Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | October 31,2022 |
Dissipated | November 5,2022 |
Category 1 hurricane | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Highest winds | 90 mph (150 km/h) |
Lowest pressure | 985 mbar (hPa);29.09 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | None |
Damage | $100 million (2022 USD) |
Areas affected | Jamaica,Grand Cayman,Belize,Guatemala,Honduras,Mexico |
[1] | |
Part of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season |
Hurricane Lisa was a strong tropical cyclone that caused extensive and destructive flooding across Belize and other parts of northern Central America in November 2022. Lisa was the fourteenth tropical cyclone,twelfth named storm and sixth hurricane of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season. The cyclone developed from a tropical wave that entered the Caribbean Sea on October 25. The wave spawned a broad low-pressure area on October 28,which gradually consolidated into a tropical storm on October 31,and received the name Lisa. Lisa gradually intensified as it continued west-northwestward across the Caribbean,becoming a hurricane on November 2 over the inlet Gulf of Honduras. Lisa achieved peak intensity late that day as a strong Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph (140 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 985 mbar (29.1 inHg),while making landfall near the mouth of the Sibun River in Belize. Lisa quickly deteriorated as it crossed the Yucatán Peninsula,weakening to a tropical storm early on November 3,and further to a tropical depression by 12:00 UTC [a] that day. Tropical Depression Lisa emerged over the Bay of Campeche,where it failed to reorganize and opened up into a trough on November 5.
The hurricane caused significant destruction in Belize,severely damaging many homes,schools and businesses,several of which reported complete roof failure. Around 5,000 homes were damaged in Belize,with an additional 500 being completely destroyed. Total damages from the storm in Belize were estimated at US$100 million. [b] Additional damage from flooding and mudslides were reported in Guatemala and parts of southern Mexico,while lesser effects were felt from the storm in Honduras. Despite the considerable destruction,no deaths were reported from Lisa. Lisa was one of only two November hurricanes to strike Belize on record,along with the unnamed 1942 Belize hurricane. [2]
A low-latitude, westward-moving tropical wave left the west coast of Africa on October 17, 2022. The system featured sporadic thunderstorm activity, but westerly wind shear prevented development over the tropical Atlantic. The wave crossed the Lesser Antilles into the Caribbean Sea on October 25 while gradually slowing down. The system interacted with a large mid-level trough as the latter moved eastward across the central Caribbean, spawning a broad area of low pressure on October 28. Dry air left behind by the trough, coupled with continued westerly wind shear, initially prevented development of the low-pressure area as it continued slowly westward. However, it gradually became better organized as conditions became more favorable for tropical cyclogenesis on October 30. [1] Although the system had not yet become organized enough to be declared a tropical cyclone, due to its impending threat to bring tropical storm conditions to Jamaica and Grand Cayman, advisories were initiated on the system as Potential Tropical Cyclone Fifteen at 21:00 UTC that day by the United States –based National Hurricane Center (NHC). [3] More concentrated convection developed over the disturbance's center the following day, leading to the formation of a well-defined surface circulation. Thus, the system became a tropical storm around 12:00 UTC October 31 about 150 nautical miles, or 173 mi (278 km), south of Kingston, Jamaica, as it was already producing gale-force winds; accordingly, it was named Lisa by the NHC. [c] [1]
Lisa initially intensified slowly due to continued westerly wind shear, as well as dry-air intrusions into its newly-formed circulation. The storm turned west-northwestward under the influence of a ridge to its north. However, reduced shear and dry-air intrusions allowed the small cyclone to begin to steadily intensify on November 1, acquiring a more symmetric appearance and expanding outflow. Entering the Gulf of Honduras in the northwestern Caribbean, Lisa strengthened to a hurricane by 12:00 UTC November 2. Lisa developed an eye that afternoon as it neared the coast of Belize, and the hurricane made landfall about 11.5 mi (18.5 km) southwest of Belize City around 21:30 UTC that day. Lisa concurrently reached its peak intensity, with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph (140 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 985 mbar (29.1 inHg), a strong Category 1 hurricane. [1]
Lisa quickly weakened as it moved inland over northern Central America; however, a portion of its circulation always remained over water during its nearly 36-hour passage over land, allowing the system to maintain its status as a tropical cyclone. Lisa weakened to a tropical storm early on November 3 and further to a tropical depression by 12:00 UTC that day. Lisa emerged over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, in the Bay of Campeche, just after 6:00 UTC November 4. Despite being back over water, Lisa continued to weaken due to increasing southwesterly shear and entrainment of dry air into its circulation, as it slowed down and turned to the north. The weak depression degenerated to a trough of low pressure by 12:00 UTC November 5, about 100 mi (160 km) northeast of the city of Veracruz. [1]
Although Lisa had not yet become a tropical cyclone by October 30, advisories were initiated on the system as Potential Tropical Cyclone Fifteen at 21:00 UTC that day to allow for the issuance of tropical storm watches for Jamaica and Grand Cayman, as the system passed to the south and west. [1] A hurricane warning was issued for the entire coast of Belize as Lisa approached, as well as from Chetumal to Costa Maya along the coast of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, in anticipation of flash flooding, hurricane-force winds and rainfall accumulations of over 7 in (180 mm). A tropical storm warning was issued along the northern coasts of Guatemala and Honduras as well. [4] In advance of Lisa's passage near the country, Guatemalan president Alejandro Giammattei ordered food rations to be sent to vulnerable parts of the nation. [5]
Lisa caused intense and destructive flooding across much of Belize. The highest recorded amount of rain fell at the Mayan ruin site of Altun Ha, peaking at 8.43 in (214 mm), although it is estimated that up to 9 in (230 mm) of rain fell in northeastern Belize. A storm surge of 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters) inundated much of the coastline of Belize, particularly in the Belize District in the northeastern portion of the country, and water levels were raised by as much as 7 ft (2.1 m) above normal tide levels near and to the north of Lisa's center onshore. [6] Reports of strong winds, fallen trees, and power line and roof damage were reported as far inland as the Cayo District in the western Belize. Nearly 5,000 homes were damaged across Belize, and a further 500 were completely destroyed. 6,500 families were severely affected by Lisa across the country. [1] A total of 172,000 people were impacted by the hurricane, and at least 5,000 were temporarily displaced by its passage into state-run shelters. [7]
Much of Belize City, the country's largest city, was inundated with water at the height of the storm, and suffered particularly severe damage. [1] [8] The area was left without power and potable water during and immediately following Lisa's passage, as the storm uprooted trees, downed power lines and flooded streets. Widespread roof damage also occurred. [5] While no detailed damage reports were provided by Belizean authorities, significant damage to infrastructure, utilities, agriculture, and boats were reported across the country, with many of them centered on Belize City and the nearby village of Ladyville. [6] About 1,221 people were housed in shelters in Belize City. Several parts of the Belize power system required extensive repairs following the storm. [9] Total damage from Lisa across Belize was estimated at US$100 million. [1]
Following the hurricane, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a regional division of the World Health Organization, sent a Disaster Response Team to assist in recovery from Lisa. Medical kits, food and water, and hygiene products were among the supplies distributed. PAHO also coordinated with Belize's Ministry of Health and Wellness to survey for food-borne illnesses and possible disease outbreaks following the storm. [7] A disaster response emergency fund was launched by the Belize Red Cross to assist over 1,000 families affected by the storm. [6]
Intense flooding, heavy rains and gusty winds, but ultimately moderate damage, took place in portions of northern Guatemala, particularly in Melchor de Mencos, the major border city between Guatemala and Belize. [5] Flooding and landslides were worst in Petén, Guatemala's northernmost department, where 143 people were evacuated and 48 were placed in shelters. [10] Heavy rains afflicted the northern coast of Honduras, particularly the Bay Islands, although minimal damage was recorded there. [9]
Heavy rainfall from Lisa extended into southern Mexico as the storm crossed over the area, bringing continued flooding and mudslide threats. The storm continued to generate heavy rainfall over parts of the area as it turned north into the Gulf of Mexico. [11] The cyclone disrupted the World Wide Technology Championship of the PGA Tour in Cancún, Quintana Roo, forcing players to seeks shelter and disrupting games. [12]
The 2004 Atlantic hurricane season was a very deadly, destructive, and active Atlantic hurricane season, with over 3,200 deaths and more than $61 billion in damage. More than half of the 16 tropical cyclones brushed or struck the United States. Due to the development of a Modoki El Niño – a rare type of El Niño in which unfavorable conditions are produced over the eastern Pacific instead of the Atlantic basin due to warmer sea surface temperatures farther west along the equatorial Pacific – activity was above average. The season officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30, though the season's last storm, Otto, dissipated on December 3, extending the season beyond its traditional boundaries. The first storm, Alex, developed offshore of the Southeastern United States on July 31, one of the latest dates on record to see the formation of the first system in an Atlantic hurricane season. It brushed the Carolinas and the Mid-Atlantic, causing one death and $7.5 million (2004 USD) in damage. Several storms caused only minor damage, including tropical storms Bonnie, Earl, Hermine, and Matthew. In addition, hurricanes Danielle, Karl, and Lisa, Tropical Depression Ten, Subtropical Storm Nicole and Tropical Storm Otto had no effect on land while tropical cyclones. The season was the first to exceed 200 units in accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) since 1995, mostly from Hurricane Ivan, which produced the highest ACE out of any storm this season. Ivan generated the second-highest ACE in the Atlantic, only behind the 1899 San Ciriaco Hurricane.
The 1961 Atlantic hurricane season was a very active Atlantic hurricane season, with an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) total of 189, the highest since 1950 and until being surpassed by 1995. The season, however, was an average one in terms of named storms. The season featured eight hurricanes and a well above average number of five major hurricanes. It was previously thought that the season had a record-tying seven major hurricanes, before the Atlantic hurricane reanalysis project downgraded two storms in 2019. Two Category 5 hurricanes were seen in 1961, making it one of only eight Atlantic hurricane seasons to feature multiple Category 5 hurricanes in one season. The season started on June 15, and ended on November 15. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. The first system, an operationally unclassified tropical depression, formed offshore east Central Florida on June 10, but dissipated a few days later. Next, Hurricane Anna developed in the eastern Caribbean Sea near the Windward Islands on July 20. It brought minor damage to the islands in, as well as wind and flood impacts to Central America after striking Belize as a hurricane. Anna caused one death and about $300,000 (1961 USD) in damage. Activity went dormant for nearly a month and a half, until Hurricane Betsy developed on September 2. Betsy peaked as a Category 4 hurricane, but remained at sea and caused no impact.
The 1970 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 and lasted until November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. The season was fairly average, with 14 named storms forming, of which seven were hurricanes. Two of those seven became major hurricanes, which are Category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson scale. Also, this was the first season in which reconnaissance aircraft flew into all four quadrants of a tropical cyclone.
The 1974 Atlantic hurricane season was a destructive and deadly hurricane season. In terms of overall activity, it was near average, with eleven named storms forming, of which four became hurricanes. Two of those four became major hurricanes, which are Category 3 or higher systems on the Saffir–Simpson scale. The season officially began on June 1 and lasted until November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic Ocean.
The 1980 Atlantic hurricane season featured nine hurricanes, the most since 1969. This hurricane season was fairly active, with sixteen tropical cyclones forming, eleven of which strengthened into named tropical storms. The season officially began on June 1, 1980, and lasted until November 30, 1980. It was the first time since the 1971 season that there were no active tropical cyclones in the Atlantic basin during the month of June. The season occurred during an ENSO-neutral phase, having neither an El Niño nor a La Niña.
Hurricane Iris was a small, but powerful tropical cyclone that caused widespread destruction in Belize. Iris was the second-strongest storm of the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season, behind Hurricane Michelle. It was the ninth named storm, fifth hurricane, and third major hurricane of the year, forming from a tropical wave on October 4 just southeast of Barbados. It moved westward through the Caribbean, intensifying into a tropical storm on October 5 south of Puerto Rico, and into a hurricane on the following day. While passing south of the Dominican Republic, Iris dropped heavy rainfall that caused landslides, killing eight people. Later, the hurricane passed south of Jamaica, where it destroyed two houses. On reaching the western Caribbean Sea, Iris rapidly intensified into a Category 4 on the Saffir–Simpson scale. A small hurricane with an eye of only 7 mi (11 km) in diameter, Iris reached peak winds of 145 mph (233 km/h) before making landfall in southern Belize near Monkey River Town on October 9. The hurricane quickly dissipated over Central America, although its remnants contributed to the formation of Tropical Storm Manuel in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The hurricane caused severe damage—destroying homes, flooding streets, and leveling trees—in coastal towns south of Belize City.
The 1931 Atlantic hurricane season was an active hurricane season, with a total of 13 storms recorded, which was the most since 1916. However, only three of them intensified into hurricanes and just one reached major hurricane intensity, which is Category 3 or higher on the modern-day Saffir–Simpson scale. Nine of the tropical cyclones were identified in real-time, while evidence of the existence of four other tropical cyclones was uncovered by the Atlantic hurricane reanalysis project in 2012 and added to the Atlantic hurricane database. Additionally, two of the tropical storms were upgraded to hurricane status as part of the reanalysis.
The 1984 Pacific hurricane season featured numerous tropical cyclones, several of which were impactful to land. It was a busy hurricane season with 21 named storms, 13 hurricanes, and 7 major hurricanes, the latter of which are Category 3 or stronger cyclones on the Saffir–Simpson scale. This activity was unusual given the presence of a La Niña, which typically suppresses Central and East Pacific tropical cyclone activity, and only average sea surface temperatures. Seasonal activity began on May 17 and ended on November 8. This lies within the confines of a traditional hurricane season which begins on May 15 in the East Pacific and June 1 in the Central Pacific, and ends on November 30 in both basins. These dates conventionally delimit the period during each year when most tropical cyclones form.
Tropical Storm Gamma caused severe flooding in Honduras in November 2005. The twenty-fifth namable storm of the season, Gamma first developed as a tropical depression on November 14 just west of the Windward Islands from a tropical wave that left the west coast of Africa on November 3. Although tropical storm-force winds did not impact the islands, the storm brought damagingly heavy rainfall to Trinidad and to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, causing two deaths on Bequia due to a muslide. The depression intensified into a tropical storm on November 15 over the Caribbean Sea while moving away from the Windward Islands. However, unfavorable wind shear weakened the storm to a tropical depression later that day and caused it to degenerate into a tropical wave on November 16 about halfway between Colombia and Jamaica.
Hurricane Greta, later Hurricane Olivia, was one of fourteen named Atlantic hurricanes to cross over Central America into the eastern Pacific while remaining a tropical cyclone. The seventh named storm of the 1978 Atlantic hurricane season, Greta formed from a tropical wave just northwest of Trinidad on September 13, and despite being in a climatologically unfavorable area, gradually intensified while moving west-northwestward. On September 16, it became a hurricane south of Jamaica. Two days later, the well-defined eye approached northeastern Honduras but veered to the northwest. After reaching peak winds of 130 mph (210 km/h) that day, Greta weakened while paralleling the northern Honduras coast just offshore. On September 19, it made landfall on Belize near Dangriga and quickly weakened into a tropical depression while crossing Guatemala and southeastern Mexico. After entering the eastern Pacific, the system re-intensified into a hurricane and was renamed Olivia, the eighteenth named storm of the 1978 Pacific hurricane season which weakened before landfall and dissipated over Chiapas on September 23.
The 2008 Pacific hurricane season was a near-average Pacific hurricane season which featured seventeen named storms, though most were rather weak and short-lived. Only seven storms became hurricanes, of which two intensified into major hurricanes. This season was also the first since 1996 to have no cyclones cross into the central Pacific. The season officially began on May 15 in the eastern Pacific and on June 1 in the central Pacific. It ended in both regions on November 30. These dates, adopted by convention, historically describe the period in each year when most tropical cyclone formation occurs in these regions of the Pacific. This season, the first system, Tropical Storm Alma, formed on May 29, and the last, Tropical Storm Polo, dissipated on November 5.
The 2010 Atlantic hurricane season was the first of three consecutive very active Atlantic hurricane seasons, each with 19 named storms. This above average activity included 12 hurricanes, equaling the number that formed in 1969. Only the 2020 and 2005 seasons have had more, at 14 and 15 hurricanes respectively. Despite the high number of hurricanes, not one hurricane hit the United States, making the season the only season with 10 or more hurricanes without a United States landfall. The overall tropical cyclone count in the Atlantic exceeded that in the West Pacific for only the second time on record. The season officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30, dates that conventionally delimit the period during each year when tropical cyclone formation is most likely. The first cyclone, Alex intensified into the first June hurricane since Allison in 1995. The month of September featured eight named storms. October featured five hurricanes, including Tomas, which became the latest on record in a calendar year to move through the Windward Islands. Activity was represented with an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) value of 165 units, which was the eleventh highest value on record at the time. The activity in 2010 was heightened due to a very strong La Niña, which also led to an inactive Pacific hurricane season.
The 2015 Pacific hurricane season is the second-most active Pacific hurricane season on record, with 26 named storms, only behind the 1992 season. A record-tying 16 of those storms became hurricanes, and a record 11 storms further intensified into major hurricanes throughout the season. The Central Pacific, the portion of the Northeast Pacific Ocean between the International Date Line and the 140th meridian west, had its most active year on record, with 16 tropical cyclones forming in or entering the basin. Moreover, the season was the third-most active season in terms of accumulated cyclone energy, amassing a total of 290 units. The season 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 the Northeast Pacific basin. However, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year. This was shown when a tropical depression formed on December 31. The above-average activity during the season was attributed in part to the very strong 2014–2016 El Niño event.
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active Atlantic hurricane season on record, in terms of number of systems. It featured a total of 31 tropical or subtropical cyclones, with all but one cyclone becoming a named storm. Of the 30 named storms, 14 developed into hurricanes, and a record-tying seven further intensified into major hurricanes. It was the second and final season to use the Greek letter storm naming system, the first being 2005, the previous record. Of the 30 named storms, 11 of them made landfall in the contiguous United States, breaking the record of nine set in 1916. During the season, 27 tropical storms established a new record for earliest formation date by storm number. This season also featured a record ten tropical cyclones that underwent rapid intensification, tying it with 1995, as well as tying the record for most Category 4 hurricanes in a singular season in the Atlantic Basin. This unprecedented activity was fueled by a La Niña that developed in the summer months of 2020, continuing a stretch of above-average seasonal activity that began in 2016. Despite the record-high activity, this was the first season since 2015 in which no Category 5 hurricanes formed.
Tropical Storm Harvey was the final tropical cyclone in a record-breaking string of eight consecutive storms that failed to attain hurricane intensity. The eighth tropical cyclone and eighth named storm of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, Harvey developed from a tropical wave in the western Caribbean Sea on August 19. It moved over warm waters in the vicinity of Central America. Later on August 19, the system strengthened into Tropical Storm Harvey while just offshore Honduras. Additional organization occurred and Harvey attained its peak intensity of 65 mph (100 km/h) prior to coming ashore Belize on August 20. Harvey weakened to a tropical depression on August 21, but re-intensified to a tropical storm after emerging into the Bay of Campeche. Early on August 22, it made landfall in Veracruz, then weakened and dissipated several hours later.
Tropical Storm Selma was the first tropical storm on record to make landfall in El Salvador, and only the second Pacific tropical cyclone to attain tropical storm strength east of 90°W, the other being Alma of 2008. The twentieth tropical cyclone and eighteenth named storm of the 2017 Pacific hurricane season, Selma formed from a Central American gyre on October 27. The storm tracked northeastward and reached its peak intensity as a minimal tropical storm before making landfall east of San Salvador, El Salvador early on October 28. Selma rapidly weakened after making landfall, and its remnant circulation dissipated overland at 18:00 UTC on the same day.
The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season was a destructive and deadly Atlantic hurricane season. Despite having an average number of named storms and below average amount of major hurricanes, it became the fourth-costliest Atlantic hurricane season on record, behind only 2005, 2024 and 2017 mostly due to Hurricane Ian. The season officially began on June 1, and ended on November 30. These dates, adopted by convention, historically describe the period in each year when most subtropical or tropical cyclogenesis occurs in the Atlantic Ocean. This year's first Atlantic named storm, Tropical Storm Alex, developed five days after the start of the season, making this the first season since 2014 not to have a pre-season named storm.
The 2020 Pacific hurricane season was a near average Pacific hurricane season in terms of named storms, featuring 17, but well below average season for hurricanes and major hurricanes, with only 4 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes forming. Additionally, no tropical cyclones formed in the Central Pacific basin for the first time since 2017. The season officially began on May 15 in the East Pacific Ocean, and on June 1 in the Central Pacific (from 140°W to the International Date Line, north of the equator; they both ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the respective regions. However, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year, as illustrated in 2020 by the formation of the season's first system, Tropical Depression One-E, on April 25. This was the earliest formation of a tropical cyclone on record in the eastern Pacific basin proper. The final system of the season was Tropical Storm Polo, which dissipated on November 19.
The 2022 Pacific hurricane season was a slightly above average hurricane season in the eastern North Pacific basin, with nineteen named storms, ten hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. Two of the storms crossed into the basin from the Atlantic. In the central North Pacific basin, no tropical cyclones formed. The season officially began on May 15 in the eastern Pacific, and on June 1 in the central; both ended on November 30. These dates historically describe the period each year when most tropical cyclogenesis occurs in these regions of the Pacific and are adopted by convention.
Hurricane Nana was a small, short-lived tropical cyclone that caused relatively minor damage in Belize and Mexico in early September 2020. The sixteenth tropical cyclone, fourteenth named storm, and fifth hurricane of the record-breaking 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, Nana originated from a tropical wave that moved off the coast of West Africa on August 23. The system progressed westward with little development for the next week before crossing into the Caribbean Sea. The wave gradually developed organized convection and a defined surface low on September 1, signifying the formation of Tropical Storm Nana as it approached Jamaica. Persistent wind shear stifled development of the storm, though following repeated bursts of deep convection, it intensified into a minimal hurricane on September 3. Nana attained peak winds of 75 mph (121 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 994 mbar shortly before striking Belize. Once onshore, the hurricane rapidly degraded and its surface low dissipated over Guatemala on September 4. The mid-level remnants of Nana later reorganized over the Gulf of Tehuantepec and became Tropical Storm Julio.
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the National Weather Service .