Autumn equinox 2000 creates a stir in the North Atlantic

Atlantic weather links

Stormwatch:
Typhoons to tornadoes, we learn from
the event

Profiles:
Legends in meteorology

Antarctica:
Ross Ice Shelf loses some weight

Sailing:
Analysis of global racing

Southern Ocean:
There is no other animal like this one.

Ballooning:
Tasman crossing

Books:
Great reviews

Products:
Learn to think weather better

Equinox gales deliver a punch
to North Atlantic shipping

October 2, 2000.

The equinox gales of 2000 delivered massive waves to European waters during late September and early October.

This animated weather map of the North Atlantic shows the storm that created the waves that clobbered the Oriana, 600 miles west of Cork.

The four images are from September 25 at 00gmt, 27th at 00gmt, 27th at 1800 gmt and 28th at 00 gmt.

During the 27th the storm explodes and it is during this intense activity that big, steep waves are created. Until the waves can travel away from the epicentre of the storm and begin the flatten out, they will remain extremely dangerous to shipping.

Also seen in this image is hurricane Isaac tracking north west towards Bermuda.

Image courtesy of Intellicast.

The first indication that seas were rough followed the surprise announcement that P&O’s cruise liner the Oriana lost toughened windows in six cabins on the lower deck when the ship stuffed into 12m wave in Force 10 conditions, 600 miles west of Cork, Ireland.

Three passengers and a ship's officer suffered minor injuries while four
others were treated for shock by the ship's medical staff.

At the time the 69,000 tonne ship was struck amidships, she was sailing to the aid of a yacht in distress.

The yacht was eventually helped by RAF aircraft and the Oriana, with 1525 passengers and 800 crew, sailed for Southhampton.

About the same time a trawler with 11 crew on board was rolled by a large wave 100km west of Cork.