| Typhoon (JMA) | |
|---|---|
| Category 2 Typhoon (SSHS) | |
| Typhoon Soulik near peak intensity over Iwo Jima | |
| Formed | October 8, 2006 |
| Dissipated | October 16, 2006 |
| Highest winds | 10-minute sustained: 140 km/h (85 mph) 1-minute sustained: 165 km/h (105 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 955 mbar (hPa; 28.2 inHg) |
| Fatalities | None Reported |
| Damage | Minimal |
| Areas affected | Mariana Islands, Iwo Jima and Bonin Islands |
| Part of the 2006 Pacific typhoon season | |
Typhoon Soulik (international designation: 0618; JTWC designation: 21W) was the 18th named storm and 11th typhoon of the 2006 Pacific typhoon season. Soulik formed out of an area of disturbed weather over the open waters of the western Pacific Ocean during early October 2006. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) designated the system as a tropical depression on October 8 and later a tropical storm the next day. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) followed suit shortly after, classifying the system as Tropical Storm 21W. The storm gradually intensified into a typhoon on October 12 before nearly stalling close to Iwo Jima. On October 14, the storm began to accelerate and weaken due to increasing wind shear. Around 1200 UTC on October 16, Soulik transitioned into an extratropical cyclone before dissipating the next day. Typhoon Soulik had only minor effects on land throughout its existence, despite passing very close to Iwo Jima at peak intensity.
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On October 6, a tropical disturbance developed about 240 km (150 mi) north-northeast of Kwajalein. Scattered convection was associated with the disturbance but no low-level circulation had developed. On October 8, an area of low pressure developed underneath the convection[1] and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) began monitoring the system as a tropical depression.[2] Later that day, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert for the system. An overpass from a Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite showed convective banding features developing in the northern portion of the system. An upper-level anticyclone to the north and a tropical upper tropospheric trough cell to the west of the disturbance, along with low vertical wind shear, provided enhanced outflow for the developing disturbance.[1] Early on October 9, the JTWC classified the system as Tropical Depression 21W.[3]
Tracking along the edge of a ridge located north of Wake Island, the depression traveled steadily towards the northwest.[1] Several hours later, the JMA upgraded the depression to a tropical storm and gave it the name Soulik;[2] a name contributed by the Federated States of Micronesia, which is a traditional Pohnpei Chief's title.[1] Later that day, the JTWC also upgraded Soulik to a tropical storm.[3] Slow intensification took place over the next several days due to restricted outflow and moderate wind shear. The storm took a west-northwestward track along the edge of a subtropical ridge, eventually turning towards the northwest in the direction of Iwo Jima.[1] Around 1200 UTC on October 10, the JTWC upgraded Soulik to a typhoon,[3] while the JMA kept Soulik as a severe tropical storm until late on October 12.[2] Another subtropical ridge located west of Soulik built towards the north, causing the storm to turn towards the north. As Soulik neared Iwo Jima, the influenced of both subtropical ridges caused the typhoon to become nearly stationary about 100 km (65 mi) south-southwest of the island.[1]
At this time, both agencies assessed the storm to have reached its peak intensity. According to the JTWC, Soulik attained winds of 165 km/h (105 mph 1-minute winds)[3] while the JMA reported that the storm attained winds of 140 km/h (85 mph 10-minute winds).[2] At 0600 UTC on October 14, Soulik made its closest approach to Iwo Jima, passing within 40 km (25 mi) of the island. According to the JTWC, this would place the island within an area affected by typhoon-force winds. Later that day, an approaching trough enhanced the westerly wind shear, causing the typhoon to weaken. By October 15, the forward motion of the storm increased significantly as it began to undergo an extratropical transition.[1] Later that day, the JTWC downgraded Soulik to a tropical storm,[3] while the JMA kept the storm as a typhoon until early the next day.[2] By 1200 UTC on October 16, Soulik completed its extratropical transition as it rapidly traveled towards the northeast.[1] The extratropical remnants persisted for another day before dissipating south of the Aleutian Islands on October 17.[2]
At 0600 UTC on October 9, a tropical storm watch was issued for Agrihan in the northern Mariana Islands.[4] The next day, the tropical storm watch was upgraded to a tropical storm warning as Soulik approached the island.[5] Residents were advised to secure loose objects which may become airborne during the storm, stay away from coastlines, secure boats, and move to a safe location with available food and water. Officials also warned about the possibility of mudslides due to heavy rain.[6] The warning was later cancelled as Soulik moved away from the Mariana Islands later on October 11.[7]
A total of 8.11 inches (205.9 mm) of rain was recorded on Pagan Island.[8] Sustained winds on the island reached 58 km/h (36 mph) and gusts reached 122 km/h (76 mph). The lowest pressure recorded was 998.8 hPa (mbar). No damage was caused by Soulik as it passed by the northern Mariana Islands.[9] A storm surge of 2.4 to 3.3 m (8 to 11 ft) was anticipated along with coastal flooding up to 0.6 m (2 ft).[10] Waves up to 7.6 m (25 ft) affected the Bonin Islands.[11] On Iwo Jima, winds were recorded up to 160 km/h (100 mph) with gusts up to 210 km/h (130 mph).[12] Although Soulik spent over a day near Iwo Jima, no damage was reported as a result of the storm.[1]