Cyclone Olaf

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Severe Tropical Cyclone Olaf
Cyclone Olaf near peak intensity on February 16
Meteorological history
FormedFebruary 10, 2005
ExtratropicalFebruary 20, 2005
DissipatedFebruary 25, 2005
Category 5 severe tropical cyclone
10-minute sustained (FMS)
Highest winds215 km/h (130 mph)
Lowest pressure915 hPa (mbar); 27.02 inHg
Category 5-equivalent tropical cyclone
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC)
Highest winds270 km/h (165 mph)
Lowest pressure892 hPa (mbar); 26.34 inHg
Overall effects
FatalitiesNone
Missing2
Damage$10 million
Areas affectedAmerican Samoa, Samoa, Cook Islands
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata
Part of the 2004–05 South Pacific cyclone season

Severe Tropical Cyclone Olaf was the sixth cyclone to form in the Southwest Pacific Ocean during the

Category 5 cyclone, Olaf stuck American Samoa causing heavy damage although exact estimates are unknown. Despite the damage, there were no reported deaths or injuries from the cyclone. Olaf was third South Pacific cyclone to hit the Cook Islands during the 2004–05 season (the other two being Meena and Nancy), and Cyclone Percy
would later affect the already devastated archipelago less than 2 weeks later.

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

Towards the middle of February 2005, a monsoonal trough of low pressure developed near the island nation of

2004-05 season by the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS).[1] The first of these tropical disturbances was classified as 09F, while it was located about 330 km (205 mi) to the northeast of Apia, Samoa and later developed into Severe Tropical Cyclone Nancy.[1] The second of these disturbances was 08F which was classified as a tropical disturbance while it was located about 650 km (405 mi) to the northeast of Nadi, Fiji.[1]

A

Category 4 status, Olaf then moved on a south-southeasterly course at 7 mph (11 km/h).[2]

Cyclone Olaf then tuned east and moving 100 miles (160 km) east of

Ta'u, American Samoa. During that time, a weather station reported a 931 barometric pressure reading.[2]

On February 18, an approaching upper-level trough to the south, and strong

extratropical storm on February 23. The extratropical storm persisted for two days before dissipating near Pitcairn Island[2]

Preparations

Tropical Cyclones Nancy (right) and Olaf (left) on February 14

Forecasts predicted Olaf to move near and over Samoa and American Samoa in 24–48 hours and hitting the southern

Category 4 cyclone.[3] In American Samoa, schools and businesses were closed and warnings were broadcasting over television and radio. Forecasters predicted that Olaf will bring storm surge and inland flooding and strong winds. In Niue, the cyclone was carefully monitored by forecasters, fearing a repeat of the destruction wrought by Cyclone Heta a year ago. French Polynesia was also under a cyclone warning. Forecasters further issued Watches and warnings for the rest of the Cook Islands.[4]

The next day, Olaf diverted course forcing authorities to order evacuations. In Tutuila, 70 emergency shelters were opened and 1,000 people evacuated low-lying areas. The approach of the cyclone, shut down the local airport, cancelling numerous flights. In Tau, most of the residences evacuated to storm shelters built on higher ground. The evaluation in the Manu'a group islands, totaled up to 2,000.[5]

Impact

A destructive cyclone, Olaf caused severe damage in both Samoa and American Samoa. Because of well executed warnings and evacuations, there were no deaths. However, 2 people were reported missing and assumed dead, when their boat sank during the storm.

Samoa and American Samoa

Landslide damage from Olaf.

Although the eye of Olaf never made landfall, several weather stations reported sustained winds of 75–125 mph (121–201 km/h). The winds damaged powerlines and closed an airport. Olaf also produced

Pago Pago.[7]

Cook Islands

Olaf then struck the Cook Islands which were already reeling form the impact of Cyclones Meena and Nancy earlier. In Rarotonga, Olaf skirted the western side of the island. That placed the island in the strongest part of the storm, which resulted in extensive damage to homes and businesses. According to press reports, nearly 30–40 percent of the population was left without electricity and 60% of the structures sustained damage.[2]

Aftermath

Olaf damaged several water stations in the Manua Islands causing a water shortage. Because of the damage, President George W. Bush declared those islands disaster areas. The declaration allowed residents and local governments in the American Samoa to receive federal aid. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provided much aid to the residents of the American Samoa.[8] The Initial Response Resources were sent to the American Samoa and its surrounding islands and was distributed by the United States Coast Guard and the government of the American Samoa on February 21, 2005.[9] Despite the devastation in the Manua Islands, it could have been worse if Olaf hit American Samoa directly.[2] In the Cook Islands, the Australian and New Zealand governments provided over A$30,000 (2005) in relief assistance.[10] On February 22, 2005, the Government of New Zealand, provided materials and workmen to help with the cleanup effort. The French government and the United Nations also assisted in the relief effort by sending soldiers from Tahiti and providing more aid to the stricken residents.[11]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d Tropical Cyclo.ne Summary 2004 – 2005 Season (PDF) (Report). Fiji Meteorological Service. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 25, 2009. Retrieved December 29, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Olaf Report
  3. ^ AFAP Warning 1 Archived 2006-02-15 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ AFAP Warning 2 Archived 2006-02-15 at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ AFAP Warning 3 Archived 2006-02-15 at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ "Cyclone Olaf slams into Samoa". The Sydney Morning Herald. 2005-02-17. Archived from the original on 2013-02-17.
  7. ^ nbcnews.com
  8. ^ FEMA Disaster Declaration Archived 2007-09-11 at the Wayback Machine
  9. ^ DOI report on the Olaf Archived 2007-04-04 at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ Cyclone Olaf Update February 28, 2005
  11. ^ "Cinews report on Olaf". Archived from the original on 2007-10-08. Retrieved 2007-04-30.

External links

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