Tropical Storm Helene (2000)

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For other storms of the same name, see
Tropical Storm Helene
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Tropical Storm Helene
Isle of Youth, Eastern United States, Atlantic Canada
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata
Part of the 2000 Atlantic hurricane season

Tropical Storm Helene was a long-lived

tropical storm. It was the twelfth tropical cyclone and eighth tropical storm of the 2000 Atlantic hurricane season, forming on September 15 east of the Windward Islands
. After degenerating into a tropical wave, the system produced flooding and mudslides in Puerto Rico. It reformed into a tropical depression on September 19 south of Cuba, and crossed the western portion of the island the next day while on the verge of dissipation. However, it intensified into a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico, reaching its peak intensity while approaching the northern Gulf Coast.

The storm rapidly weakened before moving ashore near

Florida Panhandle that reached 9.56 in (243 mm). The rains flooded hundreds of houses and caused the Sopchoppy River to reach a record crest. Gusty winds left about 5,000 people without power, though the rains alleviated drought conditions. In South Carolina, Helene spawned a tornado that killed one person and injured six others; heavy rainfall in the state also led to a death when a driver hydroplaned into a tree. The rainfall extended northeastward into Delaware. Overall damage in the United States was estimated at $16 million. Helene emerged from North Carolina as a tropical storm, and re-intensified to near-hurricane strength before being absorbed by a cold front
on September 25.

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

A

Hurricane Hunters flight indicated that the depression degenerated into a tropical wave on September 16. Although there was not a closed circulation, the flight observed flight-level winds of 65 mph (105 km/h) to the north and east of the system.[1]

The remnants of the depression continued westward, moving through the Lesser Antilles on September 17. Despite favorable conditions for redevelopment including low wind shear and warm ocean temperatures, the system remained a tropical wave as it moved across the Caribbean Sea. Late on September 19, another reconnaissance plane discovered a closed circulation to the northwest of Grand Cayman. Although there was minimal convection near the center, it organized enough to be re-classified as a tropical depression.[1] Upon redeveloping, the depression was moved west-northwestward around a large anticyclone to the east of Florida. Its circulation was broad, though the NHC anticipated further strengthening.[5] Conditions remained favorable for intensification, but instead the depression weakened as it approached Cuba.[6] Around 1200 UTC on September 20, it moved across the western tip of Cuba into the Gulf of Mexico with minimal thunderstorms near the center.[1] A few hours later, the NHC noted that "the cyclone [was] on the verge of breaking open into an east-west oriented trough". The agency did not discontinue advisories due to an increase in convection near the center, although no intensification was expected.[7] However, the system's circulation and convection became better organized,[8] and early on September 21 the NHC upgraded the depression to Tropical Storm Helene.[1]

Tropical Storm Helene near its initial peak intensity on September 21

Upon becoming a tropical storm, Helene gradually turned to the north while rounding an anticyclone to its east.

landfall near Fort Walton Beach, Florida at 1200 UTC on September 22 after weakening from its peak intensity to winds of 40 mph (64 km/h).[1]

After moving ashore, an area of convection redeveloped over Helene's center and the circulation became well-defined on radar imagery. The storm accelerated to the northeast into the

Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Hurricane forecast models anticipated restrengthening, and due to the forecast track north of the Gulf Stream, the NHC predicted intensification as an extratropical cyclone. The agency noted that 1997's Tropical Storm Danny re-intensified in the same region as a tropical cyclone.[12] Despite strong wind shear, convection increased over Helene's center as the storm moved through North Carolina. Stations along the Outer Banks reported sustained winds up to 59 mph (95 km/h). Satellite imagery and buoy data indicated that Helene re-intensified into a tropical storm inland over North Carolina. The storm emerged from the Virginia coast into an area of less wind shear, where conditions were thus more favorable for strengthening. The storm became compact over the northern Atlantic Ocean, with a diameter of 140 mi (230 km). Strong convection developed over the center on September 24, and the following day Helene re-attained its peak intensity of 70 mph (110 km/h) while southeast of Nova Scotia. The wind estimate was based on observations from the Neptune Olivine, a nearby ship that recorded 64 mph (103 km/h) winds and a barometric pressure of 988 mbar (29.2 inHg); because the ship was located to the south of the center, the storm's minimum pressure was estimated at 986 mbar (29.1 inHg). Helene continued moving rapidly to the east-northeast, and late on September 25 dissipated as it was absorbed by a cold front.[1]

Preparations and impact

Total rainfall of Helene across the Southeastern U.S.

Caribbean

When Tropical Depression Twelve first formed, several governments across the Lesser Antilles issued a tropical storm watch, including the SSS islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. The watch was discontinued after the depression degenerated into a tropical wave. As a tropical wave, Helene moved through the Lesser Antilles with strong winds; gusts on Guadeloupe reached 55 mph (89 km/h). The system also produced heavy rainfall, reaching 3.14 in (80 mm) on Antigua. The wave passed to the south of Puerto Rico on September 17 and 18.[1] Across the southern and eastern portion of the island, the system produced 6 to 12 in (150 to 300 mm) of rainfall, which resulted in flash flooding and mudslides. One house was destroyed and more than 100 houses were affected in Ponce, forcing several families to evacuate. The flooding also destroyed a bridge in Guayama and made many roads impassable. Damage on the island was estimated at $100,000 (2000 USD).[13] After the system redeveloped into a tropical depression, the government of Cuba issued a tropical storm warning for the provinces of Isla de la Juventud, Havana, and Pinar del Río, as well as for the city of Havana.[1]

United States

Radar image of Tropical Storm Helene shortly after making landfall

About 21 hours before Helene made landfall, the NHC issued a tropical storm warning from the border of

Okaloosa, and schools were closed in Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties.[17]

Despite being a weak tropical cyclone at landfall, Tropical Storm Helene caused $16 million in damage (2000 USD).

Dauphin Island.[13]

In neighboring Florida, the storm dropped heavy rainfall along the

tides were less than 2 ft (0.61 m) above normal, but were high enough to cause minor beach erosion.[13] In Leon County, the storm destroyed two homes and six mobile homes,[20] and damaged more than 120 homes in Wakulla County.[13]

Counties eligible for public assistance

When Helene moved through Georgia, it had sustained winds of around 30 mph (48 km/h), with higher gusts.[13] It dropped heavy rainfall along its path, with a statewide peak of 5.13 in (130 mm) in Dunwoody.[21] The rainfall alleviated persistent drought conditions across the state. However, the combination of winds and rainfall downed trees and power lines; one falling tree damaged a car in Sandersville.[13] To the northwest of Georgia, rainfall spread into Tennessee, reaching 3.12 in (79 mm) in Copperhill.[21] As Helene moved through South Carolina, it spawned an F2 tornado in Martin that killed one person, injured six, and damaged 12 houses.[1][22][23] The highest rainfall in the United States associated with Helene was a total of 9.60 in (244 mm) in Bamberg,[24] though weather radar images estimated totals of up to 14 in (360 mm). The rains caused flooding along Highway 47, in nearby Orangeburg County where 5.3 in (130 mm) were recorded.[22] In Berkeley County, a woman died after hydroplaning and driving her car into a tree.[13]

Rainfall in North Carolina peaked at 8.31 in (211 mm) in

Cape Lookout and Duck.[1] Rainfall from the storm extended through Virginia and into Delaware.[26]

Canada

After re-intensifying into a tropical storm for a second time, Helene passed to the southeast of Atlantic Canada. Although its strongest winds remained offshore, the outer rainbands dropped light precipitation, peaking at 0.89 in (22.5 mm) in eastern Nova Scotia, and 1.18 in (30 mm) in southeastern Newfoundland.[27]

Aftermath

On October 3, United States President Bill Clinton declared nine Florida counties as disaster areas, which allocated federal funding for debris removal, emergency services, and restoration of damaged public facilities.[28] In Franklin County, many residents had to boil water before consumption due to contaminated water wells. As a result, the local Red Cross chapter provided water bottles to the affected residents. The Red Cross also deployed two Mobile Feeding Vehicles to Wakulla County,[29] and a total of 700 meals were ultimately distributed.[30]

See also

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tropical Storm Helene (2000).

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Eric S. Blake; Lixion A. Avila (October 17, 2000). "Tropical Storm Helene Tropical Cyclone Report" (PDF). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
  2. ^ Max Mayfield (September 15, 2000). "Tropical Depression Twelve Public Advisory 1". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
  3. ^ Max Mayfield (September 15, 2000). "Tropical Depression Twelve Discussion 1". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
  4. ^ Richard J. Pasch (September 16, 2000). "Tropical Depression Twelve Discussion 4". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
  5. ^ Richard J. Pasch (September 19, 2000). "Tropical Depression Twelve Special Discussion 6". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
  6. ^ Lixion A. Avila (September 20, 2000). "Tropical Depression Twelve Discussion 8". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
  7. ^ Jack L. Beven (September 20, 2000). "Tropical Depression Twelve Discussion 9". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
  8. ^ Jack L. Beven (September 20, 2000). "Tropical Depression Twelve Discussion 10". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
  9. ^ a b Jack L. Beven (September 21, 2000). "Tropical Storm Helene Discussion 14". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 5, 2012.
  10. ^ Lixion A. Avila (September 21, 2000). "Tropical Storm Helene Discussion 16". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 5, 2012.
  11. ^ Jack L. Beven (September 22, 2000). "Tropical Storm Helene Discussion 17". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 5, 2012.
  12. ^ Jack L. Beven (September 22, 2000). "Tropical Depression Helene Discussion 18". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 5, 2012.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Storm Data September 2000" (PDF). National Climatic Data Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 3, 2013. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
  14. ^ "Tropical Storm Helena [sic] Situation Report # 1" (PDF). Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. September 21, 2000. Archived from the original on May 15, 2005. Retrieved April 7, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  15. ^ "Tropical Storm Helene Situation Report # 5" (PDF). Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. September 22, 2000. Archived from the original on May 15, 2005. Retrieved April 7, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  16. ^ a b c "Tropical Storm Helene hits Florida with heavy rains". Portsmouth Daily Times. Associated Press. September 23, 2000. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
  17. ^ "Heavy rains ashore as Tropical Storm Helene nears Panhandle". Portsmouth Daily Times. Associated Press. September 22, 2000. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
  18. S2CID 119709886
    . Retrieved April 7, 2012.
  19. ^ "Tropical Storm Helene hits Florida Panhandle with heavy rains". Ludington Daily News. Associated Press. September 22, 2000. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
  20. ^ P. Pierce (September 26, 2000). "Chapter Damage Assessment Summary for Tropical Storm Helene" (PDF). Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. Archived from the original on May 15, 2005. Retrieved April 7, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  21. ^ a b c Roth, David M (May 12, 2022). "Tropical Cyclone Rainfall in the Southeastern United States". Tropical Cyclone Rainfall. United States Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved January 6, 2023. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  22. ^ a b Dan Lewerenz (September 24, 2000). "Tropical Depression Helene Makes Way Through state". Spartanburg Herald-Journal. Associated Press. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
  23. ^ "Remnants of Helene soak the Southeast". Associated Press. September 24, 2000. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
  24. ^ David M. Roth (June 15, 2007). "Tropical Storm Helene – September 19–24, 2000". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
  25. ^ Thomas McElroy (September 23, 2000). "Storm Summary Number 22 for T.D. Helene". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
  26. ^ Roth, David M (May 12, 2022). "Tropical Cyclone Rainfall in the Mid-Atlantic United States". Tropical Cyclone Rainfall. United States Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved January 6, 2023. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  27. ^ "2000-Helene". Environment Canada. September 14, 2010. Retrieved April 6, 2012.
  28. ^ "Federal Disaster Funds Authorized For Florida to Aid Local Government Recovery From Tropical Storm Helene". Federal Emergency Management Agency. October 3, 2000. Archived from the original on April 9, 2010. Retrieved June 3, 2011.
  29. ^ "Tropical Storm Helene Situation Report #6" (PDF). Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. September 23, 2000. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 20, 2008. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
  30. ^ "Tropical Storm Helene Situation Report #8" (PDF). Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. September 26, 2000. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 13, 2008. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
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