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==Impact== |
==Impact== |
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⚫ | |||
===American Samoa=== |
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On July 3, Ron passed to the north of [[Swains Island]] with estimated winds of {{Convert|90|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, causing severe impacts as it destroyed most of the structures on the island. The island's 49 inhabitants sought shelter in a concrete structure.<ref>{{cite web|title=WEEKLY OCEAN NEWS; 2-6 January 2012|author1=DataStreme Ocean Central Staff|publisher=American Meteorological Society|url=http://www.aos.wisc.edu/~hopkins/oceans/fall_11/DSOf11news17.html|author=Hopkins, Edward|date=January 16, 2012|accessdate=July 28, 2015|pages=1–11, 21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pacific ENSO Update - Special Bulletin|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|url=http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/MET/Enso/peu/update.dir/Update-Jan98.html|type=Newsletter issued 4th Quarter 1997, Vol.3, No.4|date=January 26, 1998|accessdate=July 28, 2015|pages=1–11, 21}}</ref> |
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===Wallis and Futuna=== |
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⚫ | The system became the fourth and final tropical cyclone to affect the French territory of [[Wallis and Futuna]] during 1997 and 1998, after cyclones [[Cyclone Gavin|Gavin]], [[Cyclone Hina|Hina]] and [[Cyclone Keli|Keli]] had affected the islands.<ref name="GAV TCR">{{cite report|date=May 22, 2009|title=Tropical Cyclone Gavin: March 2 — 11, 1997|author2=RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|url=http://www.pacificdisaster.net/pdnadmin/data/original/TC_GAVIN.pdf|type=Tropical Cyclone Report 96/7|author=Kersemakers, Mark|date=April 4, 1998|accessdate=November 16, 2013|pages=1–11, 21}}</ref><ref name="Hina TCR">{{cite report|date=March 4, 1998|title=Tropical Cyclone Hina: March 13 - 16, 1997|author2=RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre|author=Prasad, Vikash R|deadurl=no|accessdate=November 16, 2013|type=Tropical Cyclone Report: 96/8|url=http://www.pacificdisaster.net/pdnadmin/data/original/CRP_TON_1998_TC_Hina.pdf|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6IccAZMXE|archivedate=August 4, 2013|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service}}</ref><ref name="Cyclone Passes W/F">{{cite web|url=http://www.meteo.nc/wallis-et-futuna-cyclone/cyclones-passes?view=cyclones|title=Wallis and Futuna Cyclone Passes De 1880 à nos jours|publisher=Meteo France New Caledonia|accessdate=November 16, 2013}}</ref> Ron affected the islands between January 4–6, with waves damaging coastal roads while high winds of up to {{convert|130|km/h|mph|disp=5|abbr=on}} destroyed several fales and food crops.<ref name="Cyclone Passes W/F"/> The telephone network was also heavily degraded.<ref name="No biggie's">{{cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1998/jan/15/local/me-8554|title=Cyclone Season|date=January 15, 1998|location=Los Angeles, United States|accessdate=November 16, 2013|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|archivedate=November 16, 2013|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6LAtMg24I|deadurl=no}}</ref> |
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===Tonga=== |
===Tonga=== |
Revision as of 22:49, 28 July 2015
Category 5 severe tropical cyclone (Aus scale) | |
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Category 5 tropical cyclone (SSHWS) | |
Formed | January 1, 1998 |
Dissipated | January 9, 1998 Absorbed by Cyclone Susan. |
Highest winds | 10-minute sustained: 230 km/h (145 mph) 1-minute sustained: 270 km/h (165 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 900 hPa (mbar); 26.58 inHg |
Fatalities | None |
Damage | $566,000 (1998 USD) |
Areas affected | Samoan islands, Tonga, Wallis and Futuna |
Part of the 1997–98 South Pacific cyclone season |
Severe Tropical Cyclone Ron was one of the most intense tropical cyclones of the ever recorded in the South Pacific. Ron was the sixth named storm of the 1997-98 South Pacific cyclone season and the third to form during an active phase of the intraseasonal oscillation in the South Pacific Ocean.[1] A tropical depression formed on January 1, 1998 northeast of Samoa. Tropical cyclone intensity was reached on January 2 and intensification proceeded at a fairly rapid rate. Ron reached the peak intensity of 145 mph (225 km/h) on January 5, becoming one of the most intense cyclones in the Southern hemisphere in that decade, when Ron was at north-northwest of Apia, Samoa, three days after initial development. The cyclone maintained this strength for about 36 hours, while re-curving to the south-southeast. Then, Ron started weakening while passing between central Tonga and Niue on January 7. Finally, by January 9, Ron was absorbed by the much larger circulation of Severe Tropical Cyclone Susan.[1]
Meteorological history
On January 1, during an active phase of the intraseasonal oscillation in the basin, the Fiji Meteorological Service's Regional Specialized Meteorological Center in Nadi, Fiji (RSMC Nadi) reported that a tropical depression had developed about 850 km (530 mi)* to the northeast of Samoa.[1][2] During that day the depression gradually developed further before the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued a tropical cyclone formation alert on the system.[3] At 0000 UTC on January 2, the JTWC designated the cyclone as Tropical Cyclone 10P with 1-minute wind speeds of 65 km/h (40 mph),[4] while RSMC Nadi designated it as a tropical cyclone.[2] Ron steadily intensified for 3 days at a faster-than-average pace, passing near Swains Island on January 3 as a category 1 tropical cyclone on the Australian Scale.[5][6] On early January 5, Ron passed 110 mi (180 km) southeast of Wallis island as a Category 5 tropical cyclone (Category 4, according to JTWC[4]), however, because of this cyclone's small wind radius, Wallis reported 10-min average winds of only 20 mph (32 km/h) with gusts to 37 mph (60 km/h).[5] Six hours later, RSMC Nadi reported that Ron reached its peak 10-minute sustained wind speeds of 145 mph (225 km/h) and a minimun pressure of 900 hPa (26.58 inHg) at 0600 UTC on January 5, about 225 mi (360 km)* north-northwest of Apia, Samoa's capital and biggest city.[1][2] It was the first time that a tropical cyclone of such intensity was observed in the Southern Pacific Ocean since 1985's Cyclone Hina in the 1984-85 South Pacific cyclone season.[1][2][5] Six hours later, the JTWC reported that the cyclone reached at its peak 1-minute sustained wind speeds of 165 mph (270 km/h) while recurving to a southeastly direction. According to JTWC, Ron maintained that strength for 18 hours.[4]
According to RSMC Nadi, six hours after Ron attained its peak intensity, it took to a south-southwesterly course for about 18 hours until Ron recurved and began moving in a south-southeasterly direction.[2] 36 hours after it had peaked in intensity RSMC Nadi reported that Ron started weakening as it passed very close to the Tongan island of Niuafo'ou, whre it caused catastrophic damages, destroying almost all houses and agriculture.[1][2][6] Meanwhile JTWC downgraded it to a Category 4 tropical cyclone on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.[4] The Nadi discussion at 0800 UTC January 6 mentioned that based on winds reported by Niuafo'ou, Ron may have had an even smaller gale radius and stronger winds near the center than had been thought.[1][5] After passing close of Niuafo'ou Ron began to weaken steadily as it started to accelerate to the southeast. The storm passed between central Tonga and Niue on January 7 as a low-end Category 5 tropical cyclone, hours later being downgraded to a Category 4 in the Australian Scale.[6] At that time, the JTWC reported that Ron was a Category 3 tropical cyclone in the SSHS, still weakening.[4]
Then, Ron accelerated to the southeast and weakened until it lost its tropical characteristics and was declared post-tropical by Nadi at 1800 UTC January 8.[6] By 0000 UTC on January 9, Ron had been completely absorbed by Susan as the JTWC issued its final advisory on the cyclone, before the final advisories on the combined system, were released later that day as it lost its tropical characteristics and started to become extratropical.[2][7] The remnants of the combined system were then monitored for another day, until they were last noted during January 10, bringing an unseasonable cold snap to New Zealand.[8][9]
Impact
American Samoa
On July 3, Ron passed to the north of Swains Island with estimated winds of 90 mph (140 km/h), causing severe impacts as it destroyed most of the structures on the island. The island's 49 inhabitants sought shelter in a concrete structure.[10][11]
Wallis and Futuna
The system became the fourth and final tropical cyclone to affect the French territory of Wallis and Futuna during 1997 and 1998, after cyclones Gavin, Hina and Keli had affected the islands.[12][13][14] Ron affected the islands between January 4–6, with waves damaging coastal roads while high winds of up to 130 km/h (80 mph)* destroyed several fales and food crops.[14] The telephone network was also heavily degraded.[15]
Tonga
Despite being a relatively small cyclone, Ron was the strongest tropical cyclone ever recorded in the Tongan Islands.[16] It caused major damage to northern parts of the Tongan group as it crossed the Niuafo'ou, Niuatoputapu and Tafahi islands.[16] According to BoM, Niuafo'ou island reported sustained winds of 69 mph (111 km/h) with a pressure of 983.7 hPa (29.05 inHg) with peaks of 972.4 hPa (28.71 inHg) and estimated maximum winds from 78 to 89 mph (126 to 143 km/h).[1]
According to the report made by a survey sent to the affected islands, the cyclone left 99 families without home and 43 ones in need of tarpaulins to repair damages, most of them in the Niuafo'ou island.[16] Also, Ron's winds caused extensive damage to agriculture and vegetation of the islands, in which includes total loss of fruit and breadfruit trees and severe damage to cassava and banana crops.[16]
Aftermath and records
Ron's destructive winds caused severe damage in Tonga's sanitation systems, increasing the danger of an outbreak of infectious diseases. Approximately 30% of the water tanks and 95% of the catchment covers had been damaged, leading to a water shortage.[16] Also, according to Tonga's National Disaster Relief Committee, the great loss of plantations and vegetation led to a six-month food shortage.[17] Replanting programmes took up to 6–8 months to restore all the lost vegetation.[16]
Most intense South Pacific cyclones Intensity is measured solely by central pressure | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Zoe | 2002-03 | 240 km/h (150 mph) | 890 hPa (26.28 inHg) | |
Pam | 2014-15 | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 896 hPa (26.46 inHg) | |
Percy | 2004-05 | 230 km/h (140 mph) | 900 hPa (26.58 inHg) | |
Ron | 1997-98 | 230 km/h (140 mph) | 900 hPa (26.58 inHg) | |
Susan | 1997-98 | 230 km/h (140 mph) | 900 hPa (26.58 inHg) | |
Sources:[8] |
Several governments and organizations assisted the people affected by Ron. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs as allocated an Emergency Cash Grant of US$20,000 of relief items and coverage of transportation costs. The Government of New Zealand has provided temporary shelters and assistance with repairs to Government and public health buildings, as well as assistance with replanting with a total value of NZ$36,500 (approximately US$21,340). The United Kingdom provided supplies for the repair of water and sanitary systems of a total value of approximately £15,000 (US$25,000).[16] The South Pacific Forum Secretariat in Fiji also helped Tonga, releasing US$10,000 from a special disaster fund.[18]
At that time, Cyclone Ron was the most intense tropical cyclone ever recorded in the South Pacific basin, with a lowest central pressure estimated at 900 hPa (26.58 inHg), but now it is the third most intense, only behind 2002's Cyclone Zoe and 2015's Cyclone Pam and tied with its twin, Cyclone Susan and 2005's Cyclone Percy.[8]
However, according to JTWC's annual report, Ron's lowest pressure was 892 hPa (26.3 inHg),[3] what would make this cyclone, not only the second strongest cyclone in the South Pacific, but the second strongest cyclone ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere, only behind Zoe.[8][19][20] But these measures are unofficial.
Due to the impact of this storm, the name Ron was retired from the lists of tropical cyclone names.[21]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h Chappel Lori-Carmen; Bate Peter W (June 2, 2000). "The South Pacific and Southeast Indian Ocean Tropical Cyclone Season 1997–98" (PDF). Australian Meteorological Magazine (Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Journal). 49. Bureau of Meteorology: 121–138. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 5, 2011. Retrieved July 23, 2013.
{{cite journal}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d e f g RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre (August 29, 2007). RSMC Nadi Tropical Cyclone Seasonal Summary 1997-98 (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 1, 2010. Retrieved May 29, 2011.
- ^ a b Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Center, Joint Typhoon Warning Center (1999). "Annual Tropical Cyclone Report: 1998" (PDF). United States Navy, United States Air Force. pp. 127–137. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Center, Joint Typhoon Warning Center. "Tropical Cyclone 10P (Ron) best track analysis". United States Navy, United States Air Force. Retrieved December 13, 2012.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d Padgett, Gary (March 18, 2008). "Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary January 1998". Retrieved December 11, 2012.
- ^ a b c d RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre (May 22, 2009). "Best Track Data for the 1997–98 season". Fiji Meteorological Service. United States: International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship. Retrieved December 13, 2012.
- ^ Naval Pacific Meteorological and Oceanographic Center (January 9, 1998). "Tropical Cyclone 11P (Susan) Warning 13 January 9, 1998 0300z". United States Navy, United States Air Force. Archived from the original on January 1, 2012. Retrieved July 18, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d MetService (May 22, 2009). "TCWC Wellington Best Track Data 1967–2006". International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Blame Cyclone Susan for cold snap". The Southland Times. New Zealand: The Southland Times Co. Ltd. January 10, 1998. p. 1. Accessed through Lexis Nexis's News archives on July 25, 2012.
- ^ Hopkins, Edward (January 16, 2012). "WEEKLY OCEAN NEWS; 2-6 January 2012". American Meteorological Society. pp. 1–11, 21. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
{{cite web}}
: More than one of|author1=
and|author=
specified (help) - ^ "Pacific ENSO Update - Special Bulletin" (Newsletter issued 4th Quarter 1997, Vol.3, No.4). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. January 26, 1998. pp. 1–11, 21. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
- ^ Kersemakers, Mark; RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre (April 4, 1998). Tropical Cyclone Gavin: March 2 — 11, 1997 (PDF) (Tropical Cyclone Report 96/7). Fiji Meteorological Service. pp. 1–11, 21. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
- ^ Prasad, Vikash R; RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre (March 4, 1998). Tropical Cyclone Hina: March 13 - 16, 1997 (Tropical Cyclone Report: 96/8). Fiji Meteorological Service. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 4, 2013. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
{{cite report}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b "Wallis and Futuna Cyclone Passes De 1880 à nos jours". Meteo France New Caledonia. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
- ^ "Cyclone Season". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, United States. January 15, 1998. Archived from the original on November 16, 2013. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d e f g Meteorology Division of the Ministry of Environment, Energy, Climate Change, Disaster Management, Meteorology, Information and Communications (August 8, 2014). "El Nino Advisory No.1 for Tonga — An El Niño Watch is now in force for Tonga" (Press release). Government of Tonga. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 28, 2015. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
{{cite press release}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) Cite error: The named reference "damage" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page). - ^ Australian Broadcasting Corporation (1998). "Tonga says two islands in dire needs of food relief". Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Retrieved December 12, 2012.
- ^ Australian Broadcasting Corporation (1998). "South Pacific forum releases funds for Fiji cyclone recovery". Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Retrieved December 12, 2012.
- ^ "Tropical Cyclone Information for the Australian Region". Bureau of Meteorology. 2008. Retrieved January 11, 2010.
- ^ Stephene Royer (February 7, 2007). "Very Intense Tropical Cyclone Gafilo". Météo France. Retrieved January 8, 2010.
- ^ RA V Tropical Cyclone Committee (December 12, 2012). List of Tropical Cyclone Names withdrawn from use due to a Cyclone's Negative Impact on one or more countries (Tropical Cyclone Operational Plan for the South-East Indian Ocean and the Southern Pacific Ocean 2012). World Meteorological Organization. pp. 2B-1 - 2B-4 (23 - 26). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 1, 2013. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
{{cite report}}
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