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==See also==
==See also==
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*[[Cyclone Pam]]
*[[Cyclone Oscar]]
*[[Cyclone Oscar]]
*[[Cyclone Daman]]
*[[Cyclone Daman]]

Revision as of 19:00, 21 February 2016

Winston
Current storm status
Category 5 severe tropical cyclone (Australian scale)
Current storm status
Category 4 tropical cyclone (1-min mean)
Satellite image
Forecast map
As of:18:00 FST (06:00 UTC), February 21
Location:17°36′N 174°00′E / 17.6°N 174.0°E / 17.6; 174.0 (Winston)
214 nmi (396 km; 246 mi) W of Nadi, Fiji
Sustained winds:205 km/h (125 mph) (10-min mean)
230 km/h (145 mph) (1-min mean)
Pressure:930 hPa (mbar; 27.47 inHg)
Movement:WSW at 7 kn (13 km/h; 8.1 mph)
See more detailed information.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston (also referred to as Hurricane Winston)[1] is currently a powerful tropical cyclone that was the first recorded Category 5 storm to make landfall in Fiji. The system was first noted as a tropical disturbance on February 7, 2016, when it was located to the northwest of Port Villa, Vanuatu. Over the next few days, the system gradually developed as it moved southeast, acquiring gale-force winds by February 11. The following day it underwent rapid intensification and attained ten-minute maximum sustained winds of 175 km/h (110 mph). Less favourable environmental conditions prompted weakening thereafter. After turning northeast on February 14, Winston stalled to the north of Tonga on February 17. Regaining strength, the storm doubled back to the west, achieving Category 5 status on both the Australian tropical cyclone scale and the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale on February 19. It reached its peak intensity the next day with ten-minute sustained winds of 230 km/h (145 mph) and a pressure of 915 hPa (mbar; 27.03 inHg), shortly before making landfall on Viti Levu, Fiji.

In advance of the storm's arrival in Fiji, numerous shelters were opened, and a nationwide curfew was instituted during the evening of February 20. Striking Fiji as a Category 5 on February 20, Winston inflicted extensive damage on many islands and killed at least 13 people. Communications were temporarily lost with at least six islands.

Fiji cyclone history

Though frequented by tropical cyclones, the main islands of Fiji—Viti Levu and Vanua Levu—do not regularly experience major cyclones.[2] The strongest storm to impact the main islands since records began in 1941 was Evan in December 2012, which skirted the western coast of Viti Levu as a Category 4 system on both the Australian scale and the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale.[3] The strongest storm to make landfall on either Viti Levu or Vanua Levu was Nigel in 1985, with ten-minute sustained winds of 150 km/h (90 mph) and one-minute sustained winds of 195 km/h (120 mph). The relative lack of major cyclones affecting the capital city of Suva, located along the southeastern coast of Viti Levu, has led to complacency among residents. Many assume that strong storms are confined to northern and western areas. With Winston approaching Fiji from the east and directly threatening Suva, Angela Fritz of The Washington Post called the storm a "worst-case scenario".[2]

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 February 7, 2016, the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) started to monitor Tropical Disturbance 09F, which had developed about 1,000 km (620 mi)* northwest of Port Villa, Vanuatu.[4] Over the next few days the system moved southeast and gradually developed further within a favourable environment.[5] On February 10, the United States-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) initiated advisories on the system and classified it as Tropical Cyclone 11P, while it was located about 860 km (535 mi)* to the west-northwest of Suva, Fiji.[6] The FMS upgraded it to Category 1 status on the Australian tropical cyclone scale and assigned it the name Winston early on February 11; at this time the storm was situated roughly 820 km (510 mi) west-northwest of Suva, Fiji. Embedded within a northwesterly deep layer mean flow, the system tracked southeast.[7] Around 12:00 UTC on the same day, Winston intensified into a Category 2 tropical cyclone as a small, well-defined eye developed within deepening convection.[8][9]

Situated within a very favourable environment—featuring sea surface temperatures of 30 to 31 °C (86 to 88 °F), robust upper-level outflow, and light to moderate wind shear[10]—Winston rapidly intensified on February 12, becoming a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone by 06:00 UTC,[11] and then a Category 4 only six hours later.[12] The system presented a well-defined eye enveloped by deep convection, and it reached its initial peak intensity at 18:00 UTC, with ten-minute maximum sustained winds of 175 km/h (110 mph)[13] and the JTWC estimated one-minute maximum sustained winds at 205 km/h (125 mph).[14] Soon thereafter, increasing wind shear prompted weakening;[15] convection warmed and became increasingly ragged in appearance. On February 14, Winston turned northeast as a subtropical ridge positioned itself to the north.[16]

Cyclones Tatiana (left) and Winston (right) on February 12

Persistent wind shear displaced convection from the center of Winston, leaving its circulation partially exposed. The system degraded below severe tropical cyclone status by 00:00 UTC on February 15 as a result.[17] Conditions became more favourable for development on February 16, with shear relaxing over the cyclone. A prominent banding feature wrapped into the circulation that day, marking the start of reintensification.[18] An eye reformed later that day within increasing convection,[19] and Winston regained severe tropical cyclone intensity by 18:00 UTC.[20] The storm's core became increasingly compact and defined as it strengthened,[21] and a central dense overcast became established on February 17.[22] Later that day, Winston entered a region of weak steering currents and the storm became nearly stationary.[23] The storm's eye became more readily apparent late on February 17 as it doubled back to the west.[24][25]

A strengthening ridge to the south propelled Winston west by February 18, directing the intensifying cyclone at Fiji. The storm's eye grew in size that day,[26] and upper-level outflow became more defined.[27] Winston's overall structure became increasingly symmetric,[28] and the system acquired traits of an annular tropical cyclone.[29] Marked intensification took place on February 19 as the storm's 27 km (17 mi) wide eye became surrounded by intense convection.[30] Winston acquired Category 5 status—the highest level on the Australian intensity scale—by 06:00 UTC, with ten-minute sustained winds reaching 205 km/h (125 mph).[31] Fueled by nearly perfect conditions for intensification,[29] Winston deepened further and the JTWC estimated it to have acquired one-minute sustained winds of 265 km/h (165 mph) by 18:00 UTC, classifying it as a Category 5-equivalent on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale.[32] Around this time, the cyclone passed directly over the small island of Vanua Balavu.[29] Wind gusts of 325 km/h (202 mph) were reported on the island.[33]

Passing just south of Vanua Levu, Winston achieved its peak intensity early on February 20 with ten-minute sustained winds of 230 km/h (145 mph) and a pressure of 915 hPa (mbar; 27.03 inHg).[34] The JTWC estimated Winston to have been slightly stronger, with one-minute sustained winds of 285 km/h (180 mph).[14] It soon made landfall in the Rakiraki District on Viti Levu at peak strength.[35][33] Winston is the only known Category 5 storm, on both the Australian tropical cyclone scale and the Saffir-Simpson scale, to directly impact Fiji, and is accordingly the most intense storm on record to strike the nation.[36]

Impact

Fiji

Winston making landfall in Viti Levu on February 20

On February 14, the FMS began issuing tropical cyclone warnings for the southern Lau Islands of Fiji.[37] These gradually expanded in coverage through February 15,[38] but were discontinued on February 16 as Winston moved away from the nation.[39] Warnings resumed on February 18 after Winston doubled back toward Fiji, and were issued for northern and eastern islands.[40] Most of the northern islands in the storm's immediate path were placed under hurricane warnings on February 19.[41] All shelters across the Southern Lau Islands, Koro Island, and Taveuni were opened on February 19; more than 700 shelters opened across the entirety of Fiji.[33][42] The Republic of Fiji Military Forces were placed on standby for relief efforts.[43] A state of emergency was declared during the afternoon of February 20.[44] A nationwide curfew was enacted starting at 6:00 p.m. local time.[45] Public transportation was suspended across Viti Levu, and the Fiji Roads Authority strongly advised residents to avoid travel unless necessary. Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama called the storm "an ordeal of the most grievous kind".[33]

Striking the nation on February 20, Winston brought widespread damage to numerous islands.[33] Approximately 80 percent of the nation's 900,000 people lost power,[46] including the entirety of Vanua Levu,[47] as hurricane-force winds downed trees and power lines.[33] Communications with Vanua Balavu, Lakeba, Cicia, Nayau, Taveuni, and Qamea were lost on February 20.[48][49] Landline telephone service was lost on Matuku Island.[50] At least 13 people were killed across the nation: 7 in Ra Province, 3 in Nadi, 2 on Ovalau Island, and 1 on Koro Island.[46][51] Seven people are also missing after sailing in the storm near the Yasawa Islands.[51]

Across the entirety of Fiji's Eastern Division, 150 houses were destroyed, with 60 additional homes sustaining some degree of damage.[52] Koro Island sustained severe damage, with schools destroyed and many structures losing their roof.[53] Kade Village was leveled, with all structures destroyed.[54] One person died in Nabasovi when his home collapsed and twelve people were injured in Nabuna.[55][56] Significant damage was reported across Ovalau.[57]

On Viti Levu, strong winds destroyed at least two homes in Waidamu; the Waidamu River also topped its banks and flooded nearby communities.[58]

Other South Pacific nations

Impacting Tonga twice within the span of a few days, Winston caused significant damage across northern Tonga. Approximately 2,500 people sought refuge in shelters. The first passage of the storm resulted in mostly crop damage while the second brought greater structural damage. At least 10 homes were destroyed and 200 more were damaged.[59]

Winston also affected Niue on February 16; the FMS issued tropical cyclone and damaging heavy swell warnings for the island nation.[60]

Aftermath

Fiji

All schools across Fiji suspended classes for a week because of severe damage to the educational infrastructure.[61] In Labasa, two people were arrested for breaking curfew and others were reprimanded.[62] The government of New Zealand set aside an initial NZ$50,000 to the High Commission of the Republic of the Fiji Islands to New Zealand in preparation for relief efforts, alongside NZ$170,000 worth of relief supplies. The country also dispatched a Lockheed P-3 Orion to aid in aerial surveillance and assessments of the damage situation in Fiji.[63]

Tonga

The nation of Tonga received money and aid from New Zealand, which also provided 8,000 people with clean water.[64] Australia also provided assistance to Tonga, including the distribution of A$300,000 worth of humanitarian supplies through the Tonga Red Cross Society, two surveillance and assessment aircraft, and two disaster management experts from the Australian Civilian Corps to aid in relief efforts.[65]

See also

References

  1. ^ Nasik Swami (February 20, 2016). "Hurricane Winston makes landfall in Viti Levu". Fiji Times. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  2. ^ a b Angela Fritz (February 19, 2016). "Catastrophic Cyclone Winston bears down on Fiji's main island in worst case scenario". The Washington Post. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  3. ^ Jeff Masters (December 17, 2012). "A grinch in paradise: Category 4 Tropical Cyclone Evan slams Fiji". Weather Underground. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  4. ^ Tropical Disturbance Summary for Area Equator to 25S, 160E to 120W (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. February 7, 2016. Archived from the original on February 7, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  5. ^ Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans (Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 10, 2016. Archived from the original on February 10, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  6. ^ Tropical Cyclone 11P (Eleven) Warning Nr 001 (Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 10, 2016. Archived from the original on February 10, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  7. ^ Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A4 (Advisory). Fiji Meteorological Service. February 11, 2016. Archived from the original on February 11, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  8. ^ Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A6 (Advisory). Fiji Meteorological Service. February 11, 2016. Archived from the original on February 11, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  9. ^ Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning Nr 003 (Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 11, 2016. Archived from the original on February 11, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  10. ^ Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning Nr 005 (Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Archived from the original on February 12, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  11. ^ Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A9 (Advisory). Fiji Meteorological Service. February 12, 2016. Archived from the original on February 12, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  12. ^ Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A10 (Advisory). Fiji Meteorological Service. February 12, 2016. Archived from the original on February 12, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  13. ^ Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A11 (Advisory). Fiji Meteorological Service. February 12, 2016. Archived from the original on February 12, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  14. ^ a b "[Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Rolling Best Track]" (.TXT). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. US Naval Research Laboratory, Marine Meteorology. February 20, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  15. ^ Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 007 (Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 13, 2016. Archived from the original on February 14, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  16. ^ Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 008 (Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 14, 2016. Archived from the original on February 14, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  17. ^ Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A19 (Advisory). Fiji Meteorological Service. February 15, 2016. Archived from the original on February 17, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  18. ^ Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 013 (Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 16, 2016. Archived from the original on February 17, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  19. ^ Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 014 (Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 16, 2016. Archived from the original on February 17, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  20. ^ Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A26 (Advisory). Fiji Meteorological Service. February 16, 2016. Archived from the original on February 17, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  21. ^ Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 016 (Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 17, 2016. Archived from the original on February 17, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  22. ^ Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 017 (Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 17, 2016. Archived from the original on February 17, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  23. ^ Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 018 (Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 17, 2016. Archived from the original on February 17, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  24. ^ Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A30 (Advisory). Fiji Meteorological Service. February 17, 2016. Archived from the original on February 17, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  25. ^ Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 020 (Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 18, 2016. Archived from the original on February 18, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  26. ^ Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 021 (Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 18, 2016. Archived from the original on February 18, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  27. ^ Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 022 (Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 18, 2016. Archived from the original on February 18, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  28. ^ Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 022 (Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 18, 2016. Archived from the original on February 20, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  29. ^ a b c Jeff Masters and Bob Henson (February 19, 2016). "Fiji Pounded by its First Category 5 Storm on Record: Tropical Cyclone Winston". Weather Underground. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  30. ^ Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 024 (Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 19, 2016. Archived from the original on February 20, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  31. ^ Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A37 (Advisory). Fiji Meteorological Service. February 19, 2016. Archived from the original on February 20, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  32. ^ Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 027 (Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 19, 2016. Archived from the original on February 20, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  33. ^ a b c d e f "Winston leaves trail of destruction". Radio New Zealand. February 20, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  34. ^ Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A42 (Advisory). Fiji Meteorological Service. February 20, 2016. Archived from the original on February 20, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  35. ^ Jon Erdman (February 20, 2016). "Tropical Cyclone Winston Makes Category 5 Landfall; Strongest on Record in Fiji". The Weather Channel. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  36. ^ Losalini Bolatagici (February 20, 2016). "Winston the strongest, first Category 5 cyclone to hit Fiji". Fiji Times. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  37. ^ Special Weather Bulletin Number One for Fiji On Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. February 14, 2016. Archived from the original on February 14, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  38. ^ Special Weather Bulletin Number Seven for Fiji On Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. February 15, 2016. Archived from the original on February 15, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  39. ^ Special Weather Bulletin Number Fifteen for Fiji On Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. February 16, 2016. Archived from the original on February 17, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  40. ^ Special Weather Bulletin Number Sixteen for Fiji On Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. February 18, 2016. Archived from the original on February 18, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  41. ^ Special Weather Bulletin Number Twenty-Four for Fiji On Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. February 19, 2016. Archived from the original on February 20, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  42. ^ Savaira Tabua (February 19, 2016). "Evacuation centres activated in upper Lau group". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  43. ^ Akosita Talei (February 19, 2016). "RFMF on standby for TC Winston". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
  44. ^ Nasik Swami (February 20, 2016). "Fiji declares State of Natural Disaster". Fiji Times. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  45. ^ Indra Singh (February 20, 2016). "Nationwide Curfew as TC Winston batters Fiji group". Fiji Times. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  46. ^ a b Nadia Khomami (February 21, 2016). "Cyclone Winston: Fiji counts deaths and damage from giant storm". The Guardian. Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  47. ^ Elenoa Turagaiviu (February 21, 2016). "Restoration of essential services is a priority url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37744/restoration-of-essential-services-is-a-priority-". Fiji Broadcast Corporation. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help); Missing pipe in: |title= (help)
  48. ^ Luke Rawalai (February 20, 2016). "TC Winston: Telecommunications to Taveuni cut". Fiji Times. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  49. ^ Aliki Bia (February 20, 2016). "No links to some islands in Lau Group". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  50. ^ Tokasa Rainima (February 20, 2016). "Matuku prepares for bad weather". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  51. ^ a b Maciu Bolaitamana (February 21, 2016). "West claim 10 lives". Fiji Broadcast Corporation. Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  52. ^ UN Office for the Coordination of Human Affairs (February 21, 2016). Fiji: Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston Situation Report No. 1 (as of 21 February 2016) (PDF) (Situation report). ReliefWeb. Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  53. ^ Savaira Tabua (February 20, 2016). "Teachers quarters blown away". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  54. ^ Talebula Kate (February 21, 2016). "All houses destroyed in island village". Fiji Times. Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  55. ^ Farzana Nisha (February 20, 2016). "Death of an elderly man confirmed". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  56. ^ Tokasa Rainima (February 21, 2016). "12 villagers injured in Nabuna, Koro". Fiji Broadcast Corporation. Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  57. ^ Ellen Stolz (February 20, 2016). "Ovalau experiencing destructive winds". Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  58. ^ Nasik Swami (February 20, 2016). "Two houses blown away in Nausori". Fiji Times. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  59. ^ "Despite some damage, Tonga escapes the worst of Winston". Fiji Times. Radio New Zealand International. February 20, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  60. ^ http://www.webcitation.org/6fMzj4znk
  61. ^ Ritika Pratap (February 21, 2016). "Schools to go on one week break". Fiji Broadcast Corporation. Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  62. ^ Elenoa Turagaiviu (February 21, 2016). "Two people arrested in Labasa". Fiji Broadcast Corporation. Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  63. ^ McCully, Murray (February 21, 2016). "NZ sends Orion and releases aid to Fiji". beehive.govt.nz. Government of New Zealand. Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  64. ^ "5 Things to Know About Tropical Cyclone Winston". The Weather Channel. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  65. ^ "Tropical Cyclone Winston". Government of Australia. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. February 20, 2016. Archived from the original on February 21, 2016. Retrieved February 21, 2016.
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