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maintext also describes MSLP at landfall as 984.3 mbar (round down to 984)
 
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{{short description|Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone in 2020}}
{{short description|Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone in 2020}}
{{use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Infobox storm
{{Infobox weather event
⚫
| image = Ianos 2020-09-17 1140Z.jpg
|event=Cyclone Ianos
⚫
| caption = Ianos shortly before its record peak intensity, nearing landfall in [[Greece]] on 17 September.
⚫
|image=Ianos 2020-09-17 1140Z.jpg
⚫
| formed = {{start date|14 September 2020}}
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|caption=Ianos at peak intensity, nearing landfall in [[Greece]] on 17 September.
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| dissipated = {{end date|21 September 2020}}
|type=[[Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone]]
}}{{Infobox weather event/SSHWS
⚫
|formed=14 September 2020
| winds = 85
⚫
|dissipated=21 September 2020
| gusts = 105
|lowest pressure=984.3
| pressure = 984
|1-min winds=86 <!-- This parameter uses knots, as most storm infoboxes do -->
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
|gusts=≥{{convert|195|km/h|mph|abbr=on|order=flip}}
| year = 2020
⚫
|damages=≥ $100 million (2020 USD)<ref name="September 2020 weather report" /><br />≥ [[Euro|€]]164 million (2020 Euro)
|fatalities=4 dead, 1 missing
| fatalities = 4
| missing = 1 (presumed dead)
⚫
|areas affected=[[Libya]], [[Italy]], [[Malta]], [[Greece]], [[Crete]], [[Cyrenaica]]
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| damage = ≥ $100 million (2020 USD)<ref name="September 2020 weather report" /><br />≥ €164 million (2020 Euro)
|season=[[Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone|2020–21 Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone season]]
⚫
| areas = [[Libya]], [[Italy]], [[Malta]], [[Greece]], [[Crete]], [[Cyrenaica]]
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
}}
}}
'''Cyclone Ianos''', also known as '''Medicane Ianos''', was a rare [[Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone|Medicane]] that impacted the eastern [[Mediterranean basin|Mediterranean]] on 17 and 18 September 2020, especially [[Greece]]. Ianos developed from an [[low-pressure area (meteorology)|area of low pressure]] over the [[Gulf of Sidra]] that quickly began [[tropical cyclogenesis]] while moving over warm waters. After receiving various names from different meteorological centers, the storm, dubbed ''Ianos'' by the METEO unit of the [[National Observatory of Athens]],<ref name="naming">{{cite web|url=https://www.meteo.gr/namedstorms.cfm|title=Ονοματοδοσία χαμηλών βαρομετρικών / διαταραχών|trans-title=Naming barometric lows / disturbances|language=Greek|author=|publisher=[[National Observatory of Athens]]|date=2021|accessdate=12 August 2021}}</ref> rapidly intensified while moving northeastward. After scraping [[Italy]], the storm went on to strike [[Malta]] and [[Crete]] with tropical storm-force winds. Despite land interaction, the small cyclone reached its peak intensity of {{convert|159|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} with wind gusts up to {{convert|195|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} on 18 September,<ref name="IanosBAMS">{{cite journal |author1=Lagouvardos, K.|author2=Karagiannidis, A.|author3=Dafis, S.|author4=Kalimeris, A.|author5=Kotroni, V.|url=https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/bams/aop/BAMS-D-20-0274.1/BAMS-D-20-0274.1.xml?tab_body=fulltext-display|title=Ianos - A hurricane in the Mediterranean |journal=Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society |volume=102|issue=9|pages=E1621–E1636|publisher=[[American Meteorological Society]]|date=28 September 2021|access-date=3 October 2021|doi=10.1175/BAMS-D-20-0274.1|s2cid=244187015 }}</ref> equivalent to a [[Saffir–Simpson scale#Category 2|Category 2 hurricane]] on the [[Saffir–Simpson scale]], immediately before making landfall in southwestern Greece. After landfall, Ianos turned back out to sea and moved south-southeastward, before dissipating on 21 September.
'''Cyclone Ianos''', also known as '''Medicane Ianos''', was a rare [[Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone|medicane]] that impacted the eastern [[Mediterranean basin|Mediterranean]] on 17 and 18 September 2020, especially [[Greece]]. Ianos developed from an [[low-pressure area (meteorology)|area of low pressure]] over the [[Gulf of Sidra]] that quickly began [[tropical cyclogenesis]] while moving over warm waters. After receiving various names from different meteorological centers, the storm, dubbed ''Ianos'' by the METEO unit of the [[National Observatory of Athens]],<ref name="naming">{{cite web|url=https://www.meteo.gr/namedstorms.cfm|title=Ονοματοδοσία χαμηλών βαρομετρικών / διαταραχών|trans-title=Naming barometric lows / disturbances|language=Greek|publisher=[[National Observatory of Athens]]|date=2021|access-date=12 August 2021}}</ref> rapidly intensified while moving northeastward. After scraping [[Italy]], the storm went on to strike [[Malta]] and [[Crete]] with tropical storm-force winds. Despite land interaction, the small cyclone reached its peak intensity of {{convert|159|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} with wind gusts up to {{convert|195|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} on 18 September,<ref name="IanosBAMS">{{cite journal |author1=Lagouvardos, K.|author2=Karagiannidis, A.|author3=Dafis, S.|author4=Kalimeris, A.|author5=Kotroni, V.|title=Ianos - A hurricane in the Mediterranean |journal=Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society |volume=102|issue=9|pages=E1621–E1636|publisher=[[American Meteorological Society]]|date=28 September 2021|doi=10.1175/BAMS-D-20-0274.1|s2cid=244187015 |doi-access=free}}</ref> equivalent to a [[Saffir–Simpson scale#Category 2|Category 2 hurricane]] on the [[Saffir–Simpson scale]], immediately before making landfall in southwestern Greece. After landfall, Ianos turned back out to sea and moved south-southeastward, before dissipating on 21 September.


Damage was severe in Greece, with cities in the central part of the country getting the brunt of the storm's impacts. Cities such as [[Karditsa]] and [[Mouzaki]] were flooded for several days. Heavy agricultural damage was reported in rural areas north of [[Athens]]. A state of emergency was declared for the islands of [[Ithaca (island)|Ithaca]], [[Kefalonia]], and [[Zakynthos]]. Four people were killed, and one person remains missing.<ref name="BBCNews" /><ref name="woman missing" /> Ianos caused at least $100 million (2020 [[United States dollar|USD]]) in damages.<ref name="September 2020 weather report">{{cite web|title=Global Catastrophe Recap - September 2020|url=http://thoughtleadership.aonbenfield.com//Documents/20200810_analytics-if-september-global-recap.pdf|work=Aon Benfield|date=8 October 2020|access-date=9 October 2020|page=6}}</ref>
Damage was severe in Greece, with cities in the central part of the country getting the brunt of the storm's impacts. Cities such as [[Karditsa]] and [[Mouzaki]] were flooded for several days. Heavy agricultural damage was reported in rural areas north of [[Athens]]. A state of emergency was declared for the islands of [[Ithaca (island)|Ithaca]], [[Kefalonia]], and [[Zakynthos]]. Four people were killed, and one person remains missing.<ref name="BBCNews" /><ref name="woman missing" /> Ianos caused at least $100 million (2020 USD) in damages.<ref name="September 2020 weather report">{{cite web|title=Global Catastrophe Recap - September 2020|url=http://thoughtleadership.aonbenfield.com//Documents/20200810_analytics-if-september-global-recap.pdf|work=Aon Benfield|date=8 October 2020|access-date=9 October 2020|page=6|archive-date=8 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008154255/http://thoughtleadership.aonbenfield.com//Documents/20200810_analytics-if-september-global-recap.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Meteorological history==
==Meteorological history==
{{Storm path|Ianos 2020 track.png}}
{{Storm path|Ianos 2020 track.png}}
An [[upper-level low]] moved eastward in the southern [[Mediterranean Sea]] through 14 September. On that day, a [[low-pressure area]] began to develop over the [[Gulf of Sidra]], beginning [[tropical cyclogenesis]] by forming a [[warm-core low|warm core]] at the surface.<ref>{{cite web|last=Korošec|first=Marko|url=https://www.severe-weather.eu/outlooks-day1/severe-weather-outlook-medicane-ianos-mk/|title=Severe Weather Outlook for Medicane Ianos – Sept 17–19th, 2020|website=severe-weather.eu|date=16 September 2020|access-date=23 September 2020}}</ref> The cyclone quickly developed in the subsequent hours while slowly moving northwest, with a wind speed of around {{convert|50|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref name="IanosWP"/> By 15 September, it had intensified to {{convert|65|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, with a minimum pressure of {{convert|1010|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}, with further development predicted over the coming days. The cyclone had strong potential to become tropical over the next several days due to warm sea temperatures of {{convert|27|to|28|C|F|abbr=on}} in the region. Weather models predicted that it would likely hit the west coast of Greece on 17 or 18 September. Ianos gradually intensified over the [[Ionian Sea]], acquiring an [[eye (cyclone)|eye-like feature]]. Ianos made landfall on Greece at peak intensity on 03:00 UTC on 18 September, with winds peaking near {{convert|159|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} and a minimum central pressure estimated at {{convert|984.3|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}, equivalent to a [[Category 2 hurricane]].<ref name="IanosBAMS" /><ref name="IanosWP">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2020/09/17/medicane-storm-greece/ |title=A strong 'medicane' named Ianos is forecast to bring hurricane-like conditions to Greece |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=17 September 2020}}</ref><ref name="USDA">{{cite report|title=Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin |url=https://downloads.usda.library.cornell.edu/usda-esmis/files/cj82k728n/r781x571v/7h14bc86h/wwcb3820.pdf#page=28 |volume=107 |issue=34 |website=usda.library.cornell.edu |publisher=[[United States Department of Agriculture]] |page=28 |date=22 September 2020 |access-date=24 September 2020}}</ref>
An [[upper-level low]] moved eastward in the southern [[Mediterranean Sea]] through 14 September. On that day, a [[low-pressure area]] began to develop over the [[Gulf of Sidra]], beginning [[tropical cyclogenesis]] by forming a [[warm-core low|warm core]] at the surface.<ref>{{cite web|last=Korošec|first=Marko|url=https://www.severe-weather.eu/outlooks-day1/severe-weather-outlook-medicane-ianos-mk/|title=Severe Weather Outlook for Medicane Ianos – Sept 17–19th, 2020|website=severe-weather.eu|date=16 September 2020|access-date=23 September 2020}}</ref> The cyclone quickly developed in the subsequent hours while slowly moving northwest, with a wind speed of around {{convert|50|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref name="IanosWP"/> By 15 September, it had intensified to {{convert|65|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, with a minimum pressure of {{convert|1010|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}, with further development predicted over the coming days. The cyclone had strong potential to become tropical over the next several days due to warm sea temperatures of {{convert|27|to|28|C|F|abbr=on}} in the region. Weather models predicted that it would likely hit the west coast of Greece on 17 or 18 September. Ianos gradually intensified over the [[Ionian Sea]], acquiring an [[eye (cyclone)|eye-like feature]]. Ianos made landfall on Greece at peak intensity on 03:00 UTC on 18 September, with winds peaking near {{convert|159|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} and a minimum central pressure estimated at {{convert|984.3|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}, equivalent to a [[Category 2 hurricane]].<ref name="IanosBAMS" /><ref name="IanosWP">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2020/09/17/medicane-storm-greece/ |title=A strong 'medicane' named Ianos is forecast to bring hurricane-like conditions to Greece |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=17 September 2020}}</ref><ref name="USDA">{{cite report|title=Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin |url=https://downloads.usda.library.cornell.edu/usda-esmis/files/cj82k728n/r781x571v/7h14bc86h/wwcb3820.pdf#page=28 |volume=107 |issue=34 |website=usda.library.cornell.edu |publisher=[[United States Department of Agriculture]] |page=28 |date=22 September 2020 |access-date=24 September 2020}}</ref>


⚫
After making landfall, Ianos turned south-southeastward on 19 September, moving back out to sea,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20200919.gif|title=Europe Weather Analysis on 2020-9-19|publisher=[[Free University of Berlin]]|date=19 September 2020|access-date=9 October 2020|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109060506/http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20200919.gif|url-status=dead}}</ref> where the storm managed to reorganize somewhat. Soon afterward, Ianos underwent a weakening trend. Ianos continued moving south-southeastward for another couple of days before dissipating on 21 September, off the coast of [[Cyrenaica]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20200920.gif|title=Europe Weather Analysis on 2020-9-20|publisher=[[Free University of Berlin]]|date=20 September 2020|access-date=9 October 2020|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109060518/http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20200920.gif|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20200921.gif|title=Europe Weather Analysis on 2020-9-21|publisher=[[Free University of Berlin]]|date=21 September 2020|access-date=9 October 2020|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109060523/http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20200921.gif|url-status=dead}}</ref>


⚫
Warmer [[sea surface temperature]]s caused by [[climate change]] in the [[Mediterranean Sea]] can allow the storms to take on more tropical appearances and characteristics, increasing the wind speeds and making the storms more intense.<ref name="AlJazeera">{{cite news |publisher=[[Al Jazeera Media Network|AlJazeera]] |title=Storm Ianos: Three dead as rare 'medicane' batters Greece |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/09/20/storm-ianos-three-dead-as-rare-medicane-batters-greece/ |website=www.aljazeera |date=20 September 2020 |access-date=2020-09-24 }}</ref> A 2017 study in Global and Planetary Change led by Raquel Romera examined a large suite of regional climate model projections, which supported the theory that medicanes will gradually become stronger due to [[climate change]].<ref name="Yale">{{cite web |last1=Masters |first1=Jeff |last2=Henson |first2=Bob |date=18 September 2020 |title=A slew of weather events – including two named storms troubling Europe – pose challenges far and wide » Yale Climate Connections |url=https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2020/09/a-slew-of-weather-events-including-two-named-storms-troubling-europe-pose-challenges-far-and-wide/ |access-date=24 September 2020 |website=Yale Climate Connections}}</ref>
⚫
After making landfall, Ianos turned south-southeastward on 19 September, moving back out to sea,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20200919.gif|title=Europe Weather Analysis on 2020-9-19|publisher=[[Free University of Berlin]]|date=19 September 2020|access-date=9 October 2020}}</ref> where the storm managed to reorganize somewhat. Soon afterward, Ianos underwent a weakening trend. Ianos continued moving south-southeastward for another couple of days before dissipating on 21 September, off the coast of [[Cyrenaica]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20200920.gif|title=Europe Weather Analysis on 2020-9-20|publisher=[[Free University of Berlin]]|date=20 September 2020|access-date=9 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20200921.gif|title=Europe Weather Analysis on 2020-9-21|publisher=[[Free University of Berlin]]|date=21 September 2020|access-date=9 October 2020}}</ref>

⚫
Warmer [[sea surface temperature]]s caused by [[climate change]] in the [[Mediterranean Sea]] can allow the storms to take on more tropical appearances and characteristics, increasing the wind speeds and making the storms more intense.<ref name="AlJazeera">{{cite news |publisher=[[AlJazeera]] |title=Storm Ianos: Three dead as rare 'medicane' batters Greece |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/09/20/storm-ianos-three-dead-as-rare-medicane-batters-greece/ |website=www.aljazeera |date=20 September 2020 |access-date=2020-09-24 }}</ref> A 2017 study in Global and Planetary Change led by Raquel Romera examined a large suite of regional climate model projections, which supported the theory that medicanes will gradually become stronger due to [[climate change]].<ref name="Yale">{{cite web |last1=Masters |first1=Jeff |last2=Henson |first2=Bob |date=18 September 2020 |title=A slew of weather events – including two named storms troubling Europe – pose challenges far and wide » Yale Climate Connections |url=https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2020/09/a-slew-of-weather-events-including-two-named-storms-troubling-europe-pose-challenges-far-and-wide/ |access-date=24 September 2020 |website=Yale Climate Connections}}</ref>


==Preparations and impact==
==Preparations and impact==
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As Ianos passed to the south of [[Italy]] on 16 September, it produced heavy rain across the southern part of the country and in [[Sicily]]. As much as {{convert|35|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rain was reported in [[Reggio Calabria]], more than the city's normal monthly rainfall.<ref name="Janus"/>
As Ianos passed to the south of [[Italy]] on 16 September, it produced heavy rain across the southern part of the country and in [[Sicily]]. As much as {{convert|35|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rain was reported in [[Reggio Calabria]], more than the city's normal monthly rainfall.<ref name="Janus"/>


The [[Hellenic National Meteorological Service]] issued Red Alerts, the highest level of warnings, to alert people of the storm while it was approaching Greece.<ref>{{cite web |date=2020-09-18 |title=Medicane hits Greece |url=https://public.wmo.int/en/media/news/medicane-hits-greece |access-date=2020-09-24 |website=World Meteorological Organization}}</ref> Downed trees and power outages were reported on Kefalonia, and residents were urged to stay indoors. Wind gusts reached {{convert|195|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} on Kefalonia and Zakynthos.<ref name="IanosBAMS" /> When Ianos stalled over the western part of Greece, it caused flash flooding and landslides. The peak official rainfall amount recorded was {{convert|644.7|mm|in|abbr=on}}, in Kefalonia. <ref name="IanosBAMS" /> Ianos left four people dead and one missing. On 19 September, a man was found dead on his farm north of [[Athens]], while the body of a woman was recovered from her flooded home in a nearby town. On 20 September, the body of a 62-year-old farmer was found under the collapsed roof of his house in a village north of Athens.<ref name="BBCNews"/> In addition, a 43-year-old woman was found dead on 24 September after being declared missing on 20 September. The woman was swept several kilometres from her car by [[flash flood]]ing.<ref name="woman missing">{{cite news |publisher=[[Greek Reporter]] |last=Wichmann |first=Anna |title=Woman Missing after Karditsa Flooding Found Dead |url=https://greece.greekreporter.com/2020/09/24/woman-missing-after-karditsa-flooding-found-dead/ |website=greece.greekreporter.com |date=24 September 2020 |access-date=2020-09-24}}</ref> More than 5,000 homes were damaged.<ref name="BBCNews">{{cite news |work=[[BBC News]] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54219180 |title=Cyclone Ianos: Three dead as 'medicane' sweeps across Greece |date=21 September 2020 |access-date=23 September 2020}}</ref> In addition, there were strong tides in Ionian islands such as [[Kefalonia]], [[Zakynthos]], [[Ithaca (island)|Ithaca]] and [[Lefkada]], and {{convert|120|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} winds at [[Karditsa]] that brought down trees and power lines, and caused landslides. A bridge also collapsed in Karditsa, one of the hardest-hit areas.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54219180 |title=Cyclone Ianos: Two dead as 'medicane' sweeps across Greece |work=BBC News |date=20 September 2020|accessdate=20 September 2020}}</ref> Throughout the country, over 600 people were rescued by the national firefighting service.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.euronews.com/2020/09/17/cyclone-ianos-greek-authorities-issue-warning-for-rare-extreme-weather-phenomenon |title=Cyclone Ianos: Two dead and one missing after 'rare extreme weather phenomenon' hits Greece |website=euronews.com |date=19 September 2020|accessdate=20 September 2020}}</ref> Greece's [[cotton]] crop was ready for harvest, which was set to begin just as the storm hit. However, Ianos likely caused significant flooding and crop losses where rain was heaviest, especially in [[Thessalia]].<ref name="USDA"/> [[Asos|Assos]], in [[Kefalonia]], was isolated from the rest of the island and the mainland. Nearly {{convert|2|m|ft|spell=in}} of rubble covered roads, prohibiting access by car and trapping residents and tourists. Damage in one village (Assos) in Kefalonia totaled more than €50,000 ($58,555 [[USD]]).<ref name="Kefalonia">{{cite web|publisher=Greek City Times|url=https://greekcitytimes.com/2020/09/20/kefalonia-needs-your-help-after-devastating-hurricane-like-storm/|title=Kefalonia needs your help NOW after devastating hurricane-like storm|date=23 September 2020|website=greekcitytimes.com|access-date=2020-09-30}}</ref>
The [[Hellenic National Meteorological Service]] issued Red Alerts, the highest level of warnings, to alert people of the storm while it was approaching Greece.<ref>{{cite web |date=2020-09-18 |title=Medicane hits Greece |url=https://wmo.int/media/news/medicane-hits-greece |access-date=2020-09-24 |website=World Meteorological Organization}}</ref> Downed trees and power outages were reported on Kefalonia, and residents were urged to stay indoors. Wind gusts reached {{convert|195|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} on Kefalonia and Zakynthos.<ref name="IanosBAMS" /> When Ianos stalled over the western part of Greece, it caused flash flooding and landslides. The peak official rainfall amount recorded was {{convert|644.7|mm|in|abbr=on}}, in Kefalonia.<ref name="IanosBAMS" /> Ianos left four people dead and one missing. On 19 September, a man was found dead on his farm north of [[Athens]], while the body of a woman was recovered from her flooded home in a nearby town. On 20 September, the body of a 62-year-old farmer was found under the collapsed roof of his house in a village north of Athens.<ref name="BBCNews"/> In addition, a 43-year-old woman was found dead on 24 September after being declared missing on 20 September. The woman was swept several kilometres from her car by [[flash flood]]ing.<ref name="woman missing">{{cite news |publisher=[[Greek Reporter]] |last=Wichmann |first=Anna |title=Woman Missing after Karditsa Flooding Found Dead |url=https://greece.greekreporter.com/2020/09/24/woman-missing-after-karditsa-flooding-found-dead/ |website=greece.greekreporter.com |date=24 September 2020 |access-date=2020-09-24}}</ref> More than 5,000 homes were damaged.<ref name="BBCNews">{{cite news |work=[[BBC News]] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54219180 |title=Cyclone Ianos: Three dead as 'medicane' sweeps across Greece |date=21 September 2020 |access-date=23 September 2020}}</ref> In addition, there were strong tides in Ionian islands such as [[Kefalonia]], [[Zakynthos]], [[Ithaca (island)|Ithaca]] and [[Lefkada]], and {{convert|120|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} winds at [[Karditsa]] that brought down trees and power lines, and caused landslides. A bridge also collapsed in Karditsa, one of the hardest-hit areas.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54219180 |title=Cyclone Ianos: Two dead as 'medicane' sweeps across Greece |work=BBC News |date=20 September 2020|access-date=20 September 2020}}</ref> Throughout the country, over 600 people were rescued by the national firefighting service.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.euronews.com/2020/09/17/cyclone-ianos-greek-authorities-issue-warning-for-rare-extreme-weather-phenomenon |title=Cyclone Ianos: Two dead and one missing after 'rare extreme weather phenomenon' hits Greece |website=euronews.com |date=19 September 2020|access-date=20 September 2020}}</ref> Greece's [[cotton]] crop was ready for harvest, which was set to begin just as the storm hit. However, Ianos likely caused significant flooding and crop losses where rain was heaviest, especially in [[Thessalia]].<ref name="USDA"/> [[Asos|Assos]], in [[Kefalonia]], was isolated from the rest of the island and the mainland. Nearly {{convert|2|m|ft|spell=in}} of rubble covered roads, prohibiting access by car and trapping residents and tourists. The cost of removing the rubble was estimated at more than €50,000 ($58,555 [[USD]]).<ref name="Kefalonia">{{cite web|publisher=Greek City Times|url=https://greekcitytimes.com/2020/09/20/kefalonia-needs-your-help-after-devastating-hurricane-like-storm/|title=Kefalonia needs your help NOW after devastating hurricane-like storm|date=23 September 2020|website=greekcitytimes.com|access-date=2020-09-30}}</ref>


==Aftermath and naming==
==Aftermath and naming==
On 20 September, the [[Public Power Corporation]] reported that 61 power substations were in operation in the urban zone of [[Karditsa]], and another 10 would be powered shortly. Efforts were made to restore power in [[Argithea]] and [[Mouzaki]]. The top officials of the corporation met with the leader of the Karditsa Fire Department to coordinate and accelerate water pumping in areas where the technical crews needed to work.<ref name="Power"/>
On 20 September, the [[Public Power Corporation]] reported that 61 power substations were in operation in the urban zone of [[Karditsa]], and another 10 would be powered shortly. Efforts were made to restore power in [[Argithea]] and [[Mouzaki]]. The top officials of the corporation met with the leader of the Karditsa Fire Department to coordinate and accelerate water pumping in areas where the technical crews needed to work.<ref name="Power"/>


[[Prime Minister of Greece]] [[Kyriakos Mitsotakis]] pledged that "all the affected areas will have immediate support." He sent three senior officials to the worst-hit central region.<ref name="BBCNews"/> On 22 September, Prime Minister Mitsotakis visited the Karditsa region, one of the hardest-hit regions. 5,000 to 8,000 [[euro]]s were given to each household and business in Karditsa and [[Mouzaki]].<ref>{{cite news|publisher=[[Greek Reporter]]|last=Claus|first=Patricia|title=PM Mitsotakis Tours Devastated Karditsa Area, Promises Swift Aid|url=https://greece.greekreporter.com/2020/09/22/pm-mitsotakis-tours-devastated-karditsa-area-promises-swift-aid/|date=22 September 2020 |website=greece.greekreporter.com|access-date=2020-09-24}}</ref> In Mouzaki, Mayor Fanis Stathis declared that all schools and nurseries will remain closed, as Ianos damaged the road network, and school buildings of the region.<ref name="Power">{{cite news|publisher=The National Herald (Greece)|title=Mitsotakis to Visit Karditsa after "Ianos" Hurricane Damage|url=https://www.thenationalherald.com/greece_politics/arthro/mitsotakis_to_visit_karditsa_after_ianos_hurricane_damage-879213/|date=20 September 2020|website=thenationalherald.com|access-date=2020-09-25}}</ref>
[[Prime Minister of Greece]] [[Kyriakos Mitsotakis]] pledged that "all the affected areas will have immediate support." He sent three senior officials to the worst-hit central region.<ref name="BBCNews"/> On 22 September, Prime Minister Mitsotakis visited the Karditsa region, one of the hardest-hit regions. 5,000 to 8,000 [[euro]]s were given to each household and business in Karditsa and [[Mouzaki]].<ref>{{cite news|publisher=[[Greek Reporter]]|last=Claus|first=Patricia|title=PM Mitsotakis Tours Devastated Karditsa Area, Promises Swift Aid|url=https://greece.greekreporter.com/2020/09/22/pm-mitsotakis-tours-devastated-karditsa-area-promises-swift-aid/|date=22 September 2020 |website=greece.greekreporter.com|access-date=2020-09-24}}</ref> In Mouzaki, Mayor Fanis Stathis declared that all schools and nurseries will remain closed, as Ianos damaged the road network, and school buildings of the region.<ref name="Power">{{cite news|publisher=The National Herald (Greece)|title=Mitsotakis to Visit Karditsa after "Ianos" Hurricane Damage|url=https://www.thenationalherald.com/greece_politics/arthro/mitsotakis_to_visit_karditsa_after_ianos_hurricane_damage-879213/|date=20 September 2020|website=thenationalherald.com|access-date=2020-09-25|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109060000/https://www.thenationalherald.com/greece_politics/arthro/mitsotakis_to_visit_karditsa_after_ianos_hurricane_damage-879213/|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Greece assigned the system the name "Ianos" ({{lang|el|Ιανός}}),<ref>{{cite web |last1=Καραγιαννίδης |first1=Α. |last2=Λαγουβάρδος|first2=Κ.|date=16 September 2020|title=Οι πρώτες δορυφορικές εκτιμήσεις της ολικής βροχόπτωσης του ΙΑΝΟΥ|trans-title=The first satellite estimates of the total rainfall of IANOS|url=http://www.meteo.gr/?entryID=1481|access-date=24 September 2020|website=Meteo.gr|language=el}}</ref> sometimes anglicized to "Janus",<ref name="Janus">{{cite web |last1=Kelly |first1=Maura |title=Storm Janus develops into medicane, will wallop Greece with flooding rain, strong winds |url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/storm-janus-develops-into-medicane-will-wallop-greece-with-flooding-rain-strong-winds/813740 |website=AccuWeather |date=16 September 2020|access-date=16 September 2020}}</ref> while the German weather service used the name "Udine";<ref>{{cite news |title= Medicane UDINE über dem Ionischen Meer |trans-title=Medicane UDINE over the Ionian Sea |url=https://www.dwd.de/DE/wetter/thema_des_tages/2020/9/16.html |access-date=16 September 2020 |work=www.dwd.de |date=16 September 2020 |language=de}}</ref> the Turkish used "Tulpar".
Greece assigned the system the name "Ianos" ({{lang|el|Ιανός}}),<ref>{{cite web |last1=Καραγιαννίδης |first1=Α. |last2=Λαγουβάρδος|first2=Κ.|date=16 September 2020|title=Οι πρώτες δορυφορικές εκτιμήσεις της ολικής βροχόπτωσης του ΙΑΝΟΥ|trans-title=The first satellite estimates of the total rainfall of IANOS|url=http://www.meteo.gr/?entryID=1481|access-date=24 September 2020|website=Meteo.gr|language=el}}</ref> sometimes anglicized to "Janus",<ref name="Janus">{{cite web |last1=Kelly |first1=Maura |title=Storm Janus develops into medicane, will wallop Greece with flooding rain, strong winds |url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/storm-janus-develops-into-medicane-will-wallop-greece-with-flooding-rain-strong-winds/813740 |website=AccuWeather |date=16 September 2020|access-date=16 September 2020}}</ref> while the German weather service used the name "Udine";<ref>{{cite news |title= Medicane UDINE über dem Ionischen Meer |trans-title=Medicane UDINE over the Ionian Sea |url=https://www.dwd.de/DE/wetter/thema_des_tages/2020/9/16.html |access-date=16 September 2020 |work=www.dwd.de |date=16 September 2020 |language=de}}</ref> the Turkish used "Tulpar".
Line 60: Line 61:
* [http://www.emy.gr/emy/en/ Hellenic National Meteorological Service]
* [http://www.emy.gr/emy/en/ Hellenic National Meteorological Service]
* [http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/imagery/neatl.html Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean Imagery] – NOAA
* [http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/imagery/neatl.html Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean Imagery] – NOAA
* [https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/wwcb.pdf#page=28 ''Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin'', Volume 107, No. 38, September 22, 2020], p. 28—the [[U.S. Department of Agriculture]] (USDA) and [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]'s (NOAA) report on Medicane Ianos and Subtropical Storm Alpha.
* [https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/wwcb.pdf#page=28 ''Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin'', Volume 107, No. 38, September 22, 2020], p.&nbsp;28—the [[U.S. Department of Agriculture]] (USDA) and [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]'s (NOAA) report on Medicane Ianos and Subtropical Storm Alpha.
* [https://www.eumetsat.int/medicane-over-ionian-sea-causes-storms-italy-and-greece#:~:text=During%20the%20evening%20of%2017,travelled%20across%20mainland%20of%20Greece. Medicane Over Ionian Sea Causes Storms in Italy and Greece] – [[EUMETSAT]] case study.
* [https://www.eumetsat.int/medicane-over-ionian-sea-causes-storms-italy-and-greece#:~:text=During%20the%20evening%20of%2017,travelled%20across%20mainland%20of%20Greece. Medicane Over Ionian Sea Causes Storms in Italy and Greece] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813215211/https://www.eumetsat.int/medicane-over-ionian-sea-causes-storms-italy-and-greece#:~:text=During%20the%20evening%20of%2017,travelled%20across%20mainland%20of%20Greece. |date=13 August 2021 }} – [[EUMETSAT]] case study.


{{Mediterranean tropical-like cyclones}}
{{Mediterranean tropical-like cyclones}}
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[[Category:Tropical cyclones in 2020]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in 2020]]
[[Category:2021 disasters in Europe]]
[[Category:2021 disasters in Europe]]
[[Category:Floods in Greece]]

Latest revision as of 22:24, 24 November 2024

Cyclone Ianos
Ianos shortly before its record peak intensity, nearing landfall in Greece on 17 September.
Meteorological history
Formed14 September 2020 (14 September 2020)
Dissipated21 September 2020 (21 September 2020)
Category 2-equivalent tropical cyclone
1-minute sustained (SSHWS)
Highest winds155 km/h (100 mph)
Highest gusts195 km/h (120 mph)
Lowest pressure984 hPa (mbar); 29.06 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities4
Missing1 (presumed dead)
Damage≥ $100 million (2020 USD)[1]
≥ €164 million (2020 Euro)
Areas affectedLibya, Italy, Malta, Greece, Crete, Cyrenaica

Cyclone Ianos, also known as Medicane Ianos, was a rare medicane that impacted the eastern Mediterranean on 17 and 18 September 2020, especially Greece. Ianos developed from an area of low pressure over the Gulf of Sidra that quickly began tropical cyclogenesis while moving over warm waters. After receiving various names from different meteorological centers, the storm, dubbed Ianos by the METEO unit of the National Observatory of Athens,[2] rapidly intensified while moving northeastward. After scraping Italy, the storm went on to strike Malta and Crete with tropical storm-force winds. Despite land interaction, the small cyclone reached its peak intensity of 159 km/h (99 mph) with wind gusts up to 195 km/h (121 mph) on 18 September,[3] equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale, immediately before making landfall in southwestern Greece. After landfall, Ianos turned back out to sea and moved south-southeastward, before dissipating on 21 September.

Damage was severe in Greece, with cities in the central part of the country getting the brunt of the storm's impacts. Cities such as Karditsa and Mouzaki were flooded for several days. Heavy agricultural damage was reported in rural areas north of Athens. A state of emergency was declared for the islands of Ithaca, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos. Four people were killed, and one person remains missing.[4][5] Ianos caused at least $100 million (2020 USD) in damages.[1]

Meteorological history

[edit]
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
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

An upper-level low moved eastward in the southern Mediterranean Sea through 14 September. On that day, a low-pressure area began to develop over the Gulf of Sidra, beginning tropical cyclogenesis by forming a warm core at the surface.[6] The cyclone quickly developed in the subsequent hours while slowly moving northwest, with a wind speed of around 50 km/h (31 mph).[7] By 15 September, it had intensified to 65 km/h (40 mph), with a minimum pressure of 1,010 hPa (30 inHg), with further development predicted over the coming days. The cyclone had strong potential to become tropical over the next several days due to warm sea temperatures of 27 to 28 °C (81 to 82 °F) in the region. Weather models predicted that it would likely hit the west coast of Greece on 17 or 18 September. Ianos gradually intensified over the Ionian Sea, acquiring an eye-like feature. Ianos made landfall on Greece at peak intensity on 03:00 UTC on 18 September, with winds peaking near 159 km/h (99 mph) and a minimum central pressure estimated at 984.3 hPa (29.07 inHg), equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane.[3][7][8]

After making landfall, Ianos turned south-southeastward on 19 September, moving back out to sea,[9] where the storm managed to reorganize somewhat. Soon afterward, Ianos underwent a weakening trend. Ianos continued moving south-southeastward for another couple of days before dissipating on 21 September, off the coast of Cyrenaica.[10][11]

Warmer sea surface temperatures caused by climate change in the Mediterranean Sea can allow the storms to take on more tropical appearances and characteristics, increasing the wind speeds and making the storms more intense.[12] A 2017 study in Global and Planetary Change led by Raquel Romera examined a large suite of regional climate model projections, which supported the theory that medicanes will gradually become stronger due to climate change.[13]

Preparations and impact

[edit]
Subtropical Storm Alpha (left) and Cyclone Ianos (right) both affecting Europe on 18 September.

As Ianos passed to the south of Italy on 16 September, it produced heavy rain across the southern part of the country and in Sicily. As much as 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain was reported in Reggio Calabria, more than the city's normal monthly rainfall.[14]

The Hellenic National Meteorological Service issued Red Alerts, the highest level of warnings, to alert people of the storm while it was approaching Greece.[15] Downed trees and power outages were reported on Kefalonia, and residents were urged to stay indoors. Wind gusts reached 195 km/h (121 mph) on Kefalonia and Zakynthos.[3] When Ianos stalled over the western part of Greece, it caused flash flooding and landslides. The peak official rainfall amount recorded was 644.7 mm (25.38 in), in Kefalonia.[3] Ianos left four people dead and one missing. On 19 September, a man was found dead on his farm north of Athens, while the body of a woman was recovered from her flooded home in a nearby town. On 20 September, the body of a 62-year-old farmer was found under the collapsed roof of his house in a village north of Athens.[4] In addition, a 43-year-old woman was found dead on 24 September after being declared missing on 20 September. The woman was swept several kilometres from her car by flash flooding.[5] More than 5,000 homes were damaged.[4] In addition, there were strong tides in Ionian islands such as Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ithaca and Lefkada, and 120 km/h (75 mph) winds at Karditsa that brought down trees and power lines, and caused landslides. A bridge also collapsed in Karditsa, one of the hardest-hit areas.[16] Throughout the country, over 600 people were rescued by the national firefighting service.[17] Greece's cotton crop was ready for harvest, which was set to begin just as the storm hit. However, Ianos likely caused significant flooding and crop losses where rain was heaviest, especially in Thessalia.[8] Assos, in Kefalonia, was isolated from the rest of the island and the mainland. Nearly two metres (6.6 ft) of rubble covered roads, prohibiting access by car and trapping residents and tourists. The cost of removing the rubble was estimated at more than €50,000 ($58,555 USD).[18]

Aftermath and naming

[edit]

On 20 September, the Public Power Corporation reported that 61 power substations were in operation in the urban zone of Karditsa, and another 10 would be powered shortly. Efforts were made to restore power in Argithea and Mouzaki. The top officials of the corporation met with the leader of the Karditsa Fire Department to coordinate and accelerate water pumping in areas where the technical crews needed to work.[19]

Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis pledged that "all the affected areas will have immediate support." He sent three senior officials to the worst-hit central region.[4] On 22 September, Prime Minister Mitsotakis visited the Karditsa region, one of the hardest-hit regions. 5,000 to 8,000 euros were given to each household and business in Karditsa and Mouzaki.[20] In Mouzaki, Mayor Fanis Stathis declared that all schools and nurseries will remain closed, as Ianos damaged the road network, and school buildings of the region.[19]

Greece assigned the system the name "Ianos" (Ιανός),[21] sometimes anglicized to "Janus",[14] while the German weather service used the name "Udine";[22] the Turkish used "Tulpar".

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Global Catastrophe Recap - September 2020" (PDF). Aon Benfield. 8 October 2020. p. 6. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 October 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
  2. ^ "Ονοματοδοσία χαμηλών βαρομετρικών / διαταραχών" [Naming barometric lows / disturbances] (in Greek). National Observatory of Athens. 2021. Retrieved 12 August 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d Lagouvardos, K.; Karagiannidis, A.; Dafis, S.; Kalimeris, A.; Kotroni, V. (28 September 2021). "Ianos - A hurricane in the Mediterranean". Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. 102 (9). American Meteorological Society: E1621 – E1636. doi:10.1175/BAMS-D-20-0274.1. S2CID 244187015.
  4. ^ a b c d "Cyclone Ianos: Three dead as 'medicane' sweeps across Greece". BBC News. 21 September 2020. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  5. ^ a b Wichmann, Anna (24 September 2020). "Woman Missing after Karditsa Flooding Found Dead". greece.greekreporter.com. Greek Reporter. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  6. ^ Korošec, Marko (16 September 2020). "Severe Weather Outlook for Medicane Ianos – Sept 17–19th, 2020". severe-weather.eu. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  7. ^ a b "A strong 'medicane' named Ianos is forecast to bring hurricane-like conditions to Greece". The Washington Post. 17 September 2020.
  8. ^ a b Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin (PDF). usda.library.cornell.edu (Report). Vol. 107. United States Department of Agriculture. 22 September 2020. p. 28. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  9. ^ "Europe Weather Analysis on 2020-9-19". Free University of Berlin. 19 September 2020. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
  10. ^ "Europe Weather Analysis on 2020-9-20". Free University of Berlin. 20 September 2020. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
  11. ^ "Europe Weather Analysis on 2020-9-21". Free University of Berlin. 21 September 2020. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
  12. ^ "Storm Ianos: Three dead as rare 'medicane' batters Greece". www.aljazeera. AlJazeera. 20 September 2020. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  13. ^ Masters, Jeff; Henson, Bob (18 September 2020). "A slew of weather events – including two named storms troubling Europe – pose challenges far and wide » Yale Climate Connections". Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  14. ^ a b Kelly, Maura (16 September 2020). "Storm Janus develops into medicane, will wallop Greece with flooding rain, strong winds". AccuWeather. Retrieved 16 September 2020.
  15. ^ "Medicane hits Greece". World Meteorological Organization. 18 September 2020. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  16. ^ "Cyclone Ianos: Two dead as 'medicane' sweeps across Greece". BBC News. 20 September 2020. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  17. ^ "Cyclone Ianos: Two dead and one missing after 'rare extreme weather phenomenon' hits Greece". euronews.com. 19 September 2020. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  18. ^ "Kefalonia needs your help NOW after devastating hurricane-like storm". greekcitytimes.com. Greek City Times. 23 September 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  19. ^ a b "Mitsotakis to Visit Karditsa after "Ianos" Hurricane Damage". thenationalherald.com. The National Herald (Greece). 20 September 2020. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  20. ^ Claus, Patricia (22 September 2020). "PM Mitsotakis Tours Devastated Karditsa Area, Promises Swift Aid". greece.greekreporter.com. Greek Reporter. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  21. ^ Καραγιαννίδης, Α.; Λαγουβάρδος, Κ. (16 September 2020). "Οι πρώτες δορυφορικές εκτιμήσεις της ολικής βροχόπτωσης του ΙΑΝΟΥ" [The first satellite estimates of the total rainfall of IANOS]. Meteo.gr (in Greek). Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  22. ^ "Medicane UDINE über dem Ionischen Meer" [Medicane UDINE over the Ionian Sea]. www.dwd.de (in German). 16 September 2020. Retrieved 16 September 2020.
[edit]
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