2010–11 South Pacific cyclone season
Encyclopedia
The 2010–11 South Pacific cyclone season is a period of the year when tropical cyclones formed within the South Pacific Ocean to the east of 160°E. The season officially ran from November 1, 2010 to April 30, 2011, however any tropical cyclones that form between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011 will count towards the season total.
Within the South Pacific, tropical cyclones are monitored by the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC)
in Nadi, Fiji, and the Tropical Cyclone Warning Center (TCWC)
in Wellington, New Zealand. RSMC Nadi attached a number and an F suffix to tropical disturbances that form in or move into the South Pacific. The United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center
(JTWC) issues unofficial warnings within the South Pacific, designating tropical cyclones with a number and a P suffix. RSMC Nadi and TCWC Wellington both use the Australian Tropical Cyclone Intensity Scale, and measure windspeeds over a period of ten minutes, while the JTWC measures sustained winds over a period of one minute and uses the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale. The intensities shown here are for whilst the systems were in the Southern Pacific.
region. As a result of this it was predicted that New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands would face a higher risk of being affected by a tropical cyclone than countries to the east of the International Dateline.
and New Zealand’s National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
(NIWA) issued a tropical cyclone outlook on behalf of collaborating organizations from the southern Pacific, which included the Bureau of Meteorology, NOAA
, Fiji Meteorological Service, Météo-France
and other Pacific Island Meteorological Services. The collaborating agencies, predicted that 9-12 tropical cyclones would form during the season, which meant that the Southern Pacific, would see activity either close to its average or above its average of nine tropical cyclones. At least three of the systems are forecasted to become a category 3 severe tropical cyclone, whilst one is expected to become a category 4 severe tropical cyclone.
An update of the southwest Pacific tropical cyclone forecast was issued in the Island Climate Update (ICU) Issue 125. The forecast persisted the October 2010 projection of average or above average TC activity through the remainder of the 2010-11 season. It was also noted that at least six TCs were expected for the back half of the 2010-11 season, which would bring the total for the region covered by the ICU forecast (135E to 120W) to 12 (and therefore at the high end of the forecasted range). Risk assessment remained consistent with the previous forecast.
Each year, tropical cyclones have a significant impact on the southern Pacific, with places like Vanuatu and New Caledonia experiencing the greatest activity in the region. During the season there was an elevated risk of a tropical cyclone occurring within the Coral Sea and/or North Tasman region affecting either Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, New Zealand and Vanuatu. There was also a near normal risk of a tropical cyclone affecting Fiji and Tonga, there was also a reduced or low risk of a tropical cyclone affecting the islands to the east of the International Date Line.
. Little strengthening was anticipated to occur as the system slowly tracked towards the south-southeast. The following day, after an abrupt relocation to the southwest, the disturbance was assigned with the identifier 01F while situated near Vanuatu. Gradually strengthening, the disturbance was upgraded to a tropical depression on November 25 after a slight increase in convection
. Situated along the eastern edge of an upper-level trough
, the depression tracked towards the east-southeast and would keep this general motion for several days. Though situated over warm waters, estimated to be 30 °C (86 °F), persistent wind shear
prevented the system from becoming organized.
The system later relocated into a region less favorable for tropical cyclogenesis
on November 27 but continued to strengthen and become better organized. Despite attaining gale-force winds, the depression was not classified as a tropical cyclone as these winds were located roughly 110 km (70 mi) from its center. During the afternoon of November 28, the depression attained a minimum barometric pressure of 999 hPa
(mbar
; 29.5 inHg). Gradual weakening took place over the following few days as the system tracked southward. By November 30, the depression was declassified as a tropical cyclone and was last noted on December 1 near the International Dateline.
On November 26, a tropical cyclone alert was issued for Fiji as the depression was expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds to the region. Flooding was anticipated in low-lying areas and if further intensification took place, more significant damage would be expected. The alert was later raised to a cyclone warning as the system neared the country. All warnings associated with the depression were discontinued on November 29 as it moved away from Fiji. The system brought gusty winds and heavy rains to the islands of Vatulele and Kadavu, though no damage occurred.
initiated warnings on the system and monitored it as Tropical Cyclone 05P. On the Next day, RSMC Nadi upgraded the depression into a Category 1 tropical cyclone and named it "Vania". Later that day, RSMC Nadi reported that Vania had intensified into a Category 2 tropical cyclone. Early the next day, RSMC Nadi upgraded Vania into a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone. Later that day, RSMC Nadi reported that Vania started weakening and downgraded it into a Category 2 tropical cyclone. Subsequently, it was downgraded to a category 1 tropical cyclone on January 14. On January 15, JTWC issued their final warning on the system. Soon, issuing their final advisory, RSMC Nadi downgraded Vania into a Tropical Depression.
and within a low-shear
environment, the system was able to develop a surface circulation. However, most forecast models did not show further intensification of the system. By January 6, the system's central pressure had decreased to 1002 hPa (mbar) but, it was expected to weaken shortly thereafter. Remaining mostly stationary near New Caledonia, the final advisory was issued by the FMS on January 7 as convection associated with the system became disorganized.
(JTWC) and Fiji Meteorological Service
(RSMC Nadi) reported that Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia crossed 160°E
and entered the South Pacific Ocean as a category three severe tropical cyclone. On the next day, RSMC Nadi downgraded Zelia into a Category two tropical cyclone. As Zelia started weakening and was no longer predicted to affect Fiji, RSMC Nadi issued their final Tropical Disturbance Advisory. Late on January 17, the JTWC reported that Zelia was weakening rapidly and was accelerating towards New Zealand
. Zelia was initially predicted to directly impact the Norfolk Island
but instead moved away and weakened. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology reported that the island could experience gale force winds and waves of 7 metres (23 ft). It was also reported that Zelia could bring wind gusts of up to 120 km/h (75 mph) to New Zealand.
According to the media, heavy rain and strong winds were being felt across the country. A mudslide was reported between Hawkes Crag and Fern Arch on State Highway 6
between Westport
and Inangahua Junction
.
(JTWC) started monitoring the system as Tropical Cyclone '08P'. Later the same day, RSMC Nadi upgraded Tropical Depression 06F to a tropical cyclone and named it 'Wilma'. Early on January 24, RSMC Nadi further upgraded Wilma to a Category 2 Tropical Cyclone. Late on the same day, RSMC Nadi reported that Wilma had intensified into a Category 3 Severe Tropical Cyclone. Wilma Continued to strengthen and January 26, the RSMC Nadi upgraded it into a Category 4 Severe Tropical Cyclone. Early on January 27, Wilma entered TCWC Wellington's area of responsibility. A few hours later, TCWC Wellington took full responsibility of Wilma, and downgraded it into a Category 3 Severe Tropical Cyclone. Wilma Continued to weaken and TCWC Wellington further downgraded it into a tropical cyclone. On January 28, the JTWC, issuing their final warning, reported that the system took a southeast curve along the coast of North Island, New Zealand and started becoming extratropical. A few hours later, the TCWC Wellington, downgraded it into a low, no longer considering it tropical.
In American Samoa
, high winds damaged roofs, downed trees and knocked out power. Heavy rains also triggered a few landslides but overall damage was light. With that, the Pago Pago International Airport
was closed and the American Samoa Governor, Togiola Tulafono
ordered local government agencies to help those in need. After Wilma moved over American Samoa, a tropical cyclone alert was issued in Tonga
and Lau islands
. On the morning of January 25, Wilma blew over Tonga as a severe tropical cyclone. Major damage was reported in the Ha'apai Islands of Tonga
. Wilma also disrupted New Zealand Foreign Minister, Murray McCully
's trip to Tonga.
(JTWC) reported that Tropical Cyclone Anthony moved into the South Pacific Ocean. However on the next day, the system continued to weaken and the RMSC Nadi, issuing their last advisory, downgraded Anthony into a low. Later on the same day, the JTWC too issued their final warning.
However, the low moved back into the Australian region and reintensified into a Tropical Cyclone and dropped large amount of rainfall in southern New South Wales.
during the first days of February.
. During that day, the disturbance gradually organized further whilst moving towards the east. RSMC Nadi, then classified the disturbance as a tropical depression, later that day. Intensification continued and on the next day, RSMC Nadi upgraded Tropical Depression 10F into a Tropical Cyclone and named it 'Zaka'. Soon, Zaka crossed 25°S and TCWC Wellington took full responsibility of the Cyclone. Hours later, the JTWC initiated advisories on the system and designated it with '12P'. At midnight, that day, TCWC Wellington further upgraded Zaka into a Category 2 Tropical Cyclone. Early on the next day, the system started weakening and became a Category 1 Tropical Cyclone. Hours later, TCWC Wellington downgraded Zaka, into a low, no longer considering it tropical. Late on that day, the JTWC, reporting that the system weakened rapidly, issued their final warning on the system.
Weather warnings were issued to the Raoul Island
as the system intensified and could bring a significant amount of rain. Zaka was initially expected to move in a southernly path and impact New Zealand. However, the system rapidly weakened and passed several miles east of the islands.
and started intensifying. Late on February 16, the disturbance turned south-southeast and intensified into a Tropical depression. On the next morning, organization in the system improved, but the convection decreased unexpectedly. Early on January 18, deep convection started developing over the Low-level Circulation Center (LLCC) which was very favorable for Tropical cyclogenesis
. Late on that day, the JTWC started monitoring the system as Tropical Cyclone 17P. Early on the next day, RSMC Nadi upgraded the depression into a Category 1 Tropical Cyclone and named it Atu. At midnight, that day, RSMC Nadi upgraded Atu into a Category 2 tropical cyclone, and six hours later it was upgraded again into a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone, and then again into a Category 4 Severe Tropical cyclone. Though Atu strengthened rapidly, it weakened unexpectedly on the next day because of an eye wall replacement cycle. Early on February 23, Atu crossed 25°S
and entered TCWC Wellington's area of responsibility as a Category 3 Severe Tropical Cyclone. Late on that day, the JTWC, reporting that the system was becoming extratropical, issued their final warning on Atu. At midnight, that day, TCWC Wellington reported that Atu was no longer a Severe Tropical Cyclone. Within six hours, TCWC Wellington downgraded Atu into a low, no longer considering it Tropical.
It dissipated on March 19 after no further intensification.
. Later the same day it was upgraded to a Tropical Depression, and cyclone warnings were issued for islands in the Eastern Division
of Fiji
. As it neared the International Date Line
it continued to strengthen and was named Tropical Cyclone Bune, and as it moved generally southwards it reached category 3 by March 25.
Bune drifted south and dissipated due to dry air on March 29.
. They tracked it until the next day as it moved to the south-east without development. But on April 11, Tropical Disturbance 14F dissipated completely.
on the Southern Cook island of Rarotonga
. During that day, as the low pressure area quickly moved to the southeast, convection surrounding the system increased and became organized enough for RSMC Nadi to declare the system Tropical Depression 17F. As the system lied in an area of moderate to high vertical windshear, any further development of the system did not occur. During the next day, the system moved rapidly further towards the southeast, with RSMC Nadi issuing the final warning on the system as it moved into TCWC Wellington's area of responsibility and became extratropical.
during the 2010–2011 season. It includes their intensity on the Australian Tropical cyclone intensity scale, duration, name, landfalls, deaths, and damages. All data is taken from RSMC Nadi and or TCWC Wellington, and all of the damage figures are in 2011 USD.
|-
| 01F || N/A || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| 999 || Vanuatu, Fiji || None || None ||
|-
| 02F || N/A || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|1004 || None || None || None
|-
|03F/05P || Vania || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|970 || Vanuatu, Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand || 11,000,000 || None ||
|-
| 04F || N/A || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|1002 || None || None || None ||
|-
| 05F/07P || Zelia || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|957 || New Zealand || None || None ||
|-
| 06F/08P || Wilma || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|930 || Western Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand || 22,000,000 || 3 ||
|-
| 07F || N/A || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|996 || None || None || None
|-
| 08F/09P || Anthony || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|988 || None || None || None
|-
| 09F/11P || Yasi || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|963 || Vanuatu || 3,000,000,000 || 1 ||
|-
| 10F/12P || Zaka || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|985 || None || None || None
|-
| 11F/17P || Atu || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|937 || New Caledonia, Vanuatu || None || None |
|-
| 12F || N/A || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|1002 || None || None || None
|-
| 13F/19P || Bune || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|970 || None || None || None
|-
| 14F || N/A || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|1005 || None || None || None
|-
| 15F || N/A || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|999 || None || None || None
|-
| 16F || N/A || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|1002 || None || None || None
|-
| 17F || N/A || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|1000 || None || None || None
|-class="sortbottom"
!colspan=10; align=center|Season Aggregates
|-class="sortbottom"
! colspan=2| 17 disturbances !! November 24 – May 11 !!!! 185 km/h (115 mph) !! 978 !! !! >3,030,000,000 !! 4
|}
in Nadi, Fiji (RSMC Nadi). However should a tropical depression intensify to the south of 25°S between 160°E and 120°W it will be named in conjunction with RSMC Nadi by the Tropical Cyclone Warning Center in Wellington, New Zealand (TCWC Wellington). Should a tropical cyclone move out of the basin and into the Australian region it will retain its original name. The first name used this season was Vania . The last name used was Bune.
Within the South Pacific, tropical cyclones are monitored by the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC)
Fiji Meteorological Service
The Fiji Meteorological Service is a Department of the government of Fiji responsible for providing weather forecasts and is based in Nadi. Since 1995, FMS has been responsible for naming and tracking tropical cyclones in the Southwest Pacific region...
in Nadi, Fiji, and the Tropical Cyclone Warning Center (TCWC)
Meteorological Service of New Zealand Limited
Meteorological Service of New Zealand Limited was established as a State-Owned Enterprise in 1992. It employs about 215 staff and its headquarters are in Wellington, New Zealand...
in Wellington, New Zealand. RSMC Nadi attached a number and an F suffix to tropical disturbances that form in or move into the South Pacific. The United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center
Joint Typhoon Warning Center
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center is a joint United States Navy – United States Air Force task force located at the Naval Maritime Forecast Center in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii...
(JTWC) issues unofficial warnings within the South Pacific, designating tropical cyclones with a number and a P suffix. RSMC Nadi and TCWC Wellington both use the Australian Tropical Cyclone Intensity Scale, and measure windspeeds over a period of ten minutes, while the JTWC measures sustained winds over a period of one minute and uses the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale. The intensities shown here are for whilst the systems were in the Southern Pacific.
Seasonal outlooks
| Source/Record | Season/Date | TC Tropical cyclone A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a large low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor... |
STC | Ref |
| Average | (1969-70 – 2009-10) | 8.9 | 4.3 | |
| Record high activity | 1997-98 | 17 | 7 | |
| Record low activity | 2003–04/2008–09 | 3 | 0 | |
| –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– | ||||
| NIWA National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research or NIWA , is a Crown Research Institute of New Zealand. Established in 1992, NIWA conducts commercial and non-commercial research across a broad range of disciplines in the environmental sciences... |
October 19, 2010 | 9-12 | 3 | NIWA's prediction is for the region 135°E - 120°W |
| RSMC Nadi | October 27, 2010 | 7-9 | 4 | |
| NIWA National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research or NIWA , is a Crown Research Institute of New Zealand. Established in 1992, NIWA conducts commercial and non-commercial research across a broad range of disciplines in the environmental sciences... |
February 7, 2011 | 9-12 | 3 | |
RSMC Nadi
In October 2010, RSMC Nadi, issued their seasonal outlook, for the 2010–11 South Pacific cyclone season. In which they predicted that the season would see activity close to its average, with seven to nine tropical cyclones forming, or moving in to the South Pacific, during the season. Four tropical cyclones were expected to intensify into severe tropical cyclones during the season. RSMC Nadi also predicted that the main development region for tropical cyclones would shift from the Fiji-Samoa region, towards the Coral SeaCoral Sea
The Coral Sea is a marginal sea off the northeast coast of Australia. It is bounded in the west by the east coast of Queensland, thereby including the Great Barrier Reef, in the east by Vanuatu and by New Caledonia, and in the north approximately by the southern extremity of the Solomon Islands...
region. As a result of this it was predicted that New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands would face a higher risk of being affected by a tropical cyclone than countries to the east of the International Dateline.
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
In October 2010, TCWC WellingtonMeteorological Service of New Zealand Limited
Meteorological Service of New Zealand Limited was established as a State-Owned Enterprise in 1992. It employs about 215 staff and its headquarters are in Wellington, New Zealand...
and New Zealand’s National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research or NIWA , is a Crown Research Institute of New Zealand. Established in 1992, NIWA conducts commercial and non-commercial research across a broad range of disciplines in the environmental sciences...
(NIWA) issued a tropical cyclone outlook on behalf of collaborating organizations from the southern Pacific, which included the Bureau of Meteorology, NOAA
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , pronounced , like "noah", is a scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce focused on the conditions of the oceans and the atmosphere...
, Fiji Meteorological Service, Météo-France
Météo-France
Météo-France is the French national meteorological service.The organisation was established by decree in June 1993 and is a department of the Ministry of Transportation. It is headquartered in Paris but many domestic operations have been decentralised to Toulouse...
and other Pacific Island Meteorological Services. The collaborating agencies, predicted that 9-12 tropical cyclones would form during the season, which meant that the Southern Pacific, would see activity either close to its average or above its average of nine tropical cyclones. At least three of the systems are forecasted to become a category 3 severe tropical cyclone, whilst one is expected to become a category 4 severe tropical cyclone.
An update of the southwest Pacific tropical cyclone forecast was issued in the Island Climate Update (ICU) Issue 125. The forecast persisted the October 2010 projection of average or above average TC activity through the remainder of the 2010-11 season. It was also noted that at least six TCs were expected for the back half of the 2010-11 season, which would bring the total for the region covered by the ICU forecast (135E to 120W) to 12 (and therefore at the high end of the forecasted range). Risk assessment remained consistent with the previous forecast.
Each year, tropical cyclones have a significant impact on the southern Pacific, with places like Vanuatu and New Caledonia experiencing the greatest activity in the region. During the season there was an elevated risk of a tropical cyclone occurring within the Coral Sea and/or North Tasman region affecting either Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, New Zealand and Vanuatu. There was also a near normal risk of a tropical cyclone affecting Fiji and Tonga, there was also a reduced or low risk of a tropical cyclone affecting the islands to the east of the International Date Line.
Tropical Depression 01F
The first tropical cyclone of the season, Tropical Depression 01F, was first identified on November 24 well to the west of FijiFiji
Fiji , officially the Republic of Fiji , is an island nation in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean about northeast of New Zealand's North Island...
. Little strengthening was anticipated to occur as the system slowly tracked towards the south-southeast. The following day, after an abrupt relocation to the southwest, the disturbance was assigned with the identifier 01F while situated near Vanuatu. Gradually strengthening, the disturbance was upgraded to a tropical depression on November 25 after a slight increase in convection
Atmospheric convection
Atmospheric convection is the result of a parcel-environment instability, or temperature difference, layer in the atmosphere. Different lapse rates within dry and moist air lead to instability. Mixing of air during the day which expands the height of the planetary boundary layer leads to...
. Situated along the eastern edge of an upper-level trough
Trough (meteorology)
A trough is an elongated region of relatively low atmospheric pressure, often associated with fronts.Unlike fronts, there is not a universal symbol for a trough on a weather chart. The weather charts in some countries or regions mark troughs by a line. In the United States, a trough may be marked...
, the depression tracked towards the east-southeast and would keep this general motion for several days. Though situated over warm waters, estimated to be 30 °C (86 °F), persistent wind shear
Wind shear
Wind shear, sometimes referred to as windshear or wind gradient, is a difference in wind speed and direction over a relatively short distance in the atmosphere...
prevented the system from becoming organized.
The system later relocated into a region less favorable for tropical cyclogenesis
Tropical cyclogenesis
Tropical cyclogenesis is the term that describes the development and strengthening of a tropical cyclone in the atmosphere. The mechanisms through which tropical cyclogenesis occurs are distinctly different from those through which mid-latitude cyclogenesis occurs...
on November 27 but continued to strengthen and become better organized. Despite attaining gale-force winds, the depression was not classified as a tropical cyclone as these winds were located roughly 110 km (70 mi) from its center. During the afternoon of November 28, the depression attained a minimum barometric pressure of 999 hPa
Pascal (unit)
The pascal is the SI derived unit of pressure, internal pressure, stress, Young's modulus and tensile strength, named after the French mathematician, physicist, inventor, writer, and philosopher Blaise Pascal. It is a measure of force per unit area, defined as one newton per square metre...
(mbar
Bar (unit)
The bar is a unit of pressure equal to 100 kilopascals, and roughly equal to the atmospheric pressure on Earth at sea level. Other units derived from the bar are the megabar , kilobar , decibar , centibar , and millibar...
; 29.5 inHg). Gradual weakening took place over the following few days as the system tracked southward. By November 30, the depression was declassified as a tropical cyclone and was last noted on December 1 near the International Dateline.
On November 26, a tropical cyclone alert was issued for Fiji as the depression was expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds to the region. Flooding was anticipated in low-lying areas and if further intensification took place, more significant damage would be expected. The alert was later raised to a cyclone warning as the system neared the country. All warnings associated with the depression were discontinued on November 29 as it moved away from Fiji. The system brought gusty winds and heavy rains to the islands of Vatulele and Kadavu, though no damage occurred.
Tropical Disturbance 02F
Late on December 31, RSMC Nadi upgraded an area of low pressure into a tropical disturbance giving it the identifier "02F". The system did not intensify any further and early on January 2, RSMC Nadi released their final summary on it.Severe Tropical Cyclone Vania
Late on January 5, RSMC Nadi upgraded an area of low pressure into a tropical disturbance giving it the identifier "03F". The disturbance slowly gained strength and on January 9, RMSC Nadi reported that the disturbance had intensified into a tropical depression. In Fiji, heavy rains associated with the initial disturbance brought significant flooding to many islands. Several roads were temporarily shut down due to rising waters, though no homes were affected. On January 11, the Joint Typhoon Warning CenterJoint Typhoon Warning Center
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center is a joint United States Navy – United States Air Force task force located at the Naval Maritime Forecast Center in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii...
initiated warnings on the system and monitored it as Tropical Cyclone 05P. On the Next day, RSMC Nadi upgraded the depression into a Category 1 tropical cyclone and named it "Vania". Later that day, RSMC Nadi reported that Vania had intensified into a Category 2 tropical cyclone. Early the next day, RSMC Nadi upgraded Vania into a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone. Later that day, RSMC Nadi reported that Vania started weakening and downgraded it into a Category 2 tropical cyclone. Subsequently, it was downgraded to a category 1 tropical cyclone on January 14. On January 15, JTWC issued their final warning on the system. Soon, issuing their final advisory, RSMC Nadi downgraded Vania into a Tropical Depression.
Tropical Disturbance 04F
On January 5, the FMS began issuing advisories on Tropical Disturbance 04F as it developed near New Caledonia. Embedded within a monsoonal troughMonsoon trough
The monsoon trough is that portion of the Intertropical Convergence Zone which extends into or through a monsoon circulation, as depicted by a line on a weather map showing the locations of minimum sea level pressure, and as such, is a convergence zone between the wind patterns of the southern and...
and within a low-shear
Wind shear
Wind shear, sometimes referred to as windshear or wind gradient, is a difference in wind speed and direction over a relatively short distance in the atmosphere...
environment, the system was able to develop a surface circulation. However, most forecast models did not show further intensification of the system. By January 6, the system's central pressure had decreased to 1002 hPa (mbar) but, it was expected to weaken shortly thereafter. Remaining mostly stationary near New Caledonia, the final advisory was issued by the FMS on January 7 as convection associated with the system became disorganized.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia
On January 16, Both the Joint Typhoon Warning CenterJoint Typhoon Warning Center
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center is a joint United States Navy – United States Air Force task force located at the Naval Maritime Forecast Center in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii...
(JTWC) and Fiji Meteorological Service
Fiji Meteorological Service
The Fiji Meteorological Service is a Department of the government of Fiji responsible for providing weather forecasts and is based in Nadi. Since 1995, FMS has been responsible for naming and tracking tropical cyclones in the Southwest Pacific region...
(RSMC Nadi) reported that Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia crossed 160°E
Longitude
Longitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies the east-west position of a point on the Earth's surface. It is an angular measurement, usually expressed in degrees, minutes and seconds, and denoted by the Greek letter lambda ....
and entered the South Pacific Ocean as a category three severe tropical cyclone. On the next day, RSMC Nadi downgraded Zelia into a Category two tropical cyclone. As Zelia started weakening and was no longer predicted to affect Fiji, RSMC Nadi issued their final Tropical Disturbance Advisory. Late on January 17, the JTWC reported that Zelia was weakening rapidly and was accelerating towards New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
. Zelia was initially predicted to directly impact the Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island is a small island in the Pacific Ocean located between Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia. The island is part of the Commonwealth of Australia, but it enjoys a large degree of self-governance...
but instead moved away and weakened. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology reported that the island could experience gale force winds and waves of 7 metres (23 ft). It was also reported that Zelia could bring wind gusts of up to 120 km/h (75 mph) to New Zealand.
According to the media, heavy rain and strong winds were being felt across the country. A mudslide was reported between Hawkes Crag and Fern Arch on State Highway 6
New Zealand State Highway 6
State Highway 6 is a major New Zealand State Highway. It extends from the northeastern corner of the South Island across the top of the island, then down the length of the island, initially along the West Coast and then across the Southern Alps through inland Otago and finally across the Southland...
between Westport
Westport, New Zealand
-Economy:Economic activity is based around fishing, coal mining and dairy farming. Historically, gold mining was a major industry, and coal mining was much more extensive than today . However, the region still is home to New Zealand's largest opencast mining operation in Stockton...
and Inangahua Junction
Inangahua Junction
Inangahua Junction is a small town in the northwest of New Zealand's South Island. It is located at the confluence of the Inangahua and Buller Rivers, 34 kilometres north of Reefton and 46 kilometres southeast of Westport. Murchison is 52 kilometres to the east. The town of Inangahua is just to the...
.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Wilma
Early on January 19, RSMC Nadi reported that Tropical Disturbance 06F had developed within a trough of low pressure about 665 km (413.2 mi) to the northeast of Nadi, Fiji. During that day convection surrounding the disturbance gradually became more organized before early the next day, RSMC Nadi reported that it had intensified into a tropical depression. On January 22, The Joint Typhoon Warning CenterJoint Typhoon Warning Center
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center is a joint United States Navy – United States Air Force task force located at the Naval Maritime Forecast Center in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii...
(JTWC) started monitoring the system as Tropical Cyclone '08P'. Later the same day, RSMC Nadi upgraded Tropical Depression 06F to a tropical cyclone and named it 'Wilma'. Early on January 24, RSMC Nadi further upgraded Wilma to a Category 2 Tropical Cyclone. Late on the same day, RSMC Nadi reported that Wilma had intensified into a Category 3 Severe Tropical Cyclone. Wilma Continued to strengthen and January 26, the RSMC Nadi upgraded it into a Category 4 Severe Tropical Cyclone. Early on January 27, Wilma entered TCWC Wellington's area of responsibility. A few hours later, TCWC Wellington took full responsibility of Wilma, and downgraded it into a Category 3 Severe Tropical Cyclone. Wilma Continued to weaken and TCWC Wellington further downgraded it into a tropical cyclone. On January 28, the JTWC, issuing their final warning, reported that the system took a southeast curve along the coast of North Island, New Zealand and started becoming extratropical. A few hours later, the TCWC Wellington, downgraded it into a low, no longer considering it tropical.
In American Samoa
American Samoa
American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of the sovereign state of Samoa...
, high winds damaged roofs, downed trees and knocked out power. Heavy rains also triggered a few landslides but overall damage was light. With that, the Pago Pago International Airport
Pago Pago International Airport
Pago Pago International Airport , also referred to as Tafuna Airport , Tafuna Airfield, Tafuna Airbase or Pago Pago International with airport designation PPG is a public airport located seven miles southwest of the central business district of Pago Pago, in the village and plains of Tafuna on...
was closed and the American Samoa Governor, Togiola Tulafono
Togiola Tulafono
Togiola Talalelei A. Tulafono is the Governor of American Samoa. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He had previously served as Lieutenant Governor, taking this position on January 3, 1997....
ordered local government agencies to help those in need. After Wilma moved over American Samoa, a tropical cyclone alert was issued in Tonga
Tonga
Tonga, officially the Kingdom of Tonga , is a state and an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, comprising 176 islands scattered over of ocean in the South Pacific...
and Lau islands
Lau Islands
The Lau Islands of Fiji are situated in the southern Pacific Ocean, just east of the Koro Sea. Of this chain of about one hundred islands and islets, about thirty are inhabited...
. On the morning of January 25, Wilma blew over Tonga as a severe tropical cyclone. Major damage was reported in the Ha'apai Islands of Tonga
Tonga
Tonga, officially the Kingdom of Tonga , is a state and an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, comprising 176 islands scattered over of ocean in the South Pacific...
. Wilma also disrupted New Zealand Foreign Minister, Murray McCully
Murray McCully
Murray Stuart McCully is a New Zealand politician. He is a member of the National Party, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister for Sport and Recreation, and Minister for the Rugby World Cup.-Early life:...
's trip to Tonga.
Tropical Depression 07F
Late on January 21, RSMC Nadi reported that Tropical Disturbance 07F had developed about 570 km (354.2 mi) to the northwest of Nouméa, in New Caledonia. During the next day the disturbance gradually organized further, with RSMC Nadi reporting that it had developed into a tropical depression later that day. Early on January 22, RSMC Nadi released their final advisory on the tropical depression as it passed into TCWC Wellington's area of responsibility. Within hours of falling under their responsibility, Wellington declared the system as a low, no longer considering it tropical.Tropical Cyclone Anthony
On January 24, both the RSMC Nadi and the Joint Typhoon Warning CenterJoint Typhoon Warning Center
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center is a joint United States Navy – United States Air Force task force located at the Naval Maritime Forecast Center in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii...
(JTWC) reported that Tropical Cyclone Anthony moved into the South Pacific Ocean. However on the next day, the system continued to weaken and the RMSC Nadi, issuing their last advisory, downgraded Anthony into a low. Later on the same day, the JTWC too issued their final warning.
However, the low moved back into the Australian region and reintensified into a Tropical Cyclone and dropped large amount of rainfall in southern New South Wales.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi
Early on January 26, RSMC Nadi reported that Tropical Disturbance 09F, had developed within a surface trough, about 830 km (520 mi), to the northeast of Nadi, Fiji. During that day, the disturbance gradually organized further, before RSMC Nadi reported early the next day, that it had developed into a tropical depression. Over the next couple of days, the depression drifted towards the west, while gradually intensifying and organizing further. Late on January 29, the JTWC issued a tropical cyclone formation alert on the developing tropical depression, before designating it as 11P and initiating advisories on the system. Early the next day, RSMC Nadi reported that the depression had intensified into a category one tropical cyclone and named it Yasi, while it was located about 510 km (320 mi) to the northeast of Port Vila in Vanuatu. Yasi continued to intensify throughout that day, while affecting the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Early on January 31, RSMC Nadi reported that Yasi had intensified into a category two tropical cyclone, before reporting that it had become a severe tropical cyclone. During that afternoon, both the JTWC and RSMC Nadi reported that the system had moved across 160°E and had moved out of the South Pacific Basin and into the Australian region, where it became a much stronger storm before striking QueenslandQueensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
during the first days of February.
Tropical Cyclone Zaka
Early on February 5, RSMC Nadi reported that Tropical Disturbance 10F, had developed about 200 km (125 mi), to the south east of Nukualofa in TongaTonga
Tonga, officially the Kingdom of Tonga , is a state and an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, comprising 176 islands scattered over of ocean in the South Pacific...
. During that day, the disturbance gradually organized further whilst moving towards the east. RSMC Nadi, then classified the disturbance as a tropical depression, later that day. Intensification continued and on the next day, RSMC Nadi upgraded Tropical Depression 10F into a Tropical Cyclone and named it 'Zaka'. Soon, Zaka crossed 25°S and TCWC Wellington took full responsibility of the Cyclone. Hours later, the JTWC initiated advisories on the system and designated it with '12P'. At midnight, that day, TCWC Wellington further upgraded Zaka into a Category 2 Tropical Cyclone. Early on the next day, the system started weakening and became a Category 1 Tropical Cyclone. Hours later, TCWC Wellington downgraded Zaka, into a low, no longer considering it tropical. Late on that day, the JTWC, reporting that the system weakened rapidly, issued their final warning on the system.
Weather warnings were issued to the Raoul Island
Raoul Island
Anvil-shaped Raoul Island , the largest and northernmost of the main Kermadec Islands, , has been the source of vigorous volcanic activity during the past several thousand years that was dominated by dacitic explosive eruptions.The area of the island, including fringing islets and rocks...
as the system intensified and could bring a significant amount of rain. Zaka was initially expected to move in a southernly path and impact New Zealand. However, the system rapidly weakened and passed several miles east of the islands.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Atu
Early On February 3, RSMC Nadi reported that Tropical Disturbance 11F had formed about 65 km to the southwest of Port Vila in Vanuatu. During the next day, the system gradually moved northNorth
North is a noun, adjective, or adverb indicating direction or geography.North is one of the four cardinal directions or compass points. It is the opposite of south and is perpendicular to east and west.By convention, the top side of a map is north....
and started intensifying. Late on February 16, the disturbance turned south-southeast and intensified into a Tropical depression. On the next morning, organization in the system improved, but the convection decreased unexpectedly. Early on January 18, deep convection started developing over the Low-level Circulation Center (LLCC) which was very favorable for Tropical cyclogenesis
Tropical cyclogenesis
Tropical cyclogenesis is the term that describes the development and strengthening of a tropical cyclone in the atmosphere. The mechanisms through which tropical cyclogenesis occurs are distinctly different from those through which mid-latitude cyclogenesis occurs...
. Late on that day, the JTWC started monitoring the system as Tropical Cyclone 17P. Early on the next day, RSMC Nadi upgraded the depression into a Category 1 Tropical Cyclone and named it Atu. At midnight, that day, RSMC Nadi upgraded Atu into a Category 2 tropical cyclone, and six hours later it was upgraded again into a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone, and then again into a Category 4 Severe Tropical cyclone. Though Atu strengthened rapidly, it weakened unexpectedly on the next day because of an eye wall replacement cycle. Early on February 23, Atu crossed 25°S
25th parallel south
The 25th parallel south is a circle of latitude that is 25 degrees south of the Earth's equatorial plane, just south of the Tropic of Capricorn...
and entered TCWC Wellington's area of responsibility as a Category 3 Severe Tropical Cyclone. Late on that day, the JTWC, reporting that the system was becoming extratropical, issued their final warning on Atu. At midnight, that day, TCWC Wellington reported that Atu was no longer a Severe Tropical Cyclone. Within six hours, TCWC Wellington downgraded Atu into a low, no longer considering it Tropical.
Tropical Depression 12F
On March 7, TCWC Brisbane and RSMC Nadi reported that Tropical Disturbance 21U, had developed within the Australian region, about 1200 km (745.6 mi), to the west of Port Vila, Vanuatu. During that day, the disturbance gradually intensified further, whilst moving towards the east towards the South Pacific basin. As the disturbance moved out of the Australian region and into the South Pacific, RSMC Nadi reported that the disturbance had intensified into Tropical Depression 12F.It dissipated on March 19 after no further intensification.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Bune
On March 22, RSMC Nadi analysed that a Tropical Disturbance had formed about 70 miles NNW of Fonualei island, TongaTonga
Tonga, officially the Kingdom of Tonga , is a state and an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, comprising 176 islands scattered over of ocean in the South Pacific...
. Later the same day it was upgraded to a Tropical Depression, and cyclone warnings were issued for islands in the Eastern Division
Eastern Division, Fiji
The Eastern Division of Fiji is one of Fiji's four divisions. It consists of Kadavu Province, Lau Province, Lomaiviti Province and Rotuma.The capital of the division is Levuka, on the Ovalau island...
of Fiji
Fiji
Fiji , officially the Republic of Fiji , is an island nation in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean about northeast of New Zealand's North Island...
. As it neared the International Date Line
International Date Line
The International Date Line is a generally north-south imaginary line on the surface of the Earth, passing through the middle of the Pacific Ocean, that designates the place where each calendar day begins...
it continued to strengthen and was named Tropical Cyclone Bune, and as it moved generally southwards it reached category 3 by March 25.
Bune drifted south and dissipated due to dry air on March 29.
Tropical Disturbance 14F
On April 10, RSMC Nadi analyzed that a Tropical Disturbance had formed east of VanuatuVanuatu
Vanuatu , officially the Republic of Vanuatu , is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. The archipelago, which is of volcanic origin, is some east of northern Australia, northeast of New Caledonia, west of Fiji, and southeast of the Solomon Islands, near New Guinea.Vanuatu was...
. They tracked it until the next day as it moved to the south-east without development. But on April 11, Tropical Disturbance 14F dissipated completely.
Tropical Depression 15F
Late on April 15, RSMC Nadi and the TCWC's in Brisbane and Wellington reported that Tropical Depression/Low 15F, was moving into the South Pacific about 570 km (354.2 mi) to the east of Noumea, New Caledonia. The depression moved quickly towards the southeast, before early on April 17, RSMC Nadi in conjunction with TCWC Wellington issued the final advisory on the Depression as it became associated with a frontal system.Tropical Depression 17F
Early on May 10, RSMC Nadi started to monitor an area of low pressure that had developed about 520 km (320 mi) to the northwest of AvaruaAvarua
Avarua is a town and district in the north of Rarotonga Island, the national capital of the Cook Islands...
on the Southern Cook island of Rarotonga
Rarotonga
Rarotonga is the most populous island of the Cook Islands, with a population of 14,153 , out of the country's total population of 19,569.The Cook Islands' Parliament buildings and international airport are on Rarotonga...
. During that day, as the low pressure area quickly moved to the southeast, convection surrounding the system increased and became organized enough for RSMC Nadi to declare the system Tropical Depression 17F. As the system lied in an area of moderate to high vertical windshear, any further development of the system did not occur. During the next day, the system moved rapidly further towards the southeast, with RSMC Nadi issuing the final warning on the system as it moved into TCWC Wellington's area of responsibility and became extratropical.
Season effects
This table lists all the storms that developed in the South Pacific to the east of longitude 160°E160th meridian east
The meridian 160° east of Greenwich is a line of longitude that extends from the North Pole across the Arctic Ocean, Asia, the Pacific Ocean, the Southern Ocean, and Antarctica to the South Pole....
during the 2010–2011 season. It includes their intensity on the Australian Tropical cyclone intensity scale, duration, name, landfalls, deaths, and damages. All data is taken from RSMC Nadi and or TCWC Wellington, and all of the damage figures are in 2011 USD.
|-
| 01F || N/A || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| 999 || Vanuatu, Fiji || None || None ||
|-
| 02F || N/A || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|1004 || None || None || None
|-
|03F/05P || Vania || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|970 || Vanuatu, Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand || 11,000,000 || None ||
|-
| 04F || N/A || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|1002 || None || None || None ||
|-
| 05F/07P || Zelia || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|957 || New Zealand || None || None ||
|-
| 06F/08P || Wilma || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|930 || Western Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand || 22,000,000 || 3 ||
|-
| 07F || N/A || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|996 || None || None || None
|-
| 08F/09P || Anthony || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|988 || None || None || None
|-
| 09F/11P || Yasi || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|963 || Vanuatu || 3,000,000,000 || 1 ||
|-
| 10F/12P || Zaka || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|985 || None || None || None
|-
| 11F/17P || Atu || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|937 || New Caledonia, Vanuatu || None || None |
|-
| 12F || N/A || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|1002 || None || None || None
|-
| 13F/19P || Bune || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|970 || None || None || None
|-
| 14F || N/A || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|1005 || None || None || None
|-
| 15F || N/A || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|999 || None || None || None
|-
| 16F || N/A || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|1002 || None || None || None
|-
| 17F || N/A || || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#| || bgcolor=#|1000 || None || None || None
|-class="sortbottom"
!colspan=10; align=center|Season Aggregates
|-class="sortbottom"
! colspan=2| 17 disturbances !! November 24 – May 11 !!!! 185 km/h (115 mph) !! 978 !! !! >3,030,000,000 !! 4
|}
Storm names
Within the Southern Pacific a tropical depression is judged to have reach tropical cyclone intensity should it reach winds of 65 km/h, (40 mph) and it is evident that gales are occurring at least halfway around the center. With tropical depressions intensifying into a tropical cyclone between the Equator and 25°S and between 160°E - 120°W named by the Regional Specialized Meteorological CenterRegional Specialized Meteorological Center
A Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre is responsible for the distribution of information, advisories, and warnings regarding the specific program they have a part of, agreed by consensus at the World Meteorological Organization as part of the World Weather Watch.-Tropical...
in Nadi, Fiji (RSMC Nadi). However should a tropical depression intensify to the south of 25°S between 160°E and 120°W it will be named in conjunction with RSMC Nadi by the Tropical Cyclone Warning Center in Wellington, New Zealand (TCWC Wellington). Should a tropical cyclone move out of the basin and into the Australian region it will retain its original name. The first name used this season was Vania . The last name used was Bune.
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See also
- List of Southern Hemisphere cyclone seasons
- Atlantic hurricane seasons: 20102010 Atlantic hurricane seasonThe 2010 Atlantic hurricane season was the third most active Atlantic hurricane season on record, tying with the 1887 Atlantic hurricane season, 1995 Atlantic hurricane season and the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season. It had the most number of named storms since the 2005 season and also ties with the...
, 20112011 Atlantic hurricane seasonThe 2011 Atlantic hurricane season is tied for the third most active season on record with 1887, 1995 and 2010. It began on June 1, 2011, and ended on November 30, 2011, however these dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones develop in the Atlantic basin... - Pacific hurricane seasons: 20102010 Pacific hurricane seasonThe 2010 Pacific hurricane season was the least active Pacific hurricane season, in terms of the number of named storms and hurricanes, on record, due to a moderate La Niña, unlike the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season, which was one of the most active on record...
, 20112011 Pacific hurricane seasonThe 2011 Pacific hurricane season is an ongoing, annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation. The season officially started on May 15, 2011, for the eastern Pacific, and started on June 1, 2011, for the central Pacific, both of which ended on November 30, 2011. These dates conventionally... - Pacific typhoon seasons: 20102010 Pacific typhoon seasonThe 2010 Pacific typhoon season was the least active Pacific typhoon season, in terms of the number of named storms and typhoons, on record, due to a moderate La Niña event...
, 20112011 Pacific typhoon seasonThe 2011 Pacific typhoon season was the time of the year in which tropical cyclones form in the Western Pacific Ocean. The season ran throughout 2011 with most tropical cyclones forming between May and November. The scope of this article is limited to the Pacific Ocean to the north of the equator... - North Indian Ocean cyclone seasons: 20102010 North Indian Ocean cyclone seasonThe 2010 North Indian Ocean cyclone season was a very active event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation with some 8 depressions and 6 named storms, nearly above the average of 4-6 storms in the region due to a moderate La Niña...
, 20112011 North Indian Ocean cyclone seasonThe 2011 North Indian Ocean cyclone season is an event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation. The North Indian Ocean cyclone season has no official bounds, but cyclones tend to form between April and December, with peaks in May and November...