Arrocane Rita
 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | July 24, 2019 |
| Extratropical | July 27, 2019 |
| Dissipated | July 29, 2019 |
| Intense arrocane | |
| 10-minute sustained (FML) | |
| Highest winds | 120 mph (195 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 945 mbar (hPa); 27.91 inHg |
| Category 4 major arrocane | |
| 1-minute sustained (AAWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 140 mph (220 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 937 mbar (hPa); 27.67 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 36 total |
| Missing | 12 |
| Damage | $37.6 billion (2019 USD) |
| Areas affected | |
Part of the 2019 Ardonia arrocane season | |
Arrocane Rita was a powerful and destructive tropical cyclone that struck portions of Felden in July 2019. Rita reached Category 4 intensity on the Ardonia arrocane wind scale, attaining maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (230 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 937 mbar (hPa; 27.67 inHg). The arrocane caused $37.55 billion (2019 USD) in damage and resulted in 36 fatalities, while an additional 12 people were reported missing. The majority of the destruction and fatalities occurred in Riverstead.
Rita originated from an area of disturbed weather over the Ardonia Ocean and developed into a tropical cyclone on July 24. Moving generally northward, the cyclone strengthened rapidly as it approached Felden, becoming an arrocane and subsequently a major arrocane. Rita reached Category 4 intensity on July 26 and attained its peak intensity later that day, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (230 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 937 mbar. The FML separately assessed Rita as an intense arrocane, with 10-minute sustained winds of 120 mph (190 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 945 mbar.
Shortly after reaching its peak intensity, Rita made landfall along the coast of Felden as a Category 4 arrocane with winds of approximately 130 mph (210 km/h). Severe damage occurred in and around Riverstead, which accounted for approximately $34.983 billion of the storm's total losses and 35 of its 36 fatalities. Additional damage occurred at Fort Zuka, where losses totaled $2.55 billion and one person was killed, while Mount Velgrin sustained approximately $17 million in damage. Rita weakened rapidly after moving inland and became an extratropical cyclone on July 27. Its remnants persisted until July 29.
Less than three weeks after Rita's landfall, Arrocane Wilma affected the same general portion of Felden at a similarly high intensity, compounding the effects of the unusually destructive 2019 season.
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 Rita can be traced to an area of disturbed weather that developed over the Ardonia Ocean. The disturbance gradually became better organized while tracking generally westward, and by July 24, sufficient organization had developed for the system to be designated a tropical cyclone. Favorable atmospheric and oceanic conditions subsequently allowed the cyclone to strengthen as it turned toward the north and approached Felden.
Rita intensified steadily during its approach to Felden. By 00:00 UTC on July 26, the cyclone had strengthened to Category 3 intensity, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (201 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 951 mbar (hPa; 28.08 inHg). Six hours later, Rita became a Category 4 arrocane as its winds increased to 130 mph (210 km/h) and its pressure fell to 943 mbar (hPa; 27.85 inHg). Intensification continued through the morning, and at 12:00 UTC on July 26, Rita reached its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (230 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 937 mbar (hPa; 27.67 inHg). Around this time, the cyclone displayed a well-defined eye surrounded by a dense central overcast.
After reaching peak intensity, Rita began to weaken while continuing toward the coast of Felden. By 18:00 UTC on July 26, its maximum sustained winds had decreased to 130 mph (210 km/h). Rita made landfall along the coast of Felden around this time as a Category 4 arrocane, with a landfall pressure estimated at 948 mbar (hPa; 28.00 inHg). Despite weakening from its offshore peak, Rita remained a powerful major arrocane as its center crossed the coastline.
Rita weakened rapidly after moving inland over Felden. At 00:00 UTC on July 27, its winds had fallen to 125 mph (201 km/h), corresponding to Category 3 intensity, before dropping dramatically to 90 mph (140 km/h) by 06:00 UTC. Rita weakened below arrocane intensity by 12:00 UTC, when maximum sustained winds decreased to 70 mph (110 km/h) and the central pressure rose to 987 mbar (hPa; 29.15 inHg). By 18:00 UTC on July 27, Rita had lost its tropical characteristics and transitioned into an extratropical cyclone, with winds of 50 mph (80 km/h) and a pressure of 996 mbar (hPa; 29.41 inHg).
The extratropical remnants of Rita continued to weaken during the following two days. Winds decreased to 40 mph (64 km/h) early on July 28 and subsequently fell to 25 mph (40 km/h) by July 29, while the associated pressure steadily rose. Rita was last tracked as an extratropical cyclone at 06:00 UTC on July 29, with maximum sustained winds of 25 mph (40 km/h) and a pressure of 1,015 mbar (hPa; 29.97 inHg), before dissipating later that day.
Preparations
Felden
As Rita intensified over the Ardonia Ocean and its projected path increasingly threatened Felden, preparations began across portions of the kingdom's western and southern regions. The approaching cyclone was expected to produce destructive winds, heavy rainfall, coastal flooding, and dangerous marine conditions, with communities near the projected landfall area facing the greatest threat. Preparations intensified considerably as Rita strengthened into a major arrocane and continued toward the coastline.
In Riverstead, preparations focused on protecting residents and property from the anticipated effects of the arrocane. Residents in vulnerable coastal areas were urged to relocate farther inland or seek more substantial shelter before conditions deteriorated. Maritime activity was curtailed as increasingly rough seas affected the surrounding waters, while vessels were secured or moved away from exposed portions of the coast. Businesses and residences were boarded up where possible, and preparations were made for disruptions to transportation, communications, and other essential services.
Preparations were also undertaken at Fort Zuka as Rita approached. Personnel secured exposed structures and equipment and prepared for the possibility of prolonged isolation following the storm. Travel became increasingly hazardous as outer rainbands reached Felden, and activities in the areas expected to experience the strongest winds were reduced or suspended.
By July 26, Rita had reached Category 4 intensity immediately offshore, substantially increasing the urgency of preparations. Residents who had remained in the threatened region were advised to stay indoors and away from exposed coastal areas as conditions rapidly deteriorated. Rita subsequently made landfall as a Category 4 arrocane, bringing the core of its destructive winds into Felden.
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 |
Arrocane Rita caused extensive damage across portions of western Felden and the surrounding region after making landfall at Category 4 intensity on July 26. Destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding accompanied the cyclone as it moved inland, with the most severe effects occurring in and around Riverstead. Across all affected areas, Rita caused an estimated $37.55 billion (2019 USD) in damage and was responsible for 36 fatalities. An additional 12 people were reported missing.
Mount Velgrin
Mount Velgrin experienced the first significant effects from Rita as the arrocane approached Felden. Strong winds and heavy rainfall affected the area, resulting in localized damage and disruption. Exposed vegetation and structures sustained wind damage, while rainfall produced localized flooding and made travel through the surrounding terrain difficult.
Damage at Mount Velgrin was estimated at $17 million. Despite the hazardous conditions and property damage, no fatalities were reported in the area.
Riverstead
Riverstead sustained by far the most severe effects from Rita and accounted for the overwhelming majority of the arrocane's overall losses. Rita approached the area as an intense Category 4 arrocane before making landfall with maximum sustained winds of approximately 130 mph (210 km/h). The combination of destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding caused widespread damage throughout Riverstead and nearby areas.
Numerous structures sustained significant wind damage, with some buildings heavily damaged or destroyed. Trees were uprooted or snapped, debris obstructed roads, and widespread damage to utility and transportation infrastructure disrupted movement and communications following the storm. Areas exposed to the coast were additionally affected by large waves and coastal flooding, which damaged waterfront property and contributed to the destruction. Heavy rainfall accompanying Rita produced additional flooding farther inland.
Riverstead accounted for approximately $34.983 billion of Rita's $37.55 billion damage total, representing more than 93% of all losses associated with the arrocane. Thirty-five people were killed in the area, accounting for all but one of Rita's confirmed fatalities. Numerous injuries were also reported, while some residents remained unaccounted for in the immediate aftermath. The scale of destruction left portions of the area inaccessible following the cyclone and complicated initial damage assessments and recovery operations.
Fort Zuka
Fort Zuka was also significantly affected as Rita moved inland and rapidly weakened. Strong winds damaged structures and surrounding infrastructure, while fallen trees and wind-blown debris obstructed transportation routes. Heavy rainfall associated with the weakening circulation caused additional localized flooding.
Damage at Fort Zuka totaled approximately $2.55 billion. One person was killed, bringing Rita's overall confirmed death toll to 36. Although the effects at Fort Zuka were considerably less severe than those experienced in Riverstead, damage remained substantial and contributed to widespread disruption across the affected portion of Felden.
Aftermath
In the immediate aftermath of Arrocane Rita, recovery efforts were concentrated in Riverstead, where the most extensive destruction had occurred. Debris, damaged infrastructure, and flooding complicated access to portions of the affected area, while disruptions to transportation and communications initially hindered damage assessments. Search and rescue operations were conducted for residents who remained missing following the storm, while displaced residents required temporary shelter and other assistance.
Restoration efforts focused on clearing transportation routes, repairing damaged infrastructure, and restoring essential services throughout the affected portions of Felden. Riverstead faced the most extensive recovery due to the concentration of damage there, while repairs were also undertaken at Fort Zuka. The effects of Rita ultimately totaled $37.55 billion (2019 USD), making it one of the most destructive arrocanes of the 2019 Ardonia arrocane season. Thirty-six people were confirmed dead, while 12 others were reported missing.
Recovery in the region was further complicated less than three weeks later when Arrocane Wilma struck the same general portion of Felden. Wilma also reached Category 4 intensity and produced significant additional destruction in areas that were still recovering from Rita, prolonging restoration efforts and increasing the overall effects of the exceptionally active season.
Retirement
Due to the extensive destruction and loss of life caused by the arrocane, the name Rita was retired following the 2019 season and will not be used again for an Ardonia tropical cyclone. Rita was one of eight names retired following the season, alongside Arlene, Camille, Florence, Katrina, Milton, Victor, and Wilma.
The name Raya was selected to replace Rita on the rotating naming lists and will be used when the corresponding list is next utilized.
Records
During its period of rapid intensification, Rita established several notable marks for intensity change. Between 00:00 UTC on July 25 and 00:00 UTC on July 26, Rita's maximum sustained winds increased from 70 mph (110 km/h) to 125 mph (201 km/h), an increase of 55 mph (89 km/h) in 24 hours. An identical 24-hour increase occurred between 06:00 UTC on July 25 and 06:00 UTC on July 26, when its winds increased from 75 mph (121 km/h) to 130 mph (210 km/h). Rita's largest 24-hour pressure decrease occurred during the latter period, when its central pressure fell from 987 mbar (hPa; 29.15 inHg) to 943 mbar (hPa; 27.85 inHg), a decrease of 44 mbar.
Through the 2020 season, Rita's 55 mph (89 km/h) 24-hour wind increase was tied for tenth among the largest 24-hour increases recorded in the Ardonia basin. Its 44 mbar pressure decrease was tied for seventh among the largest 24-hour pressure falls on record.
Rita was also among the costliest tropical cyclones recorded in Ardonia at the time of its occurrence. With $37.55 billion (2019 USD) in damage, Rita ranked as the third-costliest tropical cyclone on record following its landfall, behind Arrocane Arlene and Arrocane Milton. Later storms subsequently surpassed Rita's damage total, and through the 2020 season it ranked as the seventh-costliest Ardonia tropical cyclone on record.