Hurricane Opal

{{Storm path|Opal 1995 path.png|colors=new}}

The origins of Hurricane Opal were linked using satellite imagery and synoptic analyses to a tropical wave that left the western coast of Africa on September 11.{{cite report|last1=Mayfield |first1=Max |title=Hurricane Opal |url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL171995_Opal.pdf|publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=April 20, 2015 |location=Miami, Florida |type=Preliminary Report |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503071400/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1995opal.html |archive-date=May 3, 2015 }} Ten days later, the disturbance reached the Lesser Antilles after crossing the tropical Atlantic.{{cite journal|last1=Bosart|first1=Lance F.|last2=Velden|first2=Christopher S.|last3=Bracken|first3=W. Edward|last4=Molinari|first4=John|last5=Black|first5=Peter G.|title=Environmental Influences on the Rapid Intensification of Hurricane Opal (1995) over the Gulf of Mexico|journal=Monthly Weather Review|date=2000|volume=128|issue=2|pages=322–352|doi=10.1175/1520-0493(2000)128<0322:EIOTRI>2.0.CO;2|publisher=American Meteorological Society|location=Miami, Florida|bibcode=2000MWRv..128..322B|doi-access=free}} Continuing westward, the disturbance showed little signs of organization before entering the western Caribbean Sea on September 23. There, the wave became entangled with a broad area of low-pressure east of Nicaragua, and the combined system drifted west-northwestward toward the Yucatán Peninsula; but even then, the disturbance lacked significant development. However, a burst of thunderstorm activity occurred near the storm's center on September 27, prompting the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to declare the system a tropical depression at 18:00 UTC that day. At the time, the depression was centered {{convert|80|mi|km|abbr=on}} south-southeast of Cozumel, Mexico.

File:Opal 1995-10-03 1815Z.png on October 3]]

The primordial depression meandered across the Yucatán Peninsula during the three days following tropical cyclogenesis due to the lack of dominant steering currents. Despite remaining over land for an extended period, the depression developed organized rainbands, and ships in the region reported weather conditions that were suggestive of a stronger system. As a result, the NHC upgraded the disturbance to tropical storm intensity at 12:00 UTC on September 30 while the storm was over the north-central coast of Yucatán; this classification resulted in the tropical cyclone being named Opal, which also made it the first Atlantic storm to be given a name starting with the letter O.{{cite news|title=Atlantic hurricane season brews up first-ever O-named storms|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2331943/hurricane_opal/|access-date=May 1, 2015|work=Gettysburg Times|agency=Associated Press|volume=93|issue=235|date=October 2, 1995|location=Gettysburg, Pennsylvania|page=A10|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Over the next two days, Opal entered the Gulf of Mexico before tracking slowly west-southwestward into the Bay of Campeche. There, the storm strengthened into a hurricane at 12:00 UTC on October 2. Shortly afterward, a primitive eye began to form. At the same time, a strong trough tracking across the United States caused Opal to slowly turn northeastward.

After clearing the Bay of Campeche, Opal accelerated towards the United States Gulf Coast. The combination of warm sea surface temperatures associated with an unusually warm pocket of ocean waters and an upper-level high pressure area over the Gulf of Mexico resulted in a highly conducive environment for intensification.{{cite journal|last1=Hong|first1=Xiaodong|last2=Chang|first2=Simon W.|last3=Raman|first3=Sethu|last4=Shay|first4=Lynn K.|last5=Hodur|first5=Richard|title=The Interaction between Hurricane Opal (1995) and a Warm Core Ring in the Gulf of Mexico|journal=Monthly Weather Review|date=April 27, 1999|volume=128|issue=5|pages=1347–1365|doi=10.1175/1520-0493(2000)128<1347:TIBHOA>2.0.CO;2|publisher=American Meteorological Society|location=Miami, Florida|bibcode=2000MWRv..128.1347H|url=https://zenodo.org/record/1234719|doi-access=free}} After a significant reorganization in Opal's internal structure, the hurricane was able to rapidly intensify in these favorable conditions. At 12:00 UTC on October 4, Opal reached peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of {{convert|150|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, making it a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale, and a minimum barometric pressure of 916 hPa (27.05 inHg), a pressure typical for a Category 5 hurricane. The tropical cyclone's eye measured {{convert|12|mi|km|abbr=on}} at peak intensity as the storm was beginning an eyewall replacement cycle. The progression of this cycle resulted in Opal's gradual weakening thereafter. At 22:00 UTC that day, Opal made landfall between Pensacola Beach, Florida and Navarre Beach, Florida, on a stretch of beach now known as "Opal Beach", as a weakened Category 3 hurricane with winds of {{convert|115|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Weakening quickened as Opal moved further inland, degenerating into a tropical depression over Tennessee less than a day after landfall. The diffusing cyclone transitioned into an extratropical cyclone shortly afterwards; these extratropical remnants tracked towards the northeast before they were last noted along the northern shore of Lake Ontario in Eastern Ontario.

{{Clear}}

File:Opal 1995-10-04 1630Z.png as a Category 3 hurricane]]

Although Opal was a weak system located over the Yucatán Peninsula at the time, 350 people evacuated from Grand Isle, Louisiana on September 28 after rough surf associated with the distant cyclone began to threaten Louisiana Highway 1—the only thoroughfare connecting Grand Isle with the Louisianan mainland.{{cite news|title=Tropical Storm Opal keeps Gulf states on edge|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2331781/hurricane_opal/|access-date=May 1, 2015|work=The Facts|agency=Associated Press|issue=82|date=October 2, 1995|location=Clute, Texas|page=1A|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} The following day, oil companies operating offshore oil drilling platforms in the Gulf of Mexico began evacuating workers from the rigs to land.{{cite news|title=At Least Seven Dead As Hurricane Heads For U.S.|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2332698/hurricane_opal/|access-date=May 1, 2015|work=The Daily Herald|agency=Associated Press|issue=28|volume=130|date=October 3, 1995|location=Tyrone, Philadelphia|page=7|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} On October 1, a coastal flood watch was issued for portions of the United States Coast due to the risk of storm surge from Opal. The United States Coast Guard issued an advisory for boaters in the Gulf of Mexico to use caution or remain in port where possible. The next day, the Galveston, Texas, emergency operations center opened to monitor the tropical cyclone and deliberate upon potential preparations for the city.{{cite news|last=Holan|first=Mark|title=Isle officials monitor Opal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2331881/hurricane_opal/|access-date=May 1, 2015|work=The Daily News|agency=The Daily News|volume=153|issue=176|date=October 2, 1995|location=Galveston, Texas|page=1–A|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Meanwhile, the launch Space Shuttle Columbia's STS-73 mission set for October 5 was postponed due to Opal's anticipated effects.{{cite web|last1=Ryba|first1=Jeanne|last2=Dunbar|first2=Brian|title=STS-73|url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/archives/sts-73.html|website=Mission Archives|publisher=National Aeronautic and Space Administration|access-date=May 1, 2015|date=April 1, 2010}}

On October 3, a voluntary evacuation order was placed on Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, due to the risks of potential storm surge. Schools were also closed by noon that day across the parish.{{cite news|last=Frazier|first=Joseph B.|title=Evacuation Ordered as Hurricane Draws Near|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2430966/hurricane_opal/|access-date=May 17, 2015|work=Daily Sitka Sentinel|agency=Associated Press|volume=57|issue=191|date=October 3, 1995|location=Sitka, Alaska|page=2|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Voluntary evacuation orders for the Florida panhandle, which would ultimately be the most heavily affected area, also began the same day with several counties giving evacuation orders. Farther west, a mandatory evacuation order was placed on Mobile County, Alabama, by then-Governor Fob James. Just before noon on October 4, with the hurricane near landfall, Escambia, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties halted evacuations, instead ordering those still within vulnerable areas to seek shelter instead. However, the large number of evacuees led to severe traffic congestion; Escambia County officials estimated that "tens of thousands" were still on evacuation routes within the county only a few hours before Opal made landfall. Mass evacuations in some other counties concluded during the afternoon of October 4, though many evacuees in other locations were unable to reach safe areas prior to the onset of gale-force winds.

An estimated 100,000 people evacuated from the United States Gulf Coast ahead of Opal, with 5 percent of evacuees seeking public shelters and over half of evacuees seeking shelter out of their home counties; in their post-storm assessment the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) noted that the landfalls of Hurricane Allison and Hurricane Erin on the Florida panhandle earlier in the year produced a dichotomous mood toward preparations for Hurricane Opal—some people may have taken a "wait and see" approach that resulted in complacency, while others affected by the widespread power outages caused by Erin may have acquired a greater sense of readiness toward the approaching hurricane. Regardless, the overall evacuation process was described as chaotic, and the failure to clear hurricane evacuation routes of casual or communal traffic was blamed for the relative unease during evacuations for Opal. Traffic congestion on these routes caused some evacuees to return to vulnerable areas along the coast while raising fears that stranded evacuees on highways could be subjected to potentially fatal hurricane-force winds.{{cite report|author1=U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Philadelphia District|title=Hurricane Opal Assessment|url=http://coast.noaa.gov/hes/docs/postStorm/H_OPAL_ASSESSMENT_REVIEW_USE_VALUE_HES_PRODUCTS_OPAL_EVACUATION_AL_FL.pdf|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|access-date=May 17, 2015|location=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|date=September 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030105114/http://coast.noaa.gov/hes/docs/postStorm/H_OPAL_ASSESSMENT_REVIEW_USE_VALUE_HES_PRODUCTS_OPAL_EVACUATION_AL_FL.pdf|archive-date=October 30, 2015|url-status=dead}}

The post-landfall watches and warnings released in accordance with Opal were a flash flood warning released on October 5 for portions of Alabama, northern Georgia, and the western parts of North Carolina and South Carolina. The warning also included eastern Tennessee. A flash flood watch was also in effect for portions of the Upper Ohio Valley, the Mid-Atlantic region, the central Appalachians, and the lower Great Lakes. Wind warnings were in effect for northwestern South Carolina all the way to western New York.{{

cite web

| author=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center

| year=1995

| title=Hydrometeorolgical Prediction Center Advisory 1

| publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center

| access-date=August 17, 2007

| url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1995/opal/public/nss0517z.gif

}} A gale watch was also in effect for Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the southern sections of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Six hours later, the gale warnings over Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the southern sections of the St. Lawrence Seaway were upgraded into a storm warning for Erie alone. The gale warning for the other two sections remained. The shoreline of Lake Erie was under a beach erosion warning from Buffalo, New York to Ripley, New York.{{

cite web

| author=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center

| year=1995

| title=Hydrometeorolgical Prediction Center Advisory 2

| publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center

| access-date=August 17, 2007

| url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1995/opal/public/nss0523z.gif

}} The Storm Prediction Center released a tornado watch for northern and central New Jersey and portions of New York and Connecticut on October 6.{{

cite web

| author=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center

| year=1995

| title=Hydrometeorolgical Prediction Center Advisory 3

| publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center

| access-date=August 17, 2007

| url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1995/opal/public/nss0605z.gif

}}

Significant non-surge areas of Escambia County, Florida, south of US 98 were included in evacuation areas because of the potential for isolation by flooding.{{cite web

| author=U.S. Army

| year=1995

| title=Hazards and Vulnerability Data

| publisher=U.S. Army

| access-date=August 17, 2007

| url=http://chps.sam.usace.army.mil/USHESdata/Assessments/opal/chapter_2.htm

| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703071025/http://chps.sam.usace.army.mil/USHESdata/Assessments/opal/chapter_2.htm

| archive-date=July 3, 2007

| url-status=dead

}}

Although Opal was only a weak tropical storm when it affected the Yucatán Peninsula, its slow movement led to prolonged, flooding rains over much of the region. Tabasco received about 20 percent of its annual rainfall in four days due to the cyclone.{{cite news|author=Joseph B. Frazier|publisher=Associated Press|date=October 2, 1995|title=New Hurricane Wanders Gulf of Mexico, Dumping Heavy Rain|location=Mexico City, Mexico}} (Accessed through LexisNexis) Across Campeche and Tabasco, more than 42,000 people were forced to evacuate as rivers overflowed their banks. According to Notimex, approximately 100,000 people evacuated due to the storm.{{cite web|author=Joseph B. Frazier|publisher=Associated Press|date=October 3, 1995|title=At Least Seven Dead as Hurricane Heads North Toward U.S|location=Veracruz, Mexico}} (Accessed through LexisNexis) By October 1, an estimated 500,000 acres of crops had been destroyed by the floods.{{cite news|author=Sara Silver|publisher=Associated Press|date=October 1, 1995|title=Opal Floods Yucatan Peninsula|location=Mexico City, Mexico}} (Accessed through LexisNexis) In San Francisco de Campeche, flood waters reached a depth of {{convert|6|ft|m|abbr=on}}. Governor Jorge Salomon ordered the closure of all government offices, businesses, and schools by October 2 in light of the extensive flooding.{{cite news|publisher=United Press International|date=October 2, 1995|title=Hurricane leaves six dead in Mexico|location=Campeche, Mexico}} (Accessed through LexisNexis) At least 60 towns across the state were isolated by the extreme rainfall. By October 3, agricultural losses in Campeche alone were estimated in the billions of pesos (hundreds of millions of USD).{{cite web|publisher=United Press International|date=October 3, 1995|title=Yucatan peninsula cut off by floods|location=Campeche, Mexico}} (Accessed through LexisNexis) At least 19 people perished across Mexico while another 31 were killed in Guatemala.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1995/opal/news/mexico.gif|title=Marilyn news (In spanish)}}

About {{convert|200|mi|km}} of Florida's coastline felt the impact of Hurricane Opal.[https://web.archive.org/web/20021008123244/http://www.geocities.com/hurricanene/hurricaneopal.htm Geocities Article on Hurricane Opal]

Rainfall in Florida peaked at {{convert|15.45|in|mm}} in Ellyson, {{convert|7.27|in|mm}} at Pensacola, and {{convert|6.64|in|mm}} at Hurlburt Field. The highest gust recorded was a {{convert|145|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} gust at the latter. Lower gusts were {{convert|115|mph|km/h}} at Eglin Air Force Base and an {{convert|88|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} gust at Pensacola P.N.S. The highest sustained winds were {{convert|84|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} at Hurlburt Field and {{convert|80|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} at Eglin Air Force Base. Opal brought heavy surge to the area, {{convert|8|to|15|ft|m}} in some places, comparing itself to Hurricane Eloise, which struck the same area at near equal strength in 1975. The two reported storm surges were {{convert|5|to|6|ft|m}} above normal at Apalachicola and {{convert|2|to|4|ft|m}} above normal at Sarasota.

File:Buildings_damaged_by_Hurricane_Opal.png

Opal caused about US$4.7 billion (1995 dollars) in damage,{{cite report|title=Costliest U.S. tropical cyclones tables updated|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/news/UpdatedCostliest.pdf|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=January 26, 2018|access-date=January 29, 2018|location=Miami, Florida}} making it the third costliest hurricane at the time. Most of the structural damage occurred near the coastline on the Florida Panhandle, due to intense surge. Nearly a mile of U.S. Highway 98 near Eglin Air Force Base was completely destroyed. The pavement was nearly replaced by mounds of sand left behind after storm surge.[https://web.archive.org/web/20021008123244/http://www.geocities.com/hurricanene/hurricaneopal.htm Hurricane Opal 1995] Opal also spawned an F2 tornado that killed a young woman in Florida. None died as a direct result of storm surge. This was quite unusual, considering the strength and landfall location of Opal. Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach, was overwhelmed by storm surge. Numerous homes were under {{convert|3|to|10|ft|m}} of water. Residents were not allowed to return to the island until the homes could be secured. A Humvee tour was arranged by the National Guard so home owners could 'see' the damage, but the homeowners were not allowed off the bus. Sand dunes along the stretch of US 98, normally {{convert|25|ft|m}} high, were removed by wind and surge. Where once the ocean was obscured from view by the dunes for miles, a flat open space opened up along U.S. Highway 98.

File:1988- US Gulf Coast hurricane diameters.svg

The peak rainfall from Opal in Alabama was {{convert|19.42|in|mm}} {{convert|3|mi|km}} east-northeast of Brewton, Alabama. Lesser amounts include {{convert|7.48|in|mm}} in Mobile and {{convert|6.1|in|mm}} in Anniston. The highest gust reported was a {{convert|95|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} gust in Fort Rucker and a secondary one at Maxwell Air Force Base with a gust of {{convert|90|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. The highest sustained winds reported from Opal was {{convert|75|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at Fort Rucker, {{convert|55|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in downtown Mobile and {{convert|47|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at Maxwell Air Force Base and Montgomery. Numerous downed trees across much of the southeastern United States left over 2 million people without power. Alabama reported that 476,000 residents were without power, which was a record at the time; however, this number was surpassed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.{{cite web|url=http://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/docs/ivan/hurrivan_sitrept_091704_1600.pdf|title=Hurricane Ivan Situation Report #4}} Damage was heavy far inland, all the way to Montgomery, where sustained winds reached {{convert|90|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.

Highest rainfalls in Mississippi were {{convert|5|in|mm}} throughout the eastern side of the state with lower amounts going westward. Tropical-storm-force winds were reported along the Gulf Coast during the afternoon and early evening of October 4. Wind damage was mainly limited to downed tree limbs, power lines, and signs. One minor injury was reported in Harrison County due to flying debris. Damage in Mississippi totaled up to $75 thousand.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~217580|title=Event-Hurricane Opal-: 4 October 1995, 0200 CST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213161721/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~217580|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}

In Louisiana, the only significant wind damage occurred in extreme south Plaquemines Parish where winds were estimated around {{convert|60|mph|km/h}} with gusts to hurricane force, with wind damage reported to some mobile homes and roofs of a few other structures. Tropical storm force winds were reported in extreme south Lafourche Parish and Jefferson Parish, as well as extreme east St. Bernard Parish. Property damage cost estimated. Tides were generally {{convert|2|ft|m}} above normal in Lake Pontchartrain, and three to five feet above normal along the southeast Louisiana coast from Grand Isle eastward. Some low-lying coastal roads were flooded. Approximately 10,000 people evacuated from the southern, or lower, portions of Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Lafourche, and Jefferson Parishes. The only significant gathering of persons in public shelters occurred in Plaquemines Parish, where 1,600 people were placed in public shelters. Although no direct injuries occurred from the hurricane, an indirect injury is attributed to the hurricane in a freak accident. A Jefferson Parish employee was injured while attempting to lower a large flag on October 4. The employee, who was holding onto a rope attached a flag, was tossed high into the air, and suffered severe injuries when he fell back to the ground. Total damage in Louisiana totaled out to US$200,000 (1995 dollars).{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~212824|title=Event- Hurricane Opal- 4 October 1995, 2400 CST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213161726/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~212824|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}

Breaking swells from Opal in Texas caused water to spill across at the usual wash-over points which damaged several vehicles.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~245279|title=Event- Beach Flood- 4 October 1995, 0800 CDT|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213161733/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~245279|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}

The peak rainfall in Georgia was {{convert|8.66|in|mm}} in Marietta, {{convert|18.08|in|mm}} in Peachtree City, and {{convert|7.17|in|mm|abbr=on}} in west Atlanta. Southern Georgia only reported {{convert|1|-|3|in|mm}} of rain, while the northern part of the state reached about {{convert|5|-|7|in|mm}}. The peak wind gust in Georgia was a {{convert|79|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} gust in Marietta, a {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} gust in Columbus, and a {{convert|56|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} gust in the Atlanta-Hartsfield area.{{cite web|url=http://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/data/techrpts/tr9502/tr9502.pdf|title=Hurricane Opal Technological Report|access-date=February 27, 2007|archive-date=January 11, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070111044424/http://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/data/techrpts/tr9502/tr9502.pdf|url-status=dead}} High winds in Rabun County caused $5 million (1995 USD) from the approach of Opal on October 5. The damage was worst in Rabun County where numerous trees were blown down. The wind damage was described as being worse than the March Superstorm of 1993. Power was out for some people for at least a week.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~203045|title=Event-High Winds- 5 October 1995, 0300 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213161743/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~203045|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}} More than 4000 trees were knocked down within the city of Atlanta alone. These trees fell across roads, and on power lines, homes, mobile homes, and automobiles. More than a half a dozen people were injured from falling trees in the early morning hours of October 5. There were more than 1200 telephone poles knocked down and almost 5,000 power lines snapped. Power crews from surrounding states helped to restore power to many, however, thousands of residences remained without power through the weekend.

An {{convert|80|ft|m|adj=on}} gash was torn out of Interstate 285 between Roswell Road and the Glenridge Connector in Atlanta. Schools were closed on October 5 and 6 throughout the cities of Atlanta, Marietta, and in Fulton, Coweta, Carroll and Douglas counties. A total of 47 of 101 schools were closed in Dekalb County alone. Four state parks were closed after Opal: Moccasin Creek Park, Black Rock Mountain, Vogel State Park, and Fort Mountain State Park. 273 stations reported many falling traffic lights. Agricultural experts estimated that damage to the pecan crop was about $50 million. Several rivers and creeks overflowed their banks.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~202520|title=Event - Thunderstorm Winds - October 1995, 0600 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213161750/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~202520|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}

Beginning the evening of October 4, numerous power outages were reported in metro Atlanta, where sustained tropical storm conditions overnight (including gusts to nearly {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}) felled thousands of trees. Oaks were particularly susceptible, as their root systems were loose.

Around {{convert|7|in|mm}} of rainfall was recorded in extreme northwestern South Carolina and came in reducing amounts around the rest of the state.{{cite web|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/opal1995.html|title=Hurricane Opal - October 3-7, 1995|first=David|last=Roth|website=www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov}} Heavy rainfalls closed roads and bridges, causing $24 million in crop and property damage.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~238257|title=Event- Flash Flood- 5 October 1995, 0200 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213161800/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~238257|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}} A tornado in Chesterfield, South Carolina caused many trees to be blown down in the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge. Trees were blown down in Orangeburg, one of those trees fell onto a car and totaled it. An F0 tornado spawned by one of Opal's bands downed a number of trees and power lines. Campers, vehicles, structures and boats were damaged in Greenville.{{cite web|url=http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/torn_stat_9096.html|title=Significant Tornadoes in South Carolina 1990-2001|access-date=February 27, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313132919/http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/torn_stat_9096.html|archive-date=March 13, 2007|url-status=dead}}

In North Carolina, over {{convert|17|in|mm}} of rain fell. The rainfall included {{convert|9.89|in|mm}} in Robinson Creek and {{convert|8.95|in|mm}} in Highlands. The Robinson Creek rains spawned flash flooding.[http://repository.wrclib.noaa.gov/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002&context=nws_tech_memos Tropical Cyclones Affecting North Carolina] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311045226/http://repository.wrclib.noaa.gov/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002&context=nws_tech_memos |date=March 11, 2007 }} Officials in the state had the citizens boil their water before drinking it because of a possibility that floodwater may have entered purification plants.{{cite web|url=http://www.thehurricanearchive.com/Viewer.aspx?img=27648166&firstvisit=true¤tResult=1¤tPage=0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105174813/http://www.thehurricanearchive.com/Viewer.aspx?img=27648166&firstvisit=true¤tResult=1¤tPage=0|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 5, 2015|title=Opal ravages coastline|access-date=February 27, 2007}} A landslide triggered by Opal and damaged the Blue Ridge Parkway.{{cite web|url=http://www.geology.enr.state.nc.us/Landslide_Info/Landslides_example_historical_events.htm|title=Geologic hazards in North Carolina — Landslides|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128084049/http://www.geology.enr.state.nc.us/Landslide_Info/Landslides_example_historical_events.htm|archive-date=January 28, 2013}} Opal triggered a debris flow in the Poplar Cove area of Macon County.{{cite web|url=http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2005SE/finalprogram/abstract_83451.htm|title=PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF THE SEPTEMBER 16, 2004 DEBRIS FLOW AT PEEKS CREEK, MACON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA|website=gsa.confex.com|access-date=February 27, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080903084747/http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2005SE/finalprogram/abstract_83451.htm|archive-date=September 3, 2008|url-status=dead}} A flash flood from rainfall amounts typically ranged from {{convert|4 to 6|in|mm|spell=in}} and closed roads and bridges were the result. The most serious flooding apparently occurred in Avery County where evacuations were required and tanks of propane were found floating in the Banner Elk River.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~227056|title=Event- Flash Flood- 5 October 1995, 0600 EST}}{{Dead link|date=January 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Three deaths also occurred in the state. A man in Candler was killed when a falling tree destroyed his mobile home. Another man was killed near Marshall when a tree was blown onto him while he was helping cut other trees out of the roadway. 10 people were also injured by wind blown debris and from falling trees. Damage from high winds totaled up to $15 million.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~226577|title=Event-High Winds-5 October 1995, 0300 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080902005124/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~226577|archive-date=September 2, 2008|url-status=dead}}

File:Opal 1995 rainfall.gif

In Virginia, trees in the Shenandoah Valley and along the Allegheny Plateau were blown down by {{convert|40|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} winds at higher elevations. Over 7000 people were without power and damage in Virginia totaled to $5000. The National Park Service reported dozens of trees blown down along Skyline Drive in two counties.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~251320|title=Event- High Winds- 5 October 1995, 1400 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213161818/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~251320|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}

In the Great Smoky Mountains, power and phone service were out in many areas of the park. Newfound Gap road closed for several days due to trees and a rockslide that were lying across it. Campers were asked to leave Elkmont Campground near Gatlinburg because of high water.{{cite web|url=http://www.backcountry.net/arch/at/9510/msg00030.html|title=Hurricane Opal Damage in the Smokies...|website=www.backcountry.net|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-date=February 6, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206212834/http://www.backcountry.net/arch/at/9510/msg00030.html|url-status=dead}} Many sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway were closed because of trees that fell across the road. Flooding occurred in the northern portion of the parkway. Linville Falls was evacuated; the Asheville and Gillespie Gap Districts were closed. Rockslides and mudslides had also been reported due to Opal.

In West Virginia, {{convert|0.5|-|1.5|in|mm}} of rain were reported causing some schools to let out early.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~252342|title=Event- Heavy Rain- 5 October 1995, 0500 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080902014736/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~252342|archive-date=September 2, 2008|url-status=dead}} High winds associated with the remnants of Opal moved through southeast West Virginia on the 5th. High winds ranged between 35 and {{convert|45|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} with some gusts to near {{convert|55|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. Numerous trees, large branches, power lines and shingles off the roofs of homes were ripped off in the wind. The vast majority of damage occurred at elevations above two thousand feet. Damage from the wind totaled out to $2000.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~252396|title=Event- High Winds- 5 October 1995, 1030 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213161842/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~252396|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}} Large limbs were downed by high wind across from the remnants of Hurricane Opal in Preston County. Damage there totaled out to $1000.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~252135|title=Event- High Winds- 5 October 1995, 1200 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213161848/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~252135|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}} Damage in West Virginia totaled out to only $5,000.

In Maryland, a large tree and its limbs along Maryland Route 495 near Bittinger were downed by high winds associated with the remnants of Opal. The damage from the fallen tree and its limbs totaled out to one thousand dollars.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~214120|title=Event- High Winds- 5 October 1995, 1200 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080903140122/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~214120|archive-date=September 3, 2008|url-status=dead}} Mesocyclones moving around Opal's eastern periphery within Maryland spawned three tornadoes in Charles, Prince George's, and Anne Arundel County. The first tornado tracked along State Route 425 between the towns of Ironside and Grayton. Along the tornado's path, several trees were uprooted or snapped; two sheds were destroyed and two others sustained roof damage. Windows were blown out of a barn and several vehicles. Ten thousand dollars in damage occurred.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~214047|title=Event- Tornado- 5 October 1995, 1935 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213161856/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~214047|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}} The second and strongest tornado hit ground in Temple Hills, injuring three people after reaching a peak wind of {{convert|150|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. 100 homes were damaged with 15 being condemned. The Potomac Electric Power reported 9000 people without power. Damage from the second tornado totaled out to $5 million.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~214321|title=Event-Tornado-5 October 1995, 1959 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213161905/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~214321|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}} The third and final tornado touched down in Odenton, became an F1 tornado and doing $250,000 in damage to the area. Eleven houses were damaged and about 10,000 people were without power in the whole district that the Baltimore Gas and Electric serves.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~213934|title=Event- Tornado- 5 October 1995, 2031 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213161910/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~213934|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}

In Tennessee, rainfalls included about {{convert|3|to|5|in|mm}} in the central part of the state, {{convert|1|in|mm|spell=in}} at the western part of the state and {{convert|3|to|5|in|mm|abbr=on}} in the eastern part of the state. Wind speeds at the higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains were recorded at {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} whereas {{convert|40|-|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} gusts were more common at the lower elevations. Trees and power lines were down over much of the region. Over {{convert|70|mi|km}} of the Appalachian Trail were closed due to trees being down. A total of over 20,000 people were without power from Opal's wrath. The most damage occurred in Hamilton County, which had damage was estimated over a total of $1 million. Damage in Hamilton County include a circus was left stranded at a campground and needed to be evacuated. A number of residences and businesses were also surrounded by water and occupants were to be evacuated. Total damage in Tennessee totaled out at $2.02 million.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~240644|title=Event- High Winds- 5 October 1995, 0030 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213161915/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~240644|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}

In Kentucky, {{convert|1|to|5|in|mm}} of rain was reported throughout the state from Opal. Total rainfall across Jefferson County, where Louisville is located ranged from {{convert|2.4|in|mm}} at the Louisville International Airport to {{convert|3.5|in|mm}} at Fern Creek Road south of the Gene Snyder Freeway. Several trees were knocked down and soils were saturated after Opal passed through.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~211779|title=Event- Gradient Winds- 5 October 1995, 0800 EDT|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213161920/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~211779|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}} A bridge washed out over Sulphur Creek and minor flooding was reported across Kentucky Route 80.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~211778|title=Event-Flash Flood- 5 October 1995, 0700 EDT|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213161932/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~211778|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}} Elizabethtown and the Fort Knox area had several roads closed after Opal washed them out.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~211323|title=Event-Flash Flood- 5 October 1995, 0600 EDT|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213162049/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~211323|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}

In Michigan, Opal produced {{convert|2|to|3|in|mm}} of rain over the Middle Rouge River Basin from late afternoon through the evening on the 5th. As a result, the Middle Rouge River crested one foot over flood stage, causing the Edward Hines Drive to be closed off to traffic.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~215832|title=Event- River Flood- 5 October 1995, 2000 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213162055/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~215832|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}} High winds associated with the remains of Hurricane Opal affected the area during the late afternoon and early evening on the 5th. Strong northeast winds destroyed a new 200-foot (61-m), two-story pole barn on the Marine City Highway in Marine City. The storm also cut power to several areas, resulting in some school closings. The maximum wind gust at Detroit Metro Airport was a 38-mph (61-km/h) gust, which was from the northeast. The damage from this incident totaled out to $15,000.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~215760|title=Event- High Winds- 5 October 1995, 1600 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213162103/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~215760|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}

The remnants of Opal passed across northeast Ohio and caused wind gusts up to {{convert|45|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and sustained winds of {{convert|20|to|30|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} all across northern Ohio. Several automobiles were damaged by falling trees or limbs. Crops were damaged from the strong winds. A number of farms reported fields of corn blown over and ripe apples and other fruit being stripped from trees. Rainfall of {{convert|3.4|in|mm}} in less than 24 hours was measured at Mansfield, and most areas averaged {{convert|1.5|to|2.5|in|mm}} during the same period. Flooding was localized and not significant since very dry conditions preceded the storm.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~229044|title=Event- High Winds- 5 October 1995, 0900 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080902015905/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~229044|archive-date=September 2, 2008|url-status=dead}} Sustained northeast winds ahead of the storm reached {{convert|55|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} all across the lake with gusts to {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} producing waves of {{convert|10|to|14|ft|m}}. Minor to moderate beach and shore erosion occurred in many areas, especially the western end of the lake. Localized flooding occurred in communities with low-lying areas along the lake. Boats were also grounded. Damage in Ohio totaled out to $205,000.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~229045|title=Event- High Winds- 5 October 1995, 0900 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213162118/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~229045|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}

In New Jersey, thunderstorms with heavy rain, averaging around {{convert|3.5|in|mm}} countywide, caused flooding of small streams and roadways including United States Route 46. The heavy rain was represented as the first significant dent in the drought that had affected northern New Jersey since September 1994. Storm totals included {{convert|6.7|in|mm}} in Wawayanda, 5.3 (135 mm) in Hackettstown, {{convert|4.5|in|mm}} in Oak Ridge, {{convert|4.2|in|mm}} in Clinton and {{convert|4.10|in|mm}} in Pequannock.

The remnants of Opal caused severe thunderstorms that uprooted trees near Belvidere. Trees and wires were down in scattered parts of the county including Route 57 near the Tri-county Firehouse. Downed wires caused power outages in Hackettstown and Mansfield Township.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~223098|title=Event- Thunderstorm Winds- 5 October 1995, 2355 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213162122/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~223098|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}

The remnants of Hurricane Opal passed over northwest Pennsylvania on Thursday night (5th/6th) and caused wind gusts up to {{convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and sustained winds of {{convert|20|to|30|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Heavy rains accompanied the storm and averaged {{convert|1.5|to|2.5|in|mm}}. Flooding was localized and not significant since drought conditions preceded the storm. The prolonged period of strong winds brought down trees and limbs along with some power lines. At least one automobile was damaged by a downed tree in Erie. Several farms reported fields of corn blown down and apples and other fruit being stripped from trees. The actual crop damage estimate was unknown.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~236485|title=Event- Heavy Rain- 5 October 1995, 1200 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080903140138/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~236485|archive-date=September 3, 2008|url-status=dead}}

The remnants of Opal passed just to the west of Buffalo, New York on October 5 and 6. Two to 3 inches (38–64 mm) of rain fell over much of the area with isolated amounts of near {{convert|4|in|mm|spell=in}} over parts of the western Southern Tier. Sustained winds were estimated between {{convert|35|and|40|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, but the easterly winds did down some trees and power lines. In Oneida County, the high winds downed trees and wires in New York Mills, Waterville, Sylvan Beach, North Bay, Lee Center, Rome, McConnellsville and Verona. In Saratoga County a large tree limb was downed in Saratoga Springs which damaged four cars. Total damage in New York totaled to $35,000.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~224542|title=Event- High Winds- 5 October 1995, 1925 EST|access-date=March 1, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213162151/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~224542|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~224793|title=Event- High Winds- 5 October 1995, 2300 EST|access-date=March 1, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223151520/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~224793|archive-date=February 23, 2012|url-status=dead}}

A low pressure area which used to be Opal moved across western and northern New York late and into Vermont on the night of October 5 and the morning October 6. Damaging winds occurred across parts of central and northern Vermont but especially along the western slopes of the Green Mountains. Damaging winds downed trees and power lines across Essex, Orleans, Addison, Caledonia and Rutland counties. In Essex County damage occurred in Canaan and Concord. Damage was also reported in Caledonia County, in Rutland County, in Clarendon and Chittenden and in Orleans County in Derby Center. Total damage in Vermont totaled out to $135,000.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~249703|title=Event- High Winds- 5 October 1995, 2200 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223151524/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~249703|archive-date=February 23, 2012|url-status=dead}}

Heavy winds and rain associated with the remnants of Opal brought down trees and knocked out power in southwestern and northern New Hampshire. One person was injured in Marlborough when a large tree blew onto his moving pickup truck.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~222552|title=Event- High Winds- 5 October 1995, 2315 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223151541/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~222552|archive-date=February 23, 2012|url-status=dead}}

In Maine, heavy winds and rain associated with the remnants of Opal brought down trees and knocked out power in coastal areas of southern Maine. Some beach erosion occurred in Saco. Strong winds ripped away boats from their moorings in the Midcoast towns of Camden and Rockland.{{cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~213798|title=Event- High Winds- 6 October 1995, 0300 EST|access-date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223151547/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~213798|archive-date=February 23, 2012|url-status=dead}}

Wind and gale warnings were issued in Southern Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence River in accordance with the remnants of Opal by the Canadian Hurricane Centre on October 5. Accompanying winds reached {{convert|83|km/h|mi/h}} in Toronto and up to {{convert|102|km/h|mi/h}} in Southern Ontario, feeling trees and power lines.{{cite web|url=https://www.ec.gc.ca/hurricane/default.asp?lang=En&n=1CCF5E5F-1|title=1995-Opal|author=Canadian Hurricane Center|publisher=Canadian Government|date=September 14, 2010|access-date=November 13, 2017}} The remnants also spawned a heavy rainfall warning by the Ontario and the Quebec Weather Centers for southern parts of both provinces but anticipated rain amounts would not be of the order of the ones associated with Hurricane Hazel 41 years before.{{cite web|url=http://www.ec.gc.ca/ouragans-hurricanes/default.asp?lang=En&n=64F88A79-1|title=Canadian Tropical Cyclone Season Summary for 1995|author=Canadian Hurricane Center|publisher=Canadian Government|date=January 14, 2014|access-date=November 13, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1995/opal/public/can0521z.gif|title=Canadian Hurricane Center Advisory 1|publisher=NHC}}

The leftover system of Opal also spawned a gale warning for Nova Scotia.

Rainfalls were from {{convert|0.5|in|mm}} in Northwestern Ontario to {{convert|4|in|mm}} in southern parts of Ontario and Quebec, less in New Brunswick.{{cite web|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/1007199512zpcpn.gif|title=Rainfall - October 7|publisher=NCEP}} For example, Toronto received {{convert|78.6|mm|in}}, flooding basements and streets.{{cite web|url=http://www.islandnet.com/~see/weather/almanac/diaryoct.htm|title=The Weather Doctor's Diary: October|website=www.islandnet.com}} In Quebec, {{convert|80|mm|in}} were recorded in Montreal, only {{convert|2|mm|in}} short of the record set by Hurricane Frederic 16 years prior. Rainfall stretched out to the area of Nova Scotia, but only up to {{convert|0.5|in|mm}} was reported there.

{{See also|List of retired Atlantic hurricane names}}

In the spring of 1996, the World Meteorological Organization retired the name Opal from its rotating name lists due to the deaths and destruction the hurricane caused, and it will never again be used in the Atlantic basin. It was replaced with Olga for the 2001 season.{{cite report|url=https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/Publications/NatHurricaneOpsPlans/NHOP-FCM-P12-2001.pdf|page=3{{hyphen}}7|publisher=NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research|location=Washington, D.C.|title=National Hurricane Operations Plan|date=May 2001|access-date=April 9, 2024}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/names.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19971210185319/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/names.html|archive-date=December 10, 1997|last1=Maher|first1=Brian|last2=Beven|first2=Jack|title=World-wide Tropical Cyclone Names|date=August 10, 1997|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=April 9, 2024}}

{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}

• List of Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes
• List of Florida hurricanes
• Hurricane Eloise (1975) – Major hurricane that struck the Florida Panhandle in September 1975
• Hurricane Ivan (2004) – Large and intense hurricane that caused widespread and severe damage in Florida and Alabama
• Hurricane Dennis (2005) – Early-forming Category 4 hurricane which affected nearby areas
• Hurricane Michael (2018) – Similarly intense; the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall on the Florida Panhandle in recorded history
• Hurricane Milton (2024) – More intense hurricane that had a similar path and effects in Florida

{{Reflist|group=nb}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20060709200118/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1995opal.html NHC Opal report]

{{Retired Atlantic hurricanes}}

{{Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes}}

{{1995 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}}

{{Authority control}}

Opal

Opal 1995

Opal

Opal 1995

Opal 1995

Opal 1995

Opal 1995

Opal 1995

Opal 1995

Opal 1995

Category:1995 natural disasters in the United States

Category:1995 in Guatemala

Category:1995 in Mexico

Category:History of Atlanta

Category:1995 in Florida

Category:1995 in Georgia (U.S. state)

Category:1995 in Tennessee

Category:Hurricanes in Michigan

Category:1995 in Michigan