Cyclone Wilma

{{other hurricanes|List of storms named Wilma|the South Pacific cyclone of 2011}}

{{Infobox weather event

| name = Severe Tropical Cyclone Wilma

| image = Wilma 2011-01-26 0900Z (gallery).jpg

| caption = Wilma prior to peak strength on January 26

| formed = 19 January 2011

| extratropical = 29 January 2011

| dissipated = 30 January 2011

}}{{Infobox weather event/FMS

| winds = 100

| pressure = 939

}}{{Infobox weather event/JTWC

| winds = 115

| pressure = 937

}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects

| year = 2011

| fatalities = 3 direct

| damage = 22000000

| areas = Samoan Islands, Tonga, New Zealand

}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer

| season = 2010–11 South Pacific cyclone season

}}

Severe Tropical Cyclone Wilma was a powerful tropical cyclone that affected the Samoan Islands, Tonga and New Zealand. Forming out of a trough of low pressure on 19 January 2011 to the northwest of Fiji, Cyclone Wilma initially tracked eastward towards the Samoan Islands. On 22 January, the system took a sharp southward turn, bringing its centre directly over American Samoa the following day. After turning towards the southwest and accelerating, Wilma steadily intensified into a severe tropical cyclone before striking Tonga. The storm reached its peak intensity on 26 January as a Category 4 cyclone with winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) and a barometric pressure of 930 mbar (hPa; 27.46 inHg). Gradually re-curving towards the southeast, Wilma weakened quickly as it moved over cooler sea surface temperatures; by 28 January, it was downgraded to a tropical cyclone. Later that day, the storm brushed the North Island of New Zealand before transitioning into an extratropical cyclone.

Throughout Wilma's path, three countries were affected, with New Zealand experiencing the most severe damage. At least three fatalities in American Samoa have been blamed on the storm, two from flooding and one from high seas. In Tonga, "major damage" was reported across the Ha'apai Islands. In New Zealand, several homes were destroyed by the storm and hundreds of people were evacuated. However, there were no reports of fatalities. Torrential rain in the country, exceeding {{convert|280|mm|in|abbr=on}} in some places, triggered 50-year flood events and isolated towns.

Meteorological history

Early on 19 January, RSMC Nadi reported that Tropical Disturbance 06F had developed along a trough of low pressure about {{convert|665|km|abbr=on}} to the northeast of Nadi, Fiji.{{cite web|title=Tropical Disturbance Summary January 19, 2010 09z |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605172657/http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/ww/wwps21.nffn..txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |url=http://www.met.gov.fj/aifs_prods/20036.txt |accessdate=16 November 2014 |date=19 January 2010 |author=RSMC Nadi – Tropical Cyclone Centre |archivedate=5 June 2011 |url-status=dead }} During that day convection surrounding the disturbance gradually became more organised, and early the next day, RSMC Nadi reported that it had intensified into a tropical depression.{{cite web|title=Tropical Disturbance Summary 20 January 2010 09z |url=http://www.met.gov.fj/aifs_prods/20036.txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |accessdate=21 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721220457/http://www.met.gov.fj/aifs_prods/20036.txt |archivedate=21 July 2012 }} On 22 January, The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) started monitoring the system as Tropical Cyclone '08P'.{{cite web|title=JTWC Tropical Cyclone 08P Warning 01 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |accessdate=22 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203131616/http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archivedate=3 December 2010 }} Later the same day, RSMC Nadi upgraded Tropical Depression 06F to a tropical cyclone and named it 'Wilma'.{{cite web|title=Storm Warning for Cyclone Wilma 22 January 2010 12z |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps01.nffn..txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |accessdate=22 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203130631/http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps01.nffn..txt |archivedate=3 December 2010 }} Early on 24 January, RSMC Nadi further upgraded Wilma to a Category 2 Tropical Cyclone, and then Category 3 later that day.{{cite web|title=RSMC Nadi Hurricane Warning 062 for Tropical Cyclone Wilma |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wh/whps01.nffn..txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |accessdate=24 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019012921/http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wh/whps01.nffn..txt |archivedate=19 October 2011 }}{{cite web|title=TROPICAL DISTURBANCE ADVISORY NUMBER A12 for TROPICAL CYCLONE WILMA |url=http://www.met.gov.fj/aifs_prods/20032.txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |accessdate=25 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721221001/http://www.met.gov.fj/aifs_prods/20032.txt |archivedate=21 July 2012 }} Wilma continued to strengthen and on 26 January, the RSMC Nadi upgraded it into a Category 4 Severe Tropical Cyclone.{{cite web|title=HURRICANE WARNING 073 for TROPICAL CYCLONE WILMA |url=http://www.met.gov.fj/aifs_prods/20008.txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |accessdate=26 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721221024/http://www.met.gov.fj/aifs_prods/20008.txt |archivedate=21 July 2012 }} Early on 27 January, Wilma entered TCWC Wellington's area of responsibility.{{cite web|title=JTWC Tropical Cyclone 08P Warning 11 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |accessdate=27 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203131616/http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archivedate=3 December 2010 }} A few hours later, TCWC Wellington took full responsibility of Wilma, and downgraded it into a Category 3 Severe Tropical Cyclone.{{cite web|title=TCWC Wellington – HURRICANE WARNING 490 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wh/whnz41.nzkl..txt |publisher=TCWC Wellington |accessdate=27 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019013122/http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wh/whnz41.nzkl..txt |archivedate=19 October 2011 }} The next day, Wilma continued to weaken and TCWC Wellington further downgraded it into a tropical cyclone.{{cite web|title=TCWC Wellington – HURRICANE WARNING 490 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wh/whnz41.nzkl..txt |publisher=TCWC Wellington |accessdate=28 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019013122/http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wh/whnz41.nzkl..txt |archivedate=19 October 2011 }} Later that day, the JTWC, issuing their final warning, reported that the system took a southeast curve along the coast of North Island, New Zealand and started becoming extratropical.{{cite web|title=JTWC Tropical Cyclone 08P Warning 14 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |accessdate=28 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203131616/http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archivedate=3 December 2010 }} A few hours later, the TCWC Wellington discontinued advisories, no longer considering it a tropical cyclone.{{cite web|title=Marine Weather Bulletin for Former Tropical Cyclone Wilma |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/fq/fqps43.nzkl..txt |publisher=Tropical Cyclone Warning Center, Wellington |accessdate=29 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023013709/http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/fq/fqps43.nzkl..txt |archivedate=23 October 2011 }}

Preparations, Impact and aftermath

=American Samoa=

Following harsh criticism for the lack of a warning siren after the 2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami, in which more than 100 perished, the American Samoan Government ensured that residents were aware of Cyclone Wilma several days prior to its arrival. Many people boarded up their homes and Homeland Security was on standby in case of evacuations. As a precautionary measure, ten shelters were also opened on the island.

On 23 January, Wilma passed directly over American Samoa, bringing winds in excess of 95 km/h (60 mph). The local National Weather Service office recorded sustained winds of {{convert|41|mph|km/h|abbr=on|disp=flip}} with gusts to {{convert|59|mph|km/h|abbr=on|disp=flip}} while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Earth System Research Laboratories on Cape Matatula, Tutuila, observed sustained winds of {{convert|58|mph|km/h|abbr=on|disp=flip}} and gusts of {{convert|81|mph|km/h|abbr=on|disp=flip}}. These winds downed numerous trees and power lines, leaving several towns and cities without electricity.{{cite web|author=Vanessa Stewart |publisher=KHON2 |date=27 January 2011 |accessdate=27 January 2011 |title=Tropical Cyclone Wilma passes, no major damage to American Samoa |url=http://www.khon2.com/news/local/story/Tropical-Cyclone-Wilma-passes-no-major-damage-to/JeYIJsW4YkC-950sxWBr3w.cspx |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111209135727/http://www.khon2.com/news/local/story/Tropical-Cyclone-Wilma-passes-no-major-damage-to/JeYIJsW4YkC-950sxWBr3w.cspx |archivedate=9 December 2011 }} Several structures also had their roofs blown off.{{cite web|work=Honolulu Star Advertiser|date=24 January 2011|accessdate=24 January 2011|title=Cyclone Wilma blows over Samoa, strengthening en route to Fiji|url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/114469369.html|archive-date=10 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910212501/http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/114469369.html|url-status=dead}} Heavy rains amounting to {{convert|9.56|in|mm|abbr=on|disp=flip}} triggered a few landslides but overall damage was light.{{cite report|work=National Weather Service Office in American Samoa|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2011|accessdate=28 April 2015|title=American Samoa Event Report: Hurricane (Typhoon)|url=http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=277800}} With that, the Pago Pago International Airport was closed and the American Samoa Governor, Togiola Tulafono ordered local government agencies to help those in need.{{cite web|title=Pacific nations on cyclone alert|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/7270746.html|work=People's Daily|accessdate=24 January 2011}} Wilma caused severe damage to the StarKist Samoa tuna cannery which was then shut down for a week.{{cite web|title=Cyclone causes cannery shutdown in American Samoa|url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=58416|publisher=Radio New Zealand International|accessdate=26 January 2011}} Across the region, three fatalities due to drowning were blamed on the storm. One of these was a child who was swept away by a swollen river while he was playing near it.{{cite web|publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=27 January 2011 |accessdate=29 January 2011 |title=Samoan flood deaths could have been avoided – disaster official |url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op%3Dread%26id%3D58438 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027032624/http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=58438 |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 October 2017 }}

In the days after Wilma's passage, health officials warned residents to stay away from standing water as it may have been contaminated to prevent the spread of water-borne diseases.{{cite web|publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=27 January 2011 |accessdate=29 January 2011 |title=Health warnings in American Samoa following Cyclone Wilma |url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op%3Dread%26id%3D58458 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618014534/http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=58458 |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 June 2022 }} Following preliminary assessments of damage, Governor Tulafono stated that there was sufficient losses to warrant an emergency declaration from President Barack Obama. However, he also requested that a second, in-depth report of the situation be made to better determine how to move forward; the second assessment was set to start on 27 January.{{cite web|publisher=Government of American Samoa |date=25 January 2011 |accessdate=29 January 2011 |title=Gov. Togiola receives preliminary assessment for Tropical Cyclone Wilma; requests second report |url=http://americansamoa.gov/news/2011/gov-togiola-receives-preliminary-assessment-tropical-cyclone-wilma-requests-second-report |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110422133138/http://americansamoa.gov/news/2011/gov-togiola-receives-preliminary-assessment-tropical-cyclone-wilma-requests-second-report |archivedate=22 April 2011 }} According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, power and water supplies were restored to all areas by 25 January and the airport was set to reopen that day. Harbours were to remain closed for several more days as debris was being cleared from coastal waters.{{cite web|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|date=25 January 2011|accessdate=29 January 2011|title=National Situation Update: Tuesday, January 25, 2011|url=https://home.fema.gov/emergency/reports/2011/nat012511.shtm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721040248/https://home.fema.gov/emergency/reports/2011/nat012511.shtm|archive-date=21 July 2011|url-status=dead}}

=Tonga and Lau Islands=

After Wilma moved over American Samoa, a tropical cyclone alert was issued in Tonga and Lau Islands.{{cite web|title=Cyclone alert for Tonga, Fiji|url=http://australianetworknews.com/stories/201101/3120443.htm?desktop|publisher=Australia News Network|accessdate=24 January 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314104057/http://australianetworknews.com/stories/201101/3120443.htm?desktop|archivedate=14 March 2012}} On the morning of 25 January, Wilma blew over Tonga as a severe tropical cyclone.{{cite web|title=Cyclone passes Tonga tourist spot|date=24 January 2011|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/4576822/Cyclone-passes-Tonga-tourist-spot|publisher=Fairfax New Zealand Limited|accessdate=25 January 2011}} Major damage was reported in the Ha'apai Islands of Tonga.{{cite web|title=Major destruction on Tonga's Ha'apai from Cyclone Wilma|url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=58393|publisher=Radio New Zealand International|accessdate=25 January 2011}} Wilma also disrupted New Zealand Foreign Minister, Murray McCully's trip to Tonga.{{cite web|title=McCully delays trip to Tonga|date=25 January 2011|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/67026/mccully-delays-trip-to-tonga|publisher=Radio New Zealand |accessdate=25 January 2011}} Throughout Tonga, damage amounted to $3 million.{{cite web|author=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=3 February 2011|accessdate=6 February 2011|title=Tonga: Tropical Cyclone Wilma, Situation Report #1, 3 February 2011|url=http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/retrieveattachments?openagent&shortid=VVOS-8DPT5H&file=Full_report.pdf}}

=New Zealand=

File:Flooding (5400123029).jpg after Cyclone Wilma]]

According to the media, Wilma was expected to approach the coasts of Cape Reinga on 29 January, as a Category 2 Tropical Cyclone.{{cite web|title=Cyclone on track to strike New Zealand|date=26 January 2011|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4583680/Cyclone-on-track-to-strike-New-Zealand|publisher=Fairfax New Zealand Limited|accessdate=26 January 2011}} In combination with previous flooding expected to be worsened by Wilma, officials in New Zealand evacuated numerous towns in the Thames-Coromandel District.{{cite web|publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=29 January 2011 |accessdate=29 January 2011 |title=Cyclone Wilma leaves trail of destruction |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/regional/67344/cyclone-wilma-leaves-trail-of-destruction |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031102213/http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/regional/67344/cyclone-wilma-leaves-trail-of-destruction |archivedate=31 October 2013 }} At least 70 people sought refuge in public shelters during the storm.{{cite web|agency=Australian Associated Press |work=Herald Sun |date=29 January 2011 |accessdate=29 January 2011 |title=Cyclone Wilma batters New Zealand |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/cyclone-wilma-batters-new-zealand/story-e6frf7k6-1225996603164 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027153804/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/cyclone-wilma-batters-new-zealand/story-e6frf7k6-1225996603164 |archivedate=27 October 2017 }}

As Cyclone Wilma brushed the North Island, it brought torrential rains to much of the region, with several areas recording {{convert|200|mm|in|abbr=on}} during a 24‑hour span. One station recorded {{convert|280|mm|in|abbr=on}} in 12–14 hours. With this, several areas neared record-breaking rainfall totals for the month of January. These rains, in combination with heavy rains a week prior, caused several rivers to swell. One river, the Whakatāne, was expected to reach levels seen in 50-year flood events. Large amounts of debris was reported to be flowing down rivers into the ocean. High winds accompanying these rains caused significant damage as well; several homes were destroyed and electricity was cut off to many towns and cities as power lines were felled. Numerous roads across the island were shut down due to treacherous conditions. Two rural towns, Waimana and Ruatoki Valley, were isolated by flooding as high water covered all roads leading to and from the areas. In parts of the Coromandel Peninsula, sewage treatment plants were overwhelmed by the amount of rain and began spilling raw sewage into nearby communities as well as Whangamata harbour.{{cite web|work=The New Zealand Herald |date=29 January 2011 |accessdate=29 January 2011 |title=Raw sewage overflows in Coromandel |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id%3D1%26objectid%3D10702932 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112170629/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10702932 |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 January 2014 }} Along the slopes of Mount Maunganui, campers were forced to evacuate in the middle of the night as flood waters began to threaten their rest areas. Several landslides were also reported during the passage of Wilma, cutting off roads and damaging homes.{{cite web|author=Tim Lambourne |publisher=3News.NZ |date=29 January 2011 |accessdate=29 January 2011 |title=Cyclone Wilma leaves trail across the North Island |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Cyclone-Wilma-leaves-trail-across-the-North-Island/tabid/423/articleID/196437/Default.aspx |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027074601/http://www.3news.co.nz/Cyclone-Wilma-leaves-trail-across-the-North-Island/tabid/423/articleID/196437/Default.aspx |archivedate=27 October 2017 }} On Waiheke Island, two residents managed to escape their cottage, after the family dog began barking outside, before the hill it was situated on gave way, destroying their house.{{cite web|author=ONE News |publisher=TV New Zealand |date=29 January 2011 |accessdate=29 January 2011 |title=Lucky escape after house collapses |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/lucky-escape-after-house-collapses-4009876 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110130234903/http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/lucky-escape-after-house-collapses-4009876 |archivedate=30 January 2011 }}

Throughout New Zealand, damage from Wilma was at least NZ$25 million (US$19 million).{{cite web|author=Abby Gillies |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=20 February 2011|accessdate=20 February 2011|title=Cyclone leaves $25m bill|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10707560}}{{cite web|publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=2 February 2011|accessdate=6 February 2011|title=Northland counts cost of cyclone damage|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/regional/67560/northland-counts-cost-of-cyclone-damage}} While other cyclones have weakened and turned into extratropical storms that then hit New Zealand, Cyclone Wilma is the first known to hit New Zealand as a tropical cyclone.{{cite web|work=The New Zealand Herald |date=6 February 2011|accessdate=7 February 2011|title=Tropics move into the upper North Island |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10704493}}