User:Cyclonebiskit/Oma

Severe Tropical Cyclone Oma was a large storm that meandered around the Coral Sea for two weeks, impacting several countries and territories with large swells, damaging winds, and heavy rain.

Meteorological history
In early February 2019, an active monsoon trough extending across Queensland, Australia, produced multiple tropical lows. On February 8, one of these lows coalesced over the Coral Sea just west of Cairns. Environmental conditions were not conducive to tropical cyclogenesis as it propagated east and the system crossed 160°E on February 11, entering the Fiji Meteorological Service's (FMS) area of responsibility. Upon entering the region, the FMS classified the system as Tropical Depression 09F. Deep convection pulsated west of the approximated circulation center, displaced by strong wind shear with evidence of formative banding features along its periphery. Despite the shear, ample upper-level outflow ventilated the system and enabled continued organization. Scatterometer data revealed a large area of 65–75 km/h (40–45 mph) winds across the northern half of the cyclone by February 12. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center deemed the storm sufficiently organized to initiate warnings at 03:00 UTC that day, designating it as Tropical Cyclone 15P. Following formation of a primary banding feature around the center, the FMS classified the system as a Category 1 tropical cyclone on the Australian intensity scale at 09:00 UTC on February 2. At this time, the cyclone received the name Oma.

Preparations
Tropical cyclone warnings were issued for the Solomon Islands during the early stages of Oma's existence beginning on February 11. The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service advised of gale-force winds and rough seas for most islands. These advisories were ultimately cancelled on February 16. Under the threat of increased water levels, residents along low-lying coasts of Kwai, Malaita, and Ngongosila evacuated. Local officials utilized churches as public shelters.

Owing to adverse weather, schools and businesses shut down throughout northern provinces of Vanuatu. Across the nation, approximately 1,000 people sought refuge in public shelters. Air Vanuatu suspended all domestic flights on February 13 due to turbulent conditions.

New Caledonia

 * Postponed school: https://la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/nouvellecaledonie/province-nord/province-nord-vit-sa-rentree-differe-683627.html
 * Warnings: https://la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/nouvellecaledonie/vent-violent-forte-houle-dix-huit-communes-vigilance-orange-683675.html
 * Barge cancelled: https://la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/nouvellecaledonie/province-nord/retour-oma-seabreeze-belema-nenema-restent-quai-683645.html

Australia
On February 20, forecasters at the Bureau of Meteorology deemed Oma to be a threat to southeastern Queensland and northwestern New South Wales. A Tropical Cyclone Watch was raised for areas between Bundaberg and Ballina, inclusive of the capital city of Brisbane. This marked the first watch for Brisbane proper in more than 20 years. The issuance of such a watch is unusual as Brisbane lies outside the main cyclone belt. However, by the following day it became evident that Oma posed no direct threat to the mainland and these advisories were discontinued. Offshore, the cruise ships MV Arcadia and Pacific Dawn delayed their courses to avoid adverse conditions.

Solomon Islands
The low-lying Strong winds from the storm caused damage in parts of Guadalcanal. Multiple trees fell across Honiara and several homes and schools suffered roof damage. Impacts extended to Temotu Province where additional damage to homes took place. Overall damage was reported as "extensive" by Solomon Islands' officials with additional concerns over food security.

Near the Solomon Islands, swells produced by Oma hampered recovery efforts of MV Solomon Trader which ran aground on a reef near Rennell Island in early February. These swells subsequently damaged the vessel and accelerated its sinking. The damage resulted in the leakage of more than 75 tonnes of oil near a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The spill contaminated Lughu Bay, killing off fish and rendering fish unusable as a food source for 300 people living along its shores. Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela requested assistance from Australia to circumvent an environmental disaster. Houenipwela conceded the Solomon Islands was unable to handle the spill on its own. The Australian High Commission for the Solomon Islands and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority provided aerial reconnaissance.

Vanuatu
Persistent heavy rain, damaging surf, and strong winds battered the northern provinces of Malampa, Sanma, Torba in Vanuatu for approximately a week. Winds in excess of 90 km/h affected an estimated 11,000 people. The islands of Ambae, Espiritu Santo, Gaua, and Vanua Lava saw rainfall accumulations in excess of 500 mm. Peak 24-hour accumulations reached 390 mm, observed on Espiritu Santo. At least 76 homes sustained damage across Espiritu Santo, primarily on western shores. One person suffered minor injuries in Mota Lava. The strong winds downed trees across the affected region. Communications with Torba were disrupted, with authorities unable to reach the Torres Islands.

The prolonged nature of Oma's coastal impacts caused widespread and significant erosion, with Vanuatu's Daily Post describing the coastline as "reshaped". Storm surge inundated coastal communities in Malampa and Torba, extending up to 50 m inland in some areas. Multiple traditionally constructed homes were destroyed while flooding from swollen rivers washed out roads. The Vanuatu Red Cross activated five emergency operations centers on February 13 and began providing assistance affected persons. The Red Cross helped evacuees relocate to safer areas and worked awareness programs to keep residents informed of the storm situation.

New Caledonia
Damaging winds up to 140 km/h (85 mph)&mdash;observed at Poingam&mdash;and heavy rain from the cyclone battered New Caledonia between February 16 and 19, leaving thousands of residents without power and isolating some villages. Île Belep incurred extensive damage with three-quarters of the island's wooden homes suffering partial or total damage. The islands of Baaba, Taanio, Yandé, and Yenghebane suffered moderate damage. The heaviest rain fell across northern areas of Grande-Terre, with many areas observing more than 200 mm, and north-facing slops of the island's mountains. Accumulations peaked at 404 mm at the Camp Des Sapins mine. Three people suffered injuries related to the storm, one of whom required helicopter transport to a hospital. Multiple areas, including Canala, Hienghène, Kaala-Gomen, Koné, Koumac, Ouégoa, Pouembout, and Voh reported damage or disruption to roads from flooding and fallen trees. Excessive runoff rendered water temporarily undrinkable in parts of Belep, Poya, and Ouégoa. One home was destroyed in Pouébo. Agriculture was particularly hard-hit with losses reported in all provinces. The French government declared a state of calamity, directed at agriculture, for the entire island which freed 150 million CFP francs (US$1.4 million) for recovery.

During the second passage of Oma on February 25–26, the territory again saw gale- to storm-force winds. The capital city of Nouméa observed the strongest winds, reaching 114 km/h. The outlying communes of Lifou, L'Île-des-Pins, Maré, and Ouvéa experienced greater winds during this passage than when the cyclone first impacted the territory. The return passage of Oma caught boaters off-guard, with unmoored vessels being tossed against rocks and sinking in Nouméa. The SNSM shuttle Nautile rescued 13 people from stranded vessels. One catamaran grounded on île aux Canards.

Australia
Large swells from the cyclone impacted large swathes of Queensland for approximately a week. Wave heights peaked at 13 m off the coasts of Mooloolaba and Point Lookout. More than 30 people required rescue, some of whom were hospitalised, from the turbulent waters. One person drowned just off North Stradbroke Island after attempts to resuscitate him failed. Around Brisbane, the surf caused significant beach erosion; particularly affected was a 16 km stretch along Moore Park Beach. The combination of increased surf, king tides, and a full moon resulted in flooding of low-lying suburbs in Brisbane along Breakfast Creek and Enoggera Creek. Floodwaters reached homes in the communities of Bulimba, Hamilton, and Windsor. Farther south, waves reached 11.4 m at Byron Bay, New South Wales.

Damaging winds affected coastal areas of along the border of Queensland and New South Wales. Gusts reached 113 km/h at Cape Moreton while mainland values peaked at 109 km/h at Double Island Point. Winds up to 80 km/h destroyed approximately A$700,000 worth of Cavendish bananas in Cudgen, New South Wales. The winds also downed many power lines along the Sunshine Coast, leaving 5,077 households without electricity. On Lord Howe Island, far east of mainland Australia, wind gusts reached 144 km/h.