Tropical Storm Harvey (2011)
{{Short description|Atlantic tropical storm in 2011}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox weather event
| name = Tropical Storm Harvey
| image = Harvey 2011-08-20 1445Z.jpg
| caption = Tropical Storm Harvey near peak intensity on August 20
| formed = August 19, 2011
| dissipated = August 22, 2011
}}{{Infobox weather event/NWS
| winds = 55
| pressure = 994
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| year = 2011
| fatalities = 5 direct
| damage-suffix = Minimal
| areas = Lesser Antilles, Hispaniola, Central America, Mexico
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season = 2011 Atlantic hurricane season
}}
Tropical Storm Harvey was the final tropical cyclone in a record-breaking string of eight consecutive storms that failed to attain hurricane intensity.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Hurricane-season-ends-without-a-lot-of-hurricanes-2299307.php|title=Hurricane season ends without a lot of hurricanes|author=Eric Berger|author-link=Eric Berger (meteorologist)|date=November 28, 2011|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|access-date=October 6, 2013}} The eighth tropical cyclone and eighth named storm of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, Harvey developed from a tropical wave in the western Caribbean Sea on August 19. It moved over warm waters in the vicinity of Central America. Later on August 19, the system strengthened into Tropical Storm Harvey while just offshore Honduras. Additional organization occurred and Harvey attained its peak intensity of 65 mph (100 km/h) prior to coming ashore Belize on August 20. Harvey weakened to a tropical depression on August 21, but re-intensified to a tropical storm after emerging into the Bay of Campeche. Early on August 22, it made landfall in Veracruz, then weakened and dissipated several hours later.
The precursor disturbance caused thunderstorms throughout the Lesser Antilles, producing squally weather and gusty winds. On Saint Croix in the United States Virgin Islands, gusty winds downed trees, which struck power lines, leaving minor electrical outages. Along its path, Harvey dropped heavy rainfall across much of Central America. Strong winds and heavy precipitation were reported in the country of Belize. Heavy rains in Mexico triggered numerous landslides, one of which killed 3 people. Landslides in damaged 36 homes and 334 homes in the states of Chiapas and Veracruz, respectively. Heavy rainfall also caused rivers to overflow, damaging homes and businesses. Two additional people died in Mexico from unknown causes.
Meteorological history
{{Storm path|Harvey 2011 path.png|colors=new}}
A tropical wave exited the west coast of Africa on August 10.{{cite report|author=Eric S. Blake|date=November 30, 2011|title=Tropical Storm Harvey Tropical Cyclone Report|access-date=January 25, 2013|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL082011_Harvey}}|format=PDF|publisher=National Hurricane Center}} The wave was accompanied by a weak center of low pressure and patches of moderate to strong convection. In response, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) noted the potential for the wave to develop into a tropical cyclone.{{cite report|author=Marshall Huffman|title=Tropical Weather Discussion: 805 am EDT Thursday, August 11, 2011|date=August 11, 2011|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=August 19, 2011|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWDAT/2011/TWDAT.201108111154.txt}} The wave continued westward at {{convert|15|to|20|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}{{cite report|author=Mike Tichacek|title=Tropical Weather Discussion: 205 pm EDT Thursday, August 11, 2011|date=August 11, 2011|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=August 19, 2011|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWDAT/2011/TWDAT.201108111808.txt}} and became less vigorous over the next several days, with no strong convection present on August 13.{{cite report|author=Corey Walton|title=Tropical Weather Discussion: 205 pm EDT Saturday, August 13, 2011|date=August 13, 2011|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=August 19, 2011|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWDAT/2011/TWDAT.201108131752.txt}} Sporadic convection redeveloped over the course of the following day.{{cite web|author=Felix Garcia|title=Tropical Weather Discussion: 805 pm EDT Sunday, August 14, 2011|date=August 14, 2011|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=August 19, 2011|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWDAT/TWDAT.201108150003.txt}} Early the next day, the system was analyzed as an area of low pressure between Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and an inverted trough extending well to the north.{{cite report|author=Mike Tichacek|title=Tropical Weather Discussion: 205 am EDT Tuesday, August 16, 2011|date=August 16, 2011|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=August 19, 2011|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWDAT/2011/TWDAT.201108160612.txt}}
The wave moved westward through the Caribbean Sea and produced areas of heavy showers and thunderstorms, although convection on the northern side of the system was limited, possibly a result of excessive Saharan dust.{{cite report|author=Corey Walton|title=Tropical Weather Discussion: 205 pm EDT Tuesday, August 16, 2011|date=August 16, 2011|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=August 19, 2011|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWDAT/2011/TWDAT.201108161748.txt}} Mid-level cyclonic turning became more pronounced by early on August 17.{{cite report|author=Nelsie A. Ramos and Felix Garcia|title=Tropical Weather Discussion: 805 pm EDT Tuesday, August 16, 2011|date=August 16, 2011|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=August 19, 2011|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWDAT/2011/TWDAT.201108170004.txt}} Although a closed center of circulation was still lacking, conditions were becoming more favorable for the tropical cyclogenesis.{{cite report|author=Mike Tichacek|title=Tropical Weather Discussion: 805 am EDT Wednesday, August 17, 2011|date=August 17, 2011|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=August 19, 2011|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWDAT/2011/TWDAT.201108171153.txt}} By early on August 18, the NHC issued a "high chance" of the wave becoming a tropical cyclone within 48 hours.{{cite report|author=Felix Garcia|title=Tropical Weather Discussion: 805 pm EDT Wednesday, August 17, 2011|date=August 17, 2011|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=August 19, 2011|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWDAT/2011/TWDAT.201108172347.txt}} After a low-level circulation became identifiable, the system was designated as Tropical Depression Eight at 1800 UTC on August 18, while located about {{convert|100|mi|km|abbr=on}} east-northeast of Cape Gracias a Dios.{{cite report|author=Patricia A. Wallace|title=Tropical Weather Discussion: 805 pm EDT Thursday, August 18, 2011|date=August 18, 2011|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=August 19, 2011|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWDAT/2011/TWDAT.201108182358.txt}}
Steered by a building high pressure area over the Gulf of Mexico, the cyclone remained on its westward course and was expected to move westward throughout its duration.{{cite report|author=John L. Beven II|title=Tropical Depression Eight Discussion Number 3|date=August 19, 2011|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=August 19, 2011|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/al08/al082011.discus.003.shtml?}} Continuing to deepen, Tropical Depression Eight strengthened into Tropical Storm Harvey at 1200 UTC on August 19. Harvey continued to strengthen throughout the afternoon, with an improved appearance on visible satellite imagery and good outflow across the northwestern part of the storm.{{cite report|author=John L. Beven II|title=Tropical Storm Harvey Discussion Number 4|date=August 19, 2011|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=August 19, 2011|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/al08/al082011.discus.004.shtml?}} A discussion by the NHC early on August 20 indicated the potential for Harvey to strengthen into a hurricane prior to landfall, but this never materialized. At 0600 UTC on August 20, the storm attained its minimum barometric pressure of {{convert|994|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. Winds increased slightly further, and at 1730 UTC on August 20, Harvey made landfall near Dangriga, Belize with winds of 65 mph (100 km/h). While located over northeastern Guatemala early on August 21, the system weakened to a tropical depression. Harvey reached the Bay of Campeche early on August 22, where a convective burst allowed it to briefly re-strengthen into a tropical storm. By 0200 UTC, Harvey made landfall near Punta Roca Partida, Veracruz with winds of 40 mph (65 km/h). The system weakened back to a tropical depression at 0600 UTC on August 22. About twelve hours later, Harvey dissipated over Oaxaca.
Preparations and impact
=Caribbean Sea=
Prior to becoming a tropical cyclone, Harvey's precursor disturbance produced squally conditions, including intermittent torrents and gusty winds, to much of the Lesser Antilles. Coinciding with the typical rainy season, which lasts from July to October and is characterized by frequent tropical waves, the wave triggered heavy rainfall on the island of Guadeloupe. Precipitation totals commonly exceeded {{convert|2|to|3|in|mm|abbr=on}}, and across the mountains of the Basse-Terre area, up to {{convert|10|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rainfall was reported.{{cite news|title=Pluies torrentielles en Guadeloupe|date=August 18, 2011|newspaper=La Chaîne Météo|access-date=August 19, 2011|url=http://actualite.lachainemeteo.com/actualite-meteo/2011-08-18-07h53/pluies-torrentielles-en-guadeloupe-13437.php|language=fr}}
On Saint Croix, a sensor at Salt River Bay recorded a wind gust of {{convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Strong winds brought down one large tree and resulted in minor power outages, although workers quickly arrived to restore electricity. Despite an urban and small-stream flood advisory for the island, minimal precipitation was recorded. Under {{convert|0.5|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain fell on Saint Croix, while just a trace of precipitation was observed on Saint Thomas.{{cite news|author=Joy Blackburn|title=Tropical wave brings high winds|date=August 17, 2011|newspaper=Virgin Island Daily News|access-date=August 19, 2011|url=http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2011/8/17/40619/Tropical-wave-brings-scattered-showers-thunderstorms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610220353/http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2011/8/17/40619/Tropical-wave-brings-scattered-showers-thunderstorms|archive-date=June 10, 2015|url-status=dead}} The system brushed Puerto Rico as it passed to south, with wind gusts reaching {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Mostly minor damage was reported.{{cite news|title=Onda tropical provoca vientos de tormenta en Puerto Rico|date=August 16, 2011|newspaper=Noticias 24/7|language=es}} Scattered shower and thunderstorm activity also affected parts of the Dominican Republic, where residents were warned of the potential for flash flooding and mudslides and for the potential for rivers to rise above their banks.{{cite news|title=Tropical wave brings scattered showers, thunderstorms|date=August 17, 2011|newspaper=Dominican Today|access-date=August 19, 2011|url=http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2011/8/17/40619/Tropical-wave-brings-scattered-showers-thunderstorms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610220353/http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2011/8/17/40619/Tropical-wave-brings-scattered-showers-thunderstorms|archive-date=June 10, 2015|url-status=dead}}
=Central America and Mexico=
With the storm expected to continue on its westward track, tropical storm watches were posted for the northern of Honduras and the Caribbean coast of Guatemala. Tropical storm warnings were issued for the coast of Belize, the southeastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, and the Bay Islands Department of Honduras. A "red alert" was declared for five departments of Honduras, including Colón, Atlantida, Cortés, and Islas de la Bahia. Two other departments, Gracias a Dios and Yoro, were under a "yellow alert". Additionally, a "green alert" was issued for the departments of Olancho and Santa Bárbara. Shelters were prepared in case of an evacuation.{{cite news|title=Alerta amarilla para litoral Atlántico de Honduras|date=August 19, 2011|newspaper=El Heraldo|access-date=August 19, 2011|url=http://www.elheraldo.hn/Sintesis/Lo-ultimo/Ediciones/2011/08/19/Noticias/Alerta-amarilla-para-litoral-Atlantico-de-Honduras|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729023305/http://archivo.elheraldo.hn/Ediciones/2011/08/19/Noticias/Alerta-roja-para-litoral-Atlantico-de-Honduras|archive-date=July 29, 2012}}
Rainfall in Honduras peaked at {{convert|7.48|in|mm}} in Roatán, located in the Bay Islands Department. However, no damage was reported in the country.{{cite news|url=http://archivo.laprensa.hn/Ediciones/2011/08/21/Noticias/Harvey-no-dejo-danos-ni-victimas-en-Honduras|title=Harvey no dejó daños ni víctimas en Honduras|date=August 20, 2011|newspaper=La Prensa|access-date=October 11, 2013|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013062301/http://archivo.laprensa.hn/Ediciones/2011/08/21/Noticias/Harvey-no-dejo-danos-ni-victimas-en-Honduras|archive-date=October 13, 2013}} In Belize, between {{convert|2|and|5|in|mm}} of rainfall was reported in the southern districts, while {{convert|3.4|in|mm}} fell in Belmopan.{{cite report|url=http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/tcp/Meetings/HC34/documents/Belize_en.doc|title=Reports Of Hurricanes, Tropical Storms, Tropical Disturbances And Related flooding During 2011 - Belize|date=2012|publisher=World Meteorological Organization}} This caused flash flooding in low-lying areas. Some houses were damaged and destroyed in Crooked Tree. Additionally, a church at San Lazaro in Orange Walk District suffered severe damage.{{cite report|url=http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Full_Report_2144.pdf|title=Situation Report #1 - Tropical Storm Harvey makes landfall in southern Belize (as of Saturday August 20, 2011 at 9.00 p.m. EST)|date=August 20, 2011|work=Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency|publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=August 21, 2013|format=PDF}} A tornado also caused wind damage in a few villages in northern Belize. As outer rainbands began to drop heavy precipitation in parts of northern Guatemala, authorities issued orange alerts for high-risk areas, with a yellow alert remaining in effect nationwide.{{cite news|title=Primeros efectos de tormenta Harvey sobre Guatemala|date=August 20, 2011|author=Prensa Latina|author-link=Prensa Latina|publisher=Agencia de Noticias Latinoamericana S.A|language=es}}
In Mexico, heavy rains from Harvey triggered several landslides, one of which killed three people. Two other people died from unknown causes. The most significant impact took place in Veracruz where 334 homes were damaged by the storm.{{cite news|agency=Notimex|newspaper=CNN|date=August 23, 2011|access-date=August 21, 2013|title=La tormeta tropical 'Harvey' provocó daños en siete municipios de Veracruz|url=http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/08/23/la-tormeta-tropical-harvey-provoco-danos-en-siete-municipios-de-veracruz|language=es}} In Guerrero, significant flooding damaged a bridge and isolated the town of Xaltianguis.{{cite news|agency=Notimex|newspaper=Grupo Fórmula|date=August 22, 2011|access-date=August 21, 2013|title=Deja tormenta tropical Harvey daños en carretera de Guerrero|url=http://www.teleformula.com.mx/notas.asp?Idn=192335|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316140540/http://www.teleformula.com.mx/notas.asp?Idn=192335|archive-date=March 16, 2012|url-status=dead}} Heavy rains in Chiapas caused several rivers to overflow their banks, causing moderate flooding in several towns and cities. Landslides associated with the system damaged 36 homes and affected three highways in the state.{{cite news|agency=Notimex|newspaper=publimetro|date=August 22, 2011|access-date=August 21, 2013|title=Evalúan daños por tormenta tropical "Harvey" en Chiapas|url=http://www.publimetro.com.mx/noticias/evaluan-danos-por-tormenta-tropical-harvey-en-chiapas/nkhv!tdOa942PCqupF7szWl1o7w/|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010174044/http://www.publimetro.com.mx/noticias/evaluan-danos-por-tormenta-tropical-harvey-en-chiapas/nkhv%21tdOa942PCqupF7szWl1o7w/|archive-date=October 10, 2012|url-status=dead}}
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See also
References
{{Reflist|2}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2011/refresh/EIGHT+shtml/145401.shtml? Advisory archive] from the National Hurricane Center
{{2011 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}}