Hurricane Florence (2006)
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| Category 1 hurricane (SSHS) | ||
|---|---|---|
 Hurricane Florence approaching Bermuda on September 10 |
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| Formed | September 3, 2006 | |
| Dissipated | September 12, 2006 | |
| Highest winds |
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| Lowest pressure | 974 mbar (hPa; 28.77 inHg) | |
| Fatalities | None | |
| Damage | $250,000 (2006 USD) | |
| Areas affected |
Bermuda, Newfoundland | |
| Part of the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season |
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Hurricane Florence was the seventh tropical storm and second hurricane of the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season. It was a Cape Verde-type hurricane that developed well east of the Lesser Antilles.
Florence reached a peak intensity of 90 mph (150 km/h) as it brushed past Bermuda. Florence then brought heavy rains across Newfoundland as an extratropical storm. There were no fatalities as a result of Florence and damage was estimated at $250,000 dollars (2006 USD)[1]
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[edit] Storm history
At the end of August, a system moved off the western coast of Africa, gradually becoming more organized as it passed south and west of the Cape Verde islands. On September 3, it had organized enough to be given tropical depression status and it was designated as Tropical Depression Six west of Cape Verde. Wind shear due to other systems, including a trough, slowed down development. However, on the morning of September 5, it strengthened into Tropical Storm Florence.
The storm then continued to strengthen as well as grow enormously in size into an extremely large tropical storm (albeit disorganized) on September 6. However, after that, Florence would struggle for the next couple of days. There were several factors that led to this. First, there was considerable wind shear in the area related to troughs that pushed farther south than usual, which hindered organization. Second, the upper-level relative humidity remained too low for organization and dry air was brought into the system due to the presence of nearby upper-level lows. Finally, its enormous size at the time and highly disorganized nature made it less prone to strengthening.
On September 8, Florence began to gradually improve in organization as it continued to track northwest towards Bermuda. The mid-level circulation remained somewhat disorganized due to shear, keeping Florence as a tropical storm for the next day. That abated late in the evening of September 9, and it quickly reintensified, reaching hurricane strength early on September 10. After attaining hurricane status, Florence came within 60 miles west of Bermuda when its sustained winds were estimated at 80 mph, bringing gusts of hurricane force to the island.
After the interaction with Bermuda, Florence turned further to the north-northeast and strengthened slightly to attain a peak wind speed of 90 mph (150 km/h). The hurricane began to weaken shortly after as it embarked on a transition into a large extratropical cyclone. As an hurricane-strength extratropical storm, Florence crossed over southeastern Newfoundland on September 13. The cyclone continued moving eastward and slowly weakened, and was in the middle of its crossing of the far northern Atlantic by September 15.
[edit] Preparations
The government of Bermuda issued a hurricane watch for the island on September 8,[2] which was followed by a tropical storm warning on September 9.[3] These were replaced by a hurricane warning on September 10, coinciding with the storm's strengthening to hurricane intensity.[4] The government urged the potentially impacted citizens to take preparations for the storm, many of whom bought supplies at local hardware stores.[5] Residents installed storm shutters, while boat owners moved their yachts to safer locations.[6]
Minister of Labour Home Affairs and Public Safety Derrick Burgess announced the following preparations on September 9:[7][8] The Bermuda Regiment embodied 200 troops, with 250 additional soldiers[9] and the Bermuda Reserve Police on immediate standby following the storm. The shelter at CedarBridge Academy in Devonshire was ready for those in emergency housing on the morning of September 10[7] and everyone by noon.[9] All government-affiliated schools and offices would be closed Monday (September 11),[8] and Bermuda International Airport would be closed by midnight[8] September 10, likely reopening September 12 following a damage assessment. Meanwhile, the Bermuda Electric Company (BELCO) and the Bermuda Telephone Company prepared for full deployment,[8] and Acting Police Commissioner Roseanda Young characterised the hundreds of government and emergency services staff on standby as "astronomical".[7]
Hotels issued emergency plans to all guests, including contingencies to evacuate those in low-lying areas. Private jets and some commercial airlines were made available to tourists wishing to leave Bermuda after the airport's closure. Ferry service ceased at 4:30 p.m. on September 9, and bus service ceased at 1 p.m. on September 10.[7] The Causeway was closed on the evening of September 10,[9] recalling Premier W. Alexander Scott's promise three years ago following Hurricane Fabian: "The next time we have a significant hurricane warning, we will close the Causeway, so no one is out on that thoroughfare in danger in the future."[10]
Kurt Tibbetts, Leader of Government Business of the Cayman Islands, called Acting Premier Neletha Butterfield to offer any assistance Bermuda required.[7] Premier Scott was on vacation and unable to secure return transport in time, but remained in constant touch.[9]
To entertain their remaining guests, several hotels planned "hurricane parties".[11]
[edit] Impact
Hurricane Florence produced strong swells and dangerous surf conditions for the northern Lesser Antilles, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and Bermuda.[12] In Bermuda, strong wind gusts peaking at 96 mph (154 km/h)[13] knocked down trees and power lines, leaving over 25,000 homes and businesses without electricity during the peak of the storm.[14] The powerful winds damaged ten houses, including destroying the roofs of three, and blew out windows across the island. A few people were injured by flying glass, though none required hospitalization.[15] A possible tornado reported in Southampton Parish downed trees and caused light property damage. At the Bermuda Zoo and Aquarium, two flamingos died due to falling branches. During the peak of the storm, police officials advised citizens to remain indoors away from harm, though there were several reports of looting throughout the territory.[16] Just over an inch of rain fell in Bermuda from Florence.
Later in its life, Florence caused strong swells and rough ocean conditions, including rip currents, in the Bahamas, portions of the east coast of the United States, and Atlantic Canada.[17]
As an extratropical storm over Newfoundland, Florence produced powerful winds peaking at 163 km/h (101 mph) and moderate amounts of rainfall of up to 67 mm (2.6 in).[18] Flooding and power outages were reported, although they were isolated. The hurricane caused flight interruptions at St. John's International Airport and also to the Trans Canada ferry between Newfoundland and Cape Breton Island in eastern Nova Scotia[19] Strong winds destroyed a house in the small Newfoundland village of Francois.[20] The winds also caused damage to shingles and sides of homes, while the strong waves damaged roads and boats along the Burin Peninsula.[18]
[edit] Aftermath
Shortly after the storm passed through, BELCO began restoring power, and by six hours after the peak of the storm power had been restored to 7,000 homes and businesses.[16] By the day after the storm, only about 3,000 remained without electricity on the island.[21]
Residents in Francois agreed to rebuild the wrecked home while the family temporarily resided in a summer home of another family.[20]
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- NHC's archive on Hurricane Florence
- HPC's rainfall page for Florence
- CHC's archive on Hurricane Florence
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060919/BUSINESS/109190174
- ^ Avila (2006). Tropical Storm Florence Public Advisory 21. NHC. Retrieved on September 8, 2006.
- ^ Stewart (2006). Tropical Storm Florence Public Advisory 24. NHC. Retrieved on September 9, 2006.
- ^ Franklin/Mainelli (2006). Hurricane Florence Public Advisory 27. NHC. Retrieved on September 10, 2006.
- ^ AP (2006). Tropical storm Florence expected to veer toward Bermuda, away from U.S. coast. Retrieved on September 8, 2006.
- ^ AP (2006). Florence Heads to Bermuda. Retrieved on September 9, 2006.
- ^ a b c d e Elizabeth Roberts. "Regiment partially embodied as Florence moves closer", The Royal Gazette, 2006-09-09. Retrieved on September 10, 2006.
- ^ a b c d The Minister of Labour Home Affairs and Public Safety, The Hon. Derrick Burgess JP, MP. / Government of Bermuda website (2006-09-09). TS Florence: Emergency Measures Organisation Meeting. Press release. Retrieved on 2006-09-10.
- ^ a b c d Dan Jones, Matthew Taylor and Elizabeth Roberts. "Florence Set to Hit:'Stay indoors and be safe'", The Royal Gazette, 2006-09-10. Retrieved on September 10, 2006.
- ^ "Bermuda Premier vows to rebuild Causeway stronger and better", Caribbean Net News, 2003-09-11. Retrieved on September 10, 2006.
- ^ Associated Press. "Bermuda braces as Florence becomes hurricane", CNN, 2006-09-10. Retrieved on September 10, 2006.
- ^ Knabb/Landsea (2006). Tropical Storm Florence Public Advisory 22. NHC. Retrieved on September 8, 2006.
- ^ Brown/Pasch (2006). Hurricane Florence Public Advisory 31A. NHC. Retrieved on September 11, 2006.
- ^ AP (2006). Hurricane Florence bashes Bermuda. Retrieved on September 11, 2006.
- ^ Elizabeth Roberts (2006). Bermuda dodges Bermuda with no Injuries. AP. Retrieved on September 12, 2006.
- ^ a b Matthew Taylor (2006). Florence causes little damage. Royal Gazette. Retrieved on September 11, 2006.
- ^ Blake/Avila (2006). Hurricane Florence Public Advisory 34. NHC. Retrieved on September 12, 2006.
- ^ a b Fogarty/Boyer (2006). Post-Tropical Storm Information Statement. Canadian Hurricane Centre.
- ^ http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2006/09/13/florence-arrives.html
- ^ a b CBC News. "Outport rallies after storm destroys family home", Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, 2006-09-14. Retrieved on September 20, 2006.
- ^ Reuters (2006). Bermuda back in business after brush with Florence. Retrieved on September 14, 2006.
