Cyclone Tomas

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This article is about the 2010 South Pacific cyclone. For other storms of the same name, see List of storms named Tomas.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Tomas
Cyclone Tomas near peak intensity off the coast of Vanua Levu, Fiji
Meteorological history
FormedMarch 9, 2010
ExtratropicalMarch 16, 2010
DissipatedMarch 20, 2010
Category 4 severe tropical cyclone
10-minute sustained (FMS)
Highest winds185 km/h (115 mph)
Lowest pressure925 hPa (mbar); 27.32 inHg
Category 4-equivalent tropical cyclone
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC)
Highest winds215 km/h (130 mph)
Overall effects
Fatalities3 total
Damage$45 million (2010 USD)
Areas affectedFiji
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata
Part of the 2009–10 South Pacific cyclone season

Severe Tropical Cyclone Tomas was the most intense

Category 4 equivalent
storm with 1-minute sustained winds of 215 km/h (135 mph).

Cyclone Tomas proved to be very destructive throughout Fiji, leaving many homeless and entire villages under water. At least one person has been confirmed to have been killed by the storm after being swept out to sea while rescuing family members. Reports from outlying islands state that entire homes have been flattened by wind gusts up to 280 km/h (170 mph).

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

Shortly after the first advisory on Tropical Disturbance 13F was issued on March 9, the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) began monitoring a new disturbance, designated 14F, further east.[1] The following day, deep convection began to develop around the disturbance's low-level circulation, prompting the JTWC to begin monitoring it for possible cyclonic development.[2] Later on March 10, the FMS upgraded the system to a tropical depression as it continued to become better organized.[3] Located within an environment characterized by low wind shear, further intensification was anticipated as convection continued to develop over the expanding system.[4] Around 1500 UTC on March 11, the JTWC issued their first advisory on the cyclone, classifying it as Tropical Storm 19P.[5] Several hours later, the FMS upgraded the system to a Category 1 cyclone and gave it the name Tomas. Rapid intensification was expected to take place over the following 48 hours as sea surface temperatures ahead of the storm averaged 30 °C (86 °F), well-above the threshold for tropical cyclone development.[6]

Cyclones Tomas (right) and Ului (left) on 16 March

Throughout the day on March 12, Tomas steadily intensified,

Category 4 equivalent storm with 1-minute sustained winds of 215 km/h (135 mph).[8]

Impact

One person was killed on Vanua Levu after being swept out to sea by large swells while trying to rescue her two sisters, a niece and a nephew near Namilamila Bay.[11]

In the northernmost islands of Fiji, communication with Cikobia and Qelelevu was lost on March 15 as the cyclone passed through the region. Officials feared that severe damage and loss of life occurred on the island. Many homes along rivers and the Pacific were washed away by rising waters and tides exceeding 7 m (23 ft). Parts of the region have been soaked with upwards of 350 mm (14 in) of rain over a two-day span with more falling. Power and running water was disrupted to numerous islands, forcing thousands to seek shelter. During the initial assessment of damage, at least 50 homes were confirmed to have been destroyed by Tomas. This prompted Fijian officials to declare a

State of disaster for the northern and eastern divisions of Fiji.[12][13]

On its way, the cyclone has passed near

Futuna island
, heavily damaging an important part of houses and other buildings and cutting the water and electricity supply, but leaving no human casualties. The most severed was the north-eastern part of the island and notably the village of Poi and its surroundings. There, the islands only road was washed away and most of the houses were completely demolished by strong wind and rising waves.

After the storm, the governments of New Zealand and Australia each sent $1 million in their respective currencies to Fiji. The New Zealand Air Force sent relief supplies, including tarps and water purifying equipment.[14]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Nadi Marine Bulletin for March 9, 2010 at 1800 UTC". Fiji Meteorological Service. March 9, 2010. Archived from the original on September 23, 2008. Retrieved March 14, 2010.
  2. FTP). March 10, 2010. Retrieved March 14, 2010.[dead ftp link] (To view documents see Help:FTP
    )
  3. ^ "Nadi Marine Bulletin for March 10, 2010 at 1800 UTC". Fiji Meteorological Service. March 10, 2010. Archived from the original on May 20, 2024. Retrieved March 14, 2010.
  4. FTP). March 11, 2010. Retrieved March 14, 2010.[dead ftp link] (To view documents see Help:FTP
    )
  5. ^ "Tropical Cyclone 19P Advisory NR 001". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. March 11, 2010. Archived from the original on August 8, 2010. Retrieved March 14, 2010.
  6. FTP). March 12, 2010. Retrieved March 14, 2010.[dead ftp link] (To view documents see Help:FTP
    )
  7. FTP). March 12, 2010. Retrieved March 14, 2010.[dead ftp link] (To view documents see Help:FTP
    )
  8. ^ a b c d Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2010). "Tropical Cyclone 19P (Tomas) Running Best Track". United States Navy. Retrieved March 14, 2010.
  9. FTP). March 14, 2010. Retrieved March 14, 2010.[dead ftp link] (To view documents see Help:FTP
    )
  10. FTP). March 14, 2010. Retrieved March 14, 2010.[dead ftp link] (To view documents see Help:FTP
    )
  11. ^ Vaimoana Tapaleao (March 16, 2010). "Storms fiercer than Katrina batter Fiji and Solomons". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved March 15, 2010.
  12. ^ "'Few' deaths, 18,000 evacuated as Tomas smashes Fiji". New Zealand Herald. Associated Press. March 16, 2010. Retrieved March 16, 2010.
  13. ^ Commodore J.V. Bainimarama (2010-03-16). "Natural Disaster Management Act 1998: Declaration of Natural Disaster" (PDF). Pacific Disaster.net. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-24. Retrieved 2010-03-17.
  14. ^ NZPA (2010). "Govt commits $1m to Fiji after cyclone". TVNZ. Archived from the original on 2010-03-23. Retrieved 2010-03-16.
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