Arrocane Gilbert
 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | July 3, 2020 |
| Remnant Low | July 14, 2020 |
| Dissipated | July 15, 2020 |
| Intense arrocane | |
| 10-minute sustained (FML) | |
| Highest winds | 110 mph (175 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 962 mbar (hPa); 28.41 inHg |
| Category 5 major arrocane | |
| 1-minute sustained (AAWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 195 mph (315 km/h) (Second-highest on record) |
| Lowest pressure | 880 mbar (hPa); 25.99 inHg (Second-lowest on record) |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 593 total (Third-deadliest tropical cyclone on record) |
| Missing | 148 |
| Damage | $129 billion (2020 USD) (Second-costliest tropical cyclone on record) |
| Areas affected | |
Part of the 2020 Ardonia arrocane season | |
Arrocane Gilbert was an exceptionally powerful, destructive, and deadly tropical cyclone that devastated large portions of Cydonia and several surrounding areas in July 2020. The strongest and costliest tropical cyclone of the 2020 Ardonia arrocane season, Gilbert attained maximum one-minute sustained winds of 195 mph (314 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 880 mbar (hPa); 25.99 inHg, making it the second-strongest Ardonia arrocane on record by maximum sustained winds and the second-most intense by minimum central pressure. Gilbert was also responsible for the strongest tropical cyclone landfall ever recorded in Ardonia, striking near Port Kazu at its peak intensity. The cyclone ultimately caused approximately $129.251 billion (2020 USD) in damage and 593 fatalities, with an additional 148 people reported missing, making it the second-costliest and second-deadliest Ardonia arrocane on record at the time.
Gilbert originated from a tropical depression that developed far southeast of Cydonia on July 3. The system tracked generally westward across the Ardonia Ocean and gradually organized, becoming a tropical storm and subsequently an arrocane while approaching Cydonia. Gilbert later underwent a period of rapid intensification, becoming the first Category 5 arrocane of the season on July 7. Intensification continued into July 8, when Gilbert attained its record peak intensity of 195 mph (314 km/h) and 880 mbar (hPa); 25.99 inHg. Around the time of its peak, Gilbert made its first landfall in Cydonia near Port Kazu, establishing Ardonia records for both the highest maximum sustained winds and lowest central pressure observed in a landfalling tropical cyclone.
Gilbert weakened extremely rapidly after moving inland across Cydonia, although its unusual track resulted in several additional landfalls. After its initial landfall, the center briefly passed over a narrow water passage behind Port Kazu before making a second Category 5 landfall with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph (260 km/h) and a central pressure of 923 mbar (hPa); 27.26 inHg. Gilbert subsequently made two additional landfalls in Cydonia as a substantially weaker cyclone before emerging into the Gulf of Ardonia. Rather than dissipating, Gilbert reorganized and began strengthening again, regaining arrocane intensity on July 11 and becoming a major arrocane for a second time on July 12. The cyclone eventually made its fifth and final landfall in the Wilderness as a Category 2 arrocane with winds of 100 mph (160 km/h) and a pressure of 977 mbar (hPa); 28.85 inHg. Gilbert weakened thereafter, degenerating into a remnant low on July 14 before dissipating on July 15. In total, Gilbert remained a tropical cyclone for 10 days and six hours and generated 40.59 units of accumulated cyclone energy (ACE), the second-highest total recorded by an individual Ardonia tropical cyclone.
The effects of Gilbert were catastrophic, particularly across Cydonia. Port Kazu sustained the greatest destruction, with approximately $69.151 billion in damage and 292 fatalities. Kaeru experienced an additional $17.9 billion in damage and 119 deaths, while Aridia Cliffs sustained approximately $12.1 billion in losses and 74 fatalities. Cydonia Mines recorded $8.5 billion in damage and 23 fatalities, and Phaethon sustained approximately $5.5 billion in damage and 14 fatalities. An additional $8 billion in damage and 34 deaths occurred elsewhere along the coast. Outside the primary Cydonian impact region, Gilbert also caused damage and fatalities on Blade Island and several other islands, as well as at Shimmering Bay and Incatasia. Altogether, the cyclone caused approximately $129.251 billion in damage and killed 593 people along its path.
Gilbert's combination of extreme intensity, catastrophic impacts, longevity, and high ACE established it as one of the most significant tropical cyclones in Ardonia's recorded history. Its 195 mph (314 km/h) peak winds and 880 mbar (hPa); 25.99 inHg minimum pressure ranked second among Ardonia arrocanes in their respective categories, while its peak-intensity landfall established new Ardonia records for both maximum sustained winds and minimum pressure at landfall. Gilbert also became the second-costliest and second-deadliest Ardonia arrocane on record at the time. The cyclone's 40.59 ACE further ranked as the second-highest total produced by an individual Ardonia tropical cyclone.
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 Gilbert can be traced to an area of disturbed weather that developed over the eastern Ardonia Ocean during early July 2020. The disturbance gradually became better organized while situated far southeast of Cydonia, and on July 3, it developed into a tropical depression. Situated within an environment favorable for further development, the depression began a prolonged generally westward motion across the Ardonia Ocean. Organization continued during the following several hours, and by 00:00 UTC on July 4, the system had strengthened into Tropical Storm Gilbert, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (64 km/h). Gilbert steadily intensified throughout July 4, with its maximum sustained winds increasing to 70 mph (110 km/h) by 18:00 UTC.
Gilbert reached Category 1 arrocane intensity at 00:00 UTC on July 5 and subsequently began a period of rapid intensification. Only six hours after becoming an arrocane, Gilbert strengthened to Category 2 intensity. Intensification continued rapidly, and at 12:00 UTC, maximum sustained winds reached 115 mph (185 km/h), making Gilbert a Category 3 arrocane and the second major arrocane of the season. Six hours later, Gilbert reached Category 4 intensity with winds of 130 mph (210 km/h). The initial period of rapid strengthening temporarily ceased during the night of July 5–6, and Gilbert weakened back to Category 3 intensity early on July 6. The weakening proved short-lived, however, as the cyclone resumed strengthening later that morning. Gilbert regained Category 4 intensity by 12:00 UTC and its maximum sustained winds increased to 150 mph (240 km/h) at 18:00 UTC.
At 00:00 UTC on July 7, Gilbert strengthened into a Category 5 arrocane, becoming the first cyclone of the 2020 season to attain the highest classification on the Ardonia arrocane wind scale. At the time, Gilbert possessed maximum sustained winds of 160 mph (260 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 925 mbar (hPa); 27.32 inHg. The cyclone continued strengthening, reaching 165 mph (266 km/h) at 06:00 UTC and 175 mph (282 km/h) six hours later. A brief fluctuation in intensity subsequently occurred, with Gilbert's winds decreasing to 165 mph (266 km/h) by 00:00 UTC on July 8. Despite the interruption, Gilbert remained an exceptionally powerful Category 5 arrocane while continuing westward toward Cydonia.
| 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 | ||||
A second period of rapid strengthening began on July 8 as Gilbert approached Cydonia. Maximum sustained winds increased to 175 mph (282 km/h) at 06:00 UTC and 185 mph (298 km/h) at 12:00 UTC. At 18:00 UTC, Gilbert attained its peak intensity with maximum one-minute sustained winds of 195 mph (314 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 880 mbar (hPa); 25.99 inHg. This made Gilbert the second-strongest Ardonia arrocane on record by maximum sustained winds and the second-most intense by minimum central pressure. The Felden Meteorological Legislation (FML) assessed Gilbert considerably lower using 10-minute sustained winds, assigning maximum winds of 110 mph (180 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 962 mbar (hPa); 28.41 inHg, corresponding to an intense arrocane on its scale.
Around the time of its peak intensity, Gilbert made its first landfall in Cydonia near Port Kazu with maximum sustained winds of 195 mph (314 km/h) and a central pressure of 880 mbar (hPa); 25.99 inHg. The landfall established records for both the highest maximum sustained winds and lowest central pressure recorded in a landfalling tropical cyclone in Ardonia. Gilbert's circulation moved inland across the Port Kazu region and began weakening rapidly due to its interaction with land. However, the cyclone's center briefly crossed a narrow water passage behind Port Kazu before moving ashore again. Gilbert consequently made a second landfall in Cydonia while still at Category 5 intensity, with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph (260 km/h) and a central pressure of 923 mbar (hPa); 27.26 inHg.
Gilbert weakened at an exceptionally rapid rate while traversing Cydonia. By 00:00 UTC on July 9, its maximum sustained winds had decreased to 155 mph (249 km/h), bringing the cyclone below Category 5 intensity. Winds fell further to 125 mph (201 km/h) at 06:00 UTC, and by 12:00 UTC Gilbert had weakened to Category 1 intensity with maximum sustained winds of only 90 mph (140 km/h). During its prolonged passage across Cydonia, Gilbert made two additional landfalls while considerably weaker. The third occurred with maximum sustained winds of approximately 65 mph (105 km/h) and a pressure of 986 mbar (hPa); 29.12 inHg, while the fourth occurred with winds of approximately 50 mph (80 km/h) and a pressure of 992 mbar (hPa); 29.29 inHg. By 00:00 UTC on July 10, Gilbert had weakened below arrocane intensity, and its maximum sustained winds subsequently decreased to 50 mph (80 km/h) later that morning.
Despite its lengthy interaction with land and dramatic weakening, Gilbert's circulation remained intact. After emerging over the Gulf of Ardonia, the cyclone entered another environment favorable for strengthening and began to reorganize. Maximum sustained winds increased to 60 mph (97 km/h) by 18:00 UTC on July 10 and 70 mph (110 km/h) at 00:00 UTC on July 11. Six hours later, Gilbert regained Category 1 arrocane intensity. Strengthening continued throughout the day, with maximum sustained winds reaching 100 mph (160 km/h) by 18:00 UTC. Following a brief fluctuation in intensity, Gilbert began another period of strengthening on July 12. The cyclone regained Category 2 intensity at 06:00 UTC and, by 18:00 UTC, strengthened into a Category 3 arrocane with winds of 115 mph (185 km/h), marking the second time during its lifespan that Gilbert attained major-arrocane intensity.
Gilbert's second period as a major arrocane was comparatively brief. The cyclone weakened to Category 2 intensity by 00:00 UTC on July 13 as it continued generally westward. Gilbert subsequently approached the Wilderness and made its fifth and final landfall with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (160 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 977 mbar (hPa); 28.85 inHg. Following its final landfall, Gilbert weakened rapidly as its circulation moved farther inland. The cyclone fell below arrocane intensity by 12:00 UTC on July 13, and its maximum sustained winds decreased to 40 mph (64 km/h) by 18:00 UTC.
Gilbert continued weakening during the ensuing hours and degenerated into a remnant low at 00:00 UTC on July 14. The remnant circulation persisted for approximately another day before finally dissipating on July 15. Gilbert remained classified as a tropical cyclone for 10 days and six hours, making it one of the longest-lived tropical cyclones recorded in the Ardonia Ocean. During its unusually long lifetime and multiple periods of high intensity, Gilbert generated 40.59 units of accumulated cyclone energy (ACE), the second-highest total recorded by an individual Ardonia tropical cyclone.
Preparations
Cydonia
As Gilbert intensified while approaching Cydonia, preparations began several days before the cyclone's eventual landfall. The National Arrocane Center (NAC) began issuing advisories for the kingdom while Gilbert was still situated well to the east, initially emphasizing the potential for damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding. As forecast confidence increased and Gilbert rapidly strengthened, watches were issued for much of Cydonia's southern and eastern coastline. These were subsequently upgraded to arrocane warnings as the cyclone attained major-arrocane intensity and continued westward toward the kingdom. Emergency officials began coordinating evacuations of exposed coastal communities, while residents farther inland were advised to secure property and prepare for prolonged disruptions to transportation, communications, and essential services.
Preparations escalated considerably after Gilbert reached Category 5 intensity on July 7. With forecasts indicating that the core of the cyclone could directly strike Cydonia, authorities ordered mandatory evacuations for several low-lying coastal areas and settlements near the projected path. Schools, public buildings, and other reinforced structures away from the immediate coastline were converted into emergency shelters. Additional shelters were opened farther inland for residents unable to evacuate the threatened region entirely. Cydonian military personnel were mobilized to assist with evacuations, transportation, and the movement of emergency supplies. Units were also positioned outside the anticipated area of greatest destruction so that they could conduct search-and-rescue operations following the passage of the cyclone.
Particular concern surrounded Port Kazu, which increasingly appeared likely to experience the inner core of Gilbert. Maritime operations at the port were progressively suspended, and vessels capable of leaving safely were directed away from the coastline. Remaining ships were secured as operations at docks and other waterfront facilities ceased. Residents of the most exposed portions of Port Kazu were ordered to evacuate, particularly those near the waterfront and other areas vulnerable to storm surge. Businesses were closed and structures were boarded or otherwise secured as conditions deteriorated. By July 8, with Gilbert approaching at Category 5 intensity, emergency officials urged anyone remaining in the evacuation zone to immediately seek substantial shelter.
Preparations were also undertaken in Kaeru, Cydonia Mines, and Phaethon. In Kaeru, residents in vulnerable structures were encouraged to relocate to stronger buildings or evacuate ahead of the cyclone. Operations at Cydonia Mines were suspended before the arrival of destructive winds, with workers evacuated from exposed mining facilities and underground operations halted as a precaution against flooding, structural failures, and blocked access routes. In Phaethon, emergency shelters were opened and supplies were distributed as officials prepared for the possibility that Gilbert would remain a dangerous cyclone well inland.
Although the greatest concern centered on the projected landfall area, preparations extended across a much larger portion of Cydonia because of Gilbert's size, intensity, and uncertain track. Residents outside mandatory evacuation zones were advised to remain indoors once conditions deteriorated and to maintain several days of food and water. Travel was increasingly restricted as the cyclone approached, while emergency personnel and equipment were moved into staging areas. The extreme intensity forecast near Port Kazu prompted officials to warn that some areas could become inaccessible for an extended period following landfall.
Blade Island and nearby islands
Preparations were also undertaken on Blade Island and several smaller islands along Gilbert's path before the cyclone reached Cydonia. Because of their isolation and exposure to the open Ardonia Ocean, residents were advised to leave vulnerable coastal areas and move to more substantial structures or higher terrain. Maritime traffic through the threatened region was curtailed as Gilbert intensified, and smaller vessels were brought ashore or moved to sheltered waters where possible.
As the cyclone strengthened into a major arrocane, travel between several islands and the mainland became increasingly limited. Supplies were stockpiled before sea conditions became too dangerous for routine transportation, while residents in exposed settlements secured buildings against high winds and coastal flooding. Evacuation options became progressively more limited as Gilbert approached, forcing some inhabitants who had remained on the islands to shelter locally through the cyclone.
Aridia Cliffs and Shimmering Bay
Officials and inhabitants at Aridia Cliffs and Shimmering Bay also prepared for Gilbert as forecasts indicated that damaging conditions could extend well beyond the cyclone's immediate landfall point. At Aridia Cliffs, preparations focused on securing structures exposed to extreme winds and restricting access to hazardous coastal areas. Residents near exposed shorelines and cliffs were advised to relocate before conditions deteriorated, while travel through vulnerable routes was discouraged as heavy rainfall and strong winds approached.
At Shimmering Bay, preparations focused heavily on the waterfront. Boats and other small craft were secured or removed from exposed waters, while inhabitants in areas susceptible to coastal flooding moved inland or to higher ground. Supplies were stored in anticipation of disrupted transportation and communications. Although Gilbert's core was not initially expected to pass directly over every settlement in the region, the cyclone's exceptional intensity resulted in precautions being taken across a broad area surrounding Cydonia.
Gulf of Ardonia and Wilderness
After Gilbert crossed Cydonia and weakened substantially, preparations initially decreased as the cyclone appeared considerably less dangerous. This changed after Gilbert emerged over the Gulf of Ardonia and began strengthening again. The National Arrocane Center resumed emphasizing the potential for significant impacts farther west as Gilbert regained arrocane intensity and subsequently became a major arrocane for a second time. Marine interests across the Gulf were warned of increasingly dangerous winds and seas, and vessels were advised to avoid the cyclone's projected path.
Communities and settlements in the Wilderness along Gilbert's projected track were advised to prepare for destructive winds, flooding, and transportation disruptions. Because the Wilderness consisted largely of scattered settlements rather than a unified kingdom, preparations were less centralized than those undertaken in Cydonia. Local inhabitants secured structures and supplies, while travelers were advised to avoid areas expected to be affected by the cyclone. Gilbert eventually approached the Wilderness as a Category 2 arrocane, prompting renewed warnings before its fifth and final landfall.
Incatasia lay within the broader region affected by Gilbert, although the settlement was abandoned and consequently underwent no organized evacuation or other large-scale preparations. Structures and surrounding routes nevertheless remained exposed to the cyclone as it moved through the Wilderness.
Impact
Arrocane Gilbert caused catastrophic and widespread destruction across portions of Ardonia, particularly in Cydonia, as its exceptionally intense circulation crossed numerous populated areas. Destructive winds, coastal flooding, heavy rainfall, and inland flooding affected communities along much of the cyclone's path. Damage totaled approximately $129.251 billion (2020 USD), while 593 people were killed and 148 remained missing. At the time, these totals made Gilbert the second-costliest and second-deadliest Ardonia arrocane on record. Gilbert later fell to third-deadliest after Lee caused 4,026 fatalities later in July. The overwhelming majority of the destruction and loss of life occurred during Gilbert's passage through Cydonia, although significant impacts were also recorded on Blade Island, at Aridia Cliffs and Shimmering Bay, across several smaller islands, and later in the Wilderness.
Cydonia
Cydonia sustained catastrophic damage as Gilbert crossed the kingdom at or near its maximum intensity. The cyclone's initial landfall occurred near Port Kazu with maximum sustained winds of 195 mph (314 km/h) and a central pressure of 880 mbar (hPa); 25.99 inHg, subjecting the surrounding region to the most extreme conditions produced by the cyclone. Gilbert subsequently crossed a narrow water passage behind Port Kazu and made another landfall while still at Category 5 intensity, with winds of 160 mph (260 km/h). Farther along its path, the cyclone weakened rapidly but continued producing damaging winds and torrential rainfall across a broad portion of the kingdom.
Infrastructure throughout the affected region was severely disrupted. Numerous roads became impassable because of flooding, debris, fallen trees, and structural collapses, while damage to transportation routes isolated some communities following the storm. Electrical and communications infrastructure sustained extensive damage, resulting in widespread outages. Coastal facilities were heavily damaged by the combination of extreme winds and inundation, while farther inland, rainfall caused additional flooding and complicated emergency response efforts. Agricultural areas and other exposed land along Gilbert's path also sustained extensive losses.
Port Kazu
Port Kazu was the location of the most catastrophic destruction associated with Gilbert. The cyclone's eyewall moved across the area during its first landfall on July 8, when Gilbert possessed maximum sustained winds of 195 mph (314 km/h). The extraordinary intensity of the cyclone produced widespread structural destruction throughout the port and surrounding communities. Buildings of varying construction suffered severe damage or complete destruction, while numerous structures in the most heavily affected areas were reduced to debris. Flying debris further contributed to structural damage as the eyewall crossed the region.
The waterfront sustained particularly severe losses. Extreme winds and coastal inundation heavily damaged docks, warehouses, vessels, and other maritime infrastructure. Numerous boats were damaged, destroyed, displaced, or carried inland, while debris accumulated throughout portions of the waterfront. Commercial and industrial facilities surrounding the port sustained extensive structural damage, severely disrupting economic activity. Transportation infrastructure was also heavily affected, with debris and flooding blocking numerous routes into and through the area.
Damage extended well beyond the immediate waterfront. Residential districts experienced widespread roof and exterior-wall failures, while numerous buildings closer to the path of the eyewall were destroyed. Trees were uprooted or snapped throughout the area, utility poles were downed, and large portions of the electrical and communications networks were rendered inoperable. The scale of the debris and damage initially made some neighborhoods difficult for emergency personnel to reach.
Gilbert caused approximately $69.151 billion in damage in and around Port Kazu, accounting for more than half of the cyclone's total monetary losses. At least 292 people were killed in the area, likewise representing nearly half of all fatalities associated with Gilbert. Numerous others were injured or initially unaccounted for. Port Kazu consequently became the single most severely affected location during the disaster.
Kaeru
Severe destruction also occurred in Kaeru as Gilbert's circulation moved through Cydonia. Although the cyclone had begun weakening following its initial landfall, extremely destructive winds continued to affect the area. Residential and commercial structures sustained widespread damage, with numerous buildings losing roofs or exterior walls and some structures being completely destroyed. Fallen trees and utility infrastructure blocked roads, while widespread power and communications outages occurred.
Heavy rainfall compounded the wind damage, producing flooding in low-lying areas and disrupting transportation. Debris and floodwaters restricted access to portions of the community during the immediate aftermath, complicating search-and-rescue operations. Damage to homes displaced a substantial number of inhabitants and placed additional pressure on emergency shelters and relief operations elsewhere in Cydonia.
Losses in Kaeru totaled approximately $17.9 billion, making it the second-costliest individual location affected by Gilbert. The cyclone caused 119 fatalities in the area, the second-highest death toll recorded in any individual community along Gilbert's path.
Cydonia Mines
Cydonia Mines sustained severe damage from Gilbert despite the cyclone having weakened considerably from its initial landfall intensity. Strong winds damaged buildings and surface infrastructure associated with the mines, while heavy rainfall caused flooding and disrupted access to portions of the area. Roads leading into and out of the mines became obstructed by debris, fallen trees, and floodwaters.
Mining operations were heavily disrupted following the cyclone. Surface facilities sustained structural damage, equipment was damaged or displaced, and electrical failures contributed to an extended suspension of operations. Heavy rainfall also created concerns surrounding drainage and the stability and accessibility of affected mining areas.
Damage at Cydonia Mines totaled approximately $8.5 billion. Gilbert caused 23 fatalities in the area.
Phaethon
Phaethon also experienced significant impacts during Gilbert's passage across Cydonia. Damaging winds affected homes and other structures, while trees and utility lines were brought down across the area. Heavy rainfall produced localized flooding and further disrupted transportation and communications.
Although destruction was less extensive than around Port Kazu and Kaeru, the combination of wind and water damage resulted in considerable losses. Numerous structures required substantial repairs, and interruptions to electrical service and transportation continued after the cyclone had moved away.
Gilbert caused approximately $5.5 billion in damage in Phaethon and was responsible for 14 fatalities.
Other coastal areas
Other portions of the Cydonian coast experienced extensive damage from Gilbert's enormous circulation. Communities outside the principal population centers were affected by destructive winds, heavy rainfall, coastal flooding, and large waves. Homes and smaller structures sustained varying degrees of damage, while trees and utility infrastructure were widely affected.
Coastal transportation routes and maritime facilities sustained additional losses, and several smaller communities became temporarily isolated following the cyclone. Damage outside the principal individually documented locations totaled approximately $8 billion, while 34 fatalities were recorded along other portions of the coast.
Aridia Cliffs
Aridia Cliffs sustained severe impacts as Gilbert passed through the region. The area's exposed terrain left structures particularly vulnerable to the cyclone's powerful winds. Numerous buildings were damaged, while trees and other vegetation were extensively affected. Heavy rainfall resulted in additional hazards along steep terrain, with runoff and localized flooding damaging roads and restricting travel.
Transportation through the area was heavily disrupted following Gilbert. Debris blocked routes in several locations, while rainfall-related damage further complicated access to affected communities. Electrical and communications services were also interrupted.
Aridia Cliffs sustained approximately $12.1 billion in damage, making it one of the costliest individual areas affected by Gilbert. A total of 74 fatalities were attributed to the cyclone there.
Blade Island and other islands
Blade Island experienced Gilbert earlier in the cyclone's passage toward Cydonia. Strong winds and heavy rainfall affected the island, damaging structures and vegetation and disrupting maritime transportation. Coastal areas experienced large waves and flooding, while boats and waterfront facilities sustained damage.
Compared with the devastation that later occurred in Cydonia, losses on Blade Island were relatively limited. Approximately $100 million in damage occurred on the island, and two fatalities were recorded.
Several other islands along Gilbert's path also experienced damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and rough seas. Residential structures, small ports, boats, and other coastal infrastructure were damaged across the affected islands. Transportation between some islands was temporarily interrupted following the cyclone. Collectively, these areas sustained approximately $4 billion in additional damage and 16 fatalities.
Shimmering Bay
Shimmering Bay experienced significant coastal impacts from Gilbert. Large waves and elevated water levels damaged waterfront structures and affected vessels throughout the bay. Strong winds damaged buildings, trees, and utility infrastructure, while heavy rainfall caused additional flooding in low-lying areas.
Maritime activity was significantly disrupted following the storm, and debris and damage along the shoreline complicated initial recovery efforts. Gilbert caused approximately $2.5 billion in damage at Shimmering Bay and resulted in 11 fatalities.
Wilderness
After crossing Cydonia, Gilbert eventually reintensified over the Gulf of Ardonia before making its fifth and final landfall in the Wilderness as a Category 2 arrocane with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (160 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 977 mbar (hPa); 28.85 inHg. Despite being considerably weaker than during its catastrophic Cydonian landfall, Gilbert remained capable of producing destructive winds and heavy rainfall.
Scattered settlements along and near the cyclone's path sustained wind damage, while fallen trees and flooding obstructed routes through portions of the region. The dispersed nature of settlements across the Wilderness complicated assessments and recovery operations in some areas. Gilbert weakened rapidly after moving farther inland.
Incatasia
Incatasia was affected during Gilbert's passage through the Wilderness. As the settlement was abandoned, no large-scale population impacts occurred there; however, remaining structures and surrounding infrastructure sustained additional deterioration and storm damage. Strong winds damaged buildings and vegetation, while heavy rainfall affected routes through the surrounding area.
Losses attributed to Gilbert in and around Incatasia totaled approximately $1.5 billion, while eight fatalities were recorded in the broader affected area associated with Incatasia.
Aftermath
Recovery
In the immediate aftermath of Arrocane Gilbert, extensive destruction across Cydonia severely complicated emergency response and recovery operations. Roads throughout the most heavily affected areas were obstructed by debris, fallen trees, floodwaters, and damaged infrastructure, while widespread electrical and communications outages initially limited contact with some communities. The Cydonian government mobilized military personnel, emergency services, and other resources to conduct search-and-rescue operations and deliver supplies to isolated areas. The initial response focused heavily on Port Kazu and Kaeru, where the greatest concentrations of fatalities and structural damage had occurred.
Search-and-rescue operations continued for several days as emergency crews entered neighborhoods that had been inaccessible immediately following the cyclone. Temporary medical facilities and shelters were established for displaced inhabitants, while food, drinking water, medical supplies, and other necessities were transported into affected communities. With 148 people reported missing following Gilbert, searches of collapsed structures, flooded areas, coastal zones, and debris fields continued well after the cyclone had departed. Damage to transportation and communications infrastructure complicated efforts to determine the status of people in some of the hardest-hit areas.
Port Kazu became the center of the largest recovery operation. The destruction of buildings, utility networks, transportation infrastructure, and waterfront facilities left substantial portions of the area without normal services. Debris removal was prioritized along major roads to allow emergency vehicles and relief supplies to reach affected neighborhoods. Temporary power and communications systems were established while repairs to the permanent networks began. Large numbers of inhabitants whose homes had been destroyed or rendered uninhabitable remained in shelters or temporary accommodation during the early stages of recovery.
Restoration of Port Kazu's maritime infrastructure became another major priority because of the economic importance of the port. Damaged and sunken vessels, structural debris, and other obstructions had to be removed before portions of the waterfront could reopen. Inspections were conducted on docks, warehouses, and other port facilities before operations could resume. Some facilities required extensive reconstruction rather than repair, and full restoration of maritime activity occurred gradually as damaged infrastructure was replaced.
Elsewhere in Cydonia, recovery efforts were conducted in Kaeru, Cydonia Mines, Phaethon, and numerous smaller coastal communities. In Kaeru, widespread structural damage and the displacement of residents necessitated prolonged shelter and reconstruction efforts. At Cydonia Mines, assessments were undertaken before mining operations could safely resume, with damaged surface facilities, electrical systems, access routes, and flooded areas requiring repair or inspection. Transportation and utility services in Phaethon and other affected communities were progressively restored as roads were cleared and damaged infrastructure repaired.
Recovery also took place outside Cydonia. Damaged maritime infrastructure and vessels were repaired or replaced on Blade Island and several other affected islands, while disrupted transportation links were gradually restored. At Aridia Cliffs, debris removal and repairs to damaged routes were complicated by the area's terrain and rainfall-related damage. Shimmering Bay required repairs to waterfront facilities and other coastal infrastructure. In the Wilderness, the dispersed nature of settlements and transportation routes complicated damage assessments following Gilbert's final landfall.
The enormous economic losses caused by Gilbert resulted in a prolonged reconstruction effort. With approximately $129.251 billion in total damage, rebuilding extended well beyond the restoration of basic services. Thousands of damaged or destroyed structures required repair or replacement, while transportation, electrical, communications, maritime, and other public infrastructure underwent extensive reconstruction. In several of the most severely affected locations, rebuilding standards were subsequently reviewed in response to the extreme winds and coastal inundation produced by Gilbert.
The disaster also prompted reviews of Cydonia's arrocane preparedness and evacuation procedures. Particular attention was given to the difficulties associated with evacuating heavily populated coastal communities ahead of an exceptionally intense cyclone and maintaining communications following widespread infrastructure failure. Emergency planning increasingly emphasized hardened shelters, redundant communications systems, improved evacuation routes, and the positioning of emergency supplies outside areas vulnerable to catastrophic wind and coastal damage. Gilbert's record-setting landfall near Port Kazu subsequently became an important scenario in planning for future high-end arrocanes in Cydonia.
Memorials and commemorative events were later established in several affected communities for those killed during Gilbert. The greatest loss of life had occurred around Port Kazu, where 292 people died, while substantial fatalities also occurred in Kaeru and Aridia Cliffs. Across Gilbert's entire path, 593 fatalities were confirmed, making the cyclone one of the deadliest disasters in Ardonia's recorded tropical cyclone history.
Retirement
Owing to the catastrophic loss of life and destruction caused by the cyclone, the name Gilbert was retired from the Ardonia tropical cyclone naming lists following the 2020 Ardonia arrocane season. The retirement prevented the name from being used again for a future Ardonia tropical cyclone.
Gilbert was replaced by Gordon on the corresponding rotating naming list. The retirement was one of five resulting from the 2020 season, alongside Bob, Kirk, Lee, and Otto, reflecting the unusually destructive nature of the season. Gilbert was the strongest and costliest of the five retired cyclones, having reached maximum sustained winds of 195 mph (314 km/h) and caused approximately $129.251 billion in damage and 593 fatalities.
The retirement of Gilbert also marked the permanent association of the name with the catastrophic July 2020 cyclone, particularly its record-setting Category 5 landfall near Port Kazu. The replacement name Gordon was scheduled to first appear when the corresponding naming list was next reused.
Records
Arrocane Gilbert established or approached numerous tropical cyclone records during its lifetime. Upon attaining maximum sustained winds of 195 mph (314 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 880 mbar (hPa); 25.99 inHg on July 8, Gilbert became the second-strongest Ardonia arrocane on record by maximum sustained winds and the second-most intense by minimum central pressure. In both categories, Gilbert ranked behind only Milton, which had attained maximum sustained winds of 200 mph (320 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 865 mbar (hPa); 25.54 inHg during the 2019 Ardonia arrocane season. Gilbert retained both second-place rankings through the end of the 2020 season and continues to hold them in the current Ardonia records.
Gilbert established a more significant record upon making landfall near Port Kazu at its peak intensity. With maximum sustained winds of 195 mph (314 km/h) and a central pressure of 880 mbar (hPa); 25.99 inHg, Gilbert became the strongest tropical cyclone landfall recorded in Ardonia. The previous highest landfall wind speed had been 175 mph (282 km/h), recorded during Arlene in 2019. Gilbert's second Category 5 landfall, with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph (260 km/h) and a pressure of 923 mbar (hPa); 27.26 inHg, was itself among the strongest landfalls recorded in the basin. Gilbert's 195 mph (314 km/h) landfall remained the Ardonia record through the end of 2020 and continues to rank first.
During its tropical lifetime, Gilbert generated 40.59 units of accumulated cyclone energy (ACE). This was the second-highest ACE produced by an individual Ardonia tropical cyclone, behind the 44.28 units generated by the 1865 Port Kazu arrocane during the 1865 Ardonia arrocane season. Gilbert's ACE total was the highest of the 2020 season and remained second-highest overall at the conclusion of the season. It continues to hold the same ranking.
Gilbert also became one of the costliest tropical cyclones in Ardonia's recorded history. Its approximately $129.251 billion in damage ranked second at the time, behind the $158 billion caused by Arlene in 2019. No cyclone later in the 2020 season surpassed Gilbert's losses; Tropical Storm Otto, the season's second-costliest cyclone, caused approximately $117.15 billion in damage. Consequently, Gilbert ended 2020 as the second-costliest Ardonia arrocane on record and continues to hold that position.
The cyclone's fatality ranking changed during the 2020 season. Gilbert's 593 confirmed fatalities initially made it the second-deadliest Ardonia arrocane on record, surpassing Milton's 437 deaths while remaining below the 1,379 fatalities caused by Arlene. This ranking lasted for less than two weeks after Gilbert dissipated. Later in July, Lee caused 4,026 fatalities, surpassing both Arlene and Gilbert. Gilbert consequently fell to third place among the deadliest Ardonia arrocanes by the end of the 2020 season and continues to rank third.
Gilbert additionally ranked among the longest-lived tropical cyclones recorded in the basin. Its tropical phase lasted 10 days and six hours, ranking third behind the 1865 Port Kazu arrocane, which lasted 11 days and six hours, and Harvey, which persisted for 10 days and 12 hours in 2019. Gilbert retained this third-place ranking through the end of 2020 and continues to hold it.
During one 24-hour period of its initial intensification, Gilbert's maximum sustained winds increased by 60 mph (97 km/h), which at the time tied for the sixth-greatest 24-hour wind increase recorded in the basin. Subsequent rapid intensification events during the remainder of the 2020 season altered the ranking. By the end of the season, Gilbert's 60 mph (97 km/h) increase was tied for seventh place, a position it continues to share with several other cyclones.
See also
- 2020 Ardonia arrocane season
- 1865 Port Kazu arrocane – The Ardonia arrocane with the highest individual ACE on record, ahead of Gilbert
- Arrocane Milton – The strongest and most intense Ardonia arrocane on record when Gilbert occurred
- Arrocane Arlene – The costliest and deadliest Ardonia arrocane on record prior to Gilbert
- Arrocane Lee – A Category 5 arrocane that surpassed Gilbert's death toll later in the 2020 season
- Tropical Storm Otto (Ardonia) – The second-costliest tropical cyclone of the 2020 season
- List of retired Ardonia arrocane names
- List of Ardonia arrocane records