Hurricane Hiki
Encyclopedia
Hurricane Hiki was the wettest tropical cyclone on record in the United States
. The fourth tropical cyclone of the 1950 Pacific hurricane season
, Hiki formed from a tropical depression that was first observed to the southeast of Hawaii
on August 12. On the following day, the depression headed northwestward and intensified into a tropical storm, which was named Hiki (Hawaiian
for Able). As the storm was paralleling the Hawaiian Islands
, Hiki intensified into a hurricane, as it dropped torrential rainfall. After becoming a hurricane, Hiki peaked with winds of 85 mph (140 km/h). Hiki curved southwestward on August 17, and weakened back to a tropical storm when it continued its northwesterly track on August 19. After heading in the direction, Hiki weakened to a tropical depression and dissipated on August 21, while more than 1,200 mi (1,931.1 km) northwest-by-north of the Hawaiian Islands.
Although Hiki was a small tropical cyclone and bypassed the Hawaiian Islands, the storm left heavy rainfall and moderate to high winds in its wake. The effects of rainfall and high winds caused extensive property damage, although an actual cost of damage is unknown. In addition, one fatality occurred after a person came in contact with a live wire
.
on August 12. After developing into a tropical cyclone, the storm gradually intensified, and became Tropical Storm Hiki on August 13. As Hiki was east of Hilo, Hawaii, it was described as an "immature storm", and had a very small diameter. Shortly thereafter, a reconnaissance aircraft flew into Hiki and estimated that sustained winds were between 50 and 60 mph (80 and 97 km/h). Further intensification continued, and Hiki had strengthened into a hurricane on August 16.
As Hiki became a hurricane on August 16, it attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 km/h). Although Hiki had intensified into a hurricane, the storm had remained small, with gale force winds extending less than 150 mi (241.4 km) from the center. Hiki remained between 100 and 200 mi (160.9 and 321.9 km) offshore as it nearly paralleled several Hawaiian Islands, including Hawaii, Maui
, Molokai
, Oahu
, and Kauai
. As a high pressure ridge near Hawaii intensified, the northwestward movement of Hiki was blocked, and the storm briefly turned due west on August 17. The high pressure ridge eventually forced Hiki to move southwestward. On August 18, a reconnaissance aircraft flew into Hiki, and measured winds of 90 mph (150 km/h) to the south of the center.
After that wind gust was recorded on August 18, the residents of Kauai and Oahu were alerted of a possible cyclonic loop. Later that day, the high pressure ridge weakened, and Hiki turned westward, passing south of French Frigate Shoals
and Midway Island. Two reconnaissance aircraft entered the eye of Hiki, and the diameter of it was only 20-25 mi (32.2-40.2 km). The aircraft also reported a barometric pressure slightly less than 983 mbar (hPa; 29.03 inHg). It was then that the Hiki was no longer monitored. However, Hiki remained a tropical cyclone, and resumed its course to the northwest on August 19. Later that day, Hiki weakened back to a tropical storm. By August 21, Hiki further weakened to a tropical depression, and dissipated six hours later.
station in French Frigate Shoals
was alerted. In addition, ships in the area were also alerted. Hiki caused high waves on some of the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii remained on the southern semicircle of Hiki, and as a result, light wind damage occurred. The highest reported winds from Hiki was at the Kilauea Lighthouse
on Kauai, which recorded gusts up to 68 mph (109.4 km). Tropical storm force winds were also recorded on the islands of Niihau
and Lanai
at the Lanai Airport
, which reported winds of 48 and 50 mph (77.2 and 80 km/h), respectively. Because of the somewhat high winds, the roofs of several houses blew off. In addition, a farmer in Kohala
on Hawaii died when they came in contact with a live wire that was blown down from high winds.
Hiki was the wettest tropical cyclone in United States history, as rainfall of over 52 in (1,320.8 mm) occurred at the Kanalohuluhulu Ranger Station on Kauai between August 14 and August 18. It was noted that the rain gage was capable of holding 24 in (609.6 mm) of the rain, and had to be emptied on August 15. Furthermore, the rain gage that was emptied was found overflowing less than 24 hours later. Heavy rainfall was also recorded on other locations on that island, with precipitation measured at 13 in (330.2 km) on Mount Waialeale
. Few reports exist on rainfall totals on other Hawaiian Islands, with the only other island recording rainfall was Maui
, with precipitation reaching 11.9 in (302.3 mm). The amount of rain measured on Maui was the highest 24 hour record for that island in the month of August.
Flood damage was the most severe on Kauai, where the Waimea River flooded. As a result, more than 200 residents in Waimea Valley were evacuated. The streets on the island were reportedly flooded on August 15 and August 17. During the flooding on August 17, the Kekaha
Powerhouse was severely damage, and several hundred acres of sugar cane
were flooded.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The fourth tropical cyclone of the 1950 Pacific hurricane season
1950 Pacific hurricane season
The 1950 Pacific hurricane season was notable for one of the storms being the wettest tropical cyclone in United States history. Seven known tropical cyclones occurred during the season, the earliest of which formed on June 14 and the latest of which dissipated on October 3...
, Hiki formed from a tropical depression that was first observed to the southeast of Hawaii
Hawaii (island)
The Island of Hawaii, also called the Big Island or Hawaii Island , is a volcanic island in the North Pacific Ocean...
on August 12. On the following day, the depression headed northwestward and intensified into a tropical storm, which was named Hiki (Hawaiian
Hawaiian language
The Hawaiian language is a Polynesian language that takes its name from Hawaii, the largest island in the tropical North Pacific archipelago where it developed. Hawaiian, along with English, is an official language of the state of Hawaii...
for Able). As the storm was paralleling the Hawaiian Islands
Hawaiian Islands
The Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago of eight major islands, several atolls, numerous smaller islets, and undersea seamounts in the North Pacific Ocean, extending some 1,500 miles from the island of Hawaii in the south to northernmost Kure Atoll...
, Hiki intensified into a hurricane, as it dropped torrential rainfall. After becoming a hurricane, Hiki peaked with winds of 85 mph (140 km/h). Hiki curved southwestward on August 17, and weakened back to a tropical storm when it continued its northwesterly track on August 19. After heading in the direction, Hiki weakened to a tropical depression and dissipated on August 21, while more than 1,200 mi (1,931.1 km) northwest-by-north of the Hawaiian Islands.
Although Hiki was a small tropical cyclone and bypassed the Hawaiian Islands, the storm left heavy rainfall and moderate to high winds in its wake. The effects of rainfall and high winds caused extensive property damage, although an actual cost of damage is unknown. In addition, one fatality occurred after a person came in contact with a live wire
Live wire (electricity)
The live wire in an AC electrical circuit refers to the wire which carries an oscillating voltage with respect to the earth...
.
Meteorological history
The complete origin of Hurricane Hiki is unknown, but the storm was first observed on weather charts at the Honolulu International AirportHonolulu International Airport
Honolulu International Airport is the principal aviation gateway of the City & County of Honolulu and the State of Hawaii and is identified as one of the busiest airports in the United States, with traffic now exceeding 21 million passengers a year and rising.It is located in the Honolulu...
on August 12. After developing into a tropical cyclone, the storm gradually intensified, and became Tropical Storm Hiki on August 13. As Hiki was east of Hilo, Hawaii, it was described as an "immature storm", and had a very small diameter. Shortly thereafter, a reconnaissance aircraft flew into Hiki and estimated that sustained winds were between 50 and 60 mph (80 and 97 km/h). Further intensification continued, and Hiki had strengthened into a hurricane on August 16.
As Hiki became a hurricane on August 16, it attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 km/h). Although Hiki had intensified into a hurricane, the storm had remained small, with gale force winds extending less than 150 mi (241.4 km) from the center. Hiki remained between 100 and 200 mi (160.9 and 321.9 km) offshore as it nearly paralleled several Hawaiian Islands, including Hawaii, Maui
Maui
The island of Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands at and is the 17th largest island in the United States. Maui is part of the state of Hawaii and is the largest of Maui County's four islands, bigger than Lānai, Kahoolawe, and Molokai. In 2010, Maui had a population of 144,444,...
, Molokai
Molokai
Molokai or Molokai is an island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is 38 by 10 miles in size with a land area of , making it the fifth largest of the main Hawaiian Islands and the 27th largest island in the United States. It lies east of Oahu across the 25-mile wide Kaiwi Channel and north of...
, Oahu
Oahu
Oahu or Oahu , known as "The Gathering Place", is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands and most populous of the islands in the U.S. state of Hawaii. The state capital Honolulu is located on the southeast coast...
, and Kauai
Kauai
Kauai or Kauai, known as Tauai in the ancient Kaua'i dialect, is geologically the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. With an area of , it is the fourth largest of the main islands in the Hawaiian archipelago, and the 21st largest island in the United States. Known also as the "Garden Isle",...
. As a high pressure ridge near Hawaii intensified, the northwestward movement of Hiki was blocked, and the storm briefly turned due west on August 17. The high pressure ridge eventually forced Hiki to move southwestward. On August 18, a reconnaissance aircraft flew into Hiki, and measured winds of 90 mph (150 km/h) to the south of the center.
After that wind gust was recorded on August 18, the residents of Kauai and Oahu were alerted of a possible cyclonic loop. Later that day, the high pressure ridge weakened, and Hiki turned westward, passing south of French Frigate Shoals
French Frigate Shoals
The French Frigate Shoals is the largest atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Its name commemorates French explorer Jean-François de La Pérouse, who nearly lost two frigates when attempting to navigate the shoals...
and Midway Island. Two reconnaissance aircraft entered the eye of Hiki, and the diameter of it was only 20-25 mi (32.2-40.2 km). The aircraft also reported a barometric pressure slightly less than 983 mbar (hPa; 29.03 inHg). It was then that the Hiki was no longer monitored. However, Hiki remained a tropical cyclone, and resumed its course to the northwest on August 19. Later that day, Hiki weakened back to a tropical storm. By August 21, Hiki further weakened to a tropical depression, and dissipated six hours later.
Preparations and Impact
As Hiki approached, a United States Coast GuardUnited States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven U.S. uniformed services. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency...
station in French Frigate Shoals
French Frigate Shoals
The French Frigate Shoals is the largest atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Its name commemorates French explorer Jean-François de La Pérouse, who nearly lost two frigates when attempting to navigate the shoals...
was alerted. In addition, ships in the area were also alerted. Hiki caused high waves on some of the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii remained on the southern semicircle of Hiki, and as a result, light wind damage occurred. The highest reported winds from Hiki was at the Kilauea Lighthouse
Kilauea Light
Kīlauea Lighthouse is located on Kīlauea Point on the island of Kauai, Hawaii in the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge.-History:Kīlauea Point, a narrow, lava peninsula protruding from the northern shore of Kauai, was purchased from the Kīlauea Sugar Plantation Company in 1909 for one US...
on Kauai, which recorded gusts up to 68 mph (109.4 km). Tropical storm force winds were also recorded on the islands of Niihau
Niihau
Niihau or Niihau is the seventh largest of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands in the U.S. state of Hawaii, having an area of . Niihau lies southwest of Kauai across the Kaulakahi Channel. Several intermittent playa lakes provide wetland habitats for the Hawaiian Coot, the Black-winged Stilt, and the...
and Lanai
Lanai
Lānai or Lanai is the sixth-largest of the Hawaiian Islands. It is also known as the Pineapple Island because of its past as an island-wide pineapple plantation. The only town is Lānai City, a small settlement....
at the Lanai Airport
Lanai Airport
Lānai Airport is a public airport located three nautical miles southwest of Lānai City, serving as the only airport of the island of Lānai, Hawaii in the United States.- Facilities and aircraft :...
, which reported winds of 48 and 50 mph (77.2 and 80 km/h), respectively. Because of the somewhat high winds, the roofs of several houses blew off. In addition, a farmer in Kohala
Kohala, Hawaii
thumb|right|300px|The districts of the [[Hawaii |Big Island]]. From Northernmost, clockwise; Kohala , [[Hamakua|Hāmākua]], [[Hilo, Hawaii|Hilo]], [[Puna, Hawaii|Puna]], [[Kau, Hawaii|Kaū]], [[Kona District, Hawaii|Kona]]...
on Hawaii died when they came in contact with a live wire that was blown down from high winds.
Hiki was the wettest tropical cyclone in United States history, as rainfall of over 52 in (1,320.8 mm) occurred at the Kanalohuluhulu Ranger Station on Kauai between August 14 and August 18. It was noted that the rain gage was capable of holding 24 in (609.6 mm) of the rain, and had to be emptied on August 15. Furthermore, the rain gage that was emptied was found overflowing less than 24 hours later. Heavy rainfall was also recorded on other locations on that island, with precipitation measured at 13 in (330.2 km) on Mount Waialeale
Mount Waialeale
Mount Waialeale at an elevation of , is a shield volcano and the second highest point on the island of Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands. Averaging more than of rain a year since 1912, with a record in 1982, its summit is one of the rainiest spots on earth....
. Few reports exist on rainfall totals on other Hawaiian Islands, with the only other island recording rainfall was Maui
Maui
The island of Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands at and is the 17th largest island in the United States. Maui is part of the state of Hawaii and is the largest of Maui County's four islands, bigger than Lānai, Kahoolawe, and Molokai. In 2010, Maui had a population of 144,444,...
, with precipitation reaching 11.9 in (302.3 mm). The amount of rain measured on Maui was the highest 24 hour record for that island in the month of August.
Flood damage was the most severe on Kauai, where the Waimea River flooded. As a result, more than 200 residents in Waimea Valley were evacuated. The streets on the island were reportedly flooded on August 15 and August 17. During the flooding on August 17, the Kekaha
Kekaha, Hawaii
Kekaha is a census-designated place in Kauai County, Hawaii, United States. The population was 3,175 at the 2000 census.-History:...
Powerhouse was severely damage, and several hundred acres of sugar cane
Sugarcane
Sugarcane refers to any of six to 37 species of tall perennial grasses of the genus Saccharum . Native to the warm temperate to tropical regions of South Asia, they have stout, jointed, fibrous stalks that are rich in sugar, and measure two to six metres tall...
were flooded.
See also
- 1950 Pacific hurricane season1950 Pacific hurricane seasonThe 1950 Pacific hurricane season was notable for one of the storms being the wettest tropical cyclone in United States history. Seven known tropical cyclones occurred during the season, the earliest of which formed on June 14 and the latest of which dissipated on October 3...
- List of Hawaii hurricanes