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Cyclone Gonu

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Tropical Cyclone Gonu
Current storm status
Tropical storm (1-min mean)
Satellite image
Forecast map
As of:0000 UTC June 7
Location:25.0°N 59.0°E
Sustained winds:55 knots (105 km/h, 65 mph) (10-min mean)
gusting to 65 knots (120 km/h, 75 mph)
Pressure:984 mbar (29.06 inHg)
Movement:NNW
See more detailed information.

Cyclone Gonu (JTWC designation: 02A, also known as Super Cyclonic Storm Gonu) was the strongest tropical cyclone on record in the Arabian Sea, and tied for the strongest tropical cyclone on record in the northern Indian Ocean.[1] The second named tropical cyclone of the 2007 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, Gonu developed from a persistent area of convection in the eastern Arabian Sea on June 1. With a favorable upper-level environment and warm sea surface temperatures, it rapidly intensified to attain peak 10-min winds of 240 km/h (150 mph) on June 3, as warned by the India Meteorological Department. Gonu weakened after encountering dry air and cooler waters, and late on June 5 it made landfall on northeastern Oman, becoming the strongest tropical cyclone to hit the Arabian Peninsula. Intense cyclones like Gonu have been rare over the Arabian Sea, as most storms in this area tend to be small and dissipate quickly.[2]

Storm history

On May 27, a widespread area of convection persisted over the southeastern Arabian Sea.[3] By May 31, an organized tropical disturbance developed about 645 km (400 mi) south of Mumbai, India with cyclonic convection and a well-defined mid-level circulation. The disturbance initially lacked a distinct low-level circulation; instead it consisted of strong divergence along the western end of a surface trough of low pressure.[4] A propitious upper-level environment allowed convection to improve, and on June 1 a low-level circulation formed.[5] By late on June 1, the system developed to the extent that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) classified it a depression.[6] It tracked westward along the southwestern periphery of a mid-level ridge over southern India; convection continued to organize, and early on June 2 the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) classified it Tropical Cyclone 02A while it was located about 685 km (425 mi) southwest of Mumbai, India.[7]

Upon first forming, the system contended with the entrainment of dry air to the northwest of the storm; this was expected to limit intensification.[7] The storm steadily intensified; early on June 2 the IMD upgraded it to deep depression status,[8] and later in the day the IMD classified the system as Cyclonic Storm Gonu while it was located 760 km (470 mi) southwest of Mumbai, India.[9] The name Gonu was contributed by the Maldives, meaning 'bag made from palm leaves' in Dhivehi, the Maldivian language.[10] As a mid-latitude trough developed over Pakistan, Gonu turned to the north and northeast,[11] though resumed a westward track after ridging built to the north of the storm.[12] With a solid area of intense convection, it rapidly intensified to attain severe cyclonic status early on June 3,[13] and with good outflow the JTWC upgraded it to the equivalent of a Category 1 tropical cyclone.[14] The dry air ultimately had a smaller impact on the intensification than previously estimated. As the storm tracked under an upper-level ridge axis, outflow increased further, and combined with a local increase in ocean heat content, Gonu rapidly deepened and developed a well-defined eye in the center of convection.[15]

Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Gonu approaching Oman.

Late on June 3, the IMD classified the storm as Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Gonu,[16] upon which it became the most intense cyclone on record in the Arabian Sea.[1] With low amounts of vertical wind shear and favorable upper-level outflow, Gonu strengthened further to attain peak 1-min sustained winds of 260 km/h (160 mph) and gusts to 315 km/h (195 mph) while located about 285 km (175 miles) east-southeast of Masirah Island on the coast of Oman.[17] At that intensity, Gonu was tied for the strongest tropical cyclone in the northern Indian Ocean.[1] the IMD upgraded it to Super Cyclonic Storm Gonu late on June 4, with 10-min sustained winds reaching 240 km/h (150 mph) and an estimated pressure of 920 mbar.[18]

After maintaining peak winds for about 9 hours, the IMD downgraded Gonu to very severe cyclonic storm status early on June 5.[19] Its eye became cloud-filled and ragged, and the cyclone gradually weakened as it continued tracking northwestward over cooler water temperatures and through drier air.[20] Due to land interaction with Oman, the inner core of deep convection rapidly weakened, and over a period of 24 hours the intensity decreased by 95 km/h (60 mph).[21] According to the IMD, Cyclone Gonu crossed the northeastern tip of Oman,[22] making it the strongest tropical cyclone to strike the Arabian Peninsula.[23] Though the winds continued to gradually decrease as it interacted with land, overall organization increased slightly in the hours prior to landfall; Gonu maintained a well-defined low-level structure with a weak eye.[24] After emerging into the Gulf of Oman, the cyclone intensified slightly,[25] becoming the first recorded tropical cyclone in the Gulf of Oman.[1] Increasing wind shear and entrainment of dry air from the Arabian Peninsula continued to remove deep convection from its eastern semicircle.[26] On June 6, the cyclone turned to the north-northwest as an approaching shortwave trough created a weakness in the ridge,[27] and later that day the JTWC downgraded Gonu to tropical storm status.[28] The IMD followed suit by downgrading the cyclone to severe cyclonic storm status early on June 7.[29]

Current storm information

As of 0000 UTC on June 7, Severe Cyclonic Storm Gonu is located at 25.0°N 59.0°E. It has maximum sustained winds of 55 knots (105 km/h, 65 mph), with stronger gusts. Gonu's minimum central pressure is 984 mbar (29.06 inHg), and it is moving to the north.

Preparations

The Oman Chairman of the National Committee for Civil Defence remarked the nation had already developed a contingency plan, which included the activation of army and police personnel after the storm's passage. Significant damage was expected, especially in northeastern areas, along with up to 150 mm (6 in) of rainfall and very strong winds.[30] Officials recommended citizens to evacuate from potentially affected areas,[31] and about 7,000 people were forced to leave Masirah Island due to the threat of high surf and strong winds.[32] Overall, more than 20,000 people evacuated to emergency shelters.[33] A state of emergency was declared for the nation.[31] The national weather service in Oman warned that the cyclone was expected to be worse than the destructive cyclone which hit Masirah Island in 1977. The Mina al Fahal oil terminal was expected to be shut down once the cyclone hit. The country's export terminal located in Sur, which handles liquefied natural gas exports, was also closed.[34] Omani officials closed government offices for two days, and declared a 5-day long national holiday due to the threat of the cyclone. Most businesses near the coastline were closed prior to the announcement.[35] Authorities at the Seeb International Airport delayed all flights after 2000 UTC on June 5 due to the cyclone.[36]

In Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, both members of OPEC, no official warnings had been issued on Gonu. The storm was not expected to disrupt oil supplies from these two nations.[31] Oil prices rose early on June 5 because of concerns about disruptions caused by Gonu and the threat of further strikes in Nigeria, Africa's biggest producer. Crude oil for July delivery rose $1.13, or 1.7 percent, to $66.21 Monday on the New York Mercantile Exchange, the highest close since May 21. Futures touched $66.48, the highest intraday price since April 30. The contract was at $65.95 a barrel, down 26 cents, in after-hours electronic trading at 9:43 a.m. Tuesday in Singapore.[37] Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst at the Oil Price Information Service, said he doubted the increase could really be attributed to Gonu. "I don't know if you can really attribute any of the gain to the cyclone," he said. "It's an excuse, as opposed to a reason, for the rise in prices."[38]

In Pakistan, officials recommended fishermen to remain within 50 km (30 mi) of the coastline, due to anticipated rough waves in the open ocean.[39] Naval authorities in the United States warned for ships to avoid the cyclone in the Arabian Sea.[40]

The Iran Department of Meteorology declared storm warnings for the country's southeastern coastline; the agency anticipated moderate to severe precipitation and gusty winds.[41] Prior to the arrival of the cyclone, about 40,000 people evacuated coastal areas of the country to at least 1 km (0.6 mi) inland,[42] including around 4,000 students at the International University of Chabahar. All flights in and out of the Konarak Airport were canceled during a 48-hour period. Additionally, all hospitals in Sistan and Baluchestan Province were put on red alert.[43]

Impact

The cyclone delayed the arrival of the Indian Ocean south-west monsoon in the Western Ghats in India.[44]

About seven hours before passing near the northeastern Oman coastline, Cyclone Gonu began affecting the country with rough winds and heavy precipitation. Gonu produced strong waves along much of the coastline,[45] leaving many coastal roads flooded.[41] Strong winds knocked out power and telephone lines across the eastern region of the country, leaving thousands isolated until the lines were repaired hours later. The cyclone caused extensive damage along the coastline, including in the city of Sur and the village of Ras al Hadd at the easternmost point of the Omani mainland.[46] A body washed ashore in Sur, though it is unknown if it related to the cyclone. In Muscat, winds reached 100 km/h (62 mph), leaving the capital city without power. Strong waves and heavy rainfall flooded streets and some buildings. In effort to prevent electrocutions, police workers sent text messages to residents which recommended residents away from certain streets. Little damage was reported to the oil fields of the nation.[33]

Fierce waves pushed large amounts of water to coastal areas in Fujairah of the United Arab Emirates, forcing roads to be closed and traffic diverted. Civil defence and police were on duty to manage the road closures, while municipal workers pumped the excess water off the roads. The road connecting Kalba and Fujairah was closed due to the road being submerged by water.[47]

Prior to striking Iran, Gonu dropped moderate to heavy rainfall, including 74 mm (2.91 in) in the city of Chabahar. Winds from the storm caused power outages and damaged some homes made of clay;[42] the power outage led to some fires across the city of Chabahar. The rainfall flooded at least 40 houses,[43] and resulted in the temporary closure of several major roads.[33]

See also

Template:Tcportal

References

  1. ^ a b c d Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2007). "Northern Indian Ocean Tropical Cyclone Best Track Data". Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  2. ^ "NASA Earth Observatory: Tropical Cyclone Gonu". NASA. 2007-06-04. Retrieved 2007-06-05.
  3. ^ India Meteorological Department (2007). "May 27 Tropical Weather Outlook". Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  4. ^ Delta Forecast Team (2007). "May 31 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the North Indian Ocean". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  5. ^ Charlie Forecast Team (2007). "June 1 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the North Indian Ocean". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  6. ^ India Meteorological Department (2007). "June 2 Tropical Weather Outlook". Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  7. ^ a b Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2007). "Tropical Cyclone 02A Warning NR 001". Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  8. ^ India Meteorological Department (2007). "Deep Depression over East Central Arabian Sea". Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  9. ^ India Meteorological Department (2007). "Cyclone Storm "GONU' over East Central Arabian Sea". Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  10. ^ Associated Press (2007). "Powerful Cyclone Gonu Strikes Oil-Rich Persian Gulf". FOXNews.com. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  11. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2007). "Tropical Cyclone Gonu Warning NR 004". Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  12. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2007). "Tropical Cyclone Gonu Warning NR 005". Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  13. ^ India Meteorological Department (2007). "Severe Cyclone Storm "GONU' over East Central Arabian Sea". Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  14. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2007). "Tropical Cyclone Gonu Warning NR 006". Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  15. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2007). "Tropical Cyclone Gonu Warning NR 007". Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  16. ^ India Meteorological Department (2007). "Very Severe Cyclonic Storm "GONU' over East Central Arabian Sea". Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  17. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2007). "Tropical Cyclone Gonu Warning NR 010". Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  18. ^ India Meteorological Department (2007). "A Super Cyclonic Storm "GONU' over East Central and adjoining westcentral and north Arabian Sea". Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  19. ^ India Meteorological Department (2007). "Very Severe Cyclonic Storm "GONU' over East Central and adjoining westcentral and north Arabian Sea". Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  20. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2007). "Tropical Cyclone Gonu Warning NR 012". Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  21. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2007). "Tropical Cyclone Gonu Warning NR 015". Retrieved 2007-06-05.
  22. ^ India Meteorological Department (2007). "Very Severe Cyclonic Storm "GONU'". Retrieved 2007-06-05.
  23. ^ NASA (2007). "Rare Tropical Cyclone Churns in Arabian Sea". Retrieved 2007-06-06.
  24. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2007). "Tropical Cyclone Gonu Warning NR 016". Retrieved 2007-06-05.
  25. ^ India Meteorological Department (2007). "Very Severe Cyclonic Storm "GONU'". Retrieved 2007-06-06.
  26. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2007). "Tropical Cyclone Gonu Warning NR 017". Retrieved 2007-06-06.
  27. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2007). "Tropical Cyclone Gonu Warning NR 018". Retrieved 2007-06-06.
  28. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2007). "Tropical Cyclone Gonu Warning NR 019". Retrieved 2007-06-06.
  29. ^ India Meteorological Department (2007). "Severe Cyclonic Storm "GONU'". Retrieved 2007-06-06.
  30. ^ Sunil K. Vaidya (2007). "Tropical cyclonic storm to strike eastern coast of Oman". Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  31. ^ a b c Reuters (2007). "Oman on alert for cyclone - official news agency". Retrieved 2007-06-04. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  32. ^ Associated Press (2007). "Oman evacuates eastern island as powerful storm approaches". Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  33. ^ a b c Associated Press (2007). "Cyclone Hammers Oman; Veers Toward Iran". Retrieved 2007-06-06.
  34. ^ Agencies (2007). "Cyclone reaches Omani coast". Gulfnews.com. Retrieved 2007-06-05.
  35. ^ Sunil Vaidya (2007). "Oman declares Gonu public holiday". Gulf News. Retrieved 2007-06-05.
  36. ^ Sunil Vaidya (2007). "Oman cancels all flights". Gulfnews.com. Retrieved 2007-06-05.
  37. ^ Bloomberg.com (2007). "Gonu Weakens to Category Four Storm, Heads for Oman". Retrieved 2007-06-05.
  38. ^ Oman on high alert as cyclone nears Al Jazeera, JUNE 05, 2007
  39. ^ Pakistan Daily Times (2007). "Tropical cyclone heading to Sindh coast". Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  40. ^ DowJones News (2007). "Crude Rallies On Rising Demand, Gulf Storm, Russia". CNN.com. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  41. ^ a b Saeed Al-Nahdy (2007). "Cyclone Gonu's Winds Blast Oman Coast". Associated Press. Retrieved 2007-06-05.
  42. ^ a b Agence France-Presse (2007). "Iran evacuates thousands as cyclone strikes". Retrieved 2007-06-06.
  43. ^ a b Islamic Republic News Agency (2007). "Gonu Cyclone keeps lashing southern Iranian islands, cities". Retrieved 2007-06-06.
  44. ^ Staff Writer (2007). "More pre-monsoon showers in city". Cybernoon.com. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  45. ^ Sunil Vaidya, Bureau Chief, Oman and Daniel Bardsley, Staff Reporter, and Aftab Kazmi (2007). "Gulf States on Gonu alert". Gulfnews.com. Retrieved 2007-06-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  46. ^ Sunil Vaidya (2007). "Cyclone Gonu weakening". Gulfnews.com. Retrieved 2007-06-06.
  47. ^ Staff reporter (2007). "Fujairah hit by Cyclone Gonu". Gulfnews.com. Retrieved 2007-06-05.
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