Arrocane Wilma
 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | August 11, 2019 |
| Extratropical | August 15, 2019 |
| Dissipated | August 17, 2019 |
| Very intense arrocane | |
| 10-minute sustained (FML) | |
| Highest winds | 140 mph (220 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 931 mbar (hPa); 27.49 inHg |
| Category 4 major arrocane | |
| 1-minute sustained (AAWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 145 mph (230 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 931 mbar (hPa); 27.49 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 44 total |
| Missing | 15 |
| Damage | $29.5 billion (2019 USD) |
| Areas affected | |
Part of the 2019 Ardonia arrocane season | |
Arrocane Wilma was a powerful and destructive tropical cyclone that struck Felden in August 2019, less than three weeks after Arrocane Rita affected the same general region. The twenty-third tropical cyclone and named storm, fifteenth arrocane, and eighth major arrocane of the 2019 Ardonia arrocane season, Wilma reached Category 4 intensity on the Ardonia arrocane wind scale. At its peak, Wilma had maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (233 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 931 mbar (hPa; 27.49 inHg). The arrocane caused $29.5 billion (2019 USD) in damage and 44 fatalities, while an additional 15 people were reported missing.
Wilma formed on August 11 over open waters south of Felden and initially moved generally northward. The cyclone steadily intensified as it approached the kingdom, becoming an arrocane before undergoing a period of more substantial strengthening immediately prior to landfall. On August 14, Wilma reached its peak intensity as a Category 4 arrocane with winds of 145 mph (233 km/h) and a central pressure of 931 mbar (hPa; 27.49 inHg), simultaneously making landfall along the coast of Felden. Wilma rapidly weakened after moving inland and became extratropical on August 15. Its remnants persisted for another two days before dissipating on August 17. The FML assessed Wilma as a very intense arrocane with peak 10-minute sustained winds of 140 mph (230 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 931 mbar (hPa; 27.49 inHg).
Wilma caused catastrophic damage along coastal portions of Felden, where approximately $27.35 billion in losses and 33 fatalities occurred. Additional damage occurred in Riverstead and Fort Zuka, both of which had been affected by Rita only 19 days earlier. Riverstead sustained approximately $1.15 billion in additional damage and eight fatalities, while Fort Zuka sustained $1 billion in damage and three fatalities. Recovery efforts in the region were consequently complicated by the effects of the two major arrocanes occurring in rapid succession.
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 Wilma can be traced to an area of disturbed weather over the open ocean south of Felden in early August. The disturbance gradually became better organized while moving generally northward, developing into a tropical cyclone at 12:00 UTC on August 11. Upon formation, the system had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (64 km/h) and was assigned the name Wilma. The cyclone steadily strengthened during the following day as it continued northward toward Felden, reaching winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) by early August 13.
Wilma became a Category 1 arrocane at 06:00 UTC on August 13, when its maximum sustained winds reached 75 mph (121 km/h) and its central pressure fell to 983 mbar (hPa; 29.03 inHg). A period of rapid intensification subsequently began. Within six hours, Wilma strengthened dramatically into a Category 3 major arrocane, with winds increasing to 115 mph (185 km/h) and its pressure falling to 965 mbar (hPa; 28.50 inHg). Wilma reached Category 4 intensity by 18:00 UTC, with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (210 km/h) and a central pressure of 950 mbar (hPa; 28.05 inHg). During this period, a well-defined eye developed as the cyclone approached the coast.
| 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 | ||||
Wilma continued to intensify overnight while turning toward the north-northeast. At 00:00 UTC on August 14, its winds increased to 140 mph (230 km/h) as its pressure fell to 939 mbar (hPa; 27.73 inHg). Six hours later, Wilma reached its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (233 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 931 mbar (hPa; 27.49 inHg). At approximately the same time, the center of Wilma crossed the coastline of Felden, making landfall at its peak Category 4 intensity.
Wilma weakened rapidly after moving inland. By 12:00 UTC on August 14, its maximum sustained winds had decreased to 110 mph (180 km/h), corresponding to Category 2 intensity. Six hours later, Wilma weakened below arrocane intensity, with winds decreasing to 70 mph (110 km/h). The cyclone continued northeastward across Felden while losing its tropical characteristics, becoming an extratropical cyclone at 00:00 UTC on August 15.
Wilma's extratropical remnants continued northeastward after leaving the immediate landfall region and gradually weakened during the following two days. The circulation ultimately dissipated on August 17.
The FML assessed Wilma as a very intense arrocane, with peak 10-minute sustained winds of 140 mph (230 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 931 mbar (hPa; 27.49 inHg).
Preparations
Felden
As Wilma approached Felden, preparations were undertaken across western and coastal portions of the kingdom. The threat increased rapidly on August 13 as Wilma intensified from a Category 1 arrocane into a major arrocane within several hours. Residents along the projected path were urged to complete preparations quickly as destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding became increasingly likely.
Preparations were complicated by the recent passage of Arrocane Rita, which had struck the same general portion of Felden only 19 days earlier. Recovery operations remained underway in several affected areas, including Riverstead and Fort Zuka. Temporary repairs and structures already weakened by Rita were secured where possible, while debris remaining from the earlier arrocane presented an additional hazard ahead of Wilma's arrival.
In Riverstead, residents and businesses prepared for another period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall. Property was secured, maritime activity was curtailed, and residents in vulnerable coastal areas sought safer shelter farther from the shoreline. Efforts were also made to protect equipment and supplies being used in the ongoing recovery from Rita. At Fort Zuka, structures and equipment were secured as conditions deteriorated, while outdoor activities were reduced ahead of the cyclone.
The urgency of preparations increased considerably as Wilma rapidly strengthened on August 13. By that evening, the cyclone had reached Category 4 intensity and continued strengthening while approaching the coast. Residents were advised to remain sheltered as the eyewall approached, with Wilma ultimately making landfall on August 14 at its peak intensity of 145 mph (233 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 |
Arrocane Wilma caused extensive destruction across western portions of Felden after making landfall at peak Category 4 intensity on August 14. Destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding affected the region, including areas that had been struck by Arrocane Rita only 19 days earlier. Wilma caused an estimated $29.5 billion (2019 USD) in damage and was responsible for 44 fatalities. An additional 15 people were reported missing.
Coastal Felden
The coastline of Felden sustained the most severe effects from Wilma as the center moved ashore with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (233 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 931 mbar (hPa; 27.49 inHg). Wilma was at its peak intensity at landfall, exposing the coastal region to the strongest winds produced during the arrocane's lifetime. Large waves and coastal flooding accompanied the cyclone and contributed to extensive destruction near the shoreline.
Numerous structures along the coast were heavily damaged or destroyed, particularly those exposed to Wilma's strongest winds. Trees and other vegetation were uprooted or severely damaged, while wind-blown debris caused additional damage. Transportation routes were obstructed by debris and flooding, and damage to infrastructure resulted in widespread disruption following the storm. Heavy rainfall accompanying the arrocane caused additional flooding farther inland from the immediate coastline.
Damage along coastal Felden totaled approximately $27.35 billion, accounting for more than 92% of Wilma's overall losses. Thirty-three people were killed in the coastal landfall region, representing three-quarters of the arrocane's confirmed fatalities. Several people remained unaccounted for following the storm, while the scale of the destruction complicated initial search, damage assessment, and recovery operations.
Riverstead
Riverstead was struck by Wilma while recovery from Arrocane Rita remained underway. Rita had caused catastrophic destruction in the area only 19 days earlier, leaving portions of the community and its infrastructure particularly vulnerable to another major arrocane. Wilma brought another period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall to Riverstead as it moved inland.
Structures that had survived or been damaged by Rita sustained additional damage during Wilma, while temporary repairs and ongoing recovery work were disrupted. Fallen vegetation and debris again obstructed transportation routes, and rainfall produced renewed localized flooding. The successive impacts of the two arrocanes significantly complicated recovery efforts in the area.
Wilma caused approximately $1.15 billion in additional damage in Riverstead and was responsible for eight fatalities. Although substantially lower than the losses caused there by Rita, Wilma further increased the cumulative destruction experienced by the community during the 2019 season.
Fort Zuka
Fort Zuka also experienced significant effects from Wilma, having previously been affected by Rita less than three weeks earlier. Strong winds caused additional damage to structures and infrastructure, while heavy rainfall and wind-blown debris disrupted transportation and ongoing recovery operations.
Damage at Fort Zuka was estimated at $1 billion, and three people were killed. Combined with the impacts in Riverstead and along the coastline, the damage at Fort Zuka brought Wilma's overall losses to $29.5 billion and its confirmed death toll to 44.
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 immediate aftermath of Arrocane Wilma, search and recovery operations were undertaken across the affected portions of Felden. The greatest difficulties occurred along the coastline, where widespread debris, flooding, and damaged infrastructure initially hindered access to some of the hardest-hit areas. Search operations were conducted for residents reported missing following the cyclone, while displaced residents required temporary shelter and other assistance.
Recovery efforts focused on clearing transportation routes, restoring essential services, and repairing damaged infrastructure. The scale of the coastal destruction resulted in an extended recovery process, with the landfall region accounting for the overwhelming majority of Wilma's $29.5 billion damage total. Thirty-three of the arrocane's 44 confirmed fatalities also occurred along the coast.
Recovery was particularly complicated in Riverstead and Fort Zuka, which had been affected by Arrocane Rita only 19 days earlier. Repairs following Rita were still underway when Wilma struck, and the second arrocane damaged structures and infrastructure that had already been weakened by the earlier storm. Debris removal, restoration work, and other recovery operations consequently had to address the combined effects of both arrocanes.
Together, Rita and Wilma caused approximately $67.05 billion in damage and 80 confirmed fatalities during their successive impacts on the region. The close succession of the two major arrocanes placed considerable strain on recovery efforts across the affected portions of Felden during the remainder of the season.
Retirement
Due to the extensive destruction and loss of life caused by the arrocane, the name Wilma was retired following the 2019 season and will not be used again for an Ardonia tropical cyclone. Wilma was one of eight names retired following the season, alongside Arlene, Camille, Florence, Katrina, Milton, Rita, and Victor.
The name Wanda was selected to replace Wilma on the rotating naming lists and will be used when the corresponding list is next utilized.
Records
Wilma attained several notable intensity and rapid-intensification records during its approach to Felden. Between 00:00 UTC on August 13 and 00:00 UTC on August 14, Wilma's maximum sustained winds increased from 70 mph (110 km/h) to 140 mph (230 km/h), an increase of 70 mph (110 km/h) in 24 hours. An identical 24-hour increase occurred between 06:00 UTC on August 13 and 06:00 UTC on August 14, when Wilma strengthened from 75 mph (121 km/h) to its peak intensity of 145 mph (233 km/h). During the latter period, its central pressure fell from 983 mbar (hPa; 29.03 inHg) to 931 mbar (hPa; 27.49 inHg), a decrease of 52 mbar in 24 hours.
Through the 2020 season, Wilma's 70 mph (110 km/h) 24-hour wind increase ranked as the fifth-largest recorded in the Ardonia basin. Its 52 mbar pressure decrease likewise ranked as the fifth-largest 24-hour pressure fall on record.
Wilma's peak intensity also placed it among the strongest tropical cyclones recorded in Ardonia. With maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (233 km/h), Wilma was tied for ninth among the strongest Ardonia tropical cyclones by maximum sustained winds through the 2020 season. Its minimum pressure of 931 mbar (hPa; 27.49 inHg) ranked as the tenth-lowest recorded in the basin.
With approximately $29.5 billion (2019 USD) in damage, Wilma ranked among the costliest tropical cyclones in Ardonia. Through the 2020 season, it was the eighth-costliest tropical cyclone on record in the basin.
See also
- 2019 Ardonia arrocane season
- Arrocane Rita – A Category 4 arrocane that struck the same general region of Felden 19 days before Wilma
- Arrocane Milton – The strongest arrocane of the 2019 season
- Ardonia arrocane wind scale
- List of retired Ardonia arrocane names