More Trouble for Triumph: Analysis of Damaging Wake Low on April 03, 2013

Strong winds in excess of 30 knots (~34 mph) with gusts above 40-50 knots (~46-57 mph) unexpectedly struck the Central Gulf Coast during the late morning/early afternoon hours on April 03, 2013. The winds aided in causing the Carnival Triumph cruise ship, while receiving repairs in the port of Mobile, to break loose from its dock, causing significant damage to its surroundings. These winds developed along the back edge of a stratiform precipitation area where strong winds are generally not found. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as a wake low. This particular wake low is believed to be a result of strong adiabatic warming due to dry air intruding on the backside of the stratiform precipitation area. As was the case with this event, wake lows, being mesoscale features, are extremely difficult to predict. This poster will explore in more detail to circumstances and causes that led to the winds and associated damage.