February 2020 – Page 2 – Hurricane And Typhoon Updates

Wasi (Formerly 18P) – Southern Pacific Ocean

Feb. 24, 2020 – NASA’s Aqua Satellite Finds Tropical Cyclone Wasi’s Remnants

Tropical Cyclone 18P briefly strengthened into a tropical storm in the Southern Pacific Ocean and quickly faded.

On Feb. 22 at 4 a.m. EST (0900 UTC), 18P became Tropical Cyclone Wasi with maximum sustained winds near 55 knots (63 mph/102 kph), the peak of its strength. At that time, Wasi triggered a tropical cyclone and gale warning for Niue. A tropical storm warning was also posted for Tutuila, Aunuu and Manua Islands in American Samoa.

By Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. EST (1500 UTC), the Joint Typhoon Warning Center posted its final warning on Wasi. At that time, Wasi was located near 17.2 degrees south latitude and 171.0 degrees west longitude, about 130 nautical miles north-northwest of Niue. Maximum sustained winds had dropped to 25 knots (29 mph/46 kph), below tropical cyclone strength.

On Feb. 24, 2020 at 0125 UTC (Feb. 23 at 8:50 p.m. EST), the Moderate Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite provided a visible image of the remnants clouds of Wasi in the Southern Pacific Ocean.

NASA’s Aqua satellite is one in a fleet of NASA satellites that provide data for hurricane research.

Tropical cyclones are the most powerful weather event on Earth. NASA’s expertise in space and scientific exploration contributes to essential services provided to the American people by other federal agencies, such as hurricane weather forecasting.

Rob Gutro
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

Vicky – Southern Pacific Ocean

Feb. 24, 2020 – NASA’s Aqua Satellite Sees Tropical Cyclone Vicky Dissipating

Three days after American Samoa had tropical storm warnings from Tropical Cyclone Vicky, the storm had moved far to the south and was dissipating in the Southern Pacific Ocean. NASA’s Aqua satellite provided forecasters with a visible image of the fading former tropical cyclone on Feb. 24.

On Feb. 24, 2020 at 0120 UTC (Feb. 23 at 8:20 p.m. EST), the MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite provided a visible image of the dissipating Tropical Cyclone Vicky in the Southern Pacific Ocean. Credit: NASA/NRL

On Feb 21, the Joint typhoon warning center issued the final warning on Vicky. At 2100 GMT or 4 p.m. EST Vicky had maximum sustained winds near 35 knots (40 mph). At that time, it was located near 17.3 degrees south latitude and 169.7 degrees west longitude about 109 nautical miles north of Niue.

On Feb. 24, 2020 at 0120 UTC (Feb. 23 at 8:20 p.m. EST), the Moderate Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite provided a visible image of the dissipating Tropical Cyclone Vicky in the Southern Pacific Ocean. The Aqua image showed wispy clouds devoid of rainfall, circling a weak center. Vicky’s remnants are expected to dissipate later in the day.

NASA’s Aqua satellite is one in a fleet of NASA satellites that provide data for hurricane research.

Rob Gutro
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

Vicky – Southern Pacific Ocean

Feb. 21, 2020 – NASA Measures Rainfall Rates in Two American Samoa Tropical Cyclones

There are two tropical cyclones affecting American Samoa in the South Pacific Ocean on Feb. 21. Tropical Storm Vicky has triggered warnings, while Tropical Cyclone 18P continues to develop. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission or GPM satellite provided a look at the rainfall rates occurring in both storms.

GPM image of Vicky — The GPM’s core satellite passed over the South Pacific Ocean on Feb. 20 at 10:20 p.m. EDT (0220 UTC, Feb. 21). GPM found heaviest rainfall (orange) occurring in both Tropical Cyclone 18P and Tropical Storm Vicky, falling at rates of 1 inch (25 mm) per hour. Light rain appears around those heavier rainfall areas and throughout the rest of the tropical cyclones (light blue), falling at less than 0.2 inches (less than 5 millimeters) per hour. Credit: NASA/NRL

Vicky is located to the southeast of American Samoa and 18P is located to the northwest. American Samoa is a U.S. territory covering seven islands and atolls. The capital city of Pago Pago is located on Tutuila, the largest island.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pago Pago issued a Tropical Storm Warning on Feb. 21 for American Samoa, and coastal waters out to 40 nautical miles including National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa.

In addition, a High Surf Warning remains in effect that states, “Hazardous surfs of at least 20 feet, with locally higher sets, will impact coastal waters, especially west through south facing shores of all islands due to the intensification of Tropical Storm Vicky south of the islands.” A Flash Flood Watch is also in effect for all of American Samoa.

The GPM’s core satellite passed over the South Pacific Ocean on Feb. 20 at 10:20 p.m. EDT (0220 UTC, Feb. 21). GPM found heaviest rainfall occurring in both Tropical Cyclone 18P and Tropical Storm Vicky, falling at rates of 1 inch (25 mm) per hour. Light rain appeared around those areas and throughout the rest of the tropical cyclones, falling at less than 0.2 inches (less than 5 millimeters) per hour.

On Feb. 21 at 4 a.m. EST (0900 UTC), Vicky was located near latitude 15.7 degrees south and longitude 170.7 degrees west, about 84 nautical miles south of Pago Pago, American Samoa. Vicky was moving to the south and had maximum sustained winds 40 knots (46 mph/74 kph).

Vicky is gradually weakening and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center expects it to weaken below tropical cyclone strength before passing near Niue within 24 hours.

Tropical cyclones/hurricanes are the most powerful weather events on Earth. NASA’s expertise in space and scientific exploration contributes to essential services provided to the American people by other federal agencies, such as hurricane weather forecasting.

GPM is a joint mission between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA.

For updated forecasts from the NWS in Pago Pago, visit: https://www.weather.gov/ppg/?lang=english

By Rob Gutro
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

18P – Southern Pacific Ocean

Feb. 21, 2020 – NASA Sees Tropical Cyclone 18P Form Near American Samoa

The low-pressure area that has been lingering west-northwest of American Samoa for several days has organized into a tropical depression. NASA’s Terra satellite passed over the Southern Pacific Ocean and provided forecasters with a visible image of Tropical Depression 18P.

Terra image of 18P — On Feb. 21, 2020, the MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASA’s Terra satellite provided a visible image of newly developed Tropical Depression 18P in the Southern Pacific Ocean. Credit: NASA Worldview

On Feb.21, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASA’s Terra satellite provided a visible image of 18P that showed an improved cyclonic circulation along the southern end of a line of deep convection and thunderstorms that extends north-to-south.

At 10 a.m. EST (1500 UTC) on Feb. 21, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center said Tropical Cyclone 18P had maximum sustained winds near 30 knots (34.5 mph/55.5 kph). It was located near latitude 12.9 degrees south and longitude 174.8 degrees west, about 280 nautical miles west-northwest of Pago Pago, American Samoa. 18P is moving to the east-southeast.

The tropical cyclone is forecast to intensify to a tropical storm reaching maximum sustained winds to 45 knots as it passes near American Samoa on Feb. 22. In three days, vertical wind shear is expected to kick in which will cause the storm to dissipate quickly.

In addition to Tropical Cyclone 18P, Tropical Storm Vicky has developed to the southeast of American Samoa. Together, these systems have generated several warnings and watches. On Feb. 21, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Pago Pago has continued the Flash Flood Watch for all of American Samoa through Saturday, Feb. 22. The NWS forecast page stated, “The active monsoon trough remains across the area with several hybrid lows developing northwest and moving swiftly across the islands through the week. A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.”

NASA’s Terra satellite is one in a fleet of NASA satellites that provide data for hurricane research.

For updated forecasts from NWS, Pago Pago, visit: https://www.weather.gov/ppg/?lang=english

By Rob Gutro
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Gabekile – Southern Indian Ocean

Feb. 18, 2020 – NASA Finds Wind Shear Doing in Tropical Storm Gabekile

Winds outside of Tropical Storm Gabekile are ripping the storm apart. NASA’s Aqua satellite provided a visible image of the storm that showed strong northwesterly wind shear was adversely affecting the storm.

Aqua image of Gabekile — On Feb. 18, 2020, the MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite provided a visible image of the dissipating Tropical Cyclone Gabekile in the Southern Indian Ocean. Credit: NASA NRL

Gabekile formed on Feb. 15 and by the next day, it had rapidly intensified to hurricane-force with maximum sustained winds near 75 knots (86 mph/139 kph), then after encountering wind shear the storm quickly weakened.

In general, wind shear is a measure of how the speed and direction of winds change with altitude. Tropical cyclones are like rotating cylinders of winds. Each level needs to be stacked on top each other vertically in order for the storm to maintain strength or intensify. Wind shear occurs when winds at different levels of the atmosphere push against the rotating cylinder of winds, weakening the rotation by pushing it apart at different levels.

When NASA’s Aqua satellite passed over the Southern Indian Ocean, it provided forecasters with a visible image of the tropical depression. On Feb. 18 at 3:30 a.m. EST (830 UTC), the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite showed wispy clouds circled around Gabekile’s low-level center and the bulk of clouds and storms were pushed more than 100 nautical miles southeast of the center.

At 10 a.m. EST (1500 UTC), the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued the final bulletin on Gabekile. Tropical cyclone Gabekile had maximum sustained winds near 30 knots (34.5 mph/55.5 kph), making it a tropical depression. Gabekile was located near latitude 21.0 degrees south and longitude 75.5 degrees east, about 852 nautical miles south of Diego Garcia. Gabekile was moving to the south-southwest and dissipating.

NASA’s Aqua satellite is one in a fleet of NASA satellites that provide data for hurricane research.

By Rob Gutro
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Francisco – Southern Indian Ocean

Feb. 14, 2020 – NASA Catches the Re-birth of Zombie Tropical Cyclone Francisco

The low-pressure area that had once been Tropical Cyclone Francisco has been lingering in the Southern Indian Ocean since Feb. 6 when it weakened below tropical cyclone status. Since then, Francisco’s remnants moved into an area of warm waters and low wind shear allowing the low-pressure area to re-organize, consolidate and re-form. NASA’s Aqua satellite provided forecasters with a visible image of the zombie storm.

Aqua image of Francisco — On Feb. 14, the MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite provided a visible image of re-formed Tropical Cyclone Francisco heading for landfall in east-central Madagascar. Credit: NASA/NRL

On Feb. 14, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite provided a visible image that showed the storm had re-developed a rounded shape with bands of thunderstorms spiraling into the low-level center. A more rounded shape of a tropical cyclone indicates it is becoming a more organized storm. Satellite imagery shows a compact system with strong thunderstorms persisting over the low-level circulation. In addition, satellite microwave imagery indicates deep convective banding of thunderstorms over the western semicircle wrapping into the north and east quadrants of a defined low-level circulation center.

On Feb. 14 at 4 a.m. EST (0900 UTC), the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) noted that Francisco’s maximum sustained winds powered back up to 40 knots (46 mph/74 kph). Francisco re-formed near latitude 19.0 degrees south and longitude 49.3 east, approximately 114 nautical miles east of Antananarivo, Madagascar. Francisco has tracked southwestward.

Meteo Madagascar issued a Red Vigilance Advisory for heavy rain over central and eastern Madagascar that includes Toamasina, Brickaville, Mahanoro, and the Vatomandry Districts.

The JTWC forecast said the system is expected to make landfall later today over the southeast coast of Atsinanana Region, close to Vatomandry City. That is far to the south of the coastal city of Toamasina. Francisco is expected to weaken steadily as it tracks inland and dissipate sometime on Feb. 15 over land.

NASA’s Aqua satellite is one in a fleet of NASA satellites that provide data for hurricane research.

For updated forecasts from Meteo Madagascar, visit: http://www.meteomadagascar.mg/

By Rob Gutro
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Uesi – Southern Pacific Ocean

Feb. 14, 2020 – NASA Finds Ex-Tropical Cyclone Uesi’s Rains Affecting New Zealand

Although it is now an “ex-tropical cyclone,” Uesi continues to generate some moderate rainfall, especially in its southern quadrant as it moves toward New Zealand.

GPM image of Uesi — The GPM’s core satellite passed over Uesi on Feb. 14 at 2:11 a.m. EST (0716 UTC). GPM found heaviest rainfall (orange) south of center and in bands far south of the center falling at rates of 1 inch (25 mm) per hour. Light rain appears around the entire system (light blue), falling at less than 0.2 inches (less than 5 millimeters) per hour. Credit: NASA/NRL

The Global Precipitation Measurement mission or GPM satellite provided a look at the rainfall rates on Feb. 14 at 2:11 a.m. EST (0716 UTC). GPM found heaviest rainfall south of center and in bands far south of the center falling at rates of 1 inch (25 mm) per hour. Light rain appears around the entire system, falling at less than 0.2 inches (less than 5 millimeters) per hour.

On Feb. 13 at 2218 UTC (5:18 p.m. EST), the New Zealand Met Service (NZMS) reported “Ex-Tropical Cyclone Uesi was located near Lord Howe Island this morning, and is moving southwest. The system is expected to gradually recurve towards the southeast and move close to the lower South Island during Sunday [Feb.16].”

On Feb. 14, NZMS noted a Heavy Rain Warning is currently in effect for Westland south of Otira. A Heavy Rain Watch is in effect for the remainder of the South Island West Coast and Stewart Island.

NZMS said “A heavy rain warning is in effect for the South Island West Coast and Stewart Island on Sunday [Feb.16] and early Monday [Feb. 17]. Former Tropical Cyclone Uesi is forecast to approach the South Island from the north Tasman Sea overnight Saturday and lie to the west of Fiordland on Sunday. It should then move southwest from late Sunday onwards and weaken. This system is expected to bring periods of heavy rain to the west and south of the South Island during Sunday and early Monday. Strong to gale north to northwest winds are also expected in parts of the South Island and the lower North Island during this time.”

GPM is a joint mission between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA.

By Rob Gutro
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Uesi – Southern Pacific Ocean

Feb. 13, 2020 – NASA Finds Wind Shear Affecting Tropical Cyclone Uesi

NASA satellite imagery revealed that vertical wind shear appears to be affecting Tropical Cyclone Uesi in the Southern Pacific Ocean.

Aqua image of Uesi — On Feb. 13 at 0315 UTC (Feb. 12 at 10:15 p.m. EST), the MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite provided a visible image of Tropical Cyclone Uesi being adversely affected by vertical wind shear. Credit: NASA/NRL

On Feb. 13 at 0315 UTC (Feb. 12 at 10:15 p.m. EST), the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite provided a visible image of Tropical Cyclone Uesi being adversely affected by vertical wind shear. The image showed that the bulk of clouds were being pushed to the southeast of the center of circulation.

At 0300 UTC on Feb. 13 (10 p.m. EST on Feb. 12), the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued the final bulletin on Tropical cyclone Uesi. At that time, Uesi was located near latitude 27.7 degrees south and longitude 161.1 degrees east, about 332 nautical miles southwest of Noumea, New Caledonia. Uesi had maximum sustained winds near 55 knots (63 mph/102 kph). The storm was moving to the south-southwest.

On Feb. 13 at 11:59 pm AEDT (Australia Eastern Time) or 7:59 a.m. EST, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (ABM) noted “Ex-tropical cyclone Uesi is moving rapidly southwards and will produce destructive wind gusts at Lord Howe Island over the next few hours.” ABM said that the system is expected to maintain an intensity equivalent to a category 2 tropical cyclone as it passes the island. For updates from ABM, visit: http://www.bom.gov.au/.

NASA’s Aqua satellite is one in a fleet of NASA satellites that provide data for hurricane research.

By Rob Gutro
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Uesi – Southern Pacific Ocean

Feb. 12, 2020 – NASA Finds Heavy Rain Southwest of Tropical Cyclone Uesi’s Center

The Global Precipitation Measurement mission or GPM satellite provided a look at the rainfall occurring within Tropical Cyclone Uesi and found heaviest rainfall in the southern quadrant of the storm.

Uesi is in the South Pacific Ocean and has been affecting New Caledonia. New Caledonia is a collectivity of France, located south of Vanuatu and about 1,210 km (750 miles) east of Australia.

The GPM’s core satellite passed over Uesi on Feb. 12 at 12:11 p.m. EST (1711 UTC). GPM found heaviest rainfall southwest of the center, falling at a rate of 1.6 inches (40 mm) per hour. Directly south of the center were areas where rainfall rates were falling at a rate of 1 inch (25 mm) per hour. Scattered light rain, falling at less than 0.2 inches (less than 5 millimeters) per hour appeared to be occurring in the rest of the storm.

On Feb 12 at 1 a.m. EST (5 p.m. New Caledonia local time), Meteo-France, which forecasts for New Caledonia, noted that Uesi’s maximum sustained winds were near 110 kph (68 mph/59 knots). Uesi was moving to the southwest. It was centered near latitude 23.5 degrees south and longitude 162.8 degrees east, about 450 km (280 miles) west-southwest of Noumea.

Meteo-France noted, “The rains eased in the afternoon, except over the Canala region where the showers are still continuing this evening. In the past 12 hours, we have noted 80 to 130 mm (3.1 to 5.1 inches) in the relief of the South and 80 mm (3.1 inches) in 3 hours in the town of Canala. The wind remains strong with gusts up to 90 kph (60 mph/49 knots) on the chain, on the West Coast and the South. Uesi is moving away from the Caledonian coasts, its influence is still felt throughout the country. Conditions remain disturbed overnight, with a gradual improvement in the north.”

Uesi is expected to turn to the southwest and become subtropical after a day or two, off the coast of eastern Australia.

GPM is a joint mission between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA.

For updates from Meteo-France, visit: http://www.meteo.nc/nouvelle-caledonie/cyclone/phenomenes-en-cours

By Rob Gutro
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Uesi – Southern Pacific Ocean

Feb. 11, 2020 – NASA Finds a Stronger Tropical Cyclone Uesi Near New Caledonia

NASA’s Terra satellite passed over the South Pacific Ocean and found a stronger Tropical Cyclone Uesi after obtaining infrared imagery of the storm. Uesi continues moving away from Vanuatu and today is affecting New Caledonia.

Terra image of Uesi — On Feb. 11 at 6:15 a.m. EST (1115 UTC), the MODIS instrument aboard NASA’s Terra satellite gathered temperature information about Uesi’s cloud tops. MODIS found powerful thunderstorms south and east of the center of circulation where temperatures were as cold as or colder than minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 62.2 Celsius). Credit: NASA/NRL

Infrared data provides temperature information, and identifies the strongest thunderstorms that reach high into the atmosphere and have the coldest cloud top temperatures. On Feb. 11 at 6:15 a.m. EST (1115 UTC), the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS instrument aboard NASA’s Terra satellite gathered that temperature information about Uesi’s cloud tops. MODIS found powerful thunderstorms south and east of the center of circulation where temperatures were as cold as or colder than minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 62.2 Celsius). Cloud top temperatures that cold indicate strong storms with the potential to generate heavy rainfall.

On Feb. 11, the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD), in Port Vila issued an update on Uesi. At 7:48 a.m. EST (11:48 p.m. Vanuatu local time), Tropical Cyclone Uesi was located at latitude 19.6 degrees south and longitude 162.6 east, about 435 miles (700 km) west of Tanna. Winds close to the center of the system have increased from near 55 mph (90 kph/50 knots) to 78 mph (125 kph/67 knots), making it equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane. Uesi was moving in a south-southeasterly direction. VMGD said that the potential for the system to recurve and move towards Vanuatu is low.

VMGD’s final advisory on Uesi said, “Isolated heavy rainfalls may still be expected about [the] Vanuatu group today and tonight. Seas will remain very rough with heavy to phenomenal swells over coastal and open waters to the west of the Vanuatu group. Severe weather warning for heavy rainfalls for northern, central and southern provinces, while Marine strong wind warning for all coastal waters are current.”

Meteo France, the forecast entity that provides forecasts for New Caledonia, which is located to the south-southwest of Vanuatu, is now feeling more of the effects from Uesi. On Feb. 11, Meteo France noted, “Uesi continues to move south passing west of Bélep and Grande-Terre a hundred kilometers (62 miles).” Rainbands continue to affect the whole territory and generate large accumulations of rain. As Uesi continues moving toward the south on Feb. 12, it is pulling away from New Caledonia. However, forecasters note that bands of thunderstorms can still bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds on Feb. 11. Highest rainfall is likely especially on the eastern side of the island.

For updates from VMGD’s website: wwww.vmgd.gov.vu and VMGD’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/vmgd.gov.vu.

For updates on New Caledonia’s forecast, visit Meteo France: http://www.meteo.nc/

By Rob Gutro
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center