List of wettest tropical cyclones by country

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Contents 1 Australia 2 Bangladesh 3 Belize 4 Bermuda 4.1 Top 10 Wettest Known Wettest Tropical Cyclones for Bermuda since 1939 5 Canada 5.1 Top Ten Wettest Known Tropical Cyclones in Canada 6 Cayman Islands 6.1 Cayman Brac 6.2 Grand Cayman 7 China 8 Chuuk, Western Pacific 9 Cuba 9.1 Top Ten Known Cuban Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Totals since 1963 10 Dominica, Eastern Caribbean 11 Dominican Republic 11.1 Top Ten Known Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Totals - Dominican Republic 12 Fiji 13 Guadeloupe 14 Guam, Western Pacific 14.1 Top Ten Wettest Known Tropical Cyclones for Guam 15 Haiti 15.1 Highest Known Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Amounts in Haiti 16 Hawaii 17 Honduras 18 India 19 Jamaica 19.1 Top Nine Known Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Totals in Jamaica 20 Japan 20.1 Top Ten Known Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Amounts in Japan 20.2 Okinawa 20.2.1 Top Five Wettest Known Tropical Cyclones for Okinawa 20.3 Ryukyu Islands 21 Johnston Atoll 22 Korea 22.1 North/DPR Korea 22.2 South Korea 22.2.1 Highest Known Rainfall Totals from Tropical Cyclones - South Korea 23 Koror 23.1 Wettest Known Tropical Cyclones in Koror 24 La Réunion Island, Indian Ocean 25 Madagascar 26 Martinique 26.1 Highest Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Amounts in Martinique 27 Mauritius, South Indian Ocean 28 Mexico 28.1 Top Ten Mexican Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Amounts since 1988 29 Mozambique 30 Nepal 31 New Zealand 32 Nicaragua 33 Niue, Southwest Pacific 34 Oman 35 Pakistan 36 Palau, Northwest Pacific 36.1 Wettest Known Tropical Cyclones for Palau 37 Panama 38 Philippines 38.1 Top Eight Known Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Amounts for the Philippines 39 Pohnpei 39.1 Wettest Known Tropical Cyclones for Pohnpei 40 Puerto Rico 41 St. Brandon, South Indian Ocean 42 St. Martin/St. Maarten 42.1 Highest Known Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Totals from St. Martin/Maarten 43 Saipan - Northwest Pacific 43.1 Wettest Known Tropical Cyclones for Saipan 44 South Africa 45 Sri Lanka 46 Tahiti 47 Takaroa, French Polynesia, Southwest Pacific 48 Thailand 49 Ulithi, Northwest Pacific 50 United States 50.1 Top Ten Tropical Cyclones Amounts By Point Maximum for the Lower 48 since 1976 51 Vanuatu, Southwest Pacific 52 Venezuela 53 Vietnam 53.1 Wettest Known Tropical Cyclones in Vietnam 54 See Also 55 References 56 Related External links

[edit] Australia

In 1979, Cyclone Peter hovered offshore, causing a 24 hour rainfall of 1140 mm/44.88 inches at Mt. Bellenden Ker on January 5th.^[1] Also in Queensland, the early stages of Tropical Cyclone Grace of the 2003-04 Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone season led to heavy rainfall across northern Queensland; a three day total of 759 mm/29.88 inches was measured at Topaz during March 17 through March 20.^[2]

Tropical Cyclone Steve moved through most of Western Australia during March, 2000. Much of the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne reported cumulative rainfall totals in excess of 100 mm. Higher falls, greater than 300 mm, were recorded near the 80 Mile Beach. Parts of the western Pilbara and northern Gascoyne received totals that ranged from 200 to 300 mm. Several sites reported highest on record daily rainfall amounts including Mandora (281.0 mm on 6th) and Mount Narryer (152.0 mm on 10th). Carnarvon (100.6 mm on 9th) reported its highest March daily rainfall since records commenced 45 years ago. Rainfall ranging from 50 to 100 mm continued over inland parts from the West Gascoyne to the South Coast near Esperance.^[3]

The remains of Severe Tropical Cyclone Clare, part of the 2005-06 Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone season, moved to southern Western Australia, producing heavy rain and some flooding through the Gascoyne and inland parts of the Southwest Land Division in the following days. Flooding was particularly significant in the area around Lake Grace in the Great Southern district where 224 mm of rain was recorded in a 24 hour period between January 12 and January 13 in 2006.^[4] Severe Tropical Cyclone Glenda, also part of the 2005-06 Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone season, dumped 206 mm of rain at Onslow, Western Australia within 24 hours on March 30, 2006, representing the sixth wettest day on record for the town.^[5]

[edit] Bangladesh

Bangladesh has been the scene of the most epic tropical cyclone casualties in recent times. The country is quite flat and generally lies near sea level. A monsoon depression in mid-September 2004 led to heavy rains, with 280 mm/11.02 inches falling at Barisal in the 24 hour period ending at 1200 UTC on September 16.^[6] A tropical depression in early October 2004 visited the area, bringing as much as 227.2 mm/8.94 inches at Rangpur in the 24 hour period ending at 0000 UTC on October 8.^[7]

[edit] Belize

This country has terrain mainly across its southern sections, with elevations up to about 3700 feet/1125 meters.^[8] The highest reported rainfall in what was formerly British Honduras occurred during Hurricane Keith in 2000 when 32.67" of rain fell in a 24 hour period at Phillip Goodson International Airport in Belize City.^[9] It should be noted that equally heavy rains could have fallen during Hurricane Hattie/Simone/Inga of 1961, Hurricane Fifi of 1974, and Hurricane Greta-Olivia of 1978.

[edit] Bermuda

Bermuda has not historically received overwhelming rains out of tropical cyclones. This could be because of the rapid pace storms usually pass the island and the lack of mountains on the island.

[edit] Top 10 Wettest Known Wettest Tropical Cyclones for Bermuda since 1939

1. 186.7 mm/7.35 inches  October 1939 Hurricane ("Beware the Hurricane" by Terry Tucker).
2. 151.4 mm/5.96 inches  Cristobal 2002
3. 148.0 mm/5.86 inches  Nicole 2004^[10]
4. 126.2 mm/4.97 inches  Franklin 2005
5. 124.0 mm/4.88 inches  Harvey 2005^[11]
6. 123.2 mm/4.85 inches  September 1948 Hurricane ("Beware the Hurricane" by Terry Tucker).
7. 115.3 mm/4.54 inches  Alice 1973^[12]
8. 113.5 mm/4.47 inches  Gustav 2002^[13]
9.  80.0 mm/3.15 inches   Karen 2001^[14]
10.  75.9 mm/2.99 inches   Edna 1953 ("Beware the Hurricane" by Terry Tucker).

[edit] Canada

Tropical cyclones are usually in transition to extratropical cyclones by the time they reach Atlantic Canada, though occasionally they retain their tropical status.

[edit] Top Ten Wettest Known Tropical Cyclones in Canada

1. 302.0 mm/11.89 inches  Harvey 1999     Oxford^[15]
2. 249.9 mm / 9.84 inches  Beth 1971        Halifax^[16]
3. 213.6 mm / 8.41 inches  Hazel 1954      Snelgrove^[17]
4. 191.0 mm / 7.52 inches  Bertha 1990     Hunters Mountain^[18]
5. 175.0 mm / 6.90 inches  Gabrielle 2001  St. John's^[19]
6. 136.7 mm / 5.38 inches  Hortense 1996  Beaver Island^[20]
7. 131.0 mm / 5.16 inches  Erin 2001         Sagona Island^[21]
8. 108.0 mm / 4.25 inches  Gustav 2002    Lyon's Brook^[22]
9.  87.9 mm / 3.46 inches   Ophelia 2005   Cape Sable Island^[23]
10.  78.4 mm / 3.10 inches   Blanche 1975  Chatham^[24]

[edit] Cayman Islands

The Sanibel Island Hurricane of 1944 led to flooding from over 762 mm/30" of rainfall on Grand Cayman Island. A 24-hour rainfall record of 406 mm/16" was reportedly set.

[edit] Cayman Brac

Tropical Storm Isidore of the 2002 Atlantic hurricane season dropped 552.2 mm/21.74" between 18/2300 GMT and 19/2200 GMT.^[25]

[edit] Grand Cayman

Tropical Storm Alberto (2006) dropped 577 mm/22.72 inches at Owen Roberts International airport in 24 hours' time, which was taken from their synoptic observation on the morning of June 10. Tropical Storm Isidore of the 2002 Atlantic hurricane season unloaded 332.7 mm/13.10 inches between September 17-21.^[25]

[edit] China

See also: China tropical cyclone rainfall climatology

China is a mountainous country, which leads to rapid dissipation of cyclones that move inland as well as significant amounts of rain from those dissipating cyclones. Typhoon Nina (1975) caused the collapse of two huge reservoirs and ten smaller dams when 1062 mm/41.81 inches fell in Henan Province during a 24 hour period, which is the record for Mainland China. Typhoon Sam of the 1999 Pacific typhoon season became the wettest known tropical cyclone to impact Hong Kong since records began in 1884, breaking a 73 year old record. A total of 23.98 inches/609 mm of rainfall fell between August 22 and August 25.^[26] The mountainous island of Taiwan province sees extreme rains from tropical cyclones, particularly in its central mountain range. Typhoon Herb dropped 1736 mm/68.35 inches of rainfall at Mount A-Li.^[27] Precipitation associated with tropical cyclones and their remains can bring snow to Tibet. An early October 2004 tropical depression brought daily precipitation of 60 mm/2.4 inches liquid equivalent to Che-Ku County in the form of heavy snow, which was a new October daily precipitation record for both rain and snow. This led to a loss of 340,000 kg of food, 230,000 kg of forage grass, and 263 livestock in the snowstorm.^[7]

[edit] Chuuk, Western Pacific

Elevations of the islands surrounding Chuuk lagoon reach a height of about 1450 feet/441 meters.^[28] Typhoon Chataan led to excessive rainfall on this island from June 23-July 3 of 2002, when a total of 939 mm/36.96 inches fell. During the time frame when Chataan was declared a tropical cyclone from July 1-3, 622 mm/24.49 inches fell, with 506 mm/19.92 inches falling on the 2nd alone at the international airport.^[29] Typhoon Pongsona on December 5-6, 2002 dropped heavy quantities of rain on Chuuk. A 24 hour total of 181 mm/7.13 inches fell at the National Weather Service Office on Weno Island.^[30]

[edit] Cuba

Hurricane Flora of October 1963 drifted across Cuba for four days, leading to extreme rainfall across the mountainous island country. During the heaviest 24 hour period of rainfall, 735 mm/28.94" of rain fell at Santiago de Cuba. Total amounts of 2033 mm/80.04" over 4 days and 2550 mm/100.40" over 5 days produced staggering loss of life in Cuba, where over 2000 perished.^[31]

[edit] Top Ten Known Cuban Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Totals since 1963

1. 2550 mm/100.39 inches Flora 1963
2. 1025 mm/ 40.34 inches T.D. #1 1988
3. 1012 mm/ 39.84 inches Alberto 1982
4. 870 mm / 34.25 inches Frederic 1979
5. 849 mm / 33.43 inches T.D. #1 1992
6. 825 mm / 32.48 inches Laura 1971
7. 800 mm / 31.50 inches Irene 1999
8. 754 mm / 29.69 inches Michelle 2001
9. 747 mm / 29.41 inches Lili 1996
10. 728 mm / 28.66 inches Sub T.S. #1 1982^[31]

[edit] Dominica, Eastern Caribbean

The islands of the eastern Caribbean are constantly threatened by tropical storms and hurricanes, mainly between August and October. Dominica is a rugged island, with spots of elevation as high as nearly 4750 feet/1450 meters.^[32] As Hurricane Jeanne moved through the region, 422.3 mm/16.63 inches of rain fell during the 24 hour period ending on the morning of September 15th, 2004.^[6]

[edit] Dominican Republic

This country, taking up two-thirds of Hispaniola, has some of the highest terrain surrounding the Caribbean Sea, with Pico Duarte peaking at 10700 feet/3272 meters above sea level.^[33] Most of the tropical cyclone rainfall totals on the list below are 24 hour maxima, which likely underrepresent the storm total.

[edit] Top Ten Known Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Totals - Dominican Republic

1. 507.8 mm/19.99 inches  Cleo 1964                Polo^[34]
2. 479.8 mm/18.89 inches  Inez 1966                 Polo^[35]
3. 445.5 mm/17.54 inches  Hurricane Four 1944  Hondo Valle^[34]
4. 391.4 mm/15.41 inches  Hurricane Five 1935  Barahona^[36]
5. 350.0 mm/13.78 inches  T.S. One 1948          Bayaguana^[37]
6. 300.3 mm/11.82 inches  Ivan 2004                 Santo Domingo^[6]
7. 292.2 mm/11.50 inches  David 1979               Monte Plata^[34]
8. 280.4 mm/11.04 inches  Hurricane 4 of 1935  La Romana^[35]
9. 264.3 mm/10.41 inches  Flora 1963               V. Altagracia^[36]
10. 264.3 mm/10.41 inches  Hazel 1954              V. Altagracia^[36]

[edit] Fiji

Orography from the volcanic islands of Fiji has led to significant rainfall during tropical cyclone passages, which occur roughly once a year. Tropical Cyclone Ami of January 2003 led to disastrous flooding across the northern and eastern sections of the island group. The coastal side of Vatuwiri on Taveuni Island measured 311 mm/12.24" of rainfall on January 13.^[38]

[edit] Guadeloupe

During Hurricane Marilyn in 1995, the highest amount reported from any island location was 508 mm/20 inches at Saint-Claude.^[39] Hurricane Lenny passed by slowly to the north and northeast of Guadeloupe. The highest report noted was 466 mm/17.28 inches from the gendarmerie in Port-Louis, on Grand-Terre.^[40] Around 300 mm/11.81 inches of rainfall fell during the tropical depression that became Hurricane Jeanne in 2004.^[41]

[edit] Guam, Western Pacific

[edit] Top Ten Wettest Known Tropical Cyclones for Guam

1. 686.1 mm/27.01 inches  Pamela 1976^[42]
2. 650.5 mm/25.61 inches  Pongsona 2002       University of Guam^[43][44]
3. 533.0 mm/21.00 inches  Typhoon Chataan    South-central Guam^[45]
4. 508.0 mm/20.00 inches  Tingting 2004^[46]
5. 460.0 mm/18.00 inches  Omar 1992              Taguac^[47]
6. 254.0 mm/10.00 inches  Isa 1997^[48]
7. 157.0 mm/ 6.17 inches  Bing 1997                Anderson AFB^[49]
8. 152.1 mm/ 5.99 inches  Keith 1997^[50]
9. 127.0 mm/ 5.00 inches  Page 1990^[51]
10. 111.0 mm/ 4.37 inches  Ed 1993^[52]

[edit] Haiti

The mountainous country of Haiti has experienced some of the most powerful hurricanes on record, including Hurricane David. Its three mountain ranges have peaks as high as 8793 feet/2680 meters above sea level.^[53]

[edit] Highest Known Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Amounts in Haiti

1. 1447.8 mm/57.00+ inches  Flora 1963^[54]
2.  582.7 mm/22.94 inches  Gordon 1994^[55]

[edit] Hawaii

See also: United States tropical cyclone rainfall climatology

This island chain frequently sees rainfall from the remains of former eastern and central Pacific tropical cyclones, but direct impacts of tropical cyclones are infrequent despite its location in the subtropics due to the protective influence of the Central Pacific Tropical Upper Tropospheric Trough (TUTT) which normally dissipates systems approaching Hawaii. The highest amount reported statewise was during Hurricane Hiki of 1950, when 1321 mm/52.00 inches fell in the mountains.^[56]. More recently, Hurricane Kenneth deposited 305 mm/ 12.00 inches within the 50th state.^[57]

[edit] Honduras

Hurricane Mitch dropped 35.89 inches/912 mm at Choluteca in the south-central part of the country between October 25 and October 31.^[58]

[edit] India

India can get struck by cyclones that form in the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea. A monsoon depression during mid-September 2004 led to significant rainfall, with 48 cm/18.90 inches falling at Shardanagar, Uttar Pradesh in the 24 hour period ending at 0300 UTC on the 22nd. A tropical depression in early October 2004 led to heavy rains in India. The highest amount in 24 hours fell at Shillong, Meghalaya where 262 mm/10.31 inches was noted ending at 0300 UTC on the 8th.^[7]

[edit] Jamaica

This mountainous island country of Jamaica can get lashed with rainfall by slow-moving tropical cyclones in the western Caribbean Sea. Its interior, the Blue Mountains, reach a height of 7400 feet/2256 meters above sea level.^[59] The November Hurricane from the 1909 Atlantic hurricane season led to a four-day deluge across Jamaica. The storm total of 2451 mm/96.50 inches at Silver Hill in the Blue Mountains remains the rainfall record for the mountainous island country.^[60]

[edit] Top Nine Known Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Totals in Jamaica

1. 2451 mm/96.50 inches  November 1909 Hurricane^[61]
2. 1524 mm/60.00 inches  Flora 1963^[54]
3. 951 mm /37.44 inches  Michelle 2001^[62]
4. 721 mm /28.37 inches  Ivan 2004^[63]
5. 700 mm /27.56 inches  Gilbert 1988^[64]
6. 691 mm /27.20 inches  Isidore 2002^[65]
7. 623 mm /24.54 inches  Dennis 2004^[66]
8. 605 mm /23.82 inches  Lili 2002^[67]
9. 392 mm /15.43 inches  Emily 2005^[68]

[edit] Japan

The mountainous island archipelago is constantly struck by typhoons recurving out of the tropics, which are normally in extratropical transition as they pass through Japan. Typhoon Meari/Quinta of the 2004 Pacific typhoon season led to heavy rain at Owase with the highest 24 hour total was 741 mm/29.17" ending at 1500 UTC on the 29th.^[6] Typhoon Saomai in 2000 produced record rainfall at Nagoya, 584.2 mm/23" in 24 hours.^[69] Fran of the 1976 Pacific typhoon season holds the national 24-hour precipitation record of 1174 mm/46.22".^[70]

[edit] Top Ten Known Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Amounts in Japan

1. 1321 mm/52.01 inches  Nabi/Jolina 2005^[71]
2. 1243 mm/48.94 inches  Namtheum 2004^[72]
3. 1174 mm/46.22 inches  Fran 1976^[70]
4.  905 mm/35.63 inches  Songda/Nina 2004^[73]
5.  904 mm/35.59 inches  Meari/Quinta 2004^[6]
6.  711 mm/28.00 inches  Gladys 1991^[74]
7.  584 mm/23.00 inches  Saomai/Osang 2000^[69]
8.  545 mm/22.22 inches  Chaba 2004^[75]
9.  506 mm/19.92 inches  Chataan 2002^[76]
10.  482 mm/19.00 inches  Roger 1989^[77]

[edit] Okinawa

[edit] Top Five Wettest Known Tropical Cyclones for Okinawa

1. 452.0 mm/17.80 inches  Sinlaku 2002  Oku^[78]
2. 317.8 mm/12.51 inches  Caitlin 1991    Kadena AFB^[74]
3. 257.3 mm/10.14 inches  Mireille 1991^[74]
4. 254.0 mm/10.00 inches  Flo 1990^[51]
5. 203.2 mm/ 8.00 inches   Kinna 1991^[74]

[edit] Ryukyu Islands

Typhoon Rusa caused 409 mm/16.10" of rain to fall at Naze on August 29-30, 2002.^[78] Typhoon Aere in August 2004 dropped 314.5 mm/12.38" of rain in the 65 hour period ending at 1400 UTC on the 25th at Ishigakihima.^[73]

[edit] Johnston Atoll

Tropical cyclones occasionally threaten this central Pacific island. Hurricane Celeste of 1972 brought 6.21 inches/158 mm to the isle around August 19.

[edit] Korea

The Korean Peninsula experiences typhoons regularly.

[edit] North/DPR Korea

Very heavy rains fell across Tongchon and Kosong counties during Typhoon Rusa in 2002, where up to 510 mm/20.08" of precipitation fell in a 5-10 hour period.^[78]

[edit] South Korea

[edit] Highest Known Rainfall Totals from Tropical Cyclones - South Korea

1. 898.0 mm/35.35 inches  Typhoon Rusa  Gangneung^[79]
2. 660.4 mm/26.00 inches  Gladys 1991^[74]
3. 491.0 mm/19.33 inches  Saomai 2000^[80]
4. 332.5 mm/13.09 inches  Megi 2004        Wando

[edit] Koror

[edit] Wettest Known Tropical Cyclones in Koror

1. 248.9 mm/9.80 inches  Mike 1990^[51]

[edit] La Réunion Island, Indian Ocean

The mountainous island of La Réunion experiences among the highest rainfall totals from tropical cyclones around the world.^[81] Three tropical cyclones have staked their place in rainfall history:

Unnamed Tropical Cyclone (April 8-10, 1958): World record for 48 hours (2467 mm/ 97.1 inches) set at Aurere.

Tropical Cyclone Denise (January 7-8, 1966): World record for 12 hours (1144 mm/ 45.0 inches) and 24 hours (1825 mm/ 71.8 inches) set at Foc-Foc.

Tropical Cyclone Gamede (February 24-28, 2007): World record for 72 hours (3929 mm, 154.7 inches) set at Commerson Crater. Gamede also holds the world record for accumulated rainfall through nine days.^[82]

During late January 2002, Tropical Cyclone Dinah dropped significant rains on the island. The highest amounts were 1360 mm/53.54 inches over a 48 hour period at the Bellecombe resting place (a volcano lodge) and a 745.2 mm/29.34 inches storm total at Pierrefonds.^[83]

[edit] Madagascar

The north end of the island, known as the Tsaratanana Massif region, contains terrain with elevations up to 9417 feet/2880 meters.^[84] The pre-Guillaume disturbance dropped 707 mm/27.83 inches of rainfall at Toamasina in mid-February 2002 over an eight day period.^[85] Tropical Cyclone Elita of late January/early February of the 2003-04 Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone season crossed the island country three times, dropping 246.3 mm/9.70 inches of rain on Vohemar in 24 hours.^[86]

[edit] Martinique

Martinique is a mountainous island at the fringe of the eastern Caribbean sea.

[edit] Highest Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Amounts in Martinique

1. 450.1 mm/17.72 inches  Iris 1995^[87]
2. 230.1 mm/ 9.06 inches  Marilyn 1995^[88]

[edit] Mauritius, South Indian Ocean

Tropical cyclone Hennie of March 2005 brought rainfall totals of 202.8 mm/7.98" to Sans-Souci in the 24 hour period ending at 0000 GMT on the 19th [40]. In Late December 2002, Tropical Cyclone Crystal impacted the southern end of the island. The maximum amount was a mere 58.8 mm/2.31" at Providence.^[89]

[edit] Mexico

Hurricane Wilma of 2005 drifted over the northeast portion of the Yucatan peninsula for a couple of days, dropping significant rains. A report of 1576 mm/62.05 inches was reported by the Servicio Meteorologicio Nacional in Mexico,^[90] which is the wettest known 24-hour rainfall amount ever measured in Mexico. Second on the list is from Tropical Storm Frances in 1998, which accumulated up to 1019 mm/44.06 inches of rain at Independencia in southern Chiapas.^[91]

[edit] Top Ten Mexican Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Amounts since 1988

Below is a list of the top ten highest known storm total rainfall amounts from individual tropical cyclones across Mexico. Most of the rainfall information was provided by the Mexico's National Weather Service, Servicio Meteorologico Nacional, which is a part of the National Water Commission, Comisión Nacional del Agua.

1. 1576 mm/62.05 inches Wilma 2005
2. 1119 mm/44.06 inches Frances 1998
3. 1011 mm/39.80 inches Juliette 2001
4. 950 mm / 37.41 inches Dolly 1996
5. 805 mm / 31.69 inches Gert 1993
6. 774 mm / 30.49 inches Isidore 2002
7. 686 mm / 27.01 inches Pauline 1997
8. 676 mm / 26.61 inches Roxanne 1995
9. 663 mm / 26.09 inches Debby/T.D. #17E 1988
10. 629 mm / 24.77 inches Larry 2003^[92]

[edit] Mozambique

The elevation of the country increases to the west, with mountains on its highest plateau reaching nearly 8000 feet/2440 meters.^[93] Tropical Cyclone Eline in February 2000 dropped excessive rains across Mozambique, with a maximum of 502 mm/19.76 inches falling at Levubu between the 22nd and 25th.^[94] Tropical Cyclone Delfina in early January 2003 caused 281 mm/11.06 inches to fall in a 24 period bridging January 4th and 5th.^[89]

[edit] Nepal

Some of the highest elevations on the planet lie in Nepal, with heights up to 26160 feet/8000 meters in the peaks of the Himalayas.^[95] During the early October 2004 tropical depression that affected the Indian Subcontinent, 51.3 mm/2.02 inches of rain fell at Kathmandu airport in the 24 hour period ending at 1200 UTC on the 7th.^[7]

[edit] New Zealand

Most tropical cyclones which pass near New Zealand are in extratropical transition (ET), which can enhance their heavy rainfall threat. Cyclone Bola of March 1988 dropped over 900 mm/35.43" of rain across northern sections of the country.^[96]

[edit] Nicaragua

Hurricane Mitch of October 1998 brought the highest recorded rainfalls known to Central America. The Picacho/Chinandega site recorded 1597 mm/62.87 inches of rain between October 22 and October 31.^[97]

[edit] Niue, Southwest Pacific

During the passage of Tropical Cyclone Heta in January 2004, the Niue Meteorological Station reported a record 24-hour rainfall of 999.2 mm/39.34".^[86]

[edit] Oman

Surrounding desert usually weakens tropical cyclones as they approach from the Arabian Sea. Tropical Cyclone 01-A of May 10, 2002 moved across southern sections of the country, dropping significant rains. The highest amount was 250.6 mm/9.87 inches from Qairoon Hairiti.^[98]

[edit] Pakistan

Tropical cyclones from the Arabian Sea occasionally wander into Pakistan. Like Oman, the dry air from the surrounding deserts leads to substantial weakening before a tropical cyclone can make landfall. The remains of Onil of October 2004 struck the country as merely a remnant low. However, rainfall amounts of 145 mm/5.71" fell in 36 hours between October 2nd and 3rd at Thatta.^[7]

[edit] Palau, Northwest Pacific

This string of islands is rugged and surrounds a lagoon. Elevations up to 2060 feet/628 meters exist within the island group.^[99]

[edit] Wettest Known Tropical Cyclones for Palau

1. 470.9 mm/18.54 inches  Marie 1976               Koror^[100]
2. 121.7 mm/ 4.79 inches   Dainmu/Helen 2004   Koror^[101]

[edit] Panama

Inflow to the south of Hurricane Mitch brought impressive rainfalls to the Panama. Veledero de Tole recorded 695 mm/27.36 inches of rainfall between October 22 and October 31 of 1998.

[edit] Philippines

This island archipelago is fairly mountainous, with the highest terrain found in Luzon.

[edit] Top Eight Known Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Amounts for the Philippines

1. 1085.8 mm/42.45 inches  Utor/Feria 2001       Bagio City
2. 1012.7 mm/39.87 inches  Mindulle/Igme 2004
3.  994.6 mm/ 39.16 inches  Zeb/Iliang 1998       Bagio City^[101]
4.  817.9 mm/ 32.20 inches  Elaine 1974            Bagio City^[102]
5.  747.0 mm/ 29.41 inches  Gordon 1989          John Hay AB^[77]
6.  580.5 mm/ 22.85 inches  Thelma/Uring 1991  Tongonon Geothermal Site^[103]
7.  212.9 mm / 8.38 inches   Caitlin 1991           Manila^[74]
8.  170.2 mm / 6.70 inches   Irma 1974              Cubi Point NAS^[104]

[edit] Pohnpei

This moutainous island lies in the tropical northwest Pacific ocean.

[edit] Wettest Known Tropical Cyclones for Pohnpei

1. 247 mm/ 9.73 inches  Axel 1992^[105]

[edit] Puerto Rico

See also: United States tropical cyclone rainfall climatology

Puerto Rico has seen dramatic rainfall from tropical cyclones and their precursor disturbances. The most recent tropical cyclone-related deluge was from Hurricane Georges from September 1998, when 775 mm/30.51 inches of rain was measured at Jayuya.^[106] The heaviest rainfall noted over the past 30 years was from the precursor disturbance to Tropical Storm Isabel (1985), when 804 mm/31.67 inches fell at Toro Negro Forest.^[107] Hurricane Eloise of 1975 dropped 946 mm/33.29 inches of rainfall at Dos Bocas, with 586 mm/23.07 inches falling in 24 hours.

[edit] St. Brandon, South Indian Ocean

Tropical Cyclone Darius of New Year's Eve/Day of 2003/2004 passed about 45 miles west-northwest of the island. Rainfall over the 24 hour period of closest approach was 135 mm/5.31".^[108]

[edit] St. Martin/St. Maarten

This hilly island is partially owned by France and partially claimed by the Netherlands.

[edit] Highest Known Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Totals from St. Martin/Maarten

1. 866.6 mm/34.12 inches  Lenny 1999^[109]
2. 349.3 mm/13.75 inches  Jose 1999^[110]
3. 165.1 mm/ 6.50 inches  Luis 1995^[111]
4.  85.1 mm/  3.35 inches  Marilyn 1995^[112]

[edit] Saipan - Northwest Pacific

Saipan is a small and hilly island to the north of Guam.

[edit] Wettest Known Tropical Cyclones for Saipan

1. 488 mm/19.20 inches  Steve 1993^[113]
2. 241 mm/ 9.50 inches   Seth 1991^[74]

[edit] South Africa

Tropical Cyclone Eline in February 2000 dropped significant rains on portions of South Africa. The highest amount noted was 480 mm/18.90" at Thohoyandou.^[114]

[edit] Sri Lanka

A tropical depression in early October 2004 led to heavy rains across Sri Lanka. The maximum was measured at Galle where 117.2 mm/4.61" fell in the 24 hour period ending at 0600 UTC on the 2nd.^[7]

[edit] Tahiti

Tropical Depression 2F/Tropical Cyclone 8P from December 1998 brought a convergent band of warm-topped convection to Tahiti while lurking 300 mi/500 km from the island. This band was quite efficient at rainfall production, as Station Tiare #2 reported 550 mm/21.65" of rainfall from this rainband.^[115]

[edit] Takaroa, French Polynesia, Southwest Pacific

During Tropical Cyclone Judy of December 2004, 160 mm/6.30" of rain fell between 0000 and 1200 UTC on the 24th, bringing the 3 1/2 day rain total from the system up to 356 mm/14.02".^[116]

[edit] Thailand

Tropical cyclones occasionally cross the Malay Peninsula from the northwest Pacific into the Bay of Bengal. Tropical Depression Muifa/Unding in November 2004 made landfall near Amphoe Tha Chana, Thailand on around 1500 UTC on the 25th. The highest 24 hour rainfall noted was 251.5 mm/9.90 inches at Prachaup Khirikhan.^[117]

[edit] Ulithi, Northwest Pacific

Typhoon Dainmu went near Ulithi in mid-June 2004. A 24 hour rainfall of 102.8 mm/4.05" was recorded at Falalop Island ending at 0000 UTC on the 13th.^[101]

[edit] United States

[edit] Top Ten Tropical Cyclones Amounts By Point Maximum for the Lower 48 since 1976

Below is a list of the top ten highest storm total rainfall amounts from individual tropical cyclones across the lower 48 since 1976. Much of the rainfall information was provided by the National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, North Carolina.

1. 1219 mm/48.00 inches Amelia 1978
2. 1143 mm/45.00 inches Claudette 1979
3. 1033 mm/40.68 inches Allison 2001
4. 977 mm / 38.46 inches Georges 1998
5. 932 mm / 36.71 inches Danny 1997
6. 707 mm / 27.85 inches Alberto 1994
7. 652 mm / 25.67 inches Allison 1989
8. 649 mm / 25.56 inches Dennis 1981
9. 635 mm / 25.00 inches T.D. #1 1992
10. 611 mm / 24.06 inches Floyd 1999^[92]

[edit] Vanuatu, Southwest Pacific

Tropical cyclone Ivy in February 2004 led to 254.4 mm/10" of rain at Bauerfield on the 26th.^[118]

[edit] Venezuela

A few tropical cyclones have skimmed the northern coast of South America over recent decades. Tropical Storm Bret (1993) dropped 339 mm/13.35" of rain in ten hours at Guanare, Portuguesa, Venezuela.^[119]

[edit] Vietnam

[edit] Wettest Known Tropical Cyclones in Vietnam

1. 698.5 mm/27.50 inches  Ira 1990^[51]
2. 238.9 mm/ 9.41 inches  Chanchu 2004  Quy Nhon^[101]
3. 134.5 mm/ 5.30 inches  Pablo 2004      Thanh Hoa

[edit] See Also

• China tropical cyclone rainfall climatology
• Extratropical cyclone
• Tropical cyclone
• Tropical cyclone rainfall climatology
• Tropical cyclone rainfall forecasting
• Tropical cyclogenesis
• United States tropical cyclone rainfall climatology

[edit] References

[edit] Related External links

• Camp Perrin, Haiti Rainfall Records
• Hurricane Impacts on Jamaica
• Individual Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Pages for United States
• Individual Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Pages for Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands
• Major Hydrologic Events in Cuba since 1962
• Maximum 24-hour rainfall totals on Guam 1924-1992
• Maximum amounts in the lower 48 United States by state
• Meteo-France Report on Lenny (1999)
• Mexico's Report on Hurricane Wilma (2005) on their country
• NHC's report on Hurricane Keith (2000)
• NHC's report on Hurricane Lenny (1999)
• NWS Service Assessment for Typhoon Pongsona (2002)
• Pacific ENSO update - 1st quarter 2005
• Typhoon Rainfall Statistics and Forecasting (China)
• United States Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Climatology
• Weather-Rainfall-Cyclones Australia
• World Records for Tropical Cyclone Rainfall
• Deadliest, Costliest, and Most Intense United States Tropical Cyclones From 1851 to 2004
• Are You Ready? Hurricanes