Cyclone Nancy

{{storm path|Nancy 2005 track.png}}

Cyclone Nancy originated out of a broad area of low pressure within a monsoonal trough northeast of Samoa on February 10.{{cite report|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225212738/http://www.met.gov.fj/documents/TC_Seasonal_Summary_04-051190690498.pdf |author=RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |access-date=November 22, 2012 |title=Tropical Cyclone Summary 2004 – 2005 Season |url=http://www.met.gov.fj/documents/TC_Seasonal_Summary_04-051190690498.pdf |archive-date=February 25, 2009 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|author=Gary Padgett|publisher=Typhoon 2000|date=April 25, 2005|access-date=June 14, 2009|title=Monthly Tropical Weather Summary for February 2005|url=http://www.maybagyo.com/garyp_mgtcs/feb05sum.txt}} Initially, the system was nearly stationary within an area of weak steering currents, low wind shear and high sea surface temperatures, exceeding {{convert|30|C|F|abbr=on}}. On February 11, a trough briefly increased shear over the system and its nearby twin, the precursor to Cyclone Olaf. By 0600 UTC on February 12, the system's outflow improved and a small area of deep convection, known as the central dense overcast, developed over the center of circulation. Later that day, the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) in Nadi, Fiji upgraded the system to a Category 1 cyclone and gave it the name Nancy while it was located about {{convert|485|km|mi|abbr=on}} east-northeast of Pago Pago, American Samoa. By this time, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) had also begun issuing advisories on the storm, designating it as Tropical Cyclone 18P.

The storm had undertaken a slow northeast motion early on February 13 before turning southeast in response to a mid-level ridge located northeast of the cyclone. Convective banding features developed close to the center of circulation as the storm began to undergo explosive intensification. Around 1200 UTC, the storm attained Severe Tropical Cyclone status as winds reached {{convert|120|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} 10-minute winds) and a small, irregularly shaped, eye began to develop. The JTWC, however, assessed Nancy to have been substantially weaker until 0000 UTC on February 14, at which time they reported a {{convert|95|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} increase in winds, attaining minimal Category 3 status on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale.{{cite web|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2006|access-date=June 14, 2009|title=JTWC Best Track for Cyclone 18P (Nancy)|url=http://www.usno.navy.mil/NOOC/nmfc-ph/RSS/jtwc/best_tracks/2005/2005s-bsh/bsh182005.txt|archive-date=June 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607014541/http://www.usno.navy.mil/NOOC/nmfc-ph/RSS/jtwc/best_tracks/2005/2005s-bsh/bsh182005.txt|url-status=dead}}

By 1200 UTC on February 14, Nancy attained its peak intensity with winds of {{convert|175|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} 10-minute winds) and a barometric pressure of 935 hPa (mbar). Shortly after, the JTWC assessed Nancy to have peaked with winds of {{convert|230|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} 1-minute winds). Increasing forward motion to the southeast and increasing wind shear caused Nancy to weaken. Early on February 15, the storm passed directly over Manuae. Continued weakening took place as a trough approached from the southwest. By February 16, Nancy weakened below hurricane intensity and turned to the southwest as it began to undergo a Fujiwhara interaction with Cyclone Olaf to the north.

Strong shear associated with the outflow of Cyclone Olaf caused all convection associated with Nancy to be displaced to the southwest on February 16. Early on February 17, Nancy transitioned into an extratropical cyclone as it entered the area of responsibility of the Tropical cyclone warning centre (TCWC) in Wellington, New Zealand. Shortly after, the low was absorbed into the larger circulation of Olaf. However, TCWC Wellington continued to monitor Nancy as a separate system until 1200 UTC on February 18.

The Regional Specialized Meteorological Center in Nadi, Fiji uses 10-minute sustained winds for its tropical cyclone tracking information, while the Joint Typhoon Warning Center uses 1-minute sustained winds.{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|publisher=United States Navy|date=March 31, 2008|title=Frequently Asked Questions|access-date=June 17, 2009|url=http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC/frequently-asked-questions-1#fcstdiff|archive-date=September 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901174657/http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC/frequently-asked-questions-1#fcstdiff|url-status=dead}} The conversion factor between the two is 1.14.{{cite web|publisher=United States Navy|year=2009|url=http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/~chu/chap6/se200.htm|title=Section 2 Intensity Observation and Forecast Errors|access-date=June 17, 2009|archive-date=August 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830042306/http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/~chu/chap6/se200.htm|url-status=dead}} RSMC Nadi's peak intensity for Nancy was {{convert|175|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} 10-minute sustained, or {{convert|205|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} 1-minute sustained. The JTWC's peak intensity for Nancy was {{convert|230|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} 1-minute sustained, or {{convert|205|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} 10-minute sustained.

File:Nancy and Olaf 14 feb 2005.jpg

Upon being named Nancy on February 13, a gale warning was put in place for American Samoa.{{cite web|author=Kevin Vang|publisher=Asia-Pacific Disaster Alerts|date=February 13, 2005|access-date=June 14, 2009|title=Cyclone Nancy Forms|url=http://www.afap.org/apcedi/2005/02/apcedi-alert-09f-3-2005-cyclone-nancy.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050217102252/http://www.afap.org/apcedi/2005/02/apcedi-alert-09f-3-2005-cyclone-nancy.html|archive-date=February 17, 2005}} Later that day, four additional countries were placed under watches and warnings. A gale watch was declared for Samoa and strong wind warnings were raised in Tuvalu, Tokelau and the Cook Islands.{{cite web|author=Kevin Vang|publisher=Asia-Pacific Disaster Alerts|date=February 13, 2005|access-date=June 14, 2009|title=Two Tropical Systems cause Warnings and Watches over 5 Countries|url=http://www.afap.org/apcedi/2005/02/apcedi-alert-09f08f-4-2005-two.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050619035607/http://www.afap.org/apcedi/2005/02/apcedi-alert-09f08f-4-2005-two.html|archive-date=June 19, 2005}} On February 14, a tropical cyclone alert was declared for the southern Cook Islands. Additionally, Niue was placed under a strong wind warning.{{cite web|author=Kevin Vang|publisher=Asia-Pacific Disaster Alerts|date=February 14, 2005|access-date=June 14, 2009|title= Dual Cyclones Nancy and Olaf Intensify; Cooks and Samoa in the Front Line|url=http://www.afap.org/apcedi/2005/02/apcedi-alert-09f08f-6-2005-dual.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050619034453/http://www.afap.org/apcedi/2005/02/apcedi-alert-09f08f-6-2005-dual.html|archive-date=June 19, 2005}} Later that day, Wallis and Futuna were placed under a strong wind warning.{{cite web|author=Kevin Vang|publisher=Asia-Pacific Disaster Alerts|date=February 14, 2005|access-date=June 14, 2009|title= Dual Cyclones Nancy and Olaf Intensify; Warnings Now Cover 7 Island Nations|url=http://www.afap.org/apcedi/2005/02/apcedi-alert-09f08f-7-2005-dual.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050619035505/http://www.afap.org/apcedi/2005/02/apcedi-alert-09f08f-7-2005-dual.html|archive-date=June 19, 2005}} On February 15, a hurricane warning was issued for the southern Cook Islands as Nancy tracked through the archipelago.{{cite web|author=Kevin Vang|publisher=Asia-Pacific Disaster Alerts|date=February 15, 2005|access-date=June 14, 2009|title=Dual Cyclones Nancy and Olaf Still Intensifying; Critical Situation for Cooks, Samoa and American Samoa|url=http://www.afap.org/apcedi/2005/02/apcedi-alert-09f08f-9-2005-dual.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050619034239/http://www.afap.org/apcedi/2005/02/apcedi-alert-09f08f-9-2005-dual.html|archive-date=June 19, 2005}}

Already impacted by Cyclone Meena just a week prior, residents in the Cook Islands heeded warnings and evacuated to emergency shelters.{{cite web|author=Staff Writer|publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=February 15, 2005|access-date=June 14, 2009|title=First assessments of damage from Cyclone Nancy|url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?id=14882&op=read}} Coastal areas where seawalls had been damaged or destroyed by Meena were of particular interest to warning centers and urged all people in the vicinity of them to evacuate to a nearby shelter. On Aitutaki, all preparations were completed by February 15. Tourists were relocated from hotels to one of six shelters set up throughout the island. An estimated 100 people reportedly evacuated to shelters out of the 2,000 that live on the island.{{cite web|author=Kevin Vang|publisher=Asia-Pacific Disaster Alerts|date=February 15, 2005|access-date=June 14, 2009|title=Dual Cyclones Nancy and Olaf Poised to Give Major Hit to Southern Cooks, Samoa and American Samoa|url=http://www.afap.org/apcedi/2005/02/apcedi-alert-09f08f-11-2005-dual.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050218084316/http://www.afap.org/apcedi/2005/02/apcedi-alert-09f08f-11-2005-dual.html|archive-date=February 18, 2005}} Radio broadcasts urging people to move to shelters were broadcast all day and the local cyclone center had all staff on standby. Eight shelters were opened on Rarotonga by this time.{{cite web|author=Kevin Vang|publisher=Asia-Pacific Disaster Alerts|date=February 15, 2005|access-date=June 14, 2009|title=Dual Cyclones Nancy and Olaf Continue to Pose Critical Situation for Cooks, Samoa and American Samoa|url=http://www.afap.org/apcedi/2005/02/apcedi-alert-09f08f-10-2005-dual.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050619035154/http://www.afap.org/apcedi/2005/02/apcedi-alert-09f08f-10-2005-dual.html|archive-date=June 19, 2005}} All residents were evacuated from low-lying areas as large swells were anticipated to inundate those areas.{{cite web|author=Staff Writer|publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=February 15, 2005|access-date=June 14, 2009|title=Cyclone Nancy buffets Rarotonga|url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?id=14892&op=read}} Schools throughout the Cook Islands were closed prior to the cyclone and would remain closed for several more days.{{cite web|author=Staff Writer|agency=Xinhua News Agency|date=February 17, 2005|access-date=June 14, 2009|title=Samoa escapes worst cyclone|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/17/content_2587259.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024125844/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-02/17/content_2587259.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 24, 2012}} Many of the south Pacific islands were in a "critically dangerous situation" due to the quick succession of cyclones.{{cite web|author=Staff Writer|publisher=United Press International|date=February 15, 2005|access-date=June 14, 2009|title=Twin cyclones hit South Pacific|url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2005/02/15/UPI-NewsTrack-TopNews/UPI-22211108512940/}}

File:Cyclones Nancy and Olaf 2005.jpg

Cyclone Nancy caused substantial damage throughout the Cook Islands. On Atiu, all communication to the island was cut as power lines were downed throughout the island. Winds on the island gusted up to {{convert|241|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. Four homes were destroyed on the island and at least 80 trees were downed, blocking all roads. Several homes had their roofs blown off, coconut trees were downed, road were covered in debris and heavy rains fell throughout all the islands. Numerous trees were downed across Manuae and Mauke by the storm's high winds. Four homes were destroyed on Mauke. Three homes were destroyed on Mitiaro and trees blocked all roads on the island.{{cite web|author=Kevin Vang|publisher=Asia-Pacific Disaster Alerts|date=February 16, 2005|access-date=June 14, 2009|title=Dual Cyclones Nancy and Olaf Battering Southern Cooks, Samoa and American Samoa|url=http://www.afap.org/apcedi/2005/02/apcedi-alert-09f08f-13-2005-dual.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050619034847/http://www.afap.org/apcedi/2005/02/apcedi-alert-09f08f-13-2005-dual.html|archive-date=June 19, 2005}}

On Rarotonga, several bridges were damaged by high waves produced by the cyclone. Schools, churches, and restaurants were damaged by wind gusts up to {{convert|150|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} throughout the island. Fifteen temporarily shelters constructed after Cyclone Meena were also destroyed.{{cite web|author=J. Butler and J. Callaghan |publisher=Regional Office, Bureau of Meteorology, Brisbane, Australia|date=September 2007|access-date=June 14, 2009|title=The South Pacific and southeast Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season 2004-05|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/amoj/docs/2007/butler.pdf}} Damages caused by the storm to the Avana Marina Condominiums forced the owners to close them until mid-April to allow for reconstruction and renovation.{{cite web|author=Carmen Sanchez|publisher=Cyber Driver News Network|date=February 25, 2005|access-date=June 14, 2009|title=Cyclone damage shuts down two hotels in Cook Islands|url=http://www.cdnn.info/news/travel/t050225.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050306211927/http://www.cdnn.info/news/travel/t050225.html|archive-date=March 6, 2005}} The highest winds were recorded in the southern portions of the island chain, with a wind gust of {{convert|259|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} being recorded on Mangaia. Up to 100% of the seasonal crop harvest was lost due to Cyclone Nancy.{{cite web|author=Staff Writer|publisher=European Union|year=2005|access-date=June 14, 2009|title=Recovery Assistance to the Victims of Cyclones in the Cook Islands |url=http://ec.europa.eu/echo/files/funding/decisions/2005/dec_cook_islands_01000_en.pdf}}

In the wake of all four cyclones, the Cook Islands requested international assistance. Funding to repair damages from the storms reached $7.87 million. The Red Cross provided relief items, such as blankets and lanterns worth $35,200; the Pacific Forum provided food, fuel, and logistical support worth $32,000; the Government of China donated $19,200 in post-disaster funds; $32,000 in funding was provided by the United Nations Development Programme; contributions from the Australian Agency for International Development and the New Zealand Agency for International Development amounted to $862,570, consisting of fuel, shelter, relief items, and disaster funds; the Government of Australia provided $128,000 wort of fuel and equipment; lastly, the Government of France deployed military teams with recovery supplies and tents.{{cite web|author=Staff Writer |publisher=Asian Development Bank |year=2005 |access-date=June 14, 2009 |title=Report and Recommendation of the President |url=http://www.adb.org/documents/rrps/coo/39118-COO-RRP.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071031125359/http://www.adb.org/documents/rrps/coo/39118-COO-RRP.pdf |archive-date=October 31, 2007 }} The European Union also supplied £200,000 ($280,000) in relief funds.

Since Nancy caused substantial damage throughout the Cook Islands, the name was retired from "Naming List A" for the South Pacific basin and was replaced with Nat. The three other cyclones that impacted the region, Meena, Olaf and Percy, were also retired and replaced by Mal, Osai and Pita respectively.{{cite web|publisher=World Meteorological Organization|year=2008|access-date=June 14, 2009|title=Tropical Cyclone Naming|url=http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/tcp/Storm-naming.html}}

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Category:2005 in French Polynesia

Category:February 2005 in Oceania