Storm Samuel
Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone in 2026
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Storm Samuel, also known as Medicane Samuel or Storm Jolina, was a rare March Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone (medicane) that impacted the Central Mediterranean in March 2026. Originating as a cold-core extratropical cyclone named by National Meteorological Service of Andorra on 15 March as Samuel,[1] and named Jolina by the FUB on 17 March.[2] The system transitioned into a medicane that same day before dissipating on 19 March after making landfall in Libya.[2]
Storm Samuel near peak intensity shortly before making landfall in Libya on 18 March | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 15 March 2026 |
| Dissipated | 19 March 2026 |
| Unknown-strength storm | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/CIMSS) | |
| Highest winds | 70 km/h (45 mph) |
| Highest gusts | 85 km/h (55 mph) recorded at Tripoli |
| Lowest pressure | 1003 hPa (mbar); 29.62 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 1 |
| Injuries | 4 |
| Areas affected | Spain, Italy (especially Calabria), Libya, Egypt |
Part of the 2025–26 European windstorm season | |
Meteorological history
The system began as a frontal cold-cored low-pressure area over the western Mediterranean Sea on 14 March. The next day, it was named Samuel by the National Meteorological Service of Andorra (Meteo Andorra) before being tracked by AEMET.[3] The frontal low slowly meandered in the central Mediterranean, gaining the name Jolina from FUB.[4] The system began a gradual transition from a cold core to warm-cored system and had begun decaying from its nearby frontal boundaries, thunderstorm activity became more pronounced surrounding a formative eye-like feature as Samuel became stationed over 17°C sea surface temperatures (SSTs) late on 17 March, it transitioned into a rare Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone before making landfall south of Benghazi in Libya early on 18 March.[5] The eye-like feature alongside its warm core signature have led to some European meteorological agencies classify Storm Samuel as a medicane, and a 09:08 UTC ASCAT-C pass recorded 1-minute sustained winds of 70 kilometres per hour (45 mph) a day before landfall.[2]
Impact
Spain
During its initial phase, Samuel produced strong wind gusts across numerous areas of Spain, with the strongest recorded being 160 kilometres per hour (100 mph) near Barcelona and Girona province. Wave heights near Puertos del Estado reached 13 metres (43 ft). These strong winds and rough seas caused power outages across states such as Catalonia, Basque Country, and Galicia, gusts reached up to 140 kilometres per hour (85 mph) in some locations of Catalonia.[3] Four people were injured in Spain due to the impacts related to Storm Samuel.[6]
Italy
While meandering in the Central Mediterranean, Samuel caused significant damage across Southern Italy, particularly in the region of Calabria where gale-force winds, prolonged heavy rainfall, and localized hailstorms led to landslides and widespread flooding, unofficial reports mention Calabria received over 220 millimetres (8.7 in) of rain in just 24 hours on 17 March. School closures as a result from orange alerts were in effect across much of the country, rainfall continued along surrounding regions of Italy such as Sicily and Basilicata leading to further traffic disruptions. At least 80 people in Cosenza had to be evacuated where impacts were most significant due to rockslides.[7]
Libya
Upon landfall on 18 March, Samuel brought moderate to heavy rains and wind gusts exceeding 90 kilometres per hour (55 mph), causing significant flooding in and around the surrounding areas of Tripoli, stranding vehicles and individuals. Satellite analysis confirmed a massive dust advection pulled from the Sahara into the Mediterranean by the storm's intense circulation.[2] One person died while rescuing people stuck in floodwaters in Tajoura.[8]
Egypt
As the remnants of Samuel persisted inland Egypt on 18 March, lingering thunderstorms brought accompanying lightning and strong winds gusting to around 60–70 km/h (35–45 mph). Visibility was reduced to less than 1,000 meters (3,820 ft) in some areas from Saharan dust, and heavy rainfall that posed a flash flood threat across much of the Sinai peninsula and Upper Egypt.[9] Maritime conditions and navigation were disrupted off the Mediterranean coast with wave heights reaching 2.5–3 m (8–10 ft). However, no major damage was recorded.[10][11]
See also
- Tropical cyclones in 2026
- 2025–26 European windstorm season
- Storm Daniel – Catastrophic tropical cyclone that affected similar areas in Libya