Typhoon Wutip (2019)

Typhoon Wutip, known in the Philippines as Tropical Depression Betty, was the most powerful February typhoon on record, surpassing Typhoon Higos of 2015. The third tropical cyclone, second tropical storm, and the first typhoon of the 2019 Pacific typhoon season, Wutip originated from a low-pressure area on February 16, 2019, that generally tracked westward, passing just south of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), before organizing into a tropical depression on February 18. The depression was later classified a tropical storm a day later, attaining the name Wutip from the Japan Meteorological Agency. The storm gradually intensified as it turned northwest, before it underwent rapid intensification on February 23, while passing to the southwest of Guam, and reached its first peak intensity. With winds of 270 km/h (165 mph) estimated by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Wutip became the first Category 5-equivalent super typhoon on record in the month of February. Wutip underwent an eyewall replacement cycle shortly afterward and weakened. The storm finished its cycle on February 24, rapidly intensifying once again. Wutip reached a secondary peak intensity the following day, again attaining Category 5-equivalent winds. Thereafter, Wutip rapidly weakened for the rest of its lifespan from strong vertical wind shear, before dissipating over the Philippine Sea on March 2.

As tropical cyclone watches and warnings were issued and citizens sought shelter, Typhoon Wutip crossed the FSM and inflicted significant damage towards its agriculture and infrastructure, contaminating water sources across the affected islands with its floods and leaving 11,575 people in need of food. Later on, Wutip induced power outages in Guam and caused damage that added to the total of over $3.3 million (2019 USD). The Northern Mariana Islands received minor impact, and there were no casualties reported in any of the affected areas nonetheless. In response to the effects, both the FSM and Guam received aid from international governments and organizations.

Meteorological history
Around mid-February 2019, a large mass of cumulonimbus clouds accumulated near the Marshall Islands. Initially disorganized, the slow-moving cluster consolidated into a more cohesive system. On February 16, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) detected the system as a low-pressure area shifting westward. While southeast of Kosrae, vigorous convergence of trade winds north of the tropical disturbance spawned sporadic convection, or thunderstorms. The convection broadened over the system's large but weak circulation, as the disturbance situated over an area of low vertical wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures of 28 - 29 C, conditions which are conducive for tropical cyclogenesis. After more organizing, the JMA identified the system as a tropical depression on February 18, shortly before the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) assigned it the numeral identifier 02W the next day, when the storm had improved its convective banding around the defined circulation. As the storm developed from high ocean heat content (OHC) and outflow, the JMA and JTWC simultaneously ranked the newborn cyclone a tropical storm at 18:00 UTC, with the former giving it the name Wutip.

On February 20, Wutip evolved into a severe tropical storm after attaining 10-minute sustained winds of 50 kn, before strengthening into a typhoon by 18:00 UTC, according to the JMA, as a central dense overcast began to surface. With Wutip moving west-northwestward alongside a subtropical ridge to the north, improvement in organization became apparent with an eye formation detected on microwave imagery; on this basis, the JTWC upgraded Wutip to a typhoon early on February 21. The storm continued to significantly intensify over warm waters as rainbands tightened towards the deepened core. Its motion also mitigated the effects of wind shear, and additionally, a ragged eye emerged on satellite imagery. The very compact system then steered in a general northwestward direction, with the eye occasionally appearing throughout February 22. Despite a decrease in sea surface temperatures, low wind shear combined with an excellent poleward outflow channel commenced a period of rapid intensification on February 23. While southwest of Guam, Wutip presented a compact eyewall, and achieved its initial peak intensity at 12:00 UTC; the JMA estimated 10-minute sustained winds of 195 km/h and the lowest barometric pressure of 920 hPa around that time. The JTWC operationally estimated 1-minute sustained winds of 250 km/h, re-classifying Wutip as a super typhoon; however, post-season analysis determined that it had attained winds of 270 km/h (165 mph) two hours prior—making Wutip equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale. A moat—a clear ring outside the eyewall—separated the inner core from deep banding features, indicating the onset of an eyewall replacement cycle. During the process, the western portion eroded off the well-defined but warming eyewall as the eye cooled down, signaling a weakening trend. Development was further hampered by dry air entrainment and the storm's entrance to an environment of low OHC; conditions in the upper troposphere however, remained favorable. The moat separating the primary and secondary eyewall then became ill-defined. Upon completion the next day, the eyewall thickened, and its associated convection was replenished and reorganized, becoming well-defined and annular, resuming a trend of rapid intensification. Wutip again became a Category 5-equivalent super typhoon in 06:00 UTC of February 25, reaching a secondary peak intensity with 10-minute winds of 185 km/h and atmospheric pressure of 935 hPa assessed by the JMA, and 1-minute winds of 260 km/h assessed by the JTWC. Although maintaining deep convective rings, Wutip did not hold this intensity for long, and by the following day, weakened to below super typhoon strength. Cloud tops warmed up as the eye became cloud-filled. Following a significant increase in vertical wind shear, Wutip's structure began to rapidly deteriorate, no longer exhibiting an eye.

The storm decelerated from a neutral point as it entered the southern edge of the westerlies, meeting higher levels of unfavorable wind shear. An upper-level trough situated to the west of the storm also reinforced wind shear, further disrupting convection, despite the robust outflow. By 12:00 UTC of February 27, Wutip had weakened back into a severe tropical storm. Convection later decreased significantly, prompting the JTWC to downgrade Wutip to tropical storm status. As Wutip turned west-northwestward, deep convection detached from the storm and dissipated, preventing additional development. By February 28, wind shear had completely exposed the well-organized circulation. The JMA downgraded Wutip to a tropical storm at 00:00 UTC, before downgrading it further to a tropical depression six hours later, though the JTWC had already assessed Wutip as a tropical depression beforehand. On the same day, Wutip crossed the 135°E boundary of the Philippine Area of Responsibility, receiving the local name Betty from the PAGASA—the national weather agency for the Philippines. The JTWC discontinued advisories on Wutip, whereas the JMA continued monitoring the depression until it had dissipated near east of the Philippines on March 2.

Records
Wutip was the most powerful typhoon in the month of February on record, surpassing Typhoon Higos of 2015, while also being the longest-lasting typhoon of that month as well. In addition, Wutip is the first and only tropical cyclone in the Northern Hemisphere with Category 5-equivalent winds during the month. Only seven Category 4- or Category 5-equivalent typhoons were recorded in the months of January and February since the late 1940s, including three other storms in February that attained Category 4 strength.

Federated States of Micronesia
Tropical storm watches and warnings were issued for the states of Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap of the Federated States of Micronesia by the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Tiyan, Guam, as Tropical Depression 02W approached the island nation on February 19; the tropical storm warning for Faraulep in Yap was later canceled. The advisories were upgraded to typhoon watches and warnings after the tropical depression had intensified into Tropical Storm Wutip on February 20, with forecasts stating that Wutip would soon strengthen into a typhoon. A Special Weather Statement was also released, advising residents to monitor the situation and take note of instructions. While schools, community halls, and gymnasiums were all used as shelter, some shelters did not provide food and water or proper restrooms.

Wutip passed over Chuuk, Pohnpei and Yap States with winds of more than 160 km/h—equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane—from February 19 to 22, and damaged or destroyed approximately 160 houses and displaced 165 people in Chuuk and Yap. In Pohnpei State, primary and secondary power lines were damaged. Besides having fallen trees, the main island of Pohnpei was entirely left without power before having it restored. The command post of Chuuk State was activated on February 20–21 under an issued executive order, as falling trees, flooding, and damage towards homes were being reported on the 21st. Displaced people were moved to typhoon shelters and also to families residing more inland, away from the shorelines. In Pattiw, 54 homes were destroyed and at least 69 were damaged. Schools were closed down as an effect of major damage as displaced families sheltered in them. In some of the affected islands of Yap, schools also sustained damage. Satellite imagery analysis after the storm revealed extensive damage to vegetation and limited damage to structures of the Northwest Islands.

The Northwest Islands and Mortlock Islands had over 90% of their crops damaged, likewise to Nukuoro of Pohnpei State; the main crop, taro, rottened and became no longer edible, though some of it was salvaged. Water sources for the outer islands of Houk, Puluwat, Tamatam and Pulap, along with the Mortlock Islands, were rendered undrinkable, contaminated by saltwater from the flooding. In Houk, sea water flooding killed vegetation, including taro, breadfruit and coconut—the main diet for the inhabitants besides fish. Wutip flooded a taro plantation in Oneop and downed breadfruit and banana trees with its winds. Structures there were unroofed and one structure had collapsed. Across the state of Yap, infrastructure, including dispensaries, and crops were damaged. Residents of Satawal, Lamotrek, Elato, Faraulep, and Piig necessitated water assistance, as their drinking sources were soon to be exhausted. Despite no casualties, Wutip ruined many crops with the saltwater floods it produced and, with the water sources contaminated, induced a high possibility of disease outbreaks in the affected areas. Overall, Wutip caused heavy preliminary damage in infrastructure and agriculture that cost at least $2 million.

Guam
The NWS announced a tropical storm watch for Guam on February 21. Guam was still reeling from Typhoon Mangkhut in the previous year as hundreds fled to emergency shelters; over 430 children and adults sought refuge at five different emergency shelters. Public schools were closed in preparation of Wutip on February 22. The same day, Cope North, an annual military exercise that takes place around Guam, was paused "as a precautionary measure due to hazardous and potentially damaging winds," according to the Pacific Air Forces. The NWS also upgraded the watch to a tropical storm warning on that day. A team of 18 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assisted Guam with emergencies. Civil defense officials warned Guam residents that winds between 64 - 72 km/h and rainfall up to 15.24 cm were expected, and advised them to stay indoors until the storm had passed. Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio put Guam and the military bases under Condition of Readiness (COR) 2, before upgrading it to COR 1. About 25 flights to and from Guam were canceled, leading to the loss of 4,993 seats.

As Wutip's rainbands began affecting the island, a heavy outer rainband remained largely in place over the southern side for several hours, and exhibited the meteorology phenomena training. Wutip was the first typhoon to affect Guam in the month of February since Typhoon Irma in 1953. On February 23, Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport recorded 4.21 in of rain from the storm, resulting in a flash flood warning being announced, while also setting a record for that date. The Guam Power Authority reported isolated power outages occurring across Guam. Wutip made its closest point of approach on the 24th, when it was about 165 mi southwest of the island. Wutip dumped 17 in of rain in Inarajan, 12 in in Dandan, and 6 to 8 in elsewhere on the island. Maximum sustained winds of 40 - 45 mph and gusts of 70 mph persisted throughout the night into early February 25, as seas remained hazardous. In Santa Rita, manholes were overflowed by flooding. Merizo also endured inundation, though it was noted as "nothing too bad" by its mayor's office. Inarajan experienced more significant damage, with obstructed roads and many downed trees and power lines along with major flooding. Preliminary damage in infrastructure for Wutip totaled over $1.3 million. No injuries or serious damages were reported, and the COR 1 was canceled by the lieutenant governor along with brigadier general Gentry Boswell, placing Guam under COR 4, the normal condition of readiness. The Guam Department of Education later reopened all of its 41 schools.

Northern Mariana Islands
Tropical storm watches were in effect across the islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Families were still residing in tents due to the effects from Typhoon Yutu of last year, and were encouraged to seek emergency shelter; a total of 83 individuals took shelter during Wutip's passage. President of the Asian Football Confederation, Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, was set to visit Saipan on February 25, but postponed the visit in precaution of Wutip. The tropical storm watch in Rota was later upgraded to a typhoon warning but was canceled by Lieutenant Governor Arnold Palacios on February 24, when Wutip headed towards a different direction from the islands and no longer posed a threat. Winds of 35 - 45 mph and gusts of 45 - 55 mph swept across the village of Songsong and waves of 16 - 20 ft to as high as 25 ft surfed along the east- and south-facing reefs, leading to coastal flooding. No injuries were reported, and public roadways across the islands remained clear of debris. As a result, schools were reopened across the Mariana Islands on February 25. Palacios stated that climate change is a reality as demonstrated by Wutip, for the typhoon season for the region was not until another month.

Aftermath
The Governor of Chuuk Johnson Elimo and the Governor of Yap Henry Falan both declared a state of emergency on February 22, in addition to a declaration from the President of the Federated States of Micronesia Peter M. Christian. On February 26, a team of 13 from the government of Chuuk was deployed at Pattiw to supply food and water, with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Red Cross. Elimo later revised his declaration on March 2, emphasizing the extensive damages Wutip had caused to infrastructure, food crops, and water sources. Damage assessments were commenced throughout the affected areas. On March 11, FSM President Christian issued a disaster declaration and requested international assistance, releasing $100,000 from the country's emergency fund. U.S. Chargé d'affaires Heather Coble declared a disaster the following day, allowing the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), FEMA, and the federal government of the FSM to initiate a damage assessment and relieve activities supporting agriculture and food security.

The damage assessment took place from March 18 to April 4, with assistance from the IOM. It found along with infrastructure damage, that agriculture production was damaged across 30 islands, leaving 11,575 people food insecure. Shipments containing rice, vegetables, and cooking oil were sent to the Mortlock Islands of Chuuk State. Approximately $450,000 from USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, New Zealand Embassy, and Australian Aid, was mobilized to contribute efforts and for purchasing food baskets, aiding 9,295 people and the other 2,280 who suffered moderate crop damage. On March 31, a multinational team aboard USNS Brunswick arrived at the Lower Mortlock Islands to support recovery efforts as part of Pacific Partnership 2019. Because of their Compact of Free Association between the national governments, U.S. President Donald Trump declared Wutip a disaster on May 7, making funding for emergency relief and reconstruction assistance available, after Christian had requested a disaster declaration on April 17. With this funding, the Catholic Relief Services provided agricultural rehabilitation and the IOM gave food assistance to the areas affected by Wutip. The USAID division in the Philippines reconstructed 136 homes and 39 public structures. Relief and reconstruction funding from USAID totaled more than $22.3 million.

Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero requested a major disaster declaration on March 25, due to the impact the Mariana Islands had from Wutip during February 23–25. Between April 2–5, damage assessments were conducted around areas of Guam, determining if the damage was severe enough for the necessity of federal assistance. On May 7, Donald Trump approved the disaster declaration, and made public assistance towards Guam available for eligible local governments and certain non-profit organizations to support the relief efforts. Tracy A. Haynes was appointed by Trump as the Federal Coordinating Officer for recovery operations across Guam.