Hurricane Felicia (2009)

Hurricane Felicia
Category 4 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS)

Hurricane Felicia near peak intensity
Formed August 3, 2009
Dissipated August 11, 2009
Highest winds 1-minute sustained: 145 mph (230 km/h)
Lowest pressure 935 mbar (hPa); 27.61 inHg
Fatalities None reported
Damage Minimal
Areas affected Hawaii
Part of the 2009 Pacific hurricane season

Hurricane Felicia was the third strongest tropical cyclone of the 2009 Pacific hurricane season, as well as the strongest storm to exist in the eastern Pacific at the time since Hurricane Daniel in 2006.[1][2] Forming as a tropical depression on August 3, the storm supported strong thunderstorm activity and quickly organized. It became a tropical storm over the following day, and subsequently underwent rapid deepening to attain hurricane status. Later that afternoon, Felicia featured a well-defined eye as its winds sharply rose to major hurricane-force on the Saffir–Simpson scale. Further strengthening ensued, and Felicia peaked in intensity as a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 145 mph (230 km/h) and a barometric pressure of 935 mbar (hPa; 27.61 inHg). After reaching this strength, unfavorable conditions, such as wind shear, began to impact the storm while it took on a northwestward path. Henceforth, Felicia slowly weakened for several days; by August 8 it had been downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane, once again becoming a tropical storm the next day. It retraced westward towards Hawaii on August 10, all the while decreasing in organization. On August 11, Felicia weakened to tropical depression status, and soon degenerated into remnant low just prior to passing over the islands.

After weakening into a remnant low, Felicia continued to approach the Hawaiian Islands and on August 12, the system produced copious amounts of rainfall across several islands. The highest total was recorded on Oahu at 14.63 in (372 mm), causing isolated mudslides and flooding. In Maui, the heavy rains helped to alleviate drought conditions and water shortages, significantly increasing the total water across the island's reservoirs. In addition, river flooding resulted in the closure of one school and large swells produced by the storm resulted in several lifeguard rescues at island beaches. In all, only minor impacts were caused by the remnants of Felicia.

Meteorological history

The storm moved westward to Hawaii

Hurricane Felicia originated from a tropical wave that moved off the west coast of Africa into the Atlantic Ocean on July 23, 2009. A weak system, the wave was barely identifiable as it tracked westward. By July 26, the wave entered the Caribbean Sea before crossing Central America and entering the eastern Pacific basin on July 29. The system remained ill-defined until August 1, at which time convection began to increase and the wave showed signs of organization.[3] The storm gradually became better organized as it tracked generally towards the west.[4] By August 3, the system became increasingly organized[5] and around 11:00 am PDT (1800 UTC), the National Hurricane Center (NHC) designated the system as Tropical Depression Eight-E.[3][6] Convective banding features and poleward outflow were being enhanced by the nearby Tropical Storm Enrique. The main steering component of the depression was an upper-level low located to the north, causing the depression to track generally west before turning northwest after the low weakened.[7]

By the early morning hours of August 4, the NHC upgraded Tropical Depression Eight-E to Tropical Storm Felicia, the seventh named storm of the season.[1][8] Located within an area of low wind shear and high sea surface temperatures, averaging between 28 and 29 °C (82 and 84 °F),[3] the storm quickly developed, with deep convection persisting around the center of circulation. These conditions were anticipated to persist for at least three days; however, there was an increased amount of uncertainty due to possible interaction with Tropical Storm Enrique.[9] Several hours later, the storm began to undergo rapid intensification, following the formation of an eye.[10] Around 2:00 pm PDT (2100 UTC), Felicia intensified into a hurricane.[11]

Hurricane Felicia (left) and Tropical Storm Enrique (right) on August 5

Late on August 4, the intensity of Felicia led to it taking a more northward turn in response to a mid- to upper-level trough off the coast of the Western United States.[12] Early the next morning, the storm continued to intensify and attained Category 3 status with winds of 115 mph (185 km/h).[13] Maintaining a well-defined eye, Felicia neared Category 4 status[14] and hours later, the storm attained winds of 140 mph (220 km/h) and a pressure of 937 mbar (hPa; 27.67 inHg) during the evening hours, making it the strongest Pacific storm east of the International Date Line since Hurricane Ioke in 2006[1][15] and the strongest in the eastern Pacific basin since Hurricane Daniel of 2006.[1][2] Around 5:00 pm PDT (0000 UTC August 6) Felicia reached its peak intensity with winds of 145 mph (230 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 935 mbar (hPa; 27.61 inHg).[2][3]

After slightly weakening throughout the day on August 6, Felicia leveled out with winds of 135 mph (215 km/h) and a 23 mi (37 km) wide eye[16] as the storm developed characteristics of an annular hurricane, which would allow Felicia to maintain a high intensity over marginally warm waters.[17] Early the next day, the structure of the hurricane quickly deteriorated as convection became asymmetric and cloud tops warmed significantly. This marked a quick drop in intensity of the storm to a minimal Category 3 hurricane.[18] Several hours later, the mid-level circulation began to separate from the low-level circulation and the overall size of the storm decreased. By this time, the storm began to take a long-anticipated westward turn towards Hawaii.[19] After briefly re-intensifying on August 7, Felicia weakened to a Category 1 hurricane early on August 8.[20][21] Around 11:00 am HST (2100 UTC), the Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) took over responsibility of issuing advisories as Felicia crossed longitude 140°W.[22]

By August 9, increasing wind shear further weakened the storm, with Felicia being downgraded to a tropical storm early that day.[23] The storm rapidly weakened throughout the day as convection gradually dissipated around the center due to the shear. By the late morning hours, little convective activity remained around the low pressure center of Felicia.[24] A weak cyclone, the storm continued to track towards Hawaii with the only deep convection associated with it being displaced to the northeast of the center.[25] The system slowly weakened before being downgraded to a tropical depression on August 11 as no areas of tropical storm-force winds were found by Hurricane Hunters.[26] Several hours after being downgraded, the CPHC issued its final advisory on Felicia as it degenerated into a remnant low near the Hawaiian Islands.[27] The system dissipated shortly thereafter.[3]

Preparations

Hurricane Felicia approaching Hawaii on August 8
Wettest tropical cyclones and their remnants in Hawaii
Highest-known totals
Precipitation Storm Location Ref.
Rank mm in
1 1321 52.00 Able-Hiki 1950 Kanalohuluhulu Ranger Station [28]
2 985 38.76 Paul 2000 Kapapala Ranch 36 [29]
3 635 25.00 Maggie 1970 Various stations [30]
4 519 20.42 Nina 1957 Wainiha [31]
5 516 20.33 Iwa 1982 Intake Wainiha 1086 [32]
6 476 18.75 Fabio 1988 Papaikou Mauka 140.1 [32]
7 387 15.25 Iselle 2014 Kulani NWR [33]
8 381 15.00 TD 01C, 1994 Waiakea Uka, Piihonua [34]
9 372 14.63 Felicia 2009 Oahu Forecast National Wildlife Refuge [3]
10 323 12.70 Makawao 1906 Makawao, Maui [28]

By August 5, forecasters were discussing the possibility of the storm impacting Hawaii.[35] Residents were advised to ensure that their disaster kits were fully stocked and ready.[36] Governor Linda Lingle made a speech to the state of Hawaii the same day. She emphasized that the storm was not an imminent threat but that residents should be ready and should know where the nearest emergency shelter is.[37] Since forecasters expected the storm to weaken before it reached the islands, only minor effects—mainly rainfall—were expected.[38] Hawaii County mayor Billy Kenoi was also briefed on the approaching storm and he advised the county to be prepared.[39] Stores reported an influx of shoppers and posted anniversary sales. Blue tarps for roofs were being sold at $1 apiece. The American Red Cross also reported that sales of the "water bob", a water container that can be attached to a bathtub and hold roughly 100 gallons of water, increased significantly.[40] On August 6, the Red Cross stated that it was deploying a disaster recovery team, led by the director of the agency, to the islands of Hawaii.[41]

On August 7, five Hurricane Hunter planes were dispatched to Hickam Air Force Base to fly missions into the storm.[42] Later that day, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center issued tropical storm watches for the island of Hawaii, Maui, Kahoolawe, Lanai, and Molokai.[43] On August 9, the watch was expanded to include Oahu.[44] The watches for the Big Island were later cancelled as the forecast track appeared to drift further north toward Maui County and Oahu.[45] The Red Cross opened shelters throughout the islands on August 10. Twelve were on the Big Island, seven were on Maui, two on Molokai and one on Lanai.[46] The Honolulu International Airport ensured that eight generators were ready for use in case Felicia caused a power outage at the airport.[47] All tropical storm watches were cancelled at 11 a.m. August 11 as Felicia dissipated to a remnant low.[48]

Impact

Weather radar loop of the remnant rainbands of Felicia near Hawaii

Oahu

In Oahu, areas on the windward side of the island received more than 1 in (25 mm) of rain on August 12 from the remnants of Felicia, causing many roads to become slick.[49] A portion of Kamehameha Highway was shut down around 11:00 pm HST when the Waikane Stream overflowed its banks. Flooding near a bridge reached a depth of 4 ft (1.2 m), stranding some residents in their homes. The highway remained closed until around 4:00 am HST on August 14. The rain was also considered helpful in that it helped alleviate drought conditions that had been present for nearly two months.[50] The heaviest rainfall was recorded on Oahu at 14.63 in (372 mm) in the Forest National Wildlife Refuge.[51][52] During a 12-hour span, a total of 6.34 in (161 mm) fell in Waiahole.[53] Some areas recorded rainfall rates up to 1 in/h (25 mm/h), triggering isolated mudslides.[54] At Sandy Beach, there were two lifeguard rescues and three others were on Makapuʻu as waves up to 18 ft (5.5 m) affected the islands.[55] There were also five assists at Makapuʻu and one at Kailua Beach. Lifeguards issued a total of 1,410 verbal warnings about the rough seas to swimmers and surfers during the event.[56] However, winds on the island reached only 15 mph (25 km/h) and gusts peaked at 20 mph (30 km/h).[57]

Other islands

The remnants of Felicia over Hawaii on August 12

On Kauai, the Hanalei River rose above its normal level, leading to the closure of the Hanalei School. Several tree limbs and small trees were blown down across the island. Rainfall on Kauai peaked at 5.33 in (135 mm) at Mount Wai'ale'ale and on Maui, up to 4.05 in (103 mm) fell in Kaupo Gap.[58] On the leeward side of the mountains, rainfall peaked at 1.3 in (33 mm) in Kihei, an area that rarely records rainfall in August. Throughout the island, the total amount of water in reservoirs increased to 104.5 million gallons (395.5 million liters) from 77.8 million gallons (294.5 million liters) prior to Felicia.[59] Rainfall in some areas was heavy enough at times to reduce visibility to several feet. Streets in these areas were covered with muddy water.[60] Localized heavy rainfall fell on the Big Island, peaking at 2.76 in (70 mm) in Kealakekua.[53] In Wailua Beach, there was one lifeguard rescue that resulted in the swimmer being sent to a local hospital. Three other people were swept away at the mouth of the Wailua River, all of whom were quickly rescued.[61] In Honolulu, runoff from the storm resulted in large amounts of trash and debris along the local beaches. Private contractors were dispatched to the affected coastlines to trap and remove the trash.[62] Officials were forced to close the beaches along Hanauma Bay after swells from Felicia pushed an estimated 2,000 Portuguese Man o' War siphonophorae into the region. The beaches were later re-opened on August 14.[63]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 National Hurricane Center Hurricane Research Division (2011). "Eastern Pacific HURDAT tracks, 1949-2010". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 "Preliminary Best Track for Hurricane 08E (Felicia)". United States Naval Research Laboratory. 2009. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Kimberlain, Todd B.; Wroe Derek; Knabb, Richard D.; National Hurricane Center; Central Pacific Hurricane Center (2010-01-10). Hurricane Felicia (PDF) (Tropical Cyclone Report). United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. p. 3. Retrieved 2012-05-13.
  4. ↑ Richard Pasch and Dave Roberts (August 2, 2009). "Tropical Weather Outlook". Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  5. ↑ Jessica Schauer Clark and Michael Brennan (August 3, 2009). "Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  6. ↑ Michael Brennan (August 3, 2009). "Tropical Depression Eight-E Public Advisory One". National hurricane Center. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  7. ↑ Michael Brennan (August 3, 2009). "Tropical Depression Eight-E Discussion One". National Hurricane Center.
  8. ↑ Eric Blake (August 4, 2009). "Tropical Storm Felicia Public Advisory Three". National Hurricane Center.
  9. ↑ Eric Blake (August 4, 2009). "Tropical Storm Felicia Discussion Three". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  10. ↑ Richard Pasch and Eric Blake (August 4, 2009). "Tropical Storm Felicia Special Discussion Four". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  11. ↑ Eric Blake (August 4, 2009). "Hurricane Felicia Public Advisory Five". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  12. ↑ Robbie Berg (August 4, 2009). "Hurricane Felicia Discussion Seven". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  13. ↑ Jeffrey Pereira (August 5, 2009). "Hurricane Felicia Discussion Eight". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  14. ↑ Jeffrey Pereira (August 5, 2009). "Hurricane Felicia Discussion Nine". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  15. ↑ Jack Beven (August 5, 2009). "Hurricane Felicia Discussion Ten". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  16. ↑ Eric Blake (August 6, 2009). "Hurricane Felicia Discussion Thirteen". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  17. ↑ Eric Blake (August 6, 2009). "Hurricane Felicia Discussion Twelve". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 6, 2009.
  18. ↑ Todd Kimberlain and Lixion A. Avila (August 7, 2009). "Hurricane Felicia Discussion Fifteen". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  19. ↑ Eric Blake (August 7, 2009). "Hurricane Felicia Discussion Sixteen". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  20. ↑ Jack Beven (August 7, 2009). "Hurricane Felicia Discussion Eighteen". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  21. ↑ Eric Blake (August 8, 2009). "Hurricane Felicia Discussion Twenty". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  22. ↑ Richard Knabb (August 8, 2009). "Hurricane Felicia Advisory Twenty-One". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  23. ↑ Samuel Houston and Derek Wroe (August 9, 2009). "Tropical Storm Felicia Discussion Twenty-Four". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  24. ↑ Jeffrey Powell and Richard Knabb (August 9, 2009). "Tropical Storm Felicia Discussion Twenty-Five". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  25. ↑ Samuel Houston (August 9, 2009). "Tropical Storm Felicia Discussion Twenty-Seven". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  26. ↑ Timothy Craig (August 11, 2009). "Tropical Depression Felicia Discussion Thirty-Two". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  27. ↑ Richard Knabb (August 11, 2009). "Tropical Depression Felicia Discussion Thirty-Three (Final)". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  28. 1 2 Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Tropical Cyclones During the Years 1900-1952 (Report). United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Retrieved January 26, 2007.
  29. ↑ Roth, David M.; Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. "Remains of Paul". Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima (GIF). United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Retrieved December 28, 2007.
  30. ↑ Central Pacific Hurricane Center. The 1970 Central Pacific Tropical Cyclone Season (Report). United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Retrieved December 28, 2007.
  31. ↑ Central Pacific Hurricane Center. The 1957 Central Pacific Tropical Cyclone Season (Report). United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Retrieved November 28, 2007.
  32. 1 2 Roth, David M. (April 29, 2015). "Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima". Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Data. United States Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved May 8, 2016.
  33. ↑ "Iselle Brought Heavy Rainfall and Flooding to Hawaii". National Weather Service Office in Honolulu, Hawaii. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. August 10, 2014. Archived from the original on August 10, 2014. Retrieved August 10, 2014.
  34. ↑ Central Pacific Hurricane Center. The 1994 Central Pacific Tropical Cyclone Season (NOAA Technical Memorandum NWSTM PR-41). United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Retrieved November 28, 2007.
  35. ↑ Rob Mayeda (August 5, 2009). "Hurricane Felicia strengthens: Hawaii-bound?". Examiner. Archived from the original on August 6, 2009. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  36. ↑ Zahid Arab (August 5, 2009). "Island urged to prepare for Hurricane Felicia". KHNL8. Archived from the original on August 6, 2009. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  37. ↑ "Gov. Lingle Issues Statement On Hurricane Felicia". KITV4. August 5, 2009. Archived from the original on August 6, 2009. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  38. ↑ Lee Garen (August 6, 2009). "Hurricane Felicia strengthens, heads toward Hawaii". Cable News Network. Archived from the original on August 6, 2009. Retrieved August 6, 2009.
  39. ↑ "Mayor is briefed on Hurricane Felicia". Hawaii 24/7. August 5, 2009. Archived from the original on August 7, 2009. Retrieved August 6, 2009.
  40. ↑ "Sales Of Emergency Supplies Pick Up As Felicia Advances". KITV4. August 6, 2009. Archived from the original on August 7, 2009. Retrieved August 6, 2009.
  41. ↑ American Red Cross (August 6, 2009). "Red Cross Director Dispatched". WIFR. Archived from the original on August 7, 2009. Retrieved August 6, 2009.
  42. ↑ "Miss. 'Hurricane Hunters' Arrive In Hawaii". WAPT. August 8, 2009. Archived from the original on October 1, 2011. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
  43. ↑ Richard Knabb and Robert Ballard (August 7, 2009). "Hurricane Felicia Advisory Twenty-Two". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 7, 2009.
  44. ↑ Kevin Kodama and Richard Knabb (August 9, 2009). "Hurricane Felicia Advisory Twenty-Six". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 9, 2009.
  45. ↑ Robert Burke and Richard Knabb (August 10, 2009). "Hurricane Felicia Advisory Twenty-Nine". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 13, 2009.
  46. ↑ Darin Moriki and Rob Shikina (August 10, 2009). "Weakened Felicia still packs punch". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  47. ↑ "State prepares for Felicia at harbors, airports, highways". Honolulu Advertiser. August 10, 2009. Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  48. ↑ Richard Knabb (August 11, 2009). "Tropical Depression Felicia Advisory Thirty-Three (Final)". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  49. ↑ Mari-Ela David (August 13, 2009). "Windward Oahu hit with Felicia's rain". KNHL. Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  50. ↑ Andrew Pereira (August 13, 2009). "Windward Oahu Gets Afternoon Drenching". KOHN2. Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  51. ↑ Wroe (August 14, 2009). "Felicia Brings Soaking Rains to Portions of the State". National Weather Service in Honolulu, Hawaii.
  52. ↑ "Isles to soak in humidity and showers". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. August 13, 2009. Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  53. 1 2 "Felicia bringing much-needed rain to islands". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. August 13, 2009. Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  54. ↑ Rob Mayeda (August 13, 2009). "Heavy rains hit Hawaii & Tropical Storm Guillermo forms". Examiner. Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  55. ↑ "Felicia slows and weakens on path toward Maui and Oahu". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. August 10, 2009. Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  56. ↑ "Felicia downgraded to tropical depression". Honolulu Advertiser. August 11, 2009. Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  57. ↑ Greg Small (August 12, 2009). "Felicia fizzles to tropical depression". Associated Press. Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  58. ↑ Curtis Lum (August 13, 2009). "Felicia leaves with soggy slap". Honolulu Advertiser. Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  59. ↑ Brian Perry (August 13, 2009). "Experts: Felicia a benevolent storm". The Maui News. Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  60. ↑ Zahid Arab (August 13, 2009). "Downpour drenches upcountry Maui". KNHL8. Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  61. ↑ "Rescue made off Wailua Beach". The Garden Island. August 11, 2009. Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  62. ↑ Ray Pendleton (August 14, 2009). "Remnants of Hurricane Felicia left harbor with tons of trash". Examiner. Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
  63. ↑ "Hanauma Bay Reopened After Influx". KITV. August 14, 2009. Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved August 15, 2009.
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