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October 2021 nor'easter

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Tropical Storm Wanda
Tropical storm (SSHWS/NWS)
Tropical Storm Wanda over the North Atlantic on November 3
FormedOctober 31, 2021
DissipatedCurrently active
(Post-tropical after November 7)
Highest winds1-minute sustained: 50 mph (85 km/h)
Lowest pressure987 mbar (hPa); 29.15 inHg
(974 mbar (28.76 inHg) while extratropical)
Fatalities≥2
Damage> $200 million (2021 USD)
Areas affectedSouthern United States, Mid-Atlantic states, Northeastern United States, Bermuda, Atlantic Canada, Azores
Part of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season and 2021–22 North American winter

Tropical Storm Wanda was a nor'easter and an erratic tropical storm that, as an extratropical cyclone, affected much of the United States East Coast in October 2021. The precursor to the storm caused significant flooding in areas which were previously affected by hurricanes Henri and Ida.[1][2] The twenty-first named storm of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, Wanda originated from a non-tropical disturbance over the Southern United States on October 23. The system subsequently moved out into the Atlantic and developed into a powerful bomb cyclone[3] off the East Coast of the United States on October 27, causing flooding and bringing powerful gale-force winds to the region in the process. The system then weakened and moved eastward, further out into the Atlantic. On October 31 at 03:00 UTC (11 p.m. EDT October 30), the system transitioned into a subtropical storm and was given the name Wanda. As the system slowly curved southeastward, it continued organizing, before transitioning into a fully tropical storm on November 1. Over the next several days, Wanda subsequently moved northward, before curving southward and then accelerating northeastward, before degenerating into a post-tropical cyclone on November 7.

At the height of Wanda's precursor nor'easter, the storm left over 617,000 customers without electrical power in the Northeastern United States,[4][5][6] and the storm killed at least 2 people.[7][8] Damage from Wanda's extratropical precursor is estimated to have exceeded $200 million (2021 USD).[9]

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 October 23, a non-tropical disturbance developed over southern Texas.[10] For the next couple of days, the system gradually strengthened while moving eastward, along the U.S. Gulf Coast. On October 25, the system emerged into the Atlantic, off the coast of Georgia, and developed an area of low pressure.[11] On the previous day, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) began monitoring the system, noting that it could potentially develop into a subtropical or tropical cyclone several days later, after it reached the North Atlantic.[12] Early on October 26, the NHC noted that the system had a low chance of developing into a subtropical cyclone before it would merge with another approaching extratropical system, though the storm had a larger chance of becoming subtropical later in the week, after it moved out further into the Atlantic.[13] Afterward, the system began moving northeastward, along the East Coast, developing into an extratropical system while quickly strengthening.[14] On October 26, the system underwent explosive intensification, developing into a powerful nor'easter. The system was known as a bomb cyclone, with the cyclone's central pressure dropping 28 millibars (0.83 inHg) over the next 24 hours, from 1,008 millibars (29.8 inHg) to 980 millibars (29 inHg) by October 27.[15][3] During this period of time, the nor'easter absorbed another extratropical system over the Northeastern United States, which was located to the west.[16][17] The nor'easter then proceeded to make a counterclockwise loop[6] while intensifying further, before reaching its extratropical peak intensity of 974 millibars (28.8 inHg) at 09:00 UTC on October 27, off the coast of Massachusetts.[18] Afterward, the system gradually weakened while moving eastward, further out to sea.[19]

The precursor to Wanda as a powerful nor'easter on October 27, at its peak off the coast of the Northeastern United States.

The NHC continued to monitor the system, though they downgraded its chances of development within the next five days from 40% to 30% by then.[20][21] On October 29, the system began acquiring subtropical characteristics as it grew more organized,[22] with the NHC increasing its chances of development over the next two days from 50% to 90% that same day.[23][24] At 03:00 UTC on October 31, Wanda completely shed its frontal structure and transitioned into a subtropical storm, and the NHC initiated advisories on Subtropical Storm Wanda.[25][26] Soon after becoming a subtropical storm, Wanda had maximum 1-minute sustained winds of 50 mph (80 km/h) and a central pressure of 987 millibars (29.1 inHg).[27][28] Wanda continued to organize while slowly curving counterclockwise, and at 21:00 UTC on November 1, Wanda transitioned into a fully-tropical storm.[29] Around 09:00 UTC on November 2, Wanda developed a burst of convection, which managed to wrap around its center, allowing the storm to strengthen slightly.[30] However, several hours later, Wanda entrained more dry air, which degraded the storm's inner-core convection while the system turned northward. Despite the dry air entrainment, the storm's low-level circulation organized further, allowing the storm to maintain its intensity.[31][32] On the next day, Wanda's structure improved as it continued its northward track, even though its intensity remained remained the same.[33] Around 03:00 UTC on November 5, Wanda turned eastward,[34] before turning southward several hours later, around 15:00 UTC, as a mid-level ridge built up to the northwest of the storm.[35] At 21:00 UTC on November 6, Wanda began accelerating northeastward, as a larger extratropical cyclone approached the storm from the west. Wanda's convection also decreased around this time, and the storm's sustained winds decreased to 45 mph (70 km/h).[36] At 15:00 UTC on November 7, Wanda began merging with a cold front in the approaching extratropical cyclone, and the storm's circulation began opening up into a trough, marking Wanda's transition into a post-tropical cyclone.[37]

Preparations

Northeastern United States

More than 100 schools closed in Cape Cod, Massachusetts in advance of the Nor'easter.[3] The Governors of New Jersey and New York declared state of emergencies, with the NHC issuing flash flood watches and flash flood warnings across the Northeastern United States.[38] New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio had storm drains cleared and sandbags deployed. Multiple school districts closed across New Jersey, in anticipation of the flooding.[39] Phil Murphy, the Governor of New Jersey, declared a state of emergency for the storm early on October 25. As a precaution, schools have been shuttered, and flash flood warnings have been issued across the state.[40]

Impact

According to Aon Benfield, damages from Wanda's precursor was estimated at over $200 million.[9] At the height of the storm, over 617,000 customers lost power in the Northeastern United States.[4][5][6] The storm also killed at least 2 people in the United States.[7][8]

New Jersey

New Jersey recorded a rainfall amount of 5 inches (130 mm) by 15:00 UTC on October 27. [41] Many places around the state experienced flash floods as a result of the rain, while the Saddle River overflowed its banks, generating six to seven feet (1.83 to 2.13 meters) of water near the basin.[42] In Union Beach, more than a dozen water rescues were executed after vehicles were trapped by floodwaters.[41] Trees were also felled by strong winds across the area, with one instance in Morris County killing a woman and wounding another. A tree also fell on a house, causing minor damage.[7]

Massachusetts

Over 500,000 customers lost electricity in Massachusetts, due to the nor'easter.[4] A peak wind gust of 113 mph (182 km/h) were recorded in Truro, along with 103 mph (166 km/h) in Duxbury, and 97 mph (156 km/h) in Wellfleet.[5][43][44][45] Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts reported a wind gust to 94 mph (151 km/h) and Scituate reported a gust of 87 mph (140 km/h).[3] Unofficial wind gusts of 110 mph in Wellfleet and 107 mph in Provincetown were recorded at exposed coastal locations.[46][47] The system also brought heavy rainfall to the state, causing flooding. Its subsequent wind gusts felled trees, blocking several roadways and causing the widespread power outage.[4] Small boats were also washed ashore by the storm, and the nor'easter brought strong seas to the state. Some homes were also damaged as trees fell on them.[48] A plane was damaged at the New Bedford Regional Airport after being blown off the runway. In Hingham, a large tree brought down wires.[3] Brockton also received over 300 calls for help, along with its mayor declaring a state of emergency starting on October 27. Shelters were also opened to accommodate potential evacuees. Ferry services have also been affected, with very restricted operations permitted.[49]

Elsewhere

In New York State, the body of a missing kayaker was found, after he tried to cross the sea ahead of Wanda's precursor.[8] A flash flood emergency was issued for the Finger Lakes region of New York. Delaware, Otsego, and Sullivan counties experienced flooding. Peak winds of 52 mph (84 km/h) and 60 mph (97 km/h) were recorded in New York State and Connecticut, respectively.[41] In Rhode Island, the storm cut the power to 92,000 customers.[5] In Maine, over 25,000 customers experienced power outages.[6]

See also

References

  1. ^ Harrison, Andrew (October 26, 2021). "Nor'easter does not cause severe issues across Hopewell Valley". Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  2. ^ Cappucci, Matthew; Samenow, Jason (October 26, 2021). "Intensifying nor'easter lashing Northeast with flooding rain and high winds". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d e Cappucci, Matthew; Samenow, Jason (October 27, 2021). "'Bomb cyclone' brings 90 mph gusts to New England; hundreds of thousands without power". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d Emily Shapiro and Max Golembo. "Deadly Nor'easter's heavy rain and wind knocks out power to nearly 600,000". ABC News. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  5. ^ a b c d Adriana Navarro; Alyssa Smithmyer (October 27, 2021). "Nor'easter sends enormous waves crashing over homes". AccuWeather. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  6. ^ a b c d Kevin Bryne, Nicole LoBiondo. "Major nor'easter clobbering Eastern Seaboard with heavy rain and wind". Accuweather. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  7. ^ a b c "Nor'easter Topples Trees In New Jersey And New York City, Residents Worried About Others Coming Down". CBS New York. October 27, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. ^ a b c Matt Spillane; Eduardo Cuevas (October 27, 2021). "UPDATE: Body of missing Mamaroneck kayaker found as nor'easter whips through New York". Lohud. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  9. ^ a b Masters, Jeff; Henson, Bob (October 31, 2021). "Subtropical Storm Wanda forms, exhausting the Atlantic list of storms". New Haven, Connecticut: Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  10. ^ "WPC Surface Analysis valid for 10/23/2021 at 03 UTC". wpc.ncep.noaa.gov. Weather Prediction Center. October 23, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. ^ "WPC Surface Analysis valid for 10/25/2021 at 12 UTC". wpc.ncep.noaa.gov. Weather Prediction Center. October 25, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. ^ David Zelinsky (October 24, 2021). Five-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  13. ^ Brad Reinhart; Stacy R. Stewart (October 26, 2021). Two-Day Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  14. ^ "WPC Surface Analysis valid for 10/26/2021 at 03 UTC". wpc.ncep.noaa.gov. Weather Prediction Center. October 26, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  15. ^ NWS Boston [@NWSBoston] (October 27, 2021). "Bomb Cyclone! The pressure on Nantucket (KACK) dropped 28 mb over the past 24 hours (1008 mb to 980 mb) which meets the criteria for a bomb cyclone (drop of 24 mb or more in 24 hours). Last bomb cyclone? October 17, 2019" (Tweet). Retrieved November 2, 2021 – via Twitter.
  16. ^ "WPC Surface Analysis valid for 10/26/2021 at 18 UTC". wpc.ncep.noaa.gov. Weather Prediction Center. October 26, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  17. ^ "WPC Surface Analysis valid for 10/27/2021 at 03 UTC". wpc.ncep.noaa.gov. Weather Prediction Center. October 27, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  18. ^ "WPC Surface Analysis valid for 10/27/2021 at 09 UTC". wpc.ncep.noaa.gov. Weather Prediction Center. October 27, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  19. ^ "WPC Surface Analysis valid for 10/28/2021 at 06 UTC". wpc.ncep.noaa.gov. Weather Prediction Center. October 28, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  20. ^ Andrew Hagen; Andrew Latto (October 27, 2021). Two-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  21. ^ Andrew Hagen; Andrew Latto (October 28, 2021). Two-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  22. ^ Robbie Berg (October 30, 2021). Two-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  23. ^ Robbie Berg (October 30, 2021). Two-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  24. ^ Robbie Berg (October 31, 2021). Two-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  25. ^ John Cangialosi (October 31, 2021). Subtropical Storm Wanda Discussion Number 1 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  26. ^ "Subtropical Storm Wanda Finishes Up Hurricane List". weather.com. The Weather Company. October 31, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  27. ^ Jack Beven (October 31, 2021). Subtropical Storm Wanda Advisory Number 2 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  28. ^ Jack Beven (October 31, 2021). Subtropical Storm Wanda Discussion Number 2 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  29. ^ Stacy R. Stewart (November 1, 2021). Tropical Storm Wanda Discussion Number 8 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  30. ^ Richard Pasch (November 2, 2021). Tropical Storm Wanda Discussion Number 10 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  31. ^ Stacy R. Stewart (November 2, 2021). Tropical Storm Wanda Discussion Number 11 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  32. ^ Stacy R. Stewart (November 2, 2021). Tropical Storm Wanda Advisory Number 11 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  33. ^ Stacy R. Stewart (November 3, 2021). Tropical Storm Wanda Discussion Number 16 (Report). Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  34. ^ John Cangialosi (November 5, 2021). Tropical Storm Wanda Discussion Number 21 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  35. ^ Jack Beven (November 5, 2021). Tropical Storm Wanda Discussion Number 23 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  36. ^ Jack Beven (November 6, 2021). Tropical Storm Wanda Discussion Number 28 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  37. ^ Philippe Papin (November 7, 2021). Post-Tropical Cyclone Wanda Discussion Number 31 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  38. ^ Steve Almasy (October 26, 2021). "New Jersey and New York issue states of emergency ahead of nor'easter". Cable News Network. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  39. ^ "Tri-state region feeling effects of heavy rain, high winds powerful Nor'easter". abc7NY. October 26, 2021. Archived from the original on October 31, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  40. ^ Jeff Goldman. "Fierce nor'easter to soak N.J. with up to 6 inches of rain. Flooding, gusty winds in latest update". nj.com. Retrieved November 5, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  41. ^ a b c Monica Garrett, Jason Hanna and Dave Hennen. "As nor'easter drenches the East Coast, thousands have lost power and high winds threaten more outages". CNN. Retrieved November 5, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  42. ^ "Roads Flood, Rivers Overflow As Nor'easter Dumps Heavy Rain On New Jersey". CBS New York. October 26, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  43. ^ "Powerful Nor'easter Delivers Damaging Winds and Heavy Rain to New England and Beyond". BreakingWeather. October 28, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  44. ^ Weather Conditions for F6034 (Report). University of Utah. October 27, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  45. ^ Shea Gibson [@WeatherFlowCHAS] (October 27, 2021). "Wow! Strongest gusts at our sensors: Duxbury, MA: 103mph at 5:15AM. Height = 40ft AGL. Wellfleet, MA: 92mph at 4:10AM. Height = 20ft AGL, 88ft ASL. Scituate, MA: 97mph at 5:37AM. Height = 34ft AGL. Block Island Jetty, RI: 85mph. Height = 35ft AGL/ASL. @NWSBoston @NWSNewYorkNY" (Tweet). Retrieved November 2, 2021 – via Twitter.
  46. ^ October 2021 Nor'easter Special Wind Reconnaissance Mission (Report). Maravelias Extreme Performance Anemometry Mesonet (MAREPAM). October 27, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  47. ^ Full tabular data for XMRPMSPECI10262100 (Wellfleet, MA) (PDF) (Report). Maravelias Extreme Performance Anemometry Mesonet (MAREPAM). October 27, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  48. ^ Mihiro Shimano and Mia McCarthy. "Photos: See the aftermath of Massachusetts' first nor'easter of the season". www.boston.com. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  49. ^ John R. Ellement, Martin Finucane, Jeremy C. Fox, Colleen Cronin, Travis Andersen, Emily Sweeney, Tonya Alanez, Andrew Brinker, Julia Carlin, Jenna Russell and Shannon Larson. "'If you need to go out, be careful': After nor'easter blasts coast, thousands may wait days for electricity". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved November 5, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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