Hurricane Otto (2010)

This article is about the Atlantic hurricane of 2010. For other storms of the same name, see Tropical Storm Otto.
Hurricane Otto
Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS/NWS)

Hurricane Otto as a Category 1 storm
Formed October 6, 2010
Dissipated October 18, 2010
(Extratropical on October 10)
Highest winds 1-minute sustained: 85 mph (140 km/h)
Lowest pressure 976 mbar (hPa); 28.82 inHg
Fatalities None reported
Damage $22 million (2010 USD)
(Preliminary estimate)
Areas affected Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico
Part of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Otto produced days of torrential rain over much of the northeastern Caribbean in October 2010. Otto originated as a subtropical cyclone lingering north of Puerto Rico on October 6, and transitioned into a tropical storm the next day, the fifteenth of the 2010 hurricane season. Accelerating toward the northeast, Otto strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale on October 8, attaining peak winds of 85 mph (140 km/h). The storm began weakening due to incompatible surroundings and became extratropical west of the Azores on October 10. Otto was the first Atlantic tropical cyclone on record to transition from a subtropical storm since Tropical Storm Laura in 2008.[1]

Drifting near the northeastern Caribbean for several days, Otto and its precursor disturbance brought prolonged rainfall to the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, triggering widespread flooding and numerous mudslides. Damage from the storm—in particular to roads, property and infrastructure—exceeded $22 million (2010 USD), but there were no fatalities. After recurving toward the northeast, Otto proceeded across the open Atlantic without affecting any other landmasses.

Meteorological history

Storm path

In late September, a large area of disturbed weather associated with two tropical waves formed just east of the Lesser Antilles.[2] The disturbance drifted very slowly west-northwestward,[3] inhibited by strong wind shear that eventually caused the westernmost wave to dissipate.[4] Albeit weak, an elongated remnant trough, or area of low pressure, persisted for several days, stalling over the extreme eastern Caribbean Sea as a nearby upper-level cyclonic vortex retrograded to its north.[4][5] By October 5, the trough had drifted northward into a more favorable atmospheric environment over the Virgin Islands, which allowed the lowest pressures to extend to the surface. The low became well defined, interacting with the adjacent upper vortex to produce a wide convective band—a concentrated region in which strong showers and thunderstorms can form—over the northeastern Caribbean.[6] Over the next day, the system continued to acquire a prominent subtropical structure:[7][8] it developed a markedly larger wind radius than typically seen in pure tropical cyclones. Satellite observations also revealed that although the lower wind circulation was distinct, it had become intertwined with the cyclonic vortex aloft to its southwest, confirming the hybrid nature of the system.[9] The National Hurricane Center (NHC) thus classified the system as a subtropical depression at 06:00 UTC on October 6, when it was 265 mi (425 km) north-northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico.[10]

The depression slid slowly northwestward between the contiguous upper vortex and a large high-pressure region over the central Atlantic. A region of lighter wind shear ahead, as well as an anticipated weakening of the upper cyclone, prompted the NHC to introduce the possibility of a tropical transition.[9] Later, satellite observations showed a rapid improvement in the depression's structure; convective banding wrapped completely around the broad inner wind field, which produced gusts to 65 mph (105 km/h).[11] Accordingly, the NHC upgraded the depression to Subtropical Storm Otto at 21:00 UTC on October 6, about 215 mi (345 km) northeast of Grand Turk.[12] Although satellite images continued to display a classical subtropical cyclone, with Otto's center and the vortex aloft nearly collocated, data from a Hurricane Hunters aircraft indicated a weak warm convective core was developing within the mid levels of the circulation—a feature normally present at the upper levels of tropical cyclones.[13] Moreover, a contraction of the large wind field reaffirmed that Otto was entering the final stages of its tropical transition. Although convective activity briefly weakened overnight, weakening shear and considerably warmer sea surface temperatures permitted small patches of thunderstorms to refire on the morning of October 7.[14] As Otto meandered northward, temperature contrasts from forecast models indicated that the warm core within the circulation had ascended to the upper levels of the cyclone. In consequence, a burst of deep, tropical convection with extreme cloud top temperatures of approximately −112° F (−80° C) occurred over the center.[15] Having shed the last of its subtropical characteristics, Otto became a warm-core system and was operationally declared tropical at 1200 UTC that day.[10]

Hurricane Otto weakening over the Atlantic

Over the course of October 8, Otto began to accelerate to the northeast under the increasing influence of a vertically deep trough off the US East Coast.[10][16] Conditions aloft remained conducive, and the storm's convection deepened symmetrically over the center to form a large, well-defined central dense overcast.[17][18] By 1200 UTC, Otto's winds had reached 75 mph (120 km/h) while a mid-level eyewall began to form, prompting the NHC to upgrade the storm to a Category 1 hurricane south of Bermuda.[18] Further strengthening ensued as the newly formed hurricane proceeded over the warm waters of the central Atlantic; microwave imagery revealed the eye, though obscured, was vertically well established, marking Otto's peak strength with estimated winds of 85 mph (140 km/h).[19]

Upon peaking in intensity, Otto had become fully embedded within the deep-layered flow to its southwest.[19] Racing northeastward, the hurricane entered an area of progressively cooler waters and adverse upper atmospheric conditions, which eroded its cloud pattern and disrupted the circulation.[20][21] With maximum winds dropping below 70 mph (110 km/h), Otto was reduced to a tropical storm late on October 9.[22] Convective activity came to a near halt due to relentless wind shear and a lack of tropical moisture, leading specialists to conclude the storm was entering an extratropical transition.[23] The next day, the cool dry air infiltrated the weak warm core, and Otto began to develop frontal banding features.[24] With these characteristics, Otto became an extratropical cyclone on October 10, and the NHC discontinued advisories on the storm.[25] The post-tropical system decelerated near the Azores over the next week, where it eventually degenerated into a remnant low that recurved sharply southeastward before completely dissipating west of Morocco on October 18.[10]

Preparations and impact

Otto shortly after completing tropical cyclogenesis

Otto and its precursor disturbance produced days of prolonged rainfall and gusty winds across the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Localized flooding and rough sea conditions caused extensive road damage, infrastructure failures, and some beach erosion along coastlines. During the passage of the storm, numerous residents were left without water and power, and a state of emergency was declared for several Caribbean nations. Schools, businesses and some government offices across all of the Virgin Islands and Saint Kitts and Nevis were closed until storm conditions abated.[26][27] The weather system ultimately accounted for substantial monetary losses throughout these areas, pinned at over $22 million (2010 USD). In addition, Otto was widely regarded as one of the wettest storms in the history of the northeastern Caribbean, repeatedly shattering various rainfall records.[28][29]

Leeward Islands

Wettest tropical cyclones and their remnants on Saint Martin/Sint Maarten
Highest-known totals
Precipitation Storm Location Ref.
Rank mm in
1 700.0 27.56 Lenny 1999 Meteorological Office, Phillpsburg [30]
2 280.2 11.03 Jose 1999 Princess Juliana International Airport [31]
3 165.1 6.50 Luis 1995 [32]
4 111.7 4.40 Otto 2010 Princess Juliana International Airport [33]
5 92.3 3.63 Rafael 2012 Princess Juliana International Airport [34]
6 7.9 0.31 Ernesto 2012 Princess Juliana International Airport [34]
7 7.0 0.28 Chantal 2013 Princess Juliana International Airport [35]
8 6.6 0.26 Dorian 2013 Princess Juliana International Airport [35]

In Saint Lucia, downpours triggered torrential flooding along the island's easternmost coast from October 5 through October 6.[36] In Dennery Quarter, flash floods affected about 500 households; among them, 400 had their houses flooded or severely damaged. Several residences had to be evacuated, and some people were trapped in their homes.[37] Residents also suffered from the absence of drinking water, lack of electricity, and the inability to prepare meals due to the loss of kitchen equipment and other utensils.[38] In response, the area was declared a disaster zone;[26] a total of EC$500,000 ($185,185 USD) was approved to assist flood victims, as well as an additional US$44,194 allocated from the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.[38]

Intermittent torrents battered Saint Kitts and Nevis for at least four days; a total of up to 10.99 inches (279 mm) of precipitation was recorded during that time. Several homeowners reported significant flooding, and a number of persons had to be rescued from their homes. Gusty winds generated rough sea conditions along coastal regions, resulting in some beach erosion and the collapse of a sidewalk section. Rains and associated floods topped a number of culverts and bridges, washed out the sides of some roadways, and damage to some utility lines, followed by significant disruptions to electricity services.[39] The exact amount of damage to the territory remains unknown, however.

Subtropical Depression Seventeen to the north of Puerto Rico, with its long rainband reaching into the northeastern Caribbean

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, heavy rainfall associated with Otto shattered numerous records for October across the US Virgin Islands, with a maximum total of 21.52 in (547 mm) reported in Red Hook, Saint Tomas.[29] The rain flooded roads and prompted officials opened shelters on all three islands on October 6.[40] In Saint Croix, a roadway section leading into Enfield Green collapsed, temporarily cutting the neighborhood off to traffic until a makeshift roadway was created the next day. In La Vallée, on the island's north shore, floods and landslides affected low-lying areas.[40] Traffic on Saint Thomas and Saint John initially remained unhindered; however, as the rain continued for several days, flooding, rockslides and asphalt erosion forced authorities to close several roads and highways.[41] Damage estimates from the storm reached $2 million across the islands.[42]

In the British Virgin Islands, a flash flood warning was in effect during the presence of Otto from October 6 to 8.[43][44] Torrential floods across the islands overturned several cars, and caused extensive damage to utility lines and drainage pipes; dozens of people in Tortola—specifically in Road Town—were temporarily left without power and water.[45] In total, an estimated 24.98 inches (634 mm) of rain was recorded, and the government declared a state of emergency for the entire territory.[46] Floods from the storm were regarded as the worst in the history of the British Virgin Islands.[28][47] In total, damage across the islands was estimated at US$10.5 million, considerably higher than losses ensured by major Hurricane Earl earlier in the year.[48]

Widespread flooding from Otto was responsible for substantial increases in damage to the road network across Sint Maartin initially wrought by Earl, amounting to NAƒ1.5 million ($838,000 USD).[49] On the French side of the island nation, torrents and associated floods in Saint Martin were accountable for similar property infrastructural damage; monetary losses there totaled €800,000 ($1.12 million USD).[50]

Puerto Rico

Storm total rainfall related to Otto in Puerto Rico

Rain began to pour across several parts of Puerto Rico on October 5, persisting for up to five days in some areas. The greatest amount of rainfall during the six-day period of October 3 to 8 was registered at Rio Portugues in Ponce, with 17.86 inches (454 mm) recorded.[51] Due to the rainfall, the Government of Puerto Rico issued the closure of more than 40 roads, and an additional 19 streets were partially secured.[52] Subsequent widespread flooding affected at least 295 roads, 14 of which suffered significant damage. In all, damage to road infrastructure was preliminarily estimated at US$6.5 million.[53] In addition, the municipality of Ponce reported copious losses in agriculture, later estimated at US$1.5 million.[54]

Following the overflow of the Arecibo River on October 7, a neighborhood in Utuado was cut off from surrounding communities after gushing waters severely damaged its main road. Shortly thereafter, a landslide lugged a utility pole along the road, making it impossible for larger vehicles—including ambulances—to access the site. Landslides trapped fourteen families in the municipality of Ponce; a residence alongside a road suffered significant damage and had to be evacuated. In Cayey, a district was isolated from neighboring areas due to the collapse of a bridge. In the area, burst riverbanks triggered floods across local streets, which trapped dozens of families in their homes.[55] Severe flooding contaminated water supplies, leaving an estimated 45,000 people without drinking water in the wake of the storm. In response, the government declared a state of emergency for the entire island. Authorities opened 120 shelters, and several flood victims had to be rescued.[56]

See also

References

  1. ↑ National Hurricane Center; Hurricane Research Division (July 6, 2016). "Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)". United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  2. ↑ Richard Pasch (2010). "Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
  3. ↑ Michael Brennan (2010). "Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-01.
  4. 1 2 David Roth (2010). "Hurricane Otto". Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved 2015-09-10.
  5. ↑ Stacy Stewart (2010). "Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-05.
  6. ↑ Stacy Stewart (2010). "Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-05.
  7. ↑ Robbie Berg (2010). "Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-05.
  8. ↑ Robbie Berg (2010). "Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-06.
  9. 1 2 Eric Blake (2010). "Subtropical Depression Seventeen Discussion 1". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-06.
  10. 1 2 3 4 John Cangialosi (2010). "Hurricane Otto Tropical Cyclone Report" (PDF). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-11-19.
  11. ↑ Stacy Stewart (2010). "Subtropical Storm Otto Discussion 3". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-06.
  12. ↑ Stacy Stewart (2010). "Subtropical Storm Otto Advisory 3". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-06.
  13. ↑ Robbie Berg (2010). "Subtropical Storm Otto Discussion 4". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-06.
  14. ↑ Eric Blake (2010). "Subtropical Storm Otto Discussion 5". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
  15. ↑ Stacy Stewart (2010). "Tropical Storm Otto Discussion 6". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
  16. ↑ Stacy Stewart (2010). "Tropical Storm Otto Discussion 7". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
  17. ↑ Eric Blake (2010). "Tropical Storm Otto Discussion 9". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-08.
  18. 1 2 Todd Kimberlain (2010). "Hurricane Otto Discussion 10". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-08.
  19. 1 2 Stacy Stewart (2010). "Hurricane Otto Discussion 12". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-08.
  20. ↑ Todd Kimberlain (2010). "Hurricane Otto Discussion 14". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  21. ↑ Todd Kimberlain (2010). "Hurricane Otto Discussion 15". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  22. ↑ Stacy Stewart (2010). "Tropical Storm Otto Discussion 16". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  23. ↑ Robbie Berg (2010). "Tropical Storm Otto Discussion 17". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
  24. ↑ Michael Brennan (2010). "Tropical Storm Otto Discussion 18". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
  25. ↑ Michael Brennan (2010). "Tropical Storm Otto Advisory 18". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
  26. 1 2 Staff Writer (2010-10-08). "Tropical Storm Otto lashes Caribbean". Associated Press. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
  27. ↑ Staff Writer (2010). "Tropical Storm Otto shuts down St. Kitts and Nevis". South Florida Caribbean News. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
  28. 1 2 Webmaster (2010). "Drenched again". The BVI Beacon. Retrieved 2010-10-06.
  29. 1 2 SJU Webmaster (2010). "Record Rainfall 2010 San Juan". National Weather Service. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
  30. ↑ Guiney, John L (December 9, 1999). Preliminary Report: Hurricane Lenny November 13 - 23, 1999 (PDF) (Report). United States National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  31. ↑ Pasch, Richard J; National Hurricane Center (November 22, 1999). Hurricane Jose: October 17 - 25, 1999 (Preliminary Report). United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Retrieved December 7, 2012.
  32. ↑ Lawrence, Miles B; National Hurricane Center (January 8, 1996). Hurricane Luis: August 27 - September 11, 1995 (Preliminary Report). United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Retrieved December 7, 2012.
  33. ↑ Cangialosi, John P; National Hurricane Center (November 17, 2010). Hurricane Otto October 6 - 10 (PDF) (Tropical Cyclone Report). United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. p. 6-7. Retrieved December 7, 2012.
  34. 1 2 Connor, Desiree; Etienne-LeBlanc, Sheryl (January 2013). Climatological Summary 2012 (PDF) (Report). Meteorological Department St. Maarten. p. 10. Archived from the original on February 5, 2014. Retrieved December 7, 2012.
  35. 1 2 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season Summary Chart (PDF) (Report). Meteorological Department St. Maarten. January 2013. Archived from the original on February 5, 2014. Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  36. ↑ Toni Nicholas (2010). "We will build a stronger, better Dennery". St. Lucia STAR. Archived from the original on 2014-01-03. Retrieved 2014-01-03.
  37. ↑ Kayra Williams (2010). "Dennery Disaster". St. Lucia STAR. Archived from the original on 2014-01-03. Retrieved 2014-01-03.
  38. 1 2 Staff Writer (2010). "Red Cross responds to St Lucia floods". Caribbean 360. Retrieved 2010-10-15.
  39. ↑ Cherisse M. Sutton-Jeffer (2010). "Heavy rains, high winds in SKN disrupts residents' daily routine". SKNVibes. Retrieved 2010-10-08.
  40. 1 2 Joy Blackburn (2010). "Storm pummels St. Croix". Daily News Staff. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
  41. ↑ Joy Blackburn & Aldeth Lewin (2010). "Otto's onslaught spreads havoc". Daily News Staff. Retrieved 2010-10-08.
  42. ↑ Constance Cooper (November 6, 2010). "Obama declares Hurricane Otto was a disaster for V.I.". Virgin Island Daily News. Retrieved November 24, 2010.
  43. ↑ Staff Writer (2010). "A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect until 6 PM today". Virgin Islands News Online.
  44. ↑ Staff Writer (2010). "Flash Flood Warning Discontinued". Department of Disaster Management. Retrieved 2010-10-08.
  45. ↑ CNN Wire Staff (2010-10-10). "Virgin Islands dry out after Otto's wrath". CNN. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
  46. ↑ Staff Writer (2010). "British Virgin Islands: Governor McClary revokes state of emergency". Government of the United Kingdom. Retrieved 2010-10-19.
  47. ↑ Staff Writer (2010). "Otto Floods Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico". Associated Press & weather.com. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
  48. ↑ Staff Writer (2010). "Statement by Premier O'Neal - Tropical Storm Otto". GIS. Archived from the original on 2014-01-03. Retrieved 2010-10-21.
  49. ↑ Staff Writer (2010). "Road network damage put at over NAf 1.5 M". The Daily Herald. Retrieved 2010-10-19.
  50. ↑ "Les dégats d'Otto" (in French). Orange Caraibe. 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
  51. ↑ David M. Roth (2010). "National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Puerto Rico Rainfall Map". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved 2010-10-15.
  52. ↑ Frances Rosario (2010). "Cerradas cuarenta carreteras por las lluvias" (in Spanish). El Nuevo Dia. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
  53. ↑ Staff Writer (2010). "6.5 millones en daños en carreteras" (in Spanish). Cyber News. Archived from the original on 2010-10-12. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
  54. ↑ Reinaldo Milán (2010). "Por el coletazo de Otto: Cuantiosas pérdidas en agricultura" (in Spanish). La Perla del Sur. Retrieved 2010-10-13.
  55. ↑ Joel Ortiz Rivera (2010). "Familias incommunicadas en Arecibo, Ponce y Cayey" (in Spanish). El Nuevo Dia. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
  56. ↑ Joel Ortiz Rivera (2010). "Más carreteras cerradas, 45,000 sin agua y sobre 120 refugiados" (in Spanish). El Nuevo Dia. Retrieved 2010-10-08.
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