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Hurricane Juan

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For other storms of the same name, seeList of storms named Juan.

Hurricane Juan
Hurricane Juan near peak intensity south ofNova Scotiaon September 27
Meteorological history
FormedSeptember 24, 2003(September 24, 2003)
DissipatedSeptember 29, 2003(September 29, 2003)
Category 2 hurricane
1-minute sustained(SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds105 mph (165 km/h)
Lowest pressure969mbar(hPa); 28.61inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities8
Damage$200 million (2003USD)
Areas affectedEastern Canada(primarilyNova ScotiaandPrince Edward Island)
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata/[1]
Part of the2003 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Juanwas a significanttropical cyclonewhich caused extensive damage to parts ofAtlantic Canada,being the tenth named storm and the sixth hurricane of the2003 Atlantic hurricane season.Juan formed southeast ofBermudaon September 24 from atropical wavethat had tracked across the subtropicalAtlantic Ocean.It tracked northward and strengthened over the warm waters of theGulf Stream,reaching Category 2 strength on theSaffir-Simpson hurricane scaleon September 27. The hurricane peaked in intensity withsustained windsof 105 mph (169 km/h) that same day, losing some strength as it raced over cooler waters toward the coast ofNova Scotia,before makinglandfallbetweenShad BayandProspectin theHalifax Regional Municipalityearly on September 29 as a Category 2 hurricane with winds of 100 mph (160 km/h).[2]Juan retained hurricane strength while travelling through Nova Scotia, though it would weaken into a Category 1 hurricane overPrince Edward Island.Juan would eventually be absorbed by anotherextratropical lowon September 29 nearAnticosti Islandin the northernGulf of Saint Lawrence.

Juan would inflict extensive damage across central Nova Scotia and into Prince Edward Island, with lesser damage east and west of the storm centre. Most of the damage occurred as a result of the intense winds that buffeted the region. Juan's passage resulted in eight fatalities and over CA $300 million (US$200 million) in damage. It was described as the worst storm to hit Halifax since1893.[3][1]On account of its destructiveness, the nameJuanwas retired from further use in the North Atlantic basin in 2004.

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
triangleExtratropical cyclone,remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

A largetropical waveaccompanied by a broadarea of low pressuremoved off the coast ofAfricaon September 14, 2003. It initially tracked westward and remained disorganized due to unfavourable upper-levelwind shear.[2][4]On September 20, theconvectionaround the system greatly increased during interaction with the circulation of a large upper-level low, though unfavorable conditions caused the activity to remain disorganized. The system as a whole moved to the northwest around the upper-level low and developed a mid-level circulation. It interacted with afrontal zone,[2]and became better organized on September 23 while located 450 mi (720 km) south ofBermuda.[5]Later that day, a low-level circulation developed within the system, though its involvement with the proximate frontal zone prevented it from being classified atropical depression.Deep convectionincreased near the centre on September 24, and the system quickly developedbanding featuresand distinctoutflow.Based on the increase in organization, theNational Hurricane Center (NHC)classified it as Tropical Depression Fifteen later that day while it was located about 345 miles (555 km) southeast of Bermuda. Operationally, the agency did not initiate storm advisories until 27 hours after the time of its formation determined by post-hurricane season analysis.[2]

Initially, the depression possessed a combination oftropicalandsubtropical characteristics;it remained attached to a nearby frontal zone, though the organization of theconvectionand a warm core within the system resulted in classification as atropical cyclone.Forecastershad predicted the depression would only slowly strengthen and reach a peak intensity of 65 mph (105 km/h).[6]However, the depression steadily organized and had strengthened into Tropical Storm Juan by early September 25.[2]Juan moved northwestward at around 10 mph (16 km/h) in response to a developingsubtropical ridgeto its east.[7]On September 26, aneyefeature developed, andvery deep convectionincreased around the circulation.[8]The cloud pattern continued to consolidate, and Juan attained hurricane status later on September 26 while located 165 mi (266 km) southeast ofBermuda.[2]The hurricane moved into an area of warm waters and light wind shear, allowing for additional strengthening; by September 27, Juan had attained a peak intensity of 105 mph (169 km/h) while located 635 mi (1,022 km) south ofHalifax, Nova Scotia.At this peak strength, the eye of the hurricane was distinct and embedded within a well-defined and roundcentral dense overcast.[9]

Hurricane Juan making landfall in Nova Scotia on September 29

Hurricane Juan remained at peak intensity for over 24 hours. After moving northwestward for an extended period of time, it turned and accelerated to the north.[2]Theeyebecame less distinct on September 28, and the hurricane weakened slightly. Due to its fast forward motion, Juan had little time to weaken over significantly colder waters before makinglandfallbetweenShad BayandProspect(near Halifax) on September 29 with winds of 100 mph (160 km/h).[2][10]It weakened quickly while rapidly moving across the southernCanadian Maritimesand crossing theNova Scotia peninsulaas a hurricane. Juan had diminished to a tropical storm as it moved overPrince Edward Islandby early September 29. The storm tracked northwards across theNorthumberland Strait,making landfall near the community ofBorden-Carletonand crossed Prince Edward Island in less than an hour.[3]Later that afternoon, the storm was absorbed by a largeextratropical lowover the northwesternGulf of Saint Lawrence.[2]

Preparations

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The first advisories were issued by theCanadian Hurricane Centreon September 26, although at that time they broadly suggested the possibility existed for wind and rain acrossAtlantic Canada.[11]As Juan approached on September 27, warning broadcasts on local media inAtlantic Canadawere changed accordingly. The public andemergency officialsin the expectedlandfallarea were told to make preparations for a potentialdisaster,after theCHCbulletins indicated the possibility existed for significant wind damage andfloodingfrom both heavyrainandstorm surges,as well aspower outages.[12]

On the morning of September 28, reports indicated that Juan would make landfall either as a tropical storm or marginal Category 1 hurricane.[13]Weather broadcastsup to that time gave every indication that the storm would weaken prior to landfall. By 6 p.m.ADT(2100UTC), additionalwarningshad been issued since Juan was expected to make landfall as a strong Category 1 or weak Category 2 hurricane.[14]Most businesses in the areas affected wereclosed on Sundays,which meant that preparations could not be made at the last minute.[15]Although no large-scaleevacuationswere made, local evacuations for low-lying areas were issued on the evening of September 28. In all, several hundred people were affected by these evacuations.Utilityworkers also stood on standby before the storm hit, preparing for large-scalepower outages.[16]

Impact

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Nova Scotia

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Debris on the streets of Halifax following the hurricane

Hurricane Juan's maximum sustained wind speed at landfall inNova Scotiawas measured at 100 mph (160 km/h).[2]The urban concentration surroundingHalifax Harbourbore the brunt of the highest sustained winds and strongest windgustsduring the storm; some unofficial estimates have placed gusts as high as 145 mph (233 km/h).[17]Wave-riderweather buoysoff the entrance ofHalifax Harboursnapped their moorings after reportedly recordingwavesin excess of 65 ft (20 m). Significanterosionoccurred on the populated shores of the harbour, particularly in theBedford Basinwhere residential properties andrailway tracksreceived most of the wave action.Storm surgesof 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 m) were reported in the harbour; it was the highest surge ever recorded in Halifax Harbour.[18]Rainfallwas fairly light due to the fast movement and dry air on the southern side of the storm. There were no rainfall reports greater than 2 inches (51 mm).[19]

Juan caused widespread structural andvegetationdamage across the region, particularly in and around theHalifax Regional Municipality.Extensive damage totreeswas reported, which blocked many streets and knocked downpower lines.Many homes and businesses suffered property damage, particularly roof damage on structures, and some weaker structures were destroyed.[3]HRM estimated that 31% of residential homes suffered some degree of damage and 27% of homes had enough damage to warrant aninsuranceclaim.[20]InDowntown Halifax,erosion-control boulders the size ofgarbage canswere hurled fromHalifax Harbourontoboardwalksandparking lotsandpiers.TheVictoria General Hospitalexperienced roof and water damage and was evacuated during the storm, as were numerous tall apartment buildings and other multi-family residences.[21]Billboardsandsignswere also destroyed, and dozens of vehicles were crushed by trees and other debris.[3]The city's cherishedPoint Pleasant ParkandPublic Gardenssuffered massive loss of trees and remained closed for months.[22][23]

Damage to theHalifax Public Gardensafter Hurricane Juan

Juan set an all-time maximum wind gust speed record at theHalifax Stanfield International Airport;during the peak of the storm, a gust reached 143 km/h, a record which still stands to this day. Another high windspeed occurred at theMcNabs Islandautostation, which recorded a 2-minute sustained wind of 151 km/h, with gusts to 176 km/h. Hurricane-force gusts extended as far east asBeaver Island,where gusts reached 132 km/h. The hurricane was strong enough to destroy theanemometersat Shannon Hill,Chebucto Headand Sambro Island, even though the Sambro Island instrument had survived a 193 km/h storm some years earlier.[24]

The hurricane caused severe damage to shipping inHalifax Harbour.A visiting recreationalschoonernamedLarindawas sunk at the wharf beside theMaritime Museum of the Atlanticand a harbour tour ketchMarwas driven ashore in Eastern Passage on the opposite side of Halifax Harbour. Another harbour tour vessel, the tern schoonerSilva,broke from hermooringsand caused extensive damage to the Cable Wharf on theHalifax Waterfront.Dozens of smalleryachtswere also driven ashore; extensive damage occurred toyacht clubsin theBedford BasinandNorthwest Arm.Dozens ofcontainerswere knocked off twocontainer shipsat the South EndContainer Terminal.Wharveson theHalifaxandDartmouthwaterfront suffered large amounts of damage and severalrailcarswere washed into the harbour at the Dartmouthrailway yard;one of the tracks for the double-track main line was washed out in several places along the Bedford Basin near Millview.Coastal floodingwas also reported aroundHalifax Harbouras a result of thestorm surge,[18]although inlandfloodingwas minor asrainfallwas not heavy due to Juan's fast forward movement.[3]

Less severe property damage was recorded west of the storm's track intoSt. Margarets BayandMahone Bay.In addition toHalifax Regional Municipality's urban core,the town ofTruroand all of ruralColchester Countyas well as the western part ofPictou Countyexperienced property damage andpower outagesfrom falling trees; numerousbarnsand other agricultural buildings were damaged east of the storm's path, including a replica of theHectorinPictou Harbour.[3]The severity of property damage in the metropolitan areas ofHalifaxandDartmouthof Halifax Regional Municipality initially led someforecastersto believe that Juan was likely a Category 3 hurricane; however, the sustained wind reports did not justify that suggestion. Many of the deciduous trees in centralNova Scotiastill had leaves, which magnified the effects of wind damage.[25]Overall, the number of damaged trees was estimated to be in the millions.[3]

Juan claimed six lives (two directly) in Nova Scotia. Both of the direct deaths were due to fallen trees; one was a Halifaxparamedicand the other was a motorist inEnfield.[3][26]Three of the four indirect deaths were as a result of ahouse firestarted bycandleswhenelectricitywas cut, and the fourth was in relief work after the storm.[3]

Rest of Atlantic Canada

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Rainfall from Hurricane Juan

The storm maintained Category 1 strength as it tracked across Nova Scotia and into the Northumberland Strait, weakening to a tropical storm as it emerged into theGulf of Saint Lawrence.Wind gustsof 86 mph (138 km/h) were reported inCharlottetown[1]and 67 mph (108 km/h) in theMagdalen Islandsin theGulf of Saint Lawrence.[2]

Damage was also reported inPrince Edward Islandas a result of the storm, particularly around Charlottetown, where its waterfront sustained heavy wave damage topleasure craftandsea walls,as well as significant damage to the olderurban forestin that city's downtown core. Extensive tree damage was also reported across theisland,as well as structural damage to weaker buildings, such asbarnsandsilos.[3]The hurricane left portions of the island without power.[27]The narrow path meant that damage was quite localized; little damage was reported inNew Brunswickor western Prince Edward Island.[28]Voting in thePEI general electionon September 29 was also disrupted, though more than 80% of voters made it topolling stations.[29]

Two deaths were reported in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence off the remoteAnticosti IslandinQuebec.They were fishermen from New Brunswick operating near Anticosti Island.[3]

Aftermath

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See also:List of retired Atlantic hurricane namesandWhite Juan
Halifax Waterfront after Hurricane Juan

In the hours following the storm astate of emergencywas declared in Halifax Regional Municipality and parts of neighbouringEast Hants Municipal DistrictandColchester County.TheGovernment of Nova Scotiarequested that thefederal governmentdeploy 600Canadian Forcespersonnel to assist local authorities inHRMwith clean-up in the urban area and to assist utility crews withelectrical powerrestoration.[30]Many utility workers, especially those employed byNova Scotia Powerand the dozens of crews fromMaritime ElectricandNB Powerwho responded under mutual assistance agreements, worked intensively for almost three weeks.[3]Nova Scotia power reported that they had restored power to the last of their affected customers by October 12, 2 weeks after the storm had passed.[3]

The devastatedPoint Pleasant Parkremained closed for clean-up after the storm before re-opening in June 2004, nine months after the storm hit, with a damagedshorelineand almost 85% of its trees removed. A revitalization andreforestationprogram began in 2005.[31]

The Government of Nova Scotia pledged $10 million (2003CAD) in relief money after the hurricane hit, and private contributions were also made quickly after the storm hit.[32]Prince Edward Islandalso pledged $200,000 (2003CAD) immediately after the hurricane hit,[33]and the federal government also announced their own package.[34]TheMayor of Torontoat the time,Mel Lastman,also contributed $50,000 (2003CAD) to replace damaged trees in Prince Edward Island.[35]

Hurricane Juan alerted residents, governments, utilities, and emergency management agencies throughoutAtlantic Canadato improve preparations for devastating events such as hurricanes, especially with climatological data pointing to possible increased frequency of major ocean storms andextratropical cyclones.In addition to Juan, three other storms —Fabian,IsabelandKate— had a significant effect on land or offshore inCanadaduring the2003 Atlantic hurricane season.[36]

Preparations and planning have been underway since 2003 and were first tested whenHurricane Opheliawas forecast to brush nearNova Scotiain early September 2005.[37]Hurricane Juan has also resulted in several changes to theMeteorological Service of Canada'sCanadian Hurricane Centre,which has relocated from a vulnerable and exposed location in an office building inDartmouth, Nova Scotia,to a more secure location that can withstand hurricane damage.CHC'shurricane warningsystem has also been improved; traditionally, CHC did not issue standard hurricane or tropical storm watches or warnings, just high wind andheavy rainfall warnings,which were often not heeded by local residents. Beginning in the2004 Atlantic hurricane season,CHC began using standard hurricane warnings for storms potentially affecting Canada.[38]

Hurricane Juan lent its name to a severeblizzardthat struck Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island a few months later in February 2004 which quickly became known asWhite Juanbecause the paralyzing effects of the massive snowfall evoked the recent hurricane.[39]

Retirement

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At the request ofEnvironment Canada,theWorld Meteorological Organizationretired the nameJuanin the spring of 2004, and it will never again be used for a North Atlantic tropical cyclone. It was replaced withJoaquinfor the2009 season.[40][41][42]

See also

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References

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  1. ^abcBowyer, Peter (2003)."Hurricane Juan 2003 Storm Summary".Environment Canada.Archivedfrom the original on December 6, 2013.RetrievedNovember 20,2006.
  2. ^abcdefghijkAvila, Lixion(May 12, 2004)."Hurricane Juan Tropical Cyclone Report"(PDF).National Hurricane Center.RetrievedMay 22,2015.
  3. ^abcdefghijklmFogarty, Chris (2003)."Hurricane Juan Storm Summary"(PDF).Canadian Hurricane Centre.Environment Canada.Archived(PDF)from the original on December 1, 2007.RetrievedNovember 20,2006.
  4. ^Avila, Lixion (September 17, 2003)."September 17 Tropical Weather Outlook".National Hurricane Center.Archivedfrom the original on October 26, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 21,2011.
  5. ^Avila, Lixion (September 23, 2003)."September 23 Tropical Weather Outlook".National Hurricane Center.Archivedfrom the original on October 26, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 21,2011.
  6. ^Avila, Lixion (September 25, 2003)."Tropical Depression Fifteen Discussion Fifteen".National Hurricane Center.Archivedfrom the original on October 17, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 21,2011.
  7. ^Avila, Lixion (September 25, 2003)."Tropical Storm Juan Discussion Two".National Hurricane Center.Archivedfrom the original on October 22, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 21,2011.
  8. ^Stewart, Stacy (September 26, 2003)."Tropical Storm Juan Discussion Four".National Hurricane Center.Archivedfrom the original on October 22, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 21,2011.
  9. ^Avila, Lixion (September 27, 2003)."Hurricane Juan Discussion Ten".National Hurricane Center.Archivedfrom the original on October 20, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 21,2011.
  10. ^Pasch, Richard (September 28, 2003)."Hurricane Juan Discussion Fourteen".National Hurricane Center.Archivedfrom the original on October 22, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 21,2011.
  11. ^Parkes (2003)."Canadian Hurricane Centre Information Statement, 1200 UTC September 26".Environment Canada.Archivedfrom the original on October 6, 2013.RetrievedDecember 23,2006.
  12. ^Parkes (2003)."Canadian Hurricane Centre Information Statement, 1800 UTC September 27".Environment Canada.Archivedfrom the original on October 6, 2013.RetrievedDecember 23,2006.
  13. ^Parkes (2003)."Canadian Hurricane Centre Information Statement, 0600 UTC September 28".Environment Canada. Archived fromthe originalon January 11, 2012.RetrievedNovember 20,2006.
  14. ^Parkes (2003)."Canadian Hurricane Centre Information Statement, 1800 UTC September 28".Environment Canada. Archived fromthe originalon January 11, 2012.RetrievedNovember 20,2006.
  15. ^Richer, Shawna (2003)."Building collapses as Juan ravages Nova Scotia".The Globe and Mail.Archived fromthe originalon September 29, 2007.RetrievedDecember 23,2006.
  16. ^"Hurricane Juan bears down on Nova Scotia".The Boston Globe.Associated Press.September 29, 2003.Archivedfrom the original on October 2, 2013.RetrievedDecember 23,2006.
  17. ^Bowyer, Peter (2003)."Classifying Hurricane Juan".Environment Canada.Archivedfrom the original on October 2, 2013.RetrievedNovember 20,2006.
  18. ^abBowyer, Peter (2003)."The Storm Surge and Waves at Halifax with Hurricane Juan".Environment Canada.Archivedfrom the original on October 2, 2013.RetrievedNovember 20,2006.
  19. ^"Rainfall amounts from Hurricane Juan".Environment Canada. 2003.Archivedfrom the original on September 8, 2012.RetrievedDecember 23,2006.
  20. ^"Climate SMART: Be cool, reduce global warming, pollution and climate risks".Halifax Regional Municipality.2003. Archived fromthe originalon December 26, 2013.RetrievedDecember 23,2006.
  21. ^"Juan hits Canada's eastern coast".USA Today.Associated Press. September 30, 2003.Archivedfrom the original on February 27, 2009.RetrievedDecember 23,2006.
  22. ^"Point Pleasant Park not the same".CBC News.CBC/Radio-Canada. March 28, 2004.Archivedfrom the original on March 17, 2018.RetrievedApril 25,2021.
  23. ^"Halifax area returns to full power".CBC News.CBC/Radio-Canada. October 13, 2003.RetrievedApril 25,2021.
  24. ^"ARCHIVED – Environment and Climate Change Canada – Weather and Meteorology – Archives – Feature Articles – Hurricane Juan – The Science of Hurricane Juan – Classifying Hurrica..."Archivedfrom the original on October 2, 2013.RetrievedAugust 22,2009.
  25. ^Brewster, Murray (2004)."Why Did Juan Hit So Hard?"(PDF).Halifax Chronicle-Herald.Archived fromthe original(PDF)on September 28, 2007.RetrievedNovember 20,2006.
  26. ^"Nova Scotians clean up after Juan".Canadian Broadcasting Corporation(CBC). September 30, 2003.Archivedfrom the original on November 4, 2012.RetrievedDecember 22,2006.
  27. ^Staff Writer (September 30, 2003)."Hurricane Juan pounds provinces".The Topeka-Capital Journal Online.Associated Press. Archived fromthe originalon October 7, 2012.RetrievedAugust 29,2011.
  28. ^Fogarty, Chris (2004)."A Comparison of the Wind Fields of Hurricane Edna (1954) and Hurricane Juan (2003)"(PDF).Meteorological Service of Canada. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on September 22, 2006.RetrievedDecember 23,2006.
  29. ^Canadian Press (2003)."Hurricane doesn't stop election".CanWest Global Communications.Archived fromthe originalon September 5, 2008.RetrievedNovember 20,2006.
  30. ^"Fallen trees hamper efforts to restore power in the wake of Juan".CBC. October 1, 2003.Archivedfrom the original on November 4, 2012.RetrievedDecember 22,2006.
  31. ^"Point Pleasant Park: Forestification".Halifax Regional Municipality. 2005. Archived fromthe originalon May 16, 2007.RetrievedDecember 23,2006.
  32. ^CTV.ca News Staff (2003)."N.S. pledges $10M in relief for Hurricane Juan".CTVglobemedia.Archived fromthe originalon January 20, 2012.RetrievedDecember 23,2006.
  33. ^MacFayden, Elmer (2003)."Province announces $200,000 to address immediate needs of Islanders affected by Hurricane Juan".Government ofPrince Edward Island.Archivedfrom the original on March 19, 2012.RetrievedDecember 23,2006.
  34. ^Canadian Hurricane Centre (2003)."Hurricane Juan 2003 Special Reports (link removed)".Meteorological Service of Canada.Archivedfrom the original on October 2, 2013.RetrievedDecember 23,2006.
  35. ^"Toronto funds trees for PEI".Canada NewsWire.2005.Archivedfrom the original on September 30, 2007.RetrievedDecember 23,2006.
  36. ^Bowyer, Peter (July 9, 2009)."Canadian Tropical Cyclone Season Summary for 2003".Canadian Hurricane Center.Archivedfrom the original on October 13, 2013.RetrievedAugust 29,2011.
  37. ^"Atlantic Season 2004 Preview".Environment Canada. 2004. Archived fromthe originalon June 11, 2011.RetrievedNovember 20,2006.
  38. ^Parker, John (2004)."Working Together to Understand the Risks"(PDF).Meteorological Service of Canada. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on August 2, 2020.RetrievedNovember 20,2006.
  39. ^"Top ten weather stories for 2004".Environmental and Climate Change Canada. August 8, 2017.Archivedfrom the original on January 25, 2021.RetrievedApril 25,2021.
  40. ^"'Juan' retired from World Meteorological Organization hurricane name list ".Environment Canada.April 30, 2004. Archived fromthe originalon May 9, 2006.RetrievedApril 11,2024.
  41. ^"Worldwide Tropical Cyclone Names".Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. May 19, 2008. Archived fromthe originalon August 4, 2008.RetrievedApril 11,2024.
  42. ^National Hurricane Operations Plan(PDF)(Report). Washington, D.C.:NOAAOffice of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research. May 2004. p. 3-9.RetrievedApril 11,2024.
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