Arrocane Camille
 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | June 1, 2019 |
| Remnant Low | June 5, 2019 |
| Dissipated | June 7, 2019 |
| Arrocane | |
| 10-minute sustained (FML) | |
| Highest winds | 85 mph (140 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 962 mbar (hPa); 28.41 inHg |
| Category 2 arrocane | |
| 1-minute sustained (AAWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 100 mph (155 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 973 mbar (hPa); 28.73 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 23 total |
| Missing | 8 |
| Damage | $16 billion (2019 USD) |
| Areas affected | |
Part of the 2019 Ardonia arrocane season | |
Arrocane Camille was a destructive and unusually early-season Category 2 arrocane that affected the kingdom of Felden and surrounding areas in June 2019. The third tropical cyclone, third named storm, and second arrocane of the 2019 Ardonia arrocane season, Camille developed from an area of disturbed weather over the open waters southwest of Felden on June 1. The disturbance developed into a tropical depression later that day and strengthened into Tropical Storm Camille early on June 2. Moving generally northeastward, Camille gradually intensified and became an arrocane on June 3, becoming the earliest second arrocane of a season in the available record. Camille reached its peak intensity at 12:00 UTC on June 4 with maximum one-minute sustained winds of 100 mph (155 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 973 mbar (28.73 inHg), corresponding to Category 2 intensity and making it the earliest second Category 2 arrocane of a season on record. The cyclone subsequently weakened while approaching Felden and made landfall early on June 5 at Category 1 intensity, with winds of 75 mph (120 km/h) and a central pressure of 984 mbar (29.06 inHg). Camille rapidly weakened inland, degenerating into a remnant low later that day before dissipating on June 7.
Camille caused extensive damage across portions of Felden and nearby areas, with the most severe effects occurring in Riverstead and Fort Zuka. Damage totaled $16 billion (2019 USD), of which $7.5 billion occurred in Riverstead and $5 billion in Fort Zuka. Additional damage occurred in the Kawaiin Islands, Ferndale, Looma Watchtower, and Mount Velgrin. Twenty-three people were killed as a result of the arrocane, including 14 in Riverstead, while eight others were reported missing.
Meteorological history
Tropical storm (40–74 mph, 64–119 km/h)
Category 1 (75–94 mph, 120–159 km/h)
Category 2 (95–114 mph, 160–183 km/h)
Category 3 (115–129 mph, 184–208 km/h)
Category 4 (130–159 mph, 209–256 km/h)
Category 5 (≥160 mph, ≥257 km/h)
Unknown
Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression The origins of Arrocane Camille can be traced to an area of low pressure that was first monitored on June 1, 2019, while situated over the open waters southwest of Felden. At 00:00 UTC, the disturbance was producing maximum sustained winds of 25 mph (40 km/h) and had a central pressure of 1,012 mbar (29.88 inHg). The system initially strengthened slowly as it moved generally northeastward, maintaining winds of 25 mph (40 km/h) at 06:00 UTC while its pressure decreased to 1,010 mbar (29.83 inHg). By 12:00 UTC, winds had increased to 30 mph (45 km/h) and the pressure had fallen to 1,009 mbar (29.80 inHg). Six hours later, the circulation became sufficiently organized to be classified as Tropical Depression 03A, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (55 km/h) and a central pressure of 1,004 mbar (29.65 inHg).
At 00:00 UTC on June 2, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Camille after its sustained winds increased to 40 mph (65 km/h) and its pressure fell to 1,000 mbar (29.53 inHg), becoming the third named storm of the 2019 Ardonia arrocane season. Camille subsequently underwent a prolonged period of gradual intensification while continuing northeastward toward Felden. Its sustained winds increased to 45 mph (75 km/h) at 06:00 UTC and 50 mph (85 km/h) at 12:00 UTC, accompanied by a decrease in central pressure to 991 mbar (29.26 inHg). Camille strengthened further to 60 mph (95 km/h) by 18:00 UTC and reached 65 mph (100 km/h) at 00:00 UTC on June 3. Six hours later, the storm was producing winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) with a central pressure of 985 mbar (29.09 inHg).
At 12:00 UTC on June 3, Camille strengthened into the season's second arrocane, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 km/h) and a central pressure of 982 mbar (29.00 inHg). Camille was unusually early for the second arrocane of an Ardonia season; in the available record, no previous season had produced two arrocanes by this date. The cyclone continued to strengthen during its approach toward Felden, with winds increasing to 80 mph (130 km/h) and its pressure falling to 980 mbar (28.94 inHg) at 18:00 UTC. By 00:00 UTC on June 4, Camille had strengthened to 85 mph (140 km/h), followed by an increase to 90 mph (150 km/h) at 06:00 UTC.
At 12:00 UTC on June 4, Camille reached Category 2 intensity and simultaneously attained its peak intensity, with maximum one-minute sustained winds of 100 mph (155 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 973 mbar (28.73 inHg). Satellite imagery around the time of peak intensity depicted a compact and well-organized cyclone immediately offshore of Felden, with a discernible eye surrounded by deep convection. Camille's maximum ten-minute sustained winds were estimated at 85 mph (140 km/h), with a corresponding minimum pressure of 962 mbar (28.41 inHg), classifying the cyclone as an arrocane under the Felden Meteorological Legislation (FML).
Camille began weakening shortly after reaching peak intensity as it approached the coast of Felden. By 18:00 UTC on June 4, its maximum sustained winds had decreased to 90 mph (150 km/h), reducing the cyclone to Category 1 intensity, while its central pressure rose to 977 mbar (28.85 inHg). Camille continued to weaken during the following six hours and, at approximately 00:00 UTC on June 5, made landfall in Felden with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 km/h) and a central pressure of 984 mbar (29.06 inHg). This represented a decrease of 25 mph (40 km/h) in maximum sustained winds and an increase of 11 mbar in central pressure during the 12 hours following its peak intensity.
Weakening accelerated rapidly after Camille moved inland. By 06:00 UTC on June 5, the cyclone had weakened below arrocane intensity, with maximum sustained winds falling to 50 mph (85 km/h) and its central pressure rising to 994 mbar (29.35 inHg). At 12:00 UTC, Camille lost its organized tropical circulation and degenerated into a remnant low, with winds of 25 mph (40 km/h) and a pressure of 1,006 mbar (29.71 inHg). In the 24 hours following its peak intensity, Camille's maximum sustained winds decreased by 75 mph (120 km/h), from 100 mph (155 km/h) to 25 mph (40 km/h), while its central pressure rose by 33 mbar.
The remnant circulation persisted over Felden for approximately two more days while gradually weakening. Maximum winds decreased to 15 mph (25 km/h) by 18:00 UTC on June 5, while the central pressure rose to 1,012 mbar (29.88 inHg). The remnant maintained winds of approximately 15 mph (25 km/h) through the first half of June 6 before weakening to 10 mph (15 km/h) later that day. By 00:00 UTC on June 7, the circulation was producing winds of only 5 mph (5 km/h) with a pressure of 1,019 mbar (30.09 inHg). Camille was last tracked at 06:00 UTC on June 7, when its central pressure had risen to 1,020 mbar (30.12 inHg). The remnant circulation dissipated by 12:00 UTC, the first observation time after Camille was last tracked.
Preparations
Felden
As Camille strengthened over the waters southwest of Felden, preparations began across the kingdom for the possibility of a direct impact. Forecast uncertainty remained relatively high while Camille was a tropical storm on June 2, although forecasts from the Ardonia Meteorological Organization (AMO) increasingly indicated that the cyclone would approach the southwestern coast of Felden during the following several days. Residents along the coast were advised to monitor forecasts, secure loose outdoor objects, and begin assembling emergency supplies. Maritime interests were advised to closely monitor the developing cyclone, with vessels operating southwest of Felden encouraged to return to port or avoid Camille's projected path.
Preparations increased considerably on June 3 as Camille continued strengthening while moving northeastward. After the cyclone attained arrocane intensity at 12:00 UTC, arrocane watches were issued for portions of southwestern Felden, while tropical storm watches extended into surrounding areas. Residents in low-lying and flood-prone locations were advised to prepare for possible evacuation, while officials warned that heavy rainfall and fallen trees could make travel difficult across the heavily forested kingdom. Emergency supplies, including food, drinking water, medical supplies, and equipment for clearing roads, were distributed to communities expected to be affected.
As Camille approached Felden, watches were progressively upgraded to warnings. Evacuations were ordered in particularly exposed coastal and flood-prone areas, while residents elsewhere were encouraged to relocate from vulnerable structures. Shelters were opened across the threatened portion of the kingdom for residents unable to remain safely in their homes. Emergency personnel were placed on standby, while crews prepared for widespread power disruptions, blocked roads, and interruptions to communication between settlements.
On June 4, Camille strengthened from a Category 1 into a Category 2 arrocane, reaching maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 km/h) at 12:00 UTC. With landfall expected within approximately a day, officials urged residents to complete preparations and remain sheltered once conditions deteriorated. Most maritime activity along the threatened coastline had ceased by this time, and travel was increasingly restricted as Camille's outer rainbands moved over Felden. Although the cyclone weakened later on June 4, warnings remained in effect as Camille continued toward the coast.
Kawaiin Islands
Preparations began early in the Kawaiin Islands because of their exposed position offshore of Felden and Camille's approach from the southwest. Maritime traffic surrounding the islands was reduced as the cyclone approached, with small vessels moved ashore or secured and other ships directed away from the projected path. Residents were advised to avoid beaches and exposed coastal areas as seas became increasingly rough.
As the forecast threat increased on June 3, residents in structures considered particularly vulnerable to strong winds or coastal flooding were encouraged to relocate to more secure buildings. Supplies were secured, and preparations were made for disruptions to transportation between the islands and mainland Felden. By June 4, most outdoor and maritime activity had ceased as deteriorating weather associated with Camille spread across the surrounding waters.
Riverstead
Preparations were extensive in Riverstead, where the cyclone posed a significant threat to the town and its waterfront. Maritime operations were progressively curtailed as Camille approached, and vessels were secured or moved away from exposed portions of the harbor. Loose equipment and supplies near the waterfront were moved into protected structures or farther inland, while businesses and residences were secured against damaging winds and heavy rainfall.
Evacuations were conducted from particularly exposed portions of Riverstead as the projected path became more certain. Residents in low-lying areas and structures considered vulnerable to wind damage were directed toward shelters and more substantial buildings. Emergency personnel prepared for flooding, fallen trees, structural damage, and obstruction of roads leading into and out of the town. By June 4, remaining residents were urged to remain indoors as weather conditions deteriorated, and normal activity in the town had largely ceased before Camille's landfall.
Fort Zuka
At Fort Zuka, preparations focused both on protecting the fort itself and maintaining the ability to conduct emergency operations after the cyclone. Equipment, provisions, and other materials vulnerable to wind and rain were moved into protected areas, while exterior objects were secured. Personnel prepared for the possibility that access to surrounding areas could be disrupted by flooding and fallen vegetation.
Personnel at Fort Zuka were also placed on standby to assist civilian authorities following Camille's passage. Supplies intended for post-storm relief and recovery were protected ahead of the cyclone, while response units were positioned in secure locations until conditions improved. Travel around the fort became increasingly restricted on June 4 as Camille approached Felden and strong winds and heavy rainfall became imminent.
Ferndale and Looma Watchtower
Preparations were also undertaken in Ferndale and around Looma Watchtower as forecasts indicated that Camille would continue inland after crossing the coast. Although these areas were not expected to experience Camille at its peak intensity, officials warned that the cyclone could still produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and widespread tree damage as it moved through Felden.
Residents secured homes and supplies, while emergency crews prepared equipment for clearing roads following the storm. Particular concern was placed on maintaining access between communities, as fallen trees and flooding were expected to make travel difficult through portions of the surrounding forest. By late June 4, residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel and remain sheltered as conditions deteriorated.
Mount Velgrin
Preparations were comparatively limited around Mount Velgrin, which was situated away from the areas expected to receive Camille's most severe conditions. Nevertheless, forecasts indicated that the broader circulation of the cyclone could affect the area, prompting warnings for heavy rainfall and strong winds. Those traveling through or residing near the mountain were advised to avoid exposed terrain and areas susceptible to flooding or falling debris.
As Camille moved inland, deteriorating conditions prompted further restrictions on travel around Mount Velgrin. Preparations primarily focused on the possibility of localized flooding, fallen trees, and temporary isolation rather than the severe wind damage anticipated closer to Camille's path through Felden.
Impact
Felden
Arrocane Camille produced widespread damage across portions of Felden as it moved inland on June 5. Although the cyclone had weakened substantially from its offshore peak of 100 mph (155 km/h), Camille made landfall at Category 1 intensity with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 km/h) and a central pressure of 984 mbar (29.06 inHg). Strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding affected communities along and inland from the coast, while the kingdom's densely forested terrain contributed to extensive tree damage and transportation disruptions. Camille weakened rapidly after landfall, though its effects continued across Felden as the circulation moved farther inland.
Damage throughout Felden was concentrated primarily in Riverstead and Fort Zuka, which together sustained $12.5 billion of the arrocane's $16 billion in total losses. Significant damage also occurred in the Kawaiin Islands, Ferndale, and around Looma Watchtower. Twenty-two of Camille's 23 confirmed fatalities occurred within Felden. The cyclone also left eight people missing overall, although the locations from which they were reported were not specified.
Kawaiin Islands
The Kawaiin Islands experienced some of Camille's earliest significant effects as the cyclone approached Felden from the southwest. Increasingly rough seas and strong winds affected the islands before Camille reached the mainland, while periods of heavy rainfall caused localized flooding. Coastal areas were particularly affected by large waves and elevated water levels, which damaged waterfront structures and maritime facilities.
Numerous trees were damaged or uprooted, and scattered structural damage occurred to buildings exposed to the strongest winds. Maritime losses accounted for a portion of the overall damage, with smaller vessels, docks, and equipment along exposed shorelines damaged despite preparations before the storm. Transportation between the islands and mainland Felden was temporarily disrupted as hazardous marine conditions persisted.
Damage in the Kawaiin Islands totaled approximately $999 million. Despite the substantial property and infrastructure losses, no fatalities were recorded in the islands.
Riverstead
Riverstead was the location most severely affected by Camille. The port town experienced damaging winds and torrential rainfall as the cyclone moved inland, while its waterfront and maritime infrastructure were particularly vulnerable to the combined effects of rough seas, elevated water levels, and heavy precipitation. Flooding spread through low-lying portions of the town, inundating buildings and disrupting access to the waterfront.
Significant damage occurred to homes, businesses, warehouses, and other structures throughout Riverstead. Roofs and exterior materials were damaged by the wind, while falling trees and branches caused additional structural losses. Some buildings that initially sustained comparatively limited wind damage were subsequently affected by water intrusion and flooding. Utility infrastructure was also damaged, resulting in widespread disruptions to power and communications.
The waterfront sustained particularly extensive losses. Docks and other port facilities were damaged, while vessels and equipment that remained in the area were displaced or damaged by rough conditions. Debris and fallen vegetation obstructed roads throughout portions of Riverstead, complicating access immediately following the cyclone. Flooding and transportation disruptions left some sections of the town temporarily isolated from surrounding communities.
Riverstead accounted for the largest share of Camille's economic and human toll. Damage in the town reached approximately $7.5 billion, representing nearly half of the arrocane's total losses. Fourteen people were killed in Riverstead, accounting for more than half of Camille's 23 confirmed fatalities.
Fort Zuka
Severe impacts also occurred at Fort Zuka and in surrounding areas. Strong winds damaged structures and exterior facilities, while heavy rainfall caused flooding and contributed to additional deterioration of roads and other infrastructure. Trees were uprooted or damaged throughout the area, in some cases falling onto structures or blocking routes around the fort.
Despite efforts to secure equipment and supplies before Camille's arrival, portions of the fort sustained significant damage. Exposed equipment and infrastructure were damaged by wind, water, and falling debris, while some facilities experienced roof and exterior damage. Flooding further complicated conditions in and around the fort as Camille moved inland.
Damage to transportation routes temporarily hindered movement through the surrounding area. Personnel began clearing debris and restoring access after conditions subsided, while surviving facilities at the fort were used to support response operations despite the damage sustained during the storm.
Losses at Fort Zuka totaled approximately $5 billion, making it the second-costliest location affected by Camille behind Riverstead. Four people were killed in the area.
Ferndale
Camille continued to produce damaging conditions as its circulation progressed farther inland toward Ferndale. Although the cyclone was weakening rapidly, strong winds and heavy rainfall caused substantial damage throughout the area. Fallen trees and branches damaged structures and obstructed roads, while rainfall produced flooding in low-lying locations.
Structural damage was generally less severe than that experienced closer to Camille's landfall point, though widespread damage to roofs, vegetation, and utility infrastructure occurred. Flooding contributed significantly to property losses, particularly where drainage was obstructed by storm debris. Road closures and utility failures disrupted travel and communications during and immediately after the storm.
Damage in Ferndale totaled approximately $1.5 billion. Three people were killed as a result of the cyclone.
Looma Watchtower
The area surrounding Looma Watchtower was also affected as the weakening circulation of Camille moved through Felden. Strong gusts damaged trees and vegetation throughout the surrounding forest, with fallen trees blocking routes and damaging nearby structures. Heavy rainfall produced additional localized flooding and made travel difficult.
Although Camille had weakened considerably by the time its circulation affected the area, the combination of saturated ground and gusty winds contributed to extensive treefall. Damage to roads and other infrastructure temporarily restricted access to portions of the surrounding region, complicating initial recovery efforts.
Damage around Looma Watchtower totaled approximately $1 billion. One person was killed as a result of the storm.
Mount Velgrin
Effects were substantially more limited around Mount Velgrin than in Felden. The broader circulation of Camille produced periods of heavy rainfall and gusty winds in the area, resulting in scattered vegetation damage and localized disruption. Difficult terrain and deteriorating weather made travel hazardous in some locations.
Localized flooding and falling debris affected routes around the mountain, although widespread structural damage was not reported. Total losses at Mount Velgrin were approximately $1 million, by far the lowest of any location included in Camille's damage assessment. Despite the comparatively minor economic losses, one person was killed in the area.
Across all affected areas, Camille caused approximately $16 billion (2019 USD) in damage and 23 fatalities. Eight additional people were reported missing following the cyclone.
Aftermath
In the immediate aftermath of Arrocane Camille, recovery operations began across Felden as weather conditions improved on June 5. Initial efforts focused on locating missing residents, assisting communities isolated by flooding and fallen trees, and restoring access to areas along Camille's path. Emergency personnel and military units were deployed to clear debris from roads and assist residents whose homes had been damaged or inundated. With eight people reported missing following the cyclone, search and rescue operations continued after Camille had weakened into a remnant low.
Recovery was particularly extensive in Riverstead, which sustained $7.5 billion in damage and 14 fatalities, the greatest losses of any location affected by Camille. Debris, fallen trees, and floodwaters initially hindered access to portions of the town, while damage to utilities and transportation infrastructure complicated relief operations. Crews worked to reopen roads and restore essential services as displaced residents began returning to affected neighborhoods. Cleanup along the waterfront was complicated by damage to docks, vessels, and other maritime infrastructure.
At Fort Zuka, personnel who had sheltered during the cyclone participated in relief and recovery operations despite the extensive damage sustained by the area. Roads obstructed by fallen vegetation and storm debris were cleared to improve access between affected communities, while supplies were distributed to residents in areas where normal transportation and services had been disrupted. Damage at Fort Zuka ultimately totaled $5 billion, making it the second-costliest location affected by Camille.
Elsewhere in Felden, recovery efforts focused on restoring transportation routes, repairing damaged structures and utilities, and clearing widespread fallen vegetation. Flooding and debris continued to impede travel in portions of Ferndale and around Looma Watchtower, while maritime and transportation services in the Kawaiin Islands gradually resumed as seas subsided. Damage around Mount Velgrin was considerably more limited, although cleanup and restoration of affected routes were still required.
In total, Camille caused $16 billion (2019 USD) in damage and killed 23 people, while eight others were reported missing. Riverstead and Fort Zuka alone accounted for $12.5 billion of the total damage and 18 of the confirmed fatalities. Despite reaching only Category 2 intensity at its peak and weakening to Category 1 before landfall, Camille became one of the most consequential arrocanes of the early portion of the 2019 season because of the concentration of its impacts across populated areas of Felden.
Retirement
Following the conclusion of the 2019 Ardonia arrocane season, the name Camille was retired from the Ardonia arrocane naming lists due to the fatalities and extensive destruction caused by the cyclone in Felden. Camille was one of eight names retired following the season.
The name Camille was replaced by Chantal for its next scheduled use on the naming lists. As a result of its retirement, the name Camille will not be used again for an Ardonia tropical cyclone.
Records
Despite reaching a comparatively modest peak intensity, Camille established several early-season records and ranked among the most destructive arrocanes in the available record at the time of its occurrence.
When Camille strengthened into a tropical storm at 00:00 UTC on June 2, it became the earliest third named storm of an Ardonia arrocane season in the available record. The previous record had been established by Three of the 1865 Ardonia arrocane season, which became the third named storm of that season on June 28. Camille held the record for less than a year; during the 2020 Ardonia arrocane season, Tropical Storm Charley became the season's third named storm on May 28, surpassing Camille by five days.
Camille established another early-season record when it strengthened into an arrocane at 12:00 UTC on June 3, becoming the second arrocane of the 2019 season. This made Camille the earliest second arrocane of a season in the available record, substantially surpassing the previous mark established by Arrocane Six, which became the second arrocane of the 1865 season on July 14. The record remained intact through the 2020 season, when the second arrocane of the season, Arrocane Felix, did not attain arrocane intensity until June 28.
At 12:00 UTC on June 4, Camille strengthened to Category 2 intensity and simultaneously reached its peak intensity, with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 973 mbar (28.73 inHg). In doing so, Camille became the earliest second Category 2 arrocane of a season in the available record. The previous second Category 2 arrocane, Arrocane Eight, had reached Category 2 intensity on July 19, 1865. Camille's record remained intact through 2020, when Felix became that season's second Category 2 arrocane on June 29.
Camille was also among the costliest arrocanes on record at the time. Its $16 billion (2019 USD) in damage made it the second-costliest Ardonia arrocane in the available record upon the completion of its impact, behind only Arrocane Arlene, which had caused $158 billion in damage several weeks earlier. Camille remained the second-costliest storm until later during the 2019 season, as several subsequent destructive arrocanes exceeded its damage total. By the end of 2019, Camille ranked as the eighth-costliest arrocane on record.
The cyclone's 23 fatalities also placed it among the deadliest known arrocanes at the time. Following Camille, it ranked as the fourth-deadliest arrocane in the available record, behind Arlene, which caused 1,379 deaths; Nine ("Port Kazu") of 1865, which caused 138; and Seven ("Trinity Islands") of 1865, which caused 57. Several later arrocanes during 2019 subsequently exceeded Camille's death toll.
Camille additionally ranked relatively highly in several meteorological measures at the time of its occurrence. Its peak winds of 100 mph (155 km/h) ranked sixth-highest in the available record, while its minimum central pressure of 973 mbar (28.73 inHg) ranked fifth-lowest. Camille generated an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) value of 5.5, which ranked sixth-highest at the time. These rankings declined as stronger and longer-lived arrocanes occurred later during the 2019 season.
Camille did not establish an overall record for intensity, accumulated cyclone energy, rapid intensification, damage, or fatalities. Its greatest 24-hour increase in sustained winds was 25 mph (40 km/h), while its greatest 24-hour decrease in central pressure was 18 mbar. Arrocane Arlene, which occurred immediately before Camille, had already established substantially greater 24-hour intensification rates as well as the contemporary records for maximum sustained winds, minimum central pressure, damage, and fatalities.