User:Thelunarwhale2012/sandbox

Erno
Category 5 hurricane / Super typhoon
Formed	July 5, 2023
Dissipated	July 14, 2023
Duration	9 days
Highest winds	3-minute sustained: 300 km/h (185 mph) ; 1-minute sustained: 325 km/h (200 mph) ;
Lowest pressure	912 mbar (hPa) hPa (mbar)
Areas affected	Panama, Hawaii, Samar, Quezon, Northern Mariana Islands
	First hurricane to cross from the Atlantic to the Eastern Pacific and Western Pacific basins.
	Part of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, 2023 Pacific typhoon season

Erno was a powerful tropical cyclone that formed in the Atlantic Ocean and became the first hurricane to cross from the Atlantic to the Eastern Pacific and Western Pacific basins. It intensified into a Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic with winds of 175 mph (280 km/h) and later weakened slightly to a super typhoon with winds of 162 mph (260 km/h) in the Pacific.

Meteorological history

Erno originated from a tropical disturbance that formed in the Atlantic Ocean on July 5, 2023. Favorable atmospheric conditions and warm sea surface temperatures allowed the disturbance to rapidly intensify, reaching hurricane strength within 48 hours. As it continued to strengthen, Erno attained Category 5 status on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale with sustained winds of 175 mph (280 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 912 mbar (hPa).

After reaching its peak intensity, Erno began its unprecedented journey across the ocean basins. It crossed into the Eastern Pacific, where it weakened slightly but remained a formidable super typhoon. The cyclone's path took it westward, passing near the Hawaiian Islands and causing significant impacts before moving into the Western Pacific basin.

Upon entering the Western Pacific, Erno maintained its intensity and posed a significant threat to the Philippines. It made landfall on the islands of Samar and Quezon, bringing destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surge. The affected areas experienced widespread damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and coastal communities. Despite the immense destruction, the prompt evacuation efforts helped minimize the loss of life.

Erno continued its track northwestward, skirting the northern coast of Luzon and affecting the Northern Mariana Islands. While the storm gradually weakened over the open waters, it still brought strong winds and heavy rain to the region, causing localized flooding and power outages.

Over the Korean Peninsula, Erno dissipated due to the interaction with the landmass and the cooler waters of the Sea of Japan. The remnants of the storm merged with a frontal system, becoming extratropical on July 14, 2023.

Impact

Panama

As Erno developed and intensified in the Atlantic, it brought heavy rainfall and gusty winds to parts of Panama. The increased rainfall resulted in localized flooding and landslides, damaging infrastructure and displacing communities.

Hawaii

Erno's proximity to the Hawaiian Islands prompted the issuance of tropical storm and hurricane warnings for various parts of the state. Although the core of the storm remained offshore, it still caused high surf, coastal erosion, and strong winds. The impacts were most significant along the eastern and northeastern shores, where coastal flooding and damage to beachfront properties were reported. Additionally, heavy rainfall led to flash flooding and road closures in some areas.

Samar and Quezon, Philippines

Erno made landfall in the Philippines on Samar and Quezon islands, bringing destructive winds and torrential rain. The storm caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including homes, schools, and public buildings. Flooding was reported in low-lying areas, while storm surge affected coastal communities. The combined effects resulted in significant disruptions to daily life, with power outages and limited access to essential services. The full extent of the damage and casualties is still being assessed.

Northern Mariana Islands

As Erno moved into the Western Pacific, it passed near the Northern Mariana Islands. While the storm's core remained offshore, the islands experienced strong winds and heavy rain. Localized flooding occurred in low-lying areas, and power outages affected some communities. Prompt preparedness measures and evacuation efforts helped minimize the impacts and protect residents and infrastructure.

References