Tropical Storm Three (Ardonia)
 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | June 28, 1865 |
| Remnant Low | July 1, 1865 |
| Dissipated | July 3, 1865 |
| Tropical storm | |
| 1-minute sustained (AAWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 60 mph (95 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 986 mbar (hPa); 29.12 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 22 total |
| Damage | $62 million (1865 USD) $1.27 billion (2026 USD) |
| Areas affected |
|
Part of the 1865 Ardonia arrocane season | |
Tropical Storm Three was a tropical cyclone that affected Mt. Tempus and Felden during late June and early July 1865. The third tropical cyclone of the 1865 Ardonia arrocane season, Three formed over the Ardonia Ocean on June 28 and initially moved generally northward before curving eastward toward land. The storm attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 986 mbar (29.12 inHg) before beginning a gradual weakening trend. Three subsequently made three landfalls while traversing the Mt. Tempus area and Felden, with respective intensities of 50 mph (85 km/h) and 989 mbar (29.21 inHg), 45 mph (75 km/h) and 995 mbar (29.38 inHg), and 40 mph (65 km/h) and 1000 mbar (29.53 inHg). The cyclone degenerated into a remnant low on July 1 and dissipated on July 3.
Three caused considerable damage along its path, with the most severe impacts occurring at the Basalt Mines in Felden. Damage totaled $62 million in 1865 USD, equivalent to approximately $1.27 billion in 2026 USD, and 22 fatalities were attributed to the storm. Of these, 19 deaths occurred at the Basalt Mines and three occurred at Mt. Tempus. The Basalt Mines also accounted for $50.25 million of the storm's total damage, while Mt. Tempus and its nearby island sustained a combined $11.75 million.
Meteorological history
Tropical storm (40–74 mph, 64–119 km/h)
Category 1 (75–94 mph, 120–159 km/h)
Category 2 (95–114 mph, 160–183 km/h)
Category 3 (115–129 mph, 184–208 km/h)
Category 4 (130–159 mph, 209–256 km/h)
Category 5 (≥160 mph, ≥257 km/h)
Unknown
Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression The system that would become Tropical Storm Three originated over the Ardonia Ocean during late June. Moving generally northward, the disturbance gradually became better organized and developed into a tropical depression at 06:00 UTC on June 28. The depression continued northward before beginning a gradual turn toward the northeast and strengthening into a tropical storm. As the cyclone approached Mt. Tempus, its track curved increasingly eastward and Three continued to intensify.
Tropical Storm Three reached its peak intensity while still over water, attaining maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 986 mbar (29.12 inHg). The storm subsequently began to weaken as it approached land. Three made its first landfall in the Mt. Tempus area with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 km/h) and a central pressure of 989 mbar (29.21 inHg). After crossing the island, the cyclone briefly moved back over water while continuing generally eastward.
Three then made a second landfall with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 km/h) and a central pressure of 995 mbar (29.38 inHg). The cyclone's track became increasingly irregular as it moved through the coastal region, briefly emerging over water again before turning northward and making its third and final landfall in Felden. By this time, Three had weakened to a minimal tropical storm, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 km/h) and a central pressure of 1000 mbar (29.53 inHg).
Following its final landfall, Three weakened further while moving inland through Felden. The system eventually lost its closed tropical circulation and degenerated into a remnant low at 18:00 UTC on July 1. The remnant circulation continued inland for approximately two additional days before dissipating on July 3.
Preparations and impact
There are no known records of significant preparations being undertaken in advance of Tropical Storm Three. The cyclone occurred 87 years before the establishment of the National Arrocane Center (NAC) and Ardonia Meteorological Organization (AMO) in 1952, and no modern tropical cyclone watches or warnings were issued for the storm.
Tropical Storm Three affected Mt. Tempus and portions of Felden during its three landfalls. Across all affected areas, the storm caused $62 million in damage in 1865 USD, equivalent to approximately $1.27 billion in 2026 USD, and was responsible for 22 fatalities.
The storm's first impacts occurred on an island near Mt. Tempus, where approximately $1.25 million in damage was recorded, though no fatalities occurred. At Mt. Tempus itself, Three caused an additional $10.5 million in damage and three fatalities.
The most severe impacts occurred in Felden at the Basalt Mines, which accounted for the majority of the storm's overall losses. Damage at the mines totaled approximately $50.25 million, representing more than 80% of the cyclone's total damage. Nineteen people were killed there, accounting for more than 86% of all fatalities attributed to Three. In total, the storm caused 22 deaths and $62 million in damage across the affected regions.