&sq=crain_ford&lang=en&file=File:Elena_1979-08-30_2100Z.jpg) Tropical Storm Elena near peak intensity south of Louisiana on August 30 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | August 29, 1979 |
| Dissipated | September 2, 1979 |
| Tropical storm | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 40 mph (65 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 1004 mbar (hPa); 29.65 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 2 direct, 3 indirect |
| Injuries | 13+ |
| Damage | $10 million (1979 USD) |
| Areas affected | Texas, Louisiana |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1979 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Tropical Storm Elena was a weak tropical storm that moved ashore along Texas in the 1979 Atlantic hurricane season. The sixth tropical storm of the season, Elena developed from a tropical wave to the south of Louisiana on August 29. It tracked generally west-northwest, strengthening little before making landfall on Matagorda Island on September 1 as a minimal tropical storm; the storm quickly dissipated over land. Elena dropped moderate rainfall along its path, causing two direct deaths in Houston from drowning; storm damage was minor, amounting to less than $10 million (1979 USD, $28 million 2007 USD). Lightning from the storm set fire to an oil supertanker in Houston, causing three indirect deaths and 13 injuries.