. At 5:30 UTC on the same day, Nicholas made landfall in Texas at peak intensity. Afterward, the system gradually weakened, weakening into a tropical storm several hours later, and weakening further into a tropical depression on the next day. The system proceeded to drift slowly over ]. On September 15, Nicholas degenerated into a ], before being absorbed into another ] on September 20.


The storm brought heavy rainfall and ] to parts of Texas and Louisiana. Some of the affected areas were still recovering from the effects of ], which impacted the ] a few weeks prior. Hurricane Nicholas caused four deaths and $1.1 billion in damage.<ref name="NicholasTCR">{{Cite report|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL142021_Nicholas.pdf|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Nicholas|last=Latto|first=Andy S.|date=March 1, 2022|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=March 1, 2022}}</ref> The storm brought heavy rainfall and ] to parts of Texas and Louisiana. Some of the affected areas were still recovering from the effects of ], which impacted the ] a few weeks prior. Hurricane Nicholas caused four deaths and $1.1 billion in damage.<ref name="NicholasTCR">{{Cite report|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL142021_Nicholas.pdf|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Nicholas|last=Latto|first=Andy S.|date=March 1, 2022|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=March 1, 2022}}</ref>


==Meteorological history== ==Meteorological history==
{{Storm path|Nicholas 2021 track.png}} {{Storm path|Nicholas 2021 path.png|colors=new}}
On August&nbsp;28, a tropical wave moved off the west coast of Africa.<ref name="NicholasTCR" /> It moved steadily westward over the next week, producing only disorganized convection before moving into and through the Caribbean Sea. At 06:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;9, the ] (NHC) began to monitor the northern portion the tropical wave over the western ] for potential development as it moved across northern ] and the ] toward the ].<ref>{{Cite report|last=Brown|first=Daniel|date=September 9, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202109091013&basin=atl&fdays=5|title=Five-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 12, 2021}}</ref> By the next day, the wave began to interact with a surface ] over the southern ], producing widespread but disorganized showers and thunderstorms across the region.<ref>{{Cite report|last=Papin|first=Philippe|date=September 10, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202109110541&basin=atl&fdays=5|title=Five-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 12, 2021}}</ref> Showers and thunderstorms associated with this system increased and become better organized on September&nbsp;12, and its top sustained winds reached {{cvt|40|mph|round=5}} (tropical storm-force), as confirmed by an ] flight that morning.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Henson|first1=Bob|last2=Masters|first2=Jeff|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas to douse Texas coast with torrential rains|date=September 12, 2021|url=https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2021/09/tropical-storm-nicholas-to-douse-texas-coast-with-torrential-rains/|publisher=Yale Climate Connections|location=New Haven, Connecticut|access-date=September 12, 2021}}</ref> As a result, advisories were initiated at 15:00&nbsp;UTC on Tropical Storm Nicholas.<ref>{{Cite report|last=Brown|first=Daniel|date=September 12, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.discus.001.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas Discussion Number 1|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 12, 2021}}</ref> On August&nbsp;28, a tropical wave moved off the west coast of Africa.<ref name="NicholasTCR" /> It moved steadily westward over the next week, producing only disorganized convection before moving into and through the Caribbean Sea. At 06:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;9, the ] (NHC) began to monitor the northern portion the tropical wave over the western ] for potential development as it moved across northern ] and the ] toward the ].<ref>{{Cite report|last=Brown|first=Daniel|date=September 9, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202109091013&basin=atl&fdays=5|title=Five-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 12, 2021}}</ref> By the next day, the wave began to interact with a surface ] over the southern ], producing widespread but disorganized showers and thunderstorms across the region.<ref>{{Cite report|last=Papin|first=Philippe|date=September 10, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202109110541&basin=atl&fdays=5|title=Five-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 12, 2021}}</ref> Showers and thunderstorms associated with this system increased and become better organized on September&nbsp;12, and its top sustained winds reached {{cvt|40|mph|round=5}} (tropical storm-force), as confirmed by an ] flight that morning.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Henson|first1=Bob|last2=Masters|first2=Jeff|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas to douse Texas coast with torrential rains|date=September 12, 2021|url=https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2021/09/tropical-storm-nicholas-to-douse-texas-coast-with-torrential-rains/|publisher=Yale Climate Connections|location=New Haven, Connecticut|access-date=September 12, 2021}}</ref> As a result, advisories were initiated at 15:00&nbsp;UTC on Tropical Storm Nicholas.<ref>{{Cite report|last=Brown|first=Daniel|date=September 12, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.discus.001.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas Discussion Number 1|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 12, 2021}}</ref>


] ]
After forming, the storm was found to be not very organized, as it lacked convective ] features. The center was also not well defined.<ref>{{Cite report|last=Brown|first=Daniel|date=September 12, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.discus.003.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas Discussion Number 3|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 12, 2021}}</ref> After satellite imagery from radar and aircraft, it was found that the center had re-formed 150 ]s more north than expected and the storm had gained speed.<ref>{{Cite report|last=Brown|first=Daniel|date=September 12, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.discus.004.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas Discussion Number 4|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 12, 2021}}</ref> The storm entered the southern part of a large area of deep convection, as signs of an eyewall structure forming were beginning to become prominent.<ref>{{Cite report|last=Brown|first=Daniel|date=September 13, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.discus.005.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas Discussion Number 5|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 13, 2021}}</ref> The eyewall structure then dissipated and a new center began forming north-northeast of the previous.<ref>{{Cite report|last=Brown|first=Daniel|date=September 13, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.discus.006.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas Discussion Number 6|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 13, 2021}}</ref> The storm then underwent a period of ], the fifth hurricane of the season to do so, after intensifying by {{convert|30|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on|round=5|order=out}} in a {{nowrap|24-hour}} period.<ref name=IOTS091421>{{cite web|last1=Masters|first1=Jeff|last2=Henson|first2=Bob|date=September 14, 2021|title=Nicholas brings debris, storm surge to Texas as Cat 1 hurricane|url=https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2021/09/nicholas-brings-debris-storm-surge-to-texas-as-cat-1-hurricane/|publisher=Yale Climate Connections|location=New Haven, Connecticut|access-date=September 15, 2021}}</ref> Consequently, at 03:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;14, the system was upgraded to a Category&nbsp;1 hurricane.<ref name=NHC8c>{{cite report|first1=Richard|last1=Pasch|first2=Eric|last2=Blake|first3=Philippe|last3=Papin|title=Hurricane Nicholas Advisory Number 8...Corrected|date=September 13, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.public.008.shtml?|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 13, 2021}}</ref> Shortly thereafter, at 05:30&nbsp;UTC, Nicholas made landfall about 10&nbsp;mi (15&nbsp;km) west-southwest of ], with maximum sustained winds of 75&nbsp;mph (120&nbsp;km/h).<ref name=IOTS091421/><ref name=NPR&AP>{{cite news|title=Hurricane Nicholas Makes Landfall On The Texas Coast|date=September 14, 2021|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/09/14/1036860928/hurricane-nicholas-makes-landfall-on-the-texas-coast|agency=]|publisher=]|access-date=September 15, 2021}}</ref> It then quickly weakened inland to tropical storm strength, as it moved to near ].<ref>{{cite report|last=Blake|first=Eric|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas Discussion Number 9|date=September 14, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.discus.009.shtml?|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 14, 2021}}</ref> Nicholas was downgraded to tropical depression status at 00:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;15,<ref>{{cite report|last=Beven|first=Jack|title=Tropical Depression Nicholas Intermediate Advisory Number 11A|date=September 14, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.public_a.011.shtml?|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 16, 2021}}</ref> as it moved slowly into southern Louisiana, where residents were still recovering in the aftermath of ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Nicholas Crawls Into Louisiana From Texas, Dumping Rain In Areas Struck By Ida|date=September 15, 2021|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/09/15/1037313892/nicholas-storm-updates-louisiana-texas|agency=]|publisher=]|access-date=September 16, 2021}}</ref> At the time, the system consisted of a large swirl of low- to mid-level clouds and showers, with a few patches of deep convection well removed from the center, according to the NHC.<ref>{{cite report|last=Beven|first=Jack|title=Tropical Depression Nicholas Discussion Number 12|date=September 14, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.discus.012.shtml?|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 16, 2021}}</ref> Early the following day, while situated near ], along the Louisiana coast, Nicholas became post-tropical.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.public.017.shtml|title=Post-Tropical Cyclone Nicholas Advisory Number 17|website=www.nhc.noaa.gov|author=Alex Lamers|publisher=Weather Prediction Center|location=College Park, Maryland|date=September 16, 2021|accessdate=September 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Nicholas Becomes Post-Tropical Near Marsh Island Along The Central Louisiana Coast|date=September 16, 2021|url=https://www.clickorlando.com/weather/hurricane/2021/09/12/tropical-storm-nicholas-forms-in-the-southwestern-gulf-of-mexico/|publisher=]|location=Orlando, Florida|access-date=September 16, 2021}}</ref> Nicholas's remnant low later moved further inland, stalling over northern Louisiana,<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.public.023.shtml|title=Post-Tropical Cyclone Nicholas Advisory Number 23|website=www.nhc.noaa.gov|author=Greg Carbin|publisher=Weather Prediction Center|location=College Park, Maryland|date=September 17, 2021|accessdate=September 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/archives/web_pages/sfc/sfc_archive_maps.php?arcdate=09/18/2021&selmap=2021091818&maptype=satsfcnps|title=WPC Surface Analysis valid for 09/18/2021 at 18 UTC|website=wpc.ncep.noaa.gov|publisher=Weather Prediction Center|date=September 18, 2021|access-date=September 22, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/archives/web_pages/sfc/sfc_archive_maps.php?arcdate=09/18/2021&selmap=2021091821&maptype=satsfcnps|title=WPC Surface Analysis valid for 09/18/2021 at 21 UTC|website=wpc.ncep.noaa.gov|publisher=Weather Prediction Center|date=September 18, 2021|access-date=September 22, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> before its low-level circulation center became ill-defined on September&nbsp;18.<ref name="NicholasTCR" /> The storm's remnants persisted for another few days, before they were absorbed into an extratropical storm to the north on September 20.<ref name="NicholasTCR" /> The system's residual tropical moisture lingered over parts of the ] for several days.<ref>{{cite news|title=Showers And Storms Will Continue Through Tuesday|date=September 18, 2021|url=https://www.wbbjtv.com/2021/09/18/showers-and-storms-will-continue-through-tuesday/?|publisher=]|location=Jackson, Tennessee|access-date=September 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Leigh|last=Morgan|title=Flooding rain possible for Alabama today|date=September 18, 2021|url=https://www.al.com/news/2021/09/flooding-rain-possible-for-alabama-today.html?|work=]|access-date=September 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Cappucci|first=Matthew|title=Forecasters eyeing new Atlantic tropical system set to be named 'Sam'|date=September 22, 2021|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2021/09/22/tropical-storm-sam-atlantic-2021/|newspaper=]|access-date=September 22, 2021}}</ref> After forming, the storm was found to be not very organized, as it lacked convective ] features. The center was also not well defined.<ref>{{Cite report|last=Brown|first=Daniel|date=September 12, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.discus.003.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas Discussion Number 3|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 12, 2021}}</ref> After satellite imagery from radar and aircraft, it was found that the center had re-formed 150 ]s more north than expected and the storm had gained speed.<ref>{{Cite report|last=Brown|first=Daniel|date=September 12, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.discus.004.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas Discussion Number 4|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 12, 2021}}</ref> The storm entered the southern part of a large area of deep convection, as signs of an eyewall structure forming were beginning to become prominent.<ref>{{Cite report|last=Brown|first=Daniel|date=September 13, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.discus.005.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas Discussion Number 5|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 13, 2021}}</ref> The eyewall structure then dissipated and a new center began forming north-northeast of the previous.<ref>{{Cite report|last=Brown|first=Daniel|date=September 13, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.discus.006.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas Discussion Number 6|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 13, 2021}}</ref> The storm then underwent a period of ], the fifth hurricane of the season to do so, after intensifying by {{convert|30|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on|round=5|order=out}} in a {{nowrap|24-hour}} period.<ref name=IOTS091421>{{cite web|last1=Masters|first1=Jeff|last2=Henson|first2=Bob|date=September 14, 2021|title=Nicholas brings debris, storm surge to Texas as Cat 1 hurricane|url=https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2021/09/nicholas-brings-debris-storm-surge-to-texas-as-cat-1-hurricane/|publisher=Yale Climate Connections|location=New Haven, Connecticut|access-date=September 15, 2021}}</ref> Consequently, at 03:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;14, the system was upgraded to a Category&nbsp;1 hurricane.<ref name=NHC8c>{{cite report|first1=Richard|last1=Pasch|first2=Eric|last2=Blake|first3=Philippe|last3=Papin|title=Hurricane Nicholas Advisory Number 8...Corrected|date=September 13, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.public.008.shtml?|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 13, 2021}}</ref> Shortly thereafter, at 05:30&nbsp;UTC, Nicholas made landfall about {{convert|10|mi|km|abbr=on}} west-southwest of ], with maximum sustained winds of {{convert|75|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name=IOTS091421/><ref name=NPR&AP>{{cite news|title=Hurricane Nicholas Makes Landfall On The Texas Coast|date=September 14, 2021|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/09/14/1036860928/hurricane-nicholas-makes-landfall-on-the-texas-coast|agency=]|publisher=]|access-date=September 15, 2021}}</ref> It then quickly weakened inland to tropical storm strength, as it moved to near ].<ref>{{cite report|last=Blake|first=Eric|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas Discussion Number 9|date=September 14, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.discus.009.shtml?|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 14, 2021}}</ref> Nicholas was downgraded to tropical depression status at 00:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;15,<ref>{{cite report|last=Beven|first=Jack|title=Tropical Depression Nicholas Intermediate Advisory Number 11A|date=September 14, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.public_a.011.shtml?|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 16, 2021}}</ref> as it moved slowly into southern Louisiana, where residents were still recovering in the aftermath of ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Nicholas Crawls Into Louisiana From Texas, Dumping Rain In Areas Struck By Ida|date=September 15, 2021|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/09/15/1037313892/nicholas-storm-updates-louisiana-texas|agency=]|publisher=]|access-date=September 16, 2021}}</ref> At the time, the system consisted of a large swirl of low- to mid-level clouds and showers, with a few patches of deep convection well removed from the center, according to the NHC.<ref>{{cite report|last=Beven|first=Jack|title=Tropical Depression Nicholas Discussion Number 12|date=September 14, 2021|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.discus.012.shtml?|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=September 16, 2021}}</ref> Early the following day, while situated near ], along the Louisiana coast, Nicholas became post-tropical.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.public.017.shtml|title=Post-Tropical Cyclone Nicholas Advisory Number 17|website=www.nhc.noaa.gov|author=Alex Lamers|publisher=Weather Prediction Center|location=College Park, Maryland|date=September 16, 2021|access-date=September 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Nicholas Becomes Post-Tropical Near Marsh Island Along The Central Louisiana Coast|date=September 16, 2021|url=https://www.clickorlando.com/weather/hurricane/2021/09/12/tropical-storm-nicholas-forms-in-the-southwestern-gulf-of-mexico/|publisher=]|location=Orlando, Florida|access-date=September 16, 2021}}</ref> Nicholas's remnant low later moved further inland, stalling over northern Louisiana,<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2021/al14/al142021.public.023.shtml|title=Post-Tropical Cyclone Nicholas Advisory Number 23|website=www.nhc.noaa.gov|author=Greg Carbin|publisher=Weather Prediction Center|location=College Park, Maryland|date=September 17, 2021|access-date=September 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/archives/web_pages/sfc/sfc_archive_maps.php?arcdate=09/18/2021&selmap=2021091818&maptype=satsfcnps|title=WPC Surface Analysis valid for 09/18/2021 at 18 UTC|website=wpc.ncep.noaa.gov|publisher=Weather Prediction Center|date=September 18, 2021|access-date=September 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/archives/web_pages/sfc/sfc_archive_maps.php?arcdate=09/18/2021&selmap=2021091821&maptype=satsfcnps|title=WPC Surface Analysis valid for 09/18/2021 at 21 UTC|website=wpc.ncep.noaa.gov|publisher=Weather Prediction Center|date=September 18, 2021|access-date=September 22, 2021}}</ref> before its low-level circulation center became ill-defined on September&nbsp;18.<ref name="NicholasTCR" /> The storm's remnants persisted for another few days, before they were absorbed into an extratropical storm to the north on September 20.<ref name="NicholasTCR" /> The system's residual tropical moisture lingered over parts of the ] for several days.<ref>{{cite news|title=Showers And Storms Will Continue Through Tuesday|date=September 18, 2021|url=https://www.wbbjtv.com/2021/09/18/showers-and-storms-will-continue-through-tuesday/?|publisher=]|location=Jackson, Tennessee|access-date=September 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Leigh|last=Morgan|title=Flooding rain possible for Alabama today|date=September 18, 2021|url=https://www.al.com/news/2021/09/flooding-rain-possible-for-alabama-today.html?|work=]|access-date=September 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Cappucci|first=Matthew|title=Forecasters eyeing new Atlantic tropical system set to be named 'Sam'|date=September 22, 2021|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2021/09/22/tropical-storm-sam-atlantic-2021/|newspaper=]|access-date=September 22, 2021}}</ref>


==Preparations== ==Preparations==
] ]
When Tropical Storm Nicholas formed, tropical storm warnings were issued along the coast from ] and north to ]. Additionally, tropical storm watches were called from Port Aransas to ]. As Nicholas neared landfall, tropical storm alerts were issued for the entire Texas coast. The first hurricane warning was issued from ] to ] at 03:00 UTC, when the storm was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane.<ref name=NHC8c/> Flood watches were also issued in southern and central Louisiana when Nicholas slowed its forward speed to {{Convert|5|mph|}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bacon |first=John |title='Despondent': Battered Louisiana city gets more rain from Nicholas; 100,000 without power in Texas |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/09/15/tropical-storm-nicholas-rain-flooding-louisiana-texas-power-outages/8345362002/ |access-date=2023-03-01 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref> In addition to flood watches, the ] issued a rare 50 percent high-risk flooding area for southwestern Louisiana.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chappell |first=Bill |date=September 14, 2021 |title=Nicholas Puts More Than Half Of Louisiana On Flood Alert Despite Weakening |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/09/14/1036979893/tropical-storm-hurricane-nicholas-updates-texas-houston-louisiana |website=NPR}}</ref> When Tropical Storm Nicholas formed, tropical storm warnings were issued along the coast from ] and north to ]. Additionally, tropical storm watches were called from Port Aransas to ]. As Nicholas neared landfall, tropical storm alerts were issued for the entire Texas coast. The first hurricane warning was issued from ] to ] at 03:00 UTC, when the storm was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane.<ref name=NHC8c/> Flood watches were also issued in southern and central Louisiana when Nicholas slowed its forward speed to {{Convert|5|mph|}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bacon |first=John |title='Despondent': Battered Louisiana city gets more rain from Nicholas; 100,000 without power in Texas |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/09/15/tropical-storm-nicholas-rain-flooding-louisiana-texas-power-outages/8345362002/ |access-date=2023-03-01 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref> In addition to flood watches, the ] issued a rare 50 percent high-risk flooding area for southwestern Louisiana.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chappell |first=Bill |date=September 14, 2021 |title=Nicholas Puts More Than Half Of Louisiana On Flood Alert Despite Weakening |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/09/14/1036979893/tropical-storm-hurricane-nicholas-updates-texas-houston-louisiana |website=NPR}}</ref>


Rainfall estimate totals were {{convert|8|to|16|in|mm}}, with some locations potentially receiving {{convert|15|in|mm}}. Coastal Louisiana, which was battered by ] just weeks earlier, was estimated to receive {{convert|5|to|10|in|mm}}. ] was lowered by {{convert|1|ft|cm|spell=in}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/13/weather/tropical-storm-nicholas-monday/index.html|title=Flash flood risk grows for coastal Texas and Louisiana as Tropical Storm Nicholas takes aim|website=] |date=September 13, 2021|access-date=September 13, 2021}}</ref> Schools in southern Texas and Louisiana were suspended on September 13.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kristv.com/news/local-news/list-school-closures-across-the-coastal-bend|title=LIST: CCISD and area school district closure status|date=September 12, 2021|access-date=September 13, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/local/2021/09/12/tropical-storm-nicholas-2021-list-school-closures-south-texas/8313290002/|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas 2021: Here's a list of school closures for South Texas|website=] |date=September 12, 2021|access-date=September 13, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Seba |first=Erwin |date=2021-09-15 |title=Nicholas deluges U.S. Gulf Coast with heavy rain, flooding |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/nicholas-strengthens-into-hurricane-pounds-coastal-texas-louisiana-with-rain-2021-09-14/ |access-date=2023-03-01}}</ref> At least 330 flights originating from ] and ] were cancelled.<ref name=cnn.1>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/14/weather/hurricane-nicholas-tuesday/index.html|title=Nicholas threatens flooding in Texas and Louisiana after making landfall as a hurricane with 75-mph winds|date=September 14, 2021|access-date=September 14, 2021|last=Holcombe|first=Madeline|publisher=]}}</ref> In ], ] testing sites were closed.<ref name="HarrisCo">{{cite news|publisher=]|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas takes aim on hard-hit Louisiana: Latest path|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/nicholas-closes-texas-hurricane-watch-issued-latest-forecast/story?id=79987933|last1=Shapiro|first1=Emily|last2=Golembo|first2=Max|last3=Griffin|first3=Melissa|last4=Pereira|first4=Ivan|date=September 14, 2021|access-date=September 14, 2021}}</ref> Late on September 13, ferry service between ] and the ] were suspended. Service resumed the next day.<ref name="Strand"/> Rainfall estimate totals were {{convert|8|to|16|in|mm}}, with some locations potentially receiving {{convert|15|in|mm}}. Coastal Louisiana, which was battered by ] just weeks earlier, was estimated to receive {{convert|5|to|10|in|mm}}. ] was lowered by {{convert|1|ft|cm|spell=in}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/13/weather/tropical-storm-nicholas-monday/index.html|title=Flash flood risk grows for coastal Texas and Louisiana as Tropical Storm Nicholas takes aim|website=] |date=September 13, 2021|access-date=September 13, 2021}}</ref> Schools in southern Texas and Louisiana were suspended on September 13.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kristv.com/news/local-news/list-school-closures-across-the-coastal-bend|title=LIST: CCISD and area school district closure status|date=September 12, 2021|access-date=September 13, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/local/2021/09/12/tropical-storm-nicholas-2021-list-school-closures-south-texas/8313290002/|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas 2021: Here's a list of school closures for South Texas|website=] |date=September 12, 2021|access-date=September 13, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Seba |first=Erwin |date=2021-09-15 |title=Nicholas deluges U.S. Gulf Coast with heavy rain, flooding |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/nicholas-strengthens-into-hurricane-pounds-coastal-texas-louisiana-with-rain-2021-09-14/ |access-date=2023-03-01}}</ref> At least 330 flights originating from ] and ] were cancelled.<ref name=cnn.1>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/14/weather/hurricane-nicholas-tuesday/index.html|title=Nicholas threatens flooding in Texas and Louisiana after making landfall as a hurricane with 75-mph winds|date=September 14, 2021|access-date=September 14, 2021|last=Holcombe|first=Madeline|publisher=]}}</ref> In ], ] testing sites were closed.<ref name="HarrisCo">{{cite news|publisher=ABC News|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas takes aim on hard-hit Louisiana: Latest path|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/nicholas-closes-texas-hurricane-watch-issued-latest-forecast/story?id=79987933|last1=Shapiro|first1=Emily|last2=Golembo|first2=Max|last3=Griffin|first3=Melissa|last4=Pereira|first4=Ivan|date=September 14, 2021|access-date=September 14, 2021}}</ref> Late on September 13, ferry service between ] and the ] were suspended. Service resumed the next day.<ref name="Strand"/>


Governor of Louisiana, ], declared a state of emergency and noted that areas affected by Hurricane Ida would possibly feel the effects of the tropical storm.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/09/12/tropical-storm-nicholas-forms-gulf-mexico-texas-louisiana/8308971002/|title=Louisiana declares state of emergency as Tropical Storm Nicholas targets battered region|website=] |date=September 12, 2021|access-date=September 13, 2021}}</ref> Edwards also requested a federal disaster declaration, which was approved by President ] on September 14.<ref name="HarrisCo"/><ref>{{cite news|publisher=Reuters|title=Biden approves Louisiana emergency declaration due to tropical storm Nicholas|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/storm-nicholas-biden/biden-approves-louisiana-emergency-declaration-due-to-tropical-storm-nicholas-idUSFWN2QF0OW|date=September 14, 2021|access-date=September 14, 2021}}</ref> The Governor of Texas, ], issued a disaster declaration for 17 counties in southeastern Texas and ordered the State Operations Center to increase its readiness level.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.khou.com/article/weather/isaster-declaration-tropical-storm-nicholas/285-72c2872b-a813-4a7d-b859-306ecfad3b5d|date=September 13, 2021|access-date=September 13, 2021|title=Gov. Abbott issues disaster declaration for 17 Texas counties ahead of Tropical Storm Nicholas|last=Alexander|first=Chloe}}</ref> The ] deployed 80 high water vehicles, 23 boats and 15 aircraft across southern Louisiana.<ref name=cnn.1/> On September 13, before the storm hit, singer-songwriter ] postponed his performance in Houston.<ref>{{Cite web|last=KTRK|date=2021-09-13|title=Harry Styles concert at Toyota Center postponed due to Hurricane Nicholas|url=https://abc13.com/11017853/|access-date=2021-09-24|website=ABC13 Houston|language=en}}</ref> Dozens of barriers were constructed in Houston and readied high-water rescue vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bill |first=Chappell |last2=Campbell |first2=Barbara |last3=Diaz |first3=Jaclyn |date=September 14, 2021 |title=Hurricane Nicholas Makes Landfall In Texas. Residents Are Bracing For Possible Floods |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/09/13/1036568586/tropical-storm-nicholas-updates-texas-louisiana |website=NPR}}</ref> The ] in the Texas Gulf Coast area prepared as Nicholas moved closer to landfall.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Panjwani |first=Lucio Vasquez, Paul DeBenedetto, Camilo Hannibal Smith, Sara Willa Ernst, Florian Martin, ShaVonne Herndon, Haya |date=2021-09-13 |title=Power Slowly Returns As Greater Houston Begins Nicholas Cleanup |url=https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/weather/2021/09/13/408262/greater-houston-prepares-for-tropical-storm-nicholas/ |access-date=2023-02-28 |website=Houston Public Media |language=en-US}}</ref> Governor of Louisiana, ], declared a state of emergency and noted that areas affected by Hurricane Ida would possibly feel the effects of the tropical storm.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/09/12/tropical-storm-nicholas-forms-gulf-mexico-texas-louisiana/8308971002/|title=Louisiana declares state of emergency as Tropical Storm Nicholas targets battered region|website=] |date=September 12, 2021|access-date=September 13, 2021}}</ref> Edwards also requested a federal disaster declaration, which was approved by President ] on September 14.<ref name="HarrisCo"/><ref>{{cite news|publisher=Reuters|title=Biden approves Louisiana emergency declaration due to tropical storm Nicholas|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/storm-nicholas-biden/biden-approves-louisiana-emergency-declaration-due-to-tropical-storm-nicholas-idUSFWN2QF0OW|date=September 14, 2021|access-date=September 14, 2021}}</ref> The Governor of Texas, ], issued a disaster declaration for 17 counties in southeastern Texas and ordered the State Operations Center to increase its readiness level.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.khou.com/article/weather/isaster-declaration-tropical-storm-nicholas/285-72c2872b-a813-4a7d-b859-306ecfad3b5d|date=September 13, 2021|access-date=September 13, 2021|title=Gov. Abbott issues disaster declaration for 17 Texas counties ahead of Tropical Storm Nicholas|last=Alexander|first=Chloe}}</ref> The ] deployed 80 high water vehicles, 23 boats and 15 aircraft across southern Louisiana.<ref name=cnn.1/> On September 13, before the storm hit, singer-songwriter ] postponed his performance in Houston.<ref>{{Cite web|last=KTRK|date=2021-09-13|title=Harry Styles concert at Toyota Center postponed due to Hurricane Nicholas|url=https://abc13.com/11017853/|access-date=2021-09-24|website=ABC13 Houston|language=en}}</ref> Dozens of barriers were constructed in Houston and readied high-water rescue vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Bill |first1=Chappell |last2=Campbell |first2=Barbara |last3=Diaz |first3=Jaclyn |date=September 14, 2021 |title=Hurricane Nicholas Makes Landfall In Texas. Residents Are Bracing For Possible Floods |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/09/13/1036568586/tropical-storm-nicholas-updates-texas-louisiana |website=NPR}}</ref> The ] in the Texas Gulf Coast area prepared as Nicholas moved closer to landfall.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Panjwani |first=Lucio Vasquez, Paul DeBenedetto, Camilo Hannibal Smith, Sara Willa Ernst, Florian Martin, ShaVonne Herndon, Haya |date=2021-09-13 |title=Power Slowly Returns As Greater Houston Begins Nicholas Cleanup |url=https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/weather/2021/09/13/408262/greater-houston-prepares-for-tropical-storm-nicholas/ |access-date=2023-02-28 |website=Houston Public Media |language=en-US}}</ref>


==Impact and aftermath== ==Impact and aftermath==
Line 43: Line 43:


=== Texas === === Texas ===
] in ] after Nicholas]] ] in ] after Nicholas]]
The storm left at least 503,000 without power in Texas, mostly in the ].<ref name=cnn.1/><ref name="HarrisCo"/> An estimated 33% of ] residents were without power. Portions of the ] in Galveston were left underwater.<ref name="Strand">{{Cite news|url=https://abc13.com/hurricane-nicholas-galveston-strand-flooding-tropical-storm-houston-ferry-service/11019482/|title=Nicholas floods streets in historic Strand District in Galveston|last=Ehling|first=Jeff|date=September 14, 2021|access-date=September 14, 2021}}</ref> The ] shut down two pipelines from Houston to ] due to power outages. This shutdown occurred just two weeks after the same pipelines were shut down due to Hurricane Ida.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/colonial-re-shuts-fuel-pipelines-this-time-due-to-hurricane-nicholas-271631632049|title=Colonial Re-Shuts Fuel Pipelines, This Time Due to Hurricane Nicholas|date=September 14, 2021|access-date=September 14, 2021|last=Molinski|first=Dan|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915005313/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/colonial-re-shuts-fuel-pipelines-this-time-due-to-hurricane-nicholas-271631632049|url-status=dead}}</ref> In ], officials estimated that 30 homes sustained wind or flood damage. The Pine Gully fishing pier in the ] was destroyed by storm surge. City officials promised to work with the ] to rebuild the pier.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hurricane Nicholas destroys Seabrook's Pine Gully Fishing Pier|last=Ferguson|first=Colleen|publisher=Community Impact|url=https://communityimpact.com/houston/bay-area/weather/2021/09/15/hurricane-nicholas-destroys-seabrooks-pine-gully-fishing-pier/|date=September 15, 2021|access-date=September 23, 2021}}</ref> The storm left at least 503,000 without power in Texas, mostly in the ].<ref name=cnn.1/><ref name="HarrisCo"/> An estimated 33 percent of ] residents were without power. Portions of the ] in Galveston were left underwater.<ref name="Strand">{{Cite news|url=https://abc13.com/hurricane-nicholas-galveston-strand-flooding-tropical-storm-houston-ferry-service/11019482/|title=Nicholas floods streets in historic Strand District in Galveston|last=Ehling|first=Jeff|date=September 14, 2021|access-date=September 14, 2021}}</ref> The ] shut down two pipelines from Houston to ] due to power outages. This shutdown occurred just two weeks after the same pipelines were shut down due to ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/colonial-re-shuts-fuel-pipelines-this-time-due-to-hurricane-nicholas-271631632049|title=Colonial Re-Shuts Fuel Pipelines, This Time Due to Hurricane Nicholas|date=September 14, 2021|access-date=September 14, 2021|last=Molinski|first=Dan|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915005313/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/colonial-re-shuts-fuel-pipelines-this-time-due-to-hurricane-nicholas-271631632049|url-status=dead}}</ref> In ], officials estimated that 30 homes sustained wind or flood damage. The Pine Gully fishing pier in the ] was destroyed by storm surge. City officials promised to work with the ] to rebuild the pier.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hurricane Nicholas destroys Seabrook's Pine Gully Fishing Pier|last=Ferguson|first=Colleen|publisher=Community Impact|url=https://communityimpact.com/houston/bay-area/weather/2021/09/15/hurricane-nicholas-destroys-seabrooks-pine-gully-fishing-pier/|date=September 15, 2021|access-date=September 23, 2021}}</ref>


] recorded {{Convert|9.83|in|cm}}, ] recorded around {{Convert|7|in|cm}}, while Houston saw over {{convert|6|in|mm}}.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/tropical-storm-nicholas-35477d4e990ac7c6de4c7c55e33c00fd|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas slows, dumps rain along Gulf Coast|date=September 14, 2021|access-date=September 14, 2021|last=Lozano|first=Juan}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fechter |first=Erin Douglas and Joshua |date=2021-09-14 |title=Texas sees limited damage in wake of Tropical Storm Nicholas as storm weakens and takes aim at Louisiana |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/09/14/texas-hurricane-nicholas-tropical-storm/ |access-date=2023-03-01 |website=The Texas Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dick |first=Jacob |date=2021-09-14 |title=TS Nicholas pushes out of Southeast Texas |url=https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/TS-Nicholas-drops-around-5-inches-on-SE-Texas-16458142.php |access-date=2023-03-01 |website=Beaumont Enterprise |language=en-US}}</ref> Storm surge in ] was reported to be near 4 feet.<ref name="HarrisCo"/> A gas station had its roof blown off in ].<ref name="HarrisCo"/> Several roadways were closed due to flooding and debris, including a section of ] and ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.khou.com/article/weather/high-water-locations-houston-tropical-storm-nicholas/285-9365847b-5f09-4816-aed1-0cb790d7a055|title=LIST: High-water locations in Houston area due to Tropical Storm Nicholas|date=September 15, 2021|access-date=September 15, 2021}}</ref> Several highways in and near ], ], and ] were inundated, including several lanes of ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Magee |first=Jake |date=September 14, 2021 |title=Tropical Storm Nicholas floods local roads |publisher=Community Impact |url=https://communityimpact.com/houston/bay-area/weather/2021/09/14/tropical-storm-nicholas-floods-local-roads/ |access-date=September 23, 2021}}</ref> No injuries or deaths have been reported due to the storm in Texas.<ref name="Strand"/> In ], 21 percent of the city was without power.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hurricane Nicholas destroys Seabrook's Pine Gully Fishing Pier|last1=Yanez|first1=Andy|last2=Magee|first2=Jake|publisher=Community Impact|url=https://communityimpact.com/houston/bay-area/city-county/2021/09/14/power-outages-widespread-across-southeast-houston-following-hurricane-nicholas/|date=September 14, 2021|access-date=September 23, 2021}}</ref> Flash flood warnings were issued in ], ], and ].<ref name=":0" /> ] recorded {{Convert|9.83|in|mm}} of rain, while ] recorded around {{Convert|7|in|mm}}, and Houston saw over {{convert|6|in|mm}}.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/tropical-storm-nicholas-35477d4e990ac7c6de4c7c55e33c00fd|title=Tropical Storm Nicholas slows, dumps rain along Gulf Coast|date=September 14, 2021|access-date=September 14, 2021|last=Lozano|first=Juan}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fechter |first=Erin Douglas and Joshua |date=2021-09-14 |title=Texas sees limited damage in wake of Tropical Storm Nicholas as storm weakens and takes aim at Louisiana |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/09/14/texas-hurricane-nicholas-tropical-storm/ |access-date=2023-03-01 |website=The Texas Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dick |first=Jacob |date=2021-09-14 |title=TS Nicholas pushes out of Southeast Texas |url=https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/TS-Nicholas-drops-around-5-inches-on-SE-Texas-16458142.php |access-date=2023-03-01 |website=Beaumont Enterprise |language=en-US}}</ref> Storm surge in ] was reported to be near 4 feet.<ref name="HarrisCo"/> A gas station had its roof blown off in ].<ref name="HarrisCo"/> Several roadways were closed due to flooding and debris, including a section of ] and ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.khou.com/article/weather/high-water-locations-houston-tropical-storm-nicholas/285-9365847b-5f09-4816-aed1-0cb790d7a055|title=LIST: High-water locations in Houston area due to Tropical Storm Nicholas|date=September 15, 2021|access-date=September 15, 2021}}</ref> Several highways in and near ], ], and ] were inundated, including several lanes of ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Magee |first=Jake |date=September 14, 2021 |title=Tropical Storm Nicholas floods local roads |publisher=Community Impact |url=https://communityimpact.com/houston/bay-area/weather/2021/09/14/tropical-storm-nicholas-floods-local-roads/ |access-date=September 23, 2021}}</ref> No injuries or deaths were reported due to the storm in Texas.<ref name="Strand"/> In ], 21 percent of the city was without power.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hurricane Nicholas destroys Seabrook's Pine Gully Fishing Pier|last1=Yanez|first1=Andy|last2=Magee|first2=Jake|publisher=Community Impact|url=https://communityimpact.com/houston/bay-area/city-county/2021/09/14/power-outages-widespread-across-southeast-houston-following-hurricane-nicholas/|date=September 14, 2021|access-date=September 23, 2021}}</ref> Flash flood warnings were issued in ], ], and ].<ref name=":0" />


=== Louisiana === === Louisiana ===
The storm left at least 120,000 without power in Louisiana.<ref name=NPR&AP/> Around 87,000 residents were still without power from Hurricane Ida when Nicholas made landfall.<ref name="HarrisCo"/> In the early morning hours of September 14, heavy rains had reached ] and flood warnings were issued in the ].<ref name=neworleans>{{cite news|url=https://www.nola.com/news/hurricane/article_d58b90a0-1579-11ec-a600-8fdc9624bec4.html|title=Parking restrictions lifted in New Orleans as rain from Tropical Storm Nicholas reaches city|first=Clarie|last=Kollath Wells|publisher=]|date=September 14, 2021|accessdate=September 14, 2021}}</ref> The storm left at least 120,000 without power in Louisiana.<ref name=NPR&AP/> Around 87,000 residents were still without power from Hurricane Ida when Nicholas made landfall.<ref name="HarrisCo"/> In the early morning hours of September 14, heavy rains had reached ] and flood warnings were issued in the ].<ref name=neworleans>{{cite news|url=https://www.nola.com/news/hurricane/article_d58b90a0-1579-11ec-a600-8fdc9624bec4.html|title=Parking restrictions lifted in New Orleans as rain from Tropical Storm Nicholas reaches city|first=Clarie|last=Kollath Wells|publisher=]|date=September 14, 2021|access-date=September 14, 2021}}</ref>


=== Elsewhere === === Elsewhere ===
The remnants of Nicholas contributed to two reported direct deaths that occurred in ] due to freshwater flooding. One was when a 40-year-old man was swept away in floodwaters in ], and the other in ] when a 35-year-old man was pulled into a drainage pipe.<ref name="NicholasTCR" /> The remnants of Nicholas contributed to two reported direct deaths that occurred in ] due to freshwater flooding. One was when a 40-year-old man was swept away in floodwaters in ], and the other in ] when a 35-year-old man was pulled into a drainage pipe.<ref name="NicholasTCR" />


In ], two indirect deaths occured due to rip currents from the storm's remnants in ] where two males were swept out to sea. Additionally, a 60-year-old man was hospitalized in critical condition on 17 September as a result of the rip currents.<ref name="NicholasTCR"/> In ], two indirect deaths occurred due to rip currents from the storm's remnants in ] where two males were swept out to sea. Additionally, a 60-year-old man was hospitalized in critical condition on 17 September as a result of the rip currents.<ref name="NicholasTCR"/>


==See also== ==See also==
Line 66: Line 66:
* ] * ]
* ] – A depression developed over the Bay of Campeche and made landfall in Tamaulipas. * ] – A depression developed over the Bay of Campeche and made landfall in Tamaulipas.
* ]- Caused similar impacts to Texas.
* ] – A storm that formed in the Gulf of Mexico and made landfall in Texas as a Category 1 hurricane. * ] – A storm that formed in the Gulf of Mexico and made landfall in Texas as a Category 1 hurricane.
* ] – A Category 4 hurricane that organized in the Bay of Campeche and made landfall in Texas. * ] – A Category 4 hurricane that organized in the Bay of Campeche and made landfall in Texas.
* ] (2008)- A Category 2 hurricane landfall in Texas, as a hurricane, just 13 years before Nicholas.
* ] – A catastrophic Category 4 hurricane that made landfall in the same area of Texas. * ] – A catastrophic Category 4 hurricane that made landfall in the same area of Texas.
* ] – A tropical storm that organized in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and made landfall in Texas. * ] – A tropical storm that organized in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and made landfall in Texas.
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] ]
] ]
]

Latest revision as of 10:20, 13 October 2024

Category 1 Atlantic hurricane in 2021
Hurricane Nicholas
Hurricane Nicholas at peak intensity just before landfall in Texas early on September 14
Meteorological history
FormedSeptember 12, 2021
Post-tropicalSeptember 15, 2021
DissipatedSeptember 20, 2021
Category 1 hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds75 mph (120 km/h)
Lowest pressure988 mbar (hPa); 29.18 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities2 direct, 2 indirect
Damage$1.1 billion (2021 USD)
Areas affectedYucatán Peninsula, Tamaulipas, Gulf Coast of the United States
IBTrACS
Part of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Nicholas was a slow-moving and erratic tropical cyclone that made landfall in the U.S. state of Texas in mid-September 2021. The fourteenth named storm and sixth hurricane of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, Nicholas originated from a tropical wave that emerged off the west coast of Africa on August 28. The system developed into a tropical storm on September 12, with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) naming the cyclone Nicholas. Nicholas gradually intensified initially, due to adverse effects of strong wind shear. However, late on September 13, Nicholas began intensifying at a faster rate, and at 03:00 UTC on September 14, Nicholas intensified into a Category 1 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (121 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 988 mbar (29.2 inHg). At 5:30 UTC on the same day, Nicholas made landfall in Texas at peak intensity. Afterward, the system gradually weakened, weakening into a tropical storm several hours later, and weakening further into a tropical depression on the next day. The system proceeded to drift slowly over Louisiana. On September 15, Nicholas degenerated into a remnant low, before being absorbed into another extratropical system on September 20.

The storm brought heavy rainfall and storm surge to parts of Texas and Louisiana. Some of the affected areas were still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Ida, which impacted the Gulf Coast of the United States a few weeks prior. Hurricane Nicholas caused four deaths and $1.1 billion in damage.

Meteorological history

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key Saffir–Simpson scale   Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown Storm type circle Tropical cyclone square Subtropical cyclone triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

On August 28, a tropical wave moved off the west coast of Africa. It moved steadily westward over the next week, producing only disorganized convection before moving into and through the Caribbean Sea. At 06:00 UTC on September 9, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) began to monitor the northern portion the tropical wave over the western Caribbean Sea for potential development as it moved across northern Central America and the Yucatán Peninsula toward the Bay of Campeche. By the next day, the wave began to interact with a surface trough over the southern Gulf of Mexico, producing widespread but disorganized showers and thunderstorms across the region. Showers and thunderstorms associated with this system increased and become better organized on September 12, and its top sustained winds reached 40 mph (65 km/h) (tropical storm-force), as confirmed by an Air Force hurricane-hunter flight that morning. As a result, advisories were initiated at 15:00 UTC on Tropical Storm Nicholas.

The tropical wave that would become Nicholas shortly before forming on September 12.

After forming, the storm was found to be not very organized, as it lacked convective banding features. The center was also not well defined. After satellite imagery from radar and aircraft, it was found that the center had re-formed 150 nautical miles more north than expected and the storm had gained speed. The storm entered the southern part of a large area of deep convection, as signs of an eyewall structure forming were beginning to become prominent. The eyewall structure then dissipated and a new center began forming north-northeast of the previous. The storm then underwent a period of rapid intensification, the fifth hurricane of the season to do so, after intensifying by 35 mph (55 km/h) in a 24-hour period. Consequently, at 03:00 UTC on September 14, the system was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane. Shortly thereafter, at 05:30 UTC, Nicholas made landfall about 10 mi (16 km) west-southwest of Sargent Beach, Texas, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (121 km/h). It then quickly weakened inland to tropical storm strength, as it moved to near Galveston Bay. Nicholas was downgraded to tropical depression status at 00:00 UTC on September 15, as it moved slowly into southern Louisiana, where residents were still recovering in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. At the time, the system consisted of a large swirl of low- to mid-level clouds and showers, with a few patches of deep convection well removed from the center, according to the NHC. Early the following day, while situated near Marsh Island, along the Louisiana coast, Nicholas became post-tropical. Nicholas's remnant low later moved further inland, stalling over northern Louisiana, before its low-level circulation center became ill-defined on September 18. The storm's remnants persisted for another few days, before they were absorbed into an extratropical storm to the north on September 20. The system's residual tropical moisture lingered over parts of the southeastern U.S. for several days.

Preparations

Nicholas shortly before landfall in Texas on September 13.
Nicholas nearing the coast of Texas on September 13.

When Tropical Storm Nicholas formed, tropical storm warnings were issued along the coast from Barra El Mezquital and north to Port Aransas, Texas. Additionally, tropical storm watches were called from Port Aransas to High Island, Texas. As Nicholas neared landfall, tropical storm alerts were issued for the entire Texas coast. The first hurricane warning was issued from Port O'Connor to Freeport, Texas at 03:00 UTC, when the storm was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane. Flood watches were also issued in southern and central Louisiana when Nicholas slowed its forward speed to 5 miles per hour (8.0 km/h). In addition to flood watches, the Weather Prediction Center issued a rare 50 percent high-risk flooding area for southwestern Louisiana.

Rainfall estimate totals were 8 to 16 inches (200 to 410 mm), with some locations potentially receiving 15 inches (380 mm). Coastal Louisiana, which was battered by Hurricane Ida just weeks earlier, was estimated to receive 5 to 10 inches (130 to 250 mm). Lake Houston was lowered by one foot (30 cm). Schools in southern Texas and Louisiana were suspended on September 13. At least 330 flights originating from William P. Hobby Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport were cancelled. In Harris County, COVID-19 testing sites were closed. Late on September 13, ferry service between Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula were suspended. Service resumed the next day.

Governor of Louisiana, John Bel Edwards, declared a state of emergency and noted that areas affected by Hurricane Ida would possibly feel the effects of the tropical storm. Edwards also requested a federal disaster declaration, which was approved by President Joe Biden on September 14. The Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, issued a disaster declaration for 17 counties in southeastern Texas and ordered the State Operations Center to increase its readiness level. The Louisiana National Guard deployed 80 high water vehicles, 23 boats and 15 aircraft across southern Louisiana. On September 13, before the storm hit, singer-songwriter Harry Styles postponed his performance in Houston. Dozens of barriers were constructed in Houston and readied high-water rescue vehicles. The American Red Cross in the Texas Gulf Coast area prepared as Nicholas moved closer to landfall.

Impact and aftermath

Losses in the United States ranged from $1.1 to $2.2 billion, according to an estimate by Risk Management (RMS). RMS estimated losses to the National Flood Insurance Program to be between $200 million and $500 million. Karen Clark & Co. estimated damage around $950 million.

Texas

Coastal flooding in from Dickinson Bayou in Texas City, Texas after Nicholas

The storm left at least 503,000 without power in Texas, mostly in the Houston area. An estimated 33 percent of Galveston County residents were without power. Portions of the Strand Historic District in Galveston were left underwater. The Colonial Pipeline shut down two pipelines from Houston to North Carolina due to power outages. This shutdown occurred just two weeks after the same pipelines were shut down due to Hurricane Ida. In Seabrook, officials estimated that 30 homes sustained wind or flood damage. The Pine Gully fishing pier in the Pine Gully Park was destroyed by storm surge. City officials promised to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to rebuild the pier.

Deer Park, Texas recorded 9.83 inches (250 mm) of rain, while Beaumont, Texas recorded around 7 inches (180 mm), and Houston saw over 6 inches (150 mm). Storm surge in Port O'Connor was reported to be near 4 feet. A gas station had its roof blown off in Matagorda. Several roadways were closed due to flooding and debris, including a section of I-10 and Texas State Highway 225. Several highways in and near Clear Lake, League City, and Friendswood were inundated, including several lanes of Interstate 45. No injuries or deaths were reported due to the storm in Texas. In Pearland, 21 percent of the city was without power. Flash flood warnings were issued in Pasadena, League City, and Baytown.

Louisiana

The storm left at least 120,000 without power in Louisiana. Around 87,000 residents were still without power from Hurricane Ida when Nicholas made landfall. In the early morning hours of September 14, heavy rains had reached New Orleans and flood warnings were issued in the New Orleans area.

Elsewhere

The remnants of Nicholas contributed to two reported direct deaths that occurred in Alabama due to freshwater flooding. One was when a 40-year-old man was swept away in floodwaters in Tuscaloosa, and the other in Hazel Green when a 35-year-old man was pulled into a drainage pipe.

In Florida, two indirect deaths occurred due to rip currents from the storm's remnants in Panama City Beach where two males were swept out to sea. Additionally, a 60-year-old man was hospitalized in critical condition on 17 September as a result of the rip currents.

See also

References

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  4. Henson, Bob; Masters, Jeff (September 12, 2021). "Tropical Storm Nicholas to douse Texas coast with torrential rains". New Haven, Connecticut: Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
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External links

Tropical cyclones of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season
TSAna TSBill TSClaudette TSDanny 1Elsa TSFred 3Grace 1Henri 4Ida TSKate TSJulian 3Larry TSMindy 1Nicholas TSOdette TSPeter TSRose 4Sam SSTeresa TSVictor TSWanda
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