Arrocane Florence
 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | June 11, 2019 |
| Remnant Low | June 18, 2019 |
| Dissipated | June 22, 2019 |
| Intense arrocane | |
| 10-minute sustained (FML) | |
| Highest winds | 130 mph (215 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 933 mbar (hPa); 27.55 inHg |
| Category 4 major arrocane | |
| 1-minute sustained (AAWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 150 mph (240 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 925 mbar (hPa); 27.32 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 51 total |
| Missing | 17 |
| Damage | $45 billion (2019 USD) |
| Areas affected | |
Part of the 2019 Ardonia arrocane season | |
Arrocane Florence was a powerful and destructive Category 4 arrocane that caused severe damage in the kingdom of Conchord in June 2019. The fifth tropical cyclone, sixth named storm, and fourth arrocane of the 2019 Ardonia arrocane season, Florence developed from an area of disturbed weather over the Western Ardonia Ocean on June 11. The system gradually organized while moving northeastward and developed into Tropical Storm Florence on June 12. Florence subsequently intensified into an arrocane on June 14 before undergoing a period of rapid intensification, reaching Category 4 intensity early on June 15. After temporarily weakening, Florence rapidly re-intensified and attained its peak intensity at 18:00 UTC on June 15, with maximum one-minute sustained winds of 150 mph (240 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 925 mbar (27.32 inHg). At the time, Florence was the third-strongest arrocane in the available record by both maximum sustained winds and minimum central pressure.
Florence subsequently underwent significant fluctuations in intensity while approaching Ardonia. The cyclone weakened substantially on June 16 before unexpectedly re-intensifying on June 17, regaining Category 4 intensity with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (230 km/h). Florence weakened to Category 3 intensity before making landfall in Conchord on June 18 with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) and a central pressure of 964 mbar (28.47 inHg). The cyclone weakened rapidly after moving inland, falling below arrocane intensity later that day and degenerating into a remnant low by 18:00 UTC. Florence's remnant circulation persisted for several more days before dissipating on June 22.
Florence caused catastrophic damage in portions of Conchord, with the overwhelming majority of the destruction occurring in West Port. The arrocane caused approximately $45 billion (2019 USD) in damage, of which $43 billion occurred in West Port alone. Fifty-one people were killed, including 47 in West Port, while 17 others were reported missing. Additional damage and fatalities occurred at Small Farm, Abandoned Hut, and Deeproot. At the time of the disaster, Florence was the second-costliest and fourth-deadliest arrocane in the available record. Its peak intensity also ranked third-highest by sustained winds and third-lowest by central pressure, while its accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) of 20.195 ranked fourth-highest.
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 Florence can be traced to an area of low pressure that was first monitored on June 11, 2019, over the Western Ardonia Ocean, well west of Ardonia. At 00:00 UTC, the disturbance was producing maximum sustained winds of 25 mph (40 km/h). The system gradually became better organized while moving generally northeastward, with winds increasing to 30 mph (45 km/h) by 06:00 UTC. At 18:00 UTC, the circulation became sufficiently organized to be classified as Tropical Depression 05A, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (55 km/h) and a central pressure of 1,007 mbar (29.74 inHg). The depression changed little in intensity overnight, maintaining winds of 35 mph (55 km/h) through the first half of June 12 while its central pressure gradually decreased to 1,004 mbar (29.65 inHg).
At 12:00 UTC on June 12, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Florence after its sustained winds increased to 40 mph (65 km/h) and its pressure fell to 1,002 mbar (29.59 inHg). Florence subsequently underwent a prolonged period of intensification while continuing generally northeastward across the Western Ardonia Ocean. Its sustained winds increased to 45 mph (75 km/h) at 18:00 UTC and 50 mph (85 km/h) at 00:00 UTC on June 13, accompanied by a decrease in central pressure to 994 mbar (29.35 inHg). Florence strengthened further to 60 mph (95 km/h) at 06:00 UTC and 65 mph (100 km/h) by 12:00 UTC, while its pressure fell to 984 mbar (29.06 inHg). By 18:00 UTC, the storm was producing maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) with a central pressure of 980 mbar (28.94 inHg).
| Rank | Arrocane | Season | Pressure | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hPa | inHg | |||
| 1 | Milton | 2019 | 865 | 25.54 |
| 2 | Gilbert | 2020 | 880 | 25.99 |
| 3 | Arlene | 2019 | 899 | 26.55 |
| 4 | Katrina | 2019 | 901 | 26.61 |
| 5 | "Port Kazu" | 1865 | 911 | 26.90 |
| 6 | Lee | 2020 | 918 | 27.11 |
| 7 | Florence | 2019 | 925 | 27.32 |
| 8 | "Trinity Islands" | 1865 | 929 | 27.43 |
| 9 | Michael | 2020 | 930 | 27.46 |
| 10 | Wilma | 2019 | 931 | 27.49 |
| Source: FML | ||||
At 00:00 UTC on June 14, Florence strengthened into an arrocane, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) and a central pressure of 978 mbar (28.88 inHg). Intensification accelerated considerably thereafter. Florence strengthened to 90 mph (150 km/h) at 06:00 UTC before reaching Category 2 intensity six hours later, when its winds increased to 105 mph (165 km/h) and its pressure fell to 973 mbar (28.73 inHg). At 18:00 UTC, Florence became a major arrocane after strengthening to Category 3 intensity, with winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) and a central pressure of 969 mbar (28.61 inHg).
Florence subsequently underwent a period of rapid intensification. During the six hours ending at 00:00 UTC on June 15, its maximum sustained winds increased by 25 mph (40 km/h), reaching 140 mph (220 km/h), while its central pressure fell by 12 mbar to 957 mbar (28.26 inHg). This brought Florence to Category 4 intensity for the first time. The cyclone maintained winds of 140 mph (220 km/h) through 06:00 UTC as its pressure continued falling to 951 mbar (28.08 inHg). Florence then unexpectedly weakened during the following six hours, with winds decreasing to 125 mph (205 km/h) at 12:00 UTC and its pressure rising slightly to 953 mbar (28.14 inHg), reducing the cyclone to Category 3 intensity.
The weakening proved short-lived, and Florence rapidly re-intensified during the afternoon of June 15. Between 12:00 and 18:00 UTC, its maximum sustained winds increased by 25 mph (40 km/h), from 125 mph (205 km/h) to 150 mph (240 km/h), while its central pressure fell by 28 mbar, from 953 mbar (28.14 inHg) to 925 mbar (27.32 inHg). At 18:00 UTC, Florence attained its peak intensity as a high-end Category 4 arrocane, with maximum one-minute sustained winds of 150 mph (240 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 925 mbar (27.32 inHg). At the time, Florence was the third-strongest arrocane in the available record by both maximum sustained winds and minimum central pressure, behind Arrocane Arlene and Nine ("Port Kazu") of the 1865 Ardonia arrocane season. Satellite imagery around the time of peak intensity depicted a powerful and highly organized cyclone with a small, well-defined eye surrounded by a dense central overcast. Florence's maximum ten-minute sustained winds were estimated at 130 mph (215 km/h), with a corresponding minimum pressure of 933 mbar (27.55 inHg), classifying the cyclone as an intense arrocane under the Felden Meteorological Legislation (FML).
Florence began weakening again shortly after reaching peak intensity. By 00:00 UTC on June 16, its maximum sustained winds had decreased to 140 mph (220 km/h) while its central pressure rose to 934 mbar (27.58 inHg). Weakening accelerated during the following twelve hours, with Florence falling to Category 3 intensity at 06:00 UTC as winds decreased to 115 mph (185 km/h) and the pressure rose to 945 mbar (27.91 inHg). By 12:00 UTC, maximum sustained winds had fallen dramatically to 85 mph (140 km/h), reducing Florence to Category 1 intensity, while its central pressure rose to 964 mbar (28.47 inHg). In only 18 hours following peak intensity, Florence's maximum sustained winds had decreased by 65 mph (105 km/h) and its central pressure had risen by 39 mbar.
| Rank | Arrocane | Season | Windspeed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 Milton | 2019 | 200 mph (325 km/h) |
| 2 | 5 Gilbert | 2020 | 195 mph (315 km/h) |
| 3 | 5 Arlene | 2019 | 180 mph (285 km/h) |
| 4 | 5 Katrina | 2019 | 175 mph (280 km/h) |
| 5 | 5 "Port Kazu" | 1865 | 165 mph (270 km/h) |
| 6 | 5 Lee | 2020 | 160 mph (260 km/h) |
| 7 | 4 Michael | 2020 | 155 mph (250 km/h) |
| 8 | 4 Florence | 2019 | 150 mph (240 km/h) |
| 9 | 4 "Trinity Islands" | 1865 | 145 mph (230 km/h) |
| 4 Wilma | 2020 | 145 mph (230 km/h) |
The cyclone's weakening trend ceased later on June 16. At 18:00 UTC, Florence strengthened slightly to 90 mph (150 km/h), despite its central pressure rising to 972 mbar (28.70 inHg). A second period of substantial intensification then began as Florence continued toward Ardonia. At 00:00 UTC on June 17, Florence regained Category 2 intensity with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 km/h). Six hours later, it again became a major arrocane as its winds increased to 125 mph (205 km/h) and its pressure decreased to 969 mbar (28.61 inHg). At 12:00 UTC, Florence regained Category 4 intensity for the third time, reaching a secondary peak with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (230 km/h) and a central pressure of 953 mbar (28.14 inHg). This represented an increase of 60 mph (95 km/h) in maximum sustained winds during the 24 hours following Florence's minimum intensity of 85 mph (140 km/h) on June 16.
Florence began its final weakening trend later on June 17 as it approached the coast of Conchord. Maximum sustained winds decreased slightly to 140 mph (220 km/h) at 18:00 UTC, while its central pressure rose to 957 mbar (28.26 inHg). By 00:00 UTC on June 18, Florence had weakened to Category 3 intensity, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) and a central pressure of 964 mbar (28.47 inHg). Around this time, Florence made landfall in Conchord at Category 3 intensity, with the cyclone's core moving ashore near West Port.
Florence weakened extremely rapidly after moving inland. By 06:00 UTC on June 18, maximum sustained winds had fallen to 50 mph (85 km/h), reducing the cyclone to a tropical storm, while its central pressure rose to 987 mbar (29.15 inHg). Six hours later, Florence weakened into a tropical depression with winds of 35 mph (55 km/h) and a pressure of 1,003 mbar (29.62 inHg). At 18:00 UTC, the cyclone lost its organized tropical circulation and degenerated into a remnant low, with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph (45 km/h) and a central pressure of 1,006 mbar (29.71 inHg). In the 18 hours following landfall, Florence's maximum sustained winds decreased by 95 mph (150 km/h).
The remnant circulation persisted over Ardonia for approximately three more days while gradually weakening. Maximum winds decreased to 25 mph (40 km/h) by 00:00 UTC on June 19 as the pressure rose to 1,009 mbar (29.80 inHg), with little change in wind speed during the following six hours. By 12:00 UTC, winds had decreased to 15 mph (25 km/h), while the central pressure rose to 1,011 mbar (29.85 inHg). The remnant maintained winds of approximately 15 mph (25 km/h) through June 20 before weakening further on June 21. Florence was last tracked at 18:00 UTC on June 21, when maximum winds had decreased to 10 mph (15 km/h) and the central pressure had risen to 1,017 mbar (30.03 inHg). The remnant circulation dissipated by 00:00 UTC on June 22, the first observation time after Florence was last tracked.
Preparations
Conchord
Preparations began across the kingdom of Conchord as Florence intensified over the Western Ardonia Ocean and forecasts increasingly indicated that the cyclone could approach the kingdom. During the early stages of Florence's development, residents in coastal areas were advised to monitor forecasts and begin reviewing emergency plans. Maritime interests operating west of Conchord were advised to avoid the developing cyclone, while vessels near the coast were encouraged to return to port or seek safer waters.
Preparations intensified considerably on June 14 as Florence strengthened from a tropical storm into a major arrocane. Arrocane watches were issued for portions of western Conchord as the potential for a significant landfall increased. Residents were advised to secure homes and businesses, gather food, drinking water, and other emergency supplies, and prepare for disruptions to transportation and communications. Particular concern was placed on coastal and low-lying communities, where strong winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding were expected.
After Florence reached Category 4 intensity early on June 15, preparations expanded throughout threatened portions of the kingdom. Shelters were opened for residents unable to remain safely in their homes, while evacuations began in particularly exposed coastal locations. Emergency personnel were placed on standby, and equipment and supplies were positioned for post-storm relief operations. Residents farther inland were warned that Florence could remain dangerous after landfall, particularly through flooding and widespread tree damage.
Forecasting the severity of Florence's eventual impact became more difficult as the cyclone underwent dramatic fluctuations in intensity. After reaching its initial Category 4 intensity, Florence weakened sharply on June 16, falling to Category 1 intensity with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 km/h). Despite the substantial weakening, warnings remained in effect because Florence continued moving toward Ardonia and was expected to remain capable of producing dangerous conditions.
The threat increased sharply again on June 17 when Florence began rapidly re-intensifying. Within 24 hours, its maximum sustained winds increased from 85 mph (140 km/h) to 145 mph (230 km/h), returning the cyclone to Category 4 intensity. Officials urged residents who had not completed preparations to do so immediately, while remaining evacuation and shelter operations were accelerated. Travel became increasingly restricted as Florence's outer rainbands approached the coast, and residents throughout the threatened region were advised to remain sheltered once conditions deteriorated.
West Port
Preparations were particularly extensive in West Port, which lay close to Florence's projected landfall area. Maritime operations were progressively curtailed as the cyclone approached, with vessels secured in port, moved to safer locations, or directed away from the storm's projected path. Equipment, supplies, and other materials near the waterfront were moved into protected structures or farther inland where possible.
Residents in exposed portions of West Port were urged to evacuate ahead of the cyclone, particularly those near the waterfront and in structures considered vulnerable to strong winds or flooding. Businesses were closed and secured, while residents boarded windows, reinforced doors, and moved valuables and supplies away from areas susceptible to water intrusion. Shelters were opened elsewhere in the area to accommodate evacuees and residents unable to safely remain in their homes.
Florence's temporary weakening on June 16 complicated preparations in West Port, as the immediate wind threat appeared to decrease substantially. Officials nevertheless continued preparations because the cyclone remained offshore and its future intensity remained uncertain. The renewed threat became apparent on June 17 as Florence rapidly regained major-arrocane intensity. By the time the cyclone reached 145 mph (230 km/h) at 12:00 UTC, residents were urged to treat Florence as an extremely dangerous cyclone despite its earlier weakening.
Final preparations were completed during the evening of June 17 as Florence approached the coast. Maritime activity largely ceased, evacuation routes were increasingly closed as conditions deteriorated, and emergency personnel withdrew to secure locations to await passage of the cyclone. Although Florence weakened before reaching the coastline, it remained a powerful Category 3 arrocane at landfall, bringing the core of the cyclone ashore near West Port with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 km/h).
Small Farm and Abandoned Hut
Preparations were also undertaken around Small Farm and Abandoned Hut as Florence's projected path shifted closer to the region. The rural nature of the surrounding area created particular concern over isolation following the cyclone, as fallen trees, flooding, and damaged roads could prevent residents from reaching larger settlements.
Residents secured homes, agricultural equipment, livestock, and other exposed property ahead of the storm. Those in structures considered unable to withstand major-arrocane conditions were encouraged to relocate before weather conditions deteriorated. Emergency supplies were gathered in anticipation of prolonged disruptions to transportation and communications.
As Florence unexpectedly re-intensified on June 17, residents who remained in the area were advised to complete preparations immediately. Travel became increasingly hazardous as outer rainbands spread inland, and residents were urged to remain in sturdy shelter through the passage of the cyclone.
Deeproot
Preparations were undertaken in Deeproot as forecasts indicated that Florence's circulation would continue across Ardonia following landfall. Although the area was not expected to experience the cyclone at its maximum intensity, officials warned that Florence could produce damaging winds, torrential rainfall, and flooding well inland.
Residents were advised to secure property and prepare for possible transportation and communication disruptions. Supplies were gathered in anticipation of roads becoming impassable, while preparations were made for fallen trees and other debris. Those living in locations vulnerable to flooding were encouraged to relocate to safer ground before conditions deteriorated.
The rapid re-intensification of Florence on June 17 increased concern over how much strength the cyclone might retain after moving ashore. Preparations therefore continued even as the greatest immediate threat remained closer to West Port. By the time Florence made landfall early on June 18, residents in and around Deeproot had been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and remain sheltered as the cyclone moved inland.
Impact
| Rank | Arrocane | Season | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 Arlene | 2019 | $158 billion |
| 2 | 5 Gilbert | 2020 | $129 billion |
| 3 | TS Otto | 2020 | $117 billion |
| 4 | 5 Milton | 2019 | $75 billion |
| 5 | 4 Katrina | 2019 | $59 billion |
| 6 | 3 Florence | 2019 | $45 billion |
| 7 | 4 Rita | 2019 | $37.6 billion |
| 8 | 4 Wilma | 2019 | $29.5 billion |
| 9 | 3 Bob | 2020 | $21.3 billion |
| 10 | 3 Victor | 2019 | $19.9 billion |
Conchord
Arrocane Florence caused extensive damage across portions of Conchord when it made landfall on June 18 as a Category 3 arrocane, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) and a central pressure of 964 mbar (28.47 inHg). The combination of destructive winds, heavy rainfall, coastal flooding, and falling trees caused widespread damage along and inland from the coast. Although Florence weakened extremely rapidly after moving ashore, significant impacts continued along its inland path.
Damage in Conchord was overwhelmingly concentrated in West Port, which was struck by the core of Florence as the cyclone moved inland. Additional damage occurred around Small Farm and Abandoned Hut. Transportation and communications were disrupted throughout affected areas as fallen trees, debris, and flooding obstructed roads, while damage to utility infrastructure caused widespread service interruptions.
West Port
West Port sustained catastrophic damage from Florence and accounted for nearly all of the cyclone's economic and human toll. The center of Florence passed near the settlement as the arrocane moved ashore, exposing the area to the strongest winds associated with the cyclone at landfall. Numerous buildings sustained significant roof and exterior damage, while some structures were severely damaged by the combination of wind, falling trees, and wind-driven debris.
The waterfront was among the most severely affected portions of West Port. Large waves and elevated water levels damaged docks and other maritime infrastructure, while vessels and equipment remaining near the shoreline were damaged or displaced. Floodwaters penetrated buildings near the waterfront and combined with heavy rainfall to inundate other low-lying portions of the settlement. Structures that survived the strongest winds subsequently sustained additional damage from water intrusion.
Farther inland, widespread tree damage compounded the effects of Florence's winds. Numerous trees were uprooted or snapped, damaging buildings and blocking roads throughout the area. Utility infrastructure sustained extensive damage, resulting in widespread interruptions to power and communications. Debris-covered roads and flooding initially made portions of West Port difficult to access following the cyclone.
Commercial and residential areas both sustained substantial losses. Numerous homes were left damaged or temporarily uninhabitable, while businesses suffered structural, inventory, and water damage. Damage to transportation and maritime infrastructure further increased the economic toll and disrupted activity in the settlement after the storm.
West Port sustained approximately $43 billion in damage, accounting for about 95.6% of Florence's total losses. Forty-seven people were killed in the area, representing approximately 92% of the cyclone's confirmed fatalities. The concentration of destruction in West Port made the settlement the principal center of the disaster.
Small Farm and Abandoned Hut
Florence also produced significant effects in the areas surrounding Small Farm and Abandoned Hut, although damage was considerably less extensive than in West Port. Strong winds damaged vegetation and structures as the cyclone moved inland, while heavy rainfall caused localized flooding and deteriorated road conditions.
At Small Farm, agricultural property and exposed equipment were damaged by strong winds and falling debris. Trees were uprooted or damaged throughout the surrounding area, and some structures sustained roof and exterior damage. Flooding affected portions of the area as heavy rainfall accompanied Florence's passage. Damage at Small Farm totaled approximately $500 million, and one person was killed.
Damage at Abandoned Hut totaled approximately $250 million. Despite the substantial economic losses recorded in the area, no fatalities occurred there.
Deeproot
Deeproot experienced significant impacts as Florence's circulation progressed farther inland. By this time, Florence was weakening extremely rapidly, having fallen from Category 3 intensity at landfall to tropical-storm intensity within six hours. Nevertheless, the cyclone continued to produce strong winds and heavy rainfall across the area.
Fallen trees and other debris obstructed routes around Deeproot, while flooding affected low-lying areas and complicated travel. Structures sustained wind and water damage, and interruptions to transportation and communications temporarily hindered access to portions of the surrounding area. The combination of saturated ground and strong winds contributed to additional treefall even as Florence's sustained winds rapidly diminished.
Damage in Deeproot totaled approximately $1.25 billion, making it the second-costliest affected location outside West Port. Three people were killed as a result of the cyclone.
Across all affected areas, Florence caused approximately $45 billion (2019 USD) in damage and 51 fatalities, while 17 additional people were reported missing. West Port alone accounted for $43 billion of the damage and 47 deaths, making it overwhelmingly the most severely affected location. At the time, Florence's $45 billion damage total made it the second-costliest arrocane in the available record, behind only Arrocane Arlene, while its death toll ranked fourth-highest.
Aftermath
In the immediate aftermath of Arrocane Florence, extensive relief and recovery operations began across affected portions of Conchord. Initial efforts focused on search and rescue, clearing transportation routes, assisting residents displaced by the cyclone, and restoring access to communities affected by flooding and fallen trees. With 17 people reported missing following the storm, searches continued after Florence had weakened into a remnant low. Emergency personnel also worked to restore communications and other essential services disrupted during the cyclone.
Recovery efforts were overwhelmingly concentrated in West Port, where Florence caused $43 billion in damage and killed 47 people. Flooding, fallen trees, structural debris, and damage to roads initially complicated movement through portions of the settlement. Crews worked to clear major transportation routes and reach damaged neighborhoods, while buildings considered unsafe were inspected before residents were permitted to return. Temporary accommodations were provided for residents whose homes had been rendered uninhabitable.
The extensive damage along West Port's waterfront complicated the early recovery. Debris was removed from coastal areas while damaged maritime facilities, docks, vessels, and associated infrastructure were assessed. Restoration of the waterfront became a major component of the longer-term recovery because of the concentration of economic losses there. Businesses throughout affected portions of West Port also faced prolonged disruption from structural damage, flooding, utility outages, and interruptions to transportation.
Outside West Port, cleanup and recovery operations were conducted around Small Farm and Abandoned Hut. Fallen trees and debris were removed from roads, while damaged structures and agricultural property were assessed. Floodwaters gradually receded following Florence's passage, allowing access to previously isolated areas to improve.
Recovery operations were also undertaken around Deeproot, where Florence caused $1.25 billion in damage and three fatalities. Efforts there focused on clearing routes obstructed by fallen vegetation, repairing damaged infrastructure, and restoring access to areas affected by flooding. Although damage was considerably less extensive than in West Port, transportation and communication disruptions continued after the cyclone had moved away.
Florence ultimately caused approximately $45 billion (2019 USD) in damage and 51 fatalities, while 17 people were reported missing. The concentration of the disaster in West Port was particularly pronounced; the settlement accounted for approximately 95.6% of Florence's total economic losses and 92.2% of its confirmed fatalities. At the time, Florence was the second-costliest arrocane in the available record, behind only Arrocane Arlene, and the fourth-deadliest.
Retirement
Following the conclusion of the 2019 Ardonia arrocane season, the name Florence was retired from the Ardonia arrocane naming lists due to the extensive destruction and loss of life caused by the cyclone, particularly in West Port. Florence was one of eight names retired following the season.
The name Florence was replaced by Frances for its next scheduled use on the naming lists. As a result of its retirement, the name Florence will not be used again for an Ardonia tropical cyclone.
Records
At the time of its occurrence, Florence ranked among the most intense and destructive arrocanes in the available Ardonia record. Although the cyclone did not surpass the major overall intensity records established by Arrocane Arlene earlier in 2019, Florence entered several historical rankings and produced notable periods of rapid intensity change during its lifetime.
Upon reaching its peak intensity at 18:00 UTC on June 15, Florence's maximum sustained winds of 150 mph (240 km/h) ranked as the third-highest in the available record, behind Arlene, at 180 mph (290 km/h), and Nine ("Port Kazu") of the 1865 Ardonia arrocane season, at 165 mph (265 km/h). Florence's minimum central pressure of 925 mbar (27.32 inHg) likewise ranked as the third-lowest on record at the time, behind Arlene at 899 mbar (26.55 inHg) and Nine at 911 mbar (26.90 inHg). As additional intense arrocanes occurred during 2019 and 2020, Florence subsequently fell to eighth-highest by maximum sustained winds and seventh-lowest by central pressure in the available record.
Florence was also one of the costliest arrocanes known at the time. Its $45 billion (2019 USD) in damage made it the second-costliest arrocane in the available record following the storm, exceeded only by Arlene's $158 billion damage total. Florence retained a high position despite several destructive arrocanes occurring later in the 2019 and 2020 seasons; in the available record, it currently ranks as the sixth-costliest arrocane, behind Arlene, Gilbert, Otto, Arrocane Milton, and Arrocane Katrina.
The cyclone's 51 fatalities initially made Florence the fourth-deadliest arrocane in the available record, behind Arlene, Nine ("Port Kazu"), and Seven ("Trinity Islands") of 1865. Several later arrocanes surpassed Florence's death toll, and by the end of the currently available record Florence ranked outside the ten deadliest arrocanes.
Florence generated an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) value of 20.195 during its lifetime. At the time, this was the fourth-highest individual-storm ACE value in the available record, behind Nine ("Port Kazu"), Arlene, and Seven ("Trinity Islands"). Florence subsequently fell to seventh-highest in the available record as several later long-lived and intense arrocanes accumulated greater ACE totals.
Florence also underwent several periods of unusually rapid intensity change. Between 00:00 UTC on June 14 and 00:00 UTC on June 15, its maximum sustained winds increased from 80 mph (130 km/h) to 140 mph (220 km/h), an increase of 60 mph (95 km/h) in 24 hours. Florence later matched this rate between 12:00 UTC on June 16 and 12:00 UTC on June 17, when its maximum sustained winds increased from 85 mph (140 km/h) to 145 mph (230 km/h). In the currently available record, both periods are tied for the seventh-greatest 24-hour increase in maximum sustained winds.
Florence's greatest 24-hour decrease in central pressure occurred between 18:00 UTC on June 14 and 18:00 UTC on June 15. During this period, its central pressure fell from 969 mbar (28.61 inHg) to 925 mbar (27.32 inHg), a decrease of 44 mbar in 24 hours. In the currently available record, this is tied for the seventh-greatest 24-hour pressure decrease.
Florence was also notable for the magnitude of its subsequent intensity fluctuations. After attaining its peak intensity of 150 mph (240 km/h), the cyclone weakened to 85 mph (140 km/h) by 12:00 UTC on June 16 before re-intensifying to 145 mph (230 km/h) exactly 24 hours later. Florence consequently reached Category 4 intensity on three separate occasions during its lifetime. Although these fluctuations did not establish an overall intensity record, they represented one of the most pronounced cycles of weakening and re-intensification documented during the 2019 season.