Cyclone Tam

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

Tropical cyclone

Subtropical cyclone

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

Tropical Cyclone Tam originated out of tropical depression while located about 370 km (230 mi) to the north-northeast of Fiji on January 6.[1] The system, designated 04F by the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) in Nadi, Fiji tracked slowly towards the west.[2] Although the depression was located within an area of low wind shear, little intensification occurred, as a lack of low-level moisture hindered the development of deep convection.[1] By January 9, shower and thunderstorm activity associated with the disturbance increased as it began to interact with the South Pacific Convergence Zone. Another tropical depression, 05F, also became increasingly organized and at one point was forecast to absorb 04F. Following the weakening of Tropical Depression 05F, 04F intensified.[1] Around 2000 UTC on January 11, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert as deep convection persisted around the center of circulation for several hours.[3]

The following day, the RSMC Nadi upgraded Tropical Depression 04F to a tropical cyclone and gave it the name Tam, making it the first named storm of the 2005–06 season. Several hours later, the storm passed close to Niuafo'ou with winds of 65 km/h (40 mph).[2] By 0000 UTC on January 13, the JTWC classified Tam as Tropical Cyclone 06P. Although the storm was tracking towards an area with stronger winds aloft, it was forecast to intensify.[3] Due to the relatively fast movement of the storm, the increasing winds aloft had little effect on the storm,[1] allowing it to intensify and attain winds of 85 km/h (53 mph) around 0600 UTC.[2] However, with both wind shear and the forward motion of the storm continuing to increase, convection rapidly became dislocated from the center.[3] Around 0000 UTC on January 14, Tam entered the area of responsibility of the Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre in Wellington, New Zealand.[2] With forward movement estimated at 75 km/h (47 mph) almost due south,[3] the cyclone reached an unusually high latitude as a tropical cyclone. Coinciding with the time when Tam reached 33°S, it transitioned into an extratropical cyclone. The remnants of the storm persisted for several hours before dissipating early on January 15.[1]

As Tam was developing, residents attempted to evacuate the island by plane, with the primary target of Fiji. Only a few flights took off before officials closed the airport, stranding numerous passengers.[4] Late on January 11, RSMC Nadi placed Tonga and Futuna under a tropical cyclone alert and also placed Tonga and Wallis under a strong wind warning.[5][6] Early the next day RSMC Nadi placed northern Tonga under a tropical cyclone gale warning.[7] Later that morning they canceled the tropical cyclone alert for Wallis and Futuna as Tam was not expected to directly affect Futuna anymore.[7] During that afternoon RSMC Nadi placed Niue under a Tropical cyclone alert, as they predicted that Niue would be affected by Tam within 24 hours.[7][8] Early on January 13 RSMC Nadi cancelled the tropical cyclone warnings and alerts for Tonga, whilst at the same time placing Niue under a tropical cyclone gale warning, however this gale warning was canceled later that day as Tam moved into the southern ocean.[9]

On January 11, Tropical Depression 04F produced a record 293.2 mm (11.54 in) of rain in a 24‑hour span on Rotuma. However, little damage resulted from the heavy precipitation.[10] Cyclone Tam produced heavy rainfall in American Samoa which triggered damaging floods. Several buildings were flooded, and an estimated 70% of the island's crops were destroyed. Sustained winds of up to 55 km/h (34 mph), with gusts reaching 95 km/h (59 mph), tore a few roofs off unsecured homes.[11] Scattered power outages were reported throughout the island.[4] A few landslides were also reported as a result of the storm. Damage from the storm totaled $26,000 on the island.[11] Relatively little damage was recorded in Futuna; there, the storm downed several trees and stranded a yacht on a reef.[12] On Niuafo'ou, a weather station recorded sustained winds of 55 km/h (34 mph) with gusts of up to 75 km/h (47 mph), along with a minimum pressure of 991 hPa (mbar).[13] Minor damage, consisting of fallen branches and isolated power outages also occurred on Niue.[1]

• 2005–06 South Pacific cyclone season
• Cyclone Urmil (2006)
• Cyclone Cilla

• World Meteorological Organization
• Fiji Meteorological Service
• Meteorological Service of New Zealand
• Joint Typhoon Warning Center Archived 2010-03-01 at the Wayback Machine