Hurricane Ernesto (2006)

Infobox Hurricane
Name=Hurricane Ernesto
Type=hurricane
Year=2006
Basin=Atl
Image location=Ernesto 27 aug 2006 1550Z.jpg


Formed=August 24, 2006
Dissipated=September 1, 2006
1-min winds=65
Pressure=985
Da

Inflated=-1
Fatalities=At least 7 direct, 4 indirect
Areas=Lesser Antilles, Hispaniola, Cuba, East Coast of the United States (landfalls in Florida and North Carolina), eastern Canada
Hurricane season=2006 Atlantic hurricane season Hurricane Ernesto was the costliest tropical cyclone of the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season. The sixth tropical storm and first hurricane of the season, Ernesto developed from a tropical wave on August 24 in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Ernesto first affected the northern Caribbean, reaching minimal hurricane status near Haiti before weakening and moving across eastern Cuba as a tropical storm. Despite initial predictions for it to track through the eastern Gulf of Mexico as a major hurricane, Ernesto moved across eastern Florida as a weak tropical storm. After turning to the northeast, it re-intensified and made landfall on August 31 on the North Carolina coast just below hurricane status. The remnants spread moisture across the northeastern United States before dissipating over eastern Canada on September 14.

The deaths of at least eight people were attributed to Ernesto, which dumped heavy rains throughout its path, especially in the mid-Atlantic states. Damage in Virginia was estimated to have been $118 million (2006 USD), and total damage in the United States was estimated at $500 million (2006 USD).

Meteorological history

On August 18, a tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa.cite web|author=Richard Knabb and Michelle Mainelli|year=2006|title=Hurricane Ernesto Tropical Cyclone Report|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-05-25|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/TCR-AL052006_Ernesto.pdf] It tracked westward, and its convection began organizing and concentrating on August 22.cite web|author=Stewart|year=2006|title=August 22 Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-05-25|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Outlook-A/2006082221.ABNT20] The next day, convection increased along the wave axis, and Dvorak classifications from the Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch of the National Hurricane Center began at 1200 UTC on August 23. As it approached the Lesser Antilles, a surface low developed, and with the confirmation of a closed low-level circulation from the Hurricane Hunters, it is estimated the system developed into Tropical Depression Five on August 24 about convert|50|mi|km|0 north-northwest of Grenada.cite web|author=Franklin|year=2006|title=Tropical Depression Five Discussion One|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-05-25|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al05/al052006.discus.001.shtml?]

Located to the south of a ridge across the southwestern Atlantic Ocean, the depression tracked west-northwestward through an area of dry air and westerly wind shear. Despite the shear, convection intensified near the center as banding features improved,Cite web|author=Blake & Avila|year=2006|title=Tropical Depression Five Discussion Three|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-05-30|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al05/al052006.discus.003.shtml?] and on August 24, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Ernesto. Convection deepened and expanded, though wind shear displaced the low-level center to the west of the convection.cite web|author=Mainelli & Knabb|year=2006|title=Tropical Storm Ernesto Discussion Six|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-05-30|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al05/al052006.discus.006.shtml] By August 26, the structure had become much better-defined, and within five days Ernesto was forecast to be located about 275 miles (445 km) south of the Gulf Coast of the United States as a major hurricane.cite web|author=Avila|year=2006|title=Tropical Storm Ernesto Discussion Seven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-05-30|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al05/al052006.discus.007.shtml] The center reformed under the deepest convection after wind shear decreased, and at the same time outflow increased in all quadrants. Turning northwestward, a small eye formed,cite web|author=Stewart|year=2006|title=Tropical Storm Ernesto Discussion Eleven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-05-30|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al05/al052006.discus.011.shtml] and early on August 27 Ernesto attained hurricane status about convert|95|mi|km|0 south-southwest of the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Upon becoming a hurricane, Ernesto was believed to be undergoing rapid intensification. However, the small inner core deteriorated as the circulation interacted with the mountainous terrain of southwest Haiti, and it quickly weakened back to tropical storm status. The center became broad and ill-defined, though it was forecast to re-intensify to hurricane status before striking Cuba.cite web|author=Pasch|year=2006|title=Tropical Storm Ernesto Discussion Thirteen|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-05-30|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al05/al052006.discus.013.shtml] It continued to weaken due to land interaction, and early on August 28 Ernesto passed just offshore of the southwestern tip of Haiti with winds of convert|45|mph|km/h|0. Hindered by increased wind shear from an upper-level low over the Bahamas, the storm weakened further before striking just west of Guantánamo Bay in Cuba as a minimal tropical storm. With very warm water temperatures and a favorable upper-level environment, one forecast remarked the possibility of Ernesto strengthening greatly over the Straits of Florida and eastern Gulf of Mexico to hit western Florida as a major hurricane.cite web|author=Stewart|year=2006|title=Tropical Storm Ernesto Discussion Fifteen|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-05-30|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al05/al052006.discus.015.shtml] Ernesto remained over land as a minimal tropical storm for about 18 hours before reaching the Straits of Florida. Convection gradually increased over the warm waters, though Ernesto failed to strengthen significantly due to its disrupted inner core. An eastward-moving high pressure system over the southeastern United States allowed a continued northwest movement, and at 0300 UTC on August 30 the storm struck Plantation Key in the upper Florida Keys with winds of convert|45|mph|km/h|0. Two hours later, Ernesto made landfall on the Florida mainland in southwestern Miami-Dade County.

Moving through a weakness in the subtropical ridge, the storm turned to the north through the state. Operationally, the National Hurricane Center downgraded Ernesto to tropical depression status while over the state,cite web|author=Avila|year=2006|title=Tropical Depression Ernesto Discussion Twenty-Four|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-05-30|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al05/al052006.discus.024.shtml] though post-analysis indicated the system maintained tropical storm status. Ernesto retained a well-organized cloud pattern over land, and after emerging over the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Canaveral, convection again increased and began wrapping into the circulation.cite web|author=Brown & Knabb|year=2006|title=Tropical Storm Ernesto Discussion Twenty-Seven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-05-30|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al05/al052006.discus.027.shtml] Upon reaching the Atlantic Ocean, Ernesto accelerated north-northeastward ahead of an approaching deep layer trough. The convection increased as the storm strengthened over warm waters, and late on August 31 Ernesto attained an intensity of convert|70|mph|km/h|0 while located about convert|170|mi|km|0 south-southwest of Wilmington, North Carolina. Shortly prior to moving ashore, an eye began to develop, and early on September 1 the storm made landfall on Oak Island, North Carolina very near the threshold between tropical storm and hurricane status. The National Hurricane Center remarked the possibility that Ernesto could have been a hurricane at landfall, due to the possibility that the strongest maximum wind was not sampled.

After landfall the storm rapidly weakened, and about eight hours after moving ashore, Ernesto deteriorated to tropical depression status. Interacting with a pre-existing frontal zone that extended eastward through Virginia, Ernesto quickly lost its tropical characteristics, and late on September 1 it transitioned into an extratropical cyclone. It re-intensified to a gale over the Mid-Atlantic states, only to weaken to an extratropical depression near Pennsylvania. With a large high pressure area to its east, the remnants turned to the north-northwest, reaching southern Ontario on September 3. After turning northeastward, the extratropical remnants of Ernesto were absorbed into a larger storm over Quebec on September 4.

Preparations

Caribbean

About nine hours after Ernesto became a tropical storm, the government of Haiti issued a tropical storm watch from its border with the Dominican Republic to the southwestern tip of the country. As the storm strengthened, the watch was replaced with a tropical storm warning, and about 15 hours prior to its closest approach the warning was replaced with a hurricane warning. Several low-lying citizens in Gonaïves were evacuated after local meteorologists anticipated up to 20 inches (500 mm) of rain in some mountainous areas. Additionally, authorities advised residents in shantytowns near the ocean to evacuate to emergency shelters.

Jamaican officials issued radio and television advisories for residents in low-lying areas, urging them to be ready and evacuate if necessary. The Jamaican government opened all shelters on the island and placed its armed forces on standby. Long lines for storm supplies were reported at local businesses ahead of the storm as residents rushed to obtain supplies in preparation for Ernesto's onslaught.cite news | author = Howard Campbell | title = Ernesto Aims at Jamaica, May Hit Gulf | date = August 26, 2006 | accessdate = 2006-08-26 | publisher = Associated Press | url = http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=2361094] When a tropical storm warning was put in effect for Jamaica and the central Bahamas, cruise ship companies indicated they were diverting several liners to avoid the storm.cite news | author = Anita Snow| title = Ernesto Hits Cuba, on Track for Florida | date = August 28, 2006 | accessdate = 2006-08-28 | publisher = argusleader | url = http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/T/TROPICAL_WEATHER?SITE=SDSIO&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT]

Hurricane warnings were put in effect for six provinces in southeastern Cuba, where significant precipitation ranging up to 20 inches (500 mm) across the mountainous south was expected as the center of Ernesto tracked slowly across Cuba.cite web| author = James Franklin | authorlink = James Franklin (meteorologist) | title = Tropical Storm Ernesto Public Advisory 14, 1100 PM EDT | date = August 27, 2006 | accessdate = 2006-08-27 | publisher = National Hurricane Center/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/al05/al052006.public.014.shtml?] Cuban officials evacuated 300,000 people [cite news|author=Anthony Boadle|title=Ernesto bears down on Cuba after killing 1 in Haiti| date= August 28, 2006|publisher=Reuters|url=http://www.redorbit.com/news/general/634231/ernesto_bears_down_on_cuba_after_killing_1_in_haiti/index.html|accessdate=2006-08-28] and brought its fishing fleet into harbors.cite news | author = Jim Loney | title = Ernesto weakens as it pounds Haiti | date = August 27, 2006 | accessdate = 2006-08-28 | publisher = Reuters | url = http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/37863/newsDate/28-Aug-2006/story.htm] The Cuban state television broadcast extensive warnings about the storm, urging precautions. Cattle were moved to higher ground, tourists were evacuated from hotels in the southeastern province of Granma, and baseball games scheduled for the evening of August 27 in Havana were played earlier in the day.cite news | author = Anita Snow| title = Ernesto Hits Cuba, on Track for Florida | date = August 28, 2006 | accessdate = 2006-08-28 | publisher = argusleader | url = http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/T/TROPICAL_WEATHER?SITE=SDSIO&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT] The threat of the storm caused domestic flights to be canceled. [cite news |title = Cuba Suspends Domestic Flights |url = http://www.plenglish.com/article.asp?ID=%7BBBFF68F9-9248-4B5C-8CEE-8FF3EC7D1227%7D)&language=EN |publisher = Presenta Latina |date = 2006-08-28 |accessdate = 2006-09-02]

United States

On August 26, about four days prior to Ernesto striking the state, the government of Florida activated its Emergency Operations Center, while the National Guard was placed on standby, following a "warning order" to its commanders.cite news | author = Breanne Gilpatrick, Marc Caputo, Aldo Nahed and Bob Radziewicz | title = Hurricane Ernesto could take aim at Florida | date = August 27, 2006 | publisher = The Miami Herald | accessdate = 2008-02-24 | url = http://www.redorbit.com/news/international/633822/ernesto_becomes_a_hurricane_fla_governor_declares_emergency/index.html] On August 27, the Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush, issued a state of emergency because of the high risk of impact from Ernesto on the state. Officials issued a mandatory evacuation order for all visitors and non-residents in the Florida Keys about three days before the storm passed through the area.cite web|author=Florida State Emergency Response Team|year=2006|title=Hurricane Ernesto Situation Report #1|accessdate=2008-02-22|url=http://www.floridadisaster.org/eoc/eoc_Activations/Ernesto06/Reports/Situation%20Report_082706_1.pdf|format=PDF] Mandatory evacuations were later issued for mobile homes and low-lying areas of Monroe, Broward, St. Lucie, and Martin counties; voluntary evacuations were also issued for barrier islands in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. On August 28, forecasters issued a hurricane watch for southern Florida through the Florida Keys. When Ernesto was downgraded to tropical storm status, Governor Jeb Bush urged Florida residents to continue preparations and not wait until it regained hurricane status, as it was forecast to do by the National Hurricane Center.cite news | author = Anita Snow| title = Ernesto Hits Cuba West of U.S. Air Base| date = August 28, 2006 | accessdate = 2006-08-28 | publisher = abcnews | url =http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=2365844] At least 30 shelters were opened, and tolls on four turnpike were lifted. Several schools were closed across southern Florida.cite web|author=Florida State Emergency Response Team|year=2006|title=Hurricane Ernesto Situation Report #1|accessdate=2008-02-22|url=http://www.floridadisaster.org/eoc/eoc_Activations/Ernesto06/Reports/Sitrep_Ernesto_082906_4.pdf|format=PDF] The threat of the storm caused NASA to postpone the launch of Space Shuttle "Atlantis" at Kennedy Space Center to avoid risking damage from the storm. [cite news|author=Tariq Malik|date=2006-09-04|title=Shuttle Atlantis Cleared for Wednesday Launch Attempt|publisher=SPACE.com|accessdate=2008-02-23|url=https://www.space.com/syn/avantgo/060904_sts115_postlrr.html]

Early uncertainty in track forecast led to preparations along the Gulf Coast. In New Orleans and Chalmette the United States Army Corps of Engineers declared that the levees repaired after their failures during Katrina may stop the storm surge from a hurricane, but that they would also block rainwater from leaving the city, because of delays in building the ancillary infrastructure to prevent flooding. New Orleans, which had already been devastated by Hurricane Katrina a year earlier, now had to worry about the threat of another potential major hurricane.cite news| author = Peter Henderson | title = Louisiana on alert for Tropical Storm Ernesto | date = August 26, 2006 | accessdate = 2006-08-26 | publisher = Reuters | url = http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2360276] No evacuation orders were issued for Gulf Coast residents.

The forecast initially caused oil prices to rise in anticipation of possible impact in the central Gulf of Mexico.cite news | author = Brad Foss | title = Oil Rises As Traders Watch Iran, Storm | date = August 26, 2006 | accessdate = 2006-08-26 | publisher = Associated Press | url = http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=2356301&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312] The petroleum supermajor BP stated it would evacuate one-third of its 2,400 employees from their stations in the Gulf of Mexico as a precautionary measure. Combined with uncertainty about a possible conflict with Iran, the cost of crude oil rose on August 25 by US$1.19 to US$73.55, and natural gas prices rose US$0.39 to US$7.47. However, oil prices retreated by US$2 on August 28 to well below US$71, as the storm began its track toward Florida. cite news| author = Brad Foss | title = Oil prices drop more than $2 a barrel | date = August 28, 2006 | accessdate = 2006-08-28 | publisher = Yahoo! | url = http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/2007-05-29-oil-prices-tuesday_N.htm]

On August 29, a hurricane watch was issued from the mouth of the Altamaha River in Georgia to Cape Fear, North Carolina. The next day, the watch was replaced with a tropical storm warning, which was later extended to Currituck Beach Light in Corolla, North Carolina before the storm moved ashore. In South Carolina, voluntary evacuations were issued for Charleston and Colleton counties.

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine declared a state of emergency, putting the Virginia National Guard and state agencies on alert and opening the state's new Emergency Operations Center in suburban Richmond. North Carolina Governor Mike Easley activated 200 National Guard troops and had other emergency teams on standby. Washington D.C. and parts of Maryland and Delaware were put on a Coastal Flood Watch and Flash Flood Watch by the National Weather Service in preparation for Ernesto. [cite news |title = Ernesto ebbs to tropical depression, drenches Virginia, Carolinas with rain |url = http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/story.html?id=045fc255-8199-4819-87e8-8b1db862c64d |publisher = Ottawa Citizen/Associated Press |date = 2006-09-01 |accessdate = 2006-09-02]

Impact

Caribbean

Shortly before Ernesto developed into a tropical cyclone, the precursor tropical wave produced sustained winds of convert|37|mph|km/h|0 in Barbados in association with a convective downburst. On the island, the winds downed some trees, and some flooding was reported. Strong winds and rough seas damaged six fishing boats in the southern portion of the island. [cite news|author=Michael Melia|date=2006-08-26|title=TS Ernesto forms over southern Caribbean, heads toward Jamaica|publisher=Associated Press|accessdate=2008-07-30] Squalls in Trinidad left about 12 people injured after winds destroyed several tents.cite news|author=Caribbean Media Corporation|date=2006-08-26|title=Caribbean placed on alert as tropical depression develops|accessdate=2008-07-30] Also on Trinidad, the system produced widespread flooding, which resulted in some crop damage. [cite web|author=Emmanuel Moolchan|publisher=Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service|year=2007|title=The Impact of the 2006 Hurricane Season Operations for Trinidad and Tobago|accessdate=2008-03-21|format=PDF|url=http://www.cmo.org.tt/Docs/CMC46/pdfs/Trinidad.pdf]

Puerto Rico experienced peripheral rainfall from the cyclone as it tracked through the eastern Caribbean Sea. A two-day storm total of 4.69 inches (119 mm) occurred in Sabana Grande.cite web|author=David Roth|year=2007|title=Rainfall Summary for Hurricane Ernesto|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|accessdate=2008-02-24|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/ernesto2006.html]

In the Dominican Republic, heavy rainfall caused river flooding and mudslides, resulting in damage to several houses. The highest rainfall report noted was 7.01 inches (178 mm) at Barahona. The rainfall also downed trees, and caused flooding to enter over 400 houses near Santo Domingocite news |first = Nancy |last = San Martin |title = Mountains buffer Cuba from big blow |url = http://master.redorbit.com/news/international/635893/mountains_buffer_cuba_from_big_blow/index.html |publisher = Miami Herald |date = 2006-08-29 |accessdate = 2006-09-02] , which forced the evacuation of over 1,600 people. [cite news |author = Andrea Rodriguez |title = Ernesto kills at least 2 in Haiti |url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/29/AR2006082901019_pf.html |publisher = Associated Press |date = 2006-08-29 |accessdate = 2006-09-02] In Haiti, the storm caused heavy rainfall of over 11 inches (300 mm) and strong winds,cite web|author=International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies|year=2006|title=Haiti: Floods and Tropical Storm Ernesto DREF Bulletin MDRHT001 Update No.1|accessdate=2006-09-15|url=http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/HMYT-6TLNBM?OpenDocument&rc=2&emid=TC-2006-000126-JAM] causing flooding and destroying 13 homes on the island of La Gonave. [cite web | author = Anthony Boadle | title = Ernesto weakens to storm, one dead in Haiti | date = August 28, 2006 | accessdate = 2006-08-28 | publisher = Mail and Guardian | url = http://www.mg.co.za/articlepage.aspx?area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__international_news/&articleid=282129] In Port-au-Prince, rainfall severely damaged a bridge, isolating the southern portion of the region. Across the country, 59 homes were damaged, of which six destroyed, and a total of five deaths were reported. [cite web|author=Relief Web|url=http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/HMYT-6TLNBM?OpenDocument&rc=2&emid=TC-2006-000126-JAM|title=Relief Web's report on Ernesto|accessdate=2006-09-22]

Ernesto produced heavy rainfall in eastern Cuba, with Guantanamo reporting 3 inches (75 mm) in four hours. [cite news| author = Anthony Boadle|title=UPDATE 4-Ernesto drenches Cuba on track to south Florida| date=2006-08-26|publisher = Reuters|url = http://www.spa.gov.sa/english/print.php?id=385627 |accessdate=2006-08-28] Gusty winds left some towns in the Camagüey Province without power, though overall damage was minor. There were no reports from Cuba of deaths, injuries, or major damage attributed to the storm. [cite news |title = Ernesto kills at least 2 in Haiti |url = http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&pubid=968163964505&cid=1156888230007&col=968705899037&call_page=TS_News&call_pageid=968332188492&call_pagepath=News/News |publisher = Toronto Star |date = 2006-08-29 |accessdate = 2006-09-02 ]

outheastern United States

Upon making landfall in southern Florida, the storm produced a storm tide of about 1 foot (0.3 m) above astronomical tide levels, though no beach erosion was reported. Winds were fairly minor across the state, reaching convert|40|mph|km/h|0 at a station on Lake Okeechobee. Ernesto dropped heavy rainfall across southwest Florida, with a state maximum of 8.72 inches (221 mm) recorded at South Golden Gate. The rainfall caused the Fisheating Creek to overflow, and some flooding also occurred in portions of Collier County.Cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|accessdate=2007-05-31|year=2006|title=Event Report for Florida|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~607679] Floodwaters entered at least 13 homes in Palmdale. The passage of the storm resulted in more than 150 canceled flights at Orlando International Airport, stranding several travelers. [cite news |title = Ernesto Strands Passengers At OIA |url = http://www.wesh.com/weather/9766988/detail.html |publisher = WESH |date = 2006-08-31 |accessdate = 2006-09-02] While moving through the state, Ernesto spawned two F0 tornadoes in Osceola County. One person died in each in Broward and Miami-Dade counties from traffic accidents; the deaths are considered indirectly related to Ernesto. Overall damage in the state was minor.

Passing to the east of Georgia, the storm produced light winds and rainfall near the coast. [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2006|title=Event Report for Georgia|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~608796] In South Carolina, the storm brought over 7 inches (175 mm) of precipitation to North Myrtle Beach, which caused ponding on roadways. Winds were generally light, peaking at around 35 mph (55 km/h), which caused isolated power outages; [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2006|title=Event Report for South Carolina|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~633606] about 2,700 people across the state lost power. Near Charleston, the passage of the storm caused moderate flooding that left some roads closed. No significant damage was reported in the state.cite web|author=Charleston, South Carolina National Weather Service|date=2006-09-01|title=Hurricane Ernesto Post Tropical Cyclone Report|accessdate=2008-03-11|url=http://www.erh.noaa.gov/chs/text/PSHCHS_09012006_2204.txt]

Tropical Storm Ernesto made landfall in Brunswick County in the southern portion of North Carolina, producing a moderate storm surge along the Pamlico River which forced several evacuations. The storm surge reached 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) in Beaufort County, flooding many homes and businesses.cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2006|title=Event Report for North Carolina|accessdate=2008-08-22|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~628429] Just east of where it moved ashore, the storm dropped 14.6 inches (371 mm) of rainfall in Wrightsville Beach; this was the highest rainfall total associated with Ernesto in the United States. Much of the eastern portion of the state received over 3 inches (75 mm) of precipitation, and in the northeastern portion of the state, the precipitation caused flash flooding. The rainfall caused freshwater flooding in low-lying areas, as well as along major and minor roadways; the floodwaters left a 12 mile portion of Interstate 40 closed in Duplin County. Subsequent to the storm's passage, the rainfall caused severe river flooding, with many streams and rivers overflowing their banks for several days. The Northeast Cape Fear River at Chinquapin remained in major flood stage for a week, flooding many roads and homes.

The storm moved ashore just below hurricane strength, though wind gusts near the coast were generally around 40–60 mph (65–95 km/h). Gusts peaked at 62 mph (100 km/h) in Wilmington, and the strong winds downed trees and power lines across the coastal region; about 69,000 people were left without power.cite web|author=U.S. Department of Energy|date=2006-09-01|title=Energy Assurance Daily|accessdate=2008-08-08|url=http://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/docs/eads/ead090106a.pdf|format=PDF] Minor property damage was caused by three tornadoes spawned by the storm in eastern North Carolina. The passage of the storm caused a traffic fatality in the state, [cite news|author=Associated Press|Date=2006-08-31|title=Ernesto drenches Virginia, Carolinas|accessdate=2008-08-22|url=http://www.usatoday.com/weather/hurricane/2006-08-31-ernesto_x.htm] and crop damage in North Carolina totaled $76 million (2006 USD). [cite web|author=Jennifer Calhoun|publisher=Fayetteville Online|url=http://www2.nccommerce.com/eclipsfiles/14910.pdf|format=PDF|title=Ernesto takes toll on crops|accessdate=2008-02-24]

Mid-Atlantic States and Canada

Ernesto transitioned into an extratropical cyclone as it entered southern Virginia, bringing heavy rainfall which peaked at 10.6 inches (270 mm) in Wakefield. The precipitation caused flash flooding, which closed several roads but did not cause serious damage. The interaction between Ernesto and a strong ridge over the western Atlantic produced a tight pressure gradient, resulting in strong winds across the state; wind gusts peaked at 87 mph (141 km/h) at a station near the mouth of the York River.cite web|author=WRS/Cullen/Ark|date=2006-09-06|title=Tropical Storm Ernesto Post Storm Report|publisher=Wakefield, Virginia National Weather Service|accessdate=2008-08-08|url=http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/akq/wx_events/hur/ernesto_2006.html] Strong winds downed numerous trees, including in Gloucester where two people died after a tree hit their home. [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2006|title=Event Report for Virginia|accessdate=2008-08-08|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~639297] The winds caused widespread power outages; Dominion Virginia Power reported about 600,000 customers as losing power some time during the storm. The storm produced a storm tide of 6.12 feet (1.86 m) near Virginia Beach; along the Chesapeake Bay, tidal flooding in combination with strong waves damaged boats and piers, and left a few homes flooded. Storm surge flooding also occurred along the Potomac River, with heavy beach erosion, light property damage, and flooded roadways reported in Alexandria. [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2006|title=Event Report for Virginia (2)|accessdate=2008-08-08|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~639320] Across the state, the storm damaged or destroyed 609 houses, with damage totaling $118 million (2006 USD, $126 million 2008 USD). Seven people were killed in the state, of which two directly to the storm; [cite web|author=Virginia Department of Emergency Management|year=2008|title=Virginia Weather and Disaster Statistics: Hurricane Statistics|accessdate=2008-08-08|url=http://www.vdem.state.va.us/newsroom/history/stats/hurricane/index.cfm] three of the deaths were from traffic accidents, and one person died from carbon monoxide poisoning, due to operating a power generator inside after a power outage.cite news|author=Staff Writer|date=2006-09-06|title=NN woman is called 6th Va. victim of Ernesto|publisher=Newport News|accessdate=2008-08-08|url=http://www.courant.com/news/dp-17868sy0sep04,0,7596074.story]

In Washington, D.C., the storm produced wind gusts of up to 45 mph (75 km/h) which, in combination with heavy rainfall, resulted in a few downed tree branches and power lines. [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2006|title=Event report for Washington, D.C.|accessdate=2008-08-11|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~607136] High tides caused by gale-force winds through September 2 swamped St. George Island in St. Mary's County, Maryland. In St. Mary's County, Maryland, damage totaled to $4.4 million (2006 USD). [ [http://somdnews.com/stories/092006/entetop180238_32083.shtml Overall estimates peg damage from Ernesto in excess of $4 million] Retrieved: September 30, 2006] Farther north, a general 2-4 inches (50-100 mm) of rain fell across Pennsylvania and New York. The rain in New York caused delays in the play at the 2006 U.S. Open, and washed out a whole day's play. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/5318362.stm BBC SPORT | Tennis | Murray delayed by New York rain ] ] In Pennsylvania, there were two deaths. A seven year-old boy died at a hospital, after a tree limb fell on him. A man was trying to rescue his golden retriever from a drainage steam, while he was sucked into an outflow pipe, and was found dead after being pulled out of a manhole. [http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=weather&id=4529057 (Associated Press via WPVI)] ]

The extratropical remnants of Ernesto moved across southern Ontario, dropping moderate rainfall of up to 2.1 inches (54 mm). [cite web|author=Canadian Hurricane Centre|year=2007|title=2006 Atlantic Hurricane Season Review|accessdate=2008-07-30|url=http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/storm06.html] Wind gusts reached 37 mph (60 km/h) near Toronto, and the winds in combination with the rainfall caused power outages when lines snapped. [cite news|author=Brett Clarkson|date=2006-09-03|title=Ernesto Winds Put T.O. in Dark|publisher=Toronto Sun|accessdate=2008-07-30] Hundreds were left without power, though the outages were quickly restored. [cite news|author=Natalie Pona and Jack Boland|date=2006-09-04|title=Waterlog Weekend Sinks CNE|publisher=Toronto Sun|accessdate=2008-07-30]

Aftermath

On September 22, 2006, President George W. Bush declared 19 counties in Virginia as disaster areas, including the cities of Richmond and Poquoson. The declaration allowed for federal funding to assist in paying for rebuilding public facilities damaged by Ernesto's flooding. [ [http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=30198 FEMA: President Declares Major Disaster For Virginia ] ]

Dominion Resources's Tidewater Virginia area was among the most affected, requiring 2-3 days to restore all areas. [cite web|author=Reuters|date=2006-09-01|title=Ernesto power outages climb|publisher=Reuters|accessdate=2008-02-24|url=http://www.redorbit.com/news/general/642328/ernesto_power_outages_climb/index.html] [Press release: " [http://www.dom.com/news/elec2006/pr0902.jsp Dominion To Restore Majority Of Customers Today, Virtually All Repairs To Be Complete By Sunday] ", "Dominion Resources", 2006-09-02] By two days after moving through the area, all major roadways were opened, though secondary roadways took longer to be cleared from debris.

Despite the damage, the name Ernesto was not retired, and is included on the list of names for the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season.

ee also

* 2006 Atlantic hurricane season
* List of North Carolina hurricanes (1980-present)
* Other tropical cyclones named Ernesto

References

External links

Wikinewshas|related news
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* The NHC's [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2006/ERNESTO.shtml? archive on Hurricane Ernesto] .
* The Hydrometeorological Prediction Center's [http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical2006/ERNESTO/ERNESTO_archive.shtml archive on Hurricane Ernesto] .
* The Hydrometeorological Prediction Center's [http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/ernesto2006.html rainfall page on Ernesto]