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| Hurricane season=[[2013–14 Australian region cyclone season]]
| Hurricane season=[[2013–14 Australian region cyclone season]]
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'''Severe Tropical Cyclone Ita''' is a [[tropical cyclone]] that crossed the coast of [[Queensland]], [[Australia]] on 11 April 2014. The system was first identified over the [[Solomon Islands]] as a tropical low on 1 April 2014, and gradually moved westward, eventually reaching cyclone intensity on 5 April. On 10 April, Ita intensified rapidly into a powerful Category 5 system on the Australian Scale, but it weakened significantly in the hours immediately preceding [[Landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] the following day. At the time of landfall at [[Cape Flattery]] at 12 April 22:00 ([[UTC+10]]), [[Dvorak technique|Dvorak intensity]] was approximately T5.0, consistent with a weak Category 4 system, and considerably lower than T6.5 observed when the system was at maximal intensity. Meteorologists noted the system had, at such time, developed a secondary eyewall which weakened the inner eyewall; as a result, the system was considerably less powerful than various intensity scales predicted. Ita's impact on terrain was attenuated accordingly.
'''Severe Tropical Cyclone Ita''' is a [[tropical cyclone]] that crossed the coast of [[Queensland]], [[Australia]] on 11 April 2014. The system was first identified over the [[Solomon Islands]] as a tropical low on 1 April 2014, and gradually moved westward, eventually reaching cyclone intensity on 5 April. On 10 April, Ita intensified rapidly into a powerful Category 5 system on the Australian Scale, but it weakened to a Category 4 system in the hours immediately preceding [[Landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] the following day. At the time of landfall at [[Cape Flattery]] at 12 April 22:00 ([[UTC+10]]), [[Dvorak technique|Dvorak intensity]] was approximately T5.0, consistent with a weak Category 4 system, and considerably lower than T6.5 observed when the system was at maximal intensity. Meteorologists noted the system had, at such time, developed a secondary eyewall which weakened the inner eyewall; as a result, the system was considerably less powerful than various intensity scales predicted. Ita's impact on terrain was attenuated accordingly.


Following landfall, Ita weakened rapidly. As of 12 April 10:00 (UTC+10), Ita was situated over land with Category 1 intensity and a central pressure of 990 hpa, moving southerly at 11 km/h. The system is expected to re-enter the Coral Sea late on 13 April and continue moving south-easterly, potentially redeveloping as a hybrid tropical system.
Following landfall, Ita weakened rapidly. As of 12 April 10:00 (UTC+10), Ita was situated over land with Category 1 intensity and a central pressure of 990 hpa, moving southerly at 11 km/h. The system is expected to re-enter the Coral Sea late on 13 April and continue moving south-easterly, potentially redeveloping as a hybrid tropical system.

Revision as of 14:03, 12 April 2014

Severe Tropical Cyclone Ita
Category 5 severe tropical cyclone (Aus scale)
Category 4 tropical cyclone (SSHWS)
Cyclone Ita nearing landfall on 11 April
Formed1 April 2014
DissipatedCurrently active
Highest winds10-minute sustained: 215 km/h (130 mph)
1-minute sustained: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Gusts: 295 km/h (185 mph)
Lowest pressure929 hPa (mbar); 27.43 inHg
Fatalities23 total (40 missing)
Areas affectedSolomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Queensland (Australia)
Part of the 2013–14 Australian region cyclone season

Severe Tropical Cyclone Ita is a tropical cyclone that crossed the coast of Queensland, Australia on 11 April 2014. The system was first identified over the Solomon Islands as a tropical low on 1 April 2014, and gradually moved westward, eventually reaching cyclone intensity on 5 April. On 10 April, Ita intensified rapidly into a powerful Category 5 system on the Australian Scale, but it weakened to a Category 4 system in the hours immediately preceding landfall the following day. At the time of landfall at Cape Flattery at 12 April 22:00 (UTC+10), Dvorak intensity was approximately T5.0, consistent with a weak Category 4 system, and considerably lower than T6.5 observed when the system was at maximal intensity. Meteorologists noted the system had, at such time, developed a secondary eyewall which weakened the inner eyewall; as a result, the system was considerably less powerful than various intensity scales predicted. Ita's impact on terrain was attenuated accordingly.

Following landfall, Ita weakened rapidly. As of 12 April 10:00 (UTC+10), Ita was situated over land with Category 1 intensity and a central pressure of 990 hpa, moving southerly at 11 km/h. The system is expected to re-enter the Coral Sea late on 13 April and continue moving south-easterly, potentially redeveloping as a hybrid tropical system.

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

On 1 April 2014, a broad, poorly-defined area of low pressure consolidated over the Solomon Islands. Initially only accompanied by flaring convection, the system persisted in a region of low wind shear and strong outflow which promoted gradual development.[1] Upon formation, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) office in Brisbane monitored the system as a tropical low.[2] Banding features gradually developed and wrapped around the circulation and deep convection became persistent by 2 April.[3] A large central dense overcast blossomed over the low early on 3 April, prompting the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) to issue a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert.[4]

Preparations and impact

Solomon Islands

As the precursor tropical low to Cyclone Ita affected the Solomon Islands, local authorities issued heavy flood warnings, tropical disturbance and cyclone watches.[5]

Nearly two days of continuous heavy rains from the storm caused flash flooding in the Solomon Islands.[6] Over a four-day span, more than 1,000 mm (39 in) fell at the Gold Ridge mine in Guadalcanal, with 500 mm (20 in) falling in a 24 hour-span.[7] The Matanikau River, which runs through the capital city Honiara, broke its banks on 3 April and devastated nearby communities. Thousands of homes along with the city's two main bridges were washed away, stranding numerous residents.[6] The national hospital had to evacuate 500 patients to other facilities due to flooding.[8] Graham Kenna from Save the Children stated that, "the scale of destruction is like something never seen before in the Solomon Islands."[9] According to Permanent Secretary Melchoir Mataki, the majority of homes destroyed in Honiara were built on a flood plain where construction was not allowed.[10]

Severe flooding took place on Guadalcanal.[6]

Throughout the Solomon Islands, at least 23 people were killed while up to 40 others remained unaccounted for as of 6 April. An estimated 49,000 people were affected by the floods, of whom 9,000 were left homeless.[10][11]

Papua New Guinea

Animated gif showing the path of Cyclone Ita over the eastern end of the island of New Guinea. April 8, 2014. Longwave infrared channel with no enhancements.

Ahead of Ita affecting Papua New Guinea, the National Weather Service issued tropical cyclone warnings for all island and coastal communities in Milne Bay Province.[12] The NWS also urged people in the East and West New Britain provinces, New Ireland and Bougainville, the southeast sector of the Solomon Sea and North Coral Sea areas to take precautions.[12] All schools and businesses were closed for several days in Milne Bay while residents were urged to remain indoors.[13]

The storm brought unusually heavy rains and strong winds to Milne Bay Province and the National Capital District. The hardest hit areas were the islands of Rossell, Misima, Samarai, Woodlark, Sau, and Vanatinai. Unconfirmed reports of casualties were received from these areas.[13] On Ware Island, 54 homes and 1 classroom were destroyed.[14] Along the mainland, Alotau experienced strong winds that downed trees and power lines, leaving many without power, and flooding that destroyed homes.[13] Throughout Milne Bay, an estimated 62,000 people were affected by the storm.[14] Some flooding was reported in Port Moresby.[15] Further north in Jiwaka Province, the a bridge along the Highlands Highway crossing the Tuman River was washed away.[16]

Australia

Ahead of the cyclone affecting Cape York, the Bureau of Meteorology issued a cyclone watch on 9 April, for the far northern Queensland coast between Cape Grenville and Port Douglas. The Bureau predicted it to reach category five and would be the most severe storm to affect Queensland since Cyclone Yasi in 2011.[17] On 10 April, Cyclone Ita was upgraded to category five, with a cyclone warning issued for the far nothern Queensland coast between Lockhart River and Cairns.[18]

In anticipation of the Cyclone, tourists and staff were evacuated from a holiday resort on Lizard Island on April 10. As Ita neared landfall, all residents in Cooktown and Hopevale were advised to evacuate either to a community cyclone shelter or to leave the towns.[19] As the storm neared the coast on April 11, wind gusts of 159 km/h (99 mph) were recorded at an automated weather station at Cape Flattery before the instrument failed.[20] Due to the fact Ita weakened abruptly after landfall, damage was lighter then expected, however several buildings in Cooktown were still un-roofed, including a 140 year old hotel in the town center.[21] Winds peaked at 115 km/h (71 mph) in Cooktown, which was significantly less then expected, and 183.4 mm (7.22 in) of rain was recorded.[22] Power was cut to the whole town and many trees were uprooted and destroyed, however no injuries have been reported and overall damage was lighter than anticipated.[21]

Heavy rain has led to flooding in North Queensland, 5 people were rescued from floodwaters between Cooktown and Cairns and flooding in the Daintree River has threatened several properties in Mossman, with 24 hour totals in excess of 300 mm (12 in).[23] Several houses were also flooded from a minor storm surge in Cairns, however damage was limited.[24] As Ita tracks south, moderate to severe flooding is expected in the Cairns region and extending further south as heavy rains continue.

Aftermath

Solomon Islands

Immediately following the floods, Honiara and Guadalcanal were declared disaster areas by the Solomon Government.[25] Debris left behind by the floods initially hampered relief efforts, with the runway at Honiara International Airport blocked by two destroyed homes. Food supplies started running low as the Red Cross provided aid to the thousands homeless. The airport was reopened on 6 April, allowing for supplies from Australia and New Zealand to be delivered.[11] Roughly 20 percent of Honiara population relocated to evacuation centers as entire communities were swept away.[26] There were fears that the flooding could worsen an already ongoing dengue fever outbreak and cause outbreaks of diarrhea and conjunctivitis.[10]

New Zealand offered an immediate NZ$300,000 in funds and deployed a C-130 Hercules with supplies and emergency response personnel.[26] Australia donated A$250,000 on 6 April and sent engineers and response teams to aid in relief efforts.[27] On 8 April, Australia increased its aid package to A$3 million while New Zealand provided an additional NZ$1.2 million.[10][28] Taiwan provided US$200,000 in funds.[29]

On 4 April (5 April local time[6]) a 6.0 MW earthquake, with its epicenter on Makira island, struck the Solomon Islands.[30] Though no reports of damage were received in relation to it, officials were concerned about the possibility of landslides resulting from it.[6]

See also

References

  1. ^ Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1 April 2014. Archived from the original on 1 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  2. ^ Tropical Cyclone Three Day Outlook for the Coral Sea. Brisbane Tropical Cyclone Warning Center (Report). Bureau of Meteorology. 1 April 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  3. ^ Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2 April 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  4. ^ Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 3 April 2014. Archived from the original on 3 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  5. ^ http://www.pacificdisaster.net/pdnadmin/data/original/SLB_FL_20140403__Homes_inundated.pdf
  6. ^ a b c d e Michael Field (5 April 2014). "Kiwis join Solomons flood clean up". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  7. ^ "Future of Gold Ridge Mining Uncertain After Floods". Solomon Times Online. 10 April 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  8. ^ "Solomon Islands Humanitarian Situation Report #1, 1- 4 April 2014" (PDF). United Nations Children's Fund. ReliefWeb. 4 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  9. ^ "Fears for deadly outbreak of dengue fever in flood and quake hit Solomons". Save the Children. ReliefWeb. 5 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  10. ^ a b c d Sean Dorney (8 April 2014). "Solomon Islands National Disaster Council issues all clear in wake of deadly Honiara floods". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  11. ^ a b "Solomon Islands floods: search continues for missing". Sydney Morning Herald. Agence France-Presse. 6 April 2014. Archived from the original on 6 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  12. ^ a b Martin, Mellissa (8 April 2014). "Weather Service issues tropical cyclone warning". Post Courier. Retrieved 8 April 2014. (subscription required)
  13. ^ a b c Konopa Kana (11 April 2014). "Disaster office issues cyclone warning". Post Courier. Retrieved 11 April 2014. (subscription required)
  14. ^ a b Nellie Setepano (11 April 2014). "MP appeals for help as cyclone hits islands". Post Courier. Retrieved 11 April 2014. (subscription required)
  15. ^ "Cyclone warning for Port Moresby". Port Courier. 10 April 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2014. (subscription required)
  16. ^ Johnny Poiya (10 April 2014). "Flood cuts off Highlands H'way". Post Courier. Retrieved 10 April 2014. (subscription required)
  17. ^ "Cyclone Ita predicted to reach category four off far north Queensland". ABC News. 9 April 2014.
  18. ^ http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-10/cyclone-ita-gathers-speed/5381848
  19. ^ "Cyclone Ita shows no sign of weakening as it heads for north Queensland". ABC News. 12 April 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
  20. ^ "Latest Weather Observations for Cape Flattery". Weather Observations. Australian Bureau of Meteorology. 12 April 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
  21. ^ a b "Cyclone Ita: Residents assess damage in far north Queensland". ABC News. 12 April 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
  22. ^ "Cooktown, Queensland April 2014 Daily Weather Observations". Daily Summaries. Australian Bureau of Meteorology. 12 April 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
  23. ^ "Cyclone Ita: Several rescued from floodwaters in far north Queensland". ABC News. 12 April 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
  24. ^ "Cyclone Ita: Storm surge threat eases in Cairns". ABC News. 12 April 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
  25. ^ "OCHA Flash Update 1: Solomon Islands Flash Floods, 4 April 2014". United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. ReliefWeb. 5 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  26. ^ a b Rebecca Quilliam and Audrey Young (6 April 2014). "Solomon Islands disaster: Thousands left homeless". New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 6 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  27. ^ "Aust boosts aid to flooded Solomon Islands". 9 News. 6 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  28. ^ "NZ sends aid after Solomon Islands deadly floods". ONE News. 8 April 2014. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  29. ^ Elaine Hou (8 April 2014). "Taiwan donates US$200,000 to flood-ravaged Solomon Islands". Focus Taiwan. Archived from the original on 8 April 2014. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  30. ^ "M6.0 - 28km WSW of Kirakira, Solomon Islands". United States Geological Survey. 4 April 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
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