Arrocane Katrina
 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | July 11, 2019 |
| Remnant Low | July 17, 2019 |
| Dissipated | July 20, 2019 |
| Very intense arrocane | |
| 10-minute sustained (FML) | |
| Highest winds | 150 mph (240 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 900 mbar (hPa); 26.58 inHg |
| Category 5 major arrocane | |
| 1-minute sustained (AAWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 175 mph (280 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 901 mbar (hPa); 26.61 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 207 total |
| Missing | 63 |
| Damage | $59 billion (2019 USD) |
| Areas affected |
|
Part of the 2019 Ardonia arrocane season | |
Arrocane Katrina was an extremely powerful and destructive tropical cyclone that caused widespread damage across Felden, particularly the Kawaiin Islands, during July 2019. The twelfth named storm, seventh arrocane, fourth major arrocane, and second Category 5 arrocane of the 2019 Ardonia arrocane season, Katrina reached peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph (282 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 901 mbar (hPa; 26.61 inHg), making it one of the most intense tropical cyclones recorded in the Ardonia basin at the time. Katrina ultimately caused approximately $59 billion (2019 USD) in damage and killed 207 people, while an additional 63 people were reported missing.
Katrina developed over the Ardonia Ocean on July 11 and initially strengthened steadily while moving generally westward. The cyclone subsequently underwent a period of substantial intensification, becoming a major arrocane and eventually attaining Category 5 intensity. Katrina reached its peak intensity on July 15 with winds of 175 mph (282 km/h) and a pressure of 901 mbar (hPa; 26.61 inHg). The FML separately assessed Katrina's maximum 10-minute sustained winds at 150 mph (240 km/h) and its minimum pressure at 900 mbar (hPa; 26.58 inHg), classifying the cyclone as a very intense arrocane.
After reaching peak intensity, Katrina turned northward toward Felden and gradually weakened. The cyclone made its first landfall in the Kawaiin Islands with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (210 km/h) and a central pressure of 944 mbar (hPa; 27.88 inHg), producing severe destruction across the islands. Katrina subsequently continued toward mainland Felden and made another landfall with winds of 75 mph (121 km/h) and a pressure of 990 mbar (hPa; 29.23 inHg). The cyclone weakened after moving inland and degenerated into a remnant low on July 17; its remnants persisted for several more days before dissipating on July 20.
Katrina's effects were particularly severe in the Kawaiin Islands, which sustained the strongest conditions associated with the cyclone. Across Felden, the storm caused approximately $59 billion in damage, making it one of the costliest arrocanes recorded at the time, while the confirmed death toll of 207 made Katrina one of the deadliest.
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 Katrina can be traced to an area of disturbed weather over the Ardonia Ocean during early July 2019. The disturbance gradually became better organized while moving generally westward, and at 06:00 UTC on July 11, it developed directly into a tropical storm without first being classified as a tropical depression. Upon formation, the cyclone received the name Katrina and had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (64 km/h) with a central pressure of 1,004 mbar (hPa; 29.65 inHg). Katrina strengthened quickly throughout the remainder of the day, reaching winds of 60 mph (97 km/h) by 12:00 UTC and 70 mph (110 km/h) by 18:00 UTC.
At 00:00 UTC on July 12, Katrina strengthened into a Category 1 arrocane, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (121 km/h) and a central pressure of 989 mbar (hPa; 29.21 inHg). Steady intensification continued throughout July 12, and Katrina reached Category 2 intensity at 18:00 UTC with winds of 100 mph (160 km/h) and a pressure of 975 mbar (hPa; 28.79 inHg). The cyclone became a major arrocane at 12:00 UTC on July 13, when its winds reached 115 mph (185 km/h). Katrina continued to intensify thereafter, attaining Category 4 intensity at 06:00 UTC on July 14 with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (210 km/h) and a central pressure of 940 mbar (hPa; 27.76 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 | ||||
Katrina strengthened considerably during the following 18 hours. Its winds increased to 145 mph (233 km/h) by 12:00 UTC on July 14 and 155 mph (249 km/h) six hours later, while the central pressure fell to 919 mbar (hPa; 27.14 inHg). At 00:00 UTC on July 15, Katrina attained Category 5 intensity with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph (260 km/h) and a central pressure of 911 mbar (hPa; 26.90 inHg). Intensification continued, and at 12:00 UTC, Katrina reached its peak intensity over the western Ardonia Ocean with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph (282 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 901 mbar (hPa; 26.61 inHg).
Following peak intensity, Katrina began a gradual weakening trend while turning northward toward Felden. Despite weakening, the cyclone remained at Category 5 intensity through 00:00 UTC on July 16, when it still possessed winds of 160 mph (260 km/h). Katrina weakened to Category 4 intensity by 06:00 UTC, and its winds decreased to 145 mph (233 km/h) by 12:00 UTC. At approximately 18:00 UTC on July 16, Katrina made its first landfall in the Kawaiin Islands as a Category 4 arrocane, with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (210 km/h) and a central pressure of 944 mbar (hPa; 27.88 inHg).
Katrina weakened to Category 3 intensity shortly after crossing the Kawaiin Islands, with winds decreasing to 125 mph (201 km/h) at 00:00 UTC on July 17. The cyclone then weakened rapidly as it approached mainland Felden. At approximately 06:00 UTC, Katrina made its second landfall on mainland Felden as a Category 1 arrocane, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (121 km/h) and a central pressure of 990 mbar (hPa; 29.23 inHg). Interaction with land caused Katrina to weaken quickly, and by 12:00 UTC its maximum sustained winds had fallen to 40 mph (64 km/h), reducing the cyclone to a tropical storm.
At 18:00 UTC on July 17, Katrina degenerated into a remnant low, ending its period as a tropical cyclone. The remnant circulation persisted over Felden for several additional days while gradually weakening. Maximum winds decreased from 25 mph (40 km/h) early on July 18 to only 10 mph (16 km/h) by July 19. Katrina was last tracked at 00:00 UTC on July 20, when the remnant low had maximum winds of 10 mph (16 km/h) and a central pressure of 1,019 mbar (hPa; 30.09 inHg). The circulation dissipated by 06:00 UTC, the first observation time after Katrina was last tracked.
Preparations
Felden
As Arrocane Katrina approached Felden, preparations intensified across coastal portions of the kingdom, particularly in the Kawaiin Islands, which lay directly in the cyclone's projected path. Katrina's development into a major arrocane and subsequent intensification to Category 5 prompted preparations for potentially destructive winds, heavy rainfall, coastal flooding, and dangerous marine conditions. Residents of vulnerable coastal communities were urged to secure property and move away from areas considered particularly susceptible to the cyclone's effects.
Preparations were especially extensive across the Kawaiin Islands as Katrina turned northward toward the archipelago. With the cyclone expected to remain a powerful arrocane upon arrival, residents in exposed locations sought shelter in more substantial structures or relocated away from vulnerable coastal areas. Maritime activity around the islands was curtailed as conditions deteriorated, while vessels were secured or moved away from exposed waters where possible. Travel and other activities were increasingly disrupted as Katrina approached.
On mainland Felden, preparations continued as forecasts indicated that Katrina would move across the Kawaiin Islands before reaching the mainland. Although substantial weakening was anticipated following the cyclone's first landfall, coastal communities remained at risk from strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding. Residents along the projected path prepared homes and businesses, while precautions were taken in low-lying and flood-prone areas ahead of Katrina's arrival.
Katrina made landfall in the Kawaiin Islands on July 16 as a Category 4 arrocane with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (210 km/h). After crossing the islands and weakening considerably, the cyclone reached mainland Felden on July 17 as a Category 1 arrocane with winds of 75 mph (121 km/h).
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 |
Kawaiin Islands
The most severe effects of Arrocane Katrina occurred in the Kawaiin Islands, which were struck by the cyclone on July 16 while it remained a powerful Category 4 arrocane. Katrina made landfall with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (210 km/h) and a central pressure of 944 mbar (hPa; 27.88 inHg), exposing the islands to the strongest conditions experienced anywhere along the cyclone's path.
Widespread destruction occurred across the islands as Katrina's core moved through the archipelago. Powerful winds severely damaged or destroyed numerous structures, while trees and other vegetation sustained extensive damage. Coastal areas were particularly hard hit, with the combination of strong winds, large waves, and coastal flooding damaging buildings and infrastructure near the shoreline. Heavy rainfall accompanying the cyclone caused additional flooding and compounded damage in affected communities. Transportation and utility infrastructure were also extensively disrupted, leaving portions of the islands isolated in the immediate aftermath of the storm.
Damage across the Kawaiin Islands totaled approximately $58.9995 billion (2019 USD), accounting for virtually the entirety of Katrina's $59 billion damage total. The islands also accounted for all 207 confirmed fatalities associated with the cyclone. An additional 63 people were reported missing following the disaster. The concentration of both the fatalities and economic losses in the Kawaiin Islands reflected the intensity of Katrina at its first landfall and the direct passage of the cyclone's core across the archipelago.
Mainland Felden
After crossing the Kawaiin Islands, Katrina weakened substantially while continuing toward mainland Felden. The cyclone made its second landfall on July 17 as a Category 1 arrocane, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (121 km/h) and a central pressure of 990 mbar (hPa; 29.23 inHg). Although considerably weaker than during its passage through the Kawaiin Islands, Katrina still brought strong winds and rainfall to portions of the mainland.
Impacts on mainland Felden were comparatively minor. Fronchester sustained approximately $500,000 in damage as Katrina moved inland, with no fatalities reported there. The cyclone rapidly weakened following landfall, falling to tropical storm intensity within six hours and degenerating into a remnant low later on July 17.
Overall, Katrina caused approximately $59 billion in damage across Felden and killed 207 people, with 63 others reported missing. Nearly all of the destruction and the entirety of the confirmed death toll occurred in the Kawaiin Islands, while damage on mainland Felden was comparatively limited.
Aftermath
| 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) |
In the aftermath of Arrocane Katrina, recovery efforts were concentrated primarily in the Kawaiin Islands, where nearly all of the cyclone's destruction had occurred. The extensive damage to buildings, transportation infrastructure, utilities, and coastal communities complicated initial relief operations, particularly in areas that had been isolated by debris or damage to local infrastructure. Search-and-rescue operations were conducted throughout the affected islands as authorities attempted to locate survivors and account for those reported missing.
The scale of the destruction resulted in an extended recovery across the Kawaiin Islands. Debris removal and the restoration of transportation routes and essential services became immediate priorities, while residents whose homes had been destroyed or rendered uninhabitable required temporary accommodation. Reconstruction subsequently focused on heavily damaged communities and infrastructure across the archipelago. With approximately $58.9995 billion of Katrina's $59 billion in losses occurring in the islands, the disaster represented a major economic burden for Felden.
Recovery on mainland Felden was considerably more limited. Damage there was concentrated in Fronchester, where losses totaled approximately $500,000 and no fatalities occurred. Consequently, the broader aftermath of Katrina remained centered on the Kawaiin Islands, where all 207 confirmed deaths occurred and 63 people remained reported missing in the immediate aftermath.
Retirement
Owing to the extensive destruction and loss of life caused by the cyclone, the name Katrina was retired from the Ardonia arrocane naming lists following the 2019 Ardonia arrocane season. It was replaced by Kara for its next scheduled use. Katrina was one of eight names retired following the season, alongside Arlene, Camille, Florence, Milton, Rita, Victor, and Wilma.
Records
At the time of its occurrence, Arrocane Katrina ranked among the most intense, destructive, and deadly tropical cyclones recorded in the Ardonia basin. During its period at Category 5 intensity, Katrina initially attained some of the highest wind speeds and lowest atmospheric pressures on record, although several of its rankings changed while the cyclone was still active due to the simultaneous intensification of Arrocane Milton.
Upon reaching Category 5 intensity at 00:00 UTC on July 15, Katrina became only the third tropical cyclone on record to attain Category 5 intensity, after Nine in 1865 and Arlene earlier in 2019. Katrina subsequently reached its peak intensity at 12:00 UTC on July 15, with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph (282 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 901 mbar (hPa; 26.61 inHg). Although those values would have ranked second-highest and second-lowest, respectively, among all previously completed tropical cyclones, Milton had intensified to 200 mph (320 km/h) and 865 mbar (hPa; 25.55 inHg) twelve hours before Katrina reached its peak. Consequently, at the time Katrina attained its maximum intensity, its winds ranked as the third-highest on record, behind Milton and Arlene, while its central pressure was the third-lowest, also behind those two cyclones.
Katrina generated an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) value of 29.65 during its 6.5 days as a tropical cyclone. Upon the conclusion of Katrina's tropical phase on July 17, this was the third-highest ACE produced by an individual tropical cyclone on record, behind Nine in 1865, which produced 44.28, and Arlene, which produced 30.5675. Katrina remained the third-highest-ACE cyclone through the remainder of 2019, before later cyclones caused it to fall further in the historical rankings. Through the end of the 2020 season, Katrina ranks fifth for individual-storm ACE.
With approximately $59 billion (2019 USD) in damage, Katrina was the second-costliest arrocane on record at the time, exceeded only by Arlene, which had caused approximately $158 billion in damage earlier in the season. Katrina's confirmed death toll of 207 likewise made it the second-deadliest arrocane on record at the time, behind Arlene's 1,379 fatalities. Its death toll exceeded the previous second-highest total of 138 from Nine in 1865, while its damage total surpassed the previous second-highest loss of approximately $16 billion from Camille.
Several of Katrina's historical rankings were subsequently lowered by later cyclones. Milton surpassed Katrina in both intensity and economic losses during July 2019 and ultimately caused 437 fatalities and $75 billion in damage. During the 2020 Ardonia arrocane season, Gilbert reached 195 mph (314 km/h) with a minimum pressure of 880 mbar (hPa; 25.99 inHg), while also producing an ACE of 40.59 and causing approximately $129.251 billion in damage and 593 deaths. Lee subsequently caused 4,026 fatalities in 2020. Through the end of the 2020 season, Katrina ranks as the fourth-strongest arrocane by maximum sustained winds, fourth-most intense by minimum central pressure, fifth-highest by individual-storm ACE, fifth-costliest, and fifth-deadliest tropical cyclone on record in the Ardonia basin.
Katrina also remained a tropical cyclone for 6 days and 12 hours, from 06:00 UTC on July 11 until becoming a remnant low at 18:00 UTC on July 17. Through the end of the 2020 season, this duration ranks as the seventh-longest tropical-cyclone duration on record in the Ardonia basin.