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Cyclone Yasi

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Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi
Category 5 severe tropical cyclone (Aus scale)
Category 4 tropical cyclone (SSHWS)
Satellite image of Cyclone Yasi on 2 February near peak intensity
Formed26 January 2011
DissipatedStill 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 pressure922 hPa (mbar); 27.23 inHg
FatalitiesNone reported
Damage$508 million (2011 USD)
Areas affectedSolomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Queensland
Part of the 2010–11 South Pacific and Australian region cyclone seasons

Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi (/ˈjɑːsiː/) is a tropical cyclone threatening northern Queensland, Australia. Yasi originated from a tropical low near Fiji. The system intensified to a Category 3 cyclone at about 5:00pm AEST (7:00am UTC) on 31 January 2011.[1] Late on 1 February the cyclone strengthened to a Category 4 system, then early on 2 February, the cyclone intensified to a Category 5 system.[2]

According to Tropical Cyclone Advice Number 21, at 9:00pm AEST (11:00am UTC) the system was centred near 17°24′00″S 147°06′00″E / 17.40000°S 147.10000°E / -17.40000; 147.10000, "110 kilometres east of Innisfail and moving west southwest at 25 kilometres per hour," with a central pressure of 930 hectopascals.[3] The system has a well-defined eye and a dvorak intensity of T6.5.[4]

According to Tropical Cyclone Advice Number 24 at 11:54pm AEST, the large destructive core had commenced to cross the coast between Innisfail and Cardwell with a central pressure of 930 hectopascals and maximum 10-minute sustained winds of 215 km/h. Maximum 3-second gusts are estimated at 285 km/h, with these likely to affect an area spanning from Ingham to Cairns according to the Threat Map [5] for a period of 3-4 hours. The eye crossed the coastline at Mission Beach just before 12:00am AEST.

The commentary on this data indicates that "models are quite consistent with the forecast motion" and adds "with the expectation of being a large and intense system, cyclone intensity may be maintained further inland than normal." The cyclone is expected to be a Category 3 system near Georgetown, 450km inland as well as affecting the Mining town of Mount Isa.

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

Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi was first identified on 26 January 2011 as a tropical disturbance, given the identifier "09F" by the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center in Nadi, Fiji (Fiji Meteorological Service; FMS), located about 330 km (205 mi) south-southwest of Tuvalu. Situated over a region of high sea surface temperatures and low to moderate wind shear, gradual intensification was expected as the system moved southwestwards.[6] Little development took place over the following two days,[7] though the disturbance was classified as a tropical depression on 27 January.[8] By 28 January, the depression was characterised as a poorly developed low with a broad area of rotating, flaring convection.[9] Considerable development took place the following day, prompting the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre (JTWC) to issue a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert. The storm's low-level circulation centre became increasingly defined and convective banding features were apparent along the northern periphery of the depression.[10]

Rapid development took place throughout 30 January, resulting in the JTWC upgrading the system to a tropical storm after data from an ASCAT image depicted winds near gale-force around the storm's centre.[11] Shortly thereafter, the FMS also upgraded the storm, classifying it as Tropical Cyclone Yasi.[12] Upon being classified a tropical cyclone, Yasi was located about 370 km (230 mi) northeast of Vanuatu.[12] Situated along the northern edge of a strong subtropical ridge, the storm tracked in a general westward direction, taking it through the northern islands of the country.[13] Continuing to rapidly intensify, Yasi attained severe tropical cyclone intensity with ten-minute sustained winds of at least 120 km/h (75 mph) on 31 January as the primary convective band wrapped around the storm's centre.[14] Later that day, the storm crossed 160°E, prompting the final advisory from the FMS and the first advisory from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology as it crossed into the Australian cyclone basin.[15]

Tropical Cyclone Yasi moved across Vanuatu's northern Torba Province, with winds reaching up to 95 km/h (60 mph).[16] Vanuatuan officials reported difficulties making contact with Torba Province, but it was believed that the northern area escaped major damage.[17]

Preparations

Satellite image of Cyclone Yasi intensifying on 1 February

Australia

By the time Yasi crossed into Australian basin, preparations for the storm were under way. Media outlets referred to the storm as "what could be the state's worst cyclone in history."[18]

Because of its great size, many fear that the tropical cyclone could cause damage more severe than Cyclone Larry in 2006 and Cyclone Tracy, which severely damaged Darwin, in 1974.[19] Thousands of residents in the path of the storm were urged to evacuate by Queensland Premier Anna Bligh.[20] Thirty thousand people were evacuated from Cairns, including all patients from Cairns Base Hospital and Cairns Private Hospital who were airlifted by the Royal Australian Air Force and other agencies (such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service) to Brisbane.[21] The Queensland state emergency coordinator warned residents that they would be on their own for up to 24 hours, as the conditions would be too dangerous for emergency responders.[22]

Waves as high as 12 m (39.37 ft) are predicted to hit the north Queensland coast as the storm surge caused by Cyclone Yasi combines with a high tide of up to 7 m (30 ft) above average.[21][23]

Elsewhere

Though the storm was situated several hundred kilometres southeast of Papua New Guinea, the outer edges of the large system brought strong winds, high seas and heavy rain to the country. In Milne Bay Province, local officials advised residents living along the coast to move to higher grounds.[24]

Impact

Australia

Prior to striking mainland Australia, the centre of Cyclone Yasi passed directly over Willis Island, a small island located about 450 km (280 mi) east of Cairns.[25] Meteorological data from the island depicted the storm's approach before the equipment was damaged by 185 km/h (115 mph) wind gusts. After the anemometer was lost, the barometric pressure fell to 937.9 mbar (hPa; 27.69 inHg).[26] Around 9:00 am local time on 2 February, radar data was disrupted.[25] Roughly an hour later, communication with the island was completely lost.[26] Initial reports indicate that the research centre sustained damage, though the scale of this is unknown.[27]

In Mission Beach, near where Cyclone Yasi made landfall, wind gusts estimated up to 290 km/h (180 mph) were believed to have caused significant damage.[28] In the hours after the storm's passage, police were unable to venture beyond their station grounds as the situation had yet to be declared safe. However, they stated that vegetation in the town had been "reduced to sticks." Most of the beach had lost its sand and every structure was damaged to some degree. Near sunrise on 3 February, there were no reports of fatalities or injuries in Mission Beach.[29] As the eye of the storm moved over several towns in Queensland, news reporters took the opportunity to give brief damage assessments before the eyewall returned. According to residents in Tully, the town was "...a scene of mass devastation." An unknown number of homes were completely destroyed as intense winds, estimated at 209 km/h (130 mph), battered the area. Many other homes not destroyed sustained severe facade and or roof damage.[30] As daybreak came, reports from the town stated that about 90% of the structures along the main avenue sustained extensive damage.[31]

An evacuation centre in Innisfail began to flood as the worst of Yasi's impacts neared. Evacuees were reportedly hammering boards at the bottom of doors to prevent water from further entering the structure. Additionally, concerns over the building's windows came about as they flexed amidst winds over 200 km/h (120 mph).[32] In Townsville, numerous roofs were torn off buildings and sent hurtling down streets. Many windows are believed to have been shattered as residents reported the sound of glass breaking throughout the night as the storm moved through.[33]

Numerous emergency calls were made by residents trapped in their homes near the height of the storm. However, their calls could not be acted upon as conditions were too dangerous for police to travel in. One instance was six people trapped in an apartment complex on Hinchinbrook Island who could not be rescued. The building was threatened by Yasi's storm surge which exceeded 3 m (9.8 ft). The group were later reported to be safe. Around 10:30 pm local time on 2 February, Anna Bligh stated that an estimated 90,000 structures, including evacuation centres, were without power.[28] This figure rose to 170,000 by morning and officials stated that some residents may be without power for more than a month.[34]

Fears of total devastation to the banana and sugar cane crops arose as the storm struck land. Initial estimates stated that damage to sugar cane alone could reach A$505 million.[35]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Qld prepares for 'most savage' cyclone". Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Australian Associated Press. 31 January 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  2. ^ "Tropical Cyclone Advice No. 9". Bureau of Meteorology. Australian Government. 1 February 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  3. ^ "Tropical Cyclone Advice Number 21". Bureau of Meteorology. Australian Government. 2 February 2011. Retrieved 2 February 2011.
  4. ^ "Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin". Bureau of Meteorology. Australian Government. 2 February 2011. Retrieved 2 February 2011.
  5. ^ "TROPICAL CYCLONE Threat Map". Bureau of Meteorology. Australian Government. 2 February 2011. Retrieved 2 February 2011.
  6. ^ "Tropical Disturbance Summary". Fiji Meteorological Service. 26 January 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  7. ^ "Tropical Disturbance Summary". Fiji Meteorological Service. 27 January 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  8. ^ "Tropical Disturbance Summary". Fiji Meteorological Service. 27 January 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  9. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Centre (28 January 2011). "Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans". United States Navy. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  10. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Centre (29 January 2011). "Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert". United States Navy. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  11. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (30 January 2011). "Tropical Storm 11P Advisory 001". United States Navy. Retrieved February 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  12. ^ a b "Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A4". Fiji Meteorological Service. 30 January 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  13. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (30 January 2011). "Tropical Storm 11P Advisory 002". United States Navy. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  14. ^ "Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A7". Fiji Meteorological Service. 31 January 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  15. ^ "Hurricane Warning 092". Fiji Meteorological Service. 31 January 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  16. ^ "Cyclone Yasi moves towards Australia". Radio New Zealand International. 31 January 2011. Retrieved 3 February 2011.
  17. ^ "Solomon Islands and Vanuatu appear to have avoided the worst of Cyclone Yasi". Radio New Zealand International. 2 February 2011. Retrieved 3 February 2011.
  18. ^ Stolz, Greg; Williams, Brian; Michael, Peter (1 February 2011). "'Potentially very deadly event' as Cyclone Yasi bears down on Queensland". Daily Telegraph. News Limited. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  19. ^ Malkin, Bonnie (31 January 2011). "Still reeling from flooding, Queensland braces for worst ever storm". The Telegraph (UK). Telegraph Media Group Limited. Retrieved 31 January 2011.
  20. ^ Newborn, Jaime (31 January 2011). "Premier: Get out before Yasi hits". Daily Mercury. Retrieved 31 January 2011.
  21. ^ a b Madigan, Michael; Munro O'Brien, Jodie (2 February 2011). "30,000 evacuated from Cairns as city braces for a pounding from Cyclone Yasi". The Courier-Mail. News Limited. Retrieved 2 Februrary 2011. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  22. ^ "Queenslanders told to stay put as Yasi closes in". ABC Asia Pacific News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 2 Februrary 2011. Retrieved 2 Februrary 2011. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  23. ^ Nancarrow, Dan (2 February 2011). "Waves 12m high to lash coast". Brisbane Times. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 2 February 2011.
  24. ^ Staff writer (31 January 2011). "PNG, Solomons alert for cyclone Yasi". Radio Australia. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 1 February 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  25. ^ a b Staff Writer (2 February 2011). "Monster cyclone knocks out weather radar". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 2 February 2011.
  26. ^ a b "Latest Weather Observations for Willis Island (31 January - 2 February)". Bureau of Meteorology. 2 February 2011. Retrieved 2 February 2011.
  27. ^ Eleanor Hall (2 February 2011). "Yasi takes out research centre". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 2 February 2011.
  28. ^ a b Australian Associated Press (2 February 2011). "Yasi unleashing fury on Qld coast". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2 February 2011. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  29. ^ Petrina Berry (3 February 2011). "Damage extensive in Mission Beach". Australian Associated Press. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 3 February 2011. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  30. ^ Evan Schwarten (2 February 2011). "Tully a scene of mass devastation". Australian Associated Press. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2 February 2011. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  31. ^ ONE News (3 February 2011). "Yasi wreaks havoc but no fatalities". TVNZ. Retrieved 3 February 2011.
  32. ^ Australian Associated Press (2 February 2011). "Windows flex, water rushes into safe haven". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2 February 2011. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  33. ^ Australian Associated Press (2 February 2011). "Sheets of roof torn from shopping centre". News.au. Retrieved 2 February 2011.
  34. ^ Dan Nancarrow (3 February 2011). "Power down for weeks after Yasi". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 3 February 2011. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  35. ^ Herald Sun (3 February 2011). "Sugar price soars on US markets as Cyclone Yasi hits Queensland". News.Au. Retrieved 3 February 2011.


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