Hurricane (Typhoon) — Micronesia, Guam

2013-11-03 to 2013-11-07 · Micronesia, Guam

Event narrative

On the afternoon of November 1st scatterometer data detected a circulation just south of Kosrae. This circulation moved toward the west-northwest and intensified over the next few days. The strengthening was such that on the evening of November 3 the National Weather Service Office in Guam started issuing Special Weather Statements on it. At that time it was still a tropical disturbance and was located near 6N156E or 95 miles west of Pohnpei. Further intensification resulted in the disturbance reaching tropical depression strength. On the night of November 3rd the first advisory was issued for Tropical Depression 31W when it was located near 6N155E. Even though it was only a depression it was expected to quickly intensify. This expectation was borne out as the depression became a tropical storm on the afternoon of the 4th and a typhoon by the afternoon of the 5th. Haiyan, as the system was named was located near 6N145E as it attained typhoon strength. This intensification did not cease as Haiyan became a super typhoon on the afternoon of the 6th. The location of Haiyan at that time was near 8N139E or 300 miles east of Koror Palau. Haiayn had maximum sustained winds of 150 mph with gust estimated to be near 175 mph. On the evening

of the 6th it passed very close to the atoll of Ngulu. The storm surge generated by

Haiyan overspread the atoll. The atoll was inhabited by only six people, none of these

were evacuated. Despite the devastation caused by the storm surge, all of these people survived.

As Haiyan continued its trek westward its eye passed over Kayangel on the morning of the 7th. The population of this atoll at that time was around 100 people with 30 of them being evacuated to Koror before the typhoon arrived. Most of these evacuees were elderly, women and children. 69 people remained on Kayangel as the eye of Haiyan passed over it. The super typhoon's destructive winds severely damaged

the atoll's only school and clinic. In addtion, roofs of most of the houses on Kayangel were blown off. Many trees were toppled by the strong winds. Power lines as well as communication lines were totally damaged. Storm surge associated with Haiyan pushed sea water inland, contaminating planting fields and the atoll's fresh water lens. The spoiling of the lens means that the people of Kayangel will have to import fresh water

from Palau. Eventually it is hoped that a water desalinization plant will be installed to produce drinking water.

It could cost the Palauan government $10 million to rebuild power and water infrastructure, as well schools and homes. Despite the intensity of the typhoon and the damage it incurred, no deaths were reported.

Wider weather episode

Haiyan crossed Micronesia from November 3rd to the 7th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 486009. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.