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{{Short description|Atlantic tropical storm in 2008}}
{{dablink|This article is about the ] ]. For other storms of the same name, see ]}}
{{for|other tropical cyclones named Laura|List of storms named Laura}}
{{Infobox Hurricane {{Infobox weather event
⚫ | Name=Tropical Storm Laura
| Type=Tropical Storm | name = Tropical Storm Laura
| image = Laura 30 sept 2008 1655Z.jpg
⚫ | Year=2008
⚫ | caption = Tropical Storm Laura at peak intensity on September 30
| Basin=Atl
| formed = September 29, 2008
| Image location=20080929-laura-full.jpg
⚫ | extratropical = October 1, 2008
| Image name=Subtropical Storm Laura on September 29
| Formed=September 29, 2008 | dissipated = October 4, 2008
}}{{Infobox weather event/NWS
⚫ | Dissipated=October 1, 2008
| 1-min winds=50 | winds = 50
| Pressure=994 | pressure = 994
| pressure-suffix = <br />(990 ] (29.53 ]) while ])
| Damages=Minimal
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| Fatalities=None
⚫ | year = 2008
| Areas=], ], ] (when ])
| fatalities = None
⚫ | Hurricane season=]
| damage-suffix = Minimal
| areas = ], ], ], ]
| refs =
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
⚫ | season = ]
}} }}


'''Tropical Storm Laura''' was a short lived ] which developed over the north-central ] in late September during the ]. The 12th named storm of the season, Laura formed out of a large ] ] located about 1015&nbsp;]s (1635&nbsp;]) west of the ] on September&nbsp;29. Laura slowly developed tropical characteristics throughout the day as it moved over warmer waters. On the afternoon of September&nbsp;30, Laura had acquired enough tropical characteristics to be designated a Tropical Storm. Shortly after being declared tropical, Laura began to undergo an ] transition, which did not fully take place until the morning of October&nbsp;1. Laura degenerated into a post-tropical cyclone later that morning, and the final advisory by the ] was issued. The remnants of Laura contributed to heavy rainfall and power outages in the ], <ref> ] ''WEATHER WARNING'' 5 October 2008</ref> the ], and ] on October&nbsp;5 to 8. '''Tropical Storm Laura''' was a large but short-lived ] that developed over the north-central ] in late September during the ]. Laura's remnants later impacted the ], ], and ]. The 12th named storm of the season, Laura formed out of a large ] ] located about {{convert|1015|mi|km}} west of the ] on September&nbsp;29. Laura slowly developed tropical characteristics throughout the day as it moved over warmer waters. On the afternoon of September&nbsp;30, Laura had acquired enough tropical characteristics to be designated a tropical storm. Shortly after being declared tropical, Laura began to undergo an ] transition, which did not fully take place until the morning of October&nbsp;1. Laura degenerated into a ] later that morning, and the final advisory by the ] was issued. The remnants of Laura contributed to heavy rainfall and power outages in the ], the ], and ] on October&nbsp;5 to 8.


==Meteorological history== ==Meteorological history==
{{storm path|Laura 2008 track.png}} {{storm path|Laura 2008 track.png}}
On September&nbsp;26, an ] ] developed along a quasi-stationary ] a few hundred miles west of the ]. The low intensified into the equivalent of a ] with winds of 80&nbsp;mph (130&nbsp;km/h) at 12:00&nbsp;] on September&nbsp;27. Over the following days, the low began to lose its frontal features and began to transition into a ] as it traveled in a general westward direction.<ref name="TCR">{{cite web|author=Richard J. Pasch|date=February 4, 2009|accessdate=February 7, 2009|title=Tropical Storm Laura Tropical Cyclone Report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/TCR-AL122008_Laura.pdf|publisher=]|format=]}}</ref> By September&nbsp;29, the low had developed sufficient ] and was declared Subtropical Storm Laura.<ref>{{cite web|author=Stewart|title=Subtropical Storm Laura Public Advisory One|year=2008|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-09-29|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/al12/al122008.public.001.shtml?}}</ref> Upon being upgraded, cold cloud tops began to wrap around the center of Laura and consolidate near the center of circulation. The convection organized around the center quickly and a satellite pass over the storm revealed that it could be intensifying.<ref>{{cite web|author=Stewart|title=Subtropical Storm Laura Discussion One|year=2008|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-09-29|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/al12/al122008.discus.001.shtml?}}</ref> A later satellite pass disregarded the possibility of intensification as the intensity was confirmed to be at 60&nbsp;mph (95&nbsp;km/h). The overall structure of Laura remained subtropical but there were indications that it was acquiring tropical characteristics.<ref>{{cite web|author=Berg/Pasch|title=Subtropical Storm Laura Discussion Two|year=2008|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-09-29|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/al12/al122008.discus.002.shtml?}}</ref> On September&nbsp;26, a very large ] ] developed along a quasi-stationary ] a few hundred miles west of the ]. The low intensified into the equivalent of a ] with winds of {{convert|80|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at 12:00&nbsp;] on September&nbsp;27. Over the following days, the low began to lose its frontal features and began to transition into a ] as it traveled in a general westward direction.<ref name="TCR">{{cite web|author=Richard J. Pasch|date=February 4, 2009|access-date=February 7, 2009|title=Tropical Storm Laura Tropical Cyclone Report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL122008_Laura}}|publisher=]|format=]}}</ref> By September&nbsp;29, the low had developed sufficient ] and was declared Subtropical Storm Laura.<ref>{{cite web|author=Stacy Stewart|title=Subtropical Storm Laura Public Advisory One|year=2008|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=September 29, 2008|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/al12/al122008.public.001.shtml?}}</ref> Upon being upgraded, cold cloud tops began to wrap around the center of Laura and consolidate near the center of circulation. The convection organized around the center quickly and a ] over the storm revealed that it could be intensifying.<ref>{{cite web|author=Stacy Stewart|title=Subtropical Storm Laura Discussion One|date=September 29, 2008|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=September 29, 2008|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/al12/al122008.discus.001.shtml?}}</ref> A later satellite pass disregarded the possibility of intensification as the intensity was confirmed to be at {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. The overall structure of Laura remained subtropical but there were indications that it was acquiring tropical characteristics.<ref>{{cite web|author=Robbie Berg and Richard Pasch|title=Subtropical Storm Laura Discussion Two|date=September 29, 2008|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=September 29, 2008|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/al12/al122008.discus.002.shtml?}}</ref>


During the afternoon, satellites revealed that Laura had developed a deep warm core, a characteristic of a tropical cyclone, but the wind field remained subtropical in nature.<ref>{{cite web|author=Berg/Franklin|title=Subtropical Storm Laura Discussion Three|year=2008|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-09-30|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/al12/al122008.discus.003.shtml?}}</ref> By the nighttime hours, the radius of the strongest winds contracted to 80&nbsp;mi (130&nbsp;km), much smaller than what is typical of a subtropical cyclone. However, Laura was still under the influence of an upper-level ] and cloud tops remained shallow.<ref>{{cite web|author=Franklin|title=Subtropical Storm Laura Discussion Four|year=2008|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-09-30|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/al12/al122008.discus.004.shtml?}}</ref> However, the cloud tops became colder overnight and Laura was on the verge of becoming a tropical cyclone by the morning of September&nbsp;30, but strong interaction with the upper-level low meant it was still subtropical.<ref>{{cite web|author=Beven|title=Subtropical Storm Laura Discussion Five|year=2008|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-09-30|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/al12/al122008.discus.005.shtml?}}</ref> Despite moving over colder waters, a water vapor satellite image determined that Laura had separated itself from the upper-level low, signifying it had developed into a tropical cyclone. Laura was re-classified to a tropical storm at a relatively high ],<ref>{{cite web|author=Berg/Pasch|title=Tropical Storm Laura Discussion Six|year=2008|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-09-30|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/al12/al122008.discus.006.shtml?}}</ref> 40.6°N.<ref name="TCR"/> Not long after being declared tropical, early signs of an extratropical transition appeared. Cold air began to enter the storm on the west side and forecast models showed Laura becoming extratropical the next morning and non-tropical later the next day.<ref>{{cite web|author=Berg/Pasch|title=Tropical Storm Laura Discussion Seven|year=2008|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-10-01|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/al12/al122008.discus.007.shtml?}}</ref> During the afternoon, satellites revealed that Laura had developed a deep warm core, a characteristic of a tropical cyclone, but the wind field remained subtropical in nature.<ref>{{cite web|author=Robbie Berg and James Franklin|title=Subtropical Storm Laura Discussion Three|date=September 29, 2008|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=September 30, 2008|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/al12/al122008.discus.003.shtml?}}</ref> By the nighttime hours, the radius of the strongest winds contracted to {{convert|80|mi|km|abbr=on}}, much smaller than what is typical of a subtropical cyclone. However, Laura was still under the influence of an ] and cloud tops remained shallow.<ref>{{cite web|author=James Franklin|title=Subtropical Storm Laura Discussion Four|date=September 29, 2008|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=September 30, 2008|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/al12/al122008.discus.004.shtml?}}</ref> However, the cloud tops became colder overnight and Laura was on the verge of becoming a tropical cyclone by the morning of September&nbsp;30, but strong interaction with the upper-level low meant it was still subtropical.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jack Beven|title=Subtropical Storm Laura Discussion Five|date=September 30, 2008|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=September 30, 2008|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/al12/al122008.discus.005.shtml?}}</ref> Despite moving over colder waters, a water vapor satellite image determined that Laura had separated itself from the upper-level low, signifying it had developed into a tropical cyclone. Laura was re-classified as a tropical storm at a relatively high ],<ref>{{cite web|author=Robbie Berg and Richard Pasch|title=Tropical Storm Laura Discussion Six|date=September 30, 2008|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=September 30, 2008|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/al12/al122008.discus.006.shtml?}}</ref> ].<ref name="TCR"/> Laura peaked as a tropical cyclone, attaining maximum 1-minute sustained winds of {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and a minimum ] of {{convert|994|mbar|inHg}}.<ref name="TCR" /> Not long after being declared tropical, early signs of an extratropical transition appeared. Cold air began to enter the storm on the west side and forecast models showed Laura becoming extratropical the next morning and non-tropical later the next day.<ref>{{cite web|author=Robbie Berg and Richard Pasch|title=Tropical Storm Laura Discussion Seven|date=September 30, 2008|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=October 1, 2008|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/al12/al122008.discus.007.shtml?}}</ref>
] ]


Overnight, convection associated with Laura began to diminish and lose tropical characteristics, but still retained its status.<ref>{{cite web|author=Avila|title=Tropical Storm Laura Discussion Eight|year=2008|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-10-01|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/al12/al122008.discus.008.shtml?}}</ref> Early on October&nbsp;1, the ] transition was fully apparent. Laura remained tropical but the cloud pattern was becoming frontal and there was little convection around the center of the system.<ref>{{cite web|author=Beven|title=Tropical Storm Laura Discussion Nine|year=2008|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-10-01|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/al12/al122008.discus.006.shtml?}}</ref> With minimal shower and thunderstorm activity remaining around the center of Laura, the storm degenerated into a ] on October&nbsp;1 while still producing tropical storm-force winds. The next day, the remnant system transitioned into an extratropical cyclone and began to re-intensify as it rapidly tracked towards the north. Early on October&nbsp;3, the system slowed down as it turned towards the east and strengthened into a hurricane-force cyclone with winds of 75&nbsp;mph (120&nbsp;km/h). After accelerating towards the east, another large extratropical cyclone absorbed the remnants of Laura while located several hundred miles west of the ] on October&nbsp;4.<ref name="TCR"/> Overnight, convection associated with Laura began to diminish and lose tropical characteristics, but still retained its status.<ref>{{cite web|author=Lixion Avila|title=Tropical Storm Laura Discussion Eight|date=September 30, 2008|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=October 1, 2008|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/al12/al122008.discus.008.shtml?}}</ref> Early on October&nbsp;1, the ] transition was fully apparent. Laura remained tropical but the cloud pattern was becoming frontal and there was little convection around the center of the system.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jack Beven|title=Tropical Storm Laura Discussion Nine|date=October 1, 2008|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=October 1, 2008|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/al12/al122008.discus.009.shtml?}}</ref> With minimal shower and thunderstorm activity remaining around the center of Laura, the storm degenerated into a ] on October&nbsp;1 while still producing tropical storm-force winds. The next day, the remnant system transitioned into an extratropical cyclone and began to re-intensify as it rapidly tracked towards the north. Early on October&nbsp;3, the system slowed down as it turned towards the east and strengthened into a ] cyclone, with winds of {{convert|75|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and a minimum central pressure of {{convert|990|mbar|inHg}}, reaching its extratropical peak. After accelerating towards the east, another large extratropical cyclone absorbed the remnants of Laura while located several hundred miles west of the ] on October&nbsp;4.<ref name="TCR"/>


==Impact== ==Impact==
{{Wettest tropical cyclones in the United Kingdom|align=right}}
⚫ ]
As a tropical cyclone, Laura never approached land, and no effects, damages, or fatalities occurred. Since the storm remained over open waters for most of its life, several ships and oil platforms recorded tropical storm-force winds. The highest recorded winds were at an oil platform with the call sign ''VEP717'' at 03:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;1. Winds were recorded up to 47&nbsp;] (54&nbsp;mph; 87&nbsp;km/h).<ref name="TCR"/> However, the storm's remnants were caught in an upper-level ], and steered towards ].<ref>{{Cite web|author=Paul Simons|title=Weather: torrential rain expected as strong winds hit Wales and the South West|year=2008|publisher=''The Times''|accessdate=2008-10-05|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/weather/uk_and_roi/article4877139.ece}}</ref> Heavy rain fell across portions of ] on October&nbsp;5, causing localized accumulation of flood waters. As a result, Glebe Road near ], ] was closed in both directions, and along the ] between Old Hutton and ], previously saturated soil, combined with overwhelmed ] resulted in localized flooding. Traffic on the ] was slowed due to poor driving conditions.<ref>{{cite web|author=Staff Writer|title=Tropical storm brings floods|year=2008|publisher=''The Westmorland Gazette''|accessdate=2008-10-05|url=http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/3728628.Tropical_storm_brings_floods/}}</ref> One person had to be rescued from her car after driving into a flooded street. The UK ] issued 76 flood watches and 21 severe flood warnings as a result of the rainfall.<ref>{{cite web|author=Kaya Burgess|publisher=''The Times''|date=2008-10-06|accessdate=2009-05-18|title=Met Office issues warning of more rain and floods|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/weather/uk_and_roi/article4887694.ece}}</ref> As a tropical cyclone, Laura never approached land, and no damages or fatalities occurred. Since the storm remained over open waters for most of its life, several ships and oil platforms recorded tropical storm-force winds. The highest recorded winds were at an oil platform with the call sign ''VEP717'' at 03:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;1. Winds were recorded up to {{convert|47|kn|mph km/h}}.<ref name="TCR"/> Despite the lack of impact, the storm's remnants were caught in an upper-level ], and steered towards ].<ref>{{cite news|author=Paul Simons|title=Weather: torrential rain expected as strong winds hit Wales and the South West|newspaper=The Times|access-date=October 5, 2008|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/weather/uk_and_roi/article4877139.ece| location=London | date=October 4, 2008}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> There, they contributed to heavy rainfall across portions of ] on October&nbsp;5, causing localized accumulation of flood waters. As a result, Glebe Road near ], ] was closed in both directions, and along the ] between Old Hutton and ], previously saturated soil, combined with overwhelmed ] resulted in localized flooding. Traffic on the ] was slowed due to poor driving conditions.<ref>{{cite web|author=Staff Writer|title=Tropical storm brings floods|year=2008|publisher=The Westmorland Gazette|access-date=October 5, 2008|url=http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/3728628.Tropical_storm_brings_floods/}}</ref> One person had to be rescued from her car after driving into a flooded street. The UK ] issued 76 flood watches and 21 severe flood warnings as a result of the rainfall.<ref>{{cite news|author=Kaya Burgess|newspaper=The Times|date=October 6, 2008|access-date=May 18, 2009|title=Met Office issues warning of more rain and floods|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/weather/uk_and_roi/article4887694.ece | location=London}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>


On October&nbsp;8, the remnants of Laura impacted the Netherlands, its rain bands started interacting with a cold front associated with a well-developed low west of Norway,<ref>{{nl icon}} {{Cite web|author=Rob Sluijter|title=5 oktober 2008: Wateroverlast in het noordwesten.|year=2008|publisher=''KNMI''|accessdate=2008-10-08|url=http://www.knmi.nl/klimatologie/nieuws/wateroverlast_051008.html}}</ref> dropping up to 113&nbsp;mm (4.4&nbsp;in)<ref>{{nl icon}} {{Cite web|author=Meteo Consult|title=De Noord-Hollandse 'zondvloed' nader bekeken.|year=2008|publisher=''Meteo Consult''|accessdate=2008-10-08|url=http://www.weer.nl/nl/home/weer/weer_in_het_nieuws/weernieuws/archive/2008/october/ch/f2d584b038/article/de_noord_hollandse_zondvloed_nader_bekeken.html}}</ref> of precipitation in the Northwestern Netherlands, flooding streets and homes in the village of ]. More than 10,000 people lost electricity in southern Norway because of damage to the electrical system caused by the remnants of the storm.<ref>{{nl icon}} {{cite web|url=http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/1.6247956 NRK.no: Kraftig uvær på Østlandet|date=2008-10-05|accessdate=2009-02-07|title=Kraftig uvær på Østlandet|publisher=NRK|author=Agnes Svalastog}}</ref> The 113&nbsp;mm (4.4&nbsp;in) rainfall broke the daily and monthly rainfall record for October which was set in 2006.<ref> {{nl icon}} {{cite web|author=KNMI|publisher=''Meteo Consult''|date=2008-10-06|accessdate=2009-05-08|title=De Noord-Hollandse 'zondvloed' nader bekeken|url=http://www.weer.nl/nl/home/weer/weer_in_het_nieuws/weernieuws/archive/2008/october/ch/f2d584b038/article/de_noord_hollandse_zondvloed_nader_bekeken.html}}</ref> On October&nbsp;8, the remnants of Laura reached the ]. At the time, its rain bands began interacting with a ] associated with a well-developed low west of ],<ref>{{Cite web|author=Rob Sluijter|title=5 oktober 2008: Wateroverlast in het noordwesten.|year=2008|publisher=KNMI|access-date=October 8, 2008|url=http://www.knmi.nl/klimatologie/nieuws/wateroverlast_051008.html|language=nl|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115094616/http://knmi.nl/klimatologie/nieuws/wateroverlast_051008.html|archive-date=November 15, 2012}}</ref> dropping up to {{convert|113|mm|in|abbr=on}}<ref>{{Cite web|author=Meteo Consult|title=De Noord-Hollandse 'zondvloed' nader bekeken.|year=2008|publisher=Meteo Consult|access-date=October 8, 2008|url=http://www.weer.nl/nl/home/weer/weer_in_het_nieuws/weernieuws/archive/2008/october/ch/f2d584b038/article/de_noord_hollandse_zondvloed_nader_bekeken.html|language=nl|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724173418/http://www.weer.nl/nl/home/weer/weer_in_het_nieuws/weernieuws/archive/2008/october/ch/f2d584b038/article/de_noord_hollandse_zondvloed_nader_bekeken.html|archive-date=July 24, 2011}}</ref> of precipitation in the northwestern Netherlands. Consequently, streets and homes in the village of ] were reportedly inundated. The large amounts of precipitation broke the daily and monthly rainfall records for October, which were previously set in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|author=KNMI|publisher=Meteo Consult|date=October 6, 2008|access-date=May 8, 2009|title=De Noord-Hollandse 'zondvloed' nader bekeken|url=http://www.weer.nl/nl/home/weer/weer_in_het_nieuws/weernieuws/archive/2008/october/ch/f2d584b038/article/de_noord_hollandse_zondvloed_nader_bekeken.html|language=nl|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724173418/http://www.weer.nl/nl/home/weer/weer_in_het_nieuws/weernieuws/archive/2008/october/ch/f2d584b038/article/de_noord_hollandse_zondvloed_nader_bekeken.html|archive-date=July 24, 2011}}</ref> Gradually passing through Norway, the remnants of the storm caused significant damage to ]. As a result, more than 10,000 people lost power in southern parts of the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/1.6247956|date=October 5, 2008|access-date=February 7, 2009|title=Kraftig uvær på Østlandet|publisher=NRK|author=Agnes Svalastog|language=no}}</ref>

The ] did not retire the name ''Laura''; as such, the name remains on the list of Atlantic hurricane names.<ref>{{cite web|author=Staff Writer|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=2009-05-01|accessdate=2009-05-18|title=Four Hurricane Names Retired From List of Storms|url=http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090501_names.html}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones|Europe}}
{{tcportal}}
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* ] * ]
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==References== ==References==
{{reflist}} {{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{commonscat|2008 Atlantic hurricane season}}
*The NHC's *The NHC's
*The NHC's *The NHC's {{NHC TCR url|id=AL122008_Laura|title=Tropical Cyclone Report on Laura}}


{{2008 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}} {{2008 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}}

{{Good article}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Laura}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Laura}}
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Latest revision as of 01:20, 20 December 2024

Atlantic tropical storm in 2008 For other tropical cyclones named Laura, see List of storms named Laura.
Tropical Storm Laura
Tropical Storm Laura at peak intensity on September 30
Meteorological history
FormedSeptember 29, 2008
ExtratropicalOctober 1, 2008
DissipatedOctober 4, 2008
Tropical storm
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds60 mph (95 km/h)
Lowest pressure994 mbar (hPa); 29.35 inHg
(990 mbar (29.53 inHg) while extratropical)
Overall effects
FatalitiesNone
DamageMinimal
Areas affectedAzores, Atlantic Canada, Greenland, Europe
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata
Part of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season

Tropical Storm Laura was a large but short-lived tropical cyclone that developed over the north-central Atlantic Ocean in late September during the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season. Laura's remnants later impacted the Netherlands, Germany, and Norway. The 12th named storm of the season, Laura formed out of a large extratropical area of low pressure located about 1,015 miles (1,633 km) west of the Azores on September 29. Laura slowly developed tropical characteristics throughout the day as it moved over warmer waters. On the afternoon of September 30, Laura had acquired enough tropical characteristics to be designated a tropical storm. Shortly after being declared tropical, Laura began to undergo an extratropical transition, which did not fully take place until the morning of October 1. Laura degenerated into a post-tropical cyclone later that morning, and the final advisory by the National Hurricane Center was issued. The remnants of Laura contributed to heavy rainfall and power outages in the British Isles, the Netherlands, and Norway on October 5 to 8.

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 circle Tropical cyclone square Subtropical cyclone triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

On September 26, a very large extratropical area of low pressure developed along a quasi-stationary frontal system a few hundred miles west of the Azores. The low intensified into the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) at 12:00 UTC on September 27. Over the following days, the low began to lose its frontal features and began to transition into a subtropical cyclone as it traveled in a general westward direction. By September 29, the low had developed sufficient convection and was declared Subtropical Storm Laura. Upon being upgraded, cold cloud tops began to wrap around the center of Laura and consolidate near the center of circulation. The convection organized around the center quickly and a satellite pass over the storm revealed that it could be intensifying. A later satellite pass disregarded the possibility of intensification as the intensity was confirmed to be at 60 mph (97 km/h). The overall structure of Laura remained subtropical but there were indications that it was acquiring tropical characteristics.

During the afternoon, satellites revealed that Laura had developed a deep warm core, a characteristic of a tropical cyclone, but the wind field remained subtropical in nature. By the nighttime hours, the radius of the strongest winds contracted to 80 mi (130 km), much smaller than what is typical of a subtropical cyclone. However, Laura was still under the influence of an upper-level low and cloud tops remained shallow. However, the cloud tops became colder overnight and Laura was on the verge of becoming a tropical cyclone by the morning of September 30, but strong interaction with the upper-level low meant it was still subtropical. Despite moving over colder waters, a water vapor satellite image determined that Laura had separated itself from the upper-level low, signifying it had developed into a tropical cyclone. Laura was re-classified as a tropical storm at a relatively high latitude, 40.6°N. Laura peaked as a tropical cyclone, attaining maximum 1-minute sustained winds of 60 mph (97 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 994 millibars (29.4 inHg). Not long after being declared tropical, early signs of an extratropical transition appeared. Cold air began to enter the storm on the west side and forecast models showed Laura becoming extratropical the next morning and non-tropical later the next day.

Laura on September 29

Overnight, convection associated with Laura began to diminish and lose tropical characteristics, but still retained its status. Early on October 1, the extratropical transition was fully apparent. Laura remained tropical but the cloud pattern was becoming frontal and there was little convection around the center of the system. With minimal shower and thunderstorm activity remaining around the center of Laura, the storm degenerated into a remnant-low pressure area on October 1 while still producing tropical storm-force winds. The next day, the remnant system transitioned into an extratropical cyclone and began to re-intensify as it rapidly tracked towards the north. Early on October 3, the system slowed down as it turned towards the east and strengthened into a hurricane-force cyclone, with winds of 75 mph (121 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 990 millibars (29 inHg), reaching its extratropical peak. After accelerating towards the east, another large extratropical cyclone absorbed the remnants of Laura while located several hundred miles west of the British Isles on October 4.

Impact

Wettest tropical cyclones and their remnants in the United Kingdom
Highest-known totals
Precipitation Storm Location Ref.
Rank mm in
1 150.0 5.91 Bertha 2014 Inverness, Highland
2 135.0 5.31 Charley 1986 Abergwyngregyn, Gwynedd
3 130.0 5.12 Nadine 2012 Ravensworth, North Yorkshire
4 76.0 2.99 Lili 1996 Chale Bay, Isle of Wight
5 61.7 2.43 Zeta 2020 Chipping, Lancashire
6 48.8 1.92 Grace 2009 Capel Curig, Conwy
7 42.2 1.66 Gordon 2006 Wainfleet All Saints, Lincolnshire
8 38.0 1.50 Gonzalo 2014 Glenmoriston, Highland
9 31.0 1.22 Bill 2009 Shap, Cumbria
10 30.0 1.18 Laura 2008 Windermere, Cumbria

As a tropical cyclone, Laura never approached land, and no damages or fatalities occurred. Since the storm remained over open waters for most of its life, several ships and oil platforms recorded tropical storm-force winds. The highest recorded winds were at an oil platform with the call sign VEP717 at 03:00 UTC on October 1. Winds were recorded up to 47 knots (54 mph; 87 km/h). Despite the lack of impact, the storm's remnants were caught in an upper-level jet stream, and steered towards Europe. There, they contributed to heavy rainfall across portions of Britain on October 5, causing localized accumulation of flood waters. As a result, Glebe Road near Windermere, England was closed in both directions, and along the A65 road between Old Hutton and Kirkby Lonsdale, previously saturated soil, combined with overwhelmed storm drains resulted in localized flooding. Traffic on the M6 Motorway was slowed due to poor driving conditions. One person had to be rescued from her car after driving into a flooded street. The UK Environment Agency issued 76 flood watches and 21 severe flood warnings as a result of the rainfall.

On October 8, the remnants of Laura reached the Netherlands. At the time, its rain bands began interacting with a cold front associated with a well-developed low west of Norway, dropping up to 113 mm (4.4 in) of precipitation in the northwestern Netherlands. Consequently, streets and homes in the village of Hippolytushoef were reportedly inundated. The large amounts of precipitation broke the daily and monthly rainfall records for October, which were previously set in 2006. Gradually passing through Norway, the remnants of the storm caused significant damage to electric utilities. As a result, more than 10,000 people lost power in southern parts of the country.

See also

References

  1. ^ Richard J. Pasch (February 4, 2009). "Tropical Storm Laura Tropical Cyclone Report" (PDF). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved February 7, 2009.
  2. Stacy Stewart (2008). "Subtropical Storm Laura Public Advisory One". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 29, 2008.
  3. Stacy Stewart (September 29, 2008). "Subtropical Storm Laura Discussion One". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 29, 2008.
  4. Robbie Berg and Richard Pasch (September 29, 2008). "Subtropical Storm Laura Discussion Two". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 29, 2008.
  5. Robbie Berg and James Franklin (September 29, 2008). "Subtropical Storm Laura Discussion Three". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 30, 2008.
  6. James Franklin (September 29, 2008). "Subtropical Storm Laura Discussion Four". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 30, 2008.
  7. Jack Beven (September 30, 2008). "Subtropical Storm Laura Discussion Five". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 30, 2008.
  8. Robbie Berg and Richard Pasch (September 30, 2008). "Tropical Storm Laura Discussion Six". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 30, 2008.
  9. Robbie Berg and Richard Pasch (September 30, 2008). "Tropical Storm Laura Discussion Seven". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
  10. Lixion Avila (September 30, 2008). "Tropical Storm Laura Discussion Eight". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
  11. Jack Beven (October 1, 2008). "Tropical Storm Laura Discussion Nine". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
  12. "Ex-hurricane Bertha" (PDF). Met Office. Met Office. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  13. "Hydrological Data UK 1986 Yearbook" (PDF). Natural Environment Research Council. British Geological Survey Institute of Hydrology. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  14. "Hydrological Summary for the United Kingdom - September 2012" (PDF). Natural Environment Research Council. British Geological Survey Institute of Hydrology. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  15. David Longshore (1998). Encyclopedia of Hurricanes, Typhoons, and Cyclones, New Edition. New York: Facts on File. p. 110. ISBN 9781438118796. Retrieved 2013-06-19.
  16. Finch, Fiona. "Warning over cost of record rainfall in Lancashire". Lancashire Post. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  17. "Review of UK weather on 06/10/09". BBC Weather. 7 October 2009. Archived from the original on 11 October 2009. Retrieved 7 October 2009.
  18. "September 2006 UK Review". United Kingdom Met Office. 2006. Archived from the original on October 2, 2012. Retrieved May 9, 2011.
  19. "Top UK wind speeds as Gonzalo's remnants felt". Met Office Blog. Met Office. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  20. Laura Harding (August 27, 2009). "More rain expected in parts of UK". The Independent. Retrieved November 19, 2009.
  21. "Tropical storm brings floods". Westmorland Gazette. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  22. Paul Simons (October 4, 2008). "Weather: torrential rain expected as strong winds hit Wales and the South West". The Times. London. Retrieved October 5, 2008.
  23. Staff Writer (2008). "Tropical storm brings floods". The Westmorland Gazette. Retrieved October 5, 2008.
  24. Kaya Burgess (October 6, 2008). "Met Office issues warning of more rain and floods". The Times. London. Retrieved May 18, 2009.
  25. Rob Sluijter (2008). "5 oktober 2008: Wateroverlast in het noordwesten" (in Dutch). KNMI. Archived from the original on November 15, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2008.
  26. Meteo Consult (2008). "De Noord-Hollandse 'zondvloed' nader bekeken" (in Dutch). Meteo Consult. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved October 8, 2008.
  27. KNMI (October 6, 2008). "De Noord-Hollandse 'zondvloed' nader bekeken" (in Dutch). Meteo Consult. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved May 8, 2009.
  28. Agnes Svalastog (October 5, 2008). "Kraftig uvær på Østlandet" (in Norwegian). NRK. Retrieved February 7, 2009.

External links

Tropical cyclones of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season
TSArthur 3Bertha TSCristobal 2Dolly TSEdouard TSFay 4Gustav (history) 1Hanna 4Ike TSJosephine 1Kyle TSLaura TSMarco TSNana 4Omar TDSixteen 4Paloma

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