Hurricane Debby (2000)
Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | August 19, 2000 |
Dissipated | August 24, 2000 |
Category 1 hurricane | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Highest winds | 85 mph (140 km/h) |
Lowest pressure | 991 mbar (hPa); 29.26 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 1 indirect |
Damage | $735,000 (2000 USD) |
Areas affected | Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Turks and Caicos Islands, Cuba, Jamaica |
IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2000 Atlantic hurricane season |
Hurricane Debby caused minor damage in the
Light rainfall and gusty winds caused minor damage in Barbuda, Saint Martin, and Trinidad and Tobago. In the United States Virgin Islands, brief blackouts and damage reaching $200,000 (2000 USD)[nb 2] was reported. Effects were most severe in Puerto Rico, where isolated locations experienced more than 12 inches (300 mm) of rainfall. The heavy precipitation resulted in mudslides and flooding, which in turn damaged roads, bridges, and houses. At least 406 homes on the island were flooded, five of which suffered moderate to severe damage. Additionally, there were many car accidents in San Juan due to slick roads. One indirectly fatality was reported after a man fell off his roof while attempting to remove a satellite dish. Damage on the island of Puerto Rico reached $501,000. In Dominican Republic, the Civil Defense Force reported that severe flooding in the northern portions of that country caused the evacuation of more than 700 people. Overall, the storm caused roughly $35,000 in damage across the island. Impact was lesser in Haiti, where squalls tore tin roofs off of numerous shanty homes and subsequently flooded a few. Additionally, rainfall in Cuba brought relief to an 8 month long drought impacting the region.
Meteorological history
A strong tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic Ocean from the west coast of Africa on August 16. By the following day, an
The depression strengthened and became Tropical Storm Debby at 0000 UTC on August 20.
At 0600 UTC on August 22, Debby made landfall in Barbuda with winds of 75 mph (121 km/h). A few hours later, the storm also struck Saint Barthélemy at the same intensity. It made a third landfall in Virgin Gorda with winds of 75 mph (121 km/h), at 1500 UTC on August 22.[9] In an advisory issued later that day, the National Hurricane Center noted that although the agency anticipated further strengthening, it would not be "significant" in the short-term, due to Debby's rapid movement west-northwestward and potential land interaction with Hispaniola.[10] Late on August 22, the storm passed about 35 miles (56 km) north of Puerto Rico.[2] Early on August 23, computer models varied extensively with the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GDFL) model, regarded by the National Hurricane Center as an "extreme outlier", depicting a 926 mbar (27.3 inHg) low pressure area over the Florida Keys on August 26.[11] Due to increasing southwesterly wind shear, Debby began to weaken and was downgraded to a tropical storm at 1200 UTC on August 23, while situated north of Dominican Republic.[2]
Beginning late on August 23, it was predicted that Debby would re-strengthen, as SSTs were between 84 and 86 °F (29 and 30 °C) and the storm was anticipated to resume the original west-northwest movement, reducing land interaction.[12] However, Debby curved westward and continued to become increasingly disorganized, with the low-level circulation being displaced well west of the main, deep convective area. Early on August 24, the storm entered the Windward Passage and began passing south of Cuba.[2] The National Hurricane Center continued to predict re-intensification, but noted the potential for degeneration into a tropical wave during the next few days in its advisory at 0900 UTC on August 24, due to persistent wind shear.[13] Three hours later, Debby was downgraded to a tropical depression. The storm degenerated into a tropical wave at 1800 UTC on August 24, while located south of Cuba.[2]
Preparations
Several storm warnings were issued for the Greater and Lesser Antilles to warn residents of the approaching storm. In
Around 7,000 people in Cuba were evacuated to avoid the oncoming hurricane.
In addition, many tropical cyclone warnings and watches were posted in the Greater and Lesser Antilles. At 2100 UTC on August 20, a hurricane watch was issued for Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius, while there was a tropical storm watch for Antigua, Barbuda, and Anguilla. Early on August 21, the hurricane watch was expanded to include the United States Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Additionally, the tropical storm watch was extended out to the British Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Martin. A hurricane warning was issued for Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands late on August 21. In Dominica, both a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch were reported, while a tropical storm watch was put into effect in Dominican Republic. At 0300 UTC on August 22, a hurricane watch was issued for Haiti north of Port-au-Prince as was a tropical storm warning in Dominican Republic from Palenque to Cabrera. An hour later, a tropical storm watch was put into effect for the southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands. By 0900 UTC on August 22, Dominican Republic's entire north coast was under a hurricane warning. Additionally, the tropical storm watch for the southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands was upgraded to a hurricane watch.[2]
The hurricane warning for Antigua, Barbuda, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, and St. Kitts and Nevis was discontinued at 1200 UTC on August 22, as was the tropical storm warning for Dominica. Three hours later, a hurricane warning was issued for the southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands, and another hurricane watch was posted for the central Bahamas. Additionally, the hurricane warning for Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, was discontinued. At 2100 UTC on August 22, a hurricane watch was issued in Cuba for the provinces of
Although the hurricane was still situated far from Florida, a state of emergency was declared for the Florida Keys.[18] Non-residents in Monroe County were forced to leave, causing a significant reduction in the tourism for the year 2000.[2] For a period of time, forecasters predicted Debby to approach the Florida Keys as a Category 2 hurricane, while the GDFL predicted a much more intense Debby near the Florida Keys as a Category 4 hurricane with a minimum central pressure of 926 mbar (27.3 inHg).[11]
Impact
Because of the relatively weak and disorganized nature of the storm, impact throughout its path was widespread, but not particularly severe.[2] Puerto Rico bore the brunt of the storm, followed by the United States Virgin Islands, then the Dominican Republic.[19] Debby was attributed to about $735,000 in damage and 1 indirect fatality, which occurred in Puerto Rico when a man fell off a roof while attempting to remove a satellite dish.[2][14][19]
Lesser Antilles
Throughout the Leeward Islands, gusty winds damaged fruit trees and downed power lines.[2] Wind gusts estimated to have reached 65 mph (105 km/h) lashed Anguilla. Some trees were destroyed, and electrical poles and power lines were downed.[14] In Antigua, downed utility poles and trees were spotted.[20] Precipitation totals in Antigua peaked at 0.91 inches (23 mm). Rainfall on the island of Barbuda reached 1.5 inches (38 mm).[14] Debby caused moderate roof damage to several structures and destroyed a few sheds and fruit trees.[2][14] Sint Maarten reported little rainfall as the storm almost uneventfully passed over the island, causing mostly minor flooding and vegetation damage.[21] Losses reached $750,000, though it was entirely from cruise ship cancellations and closed businesses. With damage nearly nonexistent, the Sint Maarten Tourism Bureau remarked that Debby "was the weakest hurricane St. Maarten experienced in several years."[22]
On Saint Barthélemy, wind gusts as strong as 87 mph (140 km/h) at Gustavia were reported. Wind damage was minor, limited to some downed trees and power poles. Rainfall totals were very light, ranging from 0.59 to 0.98 inches (15 to 25 mm). Tides on the island reached about 13 feet (4.0 m) above normal. Similar wave heights were reported on Saint Martin, while precipitation was slightly higher, ranging from 0.78 to 1.37 inches (20 to 35 mm). Impact was minimal on Guadeloupe. Wave heights reached approximately 10 feet (3.0 m).[23] Rainfall was also light on Guadeloupe, with 1.45 inches (37 mm) in Le Moule, 1.22 inches (31 mm) in Sainte-Rose, 1.07 inches (27 mm) in La Désirade, 0.66 inches (17 mm) in Sainte-Anne, and 0.66 inches (17 mm) in Pointe-à-Pitre.[24] Feeder bands from Debby affected countries as far south as Trinidad and Tobago, where heavy rainfall resulted in flooding in the Barrackpore region.[25]
United States territories
In the United States Virgin Islands, losses reached approximately $200,000. On Saint Thomas, 1.93 inches (49 mm) of rain was recorded.[19][26] At the Cyril E. King Airport, sustained winds reached 33 mph (53 km/h), while gusts up to 45 mph (72 km/h) were reported. Elsewhere on Saint Thomas, one sailboat was washed ashore on Vessup Beach.[17] Sustained winds of 35 mph (56 km/h) and gusts of 43 mph (69 km/h) on Saint Croix caused brief power outages.[19] Additionally, 0.46 inches (12 mm) of rain fell in St. Croix. Minor landscape damage occurred on Saint John.[17]
Debby also dropped up to 12 inches (300 mm) of rainfall across Puerto Rico in less than 48 hours, causing mudslides and damage to bridges and roads;
Dominican Republic
On the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, waves and rainfall caused light to moderate damage.
Haiti
Residents living in shanties in northern Haiti fled their homes during the storm. In Port-de-Paix, strong winds tore off many tin roofs and flooded some homes.[28] A small coastal village, Carenage, experienced high winds that sunk at least five boats. Storm surge also swept away one home, but without any reports of injury or death.[27] In Cuba, the remnants of Debby brought rainfall to the eastern portion of the country, particularly Guantánamo Province, with 24‑hour precipitation totals of 3.22 inches (82 mm) in San Antonio del Sur, 2.55 inches (65 mm) in Maisí, and 2.28 and 2.16 inches (58 and 55 mm) at separate locations in Guantánamo.[29] Due to a severe eight-month drought in Guantanamo Province, the accumulated rainfall was largely beneficial.[30] However, as a precaution against potential flooding, more than 32,000 people and thousands of cattle residing in low-lying areas were evacuated to higher ground.[31] A few locations reported gusty winds. At Maisí, sustained winds between 29 and 31 mph (47 and 50 km/h) were reported, along with gusts up to 42 mph (68 km/h). Additionally, tides caused coastal flooding in Baracoa.[29]
See also
- Other storms of the same name
- Timeline of the 2000 Atlantic hurricane season
Notes
References
- ^ Stan Goldberg. What is a super-typhoon? What is a major hurricane ? What is an intense hurricane?. Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (Report). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved February 27, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Richard J. Pasch (December 8, 2000). Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Debby, 19–24 August 2000 (PDF). National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
- ^ Lixion A. Avila (August 19, 2000). Tropical Depression Seven Discussion Number 1 (TXT). National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
- ^ Stacy R. Stewart (August 20, 2000). Tropical Storm Debby Discussion Number 4 (TXT). National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
- ^ Miles B. Lawrence (August 21, 2000). Tropical Storm Debby Discussion Number 6 (TXT). National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
- ^ Stacy R. Stewart (August 21, 2000). Tropical Storm Debby Discussion Number 8 (TXT). National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
- ^ Jack L. Beven (August 22, 2000). Hurricane Debby Discussion Number 11 (TXT). National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
- ^ a b "Debby becomes hurricane, threatens Leeward Islands". CNN. The Associated Press and Reuters. August 22, 2000. Archived from the original on December 29, 2006. Retrieved July 15, 2006.
- ^ Stacy R. Stewart (August 22, 2000). Hurricane Debby Discussion Number 13 (TXT). National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
- ^ Stacy R. Stewart (August 22, 2000). Hurricane Debby Discussion Number 12 (TXT). National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
- ^ a b Jack L. Beven (August 23, 2000). Hurricane Debby Discussion Number 15 (TXT). National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
- ^ Stacy R. Stewart (August 23, 2000). Hurricane Debby Discussion Number 16 (TXT). National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
- ^ Jack L. Beven (August 24, 2000). Tropical Storm Debby Discussion Number 19 (TXT). National Hurricane Center (Report). Miami, Florida: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f 2000 hurricane season (Report). Maracay, Venezuela: World Meteorological Organization. November 20, 2001. Archived from the original (DOC) on September 6, 2003.
- ^ "Caribbean: Hurricane Debby Information Bulletin No. 2". International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Geneva, Switzerland: ReliefWeb. August 23, 2000. Retrieved April 24, 2013.
- ^ Caribbean: Hurricane Debby Information Bulletin No. 3. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Report). Geneva, Switzerland: ReliefWeb. August 24, 2000. Retrieved December 25, 2011.
- ^ a b c d First hurricane of the 2000 season and first hurricane to threaten PR-VI in August since Hurricane Dean in 1989 (Report). San Juan, Puerto Rico. 2000. Archived from the original on November 8, 2001. Retrieved April 24, 2013.
- ^ a b c d "Keys begins evacuating as Debby moves toward Florida". CNN. Miami, Florida. August 23, 2000. Archived from the original on October 8, 2007. Retrieved April 24, 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f Stephen D. Greco. Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena – August 2000 (PDF). National Climatic Data Center (Report). Asheville, North Carolina: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 3, 2013. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
- ^ "Hurricane Debby leaves Puerto Rico, heads toward Florida – August 22, 2000". CNN. San Juan, Puerto Rico. August 23, 2000. Archived from the original on December 7, 2006.
- ^ Barbara Cannegieter (August 22, 2000). "TS Joyce Hanging On by a Thread, No Longer a Threat to St. Maarten". Caribbean Hurricane Network. Archived from the original on May 27, 2011. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
- ^ Staff Writer (September 1, 2000). "Government raises gasoline prices". Associated Press.
Hurricane Debby last month caused dlrs 750,000 in losses from cruise ship cancellations and other lost businesses...With no structural damages or damage, this was the weakest hurricane St. Maarten experienced in several years.
- ^ Daniel Rollé (August 22, 2000). "L'ouragan Debby a épargné la Guadeloupe continentale". MAXImini. Archived from the original on June 16, 2013. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
- ^ Passage de l'Ouragan Debby. Service Régional de Guadeloupe (Report). Météo-France. August 29, 2000. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
- ^ G. De Souza (May 2001). Tropical Cyclones affecting Trinidad and Tobago 1725 to 2000 (PDF). Meteorological Services of Trinidad and Tobago (Report). Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago: Trinidad and Tobago's Ministry of the Environment. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 10, 2007. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
- ^ Dave McDermott (August 20, 2000). "Bye Debby!". Caribbean Hurricane Network. Archived from the original on May 27, 2011. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
- ^ a b c 2000 hurricane damage reports (Report). Hurricane City. Archived from the original on May 18, 2011. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
- ^ "Debby drenches Haiti, Cuba". Reading Eagle. Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Associated Press. August 24, 2000. p. 2. Retrieved January 7, 2013.
- ^ a b Características individuales de los ciclones ropicales del 2000 (Report). Instituto de Meteorologia de la República de Cuba. Archived from the original on April 15, 2008. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
- ^ Caribbean – Tropical Storm Debby OCHA Situation Report No. 6. UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Report). Geneva, Switzerland: ReliefWeb. August 25, 2000. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
- ^ "Debby no threat to Cuba; hurricane now a rainstorm". Cambridge Reporter. Reuters. August 25, 2000.
it was likely to bring much-needed rain and possibly flooding to drought-stricken areas. In a massive operation to minimize damage, Cuban authorities evacuated more than 32,000 people in low-lying areas...thousands of cattle were also transported to safe areas.