Cyclone Winston
{{Short description|Category 5 South Pacific cyclone in 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{Infobox weather event
| name = Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston
| image = Winston 2016-02-20 0130Z (cropped).jpg
| caption = Cyclone Winston at record peak intensity on 20 February, just before making landfall in Fiji
| extratropical = 25 February 2016
| dissipated = 3 March 2016
| formed = 7 February 2016
}}{{Infobox weather event/FMS
| agency = FMS
| winds = 150
| gusts =
| pressure = 884
| pressure-suffix =
(Official record low in the Southern Hemisphere; global record low at landfall)
}}{{Infobox weather event/JTWC
| winds = 155
| pressure = 907
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| year = 2016
| damages-suffix =
(Third-costliest cyclone in the South Pacific basin)
| damages = 1400000000
| fatalities = 44 total
| affected = Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Niue, Queensland}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season = 2015–16 South Pacific and Australian region cyclone seasons
}}
Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston was a powerful and destructive tropical cyclone that became the most intense in the Southern Hemisphere on record, as well as the strongest to make landfall on record, and the most intense and longest lasting tropical cyclone worldwide in 2016. Winston was, at the time, the costliest tropical cyclone on record in the South Pacific basin, until it was surpassed by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023.{{cite web|last1=Masters|first1=Jeff|last2=Henson|first2=Bob|title=Winston's Damage Highest in South Pacific History; Extreme February Warmth in Eurasia|url=https://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/winstons-damage-highest-in-south-pacific-history-extreme-february-wa.html|access-date=10 February 2018}} The system was first noted as a tropical disturbance on 7 February 2016, when it was located to the northwest of Port Vila, Vanuatu. Over the next few days, the system gradually developed as it moved southeast, acquiring gale-force winds by 11 February. The following day, it underwent rapid intensification and attained ten-minute maximum sustained winds of {{convert|175|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. Less favourable environmental conditions prompted weakening thereafter. After turning northeast on 14 February, Winston stalled to the north of Tonga on 17 February. Due to a change in higher level steering, the storm drifted back to the west. In the process, Winston again rapidly intensified, reaching Category 5 intensity on both the Australian tropical cyclone scale and the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale on 19 February. The storm passed directly over Vanua Balavu, where a national record wind gust of {{convert|306|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} was observed.
The cyclone reached its peak intensity on 20 February, with ten-minute sustained winds of {{convert|280|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} and a pressure of 884 hPa (mbar; 26.10 inHg), shortly before making landfall on Viti Levu, Fiji. Thereafter, the storm slowly weakened within a less favourable environment; the system turned southeast during this time, though remained well away from Fiji. It later degenerated into a remnant low, with some subtropical characteristics, on 24 February as it turned to the west and later northwest. The system persisted for more than a week over the Coral Sea before ultimately moving over Queensland, Australia and dissipating on 3 March, 26 days after being classified a tropical disturbance.
In advance of the storm's arrival in Fiji, numerous shelters were opened, and a nationwide curfew was instituted during the evening of 20 February. Striking Fiji at Category 5 intensity on 20 February, Winston inflicted extensive damage on many islands and killed 44 people. Communications were temporarily lost with at least six islands, with some remaining isolated more than two days after the storm's passage. A total of 40,000 homes were damaged or destroyed and approximately 350,000 people—roughly 40 percent of Fiji's population—were significantly impacted by the storm. Total damage from Winston amounted to FJ$2.98 billion (US$1.4 billion). The nation's government declared a state of emergency on 20 February, which remained in place for 60 days. Immediately following the cyclone, the governments of Australia and New Zealand provided logistical support and relief packages. In the following weeks, a coalition of international support, including intergovernmental agencies, brought tens of millions of dollars in aid and hundreds of tons of supplies to residents in Fiji.
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Background
Though frequented by tropical cyclones in general, the main islands of Fiji—Viti Levu and Vanua Levu—are seldom impacted by intense storms like Winston. Before Winston, the strongest storm to affect the main islands since records began in 1941 was Evan in December 2012, which skirted the western coast of Viti Levu as a Category 4 system on both the Australian scale and the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale.{{cite web|author=Jeff Masters|publisher=Weather Underground|date=17 December 2012|access-date=19 February 2016|title=A grinch in paradise: Category 4 Tropical Cyclone Evan slams Fiji|url=http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/comment.html?entrynum=2313}} Also before Winston, the strongest storm to make landfall on either Viti Levu or Vanua Levu was Nigel in 1985, with ten-minute sustained winds of {{convert|150|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}} and one-minute sustained winds of {{convert|195|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}}, Category 3 on both scales. Winston is the deadliest storm to affect the nation of Fiji since Cyclone Meli in 1979, which claimed 53 lives.{{cite news|agency=Fiji Broadcast Corporation|publisher=Pacific Islands News Association|date=23 February 2016|access-date=11 March 2016|title=Fiji Government focuses on collecting information from cyclone hit areas|url=http://www.pina.com.fj/?p=pacnews&m=read&o=61163517356ccdda50ff398c3457b1}}
The relative lack of strong tropical cyclones affecting the capital city of Suva, located along the southeastern coast of Viti Levu, led to complacency among residents. Many assume that strong storms are confined to northern and western areas. With Winston approaching Fiji from the east and directly threatening Suva as a Category 5 severe tropical cyclone, Angela Fritz of The Washington Post called the storm a worst-case scenario.{{cite news|author=Angela Fritz|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=19 February 2016|access-date=19 February 2016|title=Catastrophic Cyclone Winston bears down on Fiji's main island in worst case scenario|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2016/02/19/catastrophic-cyclone-winston-bears-down-on-fijis-main-island-in-worst-case-scenario/}}
Meteorological history
{{Storm path|Winston 2016 path.png|left|250px|colors=new}}On 7 February 2016, the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) started to monitor Tropical Disturbance 09F, which had developed about {{convert|1000|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} northwest of Port Vila, Vanuatu.{{cite report|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service|date=7 February 2016|access-date=19 February 2016|title=Tropical Disturbance Summary for Area Equator to 25S, 160E to 120W|url=http://www.met.gov.fj/aifs_prods/20036.txt|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522064140/https://www.webcitation.org/6fBiTyQOw?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WWPS21-NFFN_201602072300.htm|url-status=live|archive-date=22 May 2024}} Over the next few days the system moved southeast and gradually developed further within a favourable environment.{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=10 February 2016 |access-date=19 February 2016 |title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/ab/abpw10.pgtw..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522064059/https://www.webcitation.org/6fBilWDlQ?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABPW10-PGTW_201602100230.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} On 10 February, the United States-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) initiated advisories on the system and classified it as Tropical Cyclone 11P, while it was located about {{convert|860|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the west-northwest of Suva, Fiji.{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=10 February 2016 |access-date=19 February 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Eleven) Warning Nr 001 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps51.pgtw..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522064224/https://www.webcitation.org/6fCXhQArO?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS51-PGTW_201602101500.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} The FMS upgraded it to Category 1 status on the Australian tropical cyclone scale and assigned it the name Winston early on 11 February; at this time the storm was situated roughly {{convert|820|km|abbr=on}} west-northwest of Suva, Fiji. Embedded within a northwesterly deep layer mean flow, the system tracked southeast.{{cite report|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=11 February 2016 |access-date=19 February 2016 |title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A4 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522064340/https://www.webcitation.org/6fECxlyvf?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201602110000.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |type=Advisory |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} Around 12:00 UTC on the same day, Winston intensified into a Category 2 tropical cyclone, as a small, well-defined eye developed within deepening convection.{{cite report|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=11 February 2016 |access-date=19 February 2016 |title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A6 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522064259/https://www.webcitation.org/6fECxFPOB?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201602111200.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |type=Advisory |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=11 February 2016 |access-date=19 February 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning Nr 003 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522064420/https://www.webcitation.org/6fED589F1?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201602111500.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}
File:Winston 2016-02-12 1200Z.png
Situated within a favorable environment for development—featuring sea surface temperatures of {{convert|30|to|31|C|F|abbr=on}}, robust upper-level outflow, and light to moderate wind shear{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning Nr 005 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=19 February 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522064620/https://www.webcitation.org/6fFB0vxy6?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201602121500.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}—Winston rapidly intensified on 12 February, becoming a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone by 06:00 UTC,{{cite report|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=12 February 2016 |access-date=19 February 2016 |title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A9 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522064502/https://www.webcitation.org/6fFAdmdS7?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201602120600.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |type=Advisory |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} and then a Category 4 cyclone only six hours later.{{cite report|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=12 February 2016 |access-date=19 February 2016 |title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A10 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522064540/https://www.webcitation.org/6fFAdUbTv?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201602121200.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |type=Advisory |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} The system presented a well-defined eye enveloped by deep convection, and it reached its initial peak intensity at 18:00 UTC, with ten-minute maximum sustained winds of {{convert|175|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}{{cite report|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=12 February 2016 |access-date=19 February 2016 |title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A11 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522064700/https://www.webcitation.org/6fHps9anU?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201602121800.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |type=Advisory |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} and the JTWC estimated one-minute maximum sustained winds at {{convert|215|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, classifying it as a Category 4-equivalent cyclone on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale.{{cite web|publisher=US Naval Research Laboratory, Marine Meteorology|work=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=20 February 2016|access-date=20 February 2016|title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Rolling Best Track|url=https://science.nrlmry.navy.mil/geoips/tcdat/tc16/SHEM/11P.WINSTON/trackfile.txt|format=.TXT|archive-date=26 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226191631/http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/tcdat/tc16/SHEM/11P.WINSTON/trackfile.txt|url-status=live}} Soon thereafter, increasing wind shear prompted weakening;{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=13 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 007 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522064740/https://www.webcitation.org/6fHqHeYyg?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201602131500.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} convection waned and became increasingly ragged in appearance. On 14 February, Winston turned to the northeast as a subtropical ridge positioned itself to the north.{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=14 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 008 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522064824/https://www.webcitation.org/6fHqHNXSh?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201602140300.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}
Persistent wind shear displaced convection from the center of Winston, leaving its circulation partially exposed. As a result, the system degraded below severe tropical cyclone status by 00:00 UTC on 15 February.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A19 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=15 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522065342/https://www.webcitation.org/6fMyYNv9j?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201602150000.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |type=Advisory |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} Conditions became more favourable for development on 16 February when shear relaxed over the cyclone. A prominent banding feature wrapped into the circulation that day, marking the start of reintensification.{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=16 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 013 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522065746/https://www.webcitation.org/6fMzA3Uwv?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201602160900.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} An eye reformed later that day within increasing convection,{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=16 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 014 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522065703/https://www.webcitation.org/6fMz9mPiC?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201602161500.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} and Winston regained severe tropical cyclone intensity by 18:00 UTC.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A26 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=16 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522065303/https://www.webcitation.org/6fMyWAzSC?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201602161800.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |type=Advisory |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} The storm's core became increasingly compact and defined as it strengthened,{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=17 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 016 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522065623/https://www.webcitation.org/6fMz99ChM?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201602170300.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} and a central dense overcast became established on 17 February.{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=17 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 017 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522065503/https://www.webcitation.org/6fMz8s7zr?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201602170900.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} Later that day, Winston entered a region of weak steering currents and the storm became nearly stationary.{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=17 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 018 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522065546/https://www.webcitation.org/6fMz8ZUfC?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201602171500.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} The storm's eye became more readily apparent late on 17 February, as it doubled back to the west.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A30 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=17 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522065905/https://www.webcitation.org/6fOckgt6X?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201602172100.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |type=Advisory |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=18 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 020 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522070107/https://www.webcitation.org/6fOdPd6wF?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201602180300.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}File:LARGE MP4 Winston narrated large.webm
A strengthening ridge to the south propelled Winston west by 18 February, directing the intensifying cyclone at Fiji. The storm's eye grew in size that day,{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=18 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 021 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522070146/https://www.webcitation.org/6fOdPLzQc?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201602180900.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} and upper-level outflow became more defined.{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=18 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 022 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522070025/https://www.webcitation.org/6fOdP4Vsr?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201602181500.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} Winston's overall structure became increasingly symmetric,{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=18 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 022 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522070507/https://www.webcitation.org/6fQvK1Yzy?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201602182100.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} and the system acquired traits of an annular tropical cyclone. Another period of rapid intensification took place on 19 February as the storm's {{convert|27|km|mi|abbr=on}} wide eye became surrounded by intense convection.{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=19 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 024 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522070427/https://www.webcitation.org/6fQvJUWEJ?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201602190900.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} Winston acquired Category 5 status—the highest level on the Australian intensity scale—by 06:00 UTC, with ten-minute sustained winds reaching {{convert|205|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A37 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=19 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522070226/https://www.webcitation.org/6fQuDp9nf?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201602190600.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |type=Advisory |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} Fueled by nearly perfect conditions for intensification, Winston deepened further and the JTWC estimated it to have acquired one-minute sustained winds of {{convert|270|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} by 18:00 UTC, classifying it as a Category 5-equivalent cyclone on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale.{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=19 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 027 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522070347/https://www.webcitation.org/6fQvIxDMw?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201602192100.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} Around this time, the cyclone passed directly over the small island of Vanua Balavu.{{cite web|author=Jeff Masters and Bob Henson|publisher=Weather Underground|date=19 February 2016|access-date=20 February 2016|title=Fiji Pounded by its First Category 5 Storm on Record: Tropical Cyclone Winston|url=http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/comment.html?entrynum=3249}} There, a weather station recorded sustained winds of {{convert|233|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} and a gust of {{convert|306|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} before being destroyed; both values constitute a national record for Fiji.{{cite journal|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=8 March 2016 |access-date=10 March 2016 |title=Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston |journal=Fiji Climate Summary |volume=37 |issue=2 |url=http://www.met.gov.fj/Summary1.pdf |pages=10–11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042600/http://www.met.gov.fj/Summary1.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}
Passing just south of Vanua Levu, Winston achieved its record intensity early on 20 February with ten-minute sustained winds of {{convert|280|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} and a pressure of 907 hPa (mbar; 26.10 inHg).{{Cite web|url=http://apdrc.soest.hawaii.edu/projects/speartc/|title=Southwest Pacific Enhanced Archive for Tropical Cyclones (SPEArTC)|last=Diamond|first=Howard|date=5 July 2017|access-date=6 July 2017}} It was operationally estimated with ten-minute sustained winds of {{convert|230|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} and a pressure of 915 hPa (mbar; 27.02 inHg).{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A42 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=20 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522070547/https://www.webcitation.org/6fRY3FW1U?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201602201200.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |type=Advisory |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} The JTWC estimated Winston with one-minute sustained winds of {{convert|285|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. At peak intensity, it revealed a fairly symmetric convective structure with a {{convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on}} round eye, under low vertical wind shear easily offset by strong divergence aloft; moreover, sea surface temperatures remained warm, near {{convert|28|C|F|abbr=on}}.{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=20 February 2016 |access-date=1 March 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 029 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522070747/https://www.webcitation.org/6fTFePXnU?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201602200900.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} Winston soon made landfall in the Rakiraki District on Viti Levu at peak intensity,{{cite web|author=Jon Erdman|publisher=The Weather Channel|date=20 February 2016|access-date=20 February 2016|title=Tropical Cyclone Winston Makes Category 5 Landfall; Strongest on Record in Fiji|url=https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/tropical-cyclone-winston-fiji-strongest-landfall}}{{cite web|publisher=Radio New Zealand|date=20 February 2016|access-date=20 February 2016|title=Winston leaves trail of destruction|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/world/297041/winston-leaves-trail-of-destruction}} making it the only known Category 5 storm, on both the Australian tropical cyclone scale and the Saffir-Simpson scale, to directly impact Fiji, and therefore the most intense storm on record to strike the nation.{{cite news|author=Losalini Bolatagici|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=20 February 2016|access-date=20 February 2016|title=Winston the strongest, first Category 5 cyclone to hit Fiji|url=http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342485|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222132151/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342485|archive-date=22 February 2016|url-status=dead}} It also marked the strongest landfall by any cyclone in the South Pacific basin, and one of the strongest landfalls worldwide.{{cite web|last1=Yulsman|first1=Tom|title=How Winston became Earth's strongest Southern Hemisphere storm in recorded history|url=http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/imageo/2016/02/22/how-winston-became-strongest-southern-hemisphere-storm-on-record/#.VxtDKkcgmRg|website=Discover|access-date=23 April 2016|archive-date=28 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928213254/http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/imageo/2016/02/22/how-winston-became-strongest-southern-hemisphere-storm-on-record/#.VxtDKkcgmRg|url-status=dead}} Despite deteriorating slightly while crossing the northern portion of Viti Levu, Winston remained well-organised, reforming a ragged and cloud-filled eye after re-emerging into open waters.{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=20 February 2016 |access-date=4 March 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 030 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522070707/https://www.webcitation.org/6fTFe0pRx?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201602201500.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}File:Winston 2016-02-27 0310Z.jpg, with subtropical characteristics on 27 February]]
Still under favorable conditions, Winston maintained intensity until early on 21 February, when upwelling of cooler waters beneath the decelerating cyclone caused it to weaken into a Category 4 cyclone.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A46 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=21 February 2016 |access-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522070827/https://www.webcitation.org/6fTFFGTCl?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201602211200.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |type=Advisory |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=21 February 2016 |access-date=4 March 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 034 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522070635/https://www.webcitation.org/6fTFcMYcM?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201602211500.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} On 22 February, Winston sharply recurved south-southeastwards as the primary steering mechanism shifted from a ridge retrograding westwards to a ridge building to the east; moreover, dry air hindered reintensification.{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=22 February 2016 |access-date=4 March 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 037 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522070909/https://www.webcitation.org/6fUZo2CMk?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201602220900.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} Very strong vertical wind shear and cooling sea surface temperatures resulted in steady weakening, and Winston dropped below severe tropical cyclone intensity on 23 February.{{cite report|title=Tropical Disturbance Advisory Number A55 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps11.nffn..txt |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=23 February 2016 |access-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522070950/https://www.webcitation.org/6fWG3AhlI?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS11-NFFN_201602231800.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |type=Advisory |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=23 February 2016 |access-date=4 March 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 043 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtps31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522071029/https://www.webcitation.org/6fXt7xrfI?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTPS31-PGTW_201602232100.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} Later, the low-level circulation center became fully exposed with shallow convection sheared to the south. As the system weakened, the relatively shallow subtropical ridge began to steer it southwestwards. Late on 24 February, when Winston entered TCWC Wellington's area of responsibility, the JTWC issued the final warning and indicated subtropical characteristics, citing the weakening mid-level warm core and the expanding wind field.{{cite report|title=Gale Warning 376 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtnz41.nzkl..txt |publisher=MetService |date=24 February 2016 |access-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522071110/https://www.webcitation.org/6fXtD8fvw?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTNZ41-NZKL_201602241911.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}{{cite report|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |date=24 February 2016 |access-date=4 March 2016 |title=Tropical Cyclone 11P (Winston) Warning NR 047 |url=http://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20160224/210000/A_WTPS51PGTW242100_C_RJTD_20160224202945_2.txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522064941/https://www.webcitation.org/6fkPUUgK1?url=http://www.wis-jma.go.jp/d/o/PGTW/Alphanumeric/Warning/Tropical_cyclone/20160224/210000/A_WTPS51PGTW242100_C_RJTD_20160224202945_2.txt |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}
MetService claimed that Winston transitioned into an extratropical cyclone southeast of New Caledonia with gale-force winds at 00:00 UTC on 25 February, yet the JTWC continued to classify Winston as a subtropical system.{{cite report|title=Gale Warning 383 CCA |url=http://weather.gmdss.org/bulletins/METAREA14.GALE_STORM_WARNING_SOUTH_25S.0144.2501491329533.html |publisher=MetService |date=25 February 2016 |access-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522071150/https://www.webcitation.org/6fZJ8kxvc?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WWNZ40-NZKL_201602250144.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}{{cite web|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans Reissued 252330Z-260600Z Feb 2016 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/ab/abpw10.pgtw..txt |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521212100/https://www.webcitation.org/6fkKY0GF4?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABPW10-PGTW_201602252330.htm |archive-date=21 May 2024 |date=25 February 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} On 26 February, beneath an upper-level low which produced subsidence aloft and high vertical wind shear, Winston revealed a strong low-level warm core and a weak upper-level cold core.{{cite web|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans Reissued 260600Z-270600Z Feb 2016 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/ab/abpw10.pgtw..txt |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522065102/https://www.webcitation.org/6fkYcWM2q?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABPW10-PGTW_201602260600.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |date=26 February 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} The post-tropical cyclone moved into the Australian region basin in the afternoon, where it began to weaken once again.{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone Outlook for Coral Sea |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDQ10810.shtml |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522065023/https://www.webcitation.org/6fkXOy7Vl?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/IDQ10810_201602270024.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |date=27 February 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} Although Winston began to move northwestwards and track over warmer sea surface temperature since 27 February, unfavourable upper-level conditions as well as dry air prevented reintensification.{{cite web|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans Reissued 270600Z-280600Z Feb 2016 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/ab/abpw10.pgtw..txt |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522065144/https://www.webcitation.org/6fkZRUUQa?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABPW10-PGTW_201602270600.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |date=27 February 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}{{cite web|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans Reissued 280600Z-290600Z Feb 2016 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/ab/abpw10.pgtw..txt |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522065221/https://www.webcitation.org/6fkZW98zD?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABPW10-PGTW_201602280600.htm |archive-date=22 May 2024 |date=28 February 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} The system continued to track off the coast of Queensland, Australia as a weak and shallow system. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology reported that Winston had eventually transitioned into a tropical low and made landfall over the coast north of Cairns, at 1200 UTC on 3 March, locally at night.{{cite web|title=Latest Colour Mean Sea-Level Pressure Analysis at 1200 UTC 03 Mar 2016 |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/fwo/IDY00030.201603031200.png |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521211815/https://www.webcitation.org/6fkH0HnaH?url=http://www.bom.gov.au/fwo/IDY00030.201603031200.png |archive-date=21 May 2024 |format=PNG |date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}{{cite web|title=Heavy rain, storms expected across from Ex-cyclone Winston|url=https://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/excylone-to-cause-weather-havoc-across-fnq/news-story/c361e8ba57276efa0b63b0e3b3e44119|publisher=The Cairns Post|access-date=4 March 2016|location=Cairns, Queensland|date=3 March 2016}}{{cite web|title=Severe Weather Warning for Heavy Rainfall|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20032.html|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology|access-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609033306/http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20032.html#read_3227611|archive-date=9 June 2017|date=3 March 2016|url-status=bot: unknown}} Winston soon degenerated into a trough over land.{{cite web|title=Latest Colour Mean Sea-Level Pressure Analysis at 1800 UTC 03 Mar 2016 |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/fwo/IDY00030.201603031800.png |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240521211855/https://www.webcitation.org/6fkH6BKcy?url=http://www.bom.gov.au/fwo/IDY00030.201603031800.png |archive-date=21 May 2024 |format=PNG |date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}
Impact
=Effects in Fiji=
File:Winston 2016 landfall.gif on 20 February]]
On 14 February, the FMS began issuing tropical cyclone warnings for the southern Lau Islands of Fiji.{{cite report|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=14 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |title=Special Weather Bulletin Number One for Fiji On Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/ww/wwfj40.nffn..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522064901/https://www.webcitation.org/6fHqPounr?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WWFJ40-NFFN_201602140000.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} These gradually expanded in coverage through 15 February,{{cite report|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=15 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |title=Special Weather Bulletin Number Seven for Fiji On Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/ww/wwfj40.nffn..txt |archive-date=27 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527180110/https://www.webcitation.org/6fK9R4kov?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WWFJ40-NFFN_201602150000.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} but were discontinued on 16 February, as Winston moved away from the nation.{{cite report|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=16 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |title=Special Weather Bulletin Number Fifteen for Fiji On Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/ww/wwfj40.nffn..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522065423/https://www.webcitation.org/6fMz4G0ZI?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WWFJ40-NFFN_201602160000.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} Warnings were resumed on 18 February, after Winston doubled back toward Fiji, and were issued for the northern and eastern islands.{{cite report|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=18 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |title=Special Weather Bulletin Number Sixteen for Fiji On Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/ww/wwfj40.nffn..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522065944/https://www.webcitation.org/6fOcuonPM?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WWFJ40-NFFN_201602180300.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} Most of the northern islands in the storm's immediate path were placed under hurricane warnings on 19 February.{{cite report|publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |date=19 February 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |title=Special Weather Bulletin Number Twenty-Four for Fiji On Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/ww/wwfj40.nffn..txt |archive-date=22 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522070309/https://www.webcitation.org/6fQuJZt8h?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WWFJ40-NFFN_201602190600.htm |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} All shelters across the Southern Lau Islands, Koro Island, and Taveuni were opened on 19 February; more than 700 shelters opened across the entirety of Fiji.{{cite web|author=Savaira Tabua|publisher=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation|date=19 February 2016|access-date=19 February 2016|title=Evacuation centres activated in upper Lau group|url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37673/evacuation-centres-activated-in-upper-lau-group|archive-date=20 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220094147/http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37673/evacuation-centres-activated-in-upper-lau-group|url-status=dead}}
- {{cite web|author=Ellen Stolz|publisher=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation|date=20 February 2016|access-date=20 February 2016|title=Koro Island and Taveuni brace for TC Winston|url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37682/koro-island-and-taveuni-brace-for-tc-winston|archive-date=20 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220102928/http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37682/koro-island-and-taveuni-brace-for-tc-winston|url-status=dead}}
- {{cite web|author=Farzana Nisha|publisher=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation|date=20 February 2016|access-date=20 February 2016|title=Evacuation centers are ready: NDMO|url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37675/evacuation-centers-are-ready-ndmo|archive-date=20 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220102414/http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37675/evacuation-centers-are-ready-ndmo|url-status=dead}}
- The Republic of Fiji Military Forces were placed on standby for relief efforts.{{cite web|author=Akosita Talei|publisher=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation|date=19 February 2016|access-date=19 February 2016|title=RFMF on standby for TC Winston|url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37672/rfmf-on-standby-for-tc-winston|archive-date=20 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220101555/http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37672/rfmf-on-standby-for-tc-winston|url-status=dead}} A state of emergency was declared during the afternoon of 20 February,{{cite news|author=Nasik Swami|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=20 February 2016|access-date=20 February 2016|title=Fiji declares State of Natural Disaster|url=http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342488|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222132156/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342488|archive-date=22 February 2016|url-status=dead}} and remained in place until 20 April.{{cite web|work=The Pacific Islands News Association|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=19 April 2016|access-date=21 April 2016|title=State of Natural disaster in Fiji lifted|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/state-natural-disaster-fiji-lifted}} A nationwide curfew was enacted starting at 6:00 p.m. local time.{{cite news|author=Indra Singh|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=20 February 2016|access-date=20 February 2016|title=Nationwide Curfew as TC Winston batters Fiji group|url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37707/nationwide-curfew-as-tc-winston-batters-fiji-group|archive-date=22 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222132158/http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37707/nationwide-curfew-as-tc-winston-batters-fiji-group|url-status=dead}} Public transportation was suspended across Viti Levu, and the Fiji Roads Authority strongly advised residents to avoid travel unless necessary. Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama called the storm "an ordeal of the most grievous kind".
Striking the nation on 20 February, Winston brought widespread damage to numerous islands. Approximately 80 percent of the nation's 900,000 people lost power,{{cite news|author=Nadia Khomami|newspaper=The Guardian|date=21 February 2016|access-date=21 February 2016|title= Cyclone Winston: Fiji counts deaths and damage from giant storm |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/feb/20/cyclone-winston-virgin-australia-and-jetstar-cancel-services-to-and-from-fiji}} including the entirety of Vanua Levu,{{cite web|author=Elenoa Turagaiviu|publisher=Fiji Broadcast Corporation|date=21 February 2016|access-date=21 February 2016|title=Restoration of essential services is a priority|url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37744/restoration-of-essential-services-is-a-priority-|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728035843/http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37744/restoration-of-essential-services-is-a-priority-|archive-date=28 July 2018|url-status=dead}} as hurricane-force winds downed trees and power lines. Communications with Vanua Balavu, Lakeba, Cicia, Nayau, Taveuni, and Qamea were lost on 20 February.{{cite news|author=Luke Rawalai|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=20 February 2016|access-date=20 February 2016|title=TC Winston: Telecommunications to Taveuni cut|url=http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342476|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222093135/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342476|archive-date=22 February 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|author=Aliki Bia|publisher=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation|date=20 February 2016|access-date=20 February 2016|title=No links to some islands in Lau Group|url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37701/no-links-to-some-islands-in-lau-group|archive-date=21 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221094451/http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37701/no-links-to-some-islands-in-lau-group|url-status=dead}} Contact with Vanua Balavu had yet to be established as of the evening of 22 February.{{cite news|author=Losalini Bolatagici|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=22 February 2016|access-date=22 February 2016|title=Communication to Vanuabalavu cut-off|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342698|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304195906/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342698|url-status=dead}} Landline telephone service was lost on Matuku Island.{{cite web|author=Tokasa Rainima|publisher=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation|date=20 February 2016|access-date=20 February 2016|title=Matuku prepares for bad weather|url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37691/matuku-prepares-for-bad-weather|archive-date=21 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221094945/http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37691/matuku-prepares-for-bad-weather|url-status=dead}} A total of 44 people were killed across the nation: 21 in the Western Division, 15 in the Eastern Division, 6 in the Central Division, and 2 in the Northern Division.{{cite web|publisher=FBC TV|date=11 March 2016|access-date=12 March 2016|title=TC Winston death toll stands at 44|url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/38331/tc-winston-death-toll-stands-at-44|archive-date=11 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311185238/http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/38331/tc-winston-death-toll-stands-at-44|url-status=dead}}{{cite report|work=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=27 February 2016|access-date=27 February 2016|title=Fiji: Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston Situation Report No. 7 (as of 27 February 2016)|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/OCHA%20TC%20Winston%20Situation%20Report%207.pdf}}{{cite news|author=Losalini Bolatagici|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=25 February 2016|access-date=25 February 2016|title=44 now confirmed dead|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=343159|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305131301/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=343159|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|author=Losalini Bolatagici|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=29 February 2016|access-date=29 February 2016|title=TC Winston death toll rises to 43|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=343731|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307031908/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=343731|archive-date=7 March 2016|url-status=dead}} An additional 126 were injured. An estimated 350,000 people—the nation's total population was 837,721 as of the 2007 census{{cite report|publisher=Fiji Bureau of Statistics|year=2007|access-date=28 February 2016|title=2007 Census of Population and Housing|url=http://www.statsfiji.gov.fj/index.php/2007-census-of-population}}—were affected by the storm.{{cite report|work=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=28 February 2016|access-date=28 February 2016|title=Fiji: Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston Situation Report No. 8 (as of 28 February 2016)|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/ocha_tc_winston_situation_report_8.pdf}}
File:Cyclone Winston damage in Tailevu, Fiji.jpg]]
Fiji's Eastern Division was the first to be struck by Winston, with many islands sustaining catastrophic damage. Entire communities were destroyed and approximately 40,000 people required immediate assistance. Koro Island sustained severe damage, with schools destroyed and many structures losing their roofs.{{cite web|author=Savaira Tabua|publisher=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation|date=20 February 2016|access-date=20 February 2016|title=Teachers quarters blown away|url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37708/teachers-quarters-blown-away|archive-date=21 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221095300/http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37708/teachers-quarters-blown-away|url-status=dead}} Kade Village was leveled, with nearly all structures destroyed.{{cite report |publisher=ReliefWeb|date=7 March 2016|access-date=7 March 2016|title=National Emergency Operation Center: Tropical Cyclone Winston Situation Report 53 of 04/03/2016|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/NEOC_SITREP_TC_Winston_NO_53.pdf|type=Situation Report}}{{cite news|author=Talebula Kate|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=21 February 2016|access-date=21 February 2016|title=All houses destroyed in island village|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342562|archive-date=22 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222132206/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342562|url-status=dead}} One individual died in Nabasovi when his home collapsed, and twelve people were injured in Nabuna.{{cite web|author=Farzana Nisha|publisher=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation|date=20 February 2016|access-date=20 February 2016|title=Death of an elderly man confirmed|url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37732/death-of-an-elderly-man-confirmed|archive-date=3 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203031029/http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37732/death-of-an-elderly-man-confirmed|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|author=Tokasa Rainima|publisher=Fiji Broadcast Corporation|date=21 February 2016|access-date=21 February 2016|title=12 villagers injured in Nabuna, Koro|url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37757/12-villagers-injured-in-nabuna,-koro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222132208/http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37757/12-villagers-injured-in-nabuna,-koro|archive-date=22 February 2016|url-status=dead}} Another woman on the island later died in the hospital from injuries she sustained. A total of 788 homes were destroyed and 234 were damaged across Koro Island, rendering more than 3,000 people homeless. Significant damage was reported across Ovalau,{{cite web|author=Ellen Stolz|publisher=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation|date=20 February 2016|access-date=20 February 2016|title=Ovalau experiencing destructive winds|url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37704/ovalau-experiencing-destructive-winds|archive-date=21 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221094914/http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37704/ovalau-experiencing-destructive-winds|url-status=dead}} where maximum water run-up reached {{convert|7|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|work=Pacific Community|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=1 April 2016|access-date=6 April 2016|title=Cyclone Winston survey sets new baseline for damage data|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/cyclone-winston-survey-sets-new-baseline-damage-data}} Across Taveuni Island, 722 homes were destroyed and 837 were damaged at an estimated cost of FJ$11.2 million (US$5.29 million). The two main ports on Taveuni were severely damaged and largely rendered unusable. Southern areas of the island became isolated when a bridge was destroyed.{{cite web|author=Elenoa Turagaiviu|publisher=Fiji Broadcast Corporation|date=23 February 2016|access-date=23 February 2016|title=Taveuni jetties totally damaged|url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37805/taveuni-jetties-totally-damaged-|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160224095229/http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37805/taveuni-jetties-totally-damaged-|archive-date=24 February 2016|url-status=dead}} A communication tower on Mago Island, owned by Mel Gibson, collapsed.{{cite web|work=Radio New Zealand|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=1 March 2016|access-date=1 March 2016|title=Communications still down in parts of Fiji|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/communications-still-down-parts-fiji}} In Lomaiviti Province alone, the storm created 42,000 tons of debris.
On Viti Levu, strong winds destroyed at least two homes in Waidamu; the Waidamu River also topped its banks and flooded nearby communities.{{cite news|author=Nasik Swami|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=20 February 2016|access-date=20 February 2016|title=Two houses blown away in Nausori|url=http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342490|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222132211/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342490|archive-date=22 February 2016|url-status=dead}} In Drauniivi village, 64 homes were completely destroyed and 70 more sustained damage.{{cite news|author=Margaret Wise|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=22 February 2016|access-date=22 February 2016|title=Times team crosses damaged bridge|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342670|archive-date=7 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707153700/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342670|url-status=dead}} Hundreds of homes were destroyed in and around Rakiraki Town, with the area described as a scene of devastation and despair by the Fiji Times.{{cite news|author=Repeka Nasiko|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=22 February 2016|access-date=22 February 2016|title=Rakiraki Town shut down|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342673|archive-date=7 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707170947/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342673|url-status=dead}} The southern coast of Vanua Levu was battered by a significant storm surge which inundated areas up to {{convert|183|m|ft|abbr=on}} inland near Tacilevu Village. Maximum wave run-up reached {{convert|5|m|ft|abbr=on}} in Nukubalavu.
Throughout Fiji, a total of 40,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. The Western Division accounted for the majority of damage, with 6,954 homes destroyed and 11,234 damaged.{{cite news|author=Tevita Vuibau|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=11 March 2016|access-date=11 March 2016|title=$9.6m worth of food rations distributed|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=345060|archive-date=12 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312004910/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=345060|url-status=dead}} This left approximately 131,000 people in need of immediate shelter assistance.{{cite report |publisher=ReliefWeb|date=3 March 2016|access-date=3 March 2016|title=Fiji: Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston Situation Report No. 11 (as of 3 March 2016)|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/OCHA%20TC%20Winston%20Situation%20Report%2011.pdf|type=Situation Report}}{{cite web|title=Fiji : Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston Situation Report No. 17 (as of 15 March 2016 )|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/ocha_tc_winston_situation_report_17_1.pdf|website=OCHA|access-date=15 March 2016}} In addition, 229 schools were severely damaged or destroyed. Total damage from the storm amounted to FJ$2.98 billion (US$1.4 billion). However, despite the massive damage caused by Winston, the main tourism sector was largely spared.{{cite web |last=Tuilevuka|first=Nacanieli|date=24 May 2016|title=$2.98 billion damage caused by TC Winston|url=https://www.newswire.com.fj/national/tc-winston/2-98-billion-damage-caused-by-tc-winston/|url-status=dead|publisher=Newswire|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617111016/https://www.newswire.com.fj/national/tc-winston/2-98-billion-damage-caused-by-tc-winston/|archive-date=17 June 2016|access-date=25 May 2016}}{{cite web|title=HON PM BAINIMARAMA SPEECH AT THE OPENING LEADERS DIALOGUE OF THE UN WORLD HUMANITARIAN SUMMIT, TURKEY|url=http://www.fiji.gov.fj/Media-Center/Speeches/HON-PM-BAINIMARAMA-SPEECH-AT-THE-OPENING-OF-THE-LE.aspx|website=The Fijian Government|access-date=24 May 2016}}
=Other South Pacific nations=
File:Cyclone Winston swells at Gold Coast, Queensland.jpg injured multiple people and prompted the closure of beaches]]
Impacting Tonga twice within the span of a few days, Winston caused significant damage across northern Tonga. Approximately 2,500 people sought refuge in shelters. The first passage of the storm resulted in mostly crop damage while the second brought greater structural damage. At least 10 homes were destroyed and 200 more were damaged.{{cite news|agency=Radio New Zealand International|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=20 February 2016|access-date=20 February 2016|title=Despite some damage, Tonga escapes the worst of Winston|url=http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342283|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222132212/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342283|archive-date=22 February 2016|url-status=dead}} Agriculture sustained significant damage, with 85–95 percent of the banana crop and most of the vanilla crop on Vava'u lost.{{cite news|author=Stephanie Corsetti|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=25 February 2016|access-date=28 February 2016|title=Cyclone Winston damages hopes for Tongan vanilla crop|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-25/cyclone-winston-damages-tongan-vanilla-crop/7195042}} Winston also affected Niue on 16 February; the FMS also issued tropical cyclone and damaging heavy swell warnings for the island nation.https://www.webcitation.org/6fMzj4znk?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WWNE40-NFFN_201602161500.htm
The nation of Tonga also received money and aid as well as medical supplies from New Zealand, which also provided 8,000 people with clean water.{{cite web|title = 5 Things to Know About Tropical Cyclone Winston|url = http://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/cyclone-winston-impacts-preps|website = The Weather Channel|access-date = 20 February 2016}} Australia also provided assistance to Tonga, including the distribution of A$300,000 worth of humanitarian supplies through the Tonga Red Cross Society, two surveillance and assessment aircraft, and two disaster management experts from the Australian Civilian Corps to aid in relief efforts.{{cite news|title=Tropical Cyclone Winston |url=http://dfat.gov.au/news/news/Pages/tropical-cyclone-winston.aspx |access-date=21 February 2016 |agency=Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |publisher=Government of Australia |date=20 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222132221/http://dfat.gov.au/news/news/Pages/tropical-cyclone-winston.aspx |archive-date=22 February 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}
Large swells—up to {{convert|4|to|6|m|ft|abbr=on}} in height{{cite news|author=Melissa Grant|work=Australian Associated Press|publisher=news.com.au|date=27 February 2016|access-date=28 February 2016|title=Winston closes south Qld beaches|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/winston-closes-south-qld-beaches/news-story/4756068ebba3999001f371cef1dbc209|archive-date=12 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312061920/http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/winston-closes-south-qld-beaches/news-story/4756068ebba3999001f371cef1dbc209|url-status=dead}}—from the remnants of Winston affected southern Queensland, Australia. Beaches at Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast were closed on 26 and 27 February due to dangerous conditions.{{cite news|author=Lisa Yallamas|newspaper=Brisbane Times|date=27 February 2016|access-date=28 February 2016|title=South-east Queensland beaches closed again Sunday|url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/southeast-queensland-beaches-closed-again-sunday-20160227-gn5f7j.html}} At least 15 people sustained injuries, ranging from dislocated shoulders to broken legs, due to rough conditions.{{cite news|publisher=Nine News|date=27 February 2016|access-date=28 February 2016|title=Surfers lap up massive swells that forced closure of Gold and Sunshine Coast beaches|url=http://www.9news.com.au/national/2016/02/27/14/47/all-gold-coast-most-sunshine-coast-beaches-closed-as-dangerous-surf-dislocates-shoulders}} A bodyboarder was reported missing near Tallebudgera; a helicopter search failed to locate anyone and the search was called off until a missing person report was filed.{{cite news|author=Matt Watson and Kym Agius|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=27 February 2016|access-date=28 February 2016|title=Dangerous surf from ex-Cyclone Winston closes southern Queensland beaches|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-27/dangerous-surf-queensland-beaches-excyclone-winston/7204776}} Severe storms on 29 February associated with the outer bands of Winston's remnants brought locally heavy rains to parts of Queensland. {{convert|106|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rain fell in Garbutt, while {{convert|80|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rain was observed in Townsville in the space of 1 hour.{{cite news|author=Sarah Motherwell|newspaper=The Courier Mail|date=29 February 2016|access-date=2 March 2016|title=Queensland town drenched by heavy rainfall|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/the-beat-brisbane-news-weather-and-traffic/news-story/01ddca2ed167ab43cddcedd8116fb906}} On 3 March heavy rain began to fall in north Queensland as Winston's remnants moved ashore near Cairns.{{cite news|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=3 March 2016|access-date=3 March 2016|title= Far north Queensland coast braces for ex-Tropical Cyclone Winston, could bring up to 300mm of rain|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-03/ex-tropical-cyclone-winston-could-bring-300mm-rain-far-north-qld/7216004}} Accumulations reached {{convert|215|mm|in|abbr=on}} in the small town of Feluga.{{cite news|author=Mark Rigby|publisher=Australia Broadcasting Corporation|date=3 March 2016|access-date=4 March 2016|title=Far north Queensland coast embraces long awaited rainfall as ex-TC Winston makes landfall|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-04/far-north-queensland-coast-embraces-long-awaited-rainfall/7220574}}
Aftermath
File:Winston 2016-02-20 0125z (eye).jpg on 20 February]]
Cyclone Winston's devastating impact across Fiji rendered tens of thousands homeless, and prompted a major international humanitarian response. An estimated 350,000 people (40 percent of the nation's population) were moderately or severely affected by the storm, including 120,000 children. Approximately 250,000 people required water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) assistance due to power outages and damaged infrastructure. Through the evening of 26 February, approximately 62,000 people were housed evacuation centres across the country, primarily in the Western Division.{{cite news|author=Shayal Devi|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=25 February 2016|access-date=25 February 2016|title=19,294 in evac centres|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=343042|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225092853/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=343042|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 February 2016}}{{cite news|author=Losalini Bolatagici|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=26 February 2016|access-date=26 February 2016|title=62,000 in evacuation centres|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=343319|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306072758/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=343319|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 March 2016}} This number steadily fell to 29,237 by 4 March, though thousands more stayed with relatives. The Governments of Australia, France, and New Zealand quickly responded with a large-scale relief effort within days of the storm's passage. Several other nations provided donations, supplies and funds, as did various international organizations.
=Local=
All schools across Fiji suspended classes for at least a week, two weeks for those in the hardest-hit areas because of severe damage to the educational infrastructure.{{cite web|author=Ritika Pratap|publisher=Fiji Broadcast Corporation|date=21 February 2016|access-date=21 February 2016|title=Schools to go on one week break|url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37742/schools-to-go-on-one-week-break-|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221090431/http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37742/schools-to-go-on-one-week-break-|archive-date=21 February 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|author=Aliki Bia|publisher=Fiji Broadcast Corporation|date=22 February 2016|access-date=22 February 2016|title=PM gives rural schools two weeks break|url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37790/pm-gives-rural-schools-two-weeks-break|archive-date=23 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223104907/http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37790/pm-gives-rural-schools-two-weeks-break|url-status=dead}} Hundreds of schools resumed activities on 29 February.{{cite news|author=Siteri Sauvakacolo|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=29 February 2016|access-date=29 February 2016|title=Schools that will open for classes from today|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=343681|archive-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307013635/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=343681|url-status=dead}} All but 23 schools resumed classes by 8 March across the nation.{{cite news|author=Losalini Bolatagici|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=8 March 2016|access-date=8 March 2016|title=Damage bill at $348m|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=344637|archive-date=8 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308074033/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=344637|url-status=dead}} In Labasa, two people were arrested for breaking curfew and others were reprimanded.{{cite web|author=Elenoa Turagaiviu|publisher=Fiji Broadcast Corporation|date=21 February 2016|access-date=21 February 2016|title=Two people arrested in Labasa|url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37750/two-people-arrested-in-labasa|archive-date=22 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222095537/http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37750/two-people-arrested-in-labasa|url-status=dead}} The main airport serving the country, Nadi International Airport, was closed as a result of the cyclone. It was re-opened two days after the storm to allow the humanitarian supplies to be received and tourists to leave.{{cite news|title = Cyclone Winston: Clean-up begins as death toll jumps to 20|work = BBC News|date = 22 February 2016|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-35628181|access-date = 22 February 2016}} The nation's government deployed two ships to Koro Island carrying assessment teams and emergency supplies.{{cite report|work=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=22 February 2016|access-date=22 February 2016|title=Fiji: Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston Situation Report No. 1 (as of 22 February 2016)|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/ocha_tc_winston_sit_rep_2.pdf}} Rakiraki Town was shut down to travel at 7:30 a.m. local time on 23 February to allow crews to clear debris from roads.{{cite web|author=SB|publisher=Fiji Broadcast Corporation|date=23 February 2016|access-date=23 February 2016|title=Rakiraki town closed today|url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37798/rakiraki-town-closed-today|archive-date=23 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223103651/http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37798/rakiraki-town-closed-today|url-status=dead}}
File:School destroyed by Cyclone Winston in Tailevu, Fiji.jpg
The Fiji Electricity Authority estimated that it would take three weeks to restore service to most of the Western Division.{{cite web|author=Ellen Stolz|publisher=Fiji Broadcast Corporation|date=23 February 2016|access-date=23 February 2016|title=Repairs may take three weeks: FEA|url=http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/37796/repairs-may-take-three-weeks-fea}}{{Dead link|date=July 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Digicel set up battery charging stations in Suva on 22 February.{{cite news|author=Timoci Vula|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=22 February 2016|access-date=22 February 2016|title=Digicel sets up battery charging centre|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342675|archive-date=23 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223104715/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342675|url-status=dead}} The company quickly restored telephone service to the main islands within two days of the storm.{{cite news|author=Ropate Valemei|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=22 February 2016|access-date=22 February 2016|title=Digicel restores network in most places|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342691|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305063022/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342691|url-status=dead}} The spread of breeding grounds for mosquitos brought on by the storm led to an increase in dengue fever cases, with 131 incidents reported after Winston's passage.{{cite news|author=Mere Naleba|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=25 February 2016|access-date=25 February 2016|title=131 cases of dengue fever|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=343181|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305193459/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=343181|url-status=dead}} Ultimately, no large-scale outbreak resulted from the storm. Vegetable prices saw marked increases in price, in some cases by 500 percent, following Winston.{{cite news|author=Felix Chaudhary|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=27 February 2016|access-date=28 February 2016|title=Vegetable prices soar amid crisis|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=343331|archive-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307024955/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=343331|url-status=dead}}
{{Costliest South Pacific Ocean tropical cyclones}}
On 22 February, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama established a disaster relief fund and requested donations.{{cite press release|publisher=Government of Fiji|date=22 February 2016|access-date=28 February 2016|title=Fijian Government Establishes Disaster Relief Funds|url=http://www.fiji.gov.fj/Media-Center/Press-Releases/FIJIAN-GOVERNMENT-ESTABLISHES-DISASTER-RELIEF-FUND.aspx}} Fiji Airways provided FJ$1 million (US$465,000),{{cite news |work=KTVN |publisher=CBS |date=25 February 2016 |access-date=28 February 2016 |title=Fiji Airways donates F$1-million to Prime Minister's Relief Fund |url=http://www.ktvn.com/story/31317487/fiji-airways-donates-f1-million-to-prime-ministers-relief-fund |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307055021/http://www.ktvn.com/story/31317487/fiji-airways-donates-f1-million-to-prime-ministers-relief-fund |archive-date=7 March 2016 |df=dmy }} MWH Global donated FJ$100,000,{{cite news|agency=MWH Suva|newspaper=Fiji Sun|date=24 February 2016|access-date=28 February 2016|title=MWH Global Donates Towards PM's Fund|url=http://fijisun.com.fj/2016/02/24/mwh-global-donates-towards-pms-fund/}} retailer Jack's of Fiji donated FJ$100,000 (US$50,000) and an equal amount worth of clothing.{{cite news|author=Shayal Devi|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=26 February 2016|access-date=28 February 2016|title=Retail giant pledges $200,000 to PM's relief fund|url=http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=343202|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160226092613/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=343202|archive-date=26 February 2016|url-status=dead}} Digicel pledged FJ$150,000 (US$70,000) on 27 February and provided another FJ$50,000 (US$23,000) to the National Disaster Management Office.{{cite news|author=Charlene Lanyon|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=27 February 2016|access-date=28 February 2016|title=$150k for appeal|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=343360|archive-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307013205/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=343360|url-status=dead}} Three music bands from Koro Island–Voqa Ni Delai Dokidoki, Malumu Ni Tobu, and Savu Ni Delai Lomai–held a benefit concert in Suva on 29 February, with all donations to be donated to the Fijian Prime Minister's Relief and Rehabilitation Fund.{{cite news|author=Felix Chaudhary|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=29 February 2016|access-date=29 February 2016|title=Koro musicians to help raise fund in Rise Up Fiji concert|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=343727|archive-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307013633/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=343727|url-status=dead}} Under the Social Welfare's Poverty Benefit Scheme and Care and Protection Allowance, the Government of Fiji allocated FJ$19.9 million (US$9.42 million) to 43,624 families.{{cite news|author=Nasik Swami|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=9 March 2016|access-date=10 March 2016|title=$19.9m aid|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=344760|archive-date=11 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311074452/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=344760|url-status=dead}}
In the three weeks following Winston, Empower Pacific provided approximately 7,000 people with psychological support and counseling.{{cite news|author=Shayal Devi|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=11 March 2016|access-date=11 March 2016|title=7000 benefit|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=345071|archive-date=11 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311103858/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=345071|url-status=dead}}
On 9 April, Prime Minister Bainimarama unveiled a FJ$70 million (US$34 million) housing reconstruction initiative called "Help for Homes" targeted at lower income families—with an annual household income less than FJ$50,000 (US$24,000)—that could not afford repair costs.{{cite news|author=Elizabeth Rokosuka|publisher=Fiji Village|date=9 April 2016|access-date=21 April 2016|title=PM announces $70M Help for Homes initiative|url=http://fijivillage.com/news/PM-announces-70M-Help-for-Homes-initiative-9k5sr2}}
=International=
File:Koro Island, Fiji, before and after Cyclone Winston 2016.png
The Government of China provided US$100,000 on 23 February,{{cite news|author=Charlene Lanyon|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=23 February 2016|access-date=23 February 2016|title=Chinese Government gives $100k|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342804|archive-date=7 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707224557/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342804|url-status=dead}} and a further US$1 million on 4 March.{{cite news|agency=Government of Fiji|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=4 March 2016|access-date=5 March 2016|title=China adds USD$1million assistance to relief package|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/china-adds-usd1million-assistance-relief-package}} India supplied US$1 million as immediate assistance, and also deployed a C-17 Globemaster III carrying 40 tons of aid.{{cite news|agency=Press Trust of India|newspaper=India Times|date=22 February 2016|access-date=22 February 2016|title=India extends USD 1 Million assistance to cyclone-hit Fiji|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/india-extends-usd-1-million-assistance-to-cyclone-hit-fiji/1/602576.html}}{{cite news|agency=Press Trust of India|newspaper=Economic Times of India|date=25 February 2016|access-date=25 February 2016|title=India to send 40 tonnes of aid to Winston cyclone-hit Fiji|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-to-send-40-tonnes-of-aid-to-cyclone-winston-hit-fiji/articleshow/51136433.cms}} A further US$300,000 was provided by the Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam, of which US$25,000 was given to the Fijian Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund.{{cite news|author=Avinesh Gopal|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=27 February 2016|access-date=28 February 2016|title=TISI Sangam allocates $300,000 for cyclone relief|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=343530|archive-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307022621/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=343530|url-status=dead}} The Government of South Korea provided FJ$107,000 (US$50,000) and GIMCO Korea Ltd. donated FJ$50,000 (US$23,000).{{cite news|author=Losalini Bolatagici|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=27 February 2016|access-date=28 February 2016|title=$107k contribution for rehabilitation efforts|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=343363|archive-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307034709/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=343363|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|agency=DEPTFO News|newspaper=Fiji Sun|date=27 February 2016|access-date=28 February 2016|title=Gimco Korea Ltd Gives $50,000 Towards Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund|url=http://fijisun.com.fj/2016/02/27/gimco-korea-ltd-gives-50000-towards-prime-ministers-disaster-relief-fund/}} The Asian Development Bank provided US$2 million in assistance.{{cite news|author=Ropate Valemei|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=27 February 2016|access-date=28 February 2016|title=ADB provides $4m|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=343359|archive-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307022751/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=343359|url-status=dead}} The European Union provided FJ$10 million (US$4.6 million) through the Pacific Community for a short-term response.{{cite web|work=Pacific Community|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=29 February 2016|access-date=29 February 2016|title=EU will provide FJ$10 million through SPC towards recovery and rehabilitation after Cyclone Winston|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/eu-will-provide-fj10-million-through-spc-towards-recovery-and-rehabilitation-after}} Vanuatu donated 10 million vatu (US$90,000).{{cite news|agency=Government of Fiji|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=4 March 2016|access-date=5 March 2016|title=Fiji thanks Vanuatu for relief assistance of (Vatu)10million|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/fiji-thanks-vanuatu-relief-assistance-vatu10million}} Indonesia pledged FJ$10.38 million (US$5 million) and would fund the reconstruction of Queen Victoria School, one of many schools destroyed by the storm.{{cite news|author=Rusiate Baleilevuka and Ana Ravulo|publisher=Fiji Village|date=1 April 2016|access-date=21 April 2016|title=Indonesian Defense Force to rebuild QVS|url=http://fijivillage.com/news/Indonesian-Defense-Force-to-rebuild-QVS-2krs95}} Others involved in humanitarian assistance in one way or another include Singapore, the United States, Japan, and Nauru.{{cite news|title=Singapore giving $141,000 for cyclone relief in Fiji|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/singapore-giving-141000-cyclone-relief-fiji|access-date=26 February 2016|agency=Reuters, AFP|publisher=AsiaOne|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305222418/http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/singapore-giving-141000-cyclone-relief-fiji|url-status=dead}}
On 21 February, members of International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) began ground surveys to determine emergency needs. They also provided residents in poor communities and shelters with supplies.{{cite web|publisher=International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies|date=21 February 2016|access-date=22 February 2016|title=Red Cross responds to emergency needs across Fiji in the wake of Cyclone Winston|url=http://www.ifrc.org/en/news-and-media/press-releases/asia-pacific/fiji/red-cross-responds-to-emergency-needs-across-fiji-in-the-wake-of-cyclone-winston-/|location=Suva, Fiji}} The Fiji chapter of the Red Cross launched a country-wide appeal for donations and supplies on 22 February.{{cite news|author=Charlene Lanyon|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=22 February 2016|access-date=22 February 2016|title=Red Cross launches appeal|url=http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342687|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223100042/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342687|archive-date=23 February 2016|url-status=dead}} The IFRC released CHF 317,469 from their Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to support the Fijian Red Cross and 5,000 people in need of immediate aid. Relief teams from charities and non-governmental organizations including AmeriCares, Caritas International, MapAction, and ShelterBox were deployed to Fiji to assist with recovery efforts within a day of the storm.{{cite web|work=AmeriCares|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=21 February 2016|access-date=22 February 2016|title=Emergency Response Team Deployed to Fiji|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/emergency-response-team-deployed-fiji}}
- {{cite web|work=Caritas Australia|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=22 February 2016|access-date=22 February 2016|title=Church network critical to Fiji response|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/church-network-critical-fiji-response}}
- {{cite web|work=MapAction|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=22 February 2016|access-date=22 February 2016|title=Responding to Cyclone Winston in Fiji|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/responding-cyclone-winston-fiji}}
- {{cite web|work=ShelterBox|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=21 February 2016|access-date=22 February 2016|title=ShelterBox has aid on Fiji and is mobilising a response team as Cyclone Winston bears down|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/shelterbox-has-aid-fiji-and-mobilising-response-team-cyclone-winston-bears-down}} ShelterBox committed more than £1 million (US$1.4 million) to relief efforts.{{cite news|agency=ShelterBox|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=4 March 2016|access-date=5 March 2016|title=ShelterBox's £1 million response to plea for Fiji 'to get back on its feet' after cyclone devastation|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/shelterbox-s-1-million-response-plea-fiji-get-back-its-feet-after-cyclone-devastation}} The International Organization for Migration allocated US$200,000 in immediate funds on 22 February.{{cite web|work=International Organization for Migration|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=22 February 2016|access-date=22 February 2016|title=IOM Ready to Assist Following Monster Storm in Fiji|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/iom-ready-assist-following-monster-storm-fiji}} Oxfam placed members across the Southwestern Pacific on standby for deployment.{{cite web|work=Oxfam|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=22 February 2016|access-date=22 February 2016|title=Fiji Government trying to contact Tropical Cyclone Winston blackspots as death toll rises|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/fiji-government-trying-contact-tropical-cyclone-winston-blackspots-death-toll-rises}} Direct Relief provided {{convert|15000|lb|kg|abbr=on|order=flip}} of medical supplies to hospitals across Fiji.{{cite web|work=Direct Relief|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=26 February 2016|access-date=29 February 2016|title=In cyclone's aftermath, 15,000 lbs of emergency medical aid bound for Fiji|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/cyclone-s-aftermath-15000-lbs-emergency-medical-aid-bound-fiji}}
The IFRC launched an emergency appeal for the nation on 29 February seeking CHF 7 million to benefit 38,500 people over a period of 12 months.{{cite report|work=International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=29 February 2016|access-date=1 March 2016|title=Fiji: Tropical Cyclone Winston Emergency Appeal n° MDRFJ001|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/MDRFJ001_EA.pdf}} The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) launched an appeal for US$38.6 million—including US$7.1 million for UNICEF projects{{cite web|author=United Nations Children's Emergency Fund|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=4 March 2016|access-date=5 March 2016|title=UNICEF Pacific Cyclone Winston Humanitarian Situation Report #6|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/UNICEF%20Pacific%20Cyclone%20Winston%20External%20SitRep%20No%206%20-%204%20March%202016.pdf}}—on 4 March. International donations of items and technical assistance reached US$22 million and cash donations amounted to US$9 million by this date. Stephen O'Brien, head of UNOCHA, released US$8 million from the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund.{{cite press release|author=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=4 March 2016|access-date=4 March 2016|title=After Tropical Cyclone Winston: Fiji Humanitarian Appeal requests $38.6 million to help restore the Island nation|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/PR%20Global%20launch_Fiji%20appeal%204%20March%202016_Geneva_0.pdf|location=Geneva, Switzerland}} WASH supplies were distributed to 26,125 people by this date.
==FRANZ agreement==
File:Relief supplies being loaded for Cyclone Winston.jpg being loaded into aircraft for delivery to Koro Island.]]
In accordance with the FRANZ agreement, Australia, France, and New Zealand coordinated relief efforts to help Fiji.{{cite press release|publisher=French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development|date=24 February 2016|access-date=28 February 2016|title=Fiji – French aid following Hurricane Winston (February 24, 2016)|url=http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/fiji-islands/events/article/fiji-french-aid-following-hurricane-winston-24-02-16}} On 21 February, the government of New Zealand set aside an initial NZ$50,000 (US$34,000) to the High Commission of the Republic of the Fiji Islands to New Zealand in preparation for relief efforts, alongside NZ$170,000 (US$114,000) worth of relief supplies. The RNZAF deployed a Lockheed P-3 Orion, C-130 Hercules and a Boeing 757 with a team of New Zealand Army engineers and firefighters with a specialist SAR tea RNZN ships carrying two air force NH-90 helicopters deployed to Fiji to assist in relief efforts. RNZAF P-3 Orion was sent immediately to the area to aid in aerial surveillance and assessments of the damage situation in Fiji.{{cite web|last1=McCully|first1=Murray|title=NZ sends Orion and releases aid to Fiji|url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nz-sends-orion-and-releases-aid-fiji|website=beehive.govt.nz|publisher=Government of New Zealand|access-date=21 February 2016|date=21 February 2016}} New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully toured Fiji on 29 February and described the damage as "an endless sea of [airplane] crashes".{{cite news|publisher=Stuff.co.nz|date=1 March 2016|access-date=1 March 2016|title=Government increases aid for Fiji by $1.5 million|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/77421778/government-increases-aid-for-fiji-by-15-million}} Total aid was increased to NZ$4.7 million (US$3.1 million) by 1 March, including a boost of NZ$1.5 million (US$1 million) immediately following McCully's visit.{{cite news|work=Government of New Zealand|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=1 March 2016|access-date=1 March 2016|title=NZ boosts Fiji cyclone aid to $4.7 million|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/nz-boosts-fiji-cyclone-aid-47-million}} HMNZS Wellington arrived in Vanua Balavu with 60 tonnes of aid on 29 February, nine days after Winston struck the island. The larger HMNZS Canterbury arrived at the island several days later,{{cite news|author=Siteri Sauvakacolo|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=29 February 2016|access-date=29 February 2016|title=9 days later, help arrives|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=343646|archive-date=29 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229102054/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=343646|url-status=dead}} bringing 270 NZDF personnel and 106 tons of supplies. The crew of the Canterbury were later praised by residents of Vanua Balavu for their rehabilitation work.{{cite news|author=Losalini Bolatagici|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=9 March 2016|access-date=10 March 2016|title=NZDF praised for efforts|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=344800|archive-date=11 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311074753/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=344800|url-status=dead}}
Australia provided an immediate relief package worth A$5 million (US$3.6 million) on 22 February,{{cite news|author=Avinesh Gopal|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=22 February 2016|access-date=22 February 2016|title=Australia gives $5m assistance package to Fiji|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342667|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304151443/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=342667|url-status=dead}} which increased to A$33.7 million (US$26.1 million) by 21 April {{cite news|newspaper=Fiji Sun|date=19 April 2016|access-date=21 April 2016|title=Aussies Give Another $31 Million|url=http://fijisun.com.fj/2016/04/21/aussies-give-another-31-million/}} HMAS Canberra, carrying three helicopters and 60 tons of aid, arrived on 1 March.{{cite report|work=World Food Programme, Logistics Cluster|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=1 March 2016|access-date=1 March 2016|title=Fiji: Situation Update as of 1 March 2016|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/fiji-situation-update-1-march-2016}} Forty members of the Royal Australian Air Force were deployed to Nausori on 27 February, and twenty-two medical personnel were sent at other times.{{cite web|work=Government of Australia|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=29 February 2016|access-date=29 February 2016|title=Additional Humanitarian Support to Fiji|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/additional-humanitarian-support-fiji}} More than 200 personnel of the Australian Defence Forces assisted recovery efforts across Fiji for two months before returning home in April. France deployed two CASA/IPTN CN-235 aircraft from New Caledonia, loaded with emergency supplies; they flew along supply routes to Taveuni and Vanua Levu.{{cite news|author=Timoci Vula|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=27 February 2016|access-date=28 February 2016|title=French relief supplies, Australian military arrive|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=343326|archive-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307021704/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=343326|url-status=dead}} On 9 March, the French patrol boat La Moqueuse arrived in Suva with 2 tonnes of supplies—shelter and hygiene kits—and 14 engineers. The Government of New Caledonia pledged FJ$300,000 (US$142,000) in support to UNICEF and the territory's South Province pledged FJ$400,000 (US$189,000) to support education.{{cite news|author=Tevita Vuibau|newspaper=Fiji Times|date=11 March 2016|access-date=11 March 2016|title=Boat brings in 2 tonnes of aid|url=http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=345094|archive-date=11 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311111954/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=345094|url-status=dead}}
=Retirement=
During November 2016, the WMO retired the name Winston due to the storm's extensive damage to the South Pacific islands and was subsequently replaced by the name Wanita.{{RA V Tropical cyclone operational plan}}
See also
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
- Weather of 2016
- Tropical cyclones in 2016
- List of the most intense tropical cyclones
- Cyclone Mahina (1899) – Potentially the most intense tropical cyclone recorded in the Southern Hemisphere
- Cyclone Oscar (1983)
- Cyclone Rewa (1993)
- Cyclone Zoe (2002) – The second-most intense tropical cyclone recorded in the South Pacific basin
- Cyclone Daman (2007)
- Cyclone Pam (2015)
- Cyclone Gita (2018)
- Cyclone Harold (2020)
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
{{SPAC EL's}}
- [http://reliefweb.int/disaster/tc-2016-000014-fji ReliefWeb disaster page on Cyclone Winston]
{{2015–16 South Pacific cyclone season buttons}}
{{2015–16 Australian region cyclone season buttons}}
{{Category 5 South Pacific severe tropical cyclones}}
{{Retired South Pacific cyclones}}
{{Leading tropical cyclones}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Winston (2016)}}
Category:2015–16 South Pacific cyclone season
Category:2015–16 Australian region cyclone season
Category:Category 5 South Pacific cyclones
Category:Tropical cyclones in Queensland
Category:Tropical cyclones in Fiji
Category:Tropical cyclones in Niue
Category:Tropical cyclones in Tonga
Category:Tropical cyclones in Vanuatu
Category:February 2016 in Oceania