Tropical Cyclones in the Southwest Pacific Basin 2007-08
Jim Salinger, Jim Renwick, and Andrew Lorrey, NIWA
Southwest Pacific tropical cyclones in 2007–08
The 2007–08 Southwest Pacific tropical cyclone (TC) season had five occurrences east of 150°E, two less than the seasonal average (1976–77 to 2006–07). This season’s TC’s were clustered nearer the Date Line in the Southwest Pacific region, with three tracking near Fiji, one to the west and one to the east.
| Name | Origin | Date | Max. Speed (km/h) | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GUBA | Papua NewGuinea | 13 - 19 Nov.2007 | 139 | Hurricane |
| DAMAN | Over Fiji | 5 - 9 Dec. 2007 | 195 | Major hurricane |
| ELISA | SW of Nukualofa, Tonga | 10 - 11 Jan. 2008 | 85 | Tropical storm |
| FUNA | Fiji | 16 - 19 Jan. 2008 | 195 | Major hurricane |
| GENE | NE of Fiji | 27 Jan - 1 Feb 2008 | 185 | Major hurricane |
Fewer TC’s than average this year
Rather than the normal February–March peak, the season peaked early, with the majority of cyclones occurring in January. The remainder of the season was unusually quiet, with no cyclones recorded. The first tropical cyclone of the season occurred on 13 November, slightly earlier than normal. The season finished unusually early with the last in late January–early February.
2007–08 tropical cyclone damage
Four Southwest Pacific region tropical cyclones (57%) reached hurricane strength (sustained wind speeds of at least 118 km), two of which reached major hurricane strength (mean wind speed at least 168 km/h). TC Guba was the first of the season, forming near Papua-New Guinea on 13 November, and meandered in the northern Coral Sea, with maximum sustained winds reaching 139 km/h (hurricane force). In New Guinea, it caused major impacts, with flooding leading to at least 170 deaths. TC Daman occurred over 5–9 December near Fiji, with maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h (major hurricane force).This produced heavy rainfall over northern Fiji, with winds flattening villages and causing widespread destruction to roads and property.
TC Elisa formed on 10 January near the Date Line and moved southwest of Nukualofa, Tonga producing maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h. TC Funa developed near northern Vanuatu then moved southeast toward Tonga on 16-19 January with maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h, bringing heavy rain and storm force winds to Vanuatu which disrupted communication. TC Gene was the last of the 2007–08 season, developing over Fiji and tracking towards New Caledonia. Maximum sustained winds were of 185 km/h. This caused seven deaths on Fiji, left many without power and caused estimated damages of US$45 million.