Cyclone Tam
Introduction


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				**Tropical Cyclone Tam** (RSMC Nadi designation: **04F**, JTWC designation: **06P**) was the first named storm of the [2005–06 South Pacific cyclone season](/wiki/2005%E2%80%9306_South_Pacific_cyclone_season "2005–06 South Pacific cyclone season"). Forming out of a tropical depression on January 6, the storm gradually intensified, becoming a tropical cyclone on January 12 and receiving the name *Tam*. Although it was traveling at a quick pace, the storm gained organization and reached its peak intensity with winds of  the following day. However, the increasing forward motion of the storm, combined with strengthening [wind shear](/wiki/Wind_shear "Wind shear"), caused Tam to rapidly weaken on January 14\. Around that time, it entered the [Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre](/wiki/Tropical_Cyclone_Warning_Centre "Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre") in [Wellington, New Zealand](/wiki/Wellington "Wellington")'s area of responsibility. Shortly thereafter, the storm transitioned into an [extratropical cyclone](/wiki/Extratropical_cyclone "Extratropical cyclone") and dissipated early the next day. Cyclone Tam produced heavy rainfall and strong winds over [American Samoa](/wiki/American_Samoa "American Samoa") upon being named. The precipitation caused several mudslides and flooding, which inflicted $26,000 in damage. The storm also had minor effects on [Niue](/wiki/Niue "Niue"), Tonga, and [Futuna](/wiki/Futuna_Island%2C_Wallis_and_Futuna "Futuna Island, Wallis and Futuna").


Why did Tropical Cyclone Tam weaken?