Tropical Storm Erin (2007)

Infobox Hurricane
Name=Tropical Storm Erin
Type=Tropical storm
Year=2007
Basin=Atl
Image location=Erin 15 aug 2007 1939Z.jpg


Formed=August 14, 2007
Dissipated=August 19, 2007
1-min winds=35
Pressure=1003
Pressurepost=Lowest as a tropical cyclone
Da

Fatalities=16 direct
Areas=Texas, Oklahoma, central United States
Hurricane season=2007 Atlantic hurricane season

Tropical Storm Erin was the second tropical cyclone to make landfall in the United States in the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season. The fifth named storm of the season, it formed in the Gulf of Mexico on August 14 from a persistent area of convection. It attained tropical storm status the next day, and on August 16 Erin made landfall near Lamar, Texas and persisted over land across Texas before moving northward into Oklahoma. The storm resulted in at least 16 fatalities and worsened an already-severe flooding issue in Texas.

Meteorological history

On August 9, an area of convection developed just south of Jamaica in association with a trough of low pressure.cite web|author=Beven|year=2007|title=August 9 Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-08-14|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Outlook-A/2007081002.ABNT20] The system tracked west-northwestward, and by August 10 consisted of a broad surface trough with minimal shower activity.cite web|author=Beven|year=2007|title=August 10 Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-08-14|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Outlook-A/2007081102.ABNT20] Convection increased on August 11,cite web|author=Rhome|year=2007|title=August 11 Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-08-14|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Outlook-A/2007081121.ABNT20] and by August 12 the interaction between a tropical wave and an upper-level low in the area resulted in a large area of disorganized thunderstorms extending from the western Caribbean Sea into the central Bahamas.cite web|author=Blake|year=2007|title=August 12 Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-08-14|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Outlook-A/2007081215.ABNT20] Upper-level winds gradually became more beneficial for development, and on August 13 a broad low pressure area formed about 90 miles (145 km) north-northeast of Cancún, Quintana Roo.cite web|author=Knabb/Blake|year=2007|title=August 13 Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-08-14|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Outlook-A/2007081315.ABNT20] Late on August 14, a Hurricane Hunters flight into the system reported a small circulation center, but at the time was not well-defined enough to result in the initiation of tropical cyclone advisories. However, deep convection was maintained near the increasingly organizing center, and at 0300 UTC on August 15 the National Hurricane Center classified it as Tropical Depression Five about 425 miles (685 km) southeast of Brownsville, Texas.cite web|author=Franklin|year=2007|title=Tropical Depression Five Discussion One|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-08-14|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al05/al052007.discus.001.shtml?]

In the overnight hours after formation, the storm was disorganized with a ragged and ill-defined center of circulation. Located to the south of a mid to upper-level ridge over the southern United States, the system tracked to the west-northwest through an environment conducive for further strengthening; an upper-level anticyclone developed over the central Gulf of Mexico, and sea surface temperatures along its track were warm.cite web|author=Rhome|year=2007|title=Tropical Depression Five Discussion Two|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-08-15|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al05/al052007.discus.002.shtml?] The cloud pattern became better organized, maintaining a large area of convection with curved rainbands and well-established outflow.cite web|author=Avila|year=2007|title=Tropical Depression Five Discussion Three|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-08-15|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al05/al052007.discus.003.shtml??] Based on reports from Hurricane Hunters, the National Hurricane Center upgraded the depression to Tropical Storm Erin at 1530 UTC on August 13 about 250 miles (400 km) east of Brownsville, Texas.cite web|author=Avila|year=2007|title=Tropical Storm Erin Special Advisory 4|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-08-15|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al05/al052007.public.004.shtml?] As it continued northwestward, Erin remained disorganized and failed to strengthen beyond minimal tropical storm status.cite web|author=Rhome/Beven|year=2007|title=Tropical Storm Erin Discussion Six|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-08-16|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al05/al052007.discus.006.shtml?] At 1200 UTC on August 16 the cyclone made landfall near Lamar, Texas as it weakened to tropical depression status.cite web|author=Avila|year=2007|title=Tropical Storm Erin Intermediate Advisory 7a|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-08-16|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al05/al052007.public_a.007.shtml?] Three hours later, the National Hurricane Center ceased issuing advisories on Erin as warning responsibility was transferred to the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center.cite web|author=Avila|year=2007|title=Tropical Depression Erin Discussion Eight|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-08-16|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al05/al052007.discus.008.shtml?]

Drifting northwestward through Texas, Tropical Depression Erin maintained an area of convection near the center, with its widespread but scattered rainbands dropping moderate to heavy precipitation. By August 17, the winds decreased to 20 mph (30 km/h),cite web|author=Kocin|year=2007|title=Tropical Depression Erin Public Advisory Thirteen|accessdate=2007-08-19|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/ERIN/ERIN_13.html] with higher gusts. The system turned to the north-northeast on August 18, while heavy bands of thunderstorms continued to rotate around the center of Erin.cite web|author=Kocin|year=2007|title=Tropical Depression Erin Public Advisory Fourteen|accessdate=2007-08-19|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/ERIN/ERIN_14.html] Early on August 19 after entering Oklahoma, the remnants of Erin suddenly re-intensified to maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) a short distance west of Oklahoma City.cite web|author=.cite web|author=Kocin|year=2007|title=Remnants of Erin Public Advisory Twenty-Two|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|accessdate=2007-08-19|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/ERIN/ERIN_22.html] Its remnant mid-level circulation then moved eastward across Missouri, Kentucky, and Virginia before losing identity as it moved out into the Atlantic Ocean.

Preparations

Immediately upon becoming a tropical cyclone, the National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm watch from Freeport, Texas to the United States/Mexico border; at the same time, the government of Mexico issued a tropical storm watch southward to Rio San Fernando.cite web|author=Franklin|year=2007|title=Tropical Depression Five Public Advisory One|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-08-14|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al05/al052007.public.001.shtml?] Shortly before attaining tropical storm status, the watch in Texas was upgraded to a tropical storm warning.cite web|author=Avila|year=2007|title=Tropical Depression Five Public Advisory Three|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-08-15|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al05/al052007.public.003.shtml?] Late on August 15, the warning was extended to San Luis Pass, while the watch in Mexico was discontinued.cite web|author=Avila|year=2007|title=Tropical Storm Erin Public Advisory Five|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-08-15|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al05/al052007.public.005.shtml?] As Erin made landfall, the warning was canceled, and several flood watches and warnings were issued for counties across southeastern Texas.cite web|author=Kocin|year=2007|title=Public Advisory Number 9 for Tropical Depression Erin|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|accessdate=2007-08-16|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/ERIN/ERIN_9.html] Upon moving into Oklahoma, flood and flash flood warnings were issued for several counties.

Governor Rick Perry activated the National Guard and mobilized emergency personnel to the region expected to be affected by the storm.cite news|author = MSNBC News Services | date = 2007-08-15 | accessdate = 2007-08-15 | title = Tropical Storm Erin forms, heads for Texas | url = http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20278550/ | publisher = MSNBC] Erin was expected to bring flooding to the region, which had already been declared a disaster area on August 7, 2007 due to widespread flooding on the Nueces River basin;cite news | title = Nueces declared disaster area from river flooding | author = Beth Wilson | accessdate = 2007-08-15 | date = 2007-08-07 | url = http://www.caller.com/news/2007/aug/07/nueces-declared-disaster-area-river-flooding/ | publisher = Corpus Christi Caller-Times] this area remained flooded as of August 15, 2007.cite web | url =http://ahps.srh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=crp&gage=cbvt2&view=1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1 | author = National Weather Service | title= Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service: Corpus Christi: Nueces River near Bluntzer | date = 2007-08-15 | accessdate = 2007-08-15 | publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] On August 15, oil futures rose to $74.01 (USD), due to fears of Erin disrupting oil supplies produced on Texan coasts, combined with low oil inventories.cite web | url = http://money.cnn.com/2007/08/15/markets/oil_eia/?postversion=2007081512 | title = Oil gains on inventories, storms | author = Steve Hargreaves | publisher = CNN | date = 2007-08-15 | accessdate = 2007-08-15] As a result of the threat from the storm, Shell Oil Company evacuated 188 workers on oil platforms in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.cite web|author=John Porretto|year=2007|title=Remnants of storm Erin deluge Houston|publisher=Associated Press|accessdate=2007-08-16|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/5061072.html]

Impact

Texas

By midday on August 15, rainbands with gusty winds began affecting the Texas coastline. As it moved ashore, the storm produced heavy rainfall near and to the or northeast of its path, reaching 11.02 inches (280 mm) at a station in Lockwood. The passage of the storm caused several bayous in the Houston area to reach or exceed flood levels.cite web|author=Rad Sallee & Eric Berger|year=2007|title=Erin hits Texas coast, sparks flash flood warnings|publisher=Houston Chronicle|accessdate=2007-08-16|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/hurricane/5054745.html] Across southeastern Texas, the cyclone spawned several funnel clouds,cite web|author=Morales et al.|year=2007|title=Tropical Storm Erin Post-Tropical Cyclone Report|publisher=Corpus Cristi, Texas National Weather Service|accessdate=2007-08-23|url=http://www.srh.noaa.gov/data/warn_archive/CRP/PSH/0820_180350.txt] and near Iah a EF0 tornado was reported. Wind gusts from Erin were minor across the state, peaking at 35 mph (55 km/h) at Palacios with an unofficial report of 39 mph (63 km/h) at Jamaica Beach. Upon moving ashore, the storm produced a minor storm surge peaking at 3.22 feet (0.98 m) at Pleasure Pier, which caused minor beach erosion.cite web|author=Hafele & Blood|year=2007|title=Post-Tropical Cyclone Report on Erin|publisher=Houston/Galveston National Weather Service|accessdate=2007-08-23|url=http://www.srh.noaa.gov/data/warn_archive/HGX/PSH/0822_184650.txt]

In Clear Lake City, heavy rainfall collapsed a portion of a grocery store roof, killing two workers. The precipitation caused moderate flooding across eastern portions of Harris County; over 400 homes and 40 businesses were flooded. Flooding across the Greater Houston area briefly halted the METRORail and closed several state roads. One person drowned after driving into a retention pond. [cite web|author=United Press International|year=2007|title=Tropical Storm Erin leaves 7 dead in Texas|accessdate=2007-08-23|url=http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2007/08/17/tropical_storm_erin_leaves_7_dead_in_texas/4640/] Several people required rescue assistance, and in Comal County a car accident caused three fatalities.cite web|author=Bruce Nichols|year=2007|title=At least four dead as Erin floods Texas|publisher=Reuters|accessdate=2007-08-16|url=http://today.reuters.com/news/articleinvesting.aspx?type=bondsNews&storyID=2007-08-16T222302Z_01_N16657456_RTRIDST_0_STORM-ERIN-HOUSTON-UPDATE-2.XML] The passage of the storm temporarily left about 20,000 electrical customers without power, though most outages were quickly restored. In San Antonio, one body was recovered from a creek and another died after driving into a flooded road and was swept into a drainage ditch in which four others survived. In Sisterdale, two people were killed when they were swept away stalled over Sister Creek. [ [http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2007/08/19/at_least_10_die_in_texas_in_latest_floods/2842/ At least 10 die in Texas in latest floods - UPI.com ] ] In Taylor County, near Abilene, flooding killed one person and forced the evacuation of about 2,000 people. [ [http://kxas.weatherplus.com/weathernews/13932604/detail.html?rss=dfw&psp=news weatherplus.com - Weather News - Eighth Body Found After Texas Flooding ] ] Damage in Texas totaled over $45 million (2007 USD). [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2008|title=Event Report for Texas|accessdate=2008-03-24|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~676992] [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2008|title=Event Report for Texas (2)|accessdate=2008-03-24|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~679544] [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2008|title=Event Report for Texas (3)|accessdate=2008-03-24|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~679417]

Oklahoma

After its unexpected redevelopment over Oklahoma, widespread damage was also reported there. Several communities in central Oklahoma were flooded due to the heavy rainfall. Watonga, Kingfisher and Geary were the hardest-hit communities, where many houses and buildings were inundated. Winds in Watonga gusted as high as 82 mph (131 km/h), which damaged numerous trees and power lines and heavily damaged mobile homes. The entire community lost power, as did about 15,000 customers in total in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. A section of Interstate 40 was also closed for a while. [cite news|author=|title=6 Dead After Tropical Storm Moves Through State|year=2007|publisher=KOCO Oklahoma City|accessdate=2008-08-11]

One person drowned in a cellar in Fort Cobb, and another drowned in Kingfisher. [cite web|author=Staff Writer|title=Heavy rains cause flooding, evacuations, two deaths and possibly three more|year=2007|publisher=The Oklahoman|accessdate=2008-08-11|url=http://newsok.com/article/3106843] Another storm-related death took place in Seminole. [cite web|author=Staff Writer|title=Eye turned toward recovery|year=2007|publisher=The Oklahoman|accessdate=2008-08-11|url=http://www.newsok.com/article/3106692/] Three others were found dead after a weather-related automobile accident also near Carnegie.cite web|author=Ron Jackson|date=2007-08-19|dateaccessed=2007-08-21|title=Official's wife, daughter die in flooding|publisher=NewsOK|url=http://www.newsok.com/article/3106707] Another automobile accident fatality took place in Okmulgee County but it is unclear if the event was storm-related.cite web|author=Johnny Johnson|date=2007-08-19|dateaccessed=2007-08-21|title=Accident claims 1|publisher=NewsOK|url=http://newsok.com/article/3106841] Damage amounted to over $2 million (2007 USD). [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2008|title=Event Report for Oklahoma|accessdate=2008-03-24|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~681118] [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2008|title=Event Report for Oklahoma (2)|accessdate=2008-03-24|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~680995]

Missouri

Although its surface circulation had dissipated, its circulation aloft remained intact and led to a burst of rainfall early on August 20. The 11.94 inches/303.3 mm that fell at Miller became the wettest Missouri rainfall total associated with a tropical cyclone, or its remains, since at least 1972. [David M. Roth. [http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/tcstatemaxima.gifTropical Cyclone State Maxima (United States).] Retrieved on 2007-08-31.] One person died in Sleeper when he drove into flood waters which had swept away a bridge he was attempting to navigate onto. [National Weather Service Office Springfield, Missouri. [http://www.crh.noaa.gov/sgf/?n=aug19-20_2007_flooding_lsr PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...SUMMARY.] Retrieved on 2007-08-30.] Nine water rescues occurred along the I-44 corridor, mostly caused by Erin's rainfall. [FEMA. [http://www.fema.gov/emergency/reports/2007/nat082207.shtm National Situation Update: Wednesday, August 22, 2007.] Retrieved on 2007-08-30.] Damage totaled about $19.8 million (2007 USD) in the state, primarily in Polk County. [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2008|title=Event Report for Missouri|accessdate=2008-03-24|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~681365] [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2008|title=Event Report for Missouri (2)|accessdate=2008-03-24|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~681364] [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2008|title=Event Report for Missouri (3)|accessdate=2008-03-24|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~680917] [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2008|title=Event Report for Missouri (4)|accessdate=2008-03-24|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~680921] [cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2008|title=Event Report for Missouri (5)|accessdate=2008-03-24|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~680922]

References

ee also

*List of notable Atlantic hurricanes
*2007 Midwest flooding

External links

*See the [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/ERIN.shtml NHC advisory archive] on Tropical Storm Erin
*See the [http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/ERIN/ERIN_archive.shtml HPC advisory archive] on Tropical Depression Erin