Cyclone Waka

Last updated

Severe Tropical Cyclone Waka
Category 4 severe tropical cyclone (Aus scale)
Category 3 tropical cyclone (SSHWS)
Waka 2001-12-31 2220Z.jpg
Cyclone Waka near peak intensity shortly before moving through Tonga
FormedDecember 19, 2001
DissipatedJanuary 2, 2002
Highest winds 10-minute sustained: 185 km/h (115 mph)
1-minute sustained: 185 km/h (115 mph)
Gusts: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Lowest pressure930 hPa (mbar); 27.46 inHg
Fatalities1 indirect
Damage$51.4 million (2002 USD)
Areas affected Wallis and Futuna, Niue, Tonga; especially Vava'u, and New Zealand
Part of the 2001–02 South Pacific cyclone season

Severe Tropical Cyclone Waka (Fiji Meteorological Service designation: 03F, Joint Typhoon Warning Center designation: 07P) was one of the most destructive tropical cyclones ever to affect the nation of Tonga. Waka originated within the near-equatorial trough in mid-December 2001, although the system remained disorganized for more than a week. The storm gradually matured and attained tropical cyclone status on December 29, 2001. Subsequently, Waka underwent rapid intensification in which it attained its peak intensity as a Category 4 severe tropical cyclone (Australian tropical cyclone intensity scale) on December 31, with winds of 185 km/h (115 mph). Shortly thereafter, it passed directly over Vavaʻu, Tonga, resulting in widespread damage. By January 1, 2002, the cyclone began to weaken as it underwent an extratropical transition. The remnants of Waka persisted for several more days and were last observed near the Southern Ocean on January 6, 2002.

Contents

Although the storm affected several countries along its path, Waka left the most significant losses in Tonga, where it killed one person and wrought 104.2 million paʻanga ($51.3 million USD) in damage. Hundreds of structures, including 200 in the island's largest city, and much of the nation's agriculture were destroyed. Winds in excess of 185 km/h (115 mph) battered Vava'u, defoliating nearly every tree on the island. In addition to infrastructural and public losses, the environment was also severely affected; a native species of bat lost roughly 80% of its population due to the lack of fruit. Following the storm, Tonga requested international aid to cope with the scale of damage. Due to the severity of damage, the name Waka was later retired and replaced with Wiki. According to a study by Janet Franklin et al., storms similar in intensity to Waka, on average, strike Tonga once every 33 years. [1]

Meteorological history

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir-Simpson scale .mw-parser-output .hidden-begin{box-sizing:border-box;width:100%;padding:5px;border:none;font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .hidden-title{font-weight:bold;line-height:1.6;text-align:left}.mw-parser-output .hidden-content{text-align:left} Map key Saffir-Simpson scale .mw-parser-output .div-col{margin-top:0.3em;column-width:30em}.mw-parser-output .div-col-small{font-size:90%}.mw-parser-output .div-col-rules{column-rule:1px solid #aaa}.mw-parser-output .div-col dl,.mw-parser-output .div-col ol,.mw-parser-output .div-col ul{margin-top:0}.mw-parser-output .div-col li,.mw-parser-output .div-col dd{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column} .mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{} 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 Tropical cyclone Subtropical cyclone Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression Waka 2001 track.png
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
ArrowUp.svg Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

In mid-December 2001, at the end of a Madden–Julian oscillation pulse, twin equatorial monsoonal troughs developed in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Although warm sea surface temperatures of 30 °C (86 °F) in the region favored development of a tropical cyclone, the southern trough developed substantially slower than the northern one. [2] On December 19, the southern component was classified as Tropical Depression 03F by the Fiji Meteorological Service; at this time the depression was situated just east of the Solomon Islands. [3] The northern component eventually developed into Typhoon Faxai, an extremely powerful Category 5 equivalent cyclone. [4] Unlike Faxai, the precursor to Cyclone Waka developed slowly, mainly because of moderate wind shear in the region. Moving southeastward, the system gradually became more organized. [2] On two occasions, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert; however, the agency later canceled them both times. [5] By December 27, the depression had entered a region of lesser shear, favoring significant development of the system. [2] [3] The following day, the JTWC classified the system as Tropical Depression 07P, when the storm was situated roughly 640 km (400 mi) northwest of Pago Pago, American Samoa. [6]

Tracking towards the southwest in response to a mid-level ridge to the southeast, the depression quickly intensified, attaining gale-force winds on December 29. Upon doing so, it was upgraded to a tropical cyclone and given the name Waka. Shortly thereafter, the storm underwent rapid intensification; [2] roughly 24 hours after being named, Waka attained sustained winds of 120 km/h (75 mph). [7] During December 30, the center of the storm brushed Wallis Island before turning towards the southeast and accelerating due to an approaching trough from the northwest. Continuing to intensify, Waka passed directly over Niuafo'ou on December 31 with winds of 150 km/h (93 mph). [2] Later that day, the cyclone attained its peak intensity as a Category 4 severe tropical cyclone with ten-minute sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 km/h) and a barometric pressure of 930 mbar (hPa; 27.46  inHg). [2] The JTWC assessed the storm to have attained similar one-minute sustained winds upon peaking; however, this was due to discrepancies between the two warning centers. [3] [6] At this time, Waka displayed a well-defined, circular eye roughly 60 km (37 mi) in diameter. Shortly after attaining its peak intensity, the center of Waka passed over Vava'u. [2]

Continuing into the new year, Waka gradually weakened on January 1, 2002, as it entered a less favorable region for tropical cyclones. As a result, wind shear displaced convection from the center and its eyewall broke apart. Moving over decreasing sea surface temperatures, Waka began to undergo an extratropical transition, which it completed on January 2. [2] Tracking southeastward, the remnant cyclone briefly slowed over open waters before again accelerating. Over the following few days, the system gradually weakened, with sustained winds decreasing below gale-force by January 5. The storm was last noted on January 6 near the Southern Ocean, about 2,200 km (1,400 mi) north-northwest of Antarctica, at which time it had a pressure of 972 mbar (972 hPa; 28.7 inHg). [7]

Preparations and impact

Wettest tropical cyclones and their remnants in Wallis and Futuna
Highest-known totals
PrecipitationStormLocationRef.
Rankmmin
1674.926.57 Raja 1986 Maopoopo, Futuna Island [8]
2556.721.92 Fran 1992 Hihifo, Wallis Island [8]
3291.211.46 Val 1975 Hihifo, Wallis Island [8]
4220.68.69 Hina 1997 Maopoopo, Futuna Island [8]
5186.07.32 Evan 2012 Futuna Island [8]
6180.07.09 Val 1980 Maopoopo, Futuna Island [8]
7171.66.76 Keli 1997 Hihifo, Wallis Island [8]
8160.86.33 Unnamed 1966 Malaetoli, Wallis Island [8]
9160.06.30 Amos 2016 Hihifo, Wallis Island [9]
10119.04.69 Waka 2001 Hihifo, Wallis Island [8]

Tonga

On December 30, just a day before Waka passed through Tonga, warnings were issued for numerous islands, including parts of Fiji and Samoa. Forecasts showed the storm passing directly over the low-lying Tongan capital of Nuku'alofa as a Category 3 cyclone. [10] Owing to warnings from local media, [11] all New Year's Eve celebrations were canceled as residents and tourists boarded up their homes. All airports in the region were shut down and ferry service was suspended. [12] Many residents on the small island of Niuafo'ou, about 35 km2 (14 sq mi) in size, evacuated to other islands prior to Waka's arrival. [13]

Infrared satellite image of Cyclone Waka passing directly over Vava'u on December 31 Cyclone Waka passing over Tonga.jpg
Infrared satellite image of Cyclone Waka passing directly over Vava'u on December 31

When the storm was moving through the islands of Tonga at peak strength, a few islands recorded hurricane-force winds; the city of Neiafu measured the strongest winds, peaking at 185 km/h (115 mph). In the southern islands, wind gusts up to 250 km/h (160 mph) affected isolated areas. In the Haʻapai islands, sustained winds reached 100 km/h (62 mph) and gusted to 140 km/h (87 mph). [14] Heavy rains also fell during Waka's passage, amounting to over 200 mm (7.9 in) in Haʻapai. [15]

Initial reports from Nukuʻalofa on December 31 indicated severe agricultural damage but few infrastructural losses. [16] Following the passage of Waka, communication with Niuas and Vava'u were lost. [17] According to local reports, high winds sandblasted Neiafu and downed nearly every tree. [18] Surveys by the Red Cross revealed that roughly 200 homes in the city were severely damaged or destroyed and those left standing lost their roofs. [19] Vava'u lost roughly 90% of its crops, including essential food crops such as taro, yams and bananas. In Ha'apai, one person died from cardiac arrest brought on by the storm. Fallen trees blocked numerous roads; power and water supplies were also interrupted to most residents. Severe damage also took place on Niuatoputapu where coastal homes were impacted by Waka's storm surge and several structures lost their roofs. [15] In one instance, a yacht was brought onshore by the surge and crashed into a restaurant, destroying both. [20]

According to damage surveys, 13 of the country's islands sustained damage; [21] 470 homes and 6 schools were destroyed and hundreds more damaged. [22] [23] Damage throughout Tonga amounted to 104.2 million paʻanga ($51.3 million USD). [24] [25] In addition to infrastructural and public damage, the environment sustained catastrophic losses on Tonga. The Insular Flying Fox (Pteropus tonganus), a native species of bat, suffered great losses from Waka. Compared to pre-cyclone population levels, 79.8% (±9.9%) of the species was killed across six islands. This was due to widespread destruction of their natural food source, which decreased by 85% (±11.8%) following Waka. Trees across Vava'u were completely defoliated, [21] although only 6.6% were killed, [1] leaving no food for the bats. The greatest decline in bats was on Utula'aina Island at 95.7%; A'a Island sustained a complete loss of food-bearing plants. Six months after the storm, the bat population in Vava'u was still only 20% of the pre-storm level. [21]

Elsewhere

During the cyclone's formative stages, it brought significant winds and swells to Tokelau, resulting in localized flooding and crop damage. American Samoa also experienced heavy rains, amounting to 56.9 mm (2.24 in), and gusts up to 90 km/h (56 mph). [26] The winds downed a few trees and caused minor crop damage, with losses amounting to US$120,000. [27] Large swells affected the island for roughly a week as the storm developed and moved away from the region. [28] [29] Cyclone Waka also affected Wallis and Futuna, prompting tropical cyclone watches and warnings from December 28 to 31, and later impacted Niue, prompting warnings there from December 30 to January 1. [30] On Wallis Island, one home was destroyed and 50% of the banana crop was lost. [3] A maximum of 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain fell in Hihifo during the passage of Waka. [31] A wind gust of 126 km/h (78 mph) and swells up to 7 m (23 ft) were recorded in Wallis. Niue received more significant damage, experiencing a storm surge of up to 8 m (26 ft) and sea spray up to 100 m (330 ft) inland. Numerous fallen trees and power lines blocked roads and left southern areas of the island without power for roughly six hours. [3] Damage in Niue amounted to US$10,000. [26]

After moving through the Tongan islands, the remnants of Waka brought large swells, estimated up to 2.5 m (8.2 ft), to the North Island of New Zealand. Thousands of residents and tourists were in the region following the New Year's holiday. Meteorologists warned that the oceans would be increasingly dangerous and advised people not to venture into the water. Every lifeguard in Whangamatā, as well as former lifeguards, were called in to assist in keeping an estimated 8,000 people out of the water. [32] Although most people stayed within a designated swimming area, several rescues had to be made. [33] Rip currents also pulled 38 people out to sea in Mount Maunganui Main Beach; all were quickly rescued by lifeguards. [34]

Aftermath

Enlarged track of Cyclone Waka between December 29 and January 1 depicting the storm's path in relation to several South Pacific islands. Waka 2001 track near Tonga.png
Enlarged track of Cyclone Waka between December 29 and January 1 depicting the storm's path in relation to several South Pacific islands.

Within a day of Cyclone Waka's passage in Tonga, the Government of New Zealand deployed an aircraft to survey the scale of damage and reestablish contact with the Tongan Islands. [18] This aircraft was sent in accordance with the FRANZ Agreement, enacted in 1992, which states that assets from one country would be used in relief operations. [35] On January 2, the head of Tonga's Disaster Office announced that they would likely need international assistance to recover from the storm. [36] Due to the substantial damage to agriculture, food shortages were expected to impact the region over the following months. [15] [37] By January 7, the Red Cross began sending supplies to Tonga. Hundreds of tents and tarpaulins were brought in by an Australian AC-130 to help with the recovery process. [38] On January 12, a New Zealand Lockheed C-130 Hercules carrying US$700,000 worth of supplies flew to the area to deliver aid. [39] An additional US$700,000 was given in relief funds to repair damage wrought by the storm. Of this, US$500,000 would be used to repair schools that were damaged or destroyed and the remaining US$200,000 would be used for emergency lighting, cooking and food supply recovery. [22] [40]

Further funds came from the United States Agency for International Development, which offered US$25,000 by mid-January. [41] [42] The French Polynesian assembly in Tahiti also provided US$770,000 worth of relief supplies and aid. [43] The main industry of Tonga, tourism, was devastated by the storm as no tourists were allowed to travel to the region for at least two weeks after Waka's passage. [44] The Government of Tonga requested a total of US$39.2 million in international aid, most of which was dedicated to rehabilitation of infrastructure. Medical supplies and personnel were later deployed by the World Health Organization. [45] In early March, a relief fund based on donations was set up by the United Methodist Committee on Relief to provide US$210,000 for 30 families impacted by the storm. [46] About 180 people were given assistance in rebuilding their homes by the Church World Service later that month. [47] As food shortages became severe in April, emergency supplies were sent to the outlying Niuas islands of Tonga. [37] In May, US$5.85 million was approved for emergency funds by the World Bank to assist in infrastructural rehabilitation. [48]

Vava'u suffered a tremendous decrease in agricultural exports due to Waka, dropping 86.5% from the previous year. [49] Despite substantial agricultural losses, the sector ended up expanding roughly 2% by the end of 2002 and the overall economy grew by 2.9%. [50] Owing to the severity of damage wrought by the cyclone, the World Meteorological Organization retired the name Waka following its using. [51]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Heta</span>

Severe Tropical Cyclone Heta was a Category 5 tropical cyclone that caused moderate damage to the islands of Tonga, Niue, and American Samoa during late December 2003 and early January 2004. Heta formed on December 25, 2003; it reached a maximum intensity of 260 km/h (160 mph) and an estimated pressure of 915 hPa before dissipating on January 11, 2004. It was the first named tropical cyclone to form during the 2003–04 South Pacific cyclone season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2002–03 South Pacific cyclone season</span> Tropical cyclone season

The 2002–03 South Pacific cyclone season was the most active and longest tropical cyclone season since 1997–98, with ten tropical cyclones occurring within the South Pacific basin between 160°E and 120°W. The season started earlier than normal, with two systems developing before the official start of the season on November 1, 2002, while the final system dissipated on June 9, 2003, after the season had officially ended on April 30. During the season, tropical cyclones were officially monitored by the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) in Nadi, Fiji and the Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres in Brisbane, Australia and Wellington, New Zealand. The United States Armed Forces through the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), also monitored the basin and issued unofficial warnings for American interests. RSMC Nadi attaches a number and an F suffix to tropical disturbances that occur within the basin, while the JTWC designates significant tropical cyclones with a number and a P suffix. RSMC Nadi, TCWC Wellington and TCWC Brisbane all use the Australian Tropical Cyclone Intensity Scale and estimate windspeeds over a ten-minute period, while the JTWC estimates sustained winds over a one-minute period, which are subsequently compared to the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale (SSHS).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2001–02 South Pacific cyclone season</span> Tropical cyclone season

The 2001–02 South Pacific cyclone season was a below-average year in which only five named storms formed or entered the South Pacific basin. It began on November 1, 2001, and ended on April 30, 2002. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the southern Pacific Ocean east of 160°E. Additionally, the regional tropical cyclone operational plan defines a tropical cyclone year separately from a tropical cyclone season, and the "tropical cyclone year" runs from July 1, 2001, to June 30, 2002. The season's sixteen tropical depressions existed within these dates with the first developing on November 29 and the last dissipating on April 22.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Urmil</span> Category 2 South Pacific cyclone in 2006

Tropical Cyclone Urmil was a short lived storm of January 2006 that explosively intensified to reach its peak intensity as a high-end Category 2 cyclone on the Australian Scale, just 12 hours after being named. Forming out of a tropical disturbance early on January 14, Urmil quickly intensified before weakening just as quickly. The intensification was a result of the main convective banding feature wrapping around the center of circulation. However, the combination of high wind shear and the rapid movement of the cyclone caused convection to become separated from the center. By January 15, the storm transitioned into an extratropical cyclone shortly before dissipating. Urmil had only minor effects on land; scattered vegetation damage was reported in Tonga.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Tam</span> Category 1 South Pacific cyclone in 2006

Tropical Cyclone Tam was the first named storm of the 2005–06 South Pacific cyclone season. Forming out of a tropical depression on January 6, the storm gradually intensified, becoming a tropical cyclone on January 12 and receiving the name Tam. Although it was traveling at a quick pace, the storm gained organization and reached its peak intensity with winds of 85 km/h (53 mph) the following day. However, the increasing forward motion of the storm, combined with strengthening wind shear, caused Tam to rapidly weaken on January 14. Around that time, it entered the Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre in Wellington, New Zealand's area of responsibility. Shortly thereafter, the storm transitioned into an extratropical cyclone and dissipated early the next day. Cyclone Tam produced heavy rainfall and strong winds over American Samoa upon being named. The precipitation caused several mudslides and flooding, which inflicted $26,000 in damage. The storm also had minor effects on Niue, Tonga, and Futuna.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009–10 South Pacific cyclone season</span> Tropical cyclone season

The 2009–10 South Pacific cyclone season began on December 3, 2009 with the formation of Tropical Disturbance 01F, 32 days after the cyclone season had officially begun on November 1, 2009. The season ended on April 30, 2010. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the southern Pacific Ocean east of 160°E. Additionally, the regional tropical cyclone operational plan defines a tropical cyclone year separately from a tropical cyclone season; the "tropical cyclone year" began on July 1, 2009 and ended on June 30, 2010. Tropical cyclones between 160°E and 120°W and north of 25°S are monitored by the Fiji Meteorological Service. Those that move south of 25°S are monitored by the Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre in Wellington, New Zealand. The first tropical disturbance of the season formed on December 3, about 1015 km (700 mi) to the north of Suva, Fiji and later intensified into Tropical Cyclone Mick. The last system, 15F, dissipated on April 5 of the following year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1981–82 South Pacific cyclone season</span> Tropical cyclone season

The 1981–82 South Pacific cyclone season was a slightly-below average South Pacific tropical cyclone season, with 6 tropical cyclones occurring within the South Pacific Ocean basin between 160°E and 120°W during the season. After this season, the names Gyan and Isaac were retired from the lists of names, after they caused significant impacts to South Pacific island nations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1996–97 South Pacific cyclone season</span> Tropical cyclone season

The 1996–97 South Pacific cyclone season was one of the most active and longest South Pacific tropical cyclone seasons on record, with 12 tropical cyclones occurring within the South Pacific basin between 160°E and 120°W. The season officially ran from November 1, 1996 - April 30, 1997, however, the season ended later than normal with three systems monitored after the official end of the season. The strongest tropical cyclone of the season was Cyclone Gavin which had a minimum pressure of 925 hPa (27.32 inHg). After the season had ended 4 tropical cyclone names were retired from the naming lists, after the cyclones had caused significant impacts to South Pacific islands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Cilla</span> Category 1 South Pacific cyclone in 2003

Tropical Cyclone Cilla was a tropical cyclone that brought minor damage to several islands in the South Pacific in January 2003. The fifth cyclone of the 2002–03 South Pacific cyclone season, Cyclone Cilla developed from a monsoon trough on January 26 northwest of Fiji. Initially, Cilla moved east, and due to decreased wind shear, Cilla was able to intensify. On January 28, Cilla reached its peak intensity of 75 km/h (45 mph). After slightly weakening, Cilla briefly re-intensified the next day. However, Cilla transitioned into an extratropical cyclone on January 30. Along its path, Cilla dropped heavy rainfall over islands it passed. During its formative stages, the low dropped heavy rain over Fiji, which had already been affected by Cyclone Ami two weeks prior. Damage in Tonga was mostly limited to vegetation and fruit trees; infrastructural damage was also relatively minor. Cilla also brought moderate rain to American Samoa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Vaianu</span> Category 3 South Pacific cyclone in 2006

Severe Tropical Cyclone Vaianu was the fourth named tropical cyclone of the 2005–06 South Pacific cyclone season. The system formed on February 11, and moved generally towards the south throughout its life. Vaianu ultimately peaked with winds corresponding to Category 1 status on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, and passed between Fiji and Tonga. Moving into cooler waters, the storm dissipated on February 16. Although the cyclone avoided land for the most part, it caused heavy rainfall and gusty winds in portions of Tonga. Flooding hit the capital city of Nuku'alofa, and on some islands, the storm destroyed crops.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Wilma</span>

Severe Tropical Cyclone Wilma was a powerful tropical cyclone that affected the Samoan Islands, Tonga and New Zealand. Forming out of a trough of low pressure on 19 January 2011 to the northwest of Fiji, Cyclone Wilma initially tracked eastward towards the Samoan Islands. On 22 January, the system took a sharp southward turn, bringing its centre directly over American Samoa the following day. After turning towards the southwest and accelerating, Wilma steadily intensified into a severe tropical cyclone before striking Tonga. The storm reached its peak intensity on 26 January as a Category 4 cyclone with winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) and a barometric pressure of 930 mbar. Gradually re-curving towards the southeast, Wilma weakened quickly as it moved over cooler sea surface temperatures; by 28 January, it was downgraded to a tropical cyclone. Later that day, the storm brushed the North Island of New Zealand before transitioning into an extratropical cyclone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Ron</span> Strongest tropical cyclone on record to impact Tonga

Severe Tropical Cyclone Ron was the strongest tropical cyclone on record to impact Tonga. The system was first noted as a tropical depression, to the northeast of Samoa on January 1, 1998. Over the next day the system gradually developed further and was named Ron as it developed into a Category 1 tropical cyclone on the Australian tropical cyclone intensity scale during the next day. The system subsequently continued to move south-westwards and became a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone, as it passed near Swains Island during January 3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Evan</span> Category 4 cyclone in the South Pacific in 2012

Severe Tropical Cyclone Evan was considered to be the worst tropical cyclone to affect the island nation of Samoa since Cyclone Val in 1991 and was the strongest storm to impact the main South Pacific islands until Winston in 2016. The system was first noted on December 9, 2012, as a weak tropical depression about 700 km (435 mi) to the northeast of Suva, Fiji. Over the next couple of days, the depression gradually developed further before it was named Evan on December 12, as it had fully developed into a tropical cyclone. During that day the system moved toward the Samoan Islands and gradually intensified, before the system slowed and severely affected the Samoan Islands during the next day with wind gusts of up to 210 km/h (130 mph).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019–20 South Pacific cyclone season</span> Tropical cyclone season

The 2019–20 South Pacific cyclone season was a slightly above-average season in which tropical cyclones formed within the South Pacific Ocean to the east of 160°E. The season officially ran from November 1, 2019, to April 30, 2020, however a tropical cyclone could form at any time between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020, and would count towards the season total. The season began on November 22 with the formation of Tropical Cyclone Rita, which would later become a severe tropical cyclone. The season has been near-average in terms of activity, with 8 tropical cyclones and 4 severe tropical cyclones forming during the season. The season featured Cyclone Harold, the first Category 5 severe tropical cyclone in the basin since Cyclone Gita, and one of the strongest since Cyclone Winston. During the season, tropical cyclones are officially monitored by the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS), Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and New Zealand's MetService. The United States Armed Forces through the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) also monitors the basin and issue unofficial warnings for American interests. The FMS attaches a number and an F suffix to tropical disturbances that form in or move into the basin while the JTWC designates significant tropical cyclones with a number and a P suffix. The FMS, BoM and MetService all use the Australian Tropical Cyclone Intensity Scale and estimate wind speeds over a period of ten minutes, while the JTWC estimated sustained winds over a 1-minute period, which are subsequently compared to the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Hina</span> Category 3 South Pacific severe tropical cyclone in 1997

Severe Tropical Cyclone Hina in March 1997 was the worst tropical cyclone to affect the South Pacific island nation of Tonga since Cyclone Isaac in 1982. The system was first noted within the monsoon trough on March 11, 1997, as a weak shallow depression within the vicinity of Rotuma. Over the next two days, the depression remained near Rotuma with no preferred movement, as it started to develop further within favorable conditions for further development. The system was subsequently named Hina on March 15, after it had started to move eastwards and had passed to the southeast of Niulakita, Tuvalu. During that day the system moved south-eastwards and impacted Wallis and Futuna, before it passed over Tonga's southern islands of Tongatapu and 'Eua during March 16. After impacting Tonga the system moved rapidly towards the south-southeast and weakened below tropical cyclone intensity, before it was last noted on March 21 about 1,500 km (930 mi) to the south of the Pitcairn Islands. During the system's post-analysis, it was determined that the warning centers had underestimated Hina's intensity as it passed over Tonga, after damage in the island nation had been greater than expected.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Ian</span> Tropical cyclone

Severe Tropical Cyclone Ian was a powerful tropical cyclone that formed on January 2, 2014, and dissipated on January 15, 2014. Areas affected by the tropical cyclone include Fiji and Tonga. In Tonga, Ian caused destruction in the Ha'apai islands, as well as one fatality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Ula</span> Tropical cyclone

Severe Tropical Cyclone Ula was a powerful and long-lived tropical cyclone during late December 2015 and mid-January 2016. It originated from a tropical disturbance on December 26, 2015, east of the Solomon Islands. Moving generally east, development was initially slow and the system finally reached cyclone strength—having gale-force winds—on December 30. The newly christened Tropical Cyclone Ula turned sharply south and rapidly intensified, attaining hurricane strength the following day. A shift to the southwest brought the system close to the northern islands of Tonga on January 2, 2016. It subsequently brushed several islands in the Lau Group of Fiji before weakening. Nearly degrading to a tropical depression, Ula turned to the northwest and regained strength. After turning back to the southwest, it achieved its peak intensity as a Category 4 on the Australian scale with winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) on January 10. Thereafter, the storm bypassed Vanuatu to the southeast and New Caledonia to the east as it accelerated southward.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Gita</span> Strong tropical cyclone which affected Tonga

Severe Tropical Cyclone Gita was the most intense tropical cyclone to impact Tonga since reliable records began. The second named storm and first major tropical cyclone of the 2017–18 South Pacific cyclone season, Gita originated from a monsoon trough that was active in the South Pacific in early February 2018. First classified as a tropical disturbance on 3 February, the nascent system meandered near Vanuatu for several days with little development. After acquiring a steady east trajectory near Fiji, it organized into a Category 1 tropical cyclone on 9 February near Samoa. Arcing south in a clockwise turn, the system rapidly intensified, and became a severe tropical cyclone on 10 February near Niue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Tino</span> Category 3 South Pacific cyclone of 2020

Severe Tropical Cyclone Tino was a tropical cyclone which itself and an associated convergence zone caused significant damage across ten island nations in the South Pacific Ocean during January 2020. First noted as a tropical disturbance during January 11, to the southwest of Honiara in the Solomon Islands, the system gradually developed over the next few days as it moved eastwards in between the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu prior to being named Tino as it approached Fiji during January 16. Continuing to track south-eastward, Tino continued strengthening as it passed near Fiji, bringing copious amounts of rainfall to the area. Whilst losing latitude, the system continued to strengthen and peaked as a category 3 tropical cyclone on January 17, with signs of an eye forming. Shortly after peak intensity, Tino was impacted by high wind shear and decreasing sea surface temperatures, triggering a weakening trend. Tino moved out of the tropics shortly thereafter and became an extratropical cyclone during January 19.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Sarai</span> Category 2 South Pacific cyclone of 2019

Tropical Cyclone Sarai was a moderately strong tropical cyclone that impacted several island nations and countries in late-December 2019. The third tropical cyclone and the second named storm of the 2019-20 South Pacific cyclone season, Sarai formed from an area of low pressure to the south of Tuvalu. Over the next days, the low pressure became organized and was designated by the Fiji Meteorological Service as Tropical Disturbance 03F on December 23. Under favorable conditions, the disturbance gradually organized, becoming a depression two days later, before strengthening to a tropical cyclone, earning the name Sarai. It moved to the south, before a high-pressure steered the system to the east, passing to the south of Fiji, near Suva before weakening. Sarai passed near the Tongan islands of Haʻapai and Tongatapu as a Category 1 cyclone, before rapidly degrading to a tropical depression due to the system entering unfavorable conditions. It was last noted on January 2 to the southeast of Cook Islands.

References

General

Specific

  1. 1 2 Janet Franklin; Donald R. Drake; Kim R. McConkey; Filipe Tonga; Leslie B. Smith (2004). "The Effects of Cyclone Waka on the Structure of Lowland Tropical Rain Forest in Vava'u, Tonga". Journal of Tropical Ecology. Cambridge University Press. 20 (4): 409–420. doi:10.1017/S0266467404001543. S2CID   84946016 . Retrieved December 4, 2010.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Jonty D. Hall (2004). "The South Pacific and southeast Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season 2001–02" (PDF). Australian Meteorology Magazine. Queensland Regional Office, Bureau of Meteorology, Australia. 53 (4): 285–304. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 6, 2011. Retrieved December 5, 2010.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Gary Padgett (May 24, 2002). "Monthly Tropical Weather Summary for December 2001". Typhoon 2000. Archived from the original (TXT) on January 17, 2013. Retrieved December 4, 2010.
  4. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2002). "2001 Annual Tropical Cyclone Report" (PDF). United States Navy. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 21, 2013. Retrieved December 5, 2010.
  5. ↑ Gary Padgett (January 21, 2002). "Monthly Tropical Cyclone Tracks for December 2001" (TXT). Typhoon 2000. Retrieved December 5, 2010.
  6. 1 2 Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2003). "Tropical Cyclone 07P (Waka) Best Track". United States Navy. Archived from the original (TXT) on October 4, 2013. Retrieved December 5, 2010.
  7. 1 2 MetService (May 22, 2009). "TCWC Wellington Best Track Data 1967–2006". International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship.[ permanent dead link ]
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Wallis and Futuna Cyclone Passes De 1880 à nos jours" [Wallis and Futuna Cyclone Passes From 1880 to the present day] (in French). Meteo France New Caledonia. Retrieved January 2, 2017.
  9. ↑ "Cyclone Amos: les Samoa ravagées" [Cyclone Amos: ravaged Samoa]. Meteo (in French). Retrieved April 24, 2016.
  10. ↑ "Severe cyclone bearing down on South Pacific islands". United Nations. ReliefWeb. Agence France-Presse. December 30, 2001. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
  11. ↑ "South Pacific cyclone intensifies — Tonga at risk". United Nations. ReliefWeb. Agence France-Presse. December 31, 2001. Retrieved April 13, 2011.
  12. ↑ Paul Yandall (January 1, 2002). "Tonga battens down as Cyclone Waka roars in". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
  13. ↑ "Cyclone Waka heads out into Pacific after lashing Tonga". The Dominion. Wellington, New Zealand. January 2, 2002.
  14. ↑ "Cyclone Waka Batters Tonga". The Press. Wellington, New Zealand. January 2, 2002.
  15. 1 2 3 East-West Center (January 3, 2002). "Damage from Cyclone Waka to Vava'u runs in millions of Pa'anga". United Nations. ReliefWeb. Retrieved April 13, 2011.
  16. ↑ United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (December 31, 2010). "Tonga — Tropical Cyclone Waka OCHA Situation Report No. 1". ReliefWeb. Retrieved April 13, 2011.
  17. ↑ "Tongas northern group hit by cyclone — heavy damage feared". United Nations. ReliefWeb. Agence France-Presse. January 1, 2002. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
  18. 1 2 Deutsche Presse Agentur (January 1, 2002). "New Zealand Air Force sending plane to check Tonga cyclone damage". United Nations. ReliefWeb. Retrieved April 13, 2011.
  19. ↑ "Red Cross seeks food aid after Tonga cyclone". United Nations. ReliefWeb. Reuters. January 3, 2002. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
  20. ↑ Paul Yandall (January 2, 2002). "Battered Tonga struggles to mop up". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved December 3, 2010.
  21. 1 2 3 Kim R. McConkey; Donald R. Drake; Janet Franklin; Filipe Tonga (2004). "Effects of Cyclone Waka on flying foxes (Pteropus tonganus) in the Vava'u Islands of Tonga". Journal of Tropical Ecology. Cambridge University Press. 20 (5): 555–561. doi:10.1017/S0266467404001804. S2CID   86010717 . Retrieved December 4, 2010.
  22. 1 2 "New Zealand to give Tonga 700,000 dollars for cyclone relief". Radio New Zealand International. January 8, 2002.
  23. ↑ Emily McKenzie; Biman Prasad; Atu Kaloumaira (May 2005). "Economic Impact of Natural Disaster on Development in the Pacific" (PDF). Australian Agency for International Development. p. 65. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 11, 2012. Retrieved December 3, 2010.
  24. ↑ Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (2010). "International Disaster Database: Disaster List". Archived from the original on September 23, 2010. Retrieved December 3, 2010.
  25. ↑ United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (January 23, 2002). "OCHA Situation Report No. 2". Center for International Disaster Information. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved December 5, 2010.
  26. 1 2 "RA V Tropical Cyclone Committee for the South Pacific and South-East Indian Ocean Ninth Session: Final Report" (PDF). World Meteorological Organization. May 20, 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2005. Retrieved June 29, 2013.
  27. ↑ "American Samoa Event Report: High Wind". National Climatic Data Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2013. Retrieved June 29, 2013.
  28. ↑ "American Samoa Event Report: High Surf". National Climatic Data Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2013. Retrieved June 29, 2013.
  29. ↑ "American Samoa Event Report: High Surf". National Climatic Data Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2013. Retrieved June 29, 2013.
  30. ↑ RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre. "Tropical Cyclone Summary 2001–2002 Season" (PDF). Fiji Meteorological Service. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 29, 2010. Retrieved February 17, 2011.
  31. ↑ "Cyclones passés" (in French). Météo-France. 2010. Archived from the original on February 17, 2011. Retrieved January 5, 2011.
  32. ↑ "Cyclone whips up surf scare on beaches". The New Zealand Herald. January 4, 2002. Retrieved December 3, 2010.
  33. ↑ Josie Clark (January 5, 2002). "Big waves create busy day for lifeguards". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved December 3, 2010.
  34. ↑ "38 swimmers rescued off Mt. Maunganui Beach". The New Zealand Herald. January 5, 2002. Retrieved December 3, 2010.
  35. ↑ "The FRANZ Agreement". Embassy of France in Papua New Guinea. 2010. Archived from the original on September 14, 2009. Retrieved December 3, 2019.
  36. ↑ Australian Broadcasting Corporation (January 2, 2002). "Tongan authorities assess damage from cyclone Waka". ReliefWeb. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
  37. 1 2 Staff Writer (April 10, 2002). "Tonga ships food to Niuas". Marianas Variety. Archived from the original on March 11, 2012. Retrieved February 19, 2011.
  38. ↑ Francesca Mold (January 7, 2002). "Tonga picks up the pieces left by Cyclone Waka". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved December 3, 2010.
  39. ↑ "New Zealand air force drops off relief supplies to cyclone-hit Tonga". BBC News. January 12, 2002.
  40. ↑ "NZ offers $700,000 to Tonga". The Press. Wellington, New Zealand. January 9, 2002.
  41. ↑ Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association (January 17, 2002). "Tonga: US donates $25k for cyclone relief". ReliefWeb. Retrieved December 3, 2002.
  42. ↑ "Annual Report for the 2002 Fiscal Year" (PDF). United States Agency for International Development. 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2012. Retrieved December 24, 2010.
  43. ↑ Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association (January 21, 2002). "Tahiti approves US$770,000 Tonga aid package". ReliefWeb. Retrieved December 3, 2010.
  44. ↑ Paul Yandall (January 3, 2002). "NZ ready with food for Tonga". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved April 2, 2011.
  45. ↑ United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (February 6, 2002). "Tropical Cyclone Waka OCHA Situation Report No. 3". ReliefWeb. Retrieved December 3, 2010.
  46. ↑ "The UMCOR Hotline". United Methodist Committee on Relief. March 1, 2002. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved December 24, 2010.
  47. ↑ Unattributed (March 18, 2002). "CWS helps vulnerable families rebuild cyclone-destroyed houses in Tonga". Church World Service. ReliefWeb. Retrieved December 3, 2010.
  48. ↑ International Monetary Fund, p. 5
  49. ↑ Tonga Ministry of Agriculture, p. 172
  50. ↑ Commonwealth Secretariat, p. 20
  51. ↑ RA V Tropical Cyclone Committee (2023). Tropical Cyclone Operational Plan for the South-East Indian Ocean and the Southern Pacific Ocean 2023 (PDF) (Report). World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved October 23, 2023.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.