:Tropical Storm Harold
{{Short description|Atlantic tropical storm in 2023}}
{{for|other cyclones named Harold or Herold|List of storms named Harold}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}
| image = Harold 2023-08-22 1500Z.jpg
| caption = Tropical Storm Harold at peak intensity while making landfall on August 22
| formed = August 21, 2023
| dissipated = August 23, 2023
}}{{Infobox weather event/NWS
| winds = 50
| pressure = 995
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| fatalities = 1 direct
| missing = 1
| year = 2023
| damages = 505000
| areas = Southwestern United States, Northern Mexico
| refs = {{cite report|author1=Richard Pasch|author2=Aidan Mahoney|author3=Heather Nepaul|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Harold|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL092023_Harold.pdf|publisher=National Hurricane Center|language=en-US|date=January 30, 2024|access-date=February 28, 2024}}{{Citation|url= https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1133835|title=Event: Tropical Storm in Coastal Kleberg County, TX|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|date=August 22, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}}
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season = 2023 Atlantic hurricane season
}}
Tropical Storm Harold was a moderate tropical storm that made landfall in South Texas in August 2023. The eighth named storm{{efn|This figure excludes an unnamed subtropical storm in January 2023}} of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, Harold developed from a tropical wave that entered the Gulf of Mexico on August 20, after passing through the Bahamas and South Florida. The system steadily organized over the following days, over record-warm sea-surface temperatures in the Gulf, as it progressed westward. Although the disturbance had not become organized enough to become a tropical cyclone yet, due to the threat it posed to southern Texas, the United States–based National Hurricane Center (NHC) initiated advisories on the system as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine on August 21. The disturbance organized into a tropical depression six hours later, before strengthening into a tropical storm the following morning and receiving the name Harold. Harold continued to strengthen as it moved quickly westward, and the cyclone made landfall on Padre Island, Texas, around 15:00 UTC{{efn|All times are in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) unless otherwise noted}} on August 22, as a {{cvt|50|kn|mph km/h|round=5|order=out}} tropical storm. Harold quickly weakened as it moved inland over southern Texas and dissipated on August 23, though its remnant mid-level circulation and associated moisture affected the central United States for several more days.
Harold led to severe wind gusts and significant rainfall as it struck Texas. Corpus Christi reported {{Cvt|5.25|in|mm}} of rain from Harold, including a daily record of {{Cvt|4.74|in|mm}} on August 22; similarly significant rainfall was reported in northern Mexico, peaking at {{Cvt|4|in|mm}} in Piedras Negras in the state of Coahuila. A modest storm surge of up to {{Cvt|2.2|ft|m}} was reported at San Luis Pass. Wind gusts of up to {{Cvt|67|mph|km/h}} affected the area, and over 35,000 electricity customers lost power during the storm. One school district in Texas had to shut down for several days following the storm due to the damage Harold inflicted on its classrooms. The remnants of Harold affected the southwestern United States for several days, producing flash flooding that killed one person and left another missing in Nevada. Overall damage from Harold was minor in most areas, however, totaling to around $505,000 (2023 USD).
Meteorological history
{{storm path|Harold 2023 path.png|alt=Map plotting the track and the intensity of the storm, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale|colors=new}}
Harold developed from a tropical wave that left the west coast of Africa sometime between August 8–10. The wave crossed the tropical Atlantic Ocean over the next week. Convection increased over the northern part of the wave on August 17, to the north of the Dominican Republic.{{rp|p=2}}{{cite report|last=Papin|first=Philippe|date=August 17, 2023|title=Tropical Weather Outlook, 800 PM EDT Thu Aug 17 2023|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?basin=atl&fdays=7¤t_issuance=202308172339|access-date=October 1, 2023|publisher=National Hurricane Center|language=en-US|location=Miami, Florida}} The disturbance progressed westward, passing through The Bahamas{{cite report|last=Bucci|first=Lisa|date=August 19, 2023|title=Tropical Weather Outlook, 800 AM EDT Sat Aug 19 2023|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?basin=atl&fdays=7¤t_issuance=202308191152|access-date=October 1, 2023|publisher=National Hurricane Center|language=en-US|location=Miami, Florida}} and southern Florida over the following days,{{cite report|last1=Kelly|first1=Larry|last2=Brown|first2=Daniel|date=August 19, 2023|title=Tropical Weather Outlook, 800 PM EDT Sat Aug 19 2023|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?basin=atl&fdays=7¤t_issuance=202308200247|access-date=October 1, 2023|publisher=National Hurricane Center|language=en-US|location=Miami, Florida}} entering the Gulf of Mexico the morning of August 20.{{cite report|last1=Papin|first1=Phillipe|last2=Cangialosi|first2=John|date=August 20, 2023|title=Tropical Weather Outlook, 800 AM EDT Sun Aug 20 2023|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?basin=atl&fdays=7¤t_issuance=202308200247|access-date=October 1, 2023|publisher=National Hurricane Center|language=en-US|location=Miami, Florida}} The developing system became better organized as it crossed the Gulf, but lacked sufficient organization to be deemed a tropical cyclone by late on August 21. Despite this, due to the National Hurricane Center's (NHC) expectation that the system would strengthen into a tropical storm and strike the Texas coast the next day, advisories were initiated on the system as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine at 15:00 UTC on August 21.{{cite report|last=Cangialosi|first=John|date=August 21, 2023|title=Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine Discussion Number 1|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2023/al09/al092023.discus.001.shtml?|access-date=October 1, 2023|publisher=National Hurricane Center|language=en-US|location=Miami, Florida}} About three hours after being designated a potential tropical cyclone, the system acquired a closed, well-defined circulation; it thus met the criteria of a tropical cyclone and became the ninth tropical depression of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season at 18:00 UTC that day.{{rp|p=2}}
File:Harold 2023 wind history.png
The newly formed cyclone continued to become better organized as it moved more quickly westward toward the Texas coast, steered by a mid-level ridge to its north. The depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Harold at 6:00 UTC on August 22, as the broad cyclone's rain bands began to move onshore.{{cite report|last=Pasch|first=Richard|date=August 22, 2023|title=Tropical Storm Harold Discussion Number 4|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2023/al09/al092023.discus.004.shtml?|access-date=October 1, 2023|publisher=National Hurricane Center|language=en-US|location=Miami, Florida}} Shortly before landfall, Harold's center reformed to the north of its previous position, and the storm strengthened further to achieve its peak intensity, with maximum sustained winds of {{Cvt|50|mph|km/h}}{{cite report|last1=Cangialosi|first1=John|last2=Brown|first2=Daniel|date=August 22, 2023|title=Tropical Storm Harold Tropical Cyclone Update|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2023/al09/al092023.update.08221400.shtml?|access-date=October 1, 2023|publisher=National Hurricane Center|language=en-US|location=Miami, Florida}} and a minimum barometric pressure of 996 millibars.{{cite report|last=Cangialosi|first=John|date=August 22, 2023|title=Tropical Storm Harold Intermediate Advisory Number 5A|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2023/al09/al092023.public_a.005.shtml?|access-date=October 1, 2023|publisher=National Hurricane Center|language=en-US|location=Miami, Florida}} Harold made landfall on Padre Island, Texas by 15:00 UTC at peak intensity.{{cite report|last=Cangialosi|first=John|date=August 22, 2023|title=Tropical Storm Harold Discussion Number 5|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2023/al09/al092023.discus.005.shtml?|access-date=October 1, 2023|publisher=National Hurricane Center|language=en-US|location=Miami, Florida}} Harold weakened quickly as it moved inland, dropping back to tropical depression status about six hours later, at which time the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) took over responsibility for issuing advisories on the storm from the NHC.{{cite report|last=Cangialosi|first=John|date=August 22, 2023|title=Tropical Depression Harold Discussion Number 6|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2023/al09/al092023.discus.006.shtml?|access-date=October 1, 2023|publisher=National Hurricane Center|language=en-US|location=Miami, Florida}} Late that day, Tropical Depression Harold crossed into northern Mexico and continued to steadily weaken.{{cite report|last=Gallina|first=Gregg|date=August 23, 2023|title=Tropical Depression Harold Advisory Number 7|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2023/al09/al092023.public.007.shtml?|access-date=October 1, 2023|publisher=Weather Prediction Center|language=en-US|location=College Park, Maryland}} The WPC issued its final advisory on Harold at 15:00 UTC on August 23 as its surface low became increasingly ill-defined and dissipated far inland over Mexico.{{cite report|last=Carbin|first=Greg|date=August 23, 2023|title=Remnants of Harold Advisory Number 9|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2023/al09/al092023.public.009.shtml?|access-date=October 1, 2023|publisher=Weather Prediction Center|language=en-US|location=College Park, Maryland}} The depression finally degenerated to a remnant low over the Big Bend region of Texas that day, dissipating shortly thereafter.{{rp|p=2}}
{{clear}}
Preparations and impact
=United States=
==Texas==
{{See also|List of United States tornadoes from July to August 2023#August 22 event}}
On August 21, upon Harold's precursor's designation as a potential tropical cyclone, a tropical storm warning was issued for much of the coast of southern Texas, from the mouth of the Rio Grande river, at the Texas-Mexico border, up to Port O'Connor, placing 1.3 million residents under the tropical storm warning, with rainfall anticipated to reach up to {{Cvt|7|in|mm}}.{{cite web|last1=Oladipo|last2=Canon|first1=Glorida|first2=Gabrielle|date=August 22, 2023|title=Thousands lose power as Texas braces for deluge from Tropical Storm Harold|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/22/texas-tropical-storm-harold-rain-flood-warning|access-date=October 1, 2023|work=The Guardian|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66588277.amp|title=Harold: Second US tropical storm in a week drenches Texas|author1=Brandon Drenon|work=British Broadcasting Corporation|date=August 22, 2023|access-date=September 15, 2024}} A Tropical Storm Watch was issued from north of Port O’Connor to Sargent. The Texas Division of Emergency Management, the state government's emergency management division, was deployed ahead of Harold's expected landfall, and the Texas State Emergency Operations Center was activated to Level II that day, indicating "escalated response conditions".{{cite press release|date=August 21, 2023|title=Governor Abbott Deploys Resources Ahead Of Tropical Depression Nine|url=https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-deploys-resources-ahead-of-tropical-depression-nine|access-date=October 1, 2023|publisher=Office of the Texas Governor|language=en-US|location=Austin, Texas}} Several school districts in multiple communities across the southern Texas coast were closed in advance of the storm for several days.{{cite news|last=Williams|first=Haley|date=August 22, 2023|title=Schools: Tropical Storm Harold forces delays, closures for Coastal Bend schools into Wednesday|url=https://www.kiiitv.com/article/news/local/corpus-christi-isd-monitoring-the-weather-no-change-to-schedule-at-this-time/503-7b7bd77c-097a-436e-b798-dd2ae5944407|access-date=October 1, 2023|publisher=KIII|language=en-US|location=Corpus Christi, Texas}} Residents across southern Texas were advised to prepare for the potential for flash flooding and tornadoes.{{cite web|first1=Steven|last1=Yablonski|first2=Heather|last2=Brinkmann|first3=Chris|last3=Oberholtz|first4=Scott|last4=Sistek|first5=Hillary|last5=Andrews|date=August 22, 2023|title=Harold weakens to tropical depression after dumping torrential rain on Texas|url=https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/tracking-harold-tropical-storm-texas|access-date=October 1, 2023|publisher=Fox News|language=en-US|location=Corpus Christi, Texas}}
File:Tropical Storm Harold 2023 inland wind swath.png
Harold struck South Texas with strong winds and heavy rain as it moved across the region. A modest storm surge of 1.6–{{convert|2.2|ft|m}} was reported in areas including Port Lavaca, Galveston Bay, and San Luis Pass. Sustained winds of {{Cvt|36|mph|km/h}}, with stronger gusts of {{Cvt|59|mph|km/h}}, were reported at Corpus Christi International Airport, as well as {{Cvt|3.06|in|mm}} of rainfall. A peak wind gust of {{cvt|58|kn|mph km/h|order=out}} was measured at Loyola Beach, while rainfall peaked at {{Cvt|6.98|in|mm}} in Orange Grove.{{rp|p=4}} Harold's rains were somewhat beneficial in certain areas of Southern Texas, which was in the midst of a moderate to severe drought before Harold's landfall.{{cite web|last=Henson|first=Bob|date=August 22, 2023|title=Harold hits South Texas, Franklin heads for Hispaniola|url=https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2023/08/harold-hits-south-texas-franklin-heads-for-hispaniola/|access-date=October 1, 2023|publisher=Yale Climate Connections|language=en-US|location=New Haven, Connecticut}} Harold dropped a total of {{Cvt|4.74|in|mm}} of rain in a 24-hour period in Corpus Christi, setting a new daily rainfall record for the city, surpassing the previous record set by the much more powerful Hurricane Bret in 1999. Further, Corpus Christi was originally on track for one of its driest summers on record before Harold's landfall, but following the storm the city's summer rainfall rose above the seasonal average.{{cite web|author=Carly Smith|date=August 23, 2023|title=Tropical Storm Harold brings rain to drought stricken Coastal Bend, and the watershed for the Nueces and Frio River|url=https://www.kiiitv.com/article/weather/tropical-storm-harold-brings-rain-to-drought-stricken-coastal-bend-and-the-watershed-for-the-nueces-and-frio-river/503-83579e79-6341-4ce9-91cf-ad0def0d326a|access-date=October 1, 2023|publisher=KIII|language=en-US|location=Corpus Christi, Texas}} Total rainfall from Harold reached {{Cvt|5.42|in|mm}} in Corpus Christi and {{Cvt|5.15|in|mm}} in Portland. Wind gusts of {{Cvt|65|mph|km/h}} affected Corpus Christi as well. Two EF0 tornadoes were recorded in the counties of Live Oak and Jim Wells, however they caused minimal damage.{{rp|p=4}}
Over 35,000 homes and business lost power due to Harold. The London Independent School District was shut down for several days due to damage sustained during the storm.{{Cite news |last=Chavez |first=Makaylah |date=August 23, 2023 |title=London ISD closes all campuses after Tropical Storm Harold damaged classrooms |url=https://www.kristv.com/news/local-news/london-isd-closes-all-campuses-after-tropical-storm-harold-damaged-classrooms |access-date=August 27, 2023 |work=KRIS-TV |location=Corpus Christi, Texas |language=en |archive-date=August 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827040201/https://www.kristv.com/news/local-news/london-isd-closes-all-campuses-after-tropical-storm-harold-damaged-classrooms |url-status=live }} Floods in Robstown inundated roads; firefighters in Robstown monitored flood-prone streets.{{Cite news|url=https://www.kristv.com/news/local-news/city-of-robstown-experiencing-flooded-streets-from-ts-harold|title=City of Robstown experiencing flooded streets from TS Harold|newspaper=KRIS-TV|date=August 22, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024|language=en|location=Robstown, Texas|author1=Althea Castro de la Mata}} Gusty winds caused minor damage across Corpus Christi, mostly limited to downed trees, fences, and light poles.{{Citation|url= https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1133837|title=Event: Tropical Storm in Coastal Nueces County, TX|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|date=August 22, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}} Heavy rain caved in ceiling tiles inside a building owned by the American Legion in Corpus Christi, which had already been damaged by Hurricane Harvey in 2017.{{Citation|url=https://www.kristv.com/news/local-news/tropical-storm-harold-damages-building-of-local-non-profit-veteran-organization|title=Tropical Storm Harold damages building of local non-profit veteran organization|author1=Michelle Hoffman|date=August 25, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024|language=en|publisher=KRIS-TV}} Storm surge raised water levels up to 2.6 ft (0.8 m) in Corpus Christi Bay. Storm surge flooding inundated the parking lot of the Art Museum of South Texas, as well as closing multiple roads and turnaround of U.S. Route 181 in the North Beach neighborhood.{{Citation|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1133268|title=Event: Storm Surge/Tide in Coastal Nueces County, TX|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|date=August 22, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}} Storm surge also scattered debris and caused beach erosion on Padre Island.{{Cite news|url= https://www.kiiitv.com/article/news/local/tropical-storm-harold-leaves-lasting-impact/503-869f64ef-e8a2-4c0d-a35f-277c8ce930e3|title=Coastal Bend faces erosion, impact on wildlife following Tropical Storm Harold|author1=Bill Churchwell|publisher=KIII-TV|date=August 22, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}} In Kleberg County, tropical storm-force winds downed trees and brought beneficial rainfall to parts of the area.{{Citation|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1133834|title=Event: Tropical Storm in Inland Kleberg County, Texas|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|date=August 22, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}} Street flooding also occurred in Kingsville.{{Citation|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1133253|title=Event: Heavy Rain in Kleberg County, TX|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|date=August 22, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}} First responders performed a water rescue near Alfred, after a vehicle attempted to traverse a flooded low-level crossing.{{Citation|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1134518|title=Event: Heavy Rain in Jim Wells County, TX|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|date=August 22, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}} Several roads were closed due to flooding in Laredo, including an intersection of Interstate 35.{{Citation|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1133254|title=Event: Heavy Rain in Webb County, TX|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|date=August 22, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}} Across Laredo, 15 high water rescues were performed.{{Cite report|url=https://www.weather.gov/media/crp/TropicalEventSummary/PSHCRP_2023AL09_Harold_ImpactNarratives.pdf|title=County and City Impacts Associated with Tropical Storm Harold (2023)|work=National Weather Service Office—Corpus Christi|date=August 26, 2023|access-date=July 31, 2024}} Overall, damage across Texas totaled $381,000.
==Elsewhere==
As Harold progressed inland, flash flood watches were issued in parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The remnants of Tropical Storm Harold brought rainfall to Colorado, with {{convert|0.73|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain falling in Denver. The highest rainfall total in the state was {{convert|2.49|in|mm|abbr=on}} in Nathrop.[https://www.9news.com/amp/article/weather/weather-colorado/colorado-rain-totals/73-df1ad353-5334-46c8-9381-4129ac3f3811 Here's how much rain fell in Colorado], 9News, August 26, 2023 The storm brought the first Atlantic tropical rain in the state in 15 years.[https://www.9news.com/article/weather/weather-colorado/colorado-first-atlantic-tropical-rain-since-1959/73-78e37793-21cb-4c96-a830-fe05b9886baa Colorado receives first Atlantic tropical rain in 15 years], 9News, August 25, 2023 The heavy rainfall in Colorado resulted in flash floods and mudflows. The collection of water on the burn scar of the Grizzly Creek Fire resulted in a mudslide that closed a portion of Interstate 70 near Glenwood Springs.{{Citation|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1113799|title=Event:Heavy Rain/Burn Area in Garfield County, CO|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|date=August 24, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}} Minor flooding occurred in Cortez, which entered a few basements.{{Citation|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1113797|title=Event:Heavy Rain in Montezuma County, CO|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|date=August 24, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}} Flooding also submerged roads and entered basements in De Beque, Marble, and Rifle. Damage across Colorado reached $24,000.{{Citation|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1113836|title=Event: Heavy Rain in Mesa County, Colorado|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|date=August 24, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}}{{Citation|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1113794|title=Event: Heavy Rain in Gunnison County, CO|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|date=August 24, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}}{{Citation|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1113802|title=Event: Heavy Rain in Garfield County, CO|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|date=August 24, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}} Heavy rainfall occurred in New Mexico, reaching a peak amount of 3.3 in (84.6 mm) in La Luz. Multiple locations across the Sacramento Mountains recorded rainfall totals in excess of 2 in (51 mm), as well.{{Citation|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1129753|title=Event: Heavy Rain in Otero County, NM|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|date=August 24, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}} A rockslide blocked part of U.S. Route 82 near Mountain Park.{{Citation|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1129754|title=Event: Heavy Rain in Otero County, NM|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|date=August 24, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}}
File:Harold 2023 rainfall map.gif
Moisture from Harold, combined with the remnants of Eastern Pacific Hurricane Hilary, also led to rainfall across parts of Arizona and Nevada.{{Cite report|author=Samuel Meltzer|title=2023 Monsoon Review|url=https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7b73d940ed1c4db995bc0a9d7726cd4c|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|language=en-US|access-date=November 2, 2023}} The Paria River rose up to 6.6 ft (2 m) above normal late on August 24 in Marble Canyon.{{Citation|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1125482|title=Event: Flash Flood in Coconino County, AZ|publisher=National Center for Environmental Information|date=August 24, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}} The scar from the Schultz Fire and Pipeline Fire resulted in a debris flow that blocked a road near Sunset Crater.{{Citation|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1125481|title=Event: Heavy Rain in Coconino County, AZ|publisher=National Center for Environmental Information|date=August 24, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}} Thunderstorms over the Las Vegas Valley resulted in numerous severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings being issued.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newsweek.com/las-vegas-flash-flooding-strip-river-casinos-1822148|title=Las Vegas Flooding Sweeps People Away as Strip Becomes River|author1=Aleks Phillips|newspaper=Newsweek|date=August 24, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}} Only around half an inch (13 mm) of precipitation was observed in most of Las Vegas, although a pump station along Desert Inn Road near the Las Vegas Strip recorded a maximum precipitation amount of 1.34 in (34 mm) within an hour.{{Cite news|url=https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/las-vegas-streets-casinos-flash-flood-18329525.php#|title=Flash flood hits Las Vegas Strip, breaks through casino ceiling|author1=Gabe Lehman|newspaper=SFGate|date=August 24, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/weather/fire-crews-nobody-found-after-extensive-search-in-flood-channel-incidents-2893086/amp/|title=Fire crews: Nobody found after extensive search in flood channel incidents|author1=Marvin Clemons|newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=August 2024|access-date=July 21, 2024}} Despite the overall low amount of rainfall the desert environment of the region led to these rainfall totals having a more significant effect. Flash flooding inundated parts of the Las Vegas Strip. One person drowned in a wash amidst the intense flooding, while another was reported missing.{{cite report|title=Storm Events Database - Event Details|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1136422|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|language=en-US|location=Clark County, Nevada|date=August 23, 2023|access-date=November 20, 2023}} The Harrah's Las Vegas casino suffered damage to ceiling tiles and water leaks. Losses in Nevada reached $100,000. Heavy rainfall was observed in Utah, with rainfall rates in excess of 0.4 in (10 mm) at Mary Jane Canyon in Grand County in 30 minutes. The resultant downstream flooding swept away a woman and her dog, however, both were rescued without injuries.{{Citation|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1119405|title=Event: Heavy Rain in Grand County, UT|publisher=National Center for Environmental Information|date=August 24, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}} Further east in Nebraska, the remnants of Harold produced heavy rainfall in Cheyenne County, which flooded roads in Sidney, stranding a vehicle in high water.{{Citation|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1113645|title=Event: Heavy Rain in Cheyenne County, NE|publisher=National Center for Environmental Information|date=August 24, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024}}
=Mexico=
Moderate rainfall and gusty winds affected portions of the Mexican states of Tamaulipas, Chihuahua, Nuevo León and Coahuila, although the strongest winds and heaviest flooding remained north of the states.{{Cite news|last=Yactayo|first=Noé|date=August 23, 2023|title=Tormenta Tropical Harold en vivo hoy, 23/08/2023 – última hora en México y USA|url=https://gestion.pe/mix/respuestas/tormenta-tropical-harold-en-vivo-hoy-23-08-2023-ultima-hora-mexico-texas-usa-nnda-nnrt-noticia/|access-date=October 1, 2023|publisher=El Comercio Group|language=es-MX|trans-title=Tropical Storm Harold live today, 08/23/2023 - breaking news in Mexico and the USA}} The heaviest rainfall from Harold in Mexico occurred in the city of Piedras Negras in Coahuila, with over {{Cvt|4|in|mm}} falling within a few hours.{{Cite web|last=Rodriguez|first=Josue|date=August 23, 2023|title=Pega 'Harold' en Piedras Negras, deja vehículos varados, calles inundadas y árboles caídos|url=https://vanguardia.com.mx/coahuila/pega-harold-en-piedras-negras-deja-vehiculos-varados-calles-inundadas-y-arboles-caidos-GB9003239|access-date=October 1, 2023|newspaper=Vanguardia MX |language=es-MX|trans-title='Harold' hits Piedras Negras, leaves vehicles stranded, streets flooded and fallen trees|location=Saltillo, Coahuila}} Street flooding was reported in Nuevo Laredo.{{Cite news|url=https://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/harold-inunda-nuevo-laredo-tamaulipas/1604729?amp|title=‘Harold’ inunda Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas|author1=Alfredo Peña|newspaper=Excelsior|date=August 22, 2023|access-date=July 21, 2024|language=Mexican Spanish|trans-title='Harold' floods Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas}}
See also
{{portal|Tropical cyclones}}
- Weather of 2023
- Tropical cyclones in 2023
- List of Texas hurricanes (1980–present)
- Hurricane Bret (1999) – took a similar path and affected similar areas in 1999
- Hurricane Dolly (2008) – made landfall in almost the exact same location 15 years prior
- Tropical Storm Fernand (2019) – took a similar path and had a similar intensity
- Hurricane Hanna (2020) – took a similar path and affected similar areas in 2020
- Tropical Storm Alberto (2024) – affected similar areas in 2024
Notes
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References
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{{NWS}}
External links
- The National Hurricane Center's [https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2023/HAROLD.shtml?. advisory archive on Tropical Storm Harold]
{{2023 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}}
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Category:Atlantic hurricanes in Mexico
Category:2023 Atlantic hurricane season
Category:2023 natural disasters in the United States