Localized flash flooding was reported in the Kohala and Hamakua districts. August 1959: Hurricane Dot was another powerful August arrival. Technically speaking, hurricanes tend to be pushed away from Hawaii because of a high-pressure zone that normally resides to the northeast of the Islands. . [43][44] There haven't been enough hurricanes and tropical storms since about 1950 when good recordkeeping started for a statistically significant trend, Lin said. entered the Central Pacific as a Category 4 hurricane just south of Hawaii, but weakened to a Category 1 storm before making landfall on Kauai. August is the peak month, followed by July, then September. was the "Kohala Cyclone" of 1871. * July 1978: Hurricane Fico created 15 feet waves, felled trees and knocked out power across the islands. Andrea Thompson, an associate editor at Scientific American, covers sustainability. Since 1970, definitive satellite coverage for August 1925: In August high seas and gusty winds were recorded in Hawaii from a nearby tropical cyclone. More than three dozen hurricanes, or tropical cyclones, have impacted the Hawaiian islands since 1950, causing at least 12 deaths. That's not to say. November 1957: Hurricane Nina was a category one hurricane that formed in November south of Hawaii. Persons who know a warrant is, The monthly test of the all-hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System, coordinated with the test of the Live Audio Broadcast. Wave heights between 15 and 20 feet was reported on Kauai. Of course, this doesn't mean every single storm will do that in the future. According to the NOAA historical hurricane database, from 1950 - 2017, only 14 hurricanes have ever passed within 200 miles of Hawaii. The Weather Companys primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. Iniki caused almost $2 billion in damage, mainly to Kauai. dark El Nio years are typically more active in the central Pacific. The mountainous terrain of the islands amplifies the rain threat and contributes to the threat of ensuingflash floodsand mudslides. This number has ranged from zero, most recently as 1979, to as many as eleven in 1992 and 1994. 675 Wharf Street, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, HI 96761 Hurricanes need ocean waters of at least 80F to develop and maintain the convection engine at their core, so colder waters can shut them down. This article is reproduced with permission fromClimate Central. No further records are available, but extrapolation of its forward movement predicted that it would make landfall on the southern coast of the, August 9, 1871: Indigenous newspapers record a major category 3 hurricane causing significant damage across the islands of, November 1874: In November, a possible tropical cyclone may have dropped over 20 inches (510mm) of rain on, December 190203: A low-pressure system (known later as "The Froc Cyclone") that took a path similar to that of a tropical cyclone, passed through, October 1906: In October a tropical cyclone passed about 60 miles (97km) south of, November 1906: 90 miles (140km) south of Honolulu on November 3, 1906, a tropical cyclone was recognized. Additionally, at total of 52 inches (1321 mm) of rain fell over 4 days in Kauai. Virtually every system approaching Hawaii from the east since 1950 tracking at least as far north as the latitude of the Big Island of Hawaii eventually weakened to a tropical storm or depression by the time it reached the islands. by Dr Jeff Masters, Weather Underground, October 16, 2014 (excerpt). * January 1971: Although not having existed in the Central Pacific as a tropical cyclone, the extratropical low that was Tropical Storm Sarah in the West Pacific passed over Hawaii in mid January, causing high winds and heavy rain. Factors weakening Hawaii-bound tropical cyclones. Wind shear (the change in wind speed and/or direction with height) is typically stronger near the Hawaiian islands, acting to displace thunderstorms from the cyclone's center. One died from Hiki. August is the peak month for tropical cyclones in the central Pacific basin, chalking up twice as many (74) as September (37) from 1971-2013, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. away from O'ahu and passing directly over Kaua'i near the height of its intensity. The storm was weakening as it neared the Islands, with maximum Six died as a result. That rarity is a product of where Hawaii is located. Most dangerous hurricanes come from the south. The hurricane-strength winds are in a fairly compact area, but they could still pack a serious punch, as the islands infrastructure hasnt had to handle such ferocious sustained winds. On average, four to five tropical cyclones occur in the central Pacific Ocean basin - between 140-180 degrees west longitude -each year, according toDr. Rick Knabb,Hurricane Expert at The Weather Channel and past director of the National Hurricane Center. No doubt about that. Data collected by the Western Regional Climate Center show no hurricane-strength winds on any Hawaii Islands with the exception of Kauai. * August 2008: The remnants of Hurricane Hernan brought moisture to the Big Island, causing cloud and shower activity. * August 2009: The remnants of Hurricane Felicia brought light rainfall to the northern islands. On average, about five tropical Part of the reason this doesn't happen that often is just geography. The wind was accompanied with Hurricane Lane was certainly a close call, the closest we've seen since 1992. On Aug. 6, Dot began weakening, and at its landfall in Kauai, Dot was only a Category 1 hurricane. The waters around Hawaii at present arent cool enough to cause dramatic weakening of Iselle before it hits the Big Island. It was also considered the first official hurricane in the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands.The fourth tropical cyclone of the 1950 Pacific hurricane season, Hiki formed as a tropical depression to the southeast of Hawaii on August 12. [ Q0 Hawaii Coalition Against Legalized Gambling, Hawaii's Partnership for Appropriate & Compassionate Care, Tropical storms and hurricanes are rare in the Hawaiian Islands, but 2014 is one of their most active years on record. How frequent are hurricanes in Hawaii? Damage is unrecorded. El Nio allows warmer water to push farther north into the more typical east to west trek of tropical systems from the eastern Pacific. This is because water currents bring cooler water from Alaska, down the eastern Pacific Ocean alongthe U.S. West Coast and into the central Pacific. Part of the reason this doesn't happen that often is just geography. * August 2007: Hurricane Flossie passed within 100 miles of the Big Island, bringing rain and tropical storm-force winds. Both mountains rise to elevations in excess of 13,000 feet above sea level, and as Flossie approached the island, its track shifted abruptly overnight and assumed a more northerly alignment, heading instead to the island of Maui on July 29. Hawaii Free Press - All Rights Reserved. In other words, hurricanes aren't even physically possible in Hawaii for over half of the year. Thanks for reading Scientific American. On Aug. 5, Dot seemed to turn more northwest, aiming it directly at Kauai. Although it was only a Category 1 storm, it passed just miles west of Kauai, moving at a speed of nearly 50 miles per hour (80 km/h). Formal records were not kept before the 1950s. It's quite rare to have two storms right behind each other . Dr.Knabb, also a former deputy director at NOAA's Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu, points out thatthere is no meteorological reason why the core of a major hurricane can't directly hit Honolulu, resulting in destructive storm surge flooding, wind damage, and rainfall flooding affecting a metro population (minus tourists) of just under 400,000. Daniel Nelson. before passing directly over Kaua'i on the Seeing dolphins! Wind shear (the change in wind speed and/or direction with height) is typically stronger near the Hawaiian islands, acting to displace thunderstorms from the cyclone's center. A look at tropical cyclones that have impacted Hawaii over the years, 103rd Kamehameha Schools Song Contest: Na Mele Paniolo - Songs of the Hawaiian Cowboy, How to cope with difficult emotions in a healthy way, 'The Other Side of Paradise' with Lynn Kawano, visit the Hawaii News Now Hurricane Center, KHNLPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KGMBPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KFVEPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KSIXPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KOGGPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246. I think were prepared as best we can be, Cantin said. * November 1906: 90 miles south of Honolulu on Nov. 3, 1906, a tropical cyclone was recognized. * 1982 Iwa 1, Find out more: Over 1400 homes were destroyed [4] Hurricane Dot arrived in 1959 and an unnamed storm occurred in 1871. * July 1989: Hurricane Dalilia dropped heavy rains over Hawaii, setting a new July record for Honolulu International Airport, 2.33 inches in 24 hours. The island of Kauai was especially hard hit by damaging winds. however, the tornado dissipated before causing any damage. Nina moved north and took a sharp turn to the west without actually striking the state. Hawaii typically records four or five hurricanes each. From 1950 through 2021, around 30 hurricanes have passed within 200 nautical miles of the Big Island, Maui, Honolulu or Kauai, according to NOAA's historical hurricane database. * July 1994: The remnants of Tropical Storm Fabio brought heavy showers to Big Island and Oahu. [47]Tropical Storm Flossie (not to be confused with Hurricane Flossie in 2007) provides still another example. The most recent was Hurricane Iniki in 1992, which devastated Kauai, caused $1.8 billion in damages and killed six people. Along the southern coast, many structures were wiped out by storm surge flooding and large, battering waves. Hurricane season in Hawaii usually falls between the months of June and November. The last one to. Of course, an El Nio does not guarantee a hurricane will impact Hawaii. On July 28, 2013, the storm appeared headed for a direct hit to the Big Island, home to Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. * October 1983: Hurricane Raymond took a path similar to Gils, but as a depression, causing no damage. Another side effect of El Nio is that the trade winds that sometimes trap tropical cyclones well south of the islands relax, making these lingering storms south of the islands more susceptible to be drawn northward. Most tropical cyclones that reach the 50th state arrive from the east or south, but on occasion, they arrive from the southwest. Now 22 years later not one, but an unprecedented two hurricanes are making a beeline for the island chain and residents are preparing for a threat they rarely face. Damage was Create your free account or Sign in to continue. waters * October 2009: Hurricane Neki caused minor damage to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, striking the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument as a tropical storm. These winds, which help to keep us from overheating, also act to separate thunderstorms from the center of the approaching hurricane resulting in a lot of rain, but rarely a full-blown hurricane. Hurricane name Date 1/ Islands most affected: Sustained. Hurricanes and tropical storms are normally steered clear of the Hawaiian Islands by a high pressure feature that is typically parked to the northeast of the islands and keeps the weather consistent throughout the year. This includes a few Category 4 eastern Pacific hurricanes that fizzled, such as Felicia (2009),Orlene (1992) and Raymond (1983). Most of the storm damage was done by these falling trees, including knocking down power lines and blocking roads. Well you can! The article was first published on August 7, 2014. A gust of 53 miles per hour was recorded at South Point. Nina caused about $100,000 damage in Kauai and dropped over 20 inches (510 mm) of rain in 14 hours. On August 5, Dot seemed to turn more northwest, aiming it directly at Kauai. Despite being greatly weakened, the hurricane brought gusts of over 100 miles per hour (160 km/h). The storm was weakening as it neared the Islands, with maximum sustained winds over Kaua'i still exceeding 80 mph, which snapped trees and caused major . Hurricane landfalls are rare in Hawaii, but brushes by tropical systems are common. * 1992 Iniki 6 Damages from Dot cost no more than a few million dollars, and rainfall was relatively light; around 4 inches (100 mm). The main thing is that Hawaii is kind of a sweet spot in terms of the weather, Cantin told Climate Central. On September 23, a German ship recorded a cyclone (known later as the "Cyclone of the Lark") near 17N and 141W. Hurricane Dot arrived in 1959 and an unnamed storm occurred in 1871. HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hawaii is grateful for many near-misses from hurricanes in recent decades. Hurricane expertMichael Lowrysays that dating to 1950, there is a 13 percent increase in the chance of a named storm to track within 100 miles of the Hawaii islands during an El Nio year (35 percent chance) than a neutral year (22 percent chance). 1990s One fisherman was reported missing. Although it was only a category 1 storm, it passed just miles west of Kauai, moving at a speed of nearly 50 miles per hour. Vintage home. Historical Hurricane Tracks Let's find a hurricane you're interested in. Tropical Storm Iselle in 2014became only the second tropical storm, and the strongest, to landfall on the Big Island dating to 1950. Forecasters expect the tropical storm-force winds of Iselle to begin lashing the Big Island in the late afternoon to early evening local time, with hurricane-force winds following later. If it stays a hurricane, it will be the first to hit the Big Island head-on since records began in 1950, and could even be the first since a possible cyclone hit in 1872, saidNational Weather Servicemeteorologist Michael Cantin. Hurricanes approaching from the south represent the biggest danger to the islands, due to the warmer waters and more unstable air present to the south. either entering or forming in the Central North Pacific Zone between 140 and 180 west longitude has varied greatly Since the 1950s, two hurricane eyes have hit Hawaii - and both approached from the south, where water temperature generally is warm enough to sustain the storms' strength. Although it was only a Category 1 storm, it passed just miles west of Kauai, moving at a speed of nearly 50 miles per hour (80 km/h). Hurricane name Date 1/ Islands most affected Sustained Peak gusts Deaths Property damage . cause major wind damage. Moderate surf of up to 6 feet affected the east and southeast shorelines on the Big Island. The storm slammed into Hawaii in September as a Category 4 hurricane and was blamed for six fatalities. The remnants of Kanoa brought welcomed rain. * July 1985: Hurricane Ignacio, although missing the islands, generated surf that measured from 10 to 15 feet causing damage to coastal roads and structures. 2000s COPYRIGHT 2021 HAWAII OCEAN PROJECT. In the northern hemisphere tropical cyclone and hurricane track map below, you can see how these storms tend to stay south of the Hawai'i (red circle) or dissipate as they move toward the Islands. Dallas Area Storms Cause Power Transformer To Explode, Rockslide In Californias Santa Monica Mountains, 4 Summer Weather Dangers To Watch Out For, Southern California Water Temperatures About as Warm as They Get, Fewer Atlantic Hurricanes Expected This Season. In El Nio years, this idea changes some. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. codes, with Kaua'i opting for higher standards of construction by requiring When asking why hurricanes rarely reach landfall in Hawaii, it's important to see the big picture. www.soest.hawaii.edu/MET/Faculty/businger/poster/hurricane/, Olivia is forecast to approach the main Hawaiian Islands from the east early next week, but it is too soon, The listed individuals are wanted by the Hawaii Police Department because of outstanding warrants. Tropical cyclone records were not kept before the 1950s. Satellite images of Hurricane Flossie's breakup when approaching Hawaii Island fueled this idea. $3 billion. HURRICANE HIKI August 12, 1950 August 21, 1950 Hurricane Hiki is considered the first official hurricane recorded in the vicinity of the islands, and it is also the wettest tropical. damage estimated at $250 million. Like 'Iwa, Iniki formed south of Hawai'i during a strong Over land, maximum sustained winds exceeded 140 mph, gusting to 175 mph, These conditions tend to weaken, deflect, or dissipate approaching storms. There are several reasons why this happens so often. * August 1925: High seas and gusty winds were recorded. A brief summary of the three most significant hurricanes to affect Hawaii in modern times: September 1992: Hurricane Iniki was the strongest, deadliest, and most damaging hurricane to affect Hawaii since records began. Even before Hawaii became a state in 1959, it was a top tourist destination - and for good reason. The only other storm to do so was in1958. Considered the most catastrophic hurricane in Hawaii history, Iniki originated in 1992, which was also an El Nio year. * September 1972: Hurricane Fernanda may have caused flash flooding near Waipio as it passed to the northeast.