Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | July 20,2020 |
Remnant low | July 29,2020 |
Dissipated | July 30,2020 |
Category 4 hurricane | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Highest winds | 130 mph (215 km/h) |
Lowest pressure | 954 mbar (hPa);28.17 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | None |
Damage | Minimal |
Areas affected | Hawaii |
Part of the 2020 Pacific hurricane season |
Hurricane Douglas was a strong tropical cyclone that became the closest passing Pacific hurricane to the island of Oahu on record,surpassing the previous record held by Hurricane Dot in 1959. The eighth tropical cyclone,fifth named storm, [lower-alpha 1] first hurricane,and first major hurricane of the slightly below-average 2020 Pacific hurricane season,Douglas originated from a tropical wave which entered the basin in mid-July. Located in favorable conditions,the wave began to organize on July 19. It became a tropical depression on July 20 and a tropical storm the following day. After leveling off as a strong tropical storm due to dry air,Douglas began rapid intensification on July 23,becoming the season's first major hurricane the following day and peaking as a Category 4 hurricane. After moving into the Central Pacific basin,Douglas slowly weakened as it approached Hawaii. The storm later passed north of the main islands as a Category 1 hurricane,passing dangerously close to Oahu and Kauai,causing minimal damage,and resulting in no deaths or injuries. Douglas weakened to tropical storm status on July 28,as it moved away from Hawaii,before degenerating into a remnant low on July 29 and dissipating on the next day.
Douglas originated from a tropical wave located over the central portion of the East Pacific basin on July 19. [1] This tropical wave was located further east and in a slightly more conducive environment than another tropical wave to its east, later to become Tropical Depression Seven-E. [1] With large convective bursts repetitively occurring near the circulation, the wave became more organized into the day and chances of development were gradually raised. [2] This organization was followed by a scatterometer pass which indicated the system had a well-defined, closed low level circulation, indicating the system had very quickly developed. [3] Thus, the first advisory was issued on the system as Tropical Depression Eight-E at 15:00 UTC on July 20. [3] This quick evolution of the storm continued, and a small but defined central dense overcast became evident on satellite imagery. [4] This, bundled with increasing satellite estimates, allowed the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to upgrade the depression to Tropical Storm Douglas at 03:00 UTC, July 21. [4]
A small cyclone, Douglas continued to take advantage of its favorable environment and continuously intensified. [5] Well-defined banding developed on the storm's western side, while thunderstorms near the center gathered into a comma head shape. [6] At the time, Douglas' southwest movement was largely influenced by strong mid-level ridging to its north. [6] However, Douglas' small size and this movement allowed a moderate intake of dry air to be entrained into the circulation. [7] Intensification took a halt for much of July 22, as a result, and Douglas' thunderstorms began to slowly decay. [8] After successfully mixing out mid-level dry air from the core of the system, Douglas swiftly recuperated. [9] Convection re-developed, and a ragged eye became briefly evident on satellite imagery, indicating Douglas had strengthened to low-end Category 1 hurricane intensity. [9] This marked the fourth-latest date on record that the first hurricane formed in a season, tying the record of 2004's Hurricane Celia. [9] It soon became apparent Douglas was entering a phase of rapid intensification, as a ring of intense thunderstorms formed around a warming eye. [10] Douglas jumped to Category 3 major hurricane status, as rapid intensification continued, and the storm became larger in size. [11] Intensification slightly leveled off as the day went on, but the formerly-ragged eye became very warm and symmetrical, indicating the storm had entered a more stable state. [12] Despite this, a regrowth of the eyewall began, and Douglas reached its peak intensity as a Category 4 hurricane at 21:00 UTC on July 23, with maximum 1-minute sustained winds of 130 mph (210 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 954 millibars (28.2 inHg). [13] [14]
On July 24, visible imagery revealed Douglas' eye had become increasingly cloud-filled, while the storm's overall satellite appearance degraded. [15] Douglas entered the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility by 21:00 UTC on July 24. [16] As Douglas drifted over cooler sea surface temperatures, more weakening ensued as the system continued northwest. [17] Douglas eventually fell below Category 3 major hurricane status late on July 24, and weakened to a Category 1 hurricane about 12 hours later. [18] [19] At this time, Douglas was located roughly 325 miles (523 km) east of Hilo, Hawaii. [20] Douglas continued a slow movement towards the Hawaiian islands, while retaining its intensity, [21] before weakening further as it passed north of Big Island. [22] [23] Nonetheless, the storm remained in rather healthy condition, despite being situated over cold sea surface temperatures and experiencing wind shear near Hawaii. [22] Douglas passed north of Maui at 01:00 UTC on July 27, Oahu at 07:00 UTC, and Kauai at 22:00 UTC. [24] [25] [26] Douglas' close pass just 30 mi (48 km) north of Oahu broke the previous record set by Hurricane Dot for closest passing tropical cyclone to the island, whereas Dot passed about 60 mi (97 km) southwest of Oahu. [27] After moving away from Kauai, Douglas briefly re-intensified as confirmed from reconnaissance. [28] However, strengthening was very short-lived as wind shear quickly displaced deep convection from the storm's circulation. [29] Douglas weakened into a tropical storm shortly afterward, [30] and eventually became a remnant low by 12:00 UTC on July 29. [31] [13] Douglas' post-tropical low entered the Western Pacific basin later on July 30, [32] before opening up into a trough at 06:00 UTC that day. [13]
In preparation for the arrival of Douglas in Hawaii, Hurricane Watches were issued for Big Island and Maui on July 24. [33] By July 25, hurricane warnings were issued for Oahu and Kauai, while tropical storm warnings were issued for the Big Island and Maui, as Douglas' track forecast became more definitive. [34] Emergency sirens were blared across Oahu and Maui on July 26 as Douglas approached closer to the islands. [35] United States President Donald Trump issued an emergency declaration for the entire state of Hawaii, in preparation of the hurricane. [35] On Oahu, 13 emergency shelters were opened across the island for those in need. [36] On July 25, the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park closed due to the hurricane. [37]
Despite Douglas' close pass to the Hawaiian Islands, much of the islands were spared from the worst of the hurricane as only the weak southern eyewall of Douglas brushed the islands. [38] Overall damage was relatively minor; however, storm surge and rainfall caused moderate flooding in Kauai and Oahu. [38] Winds never exceeded hurricane-force, although a 69 mph (111 km/h) wind gust occurred on Maui. [39] Rainfall totals also reached up to 6 inches in Maui and Oahu. [39] On July 26, Maui Mayor Mike Victorino stated: "You can pretty much see clear skies. We're so very thankful. I'm thankful that it passed us with very little damage and very little incidents." [40]
Hurricane Felicia was a powerful Category 4 Pacific hurricane whose remnants caused significant rainfall and flooding on the Hawaiian Islands. Felicia was the third strongest tropical cyclone of the 2009 Pacific hurricane season, as well as the strongest storm to exist in the eastern Pacific at the time since Hurricane Daniel in 2006. Forming as a tropical depression on August 3, the storm supported strong thunderstorm activity and quickly organized. It became a tropical storm over the following day, and subsequently underwent rapid deepening to attain hurricane status. Later that afternoon, Felicia developed a well-defined eye as its winds sharply rose to major hurricane-force on the Saffir–Simpson scale. Further strengthening ensued, and Felicia peaked in intensity as a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 145 mph (233 km/h) and a barometric pressure of 935 mbar. After reaching this strength, unfavorable conditions, such as wind shear, began to impact the storm while it took on a northwestward path. Henceforth, Felicia slowly weakened for several days; by August 8 it had been downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane, once again becoming a tropical storm the next day. It retraced westward towards Hawaii on August 10, all the while decreasing in organization. On August 11, Felicia weakened to tropical depression status, and soon degenerated into remnant low just prior to passing over the islands.
Hurricane Darby was the first Eastern Pacific major hurricane since Hurricane Kenna in 2002. The sixth tropical cyclone, fourth named storm, and second hurricane of the 2004 Pacific hurricane season, Darby developed from a tropical wave that emerged from the west coast of Africa on July 12. After crossing into the Eastern Pacific, the storm became a tropical depression on June 26. The system steadily intensified, and became a hurricane on 000 UTC July 28. Darby peaked as a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, though it quickly deteriorated due to cooler waters and increasing wind shear. While Darby dissipated on August 1, the remnants of the tropical cyclone affected the Hawaiian Islands. The system produced high waves and heavy rainfall that led to extensive flash flooding. Numerous roads were closed, while minor landslides and rockslides were reported. Despite the effects, no fatalities or severe damages occurred.
The 2014 Pacific hurricane season was the fifth-busiest season since reliable records began in 1949, alongside the 2016 season. The season officially started on May 15 in the East Pacific Ocean, and on June 1 in the Central Pacific; they both ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Pacific basin.
The 2016 Pacific hurricane season was tied as the fifth-most active Pacific hurricane season on record, alongside the 2014 season. Throughout the course of the year, a total of 22 named storms, 13 hurricanes and six major hurricanes were observed within the basin. Although the season was very active, it was considerably less active than the previous season, with large gaps of inactivity at the beginning and towards the end of the season. It officially started on May 15 in the Eastern Pacific, and on June 1 in the Central Pacific ; they both ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in these regions of the Pacific Ocean. However, tropical development is possible at any time of the year, as demonstrated by the formation of Hurricane Pali on January 7, the earliest Central Pacific tropical cyclone on record. After Pali, however, no tropical cyclones developed in either region until a short-lived depression on June 6. Also, there were no additional named storms until July 2, when Tropical Storm Agatha formed, becoming the latest first-named Eastern Pacific tropical storm since Tropical Storm Ava in 1969.
Tropical Storm Flossie yielded stormy weather to Hawaii in late July 2013. The sixth tropical cyclone and named storm of the annual hurricane season, Flossie originated from a tropical wave that emerged off the western coast of Africa on July 9. Tracking westward across the Atlantic with little development, it passed over Central America and into the eastern Pacific Ocean on July 18, where favorable environmental conditions promoted steady organization. By 0600 UTC on July 25, the wave acquired enough organization to be deemed a tropical depression; it intensified into a tropical storm six hours later. Continuing westward, Flossie attained peak winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) on July 27 before entering the central Pacific Ocean. There, unfavorable upper-level winds established a weakening trend; on July 30, Flossie weakened to a tropical depression, and by 1200 UTC that same day, the storm degenerated into a remnant low, northeast of Kauai.
Hurricane Genevieve, also referred to as Typhoon Genevieve, was the first tropical cyclone to track across all three northern Pacific basins since Hurricane Dora in 1999. Genevieve developed from a tropical wave into the eighth tropical storm of the 2014 Pacific hurricane season well east-southeast of Hawaii on July 25. However, increased vertical wind shear caused it to weaken into a tropical depression by the following day and degenerate into a remnant low on July 28. Late on July 29, the system regenerated into a tropical depression, but it weakened into a remnant low again on July 31, owing to vertical wind shear and dry air.
Hurricane Iselle was the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall on the Big Island of Hawaii in recorded history. The tenth named storm, fifth hurricane, and fourth major hurricane of the 2014 hurricane season, Iselle developed from an area of disturbed weather southwest of Mexico on July 31, 2014. Assuming a west-northwest course that it would maintain throughout its existence, generally favorable atmospheric conditions allowed for gradual strengthening, with the cyclone attaining hurricane status a day after formation. Continued strengthening progressed for several days up until August 4, when Iselle reached peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (220 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 947 mbar, making it a Category 4 hurricane. Thereafter, Iselle encountered hostile environmental conditions and quickly weakened before making landfall on the Big Island on August 8 as a moderate tropical storm. Its passage over the island disrupted the cyclone, and Iselle later dissipated on August 9.
Hurricane Darby was a strong tropical cyclone which affected Hawaii as a tropical storm. The fifth named storm of the busy 2016 Pacific hurricane season, Darby originated from a low pressure area that developed in the Eastern Pacific well southwest of Mexico during July 2016. It gained sufficient organization to be declared a tropical depression on July 11, and was upgraded to Tropical Storm Darby the next day. Further intensification ensued, and Darby became a hurricane on July 13. Over the next three days, Darby slowly strengthened to Category 3 status on the Saffir–Simpson scale, becoming a major hurricane. Cool waters and dry air caused Darby to weaken over the next three days, although Darby managed to restrengthen slightly on July 21 before weakening once again as the storm neared Hawaii. Just after midnight on July 24, Darby made landfall on the Big Island. Darby weakened into a remnant low two days later.
Hurricane Madeline was the first of two tropical cyclones that threatened to make a landfall on Hawaii as a hurricane in 2016, the other being Hurricane Lester. The fourteenth named storm, eighth hurricane and fifth major hurricane of the 2016 Pacific hurricane season, Madeline developed out of an area of low pressure that formed well to the south-southwest of Baja California. By August 26, the disturbance developed to a tropical depression, before becoming a tropical storm shortly afterwards. Wind shear initially inhibited development, however as the cyclone turned northwest, Madeline underwent rapid intensification as an eye feature developed within the storm on August 29. Madeline ultimately peaked as a Category 4 major hurricane the next day. The hurricane then began to weaken as wind shear began to increase as it approached Hawaii. By September 1, Madeline weakened to a tropical storm and passed just south of the Big Island of Hawaii, dumping heavy rainfall, surf, and gusty winds to the island. The cyclone eventually degenerated into a remnant low on September 2 before dissipating later that day.
The 2021 Pacific hurricane season was a moderately active Pacific hurricane season, with above-average activity in terms of number of named storms, but below-average activity in terms of major hurricanes, as 19 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes formed in all. It also had a near-normal accumulated cyclone energy (ACE). The season officially began on May 15, 2021 in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, and on June 1, 2021, in the Central Pacific in the Northern Hemisphere. The season ended in both regions on November 30, 2021. These dates historically describe the period each year when most tropical cyclogenesis occurs in these regions of the Pacific and are adopted by convention. However, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year, as illustrated by the formation of Tropical Storm Andres on May 9, which was the earliest forming tropical storm on record in the Eastern Pacific. Conversely, 2021 was the second consecutive season in which no tropical cyclones formed in the Central Pacific.
Hurricane Lane was a powerful tropical cyclone that brought torrential rainfall and strong winds to Hawaii during late August 2018. The storm was the wettest on record in Hawaii, with peak rainfall accumulations of 58 inches (1,473 mm) along the eastern slopes of Mauna Kea. The twelfth named storm, sixth hurricane, fourth major hurricane, and the first of three Category 5 hurricanes of the record-breaking 2018 Pacific hurricane season, Lane originated from an area of low pressure that formed well southwest of Mexico on August 13. Tracking west through a region of favorable atmospheric and oceanic conditions, the system steadily intensified over the following days. It reached an initial peak as a Category 4 hurricane on August 18. Temporarily inhibited by more hostile conditions, the hurricane weakened slightly before regaining strength and reaching Category 5 status on August 22 to the south of Hawaii. Lane peaked with winds of 160 mph (255 km/h) and a barometric pressure of 926 mbar. Thereafter, the hurricane turned north and slowed. During this period, torrential rains battered much of the Hawaiian Islands. Unfavorable conditions again affected the hurricane, and it degraded to a tropical depression by August 28 before dissipating the following day.
Hurricane Olivia was a Category 4 hurricane that impacted Hawaii as a weakening tropical storm in mid-September 2018, causing severe flooding and wind damage. Olivia was the first tropical cyclone to make landfall on Maui and Lanai in recorded history. It was the fifteenth named storm, ninth hurricane, and sixth major hurricane of the 2018 Pacific hurricane season.
Hurricane Walaka was a Category 5 hurricane that brought high surf and a powerful storm surge to the Hawaiian Islands. Walaka was the nineteenth named storm, twelfth hurricane, eighth major hurricane, and second Category 5 hurricane of the 2018 Pacific hurricane season.
Hurricane Dolores was a powerful and moderately damaging tropical cyclone whose remnants brought record-breaking heavy rains and strong winds to California. The seventh named storm, fourth hurricane, and third major hurricane of the record-breaking 2015 Pacific hurricane season, Dolores formed from a tropical wave on July 11. The system gradually strengthened, attaining hurricane status on July 13. Dolores rapidly intensified as it neared the Baja California peninsula, finally peaking as a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale with winds of 130 mph (215 km/h) on July 15. An eyewall replacement cycle began and cooler sea-surface temperatures rapidly weakened the hurricane, and Dolores weakened to a tropical storm two days later. On July 18, Dolores degenerated into a remnant low west of the Baja California peninsula.
Hurricane Genevieve was a strong tropical cyclone that almost made landfall on the Baja California Peninsula in August 2020. Genevieve was the twelfth tropical cyclone, eighth named storm, third hurricane, and second major hurricane of the 2020 Pacific hurricane season. The cyclone formed from a tropical wave that the National Hurricane Center (NHC) first started monitoring on August 10. The wave merged with a trough of low pressure on August 13, and favorable conditions allowed the wave to intensify into Tropical Depression Twelve-E at 15:00 UTC. Just six hours later, the depression became a tropical storm and was given the name Genevieve. Genevieve quickly became a hurricane by August 17, and Genevieve began explosive intensification the next day. By 12:00 UTC on August 18, Genevieve reached its peak intensity as a Category 4 hurricane, with maximum 1-minute sustained winds of 130 mph and a minimum central pressure of 950 millibars (28 inHg). Genevieve began to weaken on the next day, possibly due to cooler waters caused by Hurricane Elida earlier that month. Genevieve weakened below tropical storm status around 18:00 UTC on August 20, as it passed close to Baja California Sur. Soon afterward, Genevieve began to lose its deep convection and became a post-tropical cyclone by 21:00 UTC on August 21, eventually dissipating off the coast of Southern California late on August 24.
Hurricane Paulette was a strong and long-lived Category 2 Atlantic hurricane which became the first to make landfall in Bermuda since Hurricane Gonzalo did so in 2014. The sixteenth named storm and sixth hurricane of the record-breaking 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, Paulette developed from a tropical wave that left the coast of Africa on September 2. The wave eventually consolidated into a tropical depression on September 7. Paulette fluctuated in intensity over the next few days, due to strong wind shear, initially peaking as a strong tropical storm on September 8. It eventually strengthened into a hurricane early on September 13 as shear decreased. On September 14, Paulette made landfall in northeastern Bermuda as a Category 2 hurricane, while making a gradual turn to the northeast. The cyclone further strengthened as it moved away from the island, reaching its peak intensity with 1-minute sustained winds of 105 mph (169 km/h) and a minimum central atmospheric pressure of 965 mbar (28.5 inHg) on September 14. On the evening of September 15, Paulette began to weaken and undergo extratropical transition, which it completed on September 16. The hurricane's extratropical remnants persisted and moved southward then eastward, and eventually, Paulette regenerated into a tropical storm early on September 20 south of the Azores– which resulted in the U.S National Weather Service coining the phrase "zombie storm" to describe its unusual regeneration. Paulette's second phase proved short-lived, however, as the storm quickly weakened and became post-tropical again two days later. The remnant persisted for several days before dissipating south of the Azores on September 28. In total, Paulette was a tropical cyclone for 11.25 days, and the system had an overall lifespan of 21 days.
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