Hurricane_Omar

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Hurricane Omar (2008) Hurricane Omar (2008) Hurricane Omar Category 4 hurricane (SSHS) seventh hurricane and fourth major hurricane of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season, Omar formed from a tropical disturbance which moved into the Caribbean sea from the tropical North Atlantic during the second week of October. This is the first time the name Omar has been used to name a tropical cyclone in the Atlantic basin. Meteorological history Storm path On September 30, a well-developed tropical wave moved off the eastern coast of Africa October 13, 2008 Formed and entered the Atlantic Ocean. Deep convection formed around a prominent mid-level Dissipated October 18, 2008 circulation as it moved towards the west. Highest 135 mph (215 km/h) However, the convection diminished on Octowinds (1-minute sustained) ber 2 before entering the Caribbean Sea a week later. Upon entering the Caribbean 958 mbar (hPa; 28.29 inHg) Lowest Sea, shower and thunderstorm activity repressure developed around the low. Continued devel2 indirect Fatalities opment followed and the low was designated as Tropical Depression Fifteen at 0600 UTC At least $60 million (2008 USD) Damage on October 13 while located about 190 miles Venezuela, ABC islands, SSS Islands, (305 kilometres) south of the southeastern Areas Puerto Rico, Anguilla, Antigua and affected tip of the Dominican Republic.[1] The previBarbuda, Nevis, Montserrat, and the ous steady westward motion that the system Virgin Islands took across the Atlantic halted as it entered Part of the an area of weak steering currents and signi2008 Atlantic hurricane season ficant motion was not expected for another day or two.[2] As the structure of the storm Hurricane Omar was a strong hurricane improved, it was upgraded to a tropical which took an unusual southwest to northstorm and the National Hurricane Center east track through the eastern Caribbean Sea (NHC) gave it the name Omar.[1] during October. The fifteenth tropical storm, Omar in the Caribbean Sea as a Category 1 hurricane. 1 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Located to the southeast of a broad and deep tropospheric trough and to the west of a low to mid-level ridge, Omar took a counterclockwise turn on October 14. Upon becoming a tropical storm, Omar began to undergo an extended period of rapid intensification as very deep convection developed around the center of circulation.[1] Wind shear around the storm, which was previously inhibiting quick development, weakened, allowing for further strengthening.[3] Later that day, a 11.5 to 17.2 mi (18.5 to 27.7 km) wide eye formed[4] as the storm began to turn towards the northeast due to the trough.[1] With the formation of an eye, the Dvorak technique rendered an intensity of 75 mph (120 km/h), signifying that Omar had intensified into a hurricane.[5] The intensification briefly stalled as the eyewall eroded and the center of the storm became slightly elliptical. However, deep convection persisted and strengthening was forecast as the storm neared Puerto Rico.[6] Shortly after, the eye quickly became well-defined and appeared on visible satellite images, an indication the the storm was intensifying. The chances of rapid intensification were good as the storm featured well-developed outflow and prominent banding features.[1][7] Hurricane Omar (2008) (215 km/h).[1] During the intensification phase, the forward motion of the hurricane increased to 20 mph (32 km/h).[8] Once in the Atlantic Ocean, Omar began to rapidly weaken, with winds decreasing by 50 mph (85 km/ h) in 12 hours. Visible satellite images depicted an exposed low-level circulation with convection displaced to to the east due to a combination of very high wind shear and dry air. By October 17, most of the deep convection associated with the system dissipated; however, a brief decrease in wind shear allowed Omar to re-strengthen to its secondary peak, with winds of 85 mph (140 km/h). During this phase, convection redeveloped around the center and an eye reformed. Later that day, the trough which caused the rapid northeastern motion bypassed Omar, leading to decreasing movement.[1] A weakening storm, Omar continued towards the northeast due to a mid to upperlevel ridge located south of the system and the mid-latitude westerlies to the north. Late on October 17, wind shear increased once more as Omar tracked over waters below 26 °C (79 °F). Around 0000 UTC on October 18, Omar weakened to a tropical storm as deep convection associated with it dissipated. Twelve hours later, while still producing tropical storm-force winds, the storm degenerated into a remnant low pressure area. The remnants of Omar persists until 0600 UTC on October 21 when it dissipated about 805 mi (1,295 km) west of the Azores.[1] Preparations See also: Tropical cyclone warnings and watches On October 15, the governor of the United States Virgin Islands announced the final preparations for Hurricane Omar as he signed a State of Emergency declaration for the territory. Public schools would be closed on October 16. All non-essential workers would be dismissed at 10 a.m. local time. At 6 p.m. curfew was put in place for the same day. Only those with valid passes would be allowed to be out after the curfew was put in place. That same day, a Hurricane Warning and flash flood watch were put in place in anticipation of hurricane-force winds and torrential rains from Omar. The American Red Cross planned to open shelters throughout the islands before the hurricane struck. Hurricane Omar at its secondary peak with winds of 85 mph (140 km/h) With very warm sea surface temperatures, high ocean heat content, low wind shear, and a moist air mass, Omar quickly reached its peak intensity early on October 16 as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 135 mph 2 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Sandbags were also being distributed in St. Croix.[9] A large oil refinery, which produces 500,000 barrels a day, was shut down and only necessary workers remained at the refinery.[10] All public activities, flights, and schools were either closed or canceled on Puerto Rico. Eighteen shelters were open on the eastern part of the island.[10] On St. Maarten, officials advised residents to start all necessary actions to prepare for a hurricane. Residents were told to clear their yards of any debris or lose furniture that could become airborne during the storm, place shutters over windows and doors and assist elderly neighbors with shuttering their homes, and mariners should find a safe haven. A curfew from 10:00 p.m. on October 15 to 10:00 a.m. on October 16 was put in place. Due to the possibility of flash flooding, residents were to unclog and free up all waterways around their homes. Officials also warned people to stay away from areas prone to landslides until the "all-clear" was given. Owners of livestock were advised to have insured that they were secured in holding areas. As a precaution, the water supply would be shut down from 8:00 p.m. October 15 to 8:00 a.m. October 16. Four public areas, St. Peters Community Center, Dutch Quarter Community Center, Genevieve de Weever School, and the Salvation Army building would be used as emergency shelters.[11] Also, on Anguilla, residents in the Sandy Ground, Valley Bottom, Welches and Mount Fortune areas were placed under evacuation orders. Shelters were opened throughout the island for those in need of shelter. Schools and government offices were also closed and visitors were told to leave the island.[12] Hurricane Omar (2008) Infrared satellite loop of Hurricane Omar from 13:45 UTC on October 16 to 13:45 UTC on October 17, 2008 showing the storm’s rapid intensification and subsequent weakening strong winds from Omar, gusting up to 76 mph (122 km/h), and high waves caused significant damage and coastal flooding. On St. Maarten, rainfall from the storm totaled to 5.4 in (139.4 mm).[14] Damage in St. Maarten was mainly limited to beach erosion and scattered power outages.[15] The island of Dominica suffered severe damage from Hurricane Omar. The village of Scotts Head, with a population of 450, was cut off from the rest of the country as roads were extensively damaged. The village also suffered water losses, electricity shortage, and landline telephones were cut off. Ports throughout the country were severely damaged. All barge access for hauling sand and stones were destroyed. The airport also sustained some damage. Seven boats ran aground during the storm.[16] Minor damage was reported in Anguilla. Two hotels sustained roof damage, downed treed knocked down power lines causing scattered power outages, and the rough seas caused severe beach erosion. Three cargo ships and seven boats ran aground and two other boats sank.[17] In Antigua and Barbuda, winds from Omar were recorded at 40 mph, with gusts to 48 mph. Intense squall lines brought torrential rains, falling at rates of 2 in (50.8 mm) at times, peaking at 2.22 in (56.4 mm) per hour from 0900 UTC to 1200 UTC on October 16. The maximum recorded rainfall was 9.1 in (232.6 mm) however, up to 11 in (279.4 mm) was estimated to have fallen in the mountains. Storm Surge was estimated at 2–4 ft Impact Omar produced moderate damage throughout numerous islands, amounting to at least $60 million (2008 USD) and two deaths were related to the storm. Off the coast of Bonaire, rough seas generated by Omar caused significant damage to coral reefs. Areas of coral most affected were in shallow areas, those deeper in the sea were barely effected by Omar. Most of the damaged coral were between 11.8 and 39.3 in (30–100 cm) in length.[13] In the SSS Islands (Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten) 3 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (0.6–1.2 m) with waves reaching 5–8 ft (1.5–2.4 m) in height. Nine homes were destroyed and several landslides were reported. No fatalities were associated with Omar, and only a few sustained minor injuries. The most severe damage was dealt to roads and agriculture due to flooding.[18] Seventy-five people were forced to evacuate to shelters as their homes were flooded.[19] Several farms were washed away, including the livestock which resided on them. Numerous farmers lost their harvest due to flooding.[20] Damages in Barbuda were estimated at $18 million.[18] Agricultural losses in Antigua amounted to around $11 million (2008 USD)[21] and property damage amounted to $25 million.[22] Hurricane Omar (2008) another $1 million in clean-up costs.[27] St. Thomas, one of the hardest hit islands, was left completely without power in the wake of the hurricane. All of the major intersections were shut down as traffic lights were either on the ground or without power. Damages on the island totaled to $5.3 million.[28] In the Gros Islet Quarter on St. Lucia, rough seas damaged a jetty and grounded a yacht. In Soufrière, four homes were destroyed by the storm surge which also made some areas impassible. The storm surge also flooded parts of the Anse la Raye Quarter, leading to officials declaring a mandatory evacuation of the area.[29] On Montserrat, very little damage was reported. A few minor landslides occurred in rural areas; no impact was caused by them.[17] On Nevis there was relatively little damage although the beachfront part of the Four Seasons Resort was severely damaged and was subsequently closed for an extended period.[30] Aftermath Damage from Hurricane Omar in Aruba In Puerto Rico, a man died after he collapsed from cardiac arrest while trying to install storm shutters on his home.[23] As a tropical wave, the precedent to Omar produced heavy rains over the island, causing minor flooding.[24] After passing by Puerto Rico a second time, Omar produced locally heavy rains which caused minor street flooding.[25] On St. Croix, waves up to 15 ft (4.5 m) from Omar sank about 47 boats,[26] leading to a large oil spill around the islands. About 400 ships had broken lose from the docks, 200 of which lost their anchors.[27] Omar produced upwards of 7 in (177.8 mm) of rain on the island within a 24 hour span. Although St. Croix was brushed by the eyewall, sustained winds reached 53 mph (85 km/h) with gusts to 72 mph (116 km/h).[26] Three people needed to be rescued when their ship struck a reef and began to sink. Most of the islands 55,000 residents were without power as over 100 utility poles were destroyed. Damages on the island were estimated at $700,000 with Hurricane Omar passing through the Leeward Islands on October 16 The damage dealt to the agricultural sector of Antigua and Barbuda fueled major concerns for "food security" in 2009. The government allocated about $33,897,420 to help develop and repair the industry. Significant expansions of croplands were discussed, 15,000 ft2 (4572 m2) area, to help promote growth of the sector.[31] On October 29, in the wake of Omar, President George W. Bush signed a major disaster declaration for the United States Virgin Islands, allowing public aid to assist the islands. The Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA, had received 60 requests for public assistance throughout the area. Monetary value for the assistance was 4 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia estimated at $3 million and growing. Twentyfive departments and agencies were approved of for federal support, namely the U.S. V.I. Department of Public Works. Several non-profit organizations also received support from FEMA, while those which did not meet the criteria were referred to the Small Business Administration’s lowinterest loan program.[32] On Dominica, Omar’s close pass to the island left 30 families homeless and severely hampered the fishing community. On December 15, the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank approved $9.16 million for assistance to those affected by Omar on the island and to restore the infrastructure damaged by the hurricane.[33] On December 18, the government of Dominica invested $4 million in aid for the fishing communities impacted by Omar. A total of 140 fishermen were provided with $250 per week for a total of four weeks. Sixty-two of which would continue to receive funds due to their circumstances. The government also purchased 121 boat engines to distribute to fishers. Another $794,000 was being spent to repair 47 boats and construct another 28 which were damaged or destroyed by Omar. Fishing gear was also bought by the government to replace those damaged or destroyed by the hurricane.[34] Hurricane Omar (2008) al15/al152008.discus.001.shtml?. Retrieved on February 4, 2009. [3] Stewart (October 14, 2008). "Tropical Storm Omar Discussion Five". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/ al15/al152008.discus.005.shtml?. Retrieved on February 4, 2009. [4] Stewart (October 14, 2008). "Tropical Storm Omar Discussion Six". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/ al15/al152008.discus.006.shtml?. Retrieved on February 4, 2009. [5] Franklin (October 15, 2008). "Hurricane Omar Discussion Seven". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/ al15/al152008.discus.007.shtml?. Retrieved on February 7, 2009. [6] Pasch (October 15, 2008). "Hurricane Omar Discussion Eight". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/ al15/al152008.discus.008.shtml?. Retrieved on February 7, 2009. [7] Stewart (October 15, 2008). "Hurricane Omar Discussion Nine". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/ al15/al152008.discus.009.shtml?. Retrieved on February 7, 2009. [8] Beven (October 16, 2008). "Hurricane Omar Discussion Eleven". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/ al15/al152008.discus.011.shtml?. Retrieved on February 7, 2009. [9] Gregory R. Francis (October 15, 2008). "Virgin Islands Government Makes Final Preparations For Anticipated Impact of Hurricane Omar". Government of the United States Virgin Islands. http://www.governordejongh.com/news/ archive/2008/10/101508-1.htm. Retrieved on December 22, 2008. [10] ^ "Hurricane Omar lashes Virgin Islands". ABC News Australia. October 17, 2008. http://www.abc.net.au/news/ stories/2008/10/17/2393552.htm. Retrieved on December 22, 2008. [11] Roddy Heyliger (October 15, 2008). "Press Statement Hurricane Omar October 15th 2008". Emergency Operations Center. http://stormcarib.com/reports/current/ See also • Hurricane Lenny – took a similarly unusual west to east track in the Caribbean • 2008 Atlantic hurricane season • List of South America tropical cyclones • Timeline of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season References [1] ^ John L. Beven II and Chris Landsea (February 3, 2009). "Hurricane Omar Tropical Cyclone Report" (PDF). National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/TCRAL152008_Omar.pdf. Retrieved on February 4, 2009. [2] Avila (October 13, 2008). "Tropical Depression Fifteen Discussion One". National Hurricane Center. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/ 5 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Hurricane Omar (2008) doc3lgjz1gYyC.doc. Retrieved on http://www.webcitation.org/5dGCNegLE. December 22, 2008. Retrieved on December 22, 2008. [12] "Hurricane Omar Closes in on Northern [21] Brian Ho (2008). "Agricultural losses Leeward Islands, BVI". The Caribbean amount to $11M". Antigua Sun. Disaster Emergency Response Agency. http://www.antiguasun.com/paper/ October 15, 2008. ?as=view&sun=281935077507132005&an=1705350 http://www.webcitation.org/5dGPHwGQI. Retrieved on December 21, 2008. Retrieved on December 22, 2008. [22] "Our million dollar roads". Antigua Sun. [13] Ramon de Leon (October 20, 2008). November 28, 2008. "Tropical Storm Omar; Report of Reef http://www.webcitation.org/5dEpN92IK. Condition" (PDF). STINAPA Bonaire. Retrieved on December 21, 2008. http://www.stinapa.org/pdfs/ [23] Associated Press (October 16, 2008). Report_on_status_of_coral_reef_after_TS_Omar_October_2008.pdf. "Category 3 Hurricane Omar Slams Retrieved on December 22, 2008. Northern Caribbean". Fox News. [14] "Effects of Hurricane Omar on the ABC http://www.foxnews.com/story/ and SSS Islands" (PDF). Meteorological 0,2933,438722,00.html. Retrieved on Service Netherlands, Antilles, and Aruba. December 22, 2008. 2008. http://www.weather.an/reports/ [24] "NCDC Event Report: Puerto Rico Rain". documents/EffectsofOmar.pdf. Retrieved National Climatic Data Center. 2009. on December 22, 2008. http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/ [15] The Government of St. Maarten (October wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~741915. 16, 2008). "St. Maarten Emerges Retrieved on March 16, 2009. Unscathed After Passage of Hurricane [25] John Marino (October 16, 2008). Omar". Wall Street Journal. "Hurricane Omar weakens after surging http://www.webcitation.org/5dGNojFS9. into Atlantic". Reuters. Retrieved on December 22, 2008. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/ [16] Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response idUSTRE49E03420081016?feedType=RSS&feedNam Agency (October 16, 2008). "Hurricane Retrieved on March 18, 2009. Omar Situation Report #2". Reliefweb. [26] ^ "NCDC Event Report: St. Croix Flood". http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/ National Climatic Data Center. 2009. db900SID/ http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/ EDIS-7KHSP5?OpenDocument. wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~741899. Retrieved on December 21, 2008. Retrieved on March 18, 2009. [17] ^ "Hurricane Omar impacts five CDERA [27] ^ Steve Bullock (2008). "Oil spills Participating States". Caribbean Disaster spreading in St. Croix after Hurricane Emergency Response Agency. October Omar destroyed 40 boats". Fox40. 16, 2008. http://www.cdera.org/cunews/ http://www.webcitation.org/5dFQqq3qc. sitrep/article_2249.php. Retrieved on Retrieved on December 22, 2008. December 22, 2008. [28] Aldeth Lewin (October 22, 2008). [18] ^ Dale Destin (October 31, 2008). "Omar’s damage estimate now at $5.3 "Hurricane Omar Antigua and Barbuda million". The Virgin Islands Daily News. Tropical Cyclone Report" (PDF). Antigua http://www.webcitation.org/5dFRf4Wyn. and Barbuda Meteorological Service. Retrieved on December 22, 2008. http://www.antiguamet.com/ [29] A. L. Dawn French and Chamberlain Hurricane%20Omar%20-%20October%202008.pdf. Emmanuel (October 20, 2008). "Waves of Retrieved on December 21, 2008. Hurricane Omar" (PDF). National [19] Anika Kentish (October 17, 2008). "Omar Emergency Management Organisation. floods homes, damages crops in http://www.stlucia.gov.lc/docs/ Antigua". Orlando Sentinel. SitRep_HurricaneOmarNo2.pdf. http://www.webcitation.org/5dGLq1uX3. Retrieved on December 21, 2008. Retrieved on December 22, 2008. [30] Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response [20] Brian Ho (October 20, 2008). "Heavy Agency (October 16, 2008). "Hurricane Crop Loss …Massiah says assistance Omar impacts five CDERA participating needed for farmers following Omar". states". ReliefWeb. Antigua Sun. http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/ db900SID/ 6 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia YSAR-7KGR85?OpenDocument. Retrieved on May 12, 2009. [31] "Agriculture ministry to get over $30M, says Cort". Antigua Sun. December 3, 2008. http://www.webcitation.org/ 5dEsmXV5I. Retrieved on December 21, 2008. [32] Susan Mann (December 18, 2008). "USVI had costly face-off with Hurricane Omar". Caribbean Net News. http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/ news-13024--19-19--.html. Retrieved on December 21, 2008. [33] "CDB lends Dominica over US$9 million". Antigua Sun. December 15, 2008. http://www.webcitation.org/5dEr3dZ2X. Retrieved on December 21, 2008. Hurricane Omar (2008) [34] Sean Douglas (December 18, 2008). "Fishermen to benefit from revamp in fisheries sector". Dominica News. http://www.webcitation.org/5dEsMDVkl. Retrieved on December 21, 2008. External links • National Hurricane Center Website Tropical cyclones of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O 16 P Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale TD TS 1 2 3 4 5 Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Omar_(2008)" Categories: 2008 Atlantic hurricane season, Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes, Hurricanes in the Caribbean This page was last modified on 14 May 2009, at 15:59 (UTC). All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License. (See Copyrights for details.) Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a U.S. registered 501(c)(3) taxdeductible nonprofit charity. Privacy policy About Wikipedia Disclaimers 7