Hurricanes are often very destructive and pose a threat to the cities they pass through. Spain enjoys a climate and location where hurricanes are not a major threat. However, in September 2021, Hurricane Larry affected Spain with various weather phenomena.
In this article, we'll tell you about the characteristics of Hurricane Larry in Spain and its consequences.
Characteristics and origin
Hurricane Larry, a powerful and prolonged Cabo Verde-type hurricane, became the first hurricane to make landfall in Newfoundland, Canada, since Hurricane Igor in 2010. Named the twelfth storm, fifth hurricane, and third major hurricane of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, Larry originated as a tropical wave off the coast of Africa and became Tropical Depression 12 on August 31.
The following day, the tropical depression underwent a period of rapid intensification, strengthening into a tropical storm and earning the name Larry. On the morning of September 2, Larry became a hurricane. Larry became a major Category 3 hurricane in the early hours of September 4 and remained strong for just over four days before beginning to weaken. In the early hours of September 11, Larry made landfall in Newfoundland as a Category 1 hurricane. Later that day, Larry transitioned into an extratropical cyclone. Finally, on September 13, Larry was absorbed by a larger extratropical cyclone near Greenland.
Larry passed east of Bermuda as a Category 1 hurricane with minimal damage. In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Larry killed one person due to strong waves and rapids. Storm surges from Larry's powerful and expanding wind field killed three people on the U.S. East Coast. In Newfoundland, Larry caused more than 60.000 power outages and damage to buildings. On September 12, the powerful extratropical remnant of Larry ran parallel to the east coast of Greenland, bringing more than 4 feet (1,2 m) of snow and hurricane-force wind gusts to much of eastern Greenland inland. Overall, Larry killed five people and caused about $25 million in damage.
Hurricane Larry in Spain
Hurricane Larry became a greater threat with the onset of autumn, and especially the following week. Forecasts predicted a significant drop in temperatures and the development of storms, particularly in the Iberian Peninsula. The Saffir-Simpson scale classified the hurricane as a Category 3, estimated to be tropical storm strength, with winds of up to 285 kilometers per hour. One of its effects was the temperature changes it caused in Spain and across Europe.
The beginning of September marked the start of meteorological autumn, characterized by a powerful cut-off low (DANA) that caused significant damage across almost the entire Iberian Peninsula. Although the hurricane did not directly impact Spain, meteorologists were certain that its effects would significantly alter the polar jet stream, shifting the air mass away from its original latitude. For more information on how hurricanes affect Spain, you can consult the article on why there are no hurricanes in Spain.
At that time, there was a high degree of uncertainty, as the subtropical air mass was expected to cause a sudden rise in temperature. This was followed by another cut-off low, which brought some rainfall to the northern part of the country at the beginning of the following week, after the start of autumn. It is also important to mention that climate change is a factor that can influence the formation of these dangerous weather systems.
Estimates suggested it could cause a drop in winter temperatures, as exposure to highly erratic subtropical ocean currents could trigger new storms, especially on the Iberian Peninsula. To learn more about the impact of these types of storms on the climate, you can read about Argos and climate change.
Forecast of Hurricane Larry in Spain
When it comes to making a medium-term forecast for a hurricane, there are numerous doubts. In the case of Hurricane Larry in Spain, as the mid-latitude circulation was already up and down, changes were expected over the next few days as temperatures gradually increased.
There was concern about the arrival of a new cut-off low, which brought some cloud cover and heavy rain to the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula . Everything depended on the hurricane's location. If Hurricane Larry made landfall in Europe, temperatures would drop sharply and a cold front would reach northwestern Spain, creating typical autumn weather.
On the contrary, if it is added to the polar jet stream over the Atlantic, the temperature drop would be smoother and its appearance would be later. In any case, direct exposure to highly unstable subtropical oceanic air currents can trigger new storms on the peninsula.
The hurricane merged with the polar jet stream and became extratropical. It also intensified into a severe storm in the central North Atlantic. While it didn't directly impact Spain, the reversal of the polar jet stream's shift had significant side effects.
Affections to other countries
In Newfoundland, St. John's International Airport reported sustained winds of 96 km/h and gusts of 145 km/h after 05:30 UTC, while Cape St. Mary's reported a gust of 182 km/h before ceasing transmission. Waves reached a height of 3,6 m in Argentina, with tide gauges showing a maximum of about 150 centimeters above normal. The storm surge coincided with high tide, exacerbating coastal flooding. In a short period, southeastern Newfoundland received between 25 mm and 35 mm of rainfall.
After Larry passed through, 60.000 people in the eastern part of the province were left without power. Trees were uprooted and branches scattered across the ground. An elementary school was damaged, and a performance tent for the Iceberg Alley Concert Festival near Lake Quedivedi was severely damaged. The mayor confirmed that the hurricane had caused significant damage. The extent of the devastation in the city.
