User:Jason Rees/Evan

Cyclone Evan was a rapidly intensifying tropical cyclone that affected the Samoan islands during December 2012. The first cyclone of the 2012-13 South Pacific cyclone season, Evan formed from the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ).

Meteorological history
The tropical depression that was to become Severe Tropical Cyclone Evan was first noted by the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) on December 9, while it was located within the South Pacific Convergence Zone near the Fijian dependency of Rotuma. At this stage, the system's broad low-level circulation was poorly organised, while the majority of atmospheric convection was fragmented and located over its northeastern quadrant. Over the next day, the system subsequently moved south-eastwards within an area favourable for further development, with low vertical windshear, sea surface temperatures of 29 - 30 C and favourable outflow. During December 11, the systems low-level circulation centre started to rapidly consolidate, as it passed around 55 km to the southwest of the French Territory of Futuna. Later that day as the depression became equivalant to a tropical storm and develop a small eye on microwave imagery, the United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center initiated advisories on the system and designated it as Tropical Cyclone 04P. This was followed by the FMS naming the system as Evan the following day, after it had become a Category 1 tropical cyclone on the Australian tropical cyclone intensity scale.

while the system was located about 410 km to the west of Pago Pago on the American Samoan island of Tutuila.

After it was named the system continued to be steered eastwards towards the Samoan islands, by the upper level ridge as it quickly intensified further. During December 12, as the system started to impact the Samoan Islands with gale and storm force wind speeds, RSMC Nadi reported that the system had become a category 2 tropical cyclone on the Australian scale with 10-minute sustained wind speeds of 90 km/h. The JTWC also reported during that day that the system had become equivalent to a category one hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale (SSHS) with 1-minute sustained wind speeds of 120 km/h (75 mph). Over the next 12 hours the system developed a 17 km cloud filled eye on visible imagery, while the systems forward motion started to slow down as it entered a weak steering environment with the upper level ridge of high pressure to the north of the system weakened and a subtropical ridge of high pressure developed to the south and east of the system. Early on December 13, Evan passed near or over the southeastern coast of the Samoan island: Upolu, while RSMC Nadi reported that the system had intensified into a category 3 severe tropical cyclone.

Throughout December 13, Evan moved away from Upolu and continued to intensify, before it recurved and moved northwestwards as it continued to intensify during the next day. During December 15, as Evan started to move towards the southwest, it passed within 20 km of Wallis Island as a category four severe tropical cyclone before passing within 70 km of Futuna Island during the next day. During December 16, RSMC Nadi reported that Evan had reached its peak 10-minute sustained windspeeds of 100 kn, while located about 100 km to the north of Labasa, Fiji.

During the next day as evan moved around the coast of the Fijian Island of Viti Levu, the JTWC reported that Cyclone Evan had reached its primary peak intensity with 1-minute windspeeds of 230 km/h (145 mph), which made it equivalent to a category 4 hurricane on the SSHS. As it moved around the coast of Viti Levu, Evan started to gradually weaken, with RSMC Nadi reporting by 1800 UTC (0700 UTC+13, December 18) that the system had weakened into a category 3 severe tropical cyclone.

On December 16, the FMS reported that Evan had peaked with 10-minute sustained windspeeds of 100 kn, which made it a Category 4 hurricane on the Australian tropical cyclone intensity scale.

On December 17, the JTWC reported that Evan had peaked with 1-minute sustained windspeeds of 125 kn, which made it equivalent to a Categroy 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale.

On December 19, RSMC Nadi reported that Cyclone Evan had weakened below cyclone intensity and declassified it as a tropical cyclone, before the JTWC issued their final warning later that day as the system started to transition into an extratropical cyclone. Over the next couple of days the remnant low continued moving southwards and moved below 25°S and into the Wellington tropical cyclone warning centre's (TCWC Wellington) area of responsibility. During December 21, the system started to move towards the southwest as it directed a moist tropical airmass onto the North Island during the next day.

The extratropical remnants of Evan were last noted by MetService during on December 27, while they were located over the Waikato region of New Zealand.

Fiji
During December 10, RSMC Nadi issued heavy rain warnings for parts of Fiji, as the trough of low pressure associated with the system, was bringing heavy rain and squally thunderstorms to parts of Fiji which they warned could lead to flash floods in parts of the archipelago. However the warnings were then cancelled during the next day as the system moved away from Fiji, however, RSMC Nadi started to note that the global numerical weather guidance products were agreeing on the depression, re-curving as a tropical cyclone and to start directly impacting Fiji from December 16. During the next three days, RSMC Nadi issued calls for communities to be prepared, heed warnings and act responsibly, so that they could avoid "unnecessary loss of lives and properties", as Cyclone Evan was expected to be at least a Category 4 Severe Tropical Cyclone when it entered Fijian waters. Between December 15 - 18 as the system approached and passed through the archipelago, RSMC Nadi issued various strong, gale, storm and hurricane force wind warnings for Fiji.

As of December 15, at least 400 people had evacuated to emergency shelter in anticipation of the storm on the island of Vanua Levu, according to Fijian authorities. Air Pacific announced they are suspending all flights to Savusavu, as well as the international flights from Nadi to Auckland and Brisbane on December 16.

Upon passing over Fijji, over 8,000 people were living in shelters, including many tourists. Although there were no initial reports of casualties, the storm brought considerable damage. Trees and power lines were down across the island group. In addition, flooding and structural damage was reported from resorts and homes.

Wallis and Futuna
Cyclone Evan affected Wallis and Futuna on two separate occasions while it was active, with the cyclone first affecting Futuna during December 11, before passing within 20 km of Wallis Island during December 15, before it passed within 70 km of Futuna Island during the next day. On December 11 Futuna Island recorded 186 mm of rainfall and windspeeds of up to 35 mph as Evan passed just to the north of the island. Ahead of the system affecting the French Territory for the second time, various warnings were issued for the two islands, with people were urged to prepare. As the system passed near Wallis island, wind gusts of up to 156 km/h were recorded, which were the highest recorded wind gusts on Wallis Island since records began in 1971. The cyclone passed through the French territory without any reported casualties, and while Futuna Island was spared any major damage, extensive damage was reported on Wallis Island.

Within the territory no casualties were reported while severe damage reported on Wallis island with Futuna was spared any major damage.

On Wallis Island, all of the fresh food was destroyed by the cyclone, while the electricity was knocked out

with at least 300 homes seriously damaged

According to initial findings, Wallis has been hit hard with major damage on networks, roads and homes. Only two minor injuries were reported. Futuna has, however, been less hit by the cyclone. To cope with the emergency, the government has decided to send in the next few hours, from New Caledonia, with CASA aircraft aboard a mission to support civil security officer including a firefighter, an expert of the Red Cross, two technicians from the power company in New Caledonia, three policemen specialized in restoration of telecommunication networks and a technician from the Post Office and Telecommunications, as well as 1, 4 tonne of material (tarpaulins and tools).

Western Samoa
Cyclone Evan affected the independent state of Samoa between December 11 and 15, and was considered to be the worst tropical cyclone to affect Samoa, since Cyclone Val in 1991 and Cyclone Ofa in 1990. Ahead of the system affecting Samoa, the Samoan Meteorological Service issued flood, gale, storm and hurricane warnings for the island nation.

After the system was named on November 12, the Samoan Deputy and Acting Prime Minister Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo, signed a Disaster Declaration which lasted for 48 hours and activated all disaster response provisions of the Samoan National Disaster Management Plan. During that day the Samoa Meteorology Division issued gale and storm force wind warnings and a hurricane watch for Samoa, while preparations for the system started with several people boarding up their homes. During the next day the system affected Samoa with high winds and heavy rain before the SMS issued a hurricane warning for Upolu, after marginal hurricane force winds of 114 km/h were observed on Mount Fiamoe, Upolu.

'It is a small system, meaning it is [a] pretty compact system, it does not have a very wide area of circulation, so communities will not feel the impact until it is very close to them. Perhaps the rain and thunderstorms will be the telltale signs that it is spreading near to them.' Cyclone Evan affected the Samoan islands between December 12 and December and brought hurricane force winds, flash flooding and a storm surge of up to 3 m. while people were urged to move to higher ground. Flights in and out of the islands were cancelled.

According to the Western Samoa National Disaster Management Office, there were reports of 2 deaths associated with Cyclone Evan, while there were several reports of fallen trees bringing power lines down, obstructing roads and damaging houses.

However on December 15 a state of emergency was declared for the Island Nation and international assistance was requested from various donors including the World Bank, ADB, SPC/SOPAC, AusAID, NZAid, EU, US, UN, and others.



On the island of Samoa, preparations for Evan started on December 12, with some people boarding up their homes. This continued into December 13, when the cyclone struck, causing widespread damage in the capital, Apia. Many of the roads were blocked by flood waters and downed banana trees. Evan also caused damage to Faleolo International Airport in Apia, where the departures lounge collapsed, forcing its temporary closure. As a result, Air Pacific cancelled all flights to Apia for December 14 and 15, citing safety concerns. Wind gusts of up to 130 mph were reported. The storm destroyed houses and caused almost complete failures in the power and water supply systems. The Disaster Management Office reported that the Tanugamanono power plant was heavily damaged and power might not be restored for up to two months in some areas. A water treatment plant near Apia was also reported destroyed. At least three deaths were reported after the storm, including two children who were in low-lying areas and drowned. Authorities expressed concern over about the fate of at least 7 people who are still missing, as well as up to 3,000 others now living in emergency shelters.

The US Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa David Huebner confirmed the United States had provided NZ$60,000 to the Samoan Red Cross for relief operations. New Zealand authorities said they were also ready to provide financial aid, if the local government requests it. On December 15 they did provide NZ$50,000, as well as a P-3 Orion plane to search for eight missing fishermen. Two days later the New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully announced an additional NZ$550,000 was to be made available to the Samoan government, as well as the Samoan Red Cross and any agencies on the ground that might need it. Five additional New Zealand Red Cross workers were also sent to support local efforts. The Samoan Parliament opened with a somber prayer session, as the legislators prepared to receive initial assessments of the economic damage wrecked by Evan. According to reports, the bill is expected to be at least NZ$200,000,000, and possibly rise as high as 300 million.

On December 17 Samoan authorities confirmed that the death toll reached 14, after rescuers abandoned the search for 10 missing sailors.

In all, damage from the storm amounted to A$200 million (US$207 million).

Vaisigano River
On December 13, the Vaisigano River burst its banks and caused severe flooding within Apia.

American Samoa
Ahead of Cyclone Evan affecting the American Territory during December 12, the Pago Pago National Weather Service Forecast Office issued a gale watch for the whole of American Samoa. As Evan intensified and moved closer to the archipelago, hurricane warnings and flash flood watches were issued for Tutuila, Aunuu, Manua and Swains Island. However the Hurricane warning was cancelled and replaced with a gale warning, later that day as the system started to re-curve towards Fiji.

All public and private schools were cancelled on December 12, while all government offices closed at 23:00 UTC, (12:00 SST) with employees ordered to secure their offices before heading home.

The 3 day Territorial Christmas Programme that was due to open on December 12 was cancelled.

Polynesian Airline and Inter Island Air cancelled all of their inter island flights.

The Pago Pago National Weather Service Forecast Office issued a gale watch for all of American Samoa a day before the storm impacted the island. As Evan intensified and moved closer to the archipelago, hurricane warnings and flash flood watches were issued for Tutuila, Aunuu, Manua and Swains Island. On December 14 authorities announced that there had been no major damage or injuries after the passage of the storm.

Tonga
On December 12, the FMS issued a tropical cyclone alert for the Tongan Islands Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou as it was thought that Evan might cause gale-force winds over the islands within 48 hours. During December 14, the alert was cancelled as Evan was no longer predicted to pass close enough to the islands to produce gale force winds or any damage on either island.

New Zealand
During December 23, as Cyclone Evan's remnants moved towards New Zealand, TCWC Wellington issued Severe Weather Warnings for parts of Northland, Auckland and Coromandel as between 70 - 100 mm of rain expected to fall which could cause surface flooding. They also predicted that parts of New Zealand would see strong or gale force winds and that the eastern coasts of Northland, might see largeish sea waves of about 3 - 4 m. During that day in parts of the Coromandel Ranges, over 100 mm of rain fell while in other parts of the warning area 25 - 50 mm fell while the system was blamed for creating foggy conditions that engulfed parts of the North Island, and led to over 100 flights being cancelled at Wellington Airport. On December 24, the threat of heavy rain, surface flooding, swells and strong to gale force winds continued while a swimmer drowned in rough seas of Whiritoa beach. During that day heavy rain gradually eased, before the remnants were last noted during the next day.

Western Samoa
All evacuation centres within Western Samoa were closed on January 5, to enable

Wallis and Futuna
On December 16, the French Government dispatched a mission to support civil security and compliment the resources that were already deployed on the islands, before between December 19 – 21, the French Overseas minster Victorin Lurel, visited Wallis Island, to see what help the authorities could provide to deal with the damage and to show "national solidarity" with residents hardest hit by the system.

On December 20, the French authorities chartered a jet and flew military personnel and relief supplies from New Caledonia to Wallis island. The aircraft delivered equipment, including chainsaws, to help restore the infrastructure and the homes damaged.

By December 23, around 45% of the electricity supply had been restored to the island. (PER UNOCHA SITREP 6)

After the cyclone had hit both islands, the French Government dispatched a plane which carried about 1.4 tonnes of emergency supplies from New Caledonia.

though no casualties were reported in the island nation. Wallis Island was the worst affected out of the 2 islands After the cyclone hit, the French Government dispatched a plane carrying about 1.4 tonnes of emergency supplies from New Caledonia.

Electricity has been restored to around 45 per cent of the Wallis island. All fresh food was destroyed by thecyclone, which represents around 30 per cent of the consumable food available. Assessments found 290 houseswere damaged, as well as 15 public buildings. An airport and a hospital were damaged, but both remain functional.