Cyclone Fantala

{{Infobox weather event

| name = Very Intense Tropical Cyclone Fantala

| image = Fantala 2016-04-18 1025Z.jpg

| caption = Fantala north of Madagascar on 18 April, shortly after peak intensity

| formed = 11 April 2016

| dissipated = 27 April 2016

| low = 23 April 2016

| duration =

}}{{Infobox weather event/MFR

| winds = 135

| gusts = 190

| pressure = 910

}}{{Infobox weather event/JTWC

| winds = 155

| pressure = 907

}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects

| year = 2016

| damages = 4500000

| fatalities = 13 total

| affected = {{Flatlist|

}}

| refs = {{cite news | url=http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/5175/.+million+in+damages+from+cyclone+that+hit+remote+Seychellois+island%2C+World+Bank+says | title=$4.5 million in damages from cyclone that hit remote Seychellois island, World Bank says | date=17 May 2016 | agency=Seychelles News Agency | access-date=26 May 2016 |author1=Athanase, Patsy |author2=Uranie, Sharon | location=Victoria, Seychelles}}

}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer

| season = 2015–16 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season

}}

Very Intense Tropical Cyclone Fantala was the most intense tropical cyclone recorded in the South-West Indian Ocean in terms of sustained winds. Part of the 2015–16 cyclone season, Fantala formed on 11 April to the south of Diego Garcia, an island in the central Indian Ocean. With a ridge to the south, the storm moved westward for several days while gaining strength, aided by warm waters and decreasing wind shear. Late on 17 April, the Météo-France office on Réunion (MFR) estimated peak 10-minute winds of {{convert|250|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}}, making Fantala the strongest tropical cyclone of the basin in terms of 10-minute sustained winds. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) estimated peak 1-minute winds of {{convert|285|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=10}}, equivalent to Category 5 intensity on the Saffir-Simpson scale, also the strongest on record in the South-West Indian Ocean, in terms of maximum sustained wind speed. Early on 18 April, Fantala reached its peak intensity, with a minimum central pressure of {{convert|910|mbar|inHg}}.

While near peak intensity, Fantala passed near the Farquhar Group of the Seychelles, damaging most of the buildings in the small archipelago. Later on 18 April, Fantala had weakened to an intense tropical cyclone and slowed its forward motion, eventually reversing its direction of movement. After fluctuating in strength, the disorganized system reversed direction again, making its closest approach to Madagascar. Fantala degenerated into a remnant low on 24 April, and the remnants continued toward Tanzania. There, heavy rainfall resulted in flooding that washed away roads and houses, killing 13 people. Rains extended further into Kenya, with similar effects.

Meteorological history

On 9 April, an area of disturbed weather persisted to the southeast of Diego Garcia. The system moved generally westward, steered by a ridge, and a low-level circulation gradually became more defined. Limiting factors to faster development included poor inflow and moderate wind shear, although associated convection became more organized. At 06:00 UTC on 11 April, the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center Météo-France in La Réunion (MFR) classified the system as Tropical Disturbance 8 about {{convert|600|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of Diego Garcia.{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=11 April 2016 |access-date=21 April 2016 |title=Tropical Disturbance 8 Warning 1 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522002700/https://www.webcitation.org/6gkHR3laR?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604110703.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} Six hours later, the agency upgraded the system to a tropical depression.{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=11 April 2016 |access-date=21 April 2016 |title=Tropical Depression 8 Warning 2 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522003025/https://www.webcitation.org/6gkIHF3oV?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604111309.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} At 13:00 UTC on 11 April, the American-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued a tropical cyclone formation alert, noting the increased organization of the convection, circulation, and outflow.{{cite report|work=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |date=21 April 2016 |access-date=21 April 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtxs21.pgtw..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522002338/https://www.webcitation.org/6gkGL92HN?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS21-PGTW_201604111300.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} Later that day, the MFR upgraded the depression to Moderate Tropical Storm Fantala,{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=11 April 2016 |access-date=21 April 2016 |title=Warning of Moderate Tropical Storm |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522002622/https://www.webcitation.org/6gkHKDEs6?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTMA20-FIMP_201604111830.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} and the JTWC classified it as Tropical Cyclone 19S. By that time, the convection was quickly consolidating around the center, organizing into a circular central dense overcast.{{cite web|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 19S (Fantala) Warning NR 001 |access-date=21 April 2016 |date=11 April 2016 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604112100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522002539/https://www.webcitation.org/6gkGT0oP1?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604112100.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |df=dmy }}

On 12 April, the previously detrimental wind shear began easing, allowing the structure to become more symmetric.{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=12 April 2016 |access-date=21 April 2016 |title=Moderate Tropical Storm 8 (Fantala) Warning 4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522002942/https://www.webcitation.org/6gkIGPNmB?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604120030.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} On that day, an eye feature began developing in the center of Fantala, indicative of strengthening.{{cite web|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 19S (Fantala) Warning NR 002 |access-date=21 April 2016 |date=12 April 2016 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604120900.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522002502/https://www.webcitation.org/6gkGSd3Bm?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604120900.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |df=dmy }} At 12:00 UTC on 12 April, the MFR upgraded Fantala to severe tropical storm status,{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=12 April 2016 |access-date=21 April 2016 |title=Severe Tropical Storm 8 (Fantala) Warning 6 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522002902/https://www.webcitation.org/6gkIFcO1z?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604121229.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} and six hours later, the JTWC upgraded it to the equivalent of a minimal hurricane, with 1 minute maximum sustained winds of {{convert|120|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}; rapid strengthening was prevented by the entrainment of nearby dry air,{{cite web|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 19S (Fantala) Warning NR 003 |access-date=21 April 2016 |date=12 April 2016 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604122100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522002418/https://www.webcitation.org/6gkGRnhW3?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604122100.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |df=dmy }} although the core of convection continued to contract.{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=12 April 2016 |access-date=21 April 2016 |title=Severe Tropical Storm 8 (Fantala) Warning 7 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522002820/https://www.webcitation.org/6gkIFCgWZ?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604121915.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} At 06:00 UTC on 13 April, the MFR upgraded Fantala to tropical cyclone status, with 10 minute winds of {{convert|130|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}}. By that time, the eye feature persisted, consisting of a warm area within the deepest convection,{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=13 April 2016 |access-date=21 April 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 8 (Fantala) Warning 9 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522002742/https://www.webcitation.org/6gkIENMiq?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604130646.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} although the dry air in the region prevented quicker strengthening.{{cite web|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 19S (Fantala) Warning NR 005 |access-date=21 April 2016 |date=13 April 2016 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604132100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522003101/https://www.webcitation.org/6gmqbHVkZ?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604132100.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |df=dmy }}

By early on 14 April, the eye became better defined after an eyewall replacement cycle.{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=14 April 2016 |access-date=21 April 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 8 (Fantala) Warning 13 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522003221/https://www.webcitation.org/6gmqJrfum?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604140651.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} The intensity fluctuated after outflow decreased to the north, although increasingly warm waters favored further intensification.{{cite web|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 19S (Fantala) Warning NR 007 |access-date=21 April 2016 |date=14 April 2016 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604142100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522003342/https://www.webcitation.org/6gmqZlzlD?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604142100.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |df=dmy }} Early on 15 April, the MFR upgraded Fantala to an intense tropical cyclone,{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=15 April 2016 |access-date=21 April 2016 |title=Intense Tropical Cyclone 8 (Fantala) Warning 17 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522003142/https://www.webcitation.org/6gmqHmXdu?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604150629.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} as the storm rapidly deepened.{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=15 April 2016 |access-date=21 April 2016 |title=Intense Tropical Cyclone 8 (Fantala) Warning 18 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522003501/https://www.webcitation.org/6goT5ts28?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604151226.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} The outflow was enhanced by a large upper-level low well to the southeast, and shear had decreased to a minimum.{{cite web|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 19S (Fantala) Warning NR 008 |access-date=21 April 2016 |date=15 April 2016 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604150900.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522003301/https://www.webcitation.org/6gmqZKhQw?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604150900.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |df=dmy }} After reaching an initial peak intensity with 10-minute sustained winds of {{convert|205|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}} at 12:00 UTC that day, Fantala's intensity leveled off for the following 48 hours, with its 10-minute sustained winds fluctuating between {{convert|195|and|215|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=10}}.{{cite web | url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/data/20152016/2015RE08.html | title=FANTALA : 10/04/2016 TO 26/04/2016 | publisher=Météo-France in La Réunion | access-date=30 May 2016}}

File:Fantala 2016-04-17 0955Z.jpg

On 16 April, Fantala turned more to the west-northward toward the southern islands of the Seychelles, steered by a strengthening ridge near Madagascar.{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=16 April 2016 |access-date=21 April 2016 |title=Intense Tropical Cyclone 8 (Fantala) Warning 22 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522003622/https://www.webcitation.org/6grIg3c2y?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604161309.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} Intensification resumed by 12:00 UTC on the following day, with the JTWC estimating 1-minute sustained winds of 270 km/h (165 mph), classifying Fantala as a Category 5-equivalent tropical cyclone on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Around 15:00 UTC, the cyclone moved through the Farquhar Group of the Seychelles, and its eyewall moved over several small islands. At 18:00 UTC on 17 April, the MFR upgraded Fantala to a very intense tropical cyclone; based on a Dvorak T-number of T7.5, the satellite-derived wind estimate was 10-minute sustained winds of {{convert|250|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}}, along with an estimated barometric pressure of {{convert|910|mbar|hPa inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4}}.{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=17 April 2016 |access-date=21 April 2016 |title=Very Intense Tropical Cyclone 8 (Fantala) Warning 27 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522003542/https://www.webcitation.org/6grIcjVql?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604171908.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} However, in the best track for Fantala, the MFR concluded that Fantala had been a very intense tropical cyclone 6 hours earlier as well, with 10-minute sustained winds of {{convert|220|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=10}}, and that the storm's peak intensity and minimum central pressure of {{convert|910|mbar|hPa inHg|abbr=on}} had occurred 18 hours after that time, at 06:00 UTC on 18 April. The JTWC also estimated peak 1-minute sustained winds of {{convert|285|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=10}}.

While maintaining peak intensity, Fantala's forward movement slowed, as the ridge to its south over Madagascar weakened.{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=18 April 2016 |access-date=21 April 2016 |title=Very Intense Tropical Cyclone 8 (Fantala) Warning 30 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522003822/https://www.webcitation.org/6gtUl9tsS?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604181238.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} The cyclone turned back to the southeast due to the building influence of a ridge to the northeast, and the storm retraced its former path. Cooler waters along its path{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=19 April 2016 |access-date=21 April 2016 |title=Very Intense Tropical Cyclone 8 (Fantala) Warning 32 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522003822/https://www.webcitation.org/6gtUl9tsS?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604181238.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} – the result of upwelling{{cite web|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 19S (Fantala) Warning NR 015 |access-date=21 April 2016 |date=18 April 2016 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604182100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522003903/https://www.webcitation.org/6gtUsUYYL?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604182100.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |df=dmy }} – as well as another eyewall replacement cycle,{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=19 April 2016 |access-date=21 April 2016 |title=Intense Tropical Cyclone 8 (Fantala) Warning 31 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522003742/https://www.webcitation.org/6gtUkkgSz?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604181834.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} caused Fantala to weaken to an intense tropical cyclone by 19 April. Fantala had maintained at least Category 4-equivalent intensity for about 90 hours, and of those 90 hours, Fantala spent about 30 hours at both very intense tropical cyclone status and Category 5-equivalent intensity.{{cite web | url=https://science.nrlmry.navy.mil/geoips/tcdat/tc16/SHEM/19S.FANTALA/trackfile.txt | title=Fantala (19S) Operational Best Track | publisher=Naval Research Laboratory | date=26 April 2016 | access-date=6 June 2016 | archive-date=2 January 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102111405/http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/tcdat/tc16/SHEM/19S.FANTALA/trackfile.txt | url-status=live }} That day, the eye disappeared on satellite imagery and the storm deteriorated further to tropical cyclone status.{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=19 April 2016 |access-date=21 April 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 8 (Fantala) Warning 33 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522003702/https://www.webcitation.org/6gtUjXNdM?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604190640.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} The eye redeveloped on 20 April, with pronounced outflow assisting in the re-intensification,{{cite web|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 19S (Fantala) Warning NR 018 |access-date=21 April 2016 |date=20 April 2016 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604200900.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522004105/https://www.webcitation.org/6gvxyDDAk?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604200900.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |df=dmy }} although increased shear resulted in weakening again on 21 April.{{cite web|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 19S (Fantala) Warning NR 020 |access-date=21 April 2016 |date=21 April 2016 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604210900.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522004025/https://www.webcitation.org/6gvxx79e4?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604210900.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |df=dmy }} That day, the MFR downgraded Fantala to a severe tropical storm.{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=21 April 2016 |access-date=21 April 2016 |title=Severe Tropical Storm 8 (Fantala) Warning 41 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522003944/https://www.webcitation.org/6gvxnGJog?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604210643.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} The structure improved again on 22 April as the system stalled due to the building ridge to the south.{{cite web|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 19S (Fantala) Warning NR 022 |access-date=22 April 2016 |date=22 April 2016 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604220900.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522004304/https://www.webcitation.org/6gxcokbLa?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604220900.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |df=dmy }} At 00:00 UTC that day, the MFR upgraded Fantala to an intense tropical cyclone once the eye became more pronounced again,{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=22 April 2016 |access-date=22 April 2016 |title=Intense Tropical Cyclone 8 (Fantala) Warning 44 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522004227/https://www.webcitation.org/6gxcfIB9M?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604220128.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} only to downgrade it to tropical cyclone status by 06:00 UTC,{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=22 April 2016 |access-date=22 April 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 8 (Fantala) Warning 45 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522004142/https://www.webcitation.org/6gxceb8Tq?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604220637.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} though this was pushed back to 12:00 UTC in the best track. A small area of convection persisted over the center, although dry air in the region continued to weaken the thunderstorms.{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=22 April 2016 |access-date=26 April 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 8 (Fantala) Warning 47 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522004343/https://www.webcitation.org/6gz57gdu6?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604221815.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}

The MFR again downgraded Fantala to a severe tropical storm on 23 April, as the storm began drifting to the northwest.{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=23 April 2016 |access-date=26 April 2016 |title=Severe Tropical Storm 8 (Fantala) Warning 48 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522004423/https://www.webcitation.org/6gz57Hsqf?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604230015.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} Increasing wind shear weakened Fantala further to a moderate tropical storm that day,{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=23 April 2016 |access-date=26 April 2016 |title=Severe Tropical Storm 8 (Fantala) Warning 49 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522004423/https://www.webcitation.org/6gz57Hsqf?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604230015.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} and on 24 April, both the JTWC and MFR issued their final advisories; the latter agency had first downgraded it to a tropical depression. By that time, the circulation was exposed from the convection as Fantala moved over cooled waters where it traversed a few days prior.{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=24 April 2016 |access-date=26 April 2016 |title=Tropical Depression 8 (ex-Fantala) Warning 52 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522004423/https://www.webcitation.org/6gz57Hsqf?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604230015.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}{{cite web|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |title=Tropical Cyclone 19S (Fantala) Warning NR 026 |access-date=26 April 2016 |date=24 April 2016 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604240900.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522004504/https://www.webcitation.org/6h0qaJzkh?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS31-PGTW_201604240900.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |df=dmy }} The circulation continued to the northwest, with occasional flares of convection.{{cite web|title=Bulletin for Cyclonic Advisity and Significant Tropical Weather in South-West Indian Ocean|date=26 April 2016|access-date=15 May 2016|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/zcit/ZCITA_201604261211.pdf|publisher=Météo-France}} By 27 April, a circulation was no longer present as the convective remnants of Fantala approached the coastline of Tanzania.{{cite web|title=Bulletin for Cyclonic Advisity and Significant Tropical Weather in South-West Indian Ocean|date=27 April 2016|access-date=15 May 2016|url=http://www.meteo.fr/temps/domtom/La_Reunion/webcmrs9.0/anglais/activiteope/bulletins/zcit/ZCITA_201604271131.pdf|publisher=Météo-France}}

Preparations and impact

File:Fantala 2016-04-21 2130Z.png

Cyclone Fantala first threatened Agaléga, part of the Outer Islands of Mauritius. Government officials forced all 72 residents on the South Island to evacuate to the North Island, and strongly advised fishermen to avoid sailing.{{cite news|title=Agalega: 72 Personnes Évacuées á L'Approche du Cyclone Fantala|publisher=Le Defi Media Group|date=15 April 2016|access-date=22 April 2016|url=http://defimedia.info/agalega-72-personnes-evacuees-a-lapproche-du-cyclone-fantala-25166/|language=French|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423135943/http://defimedia.info/agalega-72-personnes-evacuees-a-lapproche-du-cyclone-fantala-25166/|archive-date=23 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}

Fantala was the first tropical cyclone to threaten the Farquhar Group since Cyclone Bondo in 2006.{{cite report|publisher=Météo-France |date=16 April 2016 |access-date=21 April 2016 |title=Intense Tropical Cyclone 8 (Fantala) Warning 21 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio22.fmee..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522003421/https://www.webcitation.org/6goT4KmZ2?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO30-FMEE_201604160706.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} Most of the 34 residents on Farquhar Atoll evacuated ahead of the storm, and those that remained behind were uninjured.{{cite web|title=Cyclone Fantala in Seychelles|date=19 April 2016|publisher=Space & Major Disasters International Charter|access-date=22 April 2016|url=https://www.disasterscharter.org/web/guest/activations/-/article/cyclone-in-seychelles}} While moving through the Seychelles near peak intensity, Fantala had estimated 10-minute sustained winds of {{convert|250|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, and days later it moved through the region again with 10-minute sustained winds estimated at {{convert|130|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. Based on satellite imagery, it was estimated that of the 50 structures on Farquhar Atoll, 19 were destroyed and 27 sustained severe damage. Only four buildings, which were constructed to be cyclone-proof after Bondo, withstood the estimated {{convert|350|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} gusts, even then suffering moderate damage.{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone Fanatala-16 Damage Assessment Report Farquhar Atoll, Seychelles|date=25 April 2016|publisher=ReliefWeb|work=United Nations Institute for Training and Research|access-date=26 April 2016|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/UNOSAT_DamageAssessment_TC_FANTALA_Final-Report.pdf}} In addition, many of the island's trees were knocked down.{{cite news|author=Sharon Urinie|date=20 April 2016|access-date=21 April 2016|title=Seychelles authorities declare Farquhar islands disaster areas after Cyclone Fantala hits twice|agency=Seychelles News Agency|url=http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/5017/Seychelles+authorities+declare+Farquhar+islands+disaster+areas+after+Cyclone+Fantala+hits+twice}} Due to the storm's prolonged passage through the island group, the Seychelles government declared the Farquhar islands as a disaster area on 20 April. In a visit to the Seychelles, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated that the country has become "highly vulnerable to storm surges, as we are reminded by the recent devastating effects of Cyclone Fantala."{{cite news|newspaper=eTurboNews|date=10 May 2016|title=UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issues statement from Seychelles}} {{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} A World Bank survey team found $4.5 million in damage. The lodge on the island was not expected to be rebuilt until March 2017, about 11 months after the storm.{{cite web | url=http://www.flyfisherman.com/blogs/editors-notebook/cyclone-fantala-lays-waste-to-fly-fishing-paradise/ | title=Cyclone Fantala Lays Waste to Fly-Fishing Paradise | publisher=Fly Fisherman | date=18 May 2016 | access-date=10 June 2016 | author=Purnell, Ross | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601141146/http://www.flyfisherman.com/blogs/editors-notebook/cyclone-fantala-lays-waste-to-fly-fishing-paradise/ | archive-date=1 June 2016 | url-status=dead }} In April 2017, the development of two new islands in Farquhar's lagoon was attributed to the cyclone.{{Cite web |url=http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/7043/Two+new+islands+Cyclone+leads+to+large+sand+dunes+off+Seychelles%27+island+of+Farquhar |title=Two new islands? Cyclone leads to large sand dunes off Seychelles' island of Farquhar |last1=Laurence |first1=Daniel |last2=Bonnelame |first2=Betymie |publisher=Seychelles News Agency |location=Victoria, Seychelles |date=April 4, 2017 |access-date=May 17, 2017}}

The remnants of Fantala spurred warnings from the Tanzania Meteorological Agency after the storm produced heavy rainfall.{{cite news|newspaper=Africa News|date=23 April 2016|title=TMA Issues Heavy Rains Warning}} {{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} In Kilimanjaro Region, the rains caused flooding that covered roads and entered houses, trapping hundreds of residents and killing eight. Officials required helicopters from nearby Kilimanjaro National Park to rescue residents. Five people were killed in the country's Morogoro Region, all drowning in flooded rivers. The overflowing Umba River isolated several villages. In the region, 13,933 people were left homeless after 315 houses were washed away. Flooding also washed away {{convert|12,073|ha|acre|abbr=on}} of crop fields, prompting officials to purchase and distribute maize, beans, and cooking oil to affected residents.{{cite news|newspaper=Philippine News Agency|date=26 April 2016|title=Floods kill seven in N. Tanzania}} {{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}}{{cite news|newspaper=Philippine News Agency|date=28 April 2016|title=Five killed, over 13,000 left homeless by floods in eastern Tanzania}} {{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} The storm also sent a plume of moisture northward to Kenya, where storm-influenced rainfall reached {{convert|133|mm|in|abbr=on}} in Kwale in just four hours. This resulted in flooding in coastal portions of Kenya that destroyed several houses. About {{convert|25000|acre|ha|abbr=on|order=flip}} of crop fields were flooded. The port and several roads were closed in the city of Mombasa, Kenya's second-largest city.{{cite news|author=Benard Juma|title=Tropical Cyclone Fantala Triggers Heavy Rainfall and Flooding in Coastal Kenya|publisher=Flood List|date=21 April 2016|url=http://floodlist.com/africa/tropical-cyclone-fantala-triggers-heavy-rainfall-flooding-coastal-kenya|access-date=15 May 2016}}

Records

The MFR's estimate of peak 10-minute sustained winds of {{convert|250|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}} made Fantala the strongest tropical cyclone on record in the south-west Indian Ocean by that measure.{{cite web | url=http://www.meteomadagascar.mg/dgm/actus/fantala3 | title=FANTALA, le cyclone le plus puissant de notre bassin jamais enregistré | publisher=Météo Madagascar | date=18 April 2016 | access-date=10 June 2016 | archive-date=25 April 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425014228/http://www.meteomadagascar.mg/dgm/actus/Fantala3 | url-status=dead }} According to estimates from the JTWC, Fantala attained peak 1-minute sustained winds of {{convert|285|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=10}}, surpassing Cyclone Agnielle from November 1995 as the strongest cyclone on record in the south-west Indian Ocean. Reliable satellite-based intensity estimates date back to 1990.{{cite web|author=Bob Henson|title=Fantala Tied for Strongest on Record for Indian Ocean; Massive Flash Flood in Houston|publisher=Weather Underground|date=18 April 2016|access-date=July 30, 2023|url=https://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/fantala-tied-for-strongest-on-record-for-indian-ocean-massive-flash-f.html}} The storm was fueled by the powerful 2014–16 El Niño event, which also contributed to the record intensities of Hurricane Patricia in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, as well as Cyclone Pam and Cyclone Winston in the southern Pacific Ocean.{{cite news|author=Max Bearak|date=19 April 2016|access-date=21 April 2016|title=A humongous, El Niño-fueled cyclone named Fantala is this year's third record-breaker in a row|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/04/19/a-humongous-el-nino-fueled-cyclone-named-fantala-is-this-years-third-record-breaker-in-a-row/}} Cyclone Fantala had an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) of 53, which was the highest in the Southern Hemisphere until Cyclone Freddy in 2023.{{Cite web |title=Tropical Cyclone Freddy Breaks Records before Lashing Madagascar |url=https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/news/tropical-cyclone-freddy-breaks-records-lashing-madagascar |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service |language=en}}

References

External links

[http://www.meteofrance.re/cyclone/saisons-passees/2015_2016/dirre/FANTALA MFR Track Data] of Very Intense Tropical Cyclone Fantala {{in lang|fr}}
[http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/tcdat/tc16/SHEM/19S.FANTALA/ 19S.FANTALA] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102075151/http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/tcdat/tc16/SHEM/19S.FANTALA/ |date=2 January 2017 }} from the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
[https://earth.nullschool.net/#2016/04/17/1800Z/wind/isobaric/850hPa/orthographic=47.26,-7.37,3000/loc=50.769,-9.685 Fantala at its peak]

Category:2015–16 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season

Category:Very intense tropical cyclones

Category:April 2016

Fantala