Cyclone Gati
Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Gati (/ɡɑːtɪ/) was the strongest tropical cyclone on record to make landfall in Somalia, and one of few tropical cyclones to do so in the country. The seventh depression, third cyclonic storm, and second very severe cyclonic storm of the 2020 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, Gati formed from an area of low pressure in the Arabian Sea, on 21 November. The storm then explosively intensified, becoming a very severe tropical cyclone and reaching its peak intensity, the following day. Gati weakened slightly before making landfall in northeastern Somalia on 22 November. Gati was the first hurricane-force cyclone to make landfall in Somalia on record. Gati then weakened and became disorganized as it moved inland. The JTWC issued its final advisory on Gati shortly after it moved into the Gulf of Aden on 23 November. The name Gati was suggested by India, which means 'motion' in Hindi.
Cyclone Gati shortly after peak intensity approaching Somalia on 22 November | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 21 November 2020 |
| Dissipated | 24 November 2020 |
| Very severe cyclonic storm | |
| 3-minute sustained (IMD) | |
| Highest winds | 140 km/h (85 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 976 hPa (mbar); 28.82 inHg |
| Category 3-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 185 km/h (115 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 967 hPa (mbar); 28.56 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 9 confirmed |
| Missing | 30 |
| Damage | "Millions" |
| Areas affected | Somalia, Yemen |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2020 North Indian Ocean cyclone season | |
Gati caused heavy rainfall over Somalia, peaking at 128 mm (5.0 in) in Bosaso. An estimated 10,000 animals were killed by Gati in Ufeyn. The storm killed at least 9 people and displaced approximately 42,000 others in the country and caused millions of dollars in damages. Minor impacts were also observed on the Yemeni island of Socotra and in the Ethiopian Highlands.