Tropical Storm Edouard (2002)

Infobox Hurricane
Name=Tropical Storm Edouard
Type=Tropical storm
Year=2002
Basin=Atl
Image location=Tropical Storm Edouard 2002.jpg


Formed=September 1, 2002
Dissipated=September 6, 2002
1-min winds=55
Pressure=1002
Da

Inflated=
Fatalities=None
Areas=Florida
Hurricane season=2002 Atlantic hurricane season

Tropical Storm Edouard was the first of eight tropical cyclones to develop in September 2002, at the time the highest on record for any month.cite web|author=Avila, Beven, Pasch, Stewart, Franklin, and Stewart|year=2002|title=Summary of Tropical Cyclone Activity for September 2002|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2002/tws/MIATWSAT_sep.html] The fifth tropical storm of the 2002 Atlantic hurricane season, Edouard developed into a tropical cyclone on September 1 from an area of convection in association with a cold front to the east of Florida. Under weak steering currents, Edouard drifted to the north and executed a clockwise loop to the west. Despite moderate to strong levels of wind shear, the storm reached a peak intensity of 55 mph (90 km/h) on September 3, though quickly weakened as it tracked westward. Edouard made landfall on northeastern Florida on September 5, and after crossing the state it dissipated on September 6 while being absorbed into the larger circulation of Tropical Storm Fay.

Tropical Storm Edouard dropped moderate rainfall across Florida, peaking at over 7 inches (175 mm) in the western portion of the state. Though it was a tropical storm at landfall, winds were light across the path of the storm over land. Several roads were flooded from moderate precipitation. No casualties were reported, and damage was minimal.

Meteorological history

An area of cloudiness and rainshowers developed several hundred miles east-southeast of Bermuda on August 25, likely in association with a low-level disturbance that formed along a cold front. For several days, it moved southwestward, and, while located on the southwestern end of an upper-level trough to the north of Puerto Rico, deep convection throughout the system increased. The system tracked westward,cite web|author=Richard J. Pasch|year=2002|title=Tropical Storm Edouard Tropical Cyclone Report|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate = 2006-12-10|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002edouard.shtml] and initially remained disorganized while surface pressures remained high.cite web|author=Beven & Cobb|year=2002|title=August 28 Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=NHC|accessdate = 2006-12-10|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Outlook-A/2002/Aug/2002082902.ABNT20] The system turned to a northwest drift, and began to slowly organize on August 30 while located a few hundred miles northeast of the Bahamas.cite web|author=Beven|year=2002|title=August 30 Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=NHC|accessdate = 2006-12-10|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Outlook-A/2002/Aug/2002083021.ABNT20] A broad low pressure area developed on August 31 though convection remained disorganized as winds of 20 to 25 mph (32 to 40 km/h) were reported in squalls. Conditions remained favorable for continued organization,cite web|author=Beven|year=2002|title=August 31 Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=NHC|accessdate = 2006-12-10|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Outlook-A/2002/Aug/2002083121.ABNT20] and convection increased and persisted across the system. The system developed into Tropical Depression Five on September 1 after developing a low-level circulation while located about 140 miles (225 km) east of Daytona Beach, Florida.

Upon first forming, the tropical depression was located in an area of light to moderate westerly wind shear. With a ridge to the north and west of the depression, the system moved to the northwest under weak steering currents.cite web|author=Stewart|year=2002|title=Tropical Depression Five Discussion|publisher=NHC|accessdate = 2006-12-10|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2002/dis/al052002.discus.001.html] The depression slowly strengthened and intensified into Tropical Storm Edouard on September 2 while located about 120 miles (190 km) east of Jacksonville, Florida. The storm remained disorganized with wind shear displacing most of the deep convection from the low-level circulation. Upon becoming a tropical storm, forecasters initially predicted Edouard to gradually turn to the northeast, and within three days be located a short distance off the coast of South Carolina with winds of 60 mph (95 km/h). However, forecasters admitted little confidence in the prediction,cite web|author=Beven|year=2002|title=Tropical Storm Edouard Discussion Three|publisher=NHC|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2002/dis/al052002.discus.003.html] and later forecasts predicted the storm to execute a loop and track westward into northern Florida or southern Georgia. Shortly after the tropical cyclogenesis of Edouard, steering currents became weak, resulting in the storm to turn sharply eastward. Late on September 2 deep convection developed over the center,cite web|author=Franklin|year=2002|title=Tropical Storm Edouard Discussion Four|publisher=NHC|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2002/dis/al052002.discus.004.html] though the center quickly became exposed again.cite web|author=Franklin|year=2002|title=Tropical Storm Edouard Discussion Five|publisher=NHC|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2002/dis/al052002.discus.005.html] The environment appeared to become more hostile on September 2 and 3 with increasing shear and dry air overspreading the center. Despite the conditions, the storm maintained vigorous convection over the eastern portion of the circulation, and it quickly intensified on September 3 to reach peak winds of 55 mph (90 km/h). A Reconnaissance Aircraft flight into the system estimated surface winds of up to 60 mph (95 km/h) and reported flight level winds of 82 mph (132 km/h).cite web|author=Franklin|year=2002|title=Tropical Storm Edouard Discussion Eight|publisher=NHC|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2002/dis/al052002.discus.008.html]

Shortly after peaking in intensity, Tropical Storm Edouard began to weaken as convection diminished from vertical shear and dry air, and later on September 3 the center was exposed from the steadily decreasing convection. The development of a weak and narrow mid-level ridge turned the storm to the west-southwest towards northeastern Florida. Despite strong levels of wind shear, Edouard remained a tropical storm while producing sporadic amounts of deep convection, and on September 4 the banding structure improved.cite web|author=Franklin|year=2002|title=Tropical Storm Edouard Discussion Twelve|publisher=NHC|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2002/dis/al052002.discus.012.html] Early on September 5, Edouard made landfall near Ormond Beach, Florida as a minimal tropical storm, and almost immediately weakened to a tropical depression over land. It tracked across the state for about 13 hours and entered the Gulf of Mexico near Crystal River. Initial forecasts predicted Edouard to restrengthen to a tropical storm over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, though uncertainty was noted due to the development of Tropical Storm Fay in the northwestern portion of the gulf.cite web|author=Franklin|year=2002|title=Tropical Storm Edouard Discussoin Thirteen|publisher=NHC|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2002/dis/al052002.discus.013.html] Upon entering the Gulf of Mexico, the depression encountered strong wind shear from the outflow of Tropical Storm Fay. Edouard generated minimal amounts of intermittent convection along the southeastern portion of its circulation, enough for it to remain a tropical cyclone.cite web|author=Franklin|year=2002|title=Tropical Depression Edouard Discussion Seventeen|publisher=NHC|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2002/dis/al052002.discus.017.html] By September 6 the remaining convection dissipated, and Edouard dissipated while becoming absorbed into the larger circulation of Tropical Storm Fay.

Preparations

Three hours after developing, the National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm watch from Titusville, Florida to Brunswick, Georgia due to uncertainty in the track of the storm. Hours after becoming a tropical storm, a tropical storm warning was issued from Fernandina Beach, Florida to the mouth of the Savannah River, with a tropical storm watch further northward to the mouth of the South Santee River in South Carolina, though these were cancelled after Edouard turned to the east. About 10 hours before landfall, the National Hurricane Center issued another tropical storm warning from Titusville, Florida to Brunswick, Georgia, with a tropical storm watch further south to Sebastian Inlet, Florida.

Two days before the storm made landfall, several Florida counties were monitoring the progress of the storm. Though no serious impact was anticipated, Brevard County officials identified possible shelters if warranted. Putnam County officials placed several shelters on standby, and utility crews in Duval County were placed on standby in the event of power failure. Several media releases of information were issued regarding the storm. The State Emergency Operation Center was on Level 2, or partial activation, and the state government organized two conferences to discuss county actions in regards to the storm.cite web|author=Florida State Emergency Response Team|year=2002|title=Tropical Storm Edouard Situation Report|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://www.floridadisaster.org/eoc/eoc_Activations/Edouard_02/Sitrep_090302_1.PDF] The National Weather Service issued a flood watch hours before Edouard made landfall for much of eastern Florida due to the expected rainfall from the storm.cite web|author=Florida State Emergency Response Team|year=2002|title=Tropical Storm Edouard Situation Report 2|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://www.floridadisaster.org/eoc/eoc_Activations/Edouard_02/Sitrep_090402_2.PDF]

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division monitored the progress of the storm, and the Division increased its awareness level in response to the storm. Important state agencies in South Carolina government were notified to be ready to respond if the need arose.cite web|author=Joe Farmer & John Legare|year=2002|title=SCEMD Monitors Tropical Storm Edouard|publisher=Emergency Managent Division of South Carolina|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://scemd.org/News/newsrel/2002nr/ed1.pdf]

Impact

In Bermuda, the outflow from the storm produced cloudy conditions throughout the island. Squally conditions were reported a short distance to the west of the island, though no rain was reported on Bermuda.cite web|author=Bermuda Weather Service|year=2002|title=Bermuda Weather for September 2002|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://www.weather.bm/data/2002-09.html]

While moving erratically off the east coast of Florida, Tropical Storm Edouard produced rough surf conditions and rip currents along many beaches. Beachgoers and visitors were advised to exercise extreme caution.cite web|author=Mike Stone|year=2002|title=State Emergency Operations Center Continues to Monitor Tropical Storm Edouard|publisher=State of Florida Department of Community Affairs|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://www.floridadisaster.org/eoc/eoc_Activations/Edouard_02/PR02-15TSEdouard.pdf] The storm produced water levels about 6 inches above normal near Cape Canaveral, though elsewhere wave action and storm tides were not significant.cite web|author=Melbourne, Florida National Weather Service|year=2002|title=Tropical Storm Edouard Post Tropical Cyclone Report|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://www.srh.weather.gov/mlb/surveys/edouard02/edouard2002.html] Despite being a tropical storm at landfall, sustained tropical storm force winds were not observed. A rainband ahead of the storm produced a 39 mph (63 km/h) wind gust at Patrick Air Force Base,cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2002|title=Event Report for Florida|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~458166] and a station in Saint Augustine recorded a wind gust of 38 mph (61 km/h). Sustained winds peaked at 31 mph (50 km/h) at Patrick Air Force Base. Edouard dropped light to moderate rainfall in eastern Florida, primarily during 2 to 3 hour periods. The highest official rainfall total peaked at 2.5 inches (64 mm) at Orlando Executive Airport, though unofficial totals reached as high as 4.8 inches (122 mm) in Rockledge. Rainfall was higher in western Florida, peaking at 7.64 inches (194 mm) in DeSoto Countycite web|author=David Roth|year=2006|title=Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/tcmaxima.html] with an area near Tampa reporting over 7 inches (175 mm).cite web|author=David Roth|year=2006|title=Rainfall Summary for Tropical Storm Edouard|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/edouard2002.html]

Moderate rainfall resulted in river flooding along the Saint Johns River, resulting in flooding along roads in Seminole County. Roadway, urban, and lowland flooding was also reported in Brevard and Orange counties. Roadway flooding was extensive in some areas, resulting in road closures in Oviedo, Cocoa Beach, and Cape Canaveral. Heavy rainfall in Pinellas Park caused heavy street flooding along an intersection on U.S. Highway 19.cite web|author=NCDC|year=2002|title=Event Report for Florida (2)|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~458171] No casualties were reported, and damage was minor.cite web|author=John L. Beven II, Richard J. Pasch and Miles B. Lawrence|year=2003|title=Atlantic hurricane season of 2002|publisher=NOAA|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://www.vos.noaa.gov/MWL/spring_03/atlantic.shtml]

Records and naming

Both Edouard and Fay were in the Gulf of Mexico concurrently for 24 hours on September 5 and 6. There are only two known times prior when there were two tropical cyclones in the Gulf of Mexico; two tropical depressions existed on June 18, 1959, and one depression and one hurricane existed on September 5, 1933. Edouard and Fay existed the longest together out of the three.cite web|author=Hurricane Research Division|year=2006|title=Hurdat Data for Tropical Cyclones 1851 – 2005|publisher=NOAA|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/tracks1851to2005_atl.txt]

This storm was the fourth usage of the name Edouard, the first having occurred in the 1984 season. Because damage was minimal, the name was not retired, and is on the list of names for the 2008 season.cite web|author=Hurricane Research Division|year=2006|title=Hurdat Data for Tropical Cyclones 1851 – 2005|publisher=NOAA|accessdate = 2006-12-11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/tracks1851to2005_atl.txt]

ee also

* List of Florida hurricanes

External links

* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002edouard.shtml Tropical Storm Edouard Tropical Cyclone Report]
* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2002/EDOUARD.shtml National Hurricane Center Advisory Archive]

References