Hurricane Felix (2007)
Un article de Vev.
Modèle:Dablink Modèle:Infobox Hurricane Hurricane Felix was the sixth named storm, second hurricane, and second Category 5 hurricane of the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season. Forming from a tropical wave on August 31, it passed through the southern Windward Islands on September 1 before strengthening to attain hurricane status. A day later on September 2, Felix rapidly strengthened into a major hurricane, and early on September 3 it was upgraded to Category 5 status; by 2100 UTC, the hurricane was downgraded to Category 4 status, but was re-upgraded by 1040 UTC, September 4, to a Category 5 hurricane. Felix made landfall just south of the border between Nicaragua and Honduras in a region historically known as the Mosquito Coast. At least 133 deaths have been attributed to Felix.
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Storm history
Modèle:Storm path A tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on August 24, tracking westward at approximately 14 mph (23 km/h) with no associated deep convection and a weak low-level inverted-V curvature.<ref name="824disc"> Wallace
(2007)
. August 24 Tropical Weather Discussion
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. </ref> Initially difficult to locate on satellites,<ref name="824disc2"> Willis
(2007)
. August 24 Tropical Weather Discussion (2)
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. </ref> the wave axis tracked through a moist environment<ref name="825disc"> Cangialosi
(2007)
. August 25 Tropical Weather Discussion
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. </ref> and developed an area of scattered thunderstorms. By August 25 visible satellite imagery indicated broad cyclonic turning just north of the Intertropical Convergence Zone.<ref name="825disc2"> Cangialosi
(2007)
. August 25 Tropical Weather Discussion (2)
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. </ref> The wave continued to develop moderate to strong convection, and on August 27 a 1012 mbar low pressure area developed about 830 miles (1,340 km) west-southwest of Praia, Cape Verde.<ref name="827disc"> Formosa
(2007)
. August 27 Tropical Weather Discussion
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. </ref> For the next several days the system failed to organize significantly;<ref name="830two"> Mainelli
(2007)
. August 30 Tropical Weather Outlook
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. </ref> however, on August 30 the wave became better defined with more representation of the cyclonic turning into the low.<ref name="830twd"> Augierre
(2007)
. August 30 Tropical Weather Discussion
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. </ref> Convection increased early the next day,<ref name="831two"> Knabb
(2007)
. August 31 Tropical Weather Outlook
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. </ref> and a Hurricane Hunters flight into the system reported the presence of a closed low-level circulation; accordingly, the National Hurricane Center initiated advisories on Tropical Depression Six at 2100 UTC on August 31 while it was located about 180 miles (295 km) east-southeast of the southern Windward Islands.<ref name="disc1"> Blake & Avila
(2007)
. Tropical Depression Six Discussion One
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. </ref>
Upon becoming a tropical cyclone, the depression was located to the south of a strong ridge, resulting in a west-northwest motion. The system maintained curved rainbands with expanding outflow, and with light wind shear and warm water temperatures the environment favored further development.<ref name="disc1"/> Its deep convection consolidated very near the center, and shortly after passing over the island of Grenada the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Felix early at around 0900 UTC on September 1.<ref name="disc3"> Knabb
(2007)
. Tropical Storm Felix Discussion Three
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. </ref> Felix quickly strengthened as it developed a small inner core of convection with tightly-wound bands around the center,<ref name="disc4"> Blake & Avila
(2007)
. Tropical Storm Felix Discussion Four
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. </ref> and by late on September 1 an eye feature was observed on satellite imagery.<ref name="disc5"> Blake & Avila
(2007)
. Tropical Storm Felix Discussion Five
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. </ref> Based on reports from reconnaissance aircraft, the National Hurricane Center estimated that Felix attained hurricane status by early on September 2 while located about 155 miles (250 km) east-northeast of Bonaire.<ref name="pa5a"> Beven
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Public Advisory Five-A
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. </ref>
Tracking through an area of extremely low wind shear and increasingly high oceanic heat content, Hurricane Felix quickly developed a well-defined eye, a symmetric cloud structure, and strong upper-level outflow.<ref name="disc8"> Pasch
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Discussion Eight
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-02. </ref> Felix was upgraded to major hurricane status at around 1800 UTC on September 2 while located about 490 miles (790 km) southeast of Kingston, Jamaica.<ref> Pasch
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Public Advisory Eight-A
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-02. </ref> Rapid strengthening continued, and later that day the hurricane attained Category 4 status on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale with the pressure dropping to 957 mbar; this corresponded to a falling rate of 3.4 mbar per hour, which the National Hurricane Center described as "one of the more rapid deepening rates we have observed." A Hurricane Hunters flight reported a stadium effect in the eye, and also reported the eye diameter shrank to 14 miles (22 km).<ref name="disc9"> Pasch
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Discussion Nine
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-02. </ref> A subsequent Hurricane Hunters flight experienced flight level winds of 175 mph (280 km/h), with peak surface winds of 163 mph (263 km/h) reported in the southwest quadrant of the eyewall; surface winds of up to 189 mph (306 km/h) were found in its northeastern quadrant, although the National Hurricane Center reported the peak reading could have been contaminated due to graupel in the clouds. Based on the observations, it is estimated Felix attained winds of 165 mph (265 km/h) by 0000 UTC on September 3 while located about 390 miles (625 km) southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, making Felix a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. While investigating the hurricane, Hurricane Hunters encountered extreme turbulence and potentially dangerous graupel, which forced the flight to abort the mission.<ref name="disc10"> Franklin & Brown
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Special Discussion Ten
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-02. </ref>
Continuing quickly westward, the eye of Felix diameter decreased to 12 miles (19 km), and the National Hurricane Center estimates the hurricane attained a minimum central pressure of 929 mbar about nine hours after it reached Category 5 status. Initially, Felix was predicted to track west-northwestward, striking Belize before crossing the Yucatán Peninsula;<ref name="disc12"> Knabb
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Discussion Twelve
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-03. </ref> however, its path remained nearly due westward. Subsequently, cloud tops near the center started to warm as the eye became less distinct,<ref name="disc13"> Pasch
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Discussion Thirteen
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-03. </ref> and by 1800 UTC on September 3 Felix weakened to Category 4 status with winds of 145 mph (235 km/h).<ref name="pa13a"> Pasch
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Public Advisory Thirteen-A
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-03. </ref> On September 4, Felix had completed an eyewall replacement cycle and began strengthening again during the day.<ref> Knabb
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Discussion Sixteen
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-04. </ref> Felix was upgraded to a Category 5 for the second time at 1040 UTC,<ref> Knabb
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Tropical Cyclone Update
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-04. </ref> and made landfall in extreme north-eastern Nicaragua shortly thereafter with winds of 160 mph (260 km/h).<ref> Pasch
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Public Advisory Sixteen-A
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-04. </ref> By nine hours after moving ashore, the system maintained a well-organized cloud pattern and intense rainbands, although the winds rapidly decreased;<ref name="disc18"> Pasch
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Discussion Eighteen
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-05. </ref> early on September 5 Felix weakened to a tropical storm as its upper-level circulation became detached from the low-level portion.<ref name="disc19"> Beven
(2007)
. Tropical Storm Felix Discussion Nineteen
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-05. </ref> The system deteriorated to a tropical depression as it crossed into southern Honduras, and at 0900 UTC the National Hurricane Center issued the last advisory on Felix as it began degenerating into a broad low pressure area.<ref name="disc20"> Avila
(2007)
. Tropical Depression Felix Discussion Twenty
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-05. </ref>
Preparations
Upon Felix's becoming a tropical cyclone, a tropical storm warning was issued for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tobago, and Grenada and its dependencies; a tropical storm watch was also issued for the northeastern Venezuela coast from Cumaná to Pedernales, including Isla Margarita, as well as the ABC islands.<ref name="pa1"> Blake & Avila
(2007)
. Tropical Depression Six Public Advisory One
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. </ref> The National Emergency Management Agency of Tobago was fully activated, with 79 shelters opened on the island.<ref name="trin91"> Driselle Ramjohn
(2007)
. Storm Lashes Tobago
. Trinidad & Tobago Express
.</ref> Coinciding with the upgrade of Felix to tropical storm status, the watch for the ABC islands was upgraded to a tropical storm warning.<ref name="pa3"> Knabb
(2007)
. Tropical Storm Felix Public Advisory Three
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. </ref> A hurricane watch was added to the islands early on September 2,<ref name="pa6"> Beven
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Public Advisory Six
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. </ref> where several tourists attempted to leave by plane prior to the arrival of the storm.<ref name="ap91"/> Early on September 2, the government of Jamaica issued a tropical storm watch for the island,<ref name="pa5a"/> which was canceled as the hurricane passed far to its south.<ref name="pa13a"/> Later on September 2, a tropical storm watch was issued for Grand Cayman,<ref name="pa8"> Pasch
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Public Advisory Eight
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-02. </ref> and the next day a tropical storm warning was put in place on Providencia Island.<ref> Pasch
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Public Advisory Fourteen
. Retrieved on 2007-09-05. </ref> A hurricane watch was issued for the Caribbean coast of Guatemala and the entire coastline of Belize at 1200 UTC on September 3.<ref name="pa12a"> Pasch
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Public Advisory Twelve-A
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-03. </ref>
At 0300 UTC on September 3, the government of Honduras issued a hurricane watch from El Limón to the Honduras/Nicaragua border,<ref name="pa11"> Franklin
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Public Advisory Eleven
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-03. </ref> which was upgraded to a hurricane warning six hours later. At the same time, a hurricane watch was extended westward to the Honduras/Guatemala border,<ref name="pa12"> Knabb
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Public Advisory Twelve
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-03. </ref> and early on September 4 a tropical storm warning was put in place for the same region.<ref name="pa15"> Franklin
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Public Advisory Fifteen
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-05. </ref> Officials ordered evacuations for citizens in low-lying areas near the coastline; by midday on September 3, around 300 tourists evacuated from the Bay Islands department, with an additional 400 preparing to leave by plane;<ref name="ap93"> Associated Press
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Aims for Central America
. Retrieved on 2007-09-03. </ref> approximately 2,000 people were evacuated from coastal areas.<ref name="ap93a"> Associated Press
(2007)
. Tourists flee as Hurricane Felix nears Honduran Miskito Coast
. Retrieved on 2007-09-03. </ref> By the time the hurricane made landfall, about 20,000 people in Honduras left for safer areas.<ref name="afp96"> Agence French-Presse
(2007-09-06) . Drenched by Felix, Honduras fears floods, mudslides
. Retrieved on 2007-09-05. </ref>
At 1500 UTC on September 3, about 21 hours before its final landfall, the government of Nicaragua issued a hurricane warning from Puerto Cabezas northward to the national border.<ref name="pa13"> Knabb
(2007)
. Hurricane Felix Public Advisory Thirteen
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-03. </ref> About 12 hours before landfall, a tropical storm warning was issued from Puerto Cabezas southward to Prinzapolka.<ref name="pa15"/> Prior to the arrival of the hurricane, officials sent about 140,000 lbs (63,000 kg) of meals and emergency supplies to near the landfall location.<ref name="ap95"> Associated Press
(2007)
. Toll from Felix rises in Central America; Henriette nears 2nd Mexican landfall
. Retrieved on 2007-09-05. </ref>
Impact
Caribbean Islands
At around 1200 UTC on September 1 a wind gust of 46 mph (74 km/h) was recorded on Barbados, and around the same time a gust of 44 mph (71 km/h) was observed in Saint Vincent.<ref name="pa3a"> Blake & Avila
(2007)
. Tropical Storm Felix Public Advisory Three-A
. National Hurricane Center
. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. </ref> The storm produced heavy rainfall across the Windward Islands. On Trinidad, heavy precipitation caused mudslides and overflown rivers which destroyed some bridges; moderate winds damaged several buildings on the island. Damage on neighboring Tobago was concentrated on its northern portion, where several mudslides resulted from the rainfall;<ref name="cbc91"> Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation
(2007-09-01) . TS Felix brings rain and damage
. Retrieved on 2007-09-02. </ref> monetary damage on Tobago was estimated at $250,000 (2007 TTD, $40,000 2007 USD).<ref> Jensen LaVende
(2007-09-02) . Cars, shop swept away at Carenage . Trinidad & Tobago Express
. Retrieved on 2007-09-02. </ref> Felix produced gusty winds on Grenada, which downed several power lines and destroyed the roofs of two houses; rough waves also broke several vessels from their anchors.<ref name="ap91"> Associated Press
(2007)
. Felix becomes Category 1 hurricane as it swirls toward Aruba
. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. </ref> In St. Lucia, winds from the storm damaged the roof of a store in Castries, which collapsed and destroyed 12 vehicles.<ref name="cbc91"/>
In the ABC islands, the passage of the hurricane resulted in gusty winds and heavy rainfall. However, little damage was reported in Bonaire; the precipitation has left several homes submerged under water in Curaçao. In Aruba, the winds damaged one house and briefly left a northern village without power.<ref name="ap93">{{cite web|author=Associated Press|year=2007|title=Hurricane Felix lashes Dutch Caribbean islands|accessdate=2007-09-02|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Rest_of_World/Hurricane_Felix_lashes_Dutch_Caribbean_islands/bongboy69ref> Hurricane Felix produced strong winds and 10 foot (3 m) waves along the north coast of Venezuela, which left one person missing in Puerto Cabello.<ref name="afp93"> Agence French-Presse
(2007)
. Maximum strength Hurricane Felix aims for Central America
. Retrieved on 2007-09-03. </ref>
Central America
Early reports suggest severe damage in Honduras and Nicaragua after Felix made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane. In Puerto Cabezas, nearly every structure sustained at least roof damage, and many buildings were destroyed.<ref>http://www.miamiherald.com/news/americas/story/224930.html</ref> Along the Mosquito Coast, flooding and mudslides were reported, destroying many houses (mostly humble dwellings) and blocking highways. The Government of Nicaragua declared the northern Caribbean coast a disaster area.<ref>http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-storms6sep06,1,1334146.story?track=rss</ref> The Miskito Cays, located about 70 km from Bilwi off shore in the North-Eastern Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua, was among the strongest hit areas. Hurricane Felix had not yet made landfall but reached maximum force when it passed over the Miskito Cays. The winds of the hurricane, with speeds of up to 260 kilometers per hour, destroyed the Cays completely. Pillars, that previously formed the base of the houses, are the only remains on the Cays.<ref>"
Hurricane Felix and the Miskito Cays " , ViaNica . Retrieved on 2007-09-27 . </ref>
At least 133 people were reported dead. At least 130 of them were in Nicaragua.<ref>http://mobile.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N07466455.htm</ref> While few details have been disclosed, they include at least 25 dead Miskito fishermen swept away, a drowning death on a boat, impact from a fallen tree and at least one indirect death caused by medical complications after birth.<ref>http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-storms6sep06,1,1334146.story?track=rss</ref> There have been three deaths reported in Honduras, one of which was caused by a motor vehicle accident caused by heavy rain and landslides, <ref>http://www.miamiherald.com/news/americas/story/224930.html</ref> and two caused by flooding in the capital city of Tegucigalpa.<ref>http://www.physorg.com/news108395306.html</ref> However, hundreds of others are missing (mostly at sea), and communications are difficult, to impossible in many areas. Some survivors have also been found on the Mosquito Coast that were initially reported missing.<ref>MyFox Phoenix | Felix Toll Rises to 64, Bodies Found off Honduras Coast</ref>
According to official information, at least 40,000 people have been affected and 9,000 houses destroyed, most of them in the Nicaraguan city of Bilwi (Puerto Cabezas), where a "State of Disaster" has been decreed by the government. A total lack of supplies and services has been also reported in the area. The response has been almost immediate: Help from Venezuela, Cuba, the US and Honduras has been received, and a lot of organizations, such as the Nicaraguan Red Cross, the media and universities have organized collections all over the country. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega visited Bilwi on the day after the catastrophe, he promised the reconstruction of houses to the people affected.<ref>http://www.miamiherald.com/news/americas/story/224930.html</ref><ref>http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/1318360/1335477</ref>
Inland flooding was also reported in Honduras, particularly near Tegucigalpa and in the northwestern regions where the Ulua River and the Chamelecon River overflowed into an agricultural area. Coastal flooding has also taken place in the town of Izabal in Guatemala where 850 people were evacuated.<ref>
Inland flooding was also reported in Honduras, particularly near Tegucigalpa and in the northwestern regions where the Ulua River and the Chamelecon River overflowed into an agricultural area. Coastal flooding has also taken place in the town of Izabal in Guatemala where 850 people were evacuated.<ref>http://www.physorg.com/news108395306.html</ref>
Aftermath
After Felix, over 160,000 people were suffering as many communities were stranded due to the storm. An appeal was given out by the United Nations for over $48 million in emergency aid to the hard-hit areas, particularly in Nicaragua.<ref>http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/09/15/2033842.htm</ref> The United States federal government delivered over $1.17 million USD in assistance<ref>http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20070912/pl_usnw/usaid_hurricane_assistance_to_nicaragua_increases</ref>, and the European Union responded with a donation of 1 million euros ($1.36 million USD).<ref>http://en.rian.ru/world/20070907/77356234.html</ref>
See also
- List of notable Atlantic hurricanes
- List of Category 5 Atlantic hurricanes
- 2007 Atlantic hurricane season
References
External links
- The NHC's archive on Hurricane Felix.
- Video from the eye of Hurricane Felix
- Tropical Cyclones page - University of Wisconsin CIMSS
Modèle:2007 Atlantic hurricane season buttons
Modèle:DEFAULTSORT:Felix (2007)de:Atlantische Hurrikansaison 2007#Hurrikan Felix es:Huracán Félix (2007) fr:Ouragan Felix mt:Urugan Felix (2007) ms:Taufan Felix 2007 nah:Āehēcamalacotl Félix nl:Felix (orkaan) no:Orkanen Felix pt:Furacão Félix fi:Hurrikaani Felix sv:Orkanen Felix ta:சூறாவளி ஃவீலிக்ஸ் (2007) zh:颶風費利克斯
