Hurricane Juan

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Hurricane Juan
Hurricane Juan near peak intensity south of Nova Scotia on September 27
Meteorological history
FormedSeptember 24, 2003 (September 24, 2003)
DissipatedSeptember 29, 2003 (September 29, 2003)
Category 2 hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds105 mph (165 km/h)
Lowest pressure969 mbar (hPa); 28.61 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities8
Damage$200 million (2003 USD)
Areas affectedEastern Canada (primarily Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island)
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata / [1]

Part of the 2003 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Juan was a significant

Gulf of Saint Lawrence
.

Juan would inflict extensive damage across central Nova Scotia and into Prince Edward Island, with lesser damage east and west of the storm centre. Most of the damage occurred as a result of the intense winds that buffeted the region. Juan's passage resulted in eight fatalities and over CA $300 million (US$200 million) in damage. It was described as the worst storm to hit Halifax since

1893.[3][1]
On account of its destructiveness, the name Juan was retired from further use in the North Atlantic basin in 2004.

Meteorological history

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
  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

A large

Deep convection increased near the centre on September 24, and the system quickly developed banding features and distinct outflow. Based on the increase in organization, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) classified it as Tropical Depression Fifteen later that day while it was located about 345 miles (555 km) southeast of Bermuda. Operationally, the agency did not initiate storm advisories until 27 hours after the time of its formation determined by post-hurricane season analysis.[2]

Initially, the depression possessed a combination of

very deep convection increased around the circulation.[8] The cloud pattern continued to consolidate, and Juan attained hurricane status later on September 26 while located 165 mi (266 km) southeast of Bermuda.[2] The hurricane moved into an area of warm waters and light wind shear, allowing for additional strengthening; by September 27, Juan had attained a peak intensity of 105 mph (169 km/h) while located 635 mi (1,022 km) south of Halifax, Nova Scotia. At this peak strength, the eye of the hurricane was distinct and embedded within a well-defined and round central dense overcast.[9]

Hurricane Juan making landfall in Nova Scotia on September 29

Hurricane Juan remained at peak intensity for over 24 hours. After moving northwestward for an extended period of time, it turned and accelerated to the north.

Gulf of Saint Lawrence.[2]

Preparations

The first advisories were issued by the Canadian Hurricane Centre on September 26, although at that time they broadly suggested the possibility existed for wind and rain across Atlantic Canada.[11] As Juan approached on September 27, warning broadcasts on local media in Atlantic Canada were changed accordingly. The public and emergency officials in the expected landfall area were told to make preparations for a potential disaster, after the CHC bulletins indicated the possibility existed for significant wind damage and flooding from both heavy rain and storm surges, as well as power outages.[12]

On the morning of September 28, reports indicated that Juan would make landfall either as a tropical storm or marginal Category 1 hurricane.

UTC), additional warnings had been issued since Juan was expected to make landfall as a strong Category 1 or weak Category 2 hurricane.[14] Most businesses in the areas affected were closed on Sundays, which meant that preparations could not be made at the last minute.[15] Although no large-scale evacuations were made, local evacuations for low-lying areas were issued on the evening of September 28. In all, several hundred people were affected by these evacuations. Utility workers also stood on standby before the storm hit, preparing for large-scale power outages.[16]

Impact

Nova Scotia

Debris on the streets of Halifax following the hurricane

Hurricane Juan's maximum sustained wind speed at landfall in

railway tracks received most of the wave action. Storm surges of 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 m) were reported in the harbour; it was the highest surge ever recorded in Halifax Harbour.[18] Rainfall was fairly light due to the fast movement and dry air on the southern side of the storm. There were no rainfall reports greater than 2 inches (51 mm).[19]

Juan caused widespread structural and

Victoria General Hospital experienced roof and water damage and was evacuated during the storm, as were numerous tall apartment buildings and other multi-family residences.[21] Billboards and signs were also destroyed, and dozens of vehicles were crushed by trees and other debris.[3] The city's cherished Point Pleasant Park and Public Gardens suffered massive loss of trees and remained closed for months.[22][23]

Damage to the Halifax Public Gardens after Hurricane Juan

Juan set an all-time maximum wind gust speed record at the

Chebucto Head and Sambro Island, even though the Sambro Island instrument had survived a 193 km/h storm some years earlier.[24]

The hurricane caused severe damage to shipping in

Container Terminal. Wharves on the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfront suffered large amounts of damage and several railcars were washed into the harbour at the Dartmouth railway yard; one of the tracks for the double-track main line was washed out in several places along the Bedford Basin near Millview. Coastal flooding was also reported around Halifax Harbour as a result of the storm surge,[18] although inland flooding was minor as rainfall was not heavy due to Juan's fast forward movement.[3]

Less severe property damage was recorded west of the storm's track into

forecasters to believe that Juan was likely a Category 3 hurricane; however, the sustained wind reports did not justify that suggestion. Many of the deciduous trees in central Nova Scotia still had leaves, which magnified the effects of wind damage.[25] Overall, the number of damaged trees was estimated to be in the millions.[3]

Juan claimed six lives (two directly) in Nova Scotia. Both of the direct deaths were due to fallen trees; one was a Halifax paramedic and the other was a motorist in Enfield.[3][26] Three of the four indirect deaths were as a result of a house fire started by candles when electricity was cut, and the fourth was in relief work after the storm.[3]

Rest of Atlantic Canada

Rainfall from Hurricane Juan

The storm maintained Category 1 strength as it tracked across Nova Scotia and into the Northumberland Strait, weakening to a tropical storm as it emerged into the

Gulf of Saint Lawrence.[2]

Damage was also reported in

Two deaths were reported in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence off the remote Anticosti Island in Quebec. They were fishermen from New Brunswick operating near Anticosti Island.[3]

Aftermath

Halifax Waterfront after Hurricane Juan

In the hours following the storm a

Canadian Forces personnel to assist local authorities in HRM with cleanup in the urban area and to assist utility crews with electrical power restoration.[30] Many utility workers, especially those employed by Nova Scotia Power and the dozens of crews from Maritime Electric and NB Power who responded under mutual assistance agreements, worked intensively for almost three weeks.[3] Nova Scotia power reported that they had restored power to the last of their affected customers by October 12, 2 weeks after the storm had passed.[3]

The devastated

shoreline and almost 85% of its trees removed. A revitalization and reforestation program began in 2005.[31]

The Government of Nova Scotia pledged $10 million (2003

CAD) to replace damaged trees in Prince Edward Island.[35]

Hurricane Juan alerted residents, governments, utilities, and emergency management agencies throughout

Kate — had a significant effect on land or offshore in Canada during the 2003 Atlantic hurricane season.[36]

Preparations and planning have been underway since 2003 and were first tested when

heavy rainfall warnings, which were often not heeded by local residents. Beginning in the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season, CHC began using standard hurricane warnings for storms potentially affecting Canada.[38]

Hurricane Juan lent its name to a severe blizzard that struck Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island a few months later in February 2004 which quickly became known as White Juan because the paralyzing effects of the massive snowfall evoked the recent hurricane.[39]

Retirement

Because of its effects in

Atlantic hurricane. Environment Canada noted that its request for retirement was "in consideration of the lost and damaged lives, the impact to economy, and the widespread destruction of trees throughout two provinces".[40] It was the first time that the Meteorological Service of Canada had specifically requested a hurricane name be retired.[41] The name was replaced by Joaquin for the 2009 season, but since it was not used during that year, it was used in the 2015 season.[42]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Bowyer, Peter (2003). "Hurricane Juan 2003 Storm Summary". Environment Canada. Archived from the original on December 6, 2013. Retrieved November 20, 2006.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Avila, Lixion (May 12, 2004). "Hurricane Juan Tropical Cyclone Report" (PDF). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved May 22, 2015.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Fogarty, Chris (2003). "Hurricane Juan Storm Summary" (PDF). Canadian Hurricane Centre. Environment Canada. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 1, 2007. Retrieved November 20, 2006.
  4. ^ Avila, Lixion (September 17, 2003). "September 17 Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on October 26, 2012. Retrieved February 21, 2011.
  5. ^ Avila, Lixion (September 23, 2003). "September 23 Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on October 26, 2012. Retrieved February 21, 2011.
  6. ^ Avila, Lixion (September 25, 2003). "Tropical Depression Fifteen Discussion Fifteen". National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on October 17, 2012. Retrieved February 21, 2011.
  7. ^ Avila, Lixion (September 25, 2003). "Tropical Storm Juan Discussion Two". National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on October 22, 2012. Retrieved February 21, 2011.
  8. ^ Stewart, Stacy (September 26, 2003). "Tropical Storm Juan Discussion Four". National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on October 22, 2012. Retrieved February 21, 2011.
  9. ^ Avila, Lixion (September 27, 2003). "Hurricane Juan Discussion Ten". National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on October 20, 2012. Retrieved February 21, 2011.
  10. ^ Pasch, Richard (September 28, 2003). "Hurricane Juan Discussion Fourteen". National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on October 22, 2012. Retrieved February 21, 2011.
  11. ^ Parkes (2003). "Canadian Hurricane Centre Information Statement, 1200 UTC September 26". Environment Canada. Archived from the original on October 6, 2013. Retrieved December 23, 2006.
  12. ^ Parkes (2003). "Canadian Hurricane Centre Information Statement, 1800 UTC September 27". Environment Canada. Archived from the original on October 6, 2013. Retrieved December 23, 2006.
  13. ^ Parkes (2003). "Canadian Hurricane Centre Information Statement, 0600 UTC September 28". Environment Canada. Archived from the original on January 11, 2012. Retrieved November 20, 2006.
  14. ^ Parkes (2003). "Canadian Hurricane Centre Information Statement, 1800 UTC September 28". Environment Canada. Archived from the original on January 11, 2012. Retrieved November 20, 2006.
  15. ^ Richer, Shawna (2003). "Building collapses as Juan ravages Nova Scotia". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved December 23, 2006.
  16. ^ "Hurricane Juan bears down on Nova Scotia". The Boston Globe. Associated Press. September 29, 2003. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved December 23, 2006.
  17. ^ Bowyer, Peter (2003). "Classifying Hurricane Juan". Environment Canada. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved November 20, 2006.
  18. ^ a b Bowyer, Peter (2003). "The Storm Surge and Waves at Halifax with Hurricane Juan". Environment Canada. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved November 20, 2006.
  19. ^ "Rainfall amounts from Hurricane Juan". Environment Canada. 2003. Archived from the original on September 8, 2012. Retrieved December 23, 2006.
  20. Halifax Regional Municipality. 2003. Archived from the original
    on December 26, 2013. Retrieved December 23, 2006.
  21. ^ "Juan hits Canada's eastern coast". USA Today. Associated Press. September 30, 2003. Archived from the original on February 27, 2009. Retrieved December 23, 2006.
  22. ^ "Point Pleasant Park not the same". CBC News. CBC/Radio-Canada. March 28, 2004. Archived from the original on March 17, 2018. Retrieved April 25, 2021.
  23. ^ "Halifax area returns to full power". CBC News. CBC/Radio-Canada. October 13, 2003. Retrieved April 25, 2021.
  24. ^ "ARCHIVED – Environment and Climate Change Canada – Weather and Meteorology – Archives – Feature Articles – Hurricane Juan – The Science of Hurricane Juan – Classifying Hurrica..." Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved August 22, 2009.
  25. Halifax Chronicle-Herald. Archived from the original
    (PDF) on September 28, 2007. Retrieved November 20, 2006.
  26. ^ "Nova Scotians clean up after Juan". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). September 30, 2003. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2006.
  27. ^ Staff Writer (September 30, 2003). "Hurricane Juan pounds provinces". The Topeka-Capital Journal Online. Associated Press. Archived from the original on October 7, 2012. Retrieved August 29, 2011.
  28. ^ Fogarty, Chris (2004). "A Comparison of the Wind Fields of Hurricane Edna (1954) and Hurricane Juan (2003)" (PDF). Meteorological Service of Canada. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 22, 2006. Retrieved December 23, 2006.
  29. CanWest Global Communications. Archived from the original
    on September 5, 2008. Retrieved November 20, 2006.
  30. ^ "Fallen trees hamper efforts to restore power in the wake of Juan". CBC. October 1, 2003. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2006.
  31. ^ "Point Pleasant Park: Forestification". Halifax Regional Municipality. 2005. Archived from the original on May 16, 2007. Retrieved December 23, 2006.
  32. CTVglobemedia. Archived from the original
    on January 20, 2012. Retrieved December 23, 2006.
  33. ^ MacFayden, Elmer (2003). "Province announces $200,000 to address immediate needs of Islanders affected by Hurricane Juan". Government of Prince Edward Island. Archived from the original on March 19, 2012. Retrieved December 23, 2006.
  34. ^ Canadian Hurricane Centre (2003). "Hurricane Juan 2003 Special Reports (link removed)". Meteorological Service of Canada. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved December 23, 2006.
  35. Canada NewsWire. 2005. Archived
    from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved December 23, 2006.
  36. ^ Bowyer, Peter (July 9, 2009). "Canadian Tropical Cyclone Season Summary for 2003". Canadian Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on October 13, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2011.
  37. ^ "Atlantic Season 2004 Preview". Environment Canada. 2004. Archived from the original on June 11, 2011. Retrieved November 20, 2006.
  38. ^ Parker, John (2004). "Working Together to Understand the Risks" (PDF). Meteorological Service of Canada. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 2, 2020. Retrieved November 20, 2006.
  39. ^ "Top ten weather stories for 2004". Environmental and Climate Change Canada. August 8, 2017. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved April 25, 2021.
  40. ^ Bowyer, Peter (April 29, 2004). "Should "Hurricane Juan" be retired?". Canadian Hurricane Centre. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2007.
  41. Environment Canada. April 30, 2004. Archived from the original
    on May 9, 2006. Retrieved January 30, 2007.
  42. ^ "No more hurricane Juan". CBC News. CBC/Radio-Canada. April 30, 2004. Archived from the original on July 4, 2014. Retrieved April 25, 2021.

External links