Hurricane Isaac (2006)

Hurricane Isaac was the final tropical cyclone of the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season. Isaac originated in a tropical wave that entered the Atlantic Ocean on September 18. An associated area of disturbed weather eventually organized sufficiently to be declared a tropical depression on September 27, while located 930 mi (1,500 km) southeast of Bermuda. The depression was upgraded to a tropical storm just 12 hours later, though unfavorable atmospheric conditions, including high wind shear and cool water temperatures, initially inhibited further intensification. Isaac ultimately peaked as a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, and brushed Newfoundland as a tropical storm. Effects from the storm were minimal and limited to gusty winds, rough surf, and sporadic rainfall.

This article is about the Atlantic hurricane of 2006. For other storms of the same name, see Tropical Storm Isaac.
Hurricane Isaac
Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS/NWS)
Hurricane Isaac shortly after peak intensity on September 30
FormedSeptember 27, 2006
DissipatedOctober 2, 2006
Highest winds1-minute sustained: 85 mph (140 km/h)
Lowest pressure985 mbar (hPa); 29.09 inHg
FatalitiesNone reported
DamageMinimal
Areas affectedNewfoundland
Part of the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season

Meteorological history
Map plotting the track and the intensity of the storm, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale

A tropical wave emerged from the western coast of Africa and entered the Atlantic Ocean on September 18, 2006. On September 23, an associated area of disturbed weather began to exhibit indications of organization; in response, Dvorak classifications were initiated. Influenced by moderate to strong wind shear, the system moved west-northwestward for several days. Once environmental conditions became more favorable for tropical cyclone development, the storm had sufficiently organized to be designated a tropical depression on September 27. At this time, the depression was located about 930 mi (1,500 km) southeast of Bermuda.[1] Despite being upgraded, deep convection had not wrapped around the entire center of circulation.[2] Although the depression was approaching tropical storm status by later on September 27, wind shear continued to affect the cyclone.[3] On September 28—about 12 hours after the storm's formation—it became the tenth tropical storm of the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season, and received the name Isaac.[1][4]

Initially, the storm was tracking towards the northwest, between another low pressure system to its west and a low- to mid-level ridge to its east. Throughout the day, thunderstorm activity remained unstable, possibly as a result of cooler waters churned up by previous storms. In addition, mid- to upper-level dry air had become entrained into the circulation, and the storm contained some subtropical characteristics with a baroclinic-type cloud pattern.[1] By early September 29, Isaac had slowed and turned towards the west.[5] Convection began to intensify and consolidate later that day; outflow had also improved, and became more symmetric in nature. Moving into warmer waters,[6] Isaac continued to strengthen, and attained hurricane status on September 30. However, this period of intensification was short-lived, and the cyclone reached its peak intensity with winds of 85 mph (140 km/h) at around 0000 UTC on October 1.[1] Around that time, a ragged eye feature appeared on satellite imagery.[7]

"A fairly well-defined hurricane",[8] Isaac began to recurve around the periphery of a subtropical ridge while accelerating in forward speed. While tracking towards the north-northeast, the storm began to gradually weaken as a result of increasing southwesterly wind shear and colder sea surface temperatures.[1] At about 1200 UTC on September 2, Isaac was downgraded to a tropical storm.[9] The storm passed about 40 mi (64 km) to the southeast of the Avalon Peninsula on October 2, spawning tropical storm-force winds on land. After passing Newfoundland Isaac transitioned into an extratropical storm, and subsequently merged with a larger storm on October 3.[1]

Preparations and impact
TRMM image of Hurricane Isaac on October 1

A tropical storm watch was issued in response to Isaac on October 1 for the Avalon Peninsula. The watch was upgraded to a tropical storm warning the next day, while a separate watch was posted for the Burin and Bonavista peninsulas, though it was quickly discontinued. By 2100 UTC on October 2, all tropical cyclone watches and warnings were lifted.[1] Heavy rainfall and gusty winds were expected, prompting the issuance of rainfall warnings for parts of southeastern Newfoundland, while wind and gale advisories were declared offshore.[10]

On October 2, the Elektra (call sign SIWB) reported winds of 52 mph (84 km/h) while located about 170 mi (270 km) to the east of the storm's center. Two other ships, several buoys, and several oil platforms also recorded tropical storm-force winds.[1] Waves offshore reached 16 ft (4.9 m) in height.[11]

Impacts on land were generally insignificant; no damages or fatalities were reported. However, parts of the Avalon Peninsula experienced tropical storm conditions. At Cape Race, sustained winds peaked at 46 mph (74 km/h), with gusts of up to 60 mph (97 km/h). The most intense winds remained offshore. Due to the storm's rapid passage, rainfall was primarily light and amounted to less than 1 in (25 mm).[1]

See also

References
  1. Michelle Mainelli (November 16, 2006). "Hurricane Isaac Tropical Cyclone Report" (PDF). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2009-06-20.
  2. Mainelli/Pasch (September 27, 2006). "Tropical Depression Nine Discussion Number 1". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2009-06-20.
  3. Brown/Knabb (September 27, 2006). "Tropical Depression Nine Discussion Number 2". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2009-06-20.
  4. Brown/Knabb (September 28, 2006). "Tropical Storm Isaac Discussion Number 4". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2009-06-20.
  5. Beven (September 29, 2006). "Tropical Storm Isaac Discussion Number 7". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2009-06-20.
  6. Blake/Stewart (September 29, 2006). "Tropical Storm Isaac Discussion Number 9". National Hurricane Center.
  7. Lindsea/Stewart (October 1, 2006). "Hurricane Isaac Discussion Number 15". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2009-06-20.
  8. Brown/Franklin. "Hurricane Isaac Discussion Number 17". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2009-06-20.
  9. Brown/Pasch (September 2, 2006). "Tropical Storm Isaac Discussion Number 20". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2009-06-20.
  10. Szeto/Fogarty (October 1, 2006). "Hurricane Isaac Information Statement". Canadian Hurricane Centre. Archived from the original on October 2, 2006. Retrieved 2009-06-20.
  11. Bowyer (October 2, 2006). "Corrected Tropical Storm Isaac Information Statement". Canadian Hurricane Centre. Archived from the original on November 14, 2007. Retrieved 2009-06-20.

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