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Hurricane Tomas

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Tropical Storm Tomas
Current storm status
Tropical storm (1-min mean)
Satellite image
Forecast map
As of:11 a.m. AST (1500 UTC) November 6
Location:23.1°N 70.6°W ± 20 nm
About 115 mi (185 km) NNE of Grand Turk
Sustained winds:55 knots | 65 mph | 100 km/h (1-min mean)
gusting to 65 knots | 75 mph | 120 km/h
Pressure:991 mbar (hPa) | 29.26 inHg
Movement:NE at 14 kt | 16 mph | 26 km/h
See more detailed information.

Hurricane Tomas is the nineteenth named storm and twelfth hurricane of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season and is currently active. Tomas developed from a tropical wave east of the Windward Islands on October 29. Quickly intensifying into a hurricane, it moved through the Windward Islands and passed very near Saint Lucia. After reaching Category 2 status on the Saffir-Simpson scale, Tomas quickly weakened to a tropical storm in the central Caribbean Sea, due to strong wind shear and dry air. Tomas later regained hurricane status.

Throughout the hurricane's path, at least 24 people are known to have been killed, 14 of which were in St. Lucia. Monetary losses have been estimated at nearly US$544 million, mainly in St. Loser.

Meteorological history

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

A tropical wave, or elongated low pressure area, exited the western coast of Africa on October 25, and was soon embedded within the Intertropical Convergence Zone.[1] Moving quickly westward, the west contained scattered areas of strong convection, or thunderstorms, as well as a broad circulation.[2] The National Hurricane Center (NHC) first mentioned the wave in its Tropical Weather Outlook on October 27 when the system was located about 1200 miles (1940 km) east-southeast of the Lesser Antilles. At the time, the agency assessed a 10% chance for tropical cyclogenesis within 48 hours, noting that conditions would become more favorable for development in a few days.[3] By October 28, the system was becoming better organized, with a large area of convection.[4] The next day, Hurricane Hunters investigated the disturbance and reported a developing surface circulation with tropical storm force winds.[5] As a result, the NHC initiated advisories on Tropical Storm Tomas late on October 29 when the system was about 290 miles (470 km) east-southeast of St. Vincent.[6]

Upon being classified, Tomas was in an area of low wind shear and high moisture, both supportive of rapid intensification. At the time, the low-level and upper-level circulations were not vertically aligned, which was expected to cause slow strengthening. The NHC forecast indicated that Tomas was expected to attain hurricane status within 36 to 48 hours.[6] By three hours after it was classified, however, the winds had already increased to 60 mph (95 km/h).[7] The outflow became well-established in all quadrants as deep convection increased into a prominent rainband.[8] Radar on Martinique indicated an eye was forming, and Tomas continued west-northwestward toward the Lesser Antilles, steered by a ridge to its north.[9] While located only 35 miles (55 km) east of St. Vincent, Tomas attained hurricane status, based on Hurricane Hunters recording surface winds of 75 mph (120 km/h). At the time, the eye was from 35–46 miles (56–74 km) in diameter.[10]

Tropical Storm Tomas reorganizing over the Caribbean Sea on November 4

On October 31, Hurricane Tomas passed very near Saint Lucia as an intensifying cyclone, producing 92 mph (148 km/h) winds on the island.[11] By later in the day, it became increasingly better organized, and reports from the Hurricane Hunters indicated that the winds increased to 100 mph (160 km/h), a Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Concurrently, the storm was being impacted by southwesterly wind shear, which computer models forecast to increase. Despite the shear, Tomas was forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane.[12] However, Tomas weakened as the convection waned near the center, due to the shear and dry air,[13] and by early on November 1 diminished to tropical storm status.[14] Later that day, the storm was described as a "highly sheared tropical cyclone", because the circulation became dislocated from the convection by more than 100 miles (160 km). As a result, the winds were estimated to have decreased to 45 mph (75 km/h), although an area of thunderstorms reformed northeast of the center.[15] Over the subsequent day the structure became better organized, with more deep convection over the center due to lighter shear and a moister environment. By that time, it was passing just north of the ABC Islands.[16] However, the structure again deteriorated, and Tomas weakened to tropical depression status on November 3 about 325 miles (520 km) southeast of Kingston, Jamaica.[17]

Upon weakening to tropical depression status, Tomas maintained a poorly defined and elongated circulation, with little convective organization near the center. The NHC described the weakening as "difficult to explain", due to generally favorable conditions.[17] The circulation lost further definition, becoming part of an elongated area of low pressure across the western Caribbean, and the NHC sent a Hurricane Hunters plane to determine whether Tomas was still a tropical cyclone.[18] The flight determined that the circulation reformed to the northeast, and Tomas re-intensified into a tropical storm late on November 3.[19] Gradual intensification occurred as it tracked north-northwestward, although initially the low-level and mid-level centers were non-aligned.[20] By late on November 4, the circulation was still dislocated from the deepest convection, indicative of the presence of wind shear. Around that time, Tomas was turning northward as it passed around the western periphery of the subtropical ridge.[21] Over a six hour period, there was a dramatic increase in the inner dynamics of the cyclone, with more convective organization and a quick drop in pressure.[22] As it turned northeastward through the Windward Passage, Tomas regained hurricane status by 0900 UTC on November 5, just 36 miles (58 km) west-southwest of the western tip of Haiti.[23]

After re-attaining hurricane status, Tomas accelerated to the northeast due to an approaching trough, passing between eastern Cuba and western Haiti. Due to land interaction, the convection became slightly ragged-looking near the center, although atmospheric conditions favored continued intensification.[24]

Preparations

Prior to the development of Tomas, the NHC noted the potential for heavy rainfall and strong wind gusts to spread across the Windward Islands, Venezuela, and northern Guyana.[25] Upon development of Tropical Storm Tomas, almost the entire Windward Islands nations were put under a tropical storm warning, issued by their respective Governments; a tropical storm watch was also issued for Dominica.[26] Six hours later as Tomas was nearly a hurricane, the tropical storm warning was replaced by a hurricane warning in Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, and Martinique; the tropical storm watch in Dominica was also upgraded to a tropical storm warning.[27]

In Barbados, people evacuated to schools and shelter for safety during the storm.[28] On St. Lucia, the government closed the island's two airports and ordered the closure of all businesses. Additionally, a large Creole festival was canceled due to the storm.[29] Officials in Trinidad and Tobago closed beaches across the country.[30] In St. Vincent, the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) issued advisories that a tropical system was approaching the country. The rapid intensification of Tomas caught many citizens in St. Vincent off guard. On the morning of the 30th October, the Prime Minister addresed the nation and informed the country of the seriousness of the situation it was facing.

In Haiti, which was devastated earlier in the year from a deadly earthquake that struck the nation's capital, Port-au-Prince, government officials began preparing for possible impact from Tomas by October 30. One United Nations spokesperson remarked that a hurricane strike would be "the last thing Haiti needs".[28] The Haitian government issued a orange storm alert, one level short of the highest state of alert, and warned for the possibility of winds, thunderstorms, and flooding.[29]

Following the west-southwesterly motion of the storm, swells generated by Tomas produced breaking waves on coastal sections of the ABC islands during the morning of November 1. Consequently, a small craft advisory was issued at 1415 UTC for all three islands.[31] In addition, a state of bad weather was declared for Bonaire and Curaçao during the passage of Tomas.[32]

Hurricane Tomas narrowly missed the Turks and Caicos, sparing the islands a direct hit and causing only minor flooding.[33]

Impact

Windward Islands

Hurricane Tomas after brushing Barbados on October 30

As Tomas passed to the south of Barbados, it produced a wind gust of 63 mph (100 km/h), which damaged homes and power lines on the island.[34] There were also reports of blown off roofs, impassable roads and uprooted trees.[35] Later, a station on Saint Lucia recorded sustained winds of 48 mph (77 km/h), with gusts to 69 mph (110 km/h).[36] There was widespread damage to homes and power lines.[37]The winds destroyed the roof of a hospital and a school, with several trees and power lines blown down.[29] Additionally, a station on Martinique reported a gust of 51 mph (82 km/h).[36] The hurricane produced strong winds and heavy rainfall on Isla Aves, located off the northern coast of Venezuela.[28]

On Saint Vincent, there were no deaths but two persons sustained serious injuries while trying to effect repairs to house roofs and two persons were reported missing. The two persons reported missing were found on the 1st November off the island of Balliceaux. The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) declared all areas from Park Hill to Owia on the eastern side and all areas from Belle Isle to Fitz Hughes on the western side disaster zones. It was also reported that the agriculture sector sustained over US$25 million(EC$67 million) worth of damage. Over 1200 people were forced to seek refuge in hurricane shelters across St. Vincent. About 600 houses lost their roofs. A lot of downed power lines, trees and landslides made some roads impassable but NEMO, the Bridges Roads and General Services Authority (BRAGSA) and the St. Vincent Electricity Services Company (VINLEC) were able to clear the main road by the 1st November.

Throughout the northern part of St. Vincent, the entire banana crop was lost. Press reports from the Prime Minister revealed that nearly every banana tree had been downed during the storm. The country's banana crop is a major source of income and jobs, accounting for roughly 60% of the workforce and 50% of the merchandise exported.[38]

Damage from the storm on Trinidad and Tobago amounted to TT$4 million (US$629,000).[39] Losses in Barbados reached Bds$17 million (US$8.4 million).[40]

Throughout St. Lucia, severe flooding and mudslides resulted in at least 14 fatalities. According to a government minister, several other people were missing and buried in landslides.[41] By the morning of November 2, two more fatalities were confirmed on the island.[42] The Government of St. Lucia also stated that damage from the storm could exceed US$100 million.[43] By November 5, the Prime Minister stated that damage from Tomas was roughly EC$1.3 billion ($500 million USD), five times higher than initially stated.[44]

South America

Although Tomas did not directly hit the ABC islands, the storm produced intermittent rainfall, causing localized flooding during the night of November 1 to November 2. Consequently, most of the local roads were made impassable, several cars were stuck and hundreds of houses were flooded. There were also some power, TV and radio station outages due to severe thundershowers. In Curaçao, a rescue worker helping with the evacuation of a local hospital was crushed to death by a collapsed wall. Furthermore, an elderly woman suffered a fatal heart attack while another, unable to exit her car, drowned as a result of flooding.[45][46][47] Authorities were forced to delay some flights from Curaçao International Airport due to persisting storm conditions.[48] During the period of 0000–1200 UTC November 3, at least 10.4 in (265 mm) of precipitation was recorded on the territory.[49] All schools across the islands were closed on November 2 and 3 as a result of the storm.[50]

Severe lightning produced by the storm sparked three large fires in an oil refinery. As a result, several tanks suffered copious damage and losses were estimated at US$10 million.[51]

Central America

Days of prolonged heavy rains from storms caused by the circulation at the periphery of Tomas' southwestern flank of convection caused mudslides in Costa Rica that killed at least 15 people and left 20 more missing.[52] By November 5, the death toll had risen to 20 and a total of 30 people were listed as missing.[53] According to NASA, the cause of the rain was not Tomas, rather a trough extending southwest of Tomas triggered the rains.[54] The landslide death toll rose to 22 people killed and 15 missing on November 6. Close to 800,000 people were without electricity.[55]

In Panama, heavy flooding from the trough and Tomas' outflow destroyed close to 1,000 hectares of banana crop and prompted 638 people to evacuate.[56] The flooding in Panama killed two people and left one missing.[57]

Cuba

As the outer bands of Hurricane Tomas began to impact Cuba, Aero Caribbean Flight 883, an ATR-72-212 aircraft, crashed near the town of Guasimal in Sancti Spíritus province. All 68 people on-board the plane were killed on impact. Although the plane was the last to leave the airport in Santiago de Cuba before it closed due to Tomas, it is unknown what role, if any, the storm played in the crash.[58][59]

Haiti

After days of anticipation, Tomas arrived just offshore in Haiti on the morning of November 5. The storm steadily intensified while brushing the disaster-weary nation, reattaining hurricane strength near the westernmost tip of Haiti. Torrential rains and tropical storm force winds buffeted the entire region. Within hours of the storm's arrival, flooding began to occur. Initial reports state that at least one person has been killed in Haiti as a result of Tomas; a man drowned while trying to cross a swollen river in the Grand'Anse Department.[60] Later reports confirmed the deaths of two more people throughout the country.[61] In Port-au-Prince, one of the largest refugee camps set up near the ruins of the capitol building was flooded following heavy rains.[62] By the evening of November 5, four people had been confirmed dead and two others were listed as missing.[63] The death toll rose to seven people a few hours later[64], and two people were missing[65].

Current storm information

As of 11 a.m. AST (1500 UTC) November 6, Tropical Storm Tomas is located within 20 nautical miles of 23.1°N 70.6°W, about 115 mi (185 km) north-northeast of Grand Turk. Maximum sustained winds are 55 knots (65 mph, 100 km/h), with stronger gusts. Minimum central pressure is 991 mbar (hPa; 29.26 InHg), and the system is moving northeast at 14 kt (16 mph, 26 km/h).

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 90 miles (150 km) from the center of Tomas.

For latest official information see:

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hurricane Tomas.

References

  1. ^ Patricia Wallace (2010-10-25). "Tropical Weather Discussion". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-29.
  2. ^ Patricia Wallace (2010-10-25). "Tropical Weather Discussion". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-29.
  3. ^ Pasch/Kimberlain (2010-10-27). "Tropical Weather Outlook". Retrieved 2010-10-29.
  4. ^ Pasch/Cangialosi (2010-10-28). "Tropical Weather Outlook". Retrieved 2010-10-29.
  5. ^ Stewart/Cangialosi (2010-10-29). "Special Tropical Weather Outlook". Retrieved 2010-10-29.
  6. ^ a b Stacy Stewart (2010-10-29). "Tropical Storm Tomas Discussion One". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-29.
  7. ^ Berg/Brown (2010-10-30). "Tropical Storm Tomas Special Discussion Two". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  8. ^ Berg/Brown (2010-10-30). "Tropical Storm Tomas Discussion Three". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  9. ^ Michael Brennan (2010-10-30). "Tropical Storm Tomas Discussion Four". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  10. ^ Berg/Brown (2010-10-30). "Hurricane Tomas Discussion Three". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  11. ^ Berg/Franklin (2010-10-31). "Hurricane Tomas Discussion Eight". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-31.
  12. ^ Michael Brennan (2010-10-31). "Hurricane Tomas Discussion Nine". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-31.
  13. ^ Cangialos/Brown (2010-10-31). "Hurricane Tomas Discussion Ten". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-31.
  14. ^ Robbie Berg (2010-11-01). "Tropical Storm Tomas Discussion Twelve". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-11-01.
  15. ^ John Cangialosi (2010-11-01). "Tropical Storm Tomas Discussion Fourteen". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-11-01.
  16. ^ Cangialosi/Brown (2010-11-02). "Tropical Storm Tomas Discussion Eighteen". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-11-02.
  17. ^ a b Pasch/Roberts (2010-11-03). "Tropical Depression Tomas Discussion Twenty-One". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-11-05.
  18. ^ Jack Beven (2010-11-03). "Tropical Depression Tomas Discussion Twenty-Two". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-11-05.
  19. ^ Jack Beven (2010-11-03). "Tropical Storm Tomas Discussion Twenty-Three". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-11-05.
  20. ^ Kimberlain/Pasch (2010-11-04). "Tropical Storm Tomas Discussion Twenty-Five". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-11-05.
  21. ^ Landsea/Beven (2010-11-05). "Tropical Storm Tomas Discussion Twenty-Seven". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-11-05.
  22. ^ Stacy Stewart (2010-11-05). "Tropical Storm Tomas Discussion Twenty-Eight". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-11-05.
  23. ^ Kimberlain/Pasch (2010-11-05). "Hurricane Tomas Discussion Twenty-Nine". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-11-05.
  24. ^ Jack Beven (2010-11-05). "Hurricane Tomas Discussion Thirty". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-11-05.
  25. ^ Brown/Berg (2010-10-29). "Tropical Weather Outlook". Retrieved 2010-10-29.
  26. ^ Stacy Stewart (2010-10-29). "Tropical Storm Tomas Public Advisory One". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  27. ^ Berg/Brown (2010-10-30). "Tropical Storm Tomas Public Advisory Three". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  28. ^ a b c Staff Writer (2010-10-30). "Hurricane Tomas forms in eastern Caribbean". Montreal Gazette. Agence France-Presse. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  29. ^ a b c Staff Writer (2010-10-30). "Tomas becomes hurricane, threatens east Caribbean". USAToday. Associated Press. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  30. ^ Staff Writer (2010-10-30). "Avoid the Beaches". Trinidad Express. Retrieved 2010-10-31.
  31. ^ "Cyclone advisory no. 9". Meteorological Department Curaçao. November 1, 2010. Retrieved November 1, 2010.
  32. ^ Template:Pap icon "Advertensia pa mal tempu ta na vigor pa Boneiru i Kòrsou". Meteorological Department Curaçao. November 1, 2010. Retrieved November 2, 2010.
  33. ^ "Tomas misses Turks and Caicos". Turks and Caicos Sun. 2010-11-06. Retrieved 2010-11-06.
  34. ^ Stewart/Cangialosi (2010-10-30). "Tropical Storm Tomas Intermediate Advisory Four-A". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  35. ^ "Barbados feels brunt of Tropical Storm Tomas". 30 October 2010. Retrieved 30 October 2010.
  36. ^ a b Stacy Stewart (2010-10-30). "Hurricane Tomas Intermediate Advisory Five-A". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  37. ^ Stewart, Stacy. "Hurricane Tomas Advisory Number 6". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 30 October 2010.
  38. ^ Joel Julien (November 1, 2010). "Vital banana crop wiped out". Trinidad Express. Retrieved November 2, 2010.
  39. ^ Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday : newsday.co.tt :
  40. ^ Barbados could get $17m in insurance for Tomas damage | Trinidad Express Newspaper | News
  41. ^ BBC News - Hurricane kills 14 people in St Lucia
  42. ^ Tomas blamed for 14 deaths in St Lucia - Caribbean360
  43. ^ Hurricane Tomas kills 12 in St Lucia - Breaking & Current Jamaica News - JamaicaObserver.com
  44. ^ Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday : newsday.co.tt :
  45. ^ Template:Nl icon "Doden door noodweer op Curaçao". Netherlands National News Agency. November 1, 2010. Retrieved November 1, 2010.
  46. ^ Template:Nl icon "Doden door regenval op Curaçao". NOS Nieuws. November 2, 2010. Retrieved November 2, 2010.
  47. ^ Template:Nl icon Leoni Leidel (November 2, 2010). "Tomas eist twee levens". versgeperst.com. Retrieved November 2, 2010.
  48. ^ Template:Nl icon Leoni Leidel (November 2, 2010). "Vluchten vertraagd". versgeperst.com. Retrieved November 2, 2010.
  49. ^ Template:Nl icon Staff Writer (November 2, 2010). "Damdoorbraken in Curaçao door storm Tomas". Nieuws.nl. Retrieved November 2, 2010.
  50. ^ Template:Nl icon Mirjam Bernadina-Lonnee (November 2, 2010). "Tomas sluit scholen". versgeperst.com. Retrieved November 2, 2010.
  51. ^ Template:Nl icon Sharlon Monart (November 3, 2010). "Miljoenenschade Tomas aan woningen, winkels en bedrijven". Aworaki. Retrieved November 5, 2010.
  52. ^ Landress, Leela; Alex Morales (November 4, 2010). "Tropical Storm Tomas Spreads Rain on Path Toward Cuba". Bloomberg Businessweek. Retrieved 4 November 2010.
  53. ^ 20 dead in landslide in Costa Rica
  54. ^ Rob Gutro (November 5, 2010). "Hurricane Season 2010: Hurricane Tomas (Atlantic Ocean)". NASA. Retrieved November 5, 2010.
  55. ^ Press, Latina (November 6, 2010). "Costa Rica und Panama: 24 Todesopfer nach Hurrikan Tomas". agência Latina Press (in German). Retrieved 6 November 2010.
  56. ^ Universal, El (November 5, 2010). "Inundaciones por huracán Tomás causan estragos en Panamá". El Universal (in Spanish). Retrieved 6 November 2010.
  57. ^ DFB, Ansa (November 6, 2010). "DOS MUERTOS Y UN DESAPARECIDO EN PANAMA". Ansalatina.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 6 November 2010.
  58. ^ "Plane With 68 Said to Crash in Cuba". New York Times. November 4, 2010. Retrieved November 5, 2010.
  59. ^ Simon Hradecky (November 4, 2010). "Crash: Aerocaribbean AT72 near Guasimal on Nov 4th 2010, impacted ground after emergency call". The Aviation Herald. Retrieved November 5, 2010.
  60. ^ Staff Writer (November 5, 2010). "Hurricane Tomas begins lashing coast of Haiti". CTV. Retrieved November 5, 2010.
  61. ^ Leela Landress and Alex Morales (November 5, 2010). "Hurricane Tomas Passes Between Cuba, Haiti on Northeast Track to Bahamas". Bloomberg. Retrieved November 5, 2010.
  62. ^ Agence-France-Presse (November 5, 2010). "Rain hits Haiti, flooding refugee camp". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved November 5, 2010.
  63. ^ Jacob Kushne, Paul Haven and Pauline Jelinek (November 5, 2010). "Hurricane Tomas adds to Haiti's woes, 4 dead in floods". The Associated Press. Naples News. Retrieved November 5, 2010.
  64. ^ Bigg, Matthew (November 5, 2010). "Hurricane Tomas kills seven in Haiti". Reuters. Retrieved 6 November 2010.
  65. ^ Press, Latina (November 6, 2010). "Hurrikan Tomas: Keine großen Schäden auf Kuba". agência Latina Press (in German). Retrieved 6 November 2010.
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