Tropical Storm Arthur (2008)

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Tropical Storm Arthur

Tropical storm (SSHS)

Tropical Storm Arthur on May 31 after formation and landfall

Formed

May 31, 2008

Dissipated

June 2, 2008

Highest
winds

40 mph (65 km/h) (1-minute sustained)

Lowest pressure

1005 mbar (hPa; 29.69 inHg)

Fatalities

9 direct

Damage

Unknown

Areas
affected

Yucatan Peninsula, Belize

Part of the
2008 Atlantic hurricane season

Tropical Storm Arthur was the first Atlantic tropical storm that formed during the month of May since 1981.^[1] The first tropical cyclone of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season, the storm originated from enhanced tropical activity in the western Caribbean Sea due to the remnants of Tropical Storm Alma in the eastern Pacific and two tropical waves. A surface trough developed across the region, which sparked convective activity. The system quickly organized and was named Tropical Storm Arthur on May 31, while crossing the shore of Belize. Arthur's remnants triggered severe flooding which killed a reported nine people and affected 100,000 more in Belize.

1 Storm history
2 Impact and records
3 See also
4 References

[edit] Storm history

Storm path

By May 29, 2008, the western Caribbean Sea became tropically active due to the presence of two tropical waves and Tropical Storm Alma, which was located in the east Pacific Ocean. The system generated a broad surface low pressure system, as well as clusters of convection.^[2] The next day, Alma made landfall on Nicaragua, pulling deep tropical moisture into the region. Upper level outflow was spreading outwards from the tropical storm with a high pressure system over the Caribbean.^[3] A surface trough developed and extended from inland Honduras to just south of the Cayman Islands. This sparked further development of scattered strong convection southeast of the trough.^[4] On May 31, the remnants of Alma were situated along the coast of Belize as a 1005 mb low pressure system. A broad upper-level ridge was anchored over the Gulf of Honduras, which covered the entire region and maintained deep tropical moisture.^[5] In the early afternoon—based on satellite imagery and a NOAA buoy that reported sustained tropical storm-force winds—despite moving ashore near Chetumal, capital city of Quintana Roo, on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, the system was named Tropical Storm Arthur, about 45 mi (72 km) north-northwest of Belize City.^[6]

Arthur tracked towards the west-northwest at 8 mph (13 km/h), and with a minimal central pressure of 1005 mb, maximum sustained winds were at 40 mph (65 km/h). These winds were primarily concentrated over open waters to the east and northeast of the center.^[7] Despite being over land for several hours, the storm maintained a fairly organized structure by 5 p.m. that day. The storm contained a large low-level center which was accompanied by convective banding. New convective cells began building over the Yucatán Peninsula, as the storm was being steered by high pressure system located in the Gulf of Mexico.^[8] The associated thunderstorm activity was separated from the center of circulation, and an offshore band of convection died down briefly. However, it quickly regenerated; the storm's maximum sustained winds occurred in that band.^[9] Early on June 1, the center became difficult to locate due to disorganization. It remained a tropical storm overland for nearly 24 hours before weakening to a tropical depression later that day.^[10] Tropical Depression Arthur became increasingly ill-defined,^[11] and while drifting southwestward over land, the National Hurricane Center issued its last advisory on the system late on June 1.^[12]

[edit] Impact and records

Tropical Storm Arthur near landfall

In preparation for the storm, ports were closed in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, while residents and tourists were encouraged to take precautions in coastal areas. Also, ports were closed on the islands of Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and in Chetumal.^[13] Small boats were restricted from leaving some ports, but evacuations were deemed unnecessary.^[14] Tropical storm warnings were issued at 1700z on the 31st May for the coast of Belize and the coast of Mexico south of Cabo Catoche. These warnings remained in effect until Arthur weakened to a Tropical Depression at 1500z on the 1st June.

The storm produced rainfall as far south as Belize City and kicked up strong surf on the island of Ambergris Caye.^[13] Winds from Arthur forced the closure of two of Mexico's three main oil exporting ports in the Gulf of Mexico due to rough seas.^[15] The storm's remnants, combined with recent heavy rains from Tropical Storm Alma, triggered flash flooding and caused rivers in southern and northern Belize to overflow. Between the two systems, around 10 in (250 mm) of rain fell over the region. The flooding damaged one bridge and one highway, and several other bridges were under water. One village was evacuated, and shelters in Corozal and Orange Walk were opened. In rural areas the electrical was cut off due to safety issues.^[16] Dozens were stranded on their roof due to high water, and work to repair an important highway was haulted when flood waters washed away the repaired section. Papaya plantations, shrimp farms and rice crops were also affected by the unsettled weather.^[17] In all, about 100,000 people were affected by the flooding,^[16] and nine fatalities were reported. British helicopters helped rescue stranded people following the storm, and Mexico provided a helicopter to help carry supplies to areas affected by the flooding. Prime Minister Dean Barrow declared a disaster area in southern Belize's Stann Creek Valley. Additionally, the government rushed food, water and clothing to around 13,000 people.^[17]

Arthur was the first tropical storm to form in May since Tropical Storm Arlene in 1981. Other storms have formed, such as Andrea in 2007, but were subtropical. The formation of Arthur also marks the first time that a named storm formed in the Atlantic in May for two consecutive years.