Tropical Storm Mekkhala (2020)

Severe Tropical Storm Mekkhala, known in the Philippines as Tropical Storm Ferdie, was a severe tropical storm that affected China in August 2020 causing 1.1 billion yuan (US$159 million) in damage. However, no fatalities had been reported.

Severe Tropical Storm Mekkhala (Ferdie)
Severe Tropical Storm Mekkhala over China on August 11
Meteorological history
FormedAugust 9, 2020
DissipatedAugust 11, 2020
Severe tropical storm
10-minute sustained (JMA)
Highest winds95 km/h (60 mph)
Lowest pressure992 hPa (mbar); 29.29 inHg
Category 1-equivalent typhoon
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC)
Highest winds130 km/h (80 mph)
Lowest pressure980 hPa (mbar); 28.94 inHg
Overall effects
FatalitiesNone reported
Damage$159 million (2020 USD)
Areas affectedPhilippines, Taiwan, East China
IBTrACS
Part of the 2020 Pacific typhoon season

Meteorological history
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
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

An area of persistent convection formed within the proximity of a through that would spawn Tropical Storm Jangmi on August 7, west of Luzon. As Jangmi became the dominant system in the area, this low-pressure area remained disorganized. However, on the next day, as Jangmi moved away from the area, the system began to organize, and on August 9, the JTWC upgraded the storm to a Tropical Depression.[1] Soon after, at 8:00 p.m. PST, the PAGASA followed and upgraded the storm and gave it the name Ferdie.[2] By the next day, the JTWC upgraded Ferdie into a tropical storm. PAGASA then issued its last warning as Ferdie exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Then soon, the JMA followed suit and upgraded Ferdie to a tropical storm, giving it the international name Mekkhala. At 07:30 CST on August 11 (23:30 UTC on August 10), Mekkhala made landfall at Zhangpu County in Fujian, China shortly after peak intensity.[3]

Preparations and impact

Philippines and Taiwan

Mekkhala forced a Signal No. 1 warning to be placed for the Ilocos region in the Philippines, as it brought monsoonal conditions to portions of Luzon, shortly after its formation.[4]

Although, Mekkhala remain well to the west of Taiwan, the storm still brought rounds of heavy rainfall to the island. [5]

China

In preparation for Mekkhala, officials in China suspended ferry services and forced ships back to port. The China Meteorological Administration issued a Level III emergency response, while flood control workers were sent to areas hit by Mekkhala. Train services and hundreds of flights were cancelled as Mekkhala neared. The Xiamen Flood Control reported that 3,200 people evacuated ahead of the storm. Mekkhala caused heavy precipitation amounts over China up to 7.847 inches (200 mm) in some areas. In Zhangpu County, Fujian, roofs of wooden homes were torn off at a tourism site where 30 people were sheltering. [6] In Zhangzhou, damage from Mekkhala totaled to 1.1 billion yuan (US$159 million), where vehicles were forced to shelter along highways due to strong winds. Another highway in the region was blocked by a tree forcing two police officers to direct traffic away from the tree. [7]

See also

References
  1. "Tropical Depression 07W warning NR 001". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. August 9, 2020. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  2. ABS-CBN News (2020-08-09). "Low pressure area intensifies into tropical depression Ferdie". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2020-08-09.
  3. Xu Yinglong (10 August 2020). "中央气象台8月11日07时30分发布台风登陆消息" (in Chinese). National Meteorological Center of CMA. Archived from the original on 11 August 2020. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  4. Lalu, Gabriel Pabico (2020-08-10). "Signal No. 1 up over Ilocos as 'Ferdie,' monsoon bring rains, winds over Luzon". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2020-08-21.
  5. Wang Shu-fen; Chiang Yi-ching (August 11, 2020). "Taiwan lifts land, sea warnings for Tropical Storm Mekkhala". Retrieved August 20, 2020.
  6. "China Focus: Typhoon Mekkhala makes landfall in China's Fujian". Xinhua net. Retrieved 16 September 2020.
  7. "台风"米克拉"致福建漳州损失超11亿元" (in Chinese). China Overseas Chinese Network. August 13, 2020. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
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