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Severe Tropical Cyclone Oma
Category 3 severe tropical cyclone (Aus scale)
Category 1 tropical cyclone (SSHWS)
Cyclone Oma on February 19 to the west of New Caledonia
FormedFebruary 8, 2019
DissipatedFebruary 26, 2019
(Extratropical after February 22, 2019)
Highest winds10-minute sustained: 130 km/h (80 mph)
1-minute sustained: 140 km/h (85 mph)
Gusts: 185 km/h (115 mph)
Lowest pressure966 hPa (mbar); 28.53 inHg
Fatalities1 total
Damage> $500,000 (2019 USD)
Areas affectedSolomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Queensland, New South Wales
Part of the 2018–19 Australian and South Pacific cyclone seasons

Severe Tropical Cyclone Oma was a large storm that meandered around the Coral Sea for two weeks, impacting several countries and territories with large swells, damaging winds, and heavy rain.

Meteorological history

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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

In early February 2019, an active monsoon trough extending across Queensland, Australia, produced multiple tropical lows. On February 8, one of these lows coalesced over the Coral Sea just west of Cairns.[1][2] Environmental conditions were not conducive to tropical cyclogenesis as it propagated east and the system crossed 160°E on February 11, entering the Fiji Meteorological Service's (FMS) area of responsibility.[3] Upon entering the region, the FMS classified the system as Tropical Depression 09F. Deep convection pulsated west of the approximated circulation center, displaced by strong wind shear with evidence of formative banding features along its periphery.[4][5] Despite the shear, ample upper-level outflow ventilated the system and enabled continued organization.[6] Scatterometer data revealed a large area of 65–75 km/h (40–45 mph) winds across the northern half of the cyclone by February 12. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center deemed the storm sufficiently organized to initiate warnings at 03:00 UTC that day, designating it as Tropical Cyclone 15P.[7][8] Following formation of a primary banding feature around the center, the FMS classified the system as a Category 1 tropical cyclone on the Australian intensity scale at 09:00 UTC on February 2. At this time, the cyclone received the name Oma.[9]

Preparations

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Tropical cyclone warnings were issued for the Solomon Islands during the early stages of Oma's existence beginning on February 11. The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service advised of gale-force winds and rough seas for most islands.[3] These advisories were ultimately cancelled on February 16.[10] Under the threat of increased water levels, residents along low-lying coasts of Kwai, Malaita, and Ngongosila evacuated. Local officials utilized churches as public shelters.[11]

Owing to adverse weather, schools and businesses shut down throughout northern provinces of Vanuatu.[12] Across the nation, approximately 1,000 people sought refuge in public shelters.[13] Air Vanuatu suspended all domestic flights on February 13 due to turbulent conditions.[14]

New Caledonia

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Australia

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On February 20, forecasters at the Bureau of Meteorology deemed Oma to be a threat to southeastern Queensland and northwestern New South Wales. A Tropical Cyclone Watch was raised for areas between Bundaberg and Ballina, inclusive of the capital city of Brisbane. This marked the first watch for Brisbane proper in more than 20 years.[1] The issuance of such a watch is unusual as Brisbane lies outside the main cyclone belt.[15] However, by the following day it became evident that Oma posed no direct threat to the mainland and these advisories were discontinued.[1] Offshore, the cruise ships MV Arcadia and Pacific Dawn delayed their courses to avoid adverse conditions.[16]

Impact and aftermath

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Solomon Islands

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The low-lying Strong winds from the storm caused damage in parts of Guadalcanal. Multiple trees fell across Honiara and several homes and schools suffered roof damage.[11][17] Impacts extended to Temotu Province where additional damage to homes took place.[11] Overall damage was reported as "extensive" by Solomon Islands' officials with additional concerns over food security.[18]

Near the Solomon Islands, swells produced by Oma hampered recovery efforts of MV Solomon Trader which ran aground on a reef near Rennell Island in early February. These swells subsequently damaged the vessel and accelerated its sinking.[19] The damage resulted in the leakage of more than 75 tonnes of oil near a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[20][21] The spill contaminated Lughu Bay [ceb], killing off fish and rendering fish unusable as a food source for 300 people living along its shores.[22] Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela requested assistance from Australia to circumvent an environmental disaster.[23] Houenipwela conceded the Solomon Islands was unable to handle the spill on its own. The Australian High Commission for the Solomon Islands and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority provided aerial reconnaissance.[20]

Vanuatu

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Cyclone Oma near Vanuatu on February 14

Persistent heavy rain, damaging surf, and strong winds battered the northern provinces of Malampa, Sanma, Torba in Vanuatu for approximately a week.[13][24] Winds in excess of 90 km/h (56 mph) affected an estimated 11,000 people.[13] The islands of Ambae, Espiritu Santo, Gaua, and Vanua Lava saw rainfall accumulations in excess of 500 mm (20 in). Peak 24-hour accumulations reached 390 mm (15 in), observed on Espiritu Santo.[25] At least 76 homes sustained damage across Espiritu Santo, primarily on western shores.[26] One person suffered minor injuries in Mota Lava.[13] The strong winds downed trees across the affected region. Communications with Torba were disrupted, with authorities unable to reach the Torres Islands.[24]

The prolonged nature of Oma's coastal impacts caused widespread and significant erosion, with Vanuatu's Daily Post describing the coastline as "reshaped".[26] Storm surge inundated coastal communities in Malampa and Torba,[13] extending up to 50 m (160 ft) inland in some areas. Multiple traditionally constructed homes were destroyed while flooding from swollen rivers washed out roads.[24] The Vanuatu Red Cross activated five emergency operations centers on February 13 and began providing assistance affected persons. The Red Cross helped evacuees relocate to safer areas and worked awareness programs to keep residents informed of the storm situation.[27]

New Caledonia

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Cyclonebiskit/Oma is located in New Caledonia
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Peak wind gusts (in km/h) between February 16 and 26 during the two passages of Oma in New Caledonia.[28][29] Red dots indicate the peak gust occurred during the first passage; blue dots indicate the peak occurred during the second passage. The stars mark the locations of the highest winds during both passages.

Damaging winds up to 140 km/h (85 mph)—observed at Poingam—and heavy rain from the cyclone battered New Caledonia between February 16 and 19,[28] leaving thousands of residents without power and isolating some villages.[30] Île Belep incurred extensive damage with three-quarters of the island's wooden homes suffering partial or total damage. The islands of Baaba, Taanio, Yandé, and Yenghebane suffered moderate damage.[31] The heaviest rain fell across northern areas of Grande-Terre, with many areas observing more than 200 mm (7.9 in), and north-facing slops of the island's mountains.[28][32] Accumulations peaked at 404 mm (15.9 in) at the Camp Des Sapins mine.[28] Three people suffered injuries related to the storm, one of whom required helicopter transport to a hospital. Multiple areas, including Canala, Hienghène, Kaala-Gomen, Koné, Koumac, Ouégoa, Pouembout, and Voh reported damage or disruption to roads from flooding and fallen trees.[33] Excessive runoff rendered water temporarily undrinkable in parts of Belep, Poya, and Ouégoa. One home was destroyed in Pouébo.[31] Agriculture was particularly hard-hit with losses reported in all provinces. The French government declared a state of calamity, directed at agriculture, for the entire island which freed 150 million CFP francs (US$1.4 million) for recovery.[34]

During the second passage of Oma on February 25–26, the territory again saw gale- to storm-force winds. The capital city of Nouméa observed the strongest winds, reaching 114 km/h (71 mph). The outlying communes of Lifou, L'Île-des-Pins, Maré, and Ouvéa experienced greater winds during this passage than when the cyclone first impacted the territory.[35] The return passage of Oma caught boaters off-guard, with unmoored vessels being tossed against rocks and sinking in Nouméa. The SNSM shuttle Nautile rescued 13 people from stranded vessels. One catamaran grounded on île aux Canards.[36]

Australia

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Large swells from the cyclone impacted large swathes of Queensland for approximately a week. Wave heights peaked at 13 m (43 ft) off the coasts of Mooloolaba and Point Lookout.[1] More than 30 people required rescue, some of whom were hospitalised, from the turbulent waters.[37] One person drowned just off North Stradbroke Island after attempts to resuscitate him failed.[38] Around Brisbane, the surf caused significant beach erosion; particularly affected was a 16 km (9.9 mi) stretch along Moore Park Beach.[38] The combination of increased surf, king tides, and a full moon resulted in flooding of low-lying suburbs in Brisbane along Breakfast Creek and Enoggera Creek. Floodwaters reached homes in the communities of Bulimba, Hamilton, and Windsor.[39] Farther south, waves reached 11.4 m (37 ft) at Byron Bay, New South Wales.[1]

Damaging winds affected coastal areas of along the border of Queensland and New South Wales. Gusts reached 113 km/h (70 mph) at Cape Moreton while mainland values peaked at 109 km/h (68 mph) at Double Island Point. Winds up to 80 km/h (50 mph) destroyed approximately A$700,000 worth of Cavendish bananas in Cudgen, New South Wales.[40] The winds also downed many power lines along the Sunshine Coast, leaving 5,077 households without electricity.[41] On Lord Howe Island, far east of mainland Australia, wind gusts reached 144 km/h (89 mph).[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Severe Tropical Cyclone Oma (Report). Australian Bureau of Meteorology. March 2019. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  2. ^ "Eastern Region Tropical Cyclone Outlook". Bureau of Meteorology. February 7, 2019. Archived from the original on February 7, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  3. ^ a b Solomon Islands: Special Weather Bulletin Number One (11 Feb 2019) (Report). ReliefWeb. February 11, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2019. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  4. ^ Tropical Disturbance Summary For area Equator to 25S, 160E to 120W [at 10:03 UTC] (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. February 11, 2019.
  5. ^ Tropical Disturbance Summary For area Equator to 25S, 160E to 120W [at 16:49 UTC] (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. February 11, 2019.
  6. ^ Tropical Disturbance Advisory A1 [for Tropical Depression 09F] (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. February 11, 2019.
  7. ^ Tropical Cyclone 15P (Fifteen) Warning NR 001 (Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 12, 2019.
  8. ^ "[Operational Best Track for Tropical Cyclone 15P (Oma)]" (.dat). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 28, 2019. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  9. ^ Tropical Disturbance Advisory A4 [for Tropical Cyclone Oma] (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. February 11, 2019.
  10. ^ Tropical cyclone warning cancellation (Report). ReliefWeb. February 16, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2019. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  11. ^ a b c "Strong winds, high seas hit islands". Solomon Star News. February 14, 2019. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  12. ^ "Schools and shops shut ahead of Vanuatu Cyclone Oma". One PNG. February 13, 2019. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  13. ^ a b c d e Tropical Cyclone Oma: NEOC Situation Update 2 (PDF) (Report). ReliefWeb. February 18, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2019. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  14. ^ Godwin Ligo (February 14, 2019). "Air Vanuatu Cancels Domestic Flights". Daily Post. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  15. ^ Kate Doyle (February 20, 2019). "Cyclone Oma is not the first cyclone to threaten Brisbane". ABC News. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  16. ^ "P&O cruise ship stays out at sea to avoid Tropical Cyclone Oma". Herald Sun. February 21, 2019. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  17. ^ Ian M. Kaukui (February 20, 2019). "Oma affects Visale RTC". Solomon Star News. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  18. ^ "Oma causes widespread damage to Solomons". ReliefWeb. Radio New Zealand International. February 19, 2019. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
  19. ^ "Craintes de marée noire sur un récif des iles Salomon" (in French). France Télévisions. Agence France-Presse. February 19, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  20. ^ a b "Solomon Trader's Bunker Spill Continues Without Containment". The Maritime Executive. February 28, 2019. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  21. ^ Evan Wasuka (February 26, 2019). "Environmental disaster looms at heritage-listed Solomon Islands site after oil spill". ABC News. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  22. ^ "Big Disaster". Solomon Star News. March 4, 2019. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
  23. ^ "Oil Spill Fear". Solomon Star News. February 20, 2019. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  24. ^ a b c "Cyclone Oma strengthens to a category 3". Radio New Zealand. February 17, 2019. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  25. ^ Vanuatu, New Caledonia | Tropical Cyclone OMA - Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) – DG ECHO Daily Map | 12/02/2019 (PDF) (Report). ReliefWeb. February 12, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2019. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  26. ^ a b Anita Roberts (February 19, 2019). "Gov't response to cyclone Oma soon: NDMO Director". Daily Post. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  27. ^ Jason Abel (February 15, 2019). "Vanuatu Red Cross Society helps Torba Families". Daily Post. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  28. ^ a b c d "Oma, bilan préliminaire du vent et de la pluie" (in French). Meteo-France. February 20, 2019. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  29. ^ Cite error: The named reference MFR2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  30. ^ "Cyclone Oma en Nouvelle-Calédonie : Philippe Gomès fait appel à la solidarité de l'Etat" (in French). France Télévisions. February 19, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  31. ^ a b Françoise Tromeur (February 25, 2019). "Les séquelles d'Oma commune par commune" (in French). France Télévisions. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
  32. ^ Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Australia | Tropical Cyclone OMA - Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) – DG ECHO Daily Map | 19/02/2019 (PDF) (Report). ReliefWeb. February 19, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2019. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  33. ^ Plan ORSEC EMD en cours depuis le 20 février 2019 à 10h00. OMA Point de situation du 20 février 2019 à 18h00 (PDF) (Report) (in French). ReliefWeb. February 20, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2019. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  34. ^ Françoise Tromeur (February 27, 2019). "Le cyclone Oma est reconnu calamité agricole sur toute la Calédonie" (in French). France Télévisions. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  35. ^ "L'ex-dépression tropicale Oma génère de violentes rafales" (in French). Meteo-France. February 27, 2019. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  36. ^ "Les restes d'Oma secouent la Calédonie". Nouvelle Calédonie (in French). February 26, 2019. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  37. ^ "Dozens rescued from south-east Queensland beaches as ex-Tropical Cyclone Oma departs". ABC News. 24 February 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  38. ^ a b Tom Forbes (25 February 2019). "Swimmer drowns in Cyclone Oma aftermath as swathe of Queensland beaches battle erosion". ABC News. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  39. ^ "Kind tide, supermoon and Cyclone Oma cause flooding in Brisbane city suburbs, with more at risk". news.com.au. February 20, 2019. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  40. ^ Olivia Ralph and Kim Honan (25 February 2019). "Cudgen banana grower's crop smashed by ex-Tropical Cyclone Oma". ABC News. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  41. ^ Ashley Carter (February 22, 2019). "500 Homes Without Power: Oma causes mass power outages". Sunshine Coast Daily. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
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