Hurricanes Igor and Tomas get their names retired
The names Tomas and Igor will no longer be used to name hurricanes in the Atlantic, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced this March. Hurricane Igor made landfall near Cape Race, Newfoundland on September 21, 2010, and was that island's most damaging hurricane in 75 years, with $200 million in damage. Hurricane Tomas smashed through the Lesser Antilles Islands on October 30 - 31, 2010, dealing a particularly harsh blow to St. Lucia, where eight died and damage was estimated at $500 million. Tomas also killed 35 people on Haiti, and contributed to a cholera epidemic that killed thousands.
Figure 1. Little Barsway bridge 10 km north of Grand Bank, Newfoundland, after flood waters from Hurricane Igor swept it away. Image credit: George J.B. Rose.
Figure 2. MODIS satellite image of Tropical Storm Tomas taken at 10:30am EDT Saturday October 30, 2010, as the storm began lashing the Lesser Antilles. At the time, Tomas was a Category 1 hurricane with 75 mph winds. Image credit: NASA.
The retirement of hurricane names
The WMO maintains a list of hurricane names for the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific that repeats itself every six years. The names Igor and Tomas in the Atlantic would have appeared again in 2016, but will be replaced by Ian and Tobias. Each spring, the WMO meets to decide if any names should be retired from the list, due to notable death or destruction caused by one of the past season's storms. Any country that is a member of the WMO can request that a name be retired. If a country seriously affected by a hurricane does not request retirement of the name, then the name will not be retired. In the recent past, Mexico, in particular, has been reluctant to request retirement significant storms that have affected them. In 2010, two significant hurricanes affected the country, but Mexico chose not to request retirement of either: Hurricane Alex, which killed twelve people and did $1.5 billion in damage, and Hurricane Karl, which killed 22 and did $206 million in damage. Back in 2005, Mexico also did not request retirement of Hurricane Emily, which made two landfalls in Mexico as a major hurricane, destroying thousands of buildings, but not claiming any lives. A new storm named Emily will appear this year, as we are recycling the names from 2005 that were not retired (2005 holds the record for most retired names, with five.) Probably the best example of a hurricane that did not get its name retired, but deserved to, was Hurricane Gordon of 1994, which killed 1145 people on Haiti. Haiti did not send a representative to the 1995 WMO meeting when retirements for 1994 were decided. Gordon did not affect any other countries strongly enough to motivate them to request retirement, and the name Gordon will be used again in 2012.
Since Atlantic hurricanes began getting women's names in 1953, 76 names have been retired, an average of 1.3 retired names per year. The list includes one tropical storm, Allison of 2001, that caused billions in damage from its heavy rains. The storm with the most appearances so far is Arlene, which has appeared nine times: 1959, 1963, 1967, 1971, 1981, 1987, 1993, 1999, 2005. Arlene will make its tenth appearance this year. One exception to the retirement rule: before 1979, some storm names were simply dropped. For example, in 1966, Fern was substituted for Frieda, and no reason was given. Only three Eastern Pacific hurricanes have had their names retired--Hurricane Ismael of 1995, Hurricane Pauline of 1997, and Hurricane Kenna of 2002. All of these storms hit Mexico.
Cool Katrina animation
A new visualization created by Advanced Visualization Laboratory at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois shows Hurricane Katrina spinning over the Gulf of Mexico during a 36-hour period in August, 2005. The animation is part of a full-length planetarium film called Dynamic Earth screened at the Fulldome UK festival on March 12 - 13. You can see the video at the newscientist.com or DynamicEarth web sites. The video description: Trajectories follow moist air rising into intense "hot tower" thunderstorms, and trace strong winds around the eye wall; rapidly rising air is yellow, sinking air blue. The sun, moon, and stars show the passing of time. The visualization highlights Katrina's awesome power and fierce beauty.
I'll be back with a new post Tuesday or Wednesday.
Jeff Masters
Reader Comments
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WUUS54 KLIX 300530
SVRLIX
LAC051-071-087-300615-
/O.NEW.KLIX.SV.W.0046.110330T0530Z-110330T0615Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW ORLEANS LA
1230 AM CDT WED MAR 30 2011
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN NEW ORLEANS HAS ISSUED A
* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
NORTH CENTRAL JEFFERSON PARISH IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA...
THIS INCLUDES THE CITY OF METAIRIE...
ORLEANS PARISH IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA...
THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF...NEW ORLEANS...EAST NEW ORLEANS...
NORTHWESTERN ST. BERNARD PARISH IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA...
* UNTIL 115 AM CDT
* AT 1228 AM CDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE METEOROLOGISTS DETECTED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING QUARTER SIZE HAIL...AND
DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR
METAIRIE...AND MOVING NORTHEAST AT 30 MPH.
* OTHER LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
LAKEFRONT AIRPORT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
THIS IS A DANGEROUS STORM. IF YOU ARE IN ITS PATH...PREPARE
IMMEDIATELY FOR DAMAGING WINDS...DESTRUCTIVE HAIL...AND DEADLY CLOUD
TO GROUND LIGHTNING. PEOPLE OUTSIDE SHOULD MOVE TO A SHELTER...
PREFERABLY INSIDE A STRONG BUILDING BUT AWAY FROM WINDOWS.
A TORNADO WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 500 AM CDT WEDNESDAY MORNING
FOR SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA AND SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI.
LAT...LON 2990 9016 3003 9024 3004 9022 3003 9012
3005 9001 3007 8996 3016 8987 3015 8985
3011 8984 3011 8980 3013 8978 3005 8972
3004 8981 3001 8983
TIME...MOT...LOC 0530Z 242DEG 26KT 3000 9012
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The Nexlab LA Page
The Nexlab MS Page Main Text Page
...The research paper concluded that there was a roughly 10 percent chance that a tsunami could test or overrun the defenses of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant within a 50-year span based on the most conservative assumptions.
But Tokyo Electric did nothing to change its safety planning based on that study, which was presented at a nuclear engineering conference in Miami in July 2007.
Meanwhile, Japanese nuclear regulators clung to a model that left crucial safety decisions in the hands of the utility that ran the plant..."
And the story becomes ever more worse as one continues reading...
eg "Immediately after the tsunami, a French firm with nuclear expertise shipped robots for use in Fukushima...The robots are built to withstand high radiation.
But Japan...stopped them from arriving in Fukishima..."
WFUS54 KLIX 300547
TORLIX
LAC095-300615-
/O.NEW.KLIX.TO.W.0038.110330T0547Z-110330T0615Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
TORNADO WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW ORLEANS LA
1247 AM CDT WED MAR 30 2011
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN NEW ORLEANS HAS ISSUED A
* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
NORTHEASTERN ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA...
THIS INCLUDES THE CITY OF LAPLACE...
* UNTIL 115 AM CDT
* AT 1242 AM CDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE METEOROLOGISTS DETECTED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO NEAR LAPLACE...
OR NEAR RESERVE...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 30 MPH.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
DO NOT USE YOUR CAR TO TRY TO OUTRUN A TORNADO. CARS ARE EASILY
TOSSED AROUND BY TORNADO WINDS. IF YOU ARE CAUGHT IN THE PATH OF A
TORNADO...LEAVE THE CAR AND GO TO A STRONG BUILDING. IF NO SAFE
STRUCTURE IS NEARBY...SEEK SHELTER IN A DITCH OR LOW SPOT AND COVER
YOUR HEAD.
THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS UNDER A WORKBENCH OR OTHER
PIECE OF STURDY FURNITURE. SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE
BUILDING IN AN INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE
BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM
WINDOWS.
IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A
SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE
NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.
A TORNADO WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 500 AM CDT WEDNESDAY MORNING
FOR SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA AND SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI.
LAT...LON 3018 9053 3019 9047 3023 9044 3026 9044
3029 9040 3029 9031 3024 9034 3019 9042
3013 9042 3009 9040 3003 9047 3003 9051
3012 9060
TIME...MOT...LOC 0547Z 230DEG 28KT 3013 9048
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I hope not.. grrrr
Tropical Cyclone Advice #2
TROPICAL LOW 25U
5:00 PM CST March 30 2011
=======================================
At 6:00 AM UTC, Tropical Low (1001 hPa) located at 10.6S 132.3E or 70 km north northwest of Croker Island and 255 km northeast of Darwin has 10 minute sustained winds of 20 knots with gusts of 45 knots. The low is reported as moving slowly.
Dvorak Intensity: T1.0/1.0/D0.5/24 hrs
There is a possibility of a tropical cyclone developing during Friday as the tropical low moves into the Timor Sea, west of the Tiwi Islands. GALES are not expected on the coast within 24 hours. However, gales are likely to develop on Friday morning about the Tiwi islands, and may extend to the coast later on Friday between Cape Hotham and Port Keats, including Darwin, if the tropical low takes a more southwest track.
The Territory Controller advises areas under Watch that now is the time to put together your emergency kit, clear your yards and balconies and commence home shelter preparations.
Tropical Cyclone Watches/Warnings
====================================
A Cyclone WATCH has been declared for a developing tropical low for the Tiwi Islands and coastal communities between Cape Hotham and Port Keats, including Darwin.
Forecast and Intensity
=======================
12 HRS: 10.6S 131.5E - 25 knots (Tropical Low)
24 HRS: 11.0S 130.7E - 30 knots (Tropical Low)
48 HRS: 12.1S 129.1E - 35 knots (CAT 1)
72 HRS: 13.2S 127.2E - 50 knots (CAT 2)
Additional Information
=======================
Tropical low has shown improved convective organisation during today, with curved bands developing in the northern semicircle. Surface position north of Croker Island, but circulation centre from satellite and radar may be further west. Broad-scale environment is favourable with the 200 hPa ridge overhead, deep moisture and a westerly wind surge to the north. A SE wind surge associated with a low-level ridge to the south is forecast to interact with the low during Thursday. Mid-level steering is dominated by ridging to the southwest and east, with a weak trough over central NT. Forecast track is southwest close to the Tiwi Islands then into the Timor Sea where TC development is possible on Friday. In the longer term, the system is forecast to move closer to the north Kimberley coast late Friday or early Saturday.
The next tropical cyclone advice from Tropical Cyclone Darwin will be issued at 13:00 PM UTC..
top of the morning, top of Florida checking in. Ike, you're under something...torn watch I think.
Thought I saw the distant flash of lightning while feeding the outdoor cat- so vague, not yet awake.
Everyone ready?
Good morning. Looks to be nasty up your way this afternoon. Have fun!
Meanwhile, back at the ranch:
Kyodo: Smoke temporarily seen at Fukushima Daini turbine building
Kyodo: Edano suggests scrapping of all reactors at Fukushima Daiichi plant (This after TEPCO said they planned to decommission only units 1 through 4.)
Ya think?
not awake yet- thought you said "scraping" -I was imagining workers with little spatulas - -
They don't need to tear them down. Come one. I've seen worse damage to nuclear reactors. (rolls eyes)
Yeah Nea, I get to watch it rain, maybe.
Ike- I hope I get more rain than you, hahaha
T7 is a bad one, 66 dBZ, 35,000 footer, 2" hail, moving at 37 kts.
Your chances are 90% today and 70% tomorrow. Surely you'll get something out of that?
Ike, yeah, watching rain from the 8th floor. Yeah buddy. What excitement. Now I gotta work till 11pm and I won't get to play in ANY of it.
I am SO BUMMED. All I wanted today, was to play in the puddles, and splash in the yard. Get soaked. Laugh. get muddy.
Later ya'll... work zoom zoom :(
SHORT RANGE FORECAST DISCUSSION
Excerpt:
AS THE MAIN UPPER-LEVEL TROUGH PRESSES EASTWARD THROUGHOUT THE DAY WEDNESDAY...THE FOCUS OF THESE STORMS WILL SHIFT EASTWARD...STRETCHING FROM VIRGINIA SOUTHWARD ALONG THE ATLANTIC COAST AND INTO THE FLORIDA PENINSULA BY MID-DAY WEDNESDAY. BY WEDNESDAY NIGHT THE HEAVIEST PRECIPITATION IS EXPECTED TO HAVE MOVED OFF THE COAST.
THE STRONG DYNAMICS...AMPLE MOISTURE AND PROXIMITY TO THE CHILLY NEW ENGLAND STATES IS QUITE THE SET UP FOR A LATE SEASON NOREASTER EVENT.
Sounds rather depressing. 16 hours from now? Bless your heart and mind.
Rain....68.4 outside my window.
Lordy, had no clue about last night's weather in Louisiana -- I decide to watch a movie and all heck breaks loose.... my son is up there for an emergency Ship repair project in the Gomex -- now I'm wondering how the heck they're going to make repairs w/ the Gulf looking like this....
a bit fretful I am -- well, I should check more maps before I start fretting.... BRB
Special Weather Statement
Statement as of 7:09 AM EDT on March 30, 2011
... Significant weather advisory for pea sized hail and 35 mph winds
in Bibb County until 745 am EDT...
At 708 am EDT... National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm over Skipperton... moving northeast at 35 mph.
These storms have the potential to produce pea sized hail... frequent
cloud to ground lightning and wind gusts to 35 mph as they move
across Bibb County through 745 am EDT. Some locations in the path of
these storms include Lizella... Middle Georgia Regional Airport... Lake
Tobesofkee... Skipperton... Rutland... Wesleyan... Payne city... Macon...
Franklinton... Arkwright and Cross Keys. Brief heavy downpours will
cause ponding of water on roadways.
These storms are not expected to reach severe thunderstorm
criteria... which is hail the size of quarters or larger or damaging
wind gusts of 58 mph or higher.
... Record daily maximum rainfall record set and high temperature
record
tied at New Orleans...
A record rainfall of 3.59 inch(es) was set at New
Orleans yesterday.
This breaks the old record of 3.25 set in 1980.
A
record high temperature of 83 degrees was tied at New Orleans
yesterday.
This ties the old record of 83 set in 2007.
Enjoy the rain!
Heaviest rain now just south and east of me. Picked up .64 inches of rain in the last hour.
I'm approaching an inch since this started.
I'd be paying attention if I lived in Apalachicola.
95 5 SW LAKE CHARLES CALCASIEU LA 3016 9326 HARBOR TUG ENERGY HERCULES REPORT FROM TRUNKLINE LNG.
(That's a 95 mph gust)
Still interesting.
If you could keep the rain up that way Ike, I'd appreciate it. I have a 1:30 tee time.
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