Tropical Storm Hanna (2002): Difference between revisions

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==Impact==
==Impact==
[[Image:Hanna2002rain.gif|right|thumb|Rainfall totals]]
[[Image:Hanna2002rain.gif|right|thumb|Rainfall totals]]
Throughout the affected areas, total damage amounted to about $20&nbsp;million (2002&nbsp;USD; $23 million 2008 USD).<ref name="TCR"/>
The total damage caused by Tropical Storm Hanna summed to about $20&nbsp;million (2002&nbsp;USD; $23 million 2008 USD).<ref name="TCR"/>
===U.S. Gulf Coast===
===U.S. Gulf Coast===
In Louisiana, damage was light, as the majority of Hanna's convective activity was to the east. Rainfall was primarily less than 1 in (25&nbsp;mm), and little rise in tide was reported.<ref>{{cite web|author=[[National Climatic Data Center]]|title=Tropical Storm Event Report for Louisiana|year=2002|publisher=|accessdate=2008-09-15|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~461207}}</ref> Little or no damage occurred in neighboring Mississippi, where similar effects were reported.<ref name="TCR"/>
In Louisiana, damage was light, as the majority of Hanna's convective activity was to the east. Rainfall was primarily less than 1&nbsp;in (25&nbsp;mm), and little rise in tide was reported.<ref>{{cite web|author=[[National Climatic Data Center]]|title=Tropical Storm Event Report for Louisiana|year=2002|publisher=|accessdate=2008-09-15|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~461207}}</ref> Little or no damage occurred in neighboring Mississippi, where similar effects were reported.<ref name="TCR"/>


Damage were greater in Alabama, where rain reached {{convert|7.55|in|mm|abbr=on}} at [[Coden, Alabama|Coden]] and {{convert|5.75|in|mm|abbr=on}} at [[Belle Fontaine, Alabama|Belle Fontaine]]. Sustained winds of {{convert|40|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} were reported at Dauphin Island, with gusts to {{convert|51|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. The lowest [[barometric pressure]] was also at Dauphin Island, falling to a reported 1005 [[Bar (unit)|mb]]. Storm tides of {{convert|3.7|ft|m|abbr=on}} caused minor coastal flooding and [[beach erosion]] in some areas, including along the [[causeway]] that crosses the [[Mobile Bay]].<ref>{{cite web|author=[[National Climatic Data Center]]|title=Tropical Storm Event Report for Alabama|year=2002|publisher=|accessdate=2008-09-15|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~449115}}</ref> One tornado, an F0 on the [[Fujita Scale]], touched down in south [[Mobile County, Alabama|Mobile County]], knocking down trees.<ref name="TCR"/> Some residents were left without electric power, and flooding was report on both ends of Dauphin Island, closing various roads. The storm forced the evacuation of some residents on the western end of the island. In addition to the heavy rains, trees were downed in parts of [[Baldwin County, Alabama|Baldwin County]].<ref name="USA">{{cite web|author=Associated Press|title=Hanna washes ashore, quickly weakens in Alabama|year=2002|publisher=USA Today|accessdate=2008-09-15|url=http://www.usatoday.com/weather/news/2002/2002-09-14-hanna.htm}}</ref>
Damages were greater in Alabama, where rain reached {{convert|7.55|in|mm|abbr=on}} at [[Coden, Alabama|Coden]] and {{convert|5.75|in|mm|abbr=on}} at [[Belle Fontaine, Alabama|Belle Fontaine]]. Sustained winds of {{convert|40|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} were reported at Dauphin Island, with gusts to {{convert|51|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. The lowest [[barometric pressure]] was also at Dauphin Island, falling to a reported 1005 [[Bar (unit)|mb]]. Storm tides of {{convert|3.7|ft|m|abbr=on}} caused minor coastal flooding and [[beach erosion]] in some areas, including along the [[causeway]] that crosses the [[Mobile Bay]].<ref>{{cite web|author=[[National Climatic Data Center]]|title=Tropical Storm Event Report for Alabama|year=2002|publisher=|accessdate=2008-09-15|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~449115}}</ref> One tornado, an F0 on the [[Fujita Scale]], touched down in south [[Mobile County, Alabama|Mobile County]], knocking down trees.<ref name="TCR"/> Some residents were left without electric power, and flooding was report on both ends of Dauphin Island, closing various roads. The storm forced the evacuation of some residents on the western end of the island. In addition to the heavy rains, trees were downed in parts of [[Baldwin County, Alabama|Baldwin County]].<ref name="USA">{{cite web|author=Associated Press|title=Hanna washes ashore, quickly weakens in Alabama|year=2002|publisher=USA Today|accessdate=2008-09-15|url=http://www.usatoday.com/weather/news/2002/2002-09-14-hanna.htm}}</ref>


In Florida, peak gusts were clocked at {{convert|68|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} near [[Pensacola Beach, Florida|Pensacola Beach]].<ref name="TCR"/> The winds, enhanced by [[thunderstorms]], caused minor wind damage. Throughout [[Walton County, Florida|Walton County]], Hanna left approximately 15,000 costumers without power;<ref name="FL">{{cite web|author=[[National Climatic Data Center]]|title=Tropical Storm Event Report for Florida|year=2002|publisher=|accessdate=2008-09-16|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~452616}}</ref> forming a statewide total of 20,000 power outages. Due to high winds, bridges linking the mainland to various offshore islands were closed.<ref name="USA"/> Minor beach erosion was reported along the coast of Walton, [[Bay County, Florida|Bay]] and [[Gulf County, Florida|Gulf]] counties. Three people drowned in high surf; one near Pensacola Beach, one at [[Seagrove Beach, Florida|Seagrove Beach]]<ref name="TCR"/> and another at [[Panama City Beach, Florida|Panama City Beach]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|title=Man from Scotland killed in rough surf caused by Tropical Storm Hanna|year=2002|publisher=Associated Press|accessdate=2008-09-16}}</ref> The fatalities promoted a local Police Major to comment, "People are getting into the water and not paying attention to the warning flags."<ref>{{cite news|author=Maggie Barry|title=Scot Dies in Riptide Hell|accessdate=2008-10-03|publisher=''The Mirror''|year=2002}}</ref> Heavy rainfall fell throughout the central and western [[Florida Panhandle|Panhandle]].<ref name="HPC">{{cite web|author=[[David M. Roth]]|title=Rainfall Summary for Tropical Storm Hanna|year=2002|publisher=[[Hydrometeorological Prediction Center]]|accessdate=2008-09-16|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/hanna2002.html}}</ref> The highest reported total was {{convert|9.68|in|mm|abbr=on}} at [[Chipley, Florida|Chipley]]. As a result, some river flooding occurred. Several county roads and homes were flooded in [[Perry, Florida|Perry]].<ref name="FL"/> Similarly, street flooding occurred in the [[Tallahassee, Florida|Tallahassee]] region.<ref name="USA"/> In all, damage in Florida is estimated at $400,000 (2002&nbsp;USD).<ref name="FL"/>
In Florida, peak gusts were clocked at {{convert|68|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} near [[Pensacola Beach, Florida|Pensacola Beach]].<ref name="TCR"/> The winds, enhanced by [[thunderstorms]], caused minor wind damage. Throughout [[Walton County, Florida|Walton County]], Hanna left approximately 15,000 costumers without power;<ref name="FL">{{cite web|author=[[National Climatic Data Center]]|title=Tropical Storm Event Report for Florida|year=2002|publisher=|accessdate=2008-09-16|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~452616}}</ref> forming a statewide total of 20,000 power outages. Due to high winds, bridges linking the mainland to various offshore islands were closed.<ref name="USA"/> Minor beach erosion was reported along the coast of Walton, [[Bay County, Florida|Bay]] and [[Gulf County, Florida|Gulf]] counties. Three people drowned in high surf; one near Pensacola Beach, one at [[Seagrove Beach, Florida|Seagrove Beach]]<ref name="TCR"/> and another at [[Panama City Beach, Florida|Panama City Beach]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|title=Man from Scotland killed in rough surf caused by Tropical Storm Hanna|year=2002|publisher=Associated Press|accessdate=2008-09-16}}</ref> The fatalities promoted a local Police Major to comment, "People are getting into the water and not paying attention to the warning flags."<ref>{{cite news|author=Maggie Barry|title=Scot Dies in Riptide Hell|accessdate=2008-10-03|publisher=''The Mirror''|year=2002}}</ref> Heavy rainfall fell throughout the central and western [[Florida Panhandle|Panhandle]].<ref name="HPC">{{cite web|author=[[David M. Roth]]|title=Rainfall Summary for Tropical Storm Hanna|year=2002|publisher=[[Hydrometeorological Prediction Center]]|accessdate=2008-09-16|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/hanna2002.html}}</ref> The highest reported total was {{convert|9.68|in|mm|abbr=on}} at [[Chipley, Florida|Chipley]]. As a result, some river flooding occurred. Several county roads and homes were flooded in [[Perry, Florida|Perry]].<ref name="FL"/> Similarly, street flooding occurred in the [[Tallahassee, Florida|Tallahassee]] region.<ref name="USA"/> In all, damage in Florida is estimated at $400,000 (2002&nbsp;USD).<ref name="FL"/>

Revision as of 16:09, 4 October 2008

Tropical Storm Hanna
Tropical storm (SSHWS/NWS)
Tropical storm Hanna near landfall
FormedSeptember 12, 2002
DissipatedSeptember 15, 2002
Highest winds1-minute sustained: 60 mph (95 km/h)
Lowest pressure1001 mbar (hPa); 29.56 inHg
Fatalities3 direct
Damage$20 million (2002 USD)
Areas affectedFlorida, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia
Part of the 2002 Atlantic hurricane season

Tropical Storm Hanna was a moderately strong tropical storm that affected the Gulf Coast and Southeastern regions of the United States. The tenth tropical cyclone and ninth named storm of the 2002 Atlantic hurricane season, Hanna formed through the complex interaction of a surface trough, a tropical wave, and an upper-level low pressure system, a disturbance in the upper atmosphere. Designated a tropical depression at 0000 UTC on September 12, the storm remained disorganized throughout its duration, though it attained tropical storm status and a peak intensity of 1001 mb, with winds of 60 mph (100 km/h). Hanna crossed extreme southeastern Louisiana, and made a second landfall along the Alabama–Mississippi border.

Because most of the associated convective activity was east of the center of circulation, Louisiana and Mississippi received minimal damage. However, on Dauphin Island, Alabama, the storm caused coastal flooding which closed roads and forced the evacuation of residents. Florida received high wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and strong surf that resulted in the deaths of three swimmers; 20,000 costumers in the state lost power. The heavy rainfall progressed into Georgia, where significant flooding occurred. Crop damage was extensive, and about 335 structures were damaged by the flooding. The storm caused a total of about $20 million (2002 USD; $23.96 million 2008 USD) in damage.

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 broad surface trough extended from the western Atlantic Ocean into the Gulf of Mexico in early September 2002. At the same time, a westward-moving tropical wave entered the gulf on September 10 and spawned a weak low along the trough, with little associated thunderstorm activity. On September 11, an upper-level low over the United States moved into the Gulf and cut off from the flow, allowing atmospheric convection to develop to the east of the tropical wave. The surface low organized, and convection formed closer to the center of the low. At 0000 UTC on September 12, a Hurricane Hunters aircraft was able to find a well-defined center of circulation; the National Hurricane Center (NHC) thus designated it as a tropical depression while it was about 280 miles (450 km) south of Pensacola, Florida.[1]

Tropical Storm Hanna on September 13

The cyclone was disorganized and contained little deep and persistent convection; with dry air infringing on the western edge of the storm, substantial intensification was deemed unlikely.[2] Despite being sheared, the cyclone neared tropical storm status later that day, though it remained a depression due to a partially non-tropical appearance. Initially, the depression meandered towards the northeast due to weak steering currents,[3] and it intensified into a tropical storm at 0600 UTC. As such, it was named Hanna by the National Hurricane Center. Over the next 24 hours, the low-level center rotated around the mid- and upper-level centers, and the entire tropical storm turned southwestward by late September 12.[1] Subsequent to a jog to the northwest, the low-level center became separated from the convection.[4] Meandering, the storm started to turn northward under the steering currents of a southwesterly flow associated with an approaching mid-level trough.[5] A burst of strengthening brought Hanna to its peak intensity of 60 mph (100 km/h) at 0000 UTC on September 14.[1]

Convection shifted towards the eastern semi-circle of the circulation as the still-exposed center became malformed and elongated.[6] On September 14, the poorly-organized cyclone crossed southeastern Louisiana, turned towards the north-northeast and made a second landfall close to the Alabama–Mississippi border at 1500 UTC that day, still at its peak strength. The storm dissipated rapidly as it proceeded inland, and the remnant low pressure area moved into Georgia and South Carolina.[1]

Preparations

Shortly after the formation of the storm, the National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm watch for the coastal area between Pascagoula, Mississippi and the Suwanee River in Florida. A tropical storm warning for the region between Grand Isle, Louisiana and Apalachicola, Florida replaced the watch, though it was discontinued east of Apalachicola. All tropical cyclone warnings and watches were discontinued by 1800 UTC on September 14, as there was no longer a need for the advisories; Hanna had landed and was making its way inland.[1] After the landfall, officials issued flood watches for inland parts of Mississippi and Alabama as well as for western portions of Georgia and the Carolinas.[7] On Dauphin Island in Alabama, some residents boarded up windows[8] and filled sandbags provided by local fire departments to prepare for Hanna.[9] The Red Cross opened 10 shelters throughout the Gulf Coast region.[10] Offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, oil platforms were shut down and evacuated.[11]

Impact

Rainfall totals

The total damage caused by Tropical Storm Hanna summed to about $20 million (2002 USD; $23 million 2008 USD).[1]

U.S. Gulf Coast

In Louisiana, damage was light, as the majority of Hanna's convective activity was to the east. Rainfall was primarily less than 1 in (25 mm), and little rise in tide was reported.[12] Little or no damage occurred in neighboring Mississippi, where similar effects were reported.[1]

Damages were greater in Alabama, where rain reached 7.55 in (192 mm) at Coden and 5.75 in (146 mm) at Belle Fontaine. Sustained winds of 40 mph (64 km/h) were reported at Dauphin Island, with gusts to 51 mph (82 km/h). The lowest barometric pressure was also at Dauphin Island, falling to a reported 1005 mb. Storm tides of 3.7 ft (1.1 m) caused minor coastal flooding and beach erosion in some areas, including along the causeway that crosses the Mobile Bay.[13] One tornado, an F0 on the Fujita Scale, touched down in south Mobile County, knocking down trees.[1] Some residents were left without electric power, and flooding was report on both ends of Dauphin Island, closing various roads. The storm forced the evacuation of some residents on the western end of the island. In addition to the heavy rains, trees were downed in parts of Baldwin County.[14]

In Florida, peak gusts were clocked at 68 mph (109 km/h) near Pensacola Beach.[1] The winds, enhanced by thunderstorms, caused minor wind damage. Throughout Walton County, Hanna left approximately 15,000 costumers without power;[15] forming a statewide total of 20,000 power outages. Due to high winds, bridges linking the mainland to various offshore islands were closed.[14] Minor beach erosion was reported along the coast of Walton, Bay and Gulf counties. Three people drowned in high surf; one near Pensacola Beach, one at Seagrove Beach[1] and another at Panama City Beach.[16] The fatalities promoted a local Police Major to comment, "People are getting into the water and not paying attention to the warning flags."[17] Heavy rainfall fell throughout the central and western Panhandle.[18] The highest reported total was 9.68 in (246 mm) at Chipley. As a result, some river flooding occurred. Several county roads and homes were flooded in Perry.[15] Similarly, street flooding occurred in the Tallahassee region.[14] In all, damage in Florida is estimated at $400,000 (2002 USD).[15]

Southeastern United States

Hanna dropped heavy rainfall across much of Georgia, peaking at 15.56 in (395 mm) at Donalsonville,[1] 12.47 in (317 mm) at Carrollton, and 11.23 in (285 mm) at Embry. Although the heaviest rainfall was mostly confined to southwestern portions of the state,[18] rainfall was widespread within a northwest–northeast-oriented feeder band over central and northern Georgia. Associated with the band was up to 2 in (51 mm) of rainfall in a matter of hours, as well as gusty thunderstorms. The highest rainfall totals from this individual band were limited to an area north of a line from Atlanta to Athens.[19] The heavy rainfall helped to relieve a persistent drought somewhat, bringing various vegetation back to life. However, climatologists determined that the rainfall was insufficient to completely alleviate the dry conditions.[20] The band of thunderstorms produced gusts of 40 to 50 mph (64 to 80 km/h), downing trees and power lines. In the Atlanta metropolitan area, 48,000 costumers received power outages.[19] The winds tore a roof off a house and damaged a number of mobile homes.[1] The heavy rainfall caused severe flooding. In Donalsonville, 250 houses and 50 businesses received water damage,[1] while another 35 were damaged in nearby Miller County.[10] Roads were flooded, including parts of U.S. Route 27.[21] Crop damages were significant in the state. According to the Georgia Farm Services Agency, $19 million (2002 USD; $22 million 2008 USD) in damage to cotton and peanut crops were reported.[1] Due to the flooding and damage, Governor Roy Barnes declared Seminole, Miller and Decatur counties federal disaster areas.[10]

Moderate to heavy rain extended as far north as the Carolinas, and light showers reached the Delmarva Peninsula.[18] Locations in western South Carolina picked up around 3 in (75 mm) of rainfall, causing flooding on some roads and highways.[22] Various water bodies topped their banks, and flood waters on some roads reached an estimated 4 to 6 in (100 to 150 mm) deep.[23] On South Carolina Highway 20, a motorist became stranded in high waters, and nearby houses were damaged.[24] The rainfall delayed a football game at Williams-Brice Stadium for 50 minutes.[25]

See also

Template:Tcportal

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n James L. Franklin and Jamie R. Rhome (2002-12-16). "Tropical Storm Hanna Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-09-13.
  2. ^ Pasch (2002). "Tropical Depression Nine Discussion Number 1". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
  3. ^ Franklin (2002). "Tropical Depression Nine Discussion Number 2". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
  4. ^ Avila (2002). "Tropical Storm Hanna Discussion Number 7". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
  5. ^ Lawrence (2002). "Tropical Storm Hanna Discussion Number 9". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
  6. ^ Franklin (2002). "Tropical Storm Hanna Discussion Number 10". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
  7. ^ "News Report on Hanna". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2002. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
  8. ^ Associated Press (2002). "Gulf Coast Communities Begin Early Preparation". The Biloxi Sun Herald. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  9. ^ Gerald Ensley (2002). "Tropical storm expected to hit Gulf Coast Saturday morning". Tallahassee Democrat. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ a b c Mason Anderson (2002). "Red Cross Responds to Tropical Storm Hanna". Red Cross. Retrieved 2008-09-16.
  11. ^ "Daily Shipping Newsletter 2002 - 30" (PDF). iBiblio.org. 2002. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
  12. ^ National Climatic Data Center (2002). "Tropical Storm Event Report for Louisiana". Retrieved 2008-09-15.
  13. ^ National Climatic Data Center (2002). "Tropical Storm Event Report for Alabama". Retrieved 2008-09-15.
  14. ^ a b c Associated Press (2002). "Hanna washes ashore, quickly weakens in Alabama". USA Today. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
  15. ^ a b c National Climatic Data Center (2002). "Tropical Storm Event Report for Florida". Retrieved 2008-09-16.
  16. ^ Staff Writer (2002). "Man from Scotland killed in rough surf caused by Tropical Storm Hanna". Associated Press. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  17. ^ Maggie Barry (2002). "Scot Dies in Riptide Hell". The Mirror. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  18. ^ a b c David M. Roth (2002). "Rainfall Summary for Tropical Storm Hanna". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved 2008-09-16.
  19. ^ a b National Climatic Data Center (2002). "Tropical Storm Event Report for Georgia". Retrieved 2008-09-16.
  20. ^ Karen Jacobs (2002). "Storm does little to ease drought in U.S. Southeast: Tropical Storm Hanna". Reuters. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); line feed character in |title= at position 68 (help)
  21. ^ National Climatic Data Center (2002). "Flooding Event Report for Georgia". Retrieved 2008-09-16.
  22. ^ National Climatic Data Center (2002). "Flooding Event Report for South Carolina". Retrieved 2008-09-16.
  23. ^ National Climatic Data Center (2002). "Flooding Event Report for South Carolina (2)". Retrieved 2008-09-16.
  24. ^ National Climatic Data Center (2002). "Flooding Event Report for South Carolina (3)". Retrieved 2008-09-16.
  25. ^ Associated Press (2002). "Pollack's fourth-quarter interception an odd gem". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-10-03.
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