Tropical Storm Bret (2011)

{{Infobox weather event

| name = Tropical Storm Bret

| image = Bret 2011-07-18 1755Z.jpg

| caption = Tropical Storm Bret north of the Bahamas on July 18

| formed = July 17, 2011

| low = July 22

| dissipated = July 23, 2011

}}{{Infobox weather event/NWS

| winds = 60

| pressure = 995

}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects

| year = 2011

| fatalities = None reported

| damage-suffix = Minimal

| areas = Bahamas, Bermuda, East Coast of the United States

| refs =

}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer

| season = 2011 Atlantic hurricane season

}}

Tropical Storm Bret was the second named storm of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season. Bret formed along the southwestern periphery of a weather front north of the Bahamas on July 17. At first, the storm moved little and gradually strengthened in response to favorable upper-level conditions, reaching peak sustained winds of {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Steering currents in the area subsequently became better established, and Bret turned toward the northeast only to encounter a substantial increase in vertical wind shear. Despite the shear, the storm maintained a well-defined wind circulation for several days, with intermittent bursts of thunderstorms near its center. By July 22, Bret had been devoid of strong thunderstorm activity for several hours, prompting the National Hurricane Center to discontinue public advisories when it was located about {{convert|375|mi|km}} north of Bermuda.

Since Bret remained over the open Atlantic for most of its existence, its effects on land were limited. While moving little, the storm produced inclement weather and widespread cloudiness over much of the north-central Bahamas. Squalls off the eastern coast of Florida generated rough seas along coastlines, injuring a number of people. Although it stayed well offshore, the storm enhanced tropical moisture over Bermuda, causing beneficial rainfall in dry areas.

Meteorological history

In mid-July, 2011, a broad upper trough dropped southward over the northwest Atlantic, supporting a cold front that extended westward across Bermuda to inland over Georgia.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWDAT/2011/TWDAT.201107150552.txt|title=Tropical Weather Discussion|date=2011-07-15|access-date=2011-07-17|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Wallace, Patricia}} The front produced a large area of light showers to its north, with its westernmost component remaining quasi-stationary over northeastern Florida.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWDAT/2011/TWDAT.201107160008.txt|title=Tropical Weather Discussion|date=2011-07-15|access-date=2011-07-17|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Christensen, Eric}} On July 16, a surface low developed along the decaying boundary, just off the coast,{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWDAT/2011/TWDAT.201107161754.txt|title=Tropical Weather Discussion|date=2011-07-15|access-date=2011-07-17|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Garcia, Felix}} generating an area of sporadic convection north of the Bahamas.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/gtwo/atl/201107161742/index.php?basin=atl|title=Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook|date=2011-07-16|access-date=2011-07-22|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Stewart, Stacy}} Although a wind circulation was initially absent and surface pressures were relatively high, the low later became better organized under abating shear conditions on July 17.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/gtwo/atl/201107170538/index.php?basin=atl|title=Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook|date=2011-07-16|access-date=2011-07-17|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Beven, Jack}} A reconnaissance flight observed a closed circulation center about {{convert|100|mi|km|abbr=on}}, northwest of Great Abaco Island at 18:00 UTC that day, which confirmed the formation of a tropical depression.{{cite journal|author=Avila, L. A., and S. R. Stewart|year=2013|title=Atlantic Hurricane Season of 2011|journal= Monthly Weather Review|volume=141|issue=8 |pages=2577–2596|doi=10.1175/MWR-D-12-00230.1|doi-access=free|bibcode=2013MWRv..141.2577A }} Just three hours later, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued its first advisory on the depression,{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/al02/al022011.discus.001.shtml?|title=Tropical Depression Two Discussion Number One|date=2011-07-17|access-date=2011-07-17|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Pasch, Richard/Stewart, Stacy}} and upgraded it to Tropical Storm Bret at 03:00 UTC the next day, owing to a quick increase in winds and thunderstorms around its center.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/al02/al022011.discus.002.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Bret Advisory Number Two|date=2011-07-18|access-date=2011-07-18|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Brown, Dan/Berg, Robbie}}

Situated along a weakness in the subtropical ridge, Bret drifted very slowly southward during the initial stages of its existence. Though traces of dry air approached it from the west, the cyclone continued to strengthen, as prominent bands of deep thunderstorms tightened around it eastern semicircle.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/al02/al022011.discus.003.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Bret Advisory Number Three|date=2011-07-18|access-date=2011-07-22|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Brennan, Michael}} Satellite images displayed a disorganized eye-like feature on July 18, suggesting a rather sharp increase in strength. Indeed, an additional reconnaissance flight into the cyclone found peak surface winds of around {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, just below hurricane strength.{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL022011_Bret}}|title=Tropical Storm Bret Tropical Cyclone Report|publisher=National Hurricane Center|first=Stacy R.|last=Stewart|date=2011-12-05|access-date=2011-12-15|format=PDF}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/al02/al022011.discus.005.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Bret Discussion Number Five|access-date=2011-07-23|date=2011-07-18|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Pasch, Richard}} Following its peak, Bret began to accelerate toward the northeast in response to building high pressure in the area. It fluctuated little in intensity for several hours,{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/al02/al022011.discus.006.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Bret Discussion Number Six|access-date=2011-07-23|date=2011-07-19|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Berg, Robbie}} although a combination of high wind shear and a lack of tropical moisture inhibited further development. By July 19, the circulation center had become exposed and devoid of deep convection, and the storm weakened to {{convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} winds upon moving through the increasingly hostile environment.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/al02/al022011.discus.007.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Bret Discussion Number Seven|access-date=2011-07-23|date=2011-07-19|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Brennan, Michael}} Despite the unfavorable conditions, Bret retained this intensity for the next couple of days as it briefly slowed, with a distinct low-level circulation and a few patches of persistent thunderstorms over its southwestern quadrant.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/al02/al022011.discus.009.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Bret Discussion Number Nine|access-date=2011-07-23|date=2011-07-19|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Brennan, Michael}}

Early on July 20, the heavily sheared cyclone began to reaccelerate within the deepening southwesterly wind flow.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/al02/al022011.discus.011.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Bret Discussion Number Eleven|access-date=2011-07-23|date=2011-07-20|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Cangialosi, John}} Over the next day, Bret continued to deteriorate in organization;{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/al02/al022011.discus.014.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Bret Discussion Number Fourteen|access-date=2011-07-23|date=2011-07-20|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Beven, Jack}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/al02/al022011.discus.016.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Bret Discussion Number Sixteen|access-date=2011-07-23|date=2011-07-21|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Beven, Jack}} however, a brief decline in the upper winds allowed intermittent bursts of convection to redevelop south of the exposed center.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/al02/al022011.discus.012.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Bret Discussion Number Twelve|access-date=2011-07-23|date=2011-07-20|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Beven, Jack}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/al02/al022011.discus.015.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Bret Discussion Number Fifteen|access-date=2011-07-23|date=2011-07-21|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Stewart, Stacy}} Bret eventually weakened to a tropical depression over cool ocean temperatures early on July 22, once again lacking significant convection while increasing in forward speed.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/al02/al022011.discus.018.shtml?|title=Tropical Depression Bret Discussion Number Eighteen|access-date=2011-07-23|date=2011-07-22|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Pasch, Richard}} Forecasters at the NHC noted that Bret remained "a maverick tropical cyclone by refusing to dissipate despite experiencing very hostile wind shear conditions," with ship data indications of prevailing strong winds.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/al02/al022011.discus.019.shtml?|title=Tropical Depression Bret Discussion Number Nineteen|access-date=2011-07-23|date=2011-07-22|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Stewart, Stacy}} By 1500 UTC, however, the circulation had become ill-defined, prompting the NHC to declassify Bret as a tropical system about {{convert|375|mi|km|abbr=on}} north of Bermuda.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/al02/al022011.discus.020.shtml?|title=Post-Tropical Cyclone Bret Discussion Number Twenty|access-date=2011-07-23|date=2011-07-22|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Beven, Jack}} During the next several hours, the remnant low of Bret continued to move northeastward out into the Atlantic, until it dissipated on July 23.

Preparations and impact

=Bahamas=

File:Bret Jul 22 2011 1735Z.jpg

Upon the formation of a depression, the government of the Bahamas issued a tropical storm watch for northwestern islands of the nation.{{cite web|url=http://www.bahamaislandsinfo.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9353:tropical-storm-watch-issued-for-abaco-and-grand-bahama&catid=93:bahamas-weather&Itemid=212|title=Tropical Storm Watch issued for Abaco and Grand Bahama|publisher=Bahama Islands Info|author=National Weather Service|author-link=National Weather Service|date=2011-07-17|access-date=2011-07-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104001325/http://www.bahamaislandsinfo.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9353%3Atropical-storm-watch-issued-for-abaco-and-grand-bahama&catid=93%3Abahamas-weather&Itemid=212|archive-date=2014-01-04|url-status=dead}} It was upgraded to a tropical storm warning on July 18, when the storm showed signs of intensification.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/al02/al022011.public_a.002.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Bret Advisory Number Two A|date=2011-07-18|access-date=2011-07-19|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Brennan, Jack}} Further south, a severe weather warning was in effect for New Providence and Andros Island,{{cite web|url=http://www.tribune242.com/07182011_stormupdate_news_pg|title=Storm Update: Severe weather warning For New Providence and Andros|date=2011-07-18|access-date=2011-07-19|work=The Tribune|author=Staff writer|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315024542/http://www.tribune242.com/07182011_stormupdate_news_pg|archive-date=2012-03-15}} and authorities urged small craft operators to secure their vessels.{{cite web|url=http://www.bahamasweather.org.bs/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=11&cntnt01returnid=88|title=Alert No. 1 Tropical Depression No. 2|date=2011-07-17|access-date=2011-07-21|author=Dean, Basil A.|publisher=The Bahamas Meteorological Department}} The warnings were discontinued later that day as Bret turned away from the territory.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/al02/al022011.public.005.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Bret Advisory Number Five|date=2011-07-18|access-date=2011-07-19|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Pasch, Richard}}

Since it initially moved little, Bret brought prolonged overcast conditions to much of the northern Bahamas, with most of the activity over the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama. An estimated {{convert|3|in|mm|abbr=on}} of precipitation fell in Abaco over the weekend of July 16–17.{{cite web|url=http://www.thenassauguardian.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11668&Itemid=27|title=Weather system dumps rain over parts of Bahamas|author=Robards, Chester|work=The Nassau Guardian|date=2011-07-19|access-date=2011-07-19}} In addition, a weather station on the island reported gale-force gusting of up to {{convert|48|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at the height of the storm.{{cite web|url=http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=IABACOEL1&month=7&day=18&year=2011|title=History for IABACOEL1: Daily Summary for July 18, 2011|publisher=Weather Underground, Inc|date=2011-07-18|access-date=2011-07-23|archive-date=2013-02-10|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130210122757/http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=IABACOEL1&month=7&day=18&year=2011|url-status=dead}} The rain led to the cancellation of a local Little League baseball match. Outer rainbands spawned a waterspout that touched down on eastern Paradise Island, accompanied by lightning strikes and torrents.{{cite web|url=http://www.bahamaslocal.com/newsitem/26739/Water_Spout_Touches_Down_on_Paradise_Island.html|title=Water spout touches down on Paradise Island|date=2011-07-18|access-date=2011-07-19|publisher=Bahamas Local|author=Staff writer}} Nevertheless, locals considered the storm's impact to be generally positive, as its rains aided in alleviating mild drought conditions across the nation.

=United States and Bermuda=

Off the coast of Florida, the storm generated rough sea conditions with waves of up to {{convert|5|ft|m|abbr=on}};{{cite web|url=http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/east-volusia/2011/07/20/storm-surf-expected-to-subside-but-not-rip-currents.html|title=Storm surf expected to subside but not rip currents|work=The Daytona Beach News-Journal|author=Staff reporter|publisher=Halifax Media Holdings|date=2011-07-20|access-date=2011-10-03|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402164749/http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/east-volusia/2011/07/20/storm-surf-expected-to-subside-but-not-rip-currents.html|archive-date=2012-04-02}} high surf lightly injured several swimmers and surfers in Brevard County.{{cite web|url=http://www.cfnews13.com/article/news/2011/july/280830/Tropical-Storm-Bret-to-produce-strong-rip-currents|title=Tropical Storm Bret produces strong rip currents|author=Kavanagh, Margaret/Saenz, Saul|publisher=News 13|date=2011-07-19|access-date=2011-07-19}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=no }} Strong rip currents swept dozens of people out to sea, but all remained unharmed and were quickly rescued. Additionally, the waves washed ashore venomous jellyfish that stung more than 200 people near coastal beaches.{{cite web|url=http://www.wesh.com/r/28597598/detail.html|title=Bret stirs up rip currents, jellyfish|author=WESH 2 News|author-link=WESH|publisher=Hearst Television|date=2011-07-19|access-date=2011-07-19|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314091149/http://www.wesh.com/r/28597598/detail.html|archive-date=2012-03-14}} Scattered funnel clouds and waterspouts were reported overseas, though the phenomena dissipated soon thereafter without affecting land.{{cite web|url=http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/local_news/youreport/wptv-youreporter-spots-%27fire-funnel%27-clouds-in-stuart|title=WPTV YouReporter spots 'fire funnel' clouds in Stuart|publisher=WPTV-TV|author=Reynolds, Mollie|date=2011-07-18|access-date=2011-07-28|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102230521/http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/local_news/youreport/wptv-youreporter-spots-%27fire-funnel%27-clouds-in-stuart|archive-date=2014-01-02}} Onshore, Bret's effects were minimal; weak morning showers and breezy winds briefly brushed Brevard and Volusia Counties.{{cite web|url=http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/outdoors/environment/2011/07/18/tropical-storm-bret-forms-off-florida-coast.html|title=Tropical Storm Bret forms off Florida coast|work=The Daytona Beach News-Journal|author=Pulver, Dinah V.|publisher=Halifax Media Holdings|date=2011-07-18|access-date=2011-07-24|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319172023/http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/outdoors/environment/2011/07/18/tropical-storm-bret-forms-off-florida-coast.html|archive-date=2012-03-19}}{{cite web|url=http://www.centralfloridafree.com/contact/1383-tropical-storm-bret-to-produce-strong-rip-currents|title=Tropical Storm Bret to produce strong rip currents|date=2011-07-18|access-date=2011-10-15|author=Staff writer|publisher=Central Florida Free}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=no }} As the storm lifted out of the area, it drew in a large mass of dry air, limiting chances of much-needed rain{{cite web|url=http://hurricanereport.blogs.heraldtribune.com/10909/florida-gets-dry-air-as-brett-begins-its-northeastward-move/|title=Florida gets dry air as Brett begins its northeastward move|author=Spinner, Kate|date=2011-07-18|access-date=2011-07-21|work=Herald-Tribune|publisher=The New York Times Company|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104001246/http://hurricanereport.blogs.heraldtribune.com/10909/florida-gets-dry-air-as-brett-begins-its-northeastward-move/|archive-date=2014-01-04}} to subdue a large wildfire in the Okefenokee Swamp.{{cite web|url=http://www.gpb.org/news/2011/07/18/rains-hold-down-wildfire|title=Rain holds down wildfire|author=Treiguts, Edgar|publisher=GPB|date=2011-07-18|access-date=2011-07-19}}

Light showers from the precursor front skirted Bermuda prior to tropical development, with 24-hour precipitation totals of no more than {{convert|0.87|in|mm|abbr=on}} recorded on the territory.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWDAT/2011/TWDAT.201107151748.txt|title=Tropical Weather Discussion|date=2011-07-15|access-date=2011-07-19|publisher=National Hurricane Center|author=Tichacek, Mike}} Moisture brought on by the storm from afar enhanced rainfall{{cite web|url=http://bernews.com/2011/07/inclement-weather-beat-the-retreat-cancelled/|title=Inclement weather: Beat the retreat cancelled|date=2011-07-20|access-date=2011-07-23|work=Bernews|publisher=Bernews.com|author=Staff writer}} that ended months of dry conditions in Bermuda; {{convert|1.75|in|mm|abbr=on}} of precipitation fell at L.F. Wade International Airport on July 18, with an additional {{convert|1.6|in|mm|abbr=on}} recorded the next day. Although the rains proved to be mostly beneficial, minor flooding affected some local businesses in poor-drainage areas.{{cite web|url=http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20110720/NEWS07/707209999/0|title=Island sees heavy rainfall after several dry months|date=2011-07-20|access-date=2011-07-21|work=The Royal Gazette|author=Johnston-Barnes, Owain|publisher=The Bermuda Press}}

References

External links

The NHC's [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/refresh/BRET+shtml/143402.shtml? advisory archive on Tropical Storm Bret]
The NHC's [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/BRET_graphics.shtml graphics archive on Tropical Storm Bret]

Bret (2011)

Category:2011 in the Bahamas