Hurricane Dora (1999) - Impact and Records

Impact and Records

On August 16, forecast models predicted Dora would bypass Johnston Island a short distance to the south, with some concerns of a direct hit on the island. As a result of the threat, about 1,200 workers and residents evacuated Johnston Atoll to Hawaii. Prior to leaving, workers secured construction equipment and other loose items. Some biologists on Johnston Atoll were concerned that the hurricane would severely impact the reproductive cycle of over 150,000 birds in the Johnston Atoll Wildlife Refuge, a concern expressed after Hurricane John in 1994 killed 80% of the bird population during its impact on Johnston Atoll. Additionally, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center predicted Dora would strike Wake Island as a minimal typhoon, though it did not occur.

An ocean swell from Dora produced 8 – 20 foot (2 – 6 m) waves along the east and southern shores of the island of Hawaii. This prompted local officials to close all beaches, campsites and nature trails in the Puna and Kau districts due to the deteriorating conditions. The outer rainbands produced produced winds of up to 60 mph (95 km/h) at some high elevations, and also resulted in some light rainfall. Hurricane Dora also produced rough surf on Johnston Island, with one forecaster remarking the surf was the most severe aspect of the storm. The automatic station at Johnston Atoll reported wind gusts between 40 — 45 mph (75 – 85 km/h) for two hours. Overall effects were minimal, and there were no reports of damage or injuries.

With a total track of 6,500 miles (10,500 km), Hurricane Dora had the second longest track of a Pacific hurricane, behind only Hurricane John of 1994; the length of the track of Dora was more than four times the basin average. Dora was also the first Pacific hurricane to come close enough to be detected by radar. In addition, the hurricane was the first tropical cyclone to move across all three Pacific basins since John in 1994.