 Simba near estimated peak intensity on June 11 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | June 5, 2020 |
| Extratropical | June 13, 2020 |
| Dissipated | June 13, 2020 |
| Category 5 tropical cyclone (FMC) | |
| SAPA scale | |
| Highest winds | 305 km/h (190 mph) |
| Highest gusts | 325 km/h (200 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 898 hPa (mbar); 26.52 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 9 (estimated) |
| Damage | $523 million (2020 USD) |
| Areas affected | Angola, Namibia |
Part of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Cyclone Simba was a rare South Atlantic tropical cyclone that made landfall on the southern coast of Angola in 2020. It was the sixth depression, sixth storm, third cyclone and second major cyclone of the 2020 South Atlantic cyclone season. It was the strongest South Atlantic tropical cyclone at the time, a record that was later surpassed by the stronger Cyclone Jamba three years later in 2023.
Meteorological history[]
On June 3, a well-defined area of low-pressure associated with a frontal system crossing the central South Atlantic began to merge around a steadily deepening core. It started moving south, while cloud padding began to improve. Eventually, on June 5, it took on a cyclonic form while thunderstorm cells began converging. With atmospheric conditions becoming favorable, the wave consolidated into the sixth depression of the season. Data from aircraft reconnaissance missions confirmed the presence of gale-force winds in Six, prompting the storm's upgrade to Tropical Storm Simba, the sixth named storm of the season.
Over the next day, Simba tracked southwestward into unusually warm waters, exceeding 96°F (36.5°C). This warm water fueled rapid intensification, leading to the formation of a well-defined eyewall. On June 8, based on its improving structure, rapid strengthening, and the presence of an eye, Simba was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane.
Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Tropical storm (39–54 mph, 63–87 km/h)
Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
Extratropical cyclone / remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depressionAs it moved into extremely hot waters of 102° Fahrenheit (38.8° Celsius), alongside sudden decrease in wind shear, Simba underwent explosive intensification and intensified into a Category 3 tropical cyclone, with 1-minute sustained winds at 110 knots (125 mph/201.1 km/h), and a minimal central pressure of 949 mbar (hPa). On June 10, Simba intensified into a Category 4 major hurricane, before hours later, due to several powerful bursts of convection, and the discovery of powerful thunderstorms around the center, it was upgraded into a Category 5 tropical cyclone, the first documented in the basin's history. On June 11, Simba reached peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 165.1 knots (1-minute sustained, 190 mph/305 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 896 mbar (hPa; 26.46 inHg). Hours later, Simba made landfall on Namibe with estimated wind speeds of 147.7 knots (170 mph/273.5 km/h).
Rapid weakening began as Simba moved inland over Namibian soil. The storm completed its extratropical transition shortly upon returning over water on June 12. Increased wind shear and cooler water temperatures led to Simba's complete dissipation by June 13.
Preparations[]
Angola[]
The Angolan government closely monitored Simba's development and track throughout its lifespan, in coordination with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and other international agencies. Among these actions, the government started airlifting supplies and resources, such as food, water, medicine, tents, and generators, into the city of Namibe, the most populated city in that region; mandatory evacuations began soon after, as red alerts were issued for the entire Angolan coast south of the capital, Luanda. The aforementioned supplies, alongside tents and generators, were set up to assis residents before, during, and after the storm's impact.
On June 11, the last residents of Namibe and closer regions were evacuated and transported to refugee camps located near Luanda, the capital of Angola, and other northern regions of the country. Simba made causing landfall that same day, causing flooding and rip currents responsible for snapping boat moorings and capsizing small vessels. Total damage on Namibe was described as being "less intense than expected" by local forecaster Henlo E. Brocca.
Nambia[]
Although Simba was forecast to weaken over land before re-emerging over the Atlantic Ocean near Namibia, the Namibian government also implemented precautionary measures. Warnings and advisories were issued for coastal and inland areas, urging residents to remain indoors and avoid flood-prone low-lying areas. The government deployed its defense force and police to prepare for potential rescue and recovery operations. The Namibian Red Cross also activated its disaster response plan, pre-positioning relief supplies in strategic locations throughout the country.
Retirement[]
Due to the destructive impact and significant loss of life associated with Simba, the name was retired from the naming list for South Atlantic tropical cyclones by the Floyd Meteorological Center after the 2020 season, being replaced with Azola. Naming lists in the South Atlantic basin were not in alphabetical order at the time of retirement; this would later be changed in the 2030 season.