:Cyclone Hondo

{{storm path|Hondo 2008 track.png}}

On 2 February, the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre for the southwest Indian Ocean, Météo-France, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC){{cite web |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=14 February 2009 |title=ABIO10 02-02-2008 18Z |url=http://sonicfighters.com/rattleman/other/tropics/000134-abio10.pgtw..txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522023221/https://www.webcitation.org/5eaxyCqh6?url=http://sonicfighters.com/rattleman/other/tropics/000134-abio10.pgtw..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 }} began monitoring a tropical disturbance located in the western portion of Météo-France's area of responsibility. However, it was not operationally classified as a disturbance for another two days. Traveling generally towards the southwest, the disturbance slowly strengthened.{{cite web|publisher=Météo France|date=8 August 2008|access-date=14 February 2009|title=Données Relatives au Système Dépressionnaire Tropical 13: Cyclone Tropical Intense Hondo|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/TGPR/saison20072008B/10_table.html|language=fr}} At 0300 UTC on 4 February, the JTWC issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert for the system as deep convection and outer bands developed around the center. Located within a narrow area of low to moderate wind shear, the system traveled towards the west-southwest at {{convert|15|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.{{cite web |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=14 February 2009 |title=Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert 02-04-2008 03Z |url=http://205.85.40.22/jtwc/warnings/sh9308web.txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522023259/https://www.webcitation.org/5VLbJ0aLz?url=http://205.85.40.22/jtwc/warnings/sh9308web.txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 }} Shortly after, Météo-France began issuing advisories on Tropical Disturbance 10 while it was located about {{convert|1,020|km|mi|abbr=on}} east-southeast of Diego Garcia. A buoy located just to the south of the small circulation recording decreasing atmospheric pressure, having lowered by 4 hPa (mbar) in the past 24 hours.{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-04-2008 06z |publisher=Météo-France |url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008020406-FMEE |access-date=14 February 2009 }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

With weak steering currents provided by an area of high pressure to the north, the disturbance slowly moved towards the east-southeast. At 1500 UTC, the JTWC began issuing advisories on the disturbance which they designated as Tropical Cyclone 16S. With high oceanic heat content, low wind shear, and good divergence aloft, significant strengthening was likely.{{cite web |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=WTXS31 02-04-2008 15Z |access-date=14 February 2009 |url=http://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc/warnings/sh1608web.txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208220409/http://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc/warnings/sh1608web.txt |archive-date=8 February 2008 }} Early the next day, Météo-France upgraded the disturbance to a tropical depression as winds increased to {{convert|55|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} 10-minute winds).{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-05-2008 00z|publisher=Météo-France|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008020500-FMEE|access-date=14 February 2009}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} However, in the post-season analysis, Météo-France determined that the system had become a depression about 12 hours earlier and was already a moderate tropical storm by the time of the operation upgrade. At 0600 UTC, Météo-France classified the depression as a moderate tropical storm and was given the name Hondo;{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-05-2008 06z|publisher=Météo-France|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008020506-FMEE|access-date=14 February 2009}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} a name submitted to the World Meteorological Organization by Zimbabwe. It was later determined that Hondo was already a severe tropical storm by the time it was named operationally.

File:Hondo intesnsifying on February 5.jpg

Hondo continued to quickly strengthen, becoming a tropical cyclone, the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale, that same day.{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-05-2008 12z|publisher=Météo-France|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008020512-FMEE|access-date=14 February 2009}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} After maintaining its through the early hours of 6 February, a pinhole eye began to develop, signifying that Hondo was beginning to undergo rapid intensification.{{cite web |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=WTXS31 02-06-2008 03Z |access-date=14 February 2009 |url=http://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc/warnings/sh1608web.txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208220409/http://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc/warnings/sh1608web.txt |archive-date=8 February 2008 }} During this intensification phase, the storm became nearly stationary again due to a weakness in the ridge which was previously steering the cyclone towards the east. Later that day, Hondo was upgraded to an intense tropical cyclone{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-06-2008 18z|publisher=Météo-France|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008020618-FMEE|access-date=14 February 2009}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} with winds of {{convert|175|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} 10-minute winds). After becoming an intense tropical cyclone, wind shear began to increase, causing the eye to become slightly disorganized, temporarily slowed the intensification.{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-07-2008 00z|publisher=Météo-France|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008020700-FMEE|access-date=14 February 2009}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Later in the day, the eye became better defined, allowing Hondo to intensify further.{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-07-2008 12z |publisher=Météo-France |url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008020712-FMEE |access-date=14 February 2009 }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Operationally, Hondo was upgraded to a very intense tropical cyclone with winds of {{convert|220|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} 10-minute winds) with a minimum pressure of 906 hPa (mbar).{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-07-2008 18z |publisher=Météo-France |url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008020718-FMEE |access-date=14 February 2009 }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} However, after reanalysis, it was found that Hondo never intensified beyond intense tropical cyclone status and winds peaked at {{convert|215|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} 10-minute winds) with a minimum pressure of 915 hPa (mbar).

File:Hondo secondary peak.jpg

Around the same time that Météo-France assessed Hondo to have peaked, the JTWC reported that the storm had attained winds of {{convert|230|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} 1-minute winds), equivalent to a strong Category 4 hurricane.{{cite web |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=WTXS31 02-07-2008 21Z |access-date=14 February 2009 |url=http://205.85.40.22/jtwc/warnings/sh1608web.txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208135724/http://205.85.40.22/jtwc/warnings/sh1608web.txt |archive-date=8 February 2008 }} Shortly after reaching peak intensity, the cloud tops around the eye began to warm, meaning that the storm was beginning to weaken. Hondo also turned towards the southwest and kept a steady pace as two subtropical highs began influencing its movement.{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-08-2008 00z|publisher=Météo-France|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008020800-FMEE|access-date=14 February 2009}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The storm continued to weaken as cloud tops warmed but remained an intense tropical cyclone as its eye was still well-defined.{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-08-2008 06z|publisher=Météo-France|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008020806-FMEE|access-date=14 February 2009}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Hondo briefly re-intensified later on 8 February despite the structure of the storm deteriorating.{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-08-2008 12z|publisher=Météo-France|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008020812-FMEE|access-date=14 February 2009}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The cyclone maintained intense tropical cyclone status through 10 February due to the formation of a large eye which helped maintain the storms structure.{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-08-2008 18z|publisher=Météo-France|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008020818-FMEE|access-date=14 February 2009}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Hondo gradually began to weaken due to a combination of decreasing sea surface temperatures and increasing forward motion. On 10 February, Hondo started a gradual curving path due to a trough located to the south and strengthening high-pressure systems to the north. At 0600 UTC, the storm was downgraded to a tropical cyclone as winds decreased to {{convert|155|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-10-2008 06z|publisher=Météo-France|url=https://listserv.illinois.edu/wa.cgi?A2=ind0802b&L=wx-tropl&T=0&P=31875|access-date=14 February 2009}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Continued weakened led to the storm being downgraded to a severe tropical storm early on 11 February as it tracked towards the southeast.{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-11-2008 00z|publisher=Météo-France|url=https://listserv.illinois.edu/wa.cgi?A2=ind0802b&L=wx-tropl&T=0&P=45595|access-date=14 February 2009|language=fr}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} After spending several hours over cold waters, most of the convection associated with Hondo dissipated due to the lack of energy and the storm was further downgraded to a moderate tropical storm.{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-11-2008 12z |publisher=Météo-France |url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008021112-FMEE |access-date=14 February 2009 }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Later that day, no convection remained around the storm{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-12-2008 00z|publisher=Météo-France|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008021200-FMEE|access-date=14 February 2009}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} as it weakened to a tropical depression. The JTWC issued their final advisory on 12 February as the storm showed no signs of convective activity.{{cite web |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=WTXS31 02-12-2008 09Z |access-date=14 February 2009 |url=http://sonicfighters.com/rattleman/other/022042-sh1608web.txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522023341/https://www.webcitation.org/5VZ2QbgkO?url=http://sonicfighters.com/rattleman/other/022042-sh1608web.txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 }} Hondo degenerated into a remnant-low-pressure area as Météo-France issued their final advisory at 1200 UTC.{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-12-2008 12z |publisher=Météo-France |url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008021212-FMEE |access-date=14 February 2009 }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} For the next week, the remnant low traveled in a general west-northwestward direction with little or no development. On 20 February, about {{convert|2,780|km|mi|abbr=on}} northeast of where the final advisories were issued, the low began to develop weak convection around the northern edge of the center of circulation.{{cite web |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=14 February 2009 |title=ABIO10 02-20-2008 19Z |url=http://205.85.40.22/jtwc/ab/abioweb.txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228204000/http://205.85.40.22/jtwc/ab/abioweb.txt |archive-date=28 February 2008 }}

File:Hondo regenerated near Reunion.jpg

On 21 February, Météo-France began to issue advisories on Tropical Disturbance Ex-Hondo which presented a well-defined circulation.{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-21-2008 00z|publisher=Météo-France|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008022100-FMEE|access-date=14 February 2009}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Later that day, deep convection redeveloped around the center as the low entered an area favorable for development.{{cite web |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=14 February 2009 |title=ABIO10 02-21-2008 02Z |url=http://205.85.40.22/jtwc/ab/abioweb.txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228204000/http://205.85.40.22/jtwc/ab/abioweb.txt |archive-date=28 February 2008 }} At 0830 UTC, the JTWC issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert, stating that Hondo was likely to regenerate into a tropical cyclone.{{cite web|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|access-date=14 February 2009|title=Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert 02-21-2008 08Z|url=https://listserv.illinois.edu/wa.cgi?A2%3Dind0802c%26L%3Dwx-tropl%26T%3D0%26X%3D3277AC0C321C666FBC%26Y%3Djason_w_rees%40hotmail.com%26P%3D95101|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522023139/https://www.webcitation.org/5eaxMSC19?url=https://listserv.illinois.edu/wa.cgi%3FA2=ind0802c&L=wx-tropl&T=0&X=3277AC0C321C666FBC&Y=jason_w_rees@hotmail.com&P=95101|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 May 2024|df=dmy-all}} Later that day, Hondo became almost stationary and was upgraded to a tropical depression as it continued to develop.{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-21-2008 18z|publisher=Météo-France|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008022118-FMEE|access-date=14 February 2009}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The next day, Hondo was downgraded to a tropical disturbance as wind shear constrained convective development and caused the system to weaken.{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-22-2008 18z|publisher=Météo-France|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008022218-FMEE|access-date=14 February 2009}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} However, early on 23 February, the JTWC began issuing advisories on Hondo as they estimated winds to have reached {{convert|65|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} once more.{{cite web |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=WTXS31 02-23-2008 03Z |access-date=14 February 2009 |url=http://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc/warnings/sh1608web.txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208220409/http://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc/warnings/sh1608web.txt |archive-date=8 February 2008 }} At 0600 UTC, Hondo attained winds of {{convert|95|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} 1-minute winds) near Mauritius and Réunion.{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|publisher=Navy Research Laboratory|year=2008|access-date=14 February 2009|title=JTWC Operational Best Track for Tropical Cyclone 16S|url=https://science.nrlmry.navy.mil/geoips/tcdat/tc08/SHEM/16S.HONDO/trackfile.txt}} Due to the proximity to the islands, convection associated with the storm became disorganized and it began to weaken.{{cite web |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=WTXS31 02-23-2008 15Z |access-date=14 February 2009 |url=http://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc/warnings/sh1608web.txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208220409/http://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc/warnings/sh1608web.txt |archive-date=8 February 2008 }} The JTWC issued their final advisory early on 24 February as the system significantly weakened, with the center devoid of convection.{{cite web |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=WTXS31 02-24-2008 03Z |access-date=14 February 2009 |url=http://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc/warnings/sh1608web.txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208220409/http://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc/warnings/sh1608web.txt |archive-date=8 February 2008 }} Météo-France issued their final advisory several hours later.{{cite web|title=Tropical cyclone Warning 02-24-2008 12z|publisher=Météo-France|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Seychelles/2008022412-FMEE|access-date=14 February 2009}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The remnants of Hondo persisted for another five days, executing a counterclockwise loop before dissipating on 29 February.

As Hondo began to regenerate, Mauritius and Réunion were placed under a state of alert.{{cite web|author=Staff Writer|publisher=Catastrophes Naturalles|date=22 February 2008|access-date=14 February 2009|title=22 au 23/02 : Vigilance cyclonique (Hondo) pour Maurice et la Réunion|url=http://www.catnat.net/alertes-et-suivis/alertes-a-vigilances/7667-22-au-2302--vigilance-cyclonique-hondo-pour-maurice-et-la-rion|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120728150033/http://www.catnat.net/alertes-et-suivis/alertes-a-vigilances/7667-22-au-2302--vigilance-cyclonique-hondo-pour-maurice-et-la-rion|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 July 2012|language=fr}} Residents in Réunion were advised to stay up to date with the latest warnings on the storm, not go hiking in the mountains, ensure their disaster kit is fully stocked, stay away from the shore, and know the locations of the nearest shelters.{{cite web|author=Gaëlle Reverdy|publisher=Communication Interministérielle|date=21 February 2008|access-date=14 February 2009|title=Vigilance cyclonique Ex-cyclone Hondo|url=http://www.reunion.pref.gouv.fr/etat/presse/infopresse/press_080221_vigilance_cyclonique.pdf|language=fr}} Initially, residents in Madagascar feared that Hondo would make landfall in the country after being struck by Cyclone Ivan on 16 February.{{cite news|author=Action by Churches Together|agency=Reuters|date=21 February 2008|access-date=14 February 2009|title=ACT Alert: Cyclone Ivan hits Madagascar|url=http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/222031/12036121265.htm}} However, the storm turn towards the southwest, away from Madagascar.{{cite web|author=Herimanda R.|publisher=Madagascar Tribune|date=23 February 2008|access-date=14 February 2009|title=Hondo ne toucherait pas nos côtes|url=http://www.madagascar-tribune.com/Hondo-ne-toucherait-pas-nos-cotes,4967.html|language=fr}} On 23 February, ex-Hondo tracked just offshore Mauritius before passing directly over Réunion, just short of moderate tropical storm status. Sustained winds of {{convert|50|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} with gusts up to {{convert|76|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} were recorded on Mauritius while sustained winds of {{convert|55|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}{{cite web|author=Gary Padgett|publisher=Typhoon 2000|date=11 June 2008|access-date=14 February 2009|title=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary for February 2008|url=http://www.typhoon2000.ph/garyp_mgtcs/feb08sum.txt}} with gusts up to {{convert|99|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} were recorded on Réunion. The highest rainfall total was recorded at Takamaka, totaling to {{convert|750|mm|in|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|author=Météo-France|publisher=World Meteorological Organization|date=5 September 2008|access-date=14 February 2009|title=Bilan des Alertes Cycloniques en 2006-2008 à La Reunion et à Mayotte|url=http://www.wmo.ch/pages/prog/www/tcp/Meetings/documents/Reunion_consolidated_2006-2008.pdf|language=fr}} Up to 760,000 people were affected on Réunion{{cite web |author=Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System |publisher=Pacific Disaster Center |date=7 September 2008 |access-date=14 February 2009 |title=Green Tropical cyclone alert: Tropical Cyclone Hondo-08 |url=http://www.gdacs.org/reports.asp?eventType=TC&ID=HONDO-08&system=asgard&alertlevel=Green&glide_no=&location=&country=&new=true |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624181112/http://www.gdacs.org/reports.asp?eventType=TC&ID=HONDO-08&system=asgard&alertlevel=Green&glide_no=&location=&country=&new=true |archive-date=24 June 2008 }} and overall damage was minimal.

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• Tropical cyclones in 2008
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{{Reflist|2}}

• [http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301105349/http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC |date=1 March 2010 }}
• [http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20090712010756/http%3A//www%2Emeteo%2Efr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/ Météo France (RSMC La Réunion)]

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Category:2007–08 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season

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Category:Tropical cyclones in 2008