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Hurricane Zeta

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Hurricane Zeta
Current storm status
Category 2 hurricane (1-min mean)
Satellite image
Forecast map
As of:5:00 p.m. CDT (22:00 UTC) October 28
Location:29°30′N 90°24′W / 29.5°N 90.4°W / 29.5; -90.4 (Hurricane Zeta) ± 20 nm
About 35 miles (55 km) SSW of New Orleans, Louisiana
Sustained winds:95 kn (110 mph; 175 km/h) (1-min mean)
gusting to 115 kn (130 mph; 215 km/h)
Pressure:972 mbar (28.70 inHg)
Movement:NNE at 21 kn (24 mph; 39 km/h)
See more detailed information.

Hurricane Zeta is currently a weakening, but strong, fast-moving Category 2 hurricane over southeast Louisiana that recently passed over New Orleans after striking the Yucatan Peninsula. The twenty-seventh named storm and eleventh hurricane of the exceptionally active 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, Zeta formed from a broad area of low pressure that formed in the western Caribbean Sea on October 19. After battling wind shear, the low organized into Tropical Depression Twenty-Eight on October 24. The system strengthened into Tropical Storm Zeta early on October 25 before becoming a hurricane the next day. Hurricane Zeta made landfall in the Yucatán Peninsula late on October 26 and weakened while inland to a tropical storm, before moving off the northern coast of the peninsula on October 27. After weakening due to dry air, Zeta reorganized and became a hurricane again, and eventually a Category 2 hurricane, as it approached the U.S. Gulf Coast on October 28. It continued to strengthen until it reached its peak intensity of 110 mph (175 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 970 mbar (28.64 inHg) as it made landfall in Cocodrie, Louisiana that evening.

Numerous tropical cyclone watches and warnings were issued in areas that had already dealt with other tropical cyclones throughout the season, including Hurricane Delta, which took a near identical track three weeks prior. States of emergencies were issued in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Heavy rain in Jamaica led to a landslide that killed a man and his daughter when it hit their family home on October 24. Strong winds and storm surge knocked down trees branches onto flooded streets in Playa del Carmen, near where Zeta made landfall in Mexico. Heavy rain, storm surge, and strong winds also pummeled the U.S. Gulf Coast near and east of New Orleans.

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

At 00:00 UTC on October 15, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) began to monitor the southern Caribbean Sea for the possible development of a broad area of low pressure over the region.[1] By 18:00 UTC on October 19, a trough of low pressure had formed in the western Caribbean, but unfavorable upper-level winds hindered further development.[2] An assessment of conditions on October 20 led the NHC to conclude by 18:00 UTC that the system had no chance of development.[3] Three days later, however, new satellite images and radar data showed that the system, then located just west of Grand Cayman Island, was gradually becoming better defined.[4] By 21:00 UTC on October 24, the system had organized enough to be designated as Tropical Depression Twenty-Eight.[5] At 06:00 UTC the following morning, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Zeta,[6] becoming the earliest 27th Atlantic tropical or subtropical storm on record, surpassing the old mark of November 29, which was set by 2005's Hurricane Epsilon.[4] After remaining nearly stationary for over a day, the storm began to move northwestward towards the Yucatán Peninsula. Zeta soon began to rapidly intensify, reaching just below hurricane strength before wind shear again disrupted its convective organization.[7] However, this turned out to be short-lived as new burst of convection allowed Zeta to become a hurricane at 19:10 UTC on October 26.[8] It reached its initial peak intensity as it made landfall north of Tulum, Mexico, at 04:00 UTC on October 27 with winds of 80 mph and a 977 mbar pressure,[9] It initially remained well organized, although it weakened to a tropical storm as it continued over the Yucatán Peninsula.[10] Zeta moved offshore of the northern coast of the peninsula by 15:00 UTC and continued moving northwestward.[11]

Dry air wrapped around the northern half of Zeta's circulation, leaving the center exposed despite having a large amount of outflow surrounding it.[12] The storm bottomed out 65 mph and 990 mb at 00:00 UTC on October 28; however, large bursts of convection were already reforming over the center and a ragged eye quickly formed.[13][14] At 06:00 UTC, Zeta became a hurricane again as it began another rapid intensification phase.[15] It then began to accelerate it turned towards the northeast because of a vigorous upper-level low over West Texas.[16] It became a Category 2 hurricane at 18:00 UTC.[17] It continued to strengthen until it reached its peak intensity of 110 mph (175 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 970 mbar (28.64 inHg) as it made landfall in Cocodrie, Louisiana at 21:00 UTC.[18]

File:COD-GOES-East-continental-southconus.truecolor.20201028.165615-over=map-bars=.gif
Hurricane Zeta and Winter Storm Billy interacting on October 28th, 2020

Current storm information

As of 4:00 p.m. CDT (21:00 UTC) October 28, Hurricane Zeta is located within 20 nautical miles of 29°12′N 90°36′W / 29.2°N 90.6°W / 29.2; -90.6 (Zeta), about 65 miles (100 km) south-southwest of New Orleans, Louisiana. Maximum sustained winds are 95 knots (110 mph; 175 km/h), with gusts to 115 knots (130 mph; 215 km/h). The minimum barometric pressure is 970 mbar (28.64 inHg), and the system is moving north-northeast at 21 knots (24 mph; 39 km/h). Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 150 miles (240 km) from the center.

For the latest official information, see:

Watches and warnings

Template:HurricaneWarningsTable

Preparations

Invest 95L a day before it became Tropical Depression Twenty-Eight.

Zeta was the third tropical cyclone of October 2020 to threaten Western Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula.

Cayman Islands and Jamaica

Flash flood warnings were issued in parts of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, where a small craft warning was also issued in the latter.[19][20]

Cuba

Upon formation, a Tropical Storm Watch was issued for the province of Pinar del Río.[21]

Mexico

Zeta just prior to becoming a hurricane as it approached the Yucatán Peninsula.

In Quintana Roo, people were still recovering from Hurricane Delta, which hit the region a little more than a week prior. The state government set up several shelters for residents and tourists, while transport was suspended.[22]

United States

Hurricane watches were issued for eastern and central coastal Louisiana and coastal Mississippi. A tropical storm watch was also issued for areas east of Intracoastal City to Morgan City, Louisiana, as well as coastal Alabama. Storm surge watches were issued for the entire area as well. The western part of watches and warnings were trimmed as the storm approached and the forecast track became better established.[23]

Louisiana

On October 26, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards issued a state of emergency for the entire state.[24] The town of Grand Isle issued a mandatory evacuation on October 27 as a voluntary evacuation was ordered for Jean Lafitte that same day.[25] Tulane University moved classes to virtual learning on October 28, while also closing health centers on campus.[26] Cleco employed more than 200 new workers to help restore power in the aftermath of Zeta.[27] Several national park units were shut down to weather the storm.[28]

Mississippi

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency ahead of Zeta on October 28.[29] This was preceded by Hattiesburg and Forrest county's emergency declarations which were issued on October 27.[30] Schools in Pascagoula, Gautier, Biloxi, and Long Beach were closed on October 28 and 29 although schools in Pascagoula and Gautier only had early releases on October 28.[31]

Alabama

On October 27, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey issued a state of emergency.[32] Baldwin EMC stocked on supplies and put extra crews on standby ahead of Zeta to help restore power in parts of the state.[33]

Impact

Cayman Islands and Jamaica

A man and his daughter were killed in Jamaica after a landslide hit the family's home on October 24. The landslide was due to heavy rain likely from the precursor to Zeta.[34]

Mexico

Tree branches were littered across flooded streets in Playa del Carmen, near where Zeta made landfall.[35] However, Quintana Roo Governor Carlos Joaquin stated on Twitter that no major damage or casualties had been reported in the state. He also allowed airports and business to re-open just hours after landfall, but forced beaches to remain close until surf calmed.[36]

United States

Hurricane Zeta making landfall in Cocodrie, Louisiana on October 28, 2020.

Zeta's landfall in Louisiana tied the record set in 1985 for the most U.S landfalling hurricanes at six.[37] It also broke 2002's record for the highest number of landfalls in Louisiana with the four others being Tropical Storm Cristobal, and Hurricanes Marco, Laura, and Delta.[38] A number of tornado warnings were issued in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.[39][40]

Louisiana

Sustained tropical storm force winds began spreading onshore in southeastern coast of Louisiana around 18:00 UTC on October 28.[41] A sustained wind of 45 mph (72 km/h) was reported at Caillou Bay.[42] Just after a landfall, a personal weather station at Golden Meadow reported winds of 83 mph with a gust to 105 mph while another unofficial weather station nearby reported sustained winds of 94 mph (151 km/h) and a gust to 110 mph (177 km/h).[41][43] Additionally, a wind gust to 52 mph (84 km/h) was reported at Houma and a wind gust to 53 mph (85 km/h) was reported at New Orleans Lakefront Airport.[43] A WeatherFlow station in Harahan reported sustained winds of 56 mph (90 km/h) and a gust to 75 mph (120 km/h) while an elevated station at Bayou Bienvenue south-southeast of New Orleans reported sustained winds of 88 mph (142 km/h) and a gust to 112 mph (180 km/h).[44] Shell Beach reported sustained winds of 81 mph (130 km/h) with a gust to 101 mph (163 km/h).[45]

A gas station was damaged in Grand Isle and a tree fell on a home in Chauvin.[41][46] Numerous utility lines were downed in Houma and storm surge flooded LA 1 in Golden Meadow while also depositing a boat on it.[46] The eye of Zeta moved directly over New Orleans, where winds gusted to 94 mph, a large tree was snapped in Bayou St. John, and a tree was blown down a car in the Garden District.[47] The airport reported a pressure of 973 mb as the eye moved overhead.[45]

Mississippi

Early on October 28, a likely tornado damaged trees and power lines in Northern Harrison County.[48]

See also

References

  1. ^ Stacy Stewart (October 14, 2020). "Tropical Weather Outlook". nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  2. ^ Daniel Brown (October 19, 2020). "Tropical Weather Outlook". nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  3. ^ Dave Roberts (October 20, 2020). "Tropical Weather Outlook". nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  4. ^ a b Shepherd, Marshall (October 23, 2020). "Zeta May Be Forming In The Caribbean – Why That's Odd (And Not)". forbes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  5. ^ Eric Blake (October 24, 2020). "Tropical Depression Twenty-Eight Advisory Number 1". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 24, 2020.
  6. ^ Stacy Stewart (October 25, 2020). "Tropical Storm Zeta Intermediate Advisory Number 2A". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  7. ^ Richard Pasch (October 26, 2020). "Tropical Storm ZETA". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  8. ^ Michael Brennan, Richard Pasch (October 26, 2020). "Hurricane ZETA". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  9. ^ Daniel Brown, Stacy R. Stewart (October 26, 2020). "Hurricane ZETA". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  10. ^ Daniel Brown (October 27, 2020). "Tropical Storm ZETA". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  11. ^ Richard Pasch (October 27, 2020). "Tropical Storm ZETA". nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  12. ^ "Tropical Storm ZETA". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  13. ^ "Tropical Storm ZETA". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  14. ^ "Tropical Storm ZETA". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  15. ^ "Hurricane ZETA". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  16. ^ "Hurricane ZETA". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  17. ^ "Hurricane ZETA". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  18. ^ "Hurricane ZETA". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  19. ^ Nadine-Wilson Harris (October 24, 2020). "Severe Weather Triggers Flooding, Landslides And Blocked Roads". The Gleaner. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  20. ^ Cayman Compass Staff (October 25, 2020). "Tropical Storm Zeta to bring more rain, rough seas". Cayman Compass. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  21. ^ Eric Blake (October 24, 2020). "Tropical Depression Twenty-eight Forecast Advisory". nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 24, 2020.
  22. ^ https://www.infobae.com/america/agencias/2020/10/27/huracan-zeta-en-el-caribe-mexicano/
  23. ^ "Hurricane ZETA Advisory Archive". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  24. ^ "State of Emergency-Tropical Storm Zeta" (PDF). gov.louisiana.gov. State of Louisiana. October 26, 2020. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
  25. ^ Emma Discher (October 27, 2020). "As Hurricane Zeta heads towards Louisiana, some parishes order evacuations; see a list". nola.com. NOLA.com. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  26. ^ Tulane Today (October 27, 2020). "Tulane moves to online teaching, learning Wednesday ahead of Hurricane Zeta". news.tulane.edu. Tulane University. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  27. ^ Cleco (October 27, 2020). "Cleco has secured additional workers to respond to Hurricane Zeta". kalb.com. KALB. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  28. ^ NPT Staff (October 28, 2020). "Hurricane Zeta Prompts Closures Of More National Park Units On The Gulf Coast". National Parks Traveler. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  29. ^ https://www.wtva.com/content/news/Mississippi-governor-signs-emergency-declaration-ahead-of-Zeta-572896771.html
  30. ^ Jimmie E. Gates (October 27, 2020). "Emergency declared in Hattiesburg area in preparation for Tropical Storm Zeta". clarionledger.com. Clarion Ledger. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  31. ^ WLOX Staff (October 27, 2020). "LIST: Schools announce closures, distance learning ahead of Hurricane Zeta". wlox.com. WLOX. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  32. ^ "Alabama governor issues state of emergency ahead of Zeta". wvtm13.com. WVTM 13. October 28, 2020. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  33. ^ Baldwin EMC (October 27, 2020). "Baldwin EMC prepares for Hurricane Zeta". gulfcoastnewstoday.com. Gulf Coast News Today. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  34. ^ Stabroek News (October 24, 2020). "Double tragedy in Jamaica – Father killed, daughter missing after landslide covers house". Stabroek News. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  35. ^ "Fallen Branches Line Flooded Streets as Zeta Hits Playa del Carmen". thechronicle.com.au. The Chronicle. October 27, 2020. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  36. ^ Gabriel Alcocer (October 27, 2020). "Hurricane warning for New Orleans as Zeta swirls over Mexico". apnews.com. Associated Press. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  37. ^ https://twitter.com/windows29165402/status/1321570464305684486
  38. ^ https://twitter.com/CEStephens/status/1321561929370972163
  39. ^ "IEM :: Storm Based Warning Polygon Visual Summary". mesonet.agron.iastate.edu. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  40. ^ akrherz@iastate.edu, daryl herzmann. "IEM :: Storm Based Warning Polygon Visual Summary". mesonet.agron.iastate.edu. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
  41. ^ a b c akrherz@iastate.edu, daryl herzmann. "IEM :: LSR from NWS LIX". mesonet.agron.iastate.edu. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  42. ^ "Hurricane ZETA". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  43. ^ a b "Hurricane ZETA". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  44. ^ "Hurricane ZETA". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  45. ^ a b "Hurricane ZETA". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
  46. ^ a b akrherz@iastate.edu, daryl herzmann. "IEM :: LSR from NWS LIX". mesonet.agron.iastate.edu. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  47. ^ akrherz@iastate.edu, daryl herzmann. "IEM :: LSR from NWS LIX". mesonet.agron.iastate.edu. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  48. ^ akrherz@iastate.edu, daryl herzmann. "IEM :: LSR from NWS LIX". mesonet.agron.iastate.edu. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
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