Wikipedia

Hurricane Julia (2022)

For other storms of the same name, see List of storms named Julia.

Hurricane Julia was a deadly tropical cyclone that caused significant impacts in Central America as a Category 1 hurricane in October 2022. The tenth named storm and fifth hurricane of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, Julia formed from a tropical wave over the southern Caribbean Sea on October 7, just off the coast of South America. Only one storm on record, Tropical Storm Bret in 1993, has tracked further south over South America.[2]

Hurricane Julia
Hurricane Julia at peak intensity while making landfall in Nicaragua on October 9
Meteorological history
FormedOctober 7, 2022
DissipatedOctober 10, 2022
Category 1 hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds85 mph (140 km/h)
Lowest pressure982 mbar (hPa); 29.00 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities89 (35 direct, 54 indirect)
Damage>$406 million (2022 USD)
Areas affectedTrinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, ABC islands, Colombia, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico
IBTrACS / [1]
Part of the 2022 Atlantic
and Pacific hurricane seasons

On October 9, it became a hurricane and proceeded to make landfall in Nicaragua. It emerged into the Pacific Ocean as a tropical storm late that same day, becoming the eighteenth tropical storm of the 2022 Pacific hurricane season, and the second storm of the season to survive the crossover between the Atlantic–Pacific basin, after Bonnie in July. The storm then briefly moved along the coast of El Salvador, before moving inland and degenerating into an open trough over Guatemala on October 10.

Julia brought heavy rains to much of Central America, causing life-threatening flash floods and deadly mudslides, exacerbating an already devastating rainy season. Floods, storm surge and the total or partial collapse of houses forced the evacuation of thousands of people.[3] Its precursor disturbance triggered similar impacts in northern Venezuela. Altogether, Julia was responsible for 35 direct deaths, 54 indirect deaths,[1] and at least US $406 million in damage.

Meteorological history

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Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
  Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

On October 2, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) began monitoring a tropical wave over the central tropical Atlantic.[4] A broad area of low pressure formed on October 4, as it approached the southern Windward Islands.[5] Due to the threat the developing system posed to land areas in the southern Caribbean, the NHC initiated advisories on it as Potential Tropical Cyclone Thirteen on October 6.[6] By 00:00 UTC on October 7, the disturbance had attained sufficient circulation and organized convection to be designated as a tropical depression, while located near the coast of Venezuela. A few hours later, the westward moving depression traversed the Paraguaná Peninsula and then the Guajira Peninsula.[1] During this time, a strong burst of deep convection developed near the center of the depression and its central banding features became better developed, resulting in it strengthening into Tropical Storm Julia soon afterwards, it strengthened into Tropical Storm Julia.[7] That afternoon, the storm began to gain strength as it moved through the warm southwest Caribbean in an environment with moist air and low wind shear. Julia became a hurricane 00:00 UTC on October 9, about 80 mi (130 km) east of the coast of Nicaragua. At 06:00 UTC that morning, the hurricane attained peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 982 mbar (29.00 inHg), and made landfall a little over an hour later near Laguna de Perlas, Nicaragua, at peak intensity.[1]

The system then gradually weakened to a tropical storm as it moved westward across Nicaragua, while maintaining a well-defined circulation and deep convection persisting near the center.[8] Late on October 9, Julia, severely weakened, moved off the western coast of Nicaragua and into the East Pacific basin. At 11:00 UTC on October 10, the center of the storm crossed the coast of El Salvador, near Acajutla, with sustained winds of 40 mph (65 km/h). It quickly weakened to a Tropical depression inland, and then dissipated later that same day. Residual energy from Julia subsequently contributed to the formation a few days later, of Tropical Storm Karl.[1]

Preparations and impact

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Casualties and damage reported
Country Deaths[1] Damage
(USD)
Venezuela 54* Unknown
Colombia 0 Unknown
Nicaragua 5 >$400 million[9]
Honduras 4 Unknown
El Salvador 10 Unknown
Guatemala 14 Unknown
Costa Rica 0 Unknown
Panama 2 >$6 million[10]
Total:0 89 >$406 million
* indicates indirect deaths

South America

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Venezuela

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While a tropical depression, the system brought heavy rain and flooding to much of the Venezuelan Caribbean.[1] As a result of additional rainfall after the storm passed through, at least 54 people died and dozens went missing when mud and debris inundated Las Tejerías, Aragua, on October 8.[11][12]

Colombia

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The center of Julia passed just south of San Andrés Island while it was reaching hurricane strength east of Nicaragua. At least 174 homes were destroyed by Julia, and 5,247 homes and a health center were damaged.[13]

Central America

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Tropical Storm Julia over Nicaragua on October 9

Nicaragua

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The hurricane left at least 1 million people without power and forced the evacuation of 13,000 families.[14] Of the nation's 143 municipalities, 96 reported varying degrees of damage. Overall, Julia left at least $400 million in damage and five deaths in Nicaragua.[9][15]

Honduras

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The Government of Honduras opened more than 1,137 shelters nationwide, with 9,200 people utilizing them by October 10. A red alert, the highest level of warning, was issued for 10 of Honduras's 18 departments. Many homes were flooded along the Chamelecón River, which continued to rise as of October 10.[16] Heavy rains brought water levels at several dams to above or near maximum capacity. The Ulúa River rose to 22.3 ft (6.79 m) near Santiago, exceeding the red alert stage for flooding. The most significant effects were felt in Yoro Department. Throughout Honduras, Julia killed four people and left two others missing as of October 11. A total of 103,960 people were affected, 3,412 of whom required evacuation. A total of 278 homes were destroyed and a further 397 suffered varying degrees of damage.[17]

El Salvador

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On October 8, the Government of El Salvador declared an orange alert for the entire territory due to the approaching storm.[18] Fishing and recreational activities in rivers, beaches, and lakes were suspended until October 11.[18] Shelters for 3,000 people were prepared.[18] A state of national emergency was declared due to the hurricane.[19] The Government ended up declaring a red alert for civil protection due to the winds throughout the national territory.[20] Tree falls were reported in different municipalities, impeding traffic and damaging cars.[21] Falling branches blocked several major highways; roads were also damaged by landslides.[21] Five soldiers died and another was injured in Comasagua when the home they were seeking refuge in collapsed.[22] In all, Julia was responsible for ten deaths in El Salvador.[14]

Guatemala

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In Guatemala, a total of 457,300 people were affected throughout Guatemala, 1,165 of whom required evacuation.[23] At least 14 people died throughout Guatemala: nine in Huehuetenango Department and five in Alta Verapaz Department.[22]

Costa Rica

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Flooding was reported throughout Costa Rica. 470 people were transported to temporary hospitals, mostly in the South Pacific. Red alerts were issued throughout the country.[24]

Panama

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Two people died in Panama near the border with Costa Rica and around 300 people required evacuation.[14] The Ministry of Education of Panama suspended classes on October 10.[25] A total of two landslides were reported.[26] Due to heavy rains, nearly 868 people were affected.[26] The Tierras Altas District saw significant damage, particularly to road infrastructure. Approximately 70 percent of roads in the district were damaged or blocked by debris, rendering some communities inaccessible. Roughly 240 hectares (590 acres) of crops valued at $6–7 million, half of which were potatoes, were lost.[10]

Elsewhere

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On October 5, the precursor tropical wave brought heavy thunderstorms to several southern Windward Islands. More than 2.0 in (51 mm) of rain fell in Trinidad and Tobago in less than a half-hour, causing significant flash flooding.[27] Significant flooding was also reported in extreme southern Mexico as the system's remnants dissipated.[1]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Cangialosi, John (March 2, 2023). Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Julia (PDF) (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  2. ^ Masters, Jeff; Henson, Bob (October 7, 2022). "Tropical Storm Julia forms in southern Caribbean". New Haven, Connecticut: Yale Climate Connections. Archived from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  3. ^ Northern Central America: TS Julia and Rainy Season Flash Update No. 01 (PDF) (Report). United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. October 14, 2022. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  4. ^ Zelinsky, Dave (October 3, 2022). Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on October 11, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
  5. ^ Berg, Robbie (October 4, 2022). Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
  6. ^ Berg, Robbie (October 6, 2022). Potential Tropical Cyclone Thirteen Advisory Number 1 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on October 11, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
  7. ^ Berg, Robbie (October 7, 2022). Tropical Storm Julia Discussion Number 5 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  8. ^ Berg, Robbie (October 9, 2022). Hurricane Julia Discussion 13 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
  9. ^ a b Castillo Vado, Houston; Hernández, Donaldo (October 19, 2022). "Nicaragua cuantifica en 400 millones de dólares las pérdidas por el huracán Julia" (in Spanish). Voice of America. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  10. ^ a b Castillo, Clarissa (October 17, 2022). "Tierras Altas: tormenta Julia dejó pérdidas por $7 millones" (in Spanish). Eco TV. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  11. ^ Masters, Jeff (October 13, 2022). "Tropical Storm Karl headed for Saturday landfall in Mexico". New Haven, Connecticut: Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
  12. ^ Daniel, Stewart. "Venezuelan authorities raise death toll to 54 in Tejerías floods". 360 News. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
  13. ^ Richard Davies. "Central America – Fatalities Reported After Hurricane Julia Brings Flooding Rains". floodlist.com. Archived from the original on October 11, 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  14. ^ a b c "Storm Julia kills 25 in Central America as it churns toward Mexico". Today Online. Reuters. Archived from the original on October 11, 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  15. ^ "Dictadura afirma que daños por Julia incrementaron a más de 300 millones de dólares". La Prensa (in Spanish). October 15, 2022. Archived from the original on October 17, 2022. Retrieved October 17, 2022. ...ya estamos encima de los US$ 300 millones de dólares, 2.2 del PIB», aseveró Iván Acosta, Ministro de Hacienda y Crédito público ...
  16. ^ "Los estragos que dejó Julia a su paso por el Caribe y Centroamérica" (in Spanish). CNN Español. October 10, 2022. Archived from the original on October 11, 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  17. ^ Informe afectaciones por Tormenta Tropical Julia – Desde el 09 de octubre al 11 de octubre del 2022 (PDF). ReliefWeb.int (Situation Report) (in Spanish). Comisión Permanente de Contingencias. October 11, 2022. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 11, 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  18. ^ a b c Prensa, Secretaría de (October 8, 2022). "El Salvador declara la alerta naranja en todo el territorio ante el paso de la tormenta tropical Julia". Presidencia de la República de El Salvador (in Spanish). Archived from the original on October 10, 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  19. ^ Prensa, Secretaría de (October 9, 2022). "Parques nacionales permanecerán cerrados, hasta nuevo aviso, ante el riesgo por el paso de la tormenta Julia". Presidencia de la República de El Salvador (in Spanish). Archived from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  20. ^ Villarán, Julio. "Se decreta alerta roja en El Salvador ante tormenta tropical Julia". La Página (in Spanish). Archived from the original on October 10, 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  21. ^ a b "Muertos e inundaciones causadas por el paso de Julia en El Salvador". La Prensa Gráfica (in Spanish). Archived from the original on October 11, 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  22. ^ a b "At least 28 killed as Julia tears through Central America". CBS News. October 11, 2022. Archived from the original on October 11, 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  23. ^ Central America – Hurricane JULIA, update (GDACS, CONRED Guatemala, Civil Protection El Salvador, Fire Department Honduras, COPECO Honduras, Red Cross Colombia, SINAPRED Nicaragua, NOAA-CPC, INETER, SNET, INS) (ECHO Daily Flash of 11 October 2022) (Report). European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations. October 11, 2022. Archived from the original on October 11, 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2022 – via ReliefWeb.
  24. ^ Fernandez, Ileana (October 11, 2022). "Costa Rica Reports Severe Damage After Hurricane Julia". The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  25. ^ "Clases suspendidas en Panamá por huracán Julia" (in Spanish). Prensa Latina. October 10, 2022. Archived from the original on October 11, 2022. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
  26. ^ a b "Natural Hazards Monitoring – 11 October 2022". Pan American Health Organization. Archived from the original on October 12, 2022. Retrieved October 13, 2022 – via Reliefweb.
  27. ^ Masters, Jeff (October 5, 2022). "Disturbance 91L drenches the Windward Islands". New Haven, Connecticut: Yale Climate Connections. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
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