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==Background==
==Background==
{{storm path|Alex 2016 track.png}}
{{storm path|Alex 2016 track.png}}
The present Atlantic hurricane season is defined as June&nbsp;1 to November&nbsp;30, the period in which tropical cyclones are most likely to develop across the basin. Occasionally, systems [[List of off-season Atlantic hurricanes|develop outside the season]],<ref name = "AOML FAQ G1">{{cite web | author = [[Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory]], Hurricane Research Division | title = Frequently Asked Questions: When is hurricane season?|publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] | accessdate =January 14, 2016 |url = http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/G1.html| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20060718065833/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/G1.html| archivedate= July 18, 2006}}</ref> most frequently in May or December.<ref name="HURDAT">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|author2=Hurricane Research Division|title=Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/hurdat/hurdat2-1851-2014-060415.txt|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=June 4, 2015|accessdate=January 14, 2016}}</ref> Activity in January is considered extremely rare, with only five other known instances since 1851: an [[1938 AHS#Hurricane One|unnamed hurricane in 1938]], an [[1951 AHS#Tropical Storm One|unnamed tropical storm in 1951]], [[Hurricane Alice (December 1954)|Hurricane Alice in 1954–55]], an [[1978 AHS#Subtropical Storm One|unnamed storm in 1978]], and [[Tropical Storm Zeta|Tropical Storm Zeta in 2005–06]].<ref name="WU3"/> Since Alice originated in December&nbsp;1954, Alex is only the second hurricane to develop solely within January after the 1938 storm.<ref name="WU3"/><ref name="D4"/> When Alex made landfall on [[Terceira Island|Terceira]] as a strong tropical storm this marked only the second time that an Atlantic tropical cyclone has made landfall in January, with the other being Hurricane Alice of 1955 which made landfall on [[Saint Martin]] and [[Saba]].<ref name=WU>{{cite web|last1=Henson|first1=Bob|title=Astounding Alex Hits the Azores: January’s First Atlantic Landfall in 61 Years|url=http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/comment.html?entrynum=3224|website=Weather Underground|publisher=Wunderground.com|accessdate=16 January 2016}}</ref>
The present Atlantic hurricane season is defined agets June&nbsp;1 to November&nbsp;30, the period in which tropical cyclones are most likely to get developed across the basin. Occasionally, systems [[List of off-season Atlantic hurricanes|develop outside the season]],<ref name = "AOML FAQ G1">{{cite web | author = [[Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory]], Hurricane Research Division | title = Frequently Asked Questions: When is hurricane season?|publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] | accessdate =January 14, 2016 |url = http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/G1.html| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20060718065833/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/G1.html| archivedate= July 18, 2006}}</ref> most frequently in May or December.<ref name="HURDAT">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|author2=Hurricane Research Division|title=Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/hurdat/hurdat2-1851-2014-060415.txt|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=June 4, 2015|accessdate=January 14, 2016}}</ref> Activity in January is considered extremely rare, with only five other known instances since 1851: an [[1938 AHS#Hurricane One|unnamed hurricane in 1938]], an [[1951 AHS#Tropical Storm One|unnamed tropical storm in 1951]], [[Hurricane Alice (December 1954)|Hurricane Alice in 1954–55]], an [[1978 AHS#Subtropical Storm One|unnamed storm in 1978]], and [[Tropical Storm Zeta|Tropical Storm Zeta in 2005–06]].<ref name="WU3"/> Since Alice originated in December&nbsp;1954, Alex is only the second hurricane to develop solely within January after the 1938 storm.<ref name="WU3"/><ref name="D4"/> When Alex made landfall on [[Terceira Island|Terceira]] as a strong tropical storm this marked only the second time that an Atlantic tropical cyclone has made landfall in January, with the other being Hurricane Alice of 1955 which made landfall on [[Saint Martin]] and [[Saba]].<ref name=WU>{{cite web|last1=Henson|first1=Bob|title=Astounding Alex Hits the Azores: January’s First Atlantic Landfall in 61 Years|url=http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/comment.html?entrynum=3224|website=Weather Underground|publisher=Wunderground.com|accessdate=16 January 2016}}</ref>


Unrelated to Alex, [[2016 PHS#Hurricane Pali|Hurricane Pali]] developed over the Central Pacific in early January and persisted through the formation of Alex. This marked the first known occurrence of simultaneous January tropical cyclones between the two basins.<ref name="WU3">{{cite web|author=Jeff Masters|publisher=Weather Underground|date=January 13, 2016|accessdate=January 14, 2016|title=Unprecedented: Simultaneous January Named Storms in the Atlantic and Central Pacific|url=http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/comment.html?entrynum=3222}}</ref>
Unrelated to Alex, [[2016 PHS#Hurricane Pali|Hurricane Pali]] developed over the Central Pacific in early January and persisted through the formation of Alex. This marked the first known occurrence of simultaneous January tropical cyclones between the two basins.<ref name="WU3">{{cite web|author=Jeff Masters|publisher=Weather Underground|date=January 13, 2016|accessdate=January 14, 2016|title=Unprecedented: Simultaneous January Named Storms in the Atlantic and Central Pacific|url=http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/comment.html?entrynum=3222}}</ref>

Revision as of 11:21, 16 January 2016

Hurricane Alex
Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS/NWS)
Hurricane Alex at peak intensity on January 14
FormedJanuary 13, 2016 (January 13, 2016)
DissipatedCurrently active
(Extratropical after January 15)
Highest winds1-minute sustained: 85 mph (140 km/h)
Lowest pressure981 mbar (hPa); 28.97 inHg
FatalitiesNone reported
DamageMinimal
Areas affectedBermuda, Azores
Part of the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Alex was the first Atlantic hurricane in January since Alice in 1955 and the first to form in the month since 1938. Alex originated as an extratropical cyclone near the Bahamas on January 7, 2016. The system initially traveled northeast, passing Bermuda on January 8, before turning southeast. It subsequently deepened and acquired hurricane-force winds by January 10. Slight weakening took place thereafter, and the system eventually turned east and northeast as it acquired tropical characteristics. On January 13, it developed into a subtropical cyclone well south of the Azores, becoming the first such system in the North Atlantic since an unnamed storm in 1978. As it turned north-northeast, Alex transitioned into a full-fledged tropical cyclone on January 14 and became a hurricane. The storm peaked as a Category 1 on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 km/h) and a barometric pressure of 981 mbar (hPa; 28.97 inHg). Slight weakening followed, and Alex made landfall on Terceira Island as a tropical storm the next day. Concurrently, Alex had begun transitioning into an extratropical cyclone, and this transition was completed shortly after landfall.

The hurricane prompted the issuance of hurricane and tropical storm warnings for the Azores and the closure of schools and businesses. Alex ultimately made landfall over Terceira Island, Azores, on January 15 as it weakened to a tropical storm. Gusty winds and heavy rain caused minor damage across the archipelago, with overall effects less severe than initially feared.

Background

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

The present Atlantic hurricane season is defined agets June 1 to November 30, the period in which tropical cyclones are most likely to get developed across the basin. Occasionally, systems develop outside the season,[1] most frequently in May or December.[2] Activity in January is considered extremely rare, with only five other known instances since 1851: an unnamed hurricane in 1938, an unnamed tropical storm in 1951, Hurricane Alice in 1954–55, an unnamed storm in 1978, and Tropical Storm Zeta in 2005–06.[3] Since Alice originated in December 1954, Alex is only the second hurricane to develop solely within January after the 1938 storm.[3][4] When Alex made landfall on Terceira as a strong tropical storm this marked only the second time that an Atlantic tropical cyclone has made landfall in January, with the other being Hurricane Alice of 1955 which made landfall on Saint Martin and Saba.[5]

Unrelated to Alex, Hurricane Pali developed over the Central Pacific in early January and persisted through the formation of Alex. This marked the first known occurrence of simultaneous January tropical cyclones between the two basins.[3]

Meteorological history

The precursor to Alex on January 10

On January 7, 2016, an extratropical cyclone developed northeast of the Bahamas ahead of the subtropical jet stream, a frequent occurrence during El Niño winters.[6] Initial conditions, including strong wind shear, low sea surface temperatures, and dry air,[7] inhibited formation of a tropical cyclone as the storm moved northeast toward Bermuda.[6] The large system featured gale-force winds, with maximum sustained winds of 60–65 mph (95–100 km/h).[7] On January 8, the system passed about 75 mi (120 km) north of Bermuda, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to the islands.[8] On January 9, the system turned east and later southeast, entering a region slightly more favorable for subtropical development.[9] Hurricane-force winds developed around the core of the cyclone the following day, though convective activity near the center remained sparse.[10] The storm's separation from the jet stream, similar to a cut-off low, allowed it to move southeast and gradually acquire tropical characteristics.[3] Slight weakening took place on January 11.[11] Convection began increasing around the storm's center on January 12, by which time it was situated 1,100 mi (1,770 km) southwest of the Azores.[12]

Frontal features associated with the storm dissipated on January 13 and banding features around the defined low increased in coverage and depth. Though relatively shallow, owing to the seasonally low level of the tropopause, convection was deemed deep enough for the system to be classified as a subtropical storm at 21:00 UTC. Accordingly, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) assigned the name Alex to the storm.[13] Upon its classification, Alex was situated 785 mi (1,260 km) south-southwest of the Azores.[14] Situated to the east of a shortwave trough, Alex traveled northeast and gradually turned more to the north as it rounded the trough.[13] An eye feature soon appeared, marking intensification, within a complex of several banding features.[15] The 20 mi (25 km) wide feature cleared out early on January 14 and was surrounded by a ring of −76 °F (−60 °C) cloud tops. The storm remained vertically stacked with a cold-core low, though the development of upper-level outflow indicated the system was becoming increasingly tropical.[16] Despite moving over 68 °F (20 °C) waters, Alex continued to deepen and transitioned into a full-fledged tropical cyclone by 09:00 UTC. The transition was enabled by colder-than-average upper-tropospheric temperatures which created greater instability than would otherwise be expected.[4]

Upon transitioning into a tropical cyclone, satellite intensity estimates—using the Dvorak technique—indicated Alex achieved hurricane strength. Forecasters at the NHC assessed the storm to have maximum winds of 85 mph (140 km/h) and a barometric pressure of 981 mbar (hPa; 28.97 inHg); this ranked it as a Category 1 on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale and constituted as the storm's peak intensity.[4] Moving north toward the Azores, decreasing sea surface temperatures and increasing wind shear caused Alex to weaken late on January 14 and into January 15.[17][18] The hurricane's eyewall opened up and its convective structure decayed; the transition back into an extratropical cyclone had begun.[18] Becoming increasingly tilted with height due to shear,[19] Alex weakened to a tropical storm before making landfall over Terceira Island at 13:15 UTC with winds of 70 mph (110 km/h).[20] Hours later the system completed its transition into an extratropical cyclone, with its circulation becoming more elongated and the radius of maximum winds expanding significantly. Furthermore, the overall structure became more "comma shaped", a feature of frontal systems. Consequently, the NHC issued its last advisory on Alex.[21]

Preparations and impact

Bermuda

The precursor to Alex brought gale-force winds and heavy rain to Bermuda on January 8. Gusts measured up to 60 mph (97 km/h) disrupted air travel, downed trees, and left sporadic power outages. Waves up to 20 ft (6.1 m) prompted small craft advisories for the islands.[8] Ferry services to and from Cavello Bay, Dockyard, Belmont, Hodsdon’s Ferry, and Lower Ferry were suspended.[22] During the three days the system impacted the territory, 1.33 in (34 mm) of rain fell at Bermuda International Airport.[23]

Azores

Rough surf from Hurricane Alex on São Miguel Island in the Azores

Upon Alex's classification as a hurricane on January 14, the Azores Meteorological Service issued a hurricane warning for the islands of Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Graciosa, and Terceira. They also issued a tropical storm warning for São Miguel and Santa Maria.[24] A red alert—the highest stage for meteorological warnings—was declared for central and eastern islands.[25] Residents boarded up doors and windows with plywood and sandbags in preparation for damaging winds and flooding. Officials closed schools and administrative buildings for the duration of the hurricane on January 15.[26] SATA Air Açores cancelled morning flights around the islands.[27] The hurricane and tropical storm warnings were discontinued after Alex's passage on January 15.[20]

The first hurricane to impact the Azores since Hurricane Gordon in 2012, Alex brought heavy rain and gusty winds to the archipelago.[26] It is the only known hurricane to track within 230 mi (370 km) of the Azores outside of August and September.[28] Rainfall totals reached 4.04 in (103 mm) in Lagoa, São Miguel,[29] and 3.71 in (94 mm) in Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira.[30] Wind gusts exceeded 50 mph (80 km/h) on Santa Maria Island and neared this value in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel.[28] Some trees were downed, homes lost power, and minor flooding was observed; however, the overall effects of the storm were less than initially feared.[26] Landslides occurred across parts of the central islands, though they caused limited damage.[25]

See also

References

  1. ^ Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Hurricane Research Division. "Frequently Asked Questions: When is hurricane season?". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on July 18, 2006. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  2. ^ National Hurricane Center; Hurricane Research Division (June 4, 2015). "Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)". United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  3. ^ a b c d Jeff Masters (January 13, 2016). "Unprecedented: Simultaneous January Named Storms in the Atlantic and Central Pacific". Weather Underground. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  4. ^ a b c Richard Pasch (January 14, 2016). Hurricane Alex Discussion Number 4 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  5. ^ Henson, Bob. "Astounding Alex Hits the Azores: January's First Atlantic Landfall in 61 Years". Weather Underground. Wunderground.com. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
  6. ^ a b Bob Henson (January 7, 2016). "Rare January Depression in Central Pacific; Atlantic Subtropical Storm Next Week?". Weather Underground. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  7. ^ a b Michael Brennan (January 7, 2016). Special Tropical Weather Outlook (.TXT) (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  8. ^ a b Jonathan Bell (January 8, 2016). "Windy weather affects flights and power". The Royal Gazette. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  9. ^ Jack Beven (January 9, 2016). Special Tropical Weather Outlook (.TXT) (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  10. ^ Michael Brennan (January 10, 2016). Special Tropical Weather Outlook (.TXT) (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  11. ^ Richard Pasch (January 11, 2016). Special Tropical Weather Outlook (.TXT) (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  12. ^ Richard Pasch (January 12, 2016). Special Tropical Weather Outlook (.TXT) (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  13. ^ a b Richard Pasch (January 13, 2016). Subtropical Storm Alex Discussion Number 1 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  14. ^ Richard Pasch (January 13, 2016). Subtropical Storm Alex Advisory Number 1 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  15. ^ Jack Beven (January 14, 2016). Subtropical Storm Alex Discussion Number 2 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  16. ^ Stacy Stewart (January 14, 2016). Subtropical Storm Alex Discussion Number 3 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  17. ^ Richard Pasch (January 14, 2016). Hurricane Alex Discussion Number 5 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  18. ^ a b Jack Beven (January 15, 2016). Hurricane Alex Discussion Number 6 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
  19. ^ Richard Pasch (January 15, 2016). Tropical Storm Alex Discussion Number 8 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
  20. ^ a b Richard Pasch (January 15, 2016). Tropical Storm Alex Advisory Number 8 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
  21. ^ Richard Pasch (January 15, 2016). Post-Tropical Cyclone Alex Discussion Number 9 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
  22. ^ "Ferries suspended". The Royal Gazette. January 8, 2016. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  23. ^ "Climate Data: Monthly Climate Report". Bermuda Weather Service. 2016. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  24. ^ Richard Pasch (January 14, 2016). Hurricane Alex Advisory Number 4 (Advisory). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  25. ^ a b Ana Dias Cordeiro and Lusa (January 15, 2016). "Furacão Alex passou a tempestade tropical depois de ter atravessado os Açores". Público (in Portuguese). Archived from the original on January 15, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
  26. ^ a b c Andrei Khalip (January 15, 2016). "Hurricane Alex hits Azores less hard than feared". Reuters. Lisbon, Portugal: Thomson Reuters. Archived from the original on January 15, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
  27. ^ "Hurricane Alex Weakens After Passing Azores". The Tribune. Associated Press. January 15, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
  28. ^ a b "Rare January Hurricane Alex Landfalls in The Azores as a Tropical Storm". Atlanta, Georgia: The Weather Channel. January 15, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
  29. ^ "Lagoa IAZORESL2". Weather Underground. January 15, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
  30. ^ "Santa Luzia meteo IANGRADO6". Weather Underground. January 15, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
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