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Tropical Storm Lee (2011)

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For other uses, see Tropical Storm Lee (disambiguation).

Tropical Storm Lee was the twelfth named storm and thirteenth system overall of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, developing from a broad tropical disturbance over the Gulf on September 1. It was designated as Tropical Storm Lee the next day. Due to the large size, as well as the slow forward movement of the storm, heavy rainfall occurred in southern Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida panhandle.[1] Flooding associated with the rains caused significant property damage in the areas, with one drowning death reported in Mississippi. Elsewhere, the storm sparked wildfires that destroyed homes and killed two people in Texas, and a traffic accident in Alabama resulted in one death. Rough surf offshore drowned one person in each of these states. Lee was the first tropical cyclone to make landfall in Louisiana since Hurricane Gustav in 2008.

Tropical Storm Lee
Tropical storm (SSHWS/NWS)
Tropical Storm Lee nearing landfall in Louisiana
FormedSeptember 1, 2011
DissipatedSeptember 5, 2011
Highest winds1-minute sustained: 60 mph (95 km/h)
Lowest pressure986 mbar (hPa); 29.12 inHg
Fatalities7 total
Areas affectedLouisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida Panhandle, Tennessee
Part of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season

Meteorological history

 
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

In late August 2011, much of the western Caribbean came under the influence of abundant tropical moisture.[2] Combined with favorable upper diffluence, the moisture allowed for a perpetual area of disturbed weather to form; this in return contributed to the genesis of a weak tropical wave, or an elongated low-pressure feature at the lower levels of the atmosphere.[3] The wave initiated a more or less westward, then west-northwestward drift across the Yucatán Peninsula toward the Gulf of Mexico, although it remained largely disorganized while doing so.[4][5] After arriving in the gulf on August 31, the system failed to develop much under initially high wind shear; however, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast some potential for the formation of a tropical cyclone in a day or two.[6] Strong convection increased mainly to its east during the next day,[7] and by 2300 UTC data from a reconnaissance aircraft confirmed the presence of a closed circulation center. At this point, the system was considered sufficiently organized to be upgraded to a tropical depression, with its center located 255 mi (360 km) to the southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River.[8]

 
The precursor depression to Lee over the northern Gulf of Mexico

Situated within an area of weak steering currents, the depression remained nearly stationary during the initial stages of its existence.[9] It exhibited a poor organization at the time; the circulation remained elongated, with a broad center of light winds removed from the sheared convective mass.[8][10] Over the course of September 2 the convection began to deepen over its eastern portion,[11] which later translated into an increase in the winds. Based on this, the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Lee at 1800 UTC.[12] Lee meandered erratically north-northwestward to northward for the rest of the day, and with a small upper low advecting dry air into the circulation any deep convection over its western semicircle remained scarce during that time.[13][14] By September 3, the storm sustained a large radius of maximum winds within the still elongated circulation; this unusual structure to purely tropical cyclones, combined with an overall hybrid appearance on satellite images, suggested Lee supported subtropical characteristics.[15]

Stalling off the coast of Louisiana, the storm's windfield continued to expand and increase in strength, though two separate low-level centers became evident within the exceedingly large circulation later that day.[16] Due to a large portion of circulation remaining over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Lee weakened more slowly than a typical tropical cyclone would as it moves inland.[17] Lee finally moved inland over south-central Louisiana on the morning of September 4 with winds of 45 mph (75 km/h).[18] By that evening, Lee had weakened to a tropical depression, due to land interaction and continental air being advected into the system. Lee had begun to interact with a strong upper-level trough in the Mississippi Valley as it continued to move off to the east-northeast.[19] It was designated a post-tropical low adjacent to the trough on the morning of September 5.[20]

Preparations and impact

In advance of the storm, oil companies in the Gulf of Mexico ordered the evacuation of employees from offshore platforms as a safety precaution.[21] At least 169 of the 617 manned production platforms, as well as 16 of 62 drilling rigs were evacuated in the area, reducing daily production by about 660,000 oil barrels and 1.7 billion cu ft of gas.[22] A tropical storm warning was posted from Pascagoula, Mississippi westward to Sabine Pass, Texas in response to Lee.[23] Early on September 3, the warning was extended to the Alabama–Florida border. In addition, a tropical storm watch was in place from the border eastward to Destin, Florida.[24]

Louisiana

 
Lee nearing peak strength on September 2, 2011

Mayor Mitch Landrieu declared a state of emergency for all of New Orleans; officials accordingly ordered the closure of floodgates and the preparation of rescue boats across the city.[25] In Grand Isle, many residents headed out of town after officials issued voluntary evacuations, and boat owners secured their vessels.[26] Additionally, the Louisiana parishes of Terrebonne and Lafourche issued flash flood warnings after specialists forecast torrential rainfall,[27] and sandbags were distributed at several coastal locations.[28]

Due to its unusually slow and erratic motion, Lee produced flooding rains across much of southern Louisiana. Headwinds from Lee fanned a large fire north in Natchitoches Parish; about 400 acres of land, including 10 adjacent homes and several buildings, were set ablaze and subsequently destroyed.[29] High winds also produced a storm surge that submerged parts of Slidell by up to 4 ft (1.2 m), inundating several homes. About 38,000 residences in New Orleans were left without power at one point, though only minor flooding occurred around the city.[30] Low-lying areas in adjacent parishes reported more significant effects; street flooding occurred in Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes, and floodwaters in Jefferson Parish prompted residents to evacuate.[31] Moving ashore in the latter parish near Lafitte, the storm caused heavy rainfall, leaving roughly 60 percent of the area inundated.[32]

Mississippi

In light of heavy rainfall forecast for coastal areas, much of southern Mississippi was under a flash flood watch until the passage of the storm. A state of emergency was ordered for Jackson County; local fire stations initiated in the free distribution of sandbags, and the harbor was closed off to all transient vessels.[33] Similar preparations took place in Hancock County, where officials issued voluntary evacuations for low-lying areas.[34] Gulf Islands National Seashore ordered the immediate closure of all of the state's barrier islands, while its present visitors were instructed to leave.[35]

Across the southern state, prolonged inclement weather from Lee and its remnants resulted in widespread moderate and localized extensive flooding. Several roads were inundated in the coastal counties of Hancock, Jackson, and Harrison, with the latter two reporting considerable property damage due to the floods.[36] A potent tornado touched down in northern Harrison, leaving behind demolished trailers and downed trees and power lines throughout Saucier.[37] In Stone County, some structures including one church sustained wind damage during the storm;[36] officials further reported the worst of the winds were also attributed to a possible tornado, which uprooted trees and severely damaged one manufactured home.[38] Further inland, moderate street flooding also occurred in Rankin and Wilkinson counties, while more significant floods, as well as scattered power outages took place in Hinds County. In Tishomingo County, a vehicle was caught in rushing waters while attempting to cross a flooded road; one person drowned, though its two other occupants were unharmed.[36]

Alabama

With Lee tracking further inland, heavy precipitation of up to 13 in (330 mm) fell across Alabama.[39] At the height of the storm, about 220,000 customers reportedly lost power due to snapped electricity poles and power lines.[40] It caused significant, albeit localized wind damage to structures across southern areas, in particular in and around Mobile and Baldwin counties. Multiple properties sustained damage and up to two homes were demolished by the winds; throughout southern Mobile, dozens of downed trees caused additional disruptions.[41] Also in the county, one person was killed in a traffic accident related to the storm.[42] In Lillian, Baldwin, extreme winds suspected to be from a tornado ripped through suburban areas. A few homes sustained damaged in part due to uprooted trees, though there were no injuries.[41] Off the coast of Fort Morgan, one person drowned due to high surf and was later confirmed dead.[42] Additionally, the brisk winds blew piles of sand from local beaches onto adjacent city streets,[43] and rough seas swept ashore numerous tar balls.[44]

Texas

Despite bringing little rain to Texas, Lee produced gusts and rough surf along its coasts. Offshore Galveston, a man drowned after losing control of his bodyboard due to strong winds.[45] As Lee headed north inland over the Gulf Coast, high winds were reported as fueling up to sixty separate brush fires across Texas, which was suffering from severe drought conditions.[46] The largest of these occurred in Bastrop County just east of Austin and consumed roughly 25,000 acres (100 km²); it forced thousands to evacuate and destroyed nearly 500 homes.[47] In Gregg County, another fire burned down a home, which resulted in the deaths of two of its occupants. The spreading fires burned nearly 118,500 acres (480 km²) of land, simultaneously demolishing an estimated 700 residences in a two-day period.[48]

See also

Reference

  1. ^ "Tropical Storm Lee: Flood Threat and Drought Denter". The Weather Channel. 2011-09-03. Retrieved 2011-09-04.
  2. ^ Formosa, Mike (2011-08-30). "Tropical Weather Discussion". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-09-01.
  3. ^ Walton, Corey (2011-08-30). "Tropical Weather Discussion". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-09-01.
  4. ^ Brown, Dan (2011-08-31). "Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-09-02.
  5. ^ Pasch, Richard (2011-08-31). "Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-09-02.
  6. ^ Wallace, Patricia (2011-08-31). "Tropical Weather Discussion". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-09-02.
  7. ^ Pasch, Richard; Cangialosi, John (2011-09-01). "Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-09-02.
  8. ^ a b Brown, Dan; Avila, Lixion (2011-09-01). "Tropical Depression Thirteen Discussion Number One". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-09-02.
  9. ^ Brown, Dan (2011-09-02). "Tropical Depression Thirteen Discussion Number Two". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-09-02.
  10. ^ Beven, Jack (2011-09-02). "Tropical Depression Thirteen Discussion Number Three". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-09-02.
  11. ^ Stewart, Stacy (2011-09-02). "Tropical Depression Thirteen Discussion Number Four". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-09-02.
  12. ^ Stewart, Stacy (2011-09-02). "Tropical Storm Lee Advisory Number 4 A". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-09-02.
  13. ^ Stewart, Stacy (2011-09-02). "Tropical Storm Lee Discussion Number Five". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-09-03.
  14. ^ Brown, Dan (2011-09-02). "Tropical Storm Lee Discussion Number Six". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-09-03.
  15. ^ Beven, Jack (2011-09-03). "Tropical Storm Lee Discussion Number Seven". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-09-03.
  16. ^ Stewart, Stacy (2011-09-03). "Tropical Storm Lee Discussion Number Eight". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-09-03.
  17. ^ Pasch, Richard (2011-09-04). "Tropical Storm Lee Discussion Number eleven". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-09-05.
  18. ^ Stewart, Stacy (2011-09-04). "Tropical Storm Lee Discussion Number Twelve". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-09-05.
  19. ^ Brennan, Michael (2011-09-04). "Tropical Storm Lee Discussion Number Fourteen". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-09-05.
  20. ^ Kong, Kwan-Yin (2011-09-05). "Remnants of LEE Advisory Number 15". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved 2011-09-06.
  21. ^ CNN Wire Staff (2011-09-01). "Tropical depression forms in Gulf; coastal states brace for storm". CNN. Retrieved 2011-09-02. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  22. ^ Staff Reporter (2011-09-02). "Tropical Storm Lee headed for Gulf Coast as Louisiana residents prepare for the worst". Daily Mail. Associated Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 2011-09-02.
  23. ^ Avila, Daniel (2011-09-01). "Tropical Depression Thirteen Special Advisory Number 1". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-09-02. {{cite web}}: |first2= missing |last2= (help)
  24. ^ Brown, Daniel (2011-09-03). "Tropical Storm Lee Advisory Number 6". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2011-09-03.
  25. ^ Staff reporter (2011-09-02). "Tropical Storm Lee triggers states of emergency along Gulf". MSNBC. Retrieved 2011-09-02.
  26. ^ Rodriguez, Maya (2011-09-02). "Grand Isle a ghost town as Lee approaches". WWL-TV. Retrieved 2011-09-02.
  27. ^ Heisig, Eric (2011-09-02). "Drivers urged to stay off rainy roads". The Houma Courier. The New York Times Company. Retrieved 2011-09-02.
  28. ^ Unattributed (2011-09-02). "Sand Bag Locations". Eyewitness News. Retrieved 2011-09-02.
  29. ^ Associated Press (2011-09-02). "Crews battling major fire in Natchitoches Parish". The Republic. Retrieved 2011-09-03.
  30. ^ Finn, Kathy (2011-09-05). "Louisiana coastal towns struggle with storm flooding". Reuters. Retrieved 2011-09-05.
  31. ^ Finn, Kathy (2011-09-03). "New Orleans braces for Tropical Storm Lee". Reuters. Retrieved 2011-09-05.
  32. ^ Keane, Thomas (2011-09-05). "New Orleans levees hold; flash floods seen in Tennessee Valley". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2011-09-05. {{cite web}}: |first2= missing |last2= (help); More than one of |last1= and |last= specified (help)
  33. ^ Harris, Donna (2011-09-02). "Jackson County declares state of emergency". Sun Herald. The McClatchy Company. Retrieved 2011-09-02.
  34. ^ Pender, Geoff (2011-09-02). "Voluntary evacuation issued in Hancock County". Sun Herald. The McClatchy Company. Retrieved 2011-09-02.
  35. ^ Kirgan, Harlan (2011-09-02). "Mississippi barrier islands closing due to Tropical Storm Lee". Mississippi Press. Retrieved 2011-09-02.
  36. ^ a b c Associated Press (2011-09-05). "Storm death from flooding; other damage reports". The Clarion-Ledger. Gannett Company. Retrieved 2011-09-05.
  37. ^ Staff writer (2011-09-05). "Down power lines, crushed trailers, Lee inflicts damage in Saucier". WLOX-TV.
  38. ^ Kessy, Brad (2011-09-05). "Stone County Family stung by Lee's fury". WLOX-TV.
  39. ^ Hamrick, Dave. "Remnants of Lee Public Advisory Number 25". National Hurricane Center.
  40. ^ Faulk, Kent. "Alabama Power sets timeline for restoring power to areas hit by Tropical Storm Lee". The Birmingham News. Alabama Live. Retrieved 2011-09-07. {{cite web}}: Text "2011-09-07" ignored (help)
  41. ^ a b McClendon, Robert (2011-09-05). "Lee spawns probable tornadoes that destroy coastal Alabama homes". Alabama Live. Retrieved 2011-09-07.
  42. ^ a b Dugan, Kelli (2011-09-05). "Tropical Storm Lee spawns tornadoes on Gulf Coast". Reuters. Retrieved 2011-09-05.
  43. ^ Delcambre, Shannon (2011-09-05). "Tropical Storm Lee creating sandstorm on Alabama's coast". WVTM-TV. Retrieved 2011-09-07.
  44. ^ Reeves, Jay (2011-09-06). "Tar balls on Alabama beaches to be tested". Yahoo! News. Retrieved 2011-09-07. {{cite web}}: |first2= missing |last2= (help); Check |first2= value (help)
  45. ^ Gaston, Ashley (2011-09-03). "Tropical Storm Lee to blame for 1 death in Galveston Beach". KFDM. Retrieved 2011-09-03.
  46. ^ Forsyth, Jim. "Two dead in Texas wildfires, Perry to return". Reuters. Retrieved 2011-09-05. {{cite web}}: Text "2011-09-05" ignored (help)
  47. ^ Hampson, Rick (2011-09-05). "Lee's remnants bring floods, feeds fires". USA Today. Gannett Company. Retrieved 2011-09-05.
  48. ^ "See how fast the Texas wildfires spread". The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company. 2011-09-07. Retrieved 2011-09-07.
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