The 2009 Pacific hurricane season was the most active Pacific hurricane season since 1997. The season officially started on May 15 in the East Pacific Ocean, and on June 1 in the Central Pacific; they both ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Eastern Pacific tropical cyclone basin; however, tropical cyclone formation is possible at any time of the year. The first system of the season, Tropical Depression One-E, developed on June 18, and the last, Hurricane Neki, dissipated on October 27, keeping activity well within the bounds of the season.
For the first time since 1999, the first system of the season did not form until mid-June. [1] Three days after One-E formed, the first named storm of the season, Hurricane Andres developed. Activity picked-up during peak-season, and according to the NHC's tropical weather summary, August 2009, with seven named storms in their region, was one of the most active Augusts on record for the basin. This level of activity had rarely occurred, if at all, in the past 41 years, since 1968, when the most active August on record for the region with eight named storms occurred.[2] When Hurricane Rick reached Category 5 strength on October 17, it became the first Category 5 Pacific hurricane since Ioke in 2006, and the third-strongest Pacific hurricane on record, behind 2015's Patricia and 1997's Linda. The first Central Pacific name to be used was Lana, when it crossed into the region from the Eastern Pacific. With the naming of Tropical Storm Maka on August 11, this season became the first in seven years to use multiple Central Pacific names.
On May 21, 2009, NOAA released their forecast for the 2009 Eastern Pacific and Central Pacific hurricane seasons. They predicted a below-normal level of activity in the Eastern Pacific, with 13 to 18 named storms, of which 6 to 10 were expected to become hurricanes, and 2 to 5 expected to become major hurricanes. The forecast was based on the dissipation of a La Niña in April 2009. Sea surface temperatures were near normal around the equator makes the season an ENSO-neutral. Additionally, an El Niño was forecast to develop during the latter part of the season. Depending on the intensity of the El Niño, forecasters were unsure of whether or not it would have an effect on the overall activity in the basin. However, due to the low-activity cycle that began in 1995, the El Niño only brought the activity to a slightly above normal season.[3]
The Central Pacific basin was also expected to be slightly below average, with three to five tropical cyclones expected to form or cross into the area. However, it was slightly more active than expected, the number of three to five was exceeded, as seven tropical cyclones moved into or formed in the Central Pacific.[5]
A series of tropical cyclones on August 12. From left to right the systems are Tropical Depression Maka, the remnants of Hurricane Felicia, Tropical Depression Nine-E and the low that would later become Hurricane Guillermo.
The accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index for the 2009 Pacific hurricane season as calculated by Colorado State University using data from the National Hurricane Center was 126.4units.[nb 1][6] Broadly speaking, ACE is a measure of the power of a tropical or subtropical storm multiplied by the length of time it existed. It is only calculated for full advisories on specific tropical and subtropical systems reaching or exceeding wind speeds of 39mph (63km/h).
The season was characterized as "near-normal",[7] featuring 17 named storms 8 hurricanes and 5 major hurricanes. The central Pacific experienced above-average activity with three additional storms forming west of 140°W and three more crossing over from the eastern Pacific.[4][8] The overall number of storms contrasted to a relative lull in activity experienced over the previous decade. During the course of the year, large-scale factors such as an El Niño and two Madden–Julian oscillations greatly contributed to the changed pattern.[9] The season's activity, east of 140°W, was reflected with a near-average cumulative accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) rating of 100, roughly 94% of the 30-year median.[8][10] ACE is, broadly speaking, a measure of the power of the hurricane multiplied by the length of time it existed, so storms that last a long time, as well as particularly strong hurricanes, have high ACEs. ACE is only calculated for full advisories on tropical systems at or exceeding 34kn (39mph; 63km/h) or tropical storm strength.[10]
The season started at a below-average pace, with only one named storm forming by the end of June. This marked the first time since 1999 that no tropical storms formed during the month of May; however, on average only one storm develops in the month every other year. The ten-year span of May named storms marked the longest occurrence of this event.[1] The first hurricane of the year, Hurricane Andres, also became the first June hurricane since Hurricane Carlotta in 2000.[8][11] Below-average activity continued into July with four named storms forming. By the end of the month, season to date ACE values were roughly 37% of the long-term mean, the sixth lowest since reliable records began in 1971.[11]
An abrupt shift in activity took place during August as seven named storms formed, three of which became major hurricanes. This marked the most storms to form in a single month since 1985 and the most in August since 1968.[12] Of these storms, Hurricane Jimena became the first cyclone of the season to make landfall, as well as the strongest storm to strike the west coast Baja California Sur, alongside Hurricane Norbert in 2008.[13] Following the well-above average August, September experienced below-average activity with ACE reaching 70% of the long-term mean.[14] The final month of activity featured the third-strongest storm on record in the eastern Pacific: Hurricane Rick. A Category 5 storm, Rick attained winds of 180mph (290km/h) off the coast of Mexico on October 18 before succumbing to increased wind shear and dry air. ACE for the month was 59% above average, mostly attributed to Rick.[15]
The first system of the season, One-E formed out of a tropical wave on June 18 roughly 405 miles (652km) south-southwest of Mazatlán and initially tracked slowly northwards. Throughout the day, convection developed around the center of circulation and the system was anticipated to become a tropical storm.[16] Late on June 18, the National Hurricane Center noted that the system was on the verge of becoming a tropical storm.[17] However, the following day, strong wind shear caused the depression to rapidly degenerate into a trough of low pressure before dissipating off the coast of Sinaloa.[16]
Although no longer a tropical cyclone, the remnants of the depression brought moderate rainfall to parts of Sinaloa, Nayarit and Jalisco. High winds accompanied the rainfall and left about 50,000 residences without power. Several trees were downed and some structures sustained damage from fresh water flooding. Landslides occurred along major highways and significant structural damage was reported around Mazatlán.[18][19] However, there was no loss of life or reports of injuries.[16]
Hurricane Andres formed on June 21 out of an area of disturbed weather associated with a shower and thunder storm that crossed Central America a few days earlier. Andres gradually intensified as it tracked along the Mexican coastline. Deep convection developed around the center of circulation and by June 23, the storm attained hurricane-status, peaking with winds of 80mph (130km/h). Upon attaining this intensity, the storm featured a developing eyewall within a central dense overcast. Within 36 hours, the storm rapidly degenerated, having most of the convection being displaced by high wind shear, becoming a non-tropical trough during the afternoon of June 24.[20]
Prior to becoming a tropical depression, Andres produced heavy rainfall Oaxaca and Honduras, resulting in two deaths.[21] Rough seas off the coast of Guerrero resulted in one fatality.[20] Inland, flooding caused by heavy rains killed two people and injured twenty.[22] Several dozen structures were damaged and a few were destroyed.[23] Following the storm, roughly 350 people were left homeless.[24]
A tropical wave exited the western coast of Africa on June19, which moved westward across the Atlantic without development. By June29, the wave crossed Central America into the eastern Pacific. Thunderstorms increased over the next several days, which organized into curved rainbands around a developing low-pressure area on July4. Following further organization, the system developed into a tropical depression on July6, located roughly 435 miles (700 kilometres) south of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Soon after, it strengthened into Tropical Storm Blanca.[25] Operationally, the NHC classified the system immediately as a tropical storm. At that time, Blanca developed an eye-feature, though it was not expected to develop into a hurricane.[26] Steered by a ridge to the north, the storm moved west-northwestward throughout its existence.[25] Early on July7, Blanca attained peak winds of 50mph (80km/h) and a barometric pressure of 998 mbar (hPa; 29.47inHg).[25] The storm's convection developed into a central dense overcast over the center,[27] which soon began deteriorating, with cloud tops warming and convection shrinking.[28] By late on July7, the center became devoid of shower and thunderstorm activity,[29] with only intermittent convection.[30] On July8, Blanca weakened into a tropical depression, and the next day it degenerated into a remnant low. Although no longer a tropical cyclone, the remnants of Blanca maintained a well-defined low pressure center as it continued its northwesterly movement. Early on July11, the system turned northward and gradually weakened. By the following day, Blanca had dissipated over open waters.[25]
Due to the developing storm, Mexican officials posted high seas advisories for Michoacán, Jalisco, Nayarit, Baja California Sur and Colima, and advised ships to remain at port in July6.[31] These advisories were discontinued the following day as Blanca moved out to sea.[32] Moisture from the system enhanced a frontal system over Coahuila. The system produced upwards of 22.2mm (0.87in) in the span of a few hours, triggering flooding throughout the state. Numerous streets were closed due to flooding and local fire departments were deployed to assist in draining the water. No injuries or structural damage resulted from the flooding.[33] The remnants of the storm also brought unseasonable rainfall, although negligible, to parts of southern and central California on July11.[34] The moisture reached the region after being pulled northward by an upper-level low off the coast of Oregon.[35]
A tropical wave departed the west coast of Africa on June25, which moved across the Atlantic without development. The wave entered the eastern Pacific on July4, later developing more convection on July8 to the south of Mexico. Early on July10, convective banding features developed along the periphery of the system[36] and an area of low pressure developed within the wave.[37] On July10, the NHC designated the system as Tropical Depression Four-E about 900mi (1,400km) south of the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. Soon after, it strengthened into Tropical Storm Carlos while moving westward through an area of warm waters and light wind shear. On July11, Carlos intensified further into a minimal hurricane. At that time, the small storm developed a small eye-like feature, which had disappeared the next day, causing Carlos to weaken back into a tropical storm. The eye feature redeveloped, signaling that Carlos reintensified into a hurricane on July14, reaching peak winds of 105mph (169km/h) early the next day. Located at 10.1ºN, this made Carlos the southernmost Category2 hurricane in the eastern Pacific proper. Late on July15, the hurricane encountered strong wind shear, resulting in rapid weakening. About 24hours after its peak intensity, Carlos deteriorated into a tropical depression, and dissipated early on July17 well to the southeast of Hawaii.[36]
On July 11, a broad area of low pressure developed within a tropical wave several hundred miles south of Acapulco, Mexico. Shower and thunderstorm activity associated with the system gradually increased over the next several days as it tracked west-northwestward. By July 15, the low became sufficiently organized and was declared a tropical depression roughly 695 miles (1,118km) of Manzanillo, Colima. Turning towards the northwest in response to a ridge over Mexico, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Dolores later that day.[38] Despite southwesterly wind shear displacing the center of Dolores from the deepest convection,[39] the system continued to strengthen, attaining peak winds of 60mph (97km/h) on July 16. Shortly thereafter, convection associated with the storm dissipated, possibly due to entrainment of dry air. Later that day the system degenerated into a remnant low and gradually weakened. The remnants of Dolores eventually dissipated on July 19, roughly 995 miles (1,601km) west-southwest of Los Angeles.[38]
On July 30, the NHC began issuing advisories on Tropical Depression Six-E near the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility. Later that day, it moved into the Central Pacific as a tropical depression, quickly strengthening into Tropical Storm Lana, becoming the first central Pacific tropical storm to form as a depression in the eastern Pacific but be named in the central since Hurricane Li in 1994. It also started to develop an eye feature, based on satellite imagery. But, southerly shear, introduced by a large upper-level trough, caused Lana to become slightly disorganized on July 31. Despite this, Lana reached its peak intensity of 65mph (105km/h) early on August 1, and slowly weakened to become a very disorganized, yet still fairly strong tropical storm, maintaining maximum winds of 50mph (80km/h) for the next couple of days. However, Lana weakened to a tropical depression late on August 2, while continuing to quickly become disorganized. Lana degenerated to a remnant low on 00:00 UTC of August 3, roughly 580 miles (930km) southwest of Honolulu, and 410 miles (660km) east of Johnston Island, with the CPHC issuing their last advisory at the same time. Lana's remnants lingered for six hours before dissipating by 06:00 UTC.[40]
Tropical Storm Enrique developed out of a broad area of low pressure several hundred miles south-southwest of Baja California Sur. The center of circulation was embedded within a central dense overcast and located within an area favoring further development. The depression tracked just north of due west in response to a mid-tropospheric ridge north of the system. Upon becoming a tropical cyclone, a second area of low pressure, that would later become Hurricane Felicia located nine degrees of longitude to the west, had the possibility to develop into a tropical depression and possibly influence the system.[41] Late on August 3, the depression intensified to a tropical storm and was given the name Enrique. Enrique strengthened to reach a peak intensity of 65mph (105km/h) on August 4. However, interaction with Hurricane Felicia weakened the system late that evening, with maximum winds decreasing to 50mph. Enrique maintained winds of 50mph (80km/h) for the next day or so, until early on August 6, when the NHC downgraded Enrique to depression status. On August 7, the NHC issued their final advisory on Enrique as the system degenerated into a remnant low.[42]
Hurricane Felicia developed out of a broad area of low pressure that formed several hundred miles southwest of Baja California Sur on August 3, developing into Tropical Depression Eight-E the next day, shortly after Tropical Depression Seven-E formed directly to the east. It strengthened into a tropical storm and was named Felicia early on August 4. It rapidly strengthened that morning as an eyewall quickly developed, the rapid intensification being attributed to warm water along the forecast track, which allowed for more rapid intensification. Felicia continued to intensify and became a hurricane that afternoon. Rapid intensification continued into that evening, and the NHC upgraded Felicia to a Category 2 hurricane. It continued to rapidly strengthen, becoming the first major hurricane of the season on the morning of August 5, when the NHC upgraded it to a Category 3 hurricane. Later that day, Felicia rapidly intensified to a Category 4 hurricane, with maximum winds increasing to 145mph (233km/h), making it the strongest storm in the Eastern Pacific since Daniel in 2006. The NHC predicted that Felicia would rapidly weaken during the next couple of days starting on August 6, but it was also noted by the NHC that Felicia was displaying annular hurricane characteristics, which would allow for it to maintain intensity for longer than expected over marginal SSTS.
On August 8 it crossed into the Central Pacific basin, gradually weakening to a tropical storm and then a tropical depression as it approached the Hawaiian Islands. Tropical storm and flash flood watches were issued on August 7 for the Big Island of Hawaii and Maui County, and were extended to include Oahu on August 9. The watches for the Big Island were later canceled as the track for Felicia appeared to turn toward the north. All watches were canceled at 11 a.m. HST August 11 as Felicia dissipated to a remnant low.[43]
Tropical Depression Nine-E developed out of a small area of low pressure west-southwest of Baja California on August 9. Nine-E initially formed as a tropical wave that had entered the eastern Pacific on August 1, but was ill-defined, and difficult to trace. The NHC had initially forecast Nine-E to strengthen to a tropical storm by August 10, but moderate shear inhibited development, and the depression was no longer forecast to strengthen to a tropical storm, as the shear inhibited deep convection within the depression's circulation. Shear continually inhibited development until the end, when Nine-E degenerated to a remnant low on August 12. The next day, the NHC noted the possibility for regeneration of the system, although, by late on the 14th, the disturbance had weakened, and was becoming embedded in the ITCZ, as a result, the probability for regeneration was low. Nine-E's remnants dissipated on August 15, while located just within the central Pacific.
Tropical Storm Maka was first identified on August 8, 2009, by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) as an area of disturbed weather roughly 835 miles (1,344km) south of Lihue, Hawaii. Situated over warm waters, estimated at 28°C (82°F) and within an area of low wind shear, the system gradually intensified as it tracked northwestward in response to a subtropicalridge to the north.[44] By August 11, convection had consolidated around an area of low pressure that formed within the system. Since further development was expected, a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert was issued.[45] Shortly thereafter, the CPHC upgraded the low to a tropical depression, assigning it with the identifier One-C.[44] Over the following 12 hours, further development took place, and the depression intensified into a tropical storm. Upon attaining this intensity, the storm was given the name Maka from the list of names for the Central Pacific basin.[44] The next afternoon, the final advisory on Maka was issued as it degenerates into a remnant low.[44] The remnants of Tropical Storm Maka crossed the International Date Line and moved into the Western Pacific, regenerating into a tropical depression.[46]
Hurricane Guillermo formed on August 12 from a broad area of low pressure nearly 700 miles (1,100km) SW of Baja California. The system developed a good series of banding features and convection, and as a result, in the afternoon later that day, it strengthened into a tropical storm, the seventh in the eastern Pacific that year. On August 14, it strengthened to become the fourth hurricane of the season, concurrent to the development of a good, banding type eye. That afternoon, Guillermo strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane with maximum winds increasing to 100mph (160km/h). Early on August 15, Guillermo intensified to become the second major hurricane of the season, as it was upgraded by the NHC to a Category 3 hurricane, with maximum winds increasing to 125mph (201km/h). On August 16 it crossed into the Central Pacific basin as a Category 1 hurricane, and then quickly weakened to a tropical storm thereafter due to very high wind shear. Despite over very strong as high as 45mph (72km/h) of shear, Guillermo survived as a weak tropical storm for a further 3 days before weakening to a depression and degenerating to a remnant low on August 19, near the West Coast. However, the remnants continued to curve towards the northeast for the next several days, before finally dissipating on August 23.[47]
Although Guillermo remained well away from land, large swells produced by the system resulted in 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4m) surf along the eastern coasts of the Hawaiian Islands between August 18 and 19.[48]
Tropical Depression Eleven-E formed toward the western edge of the eastern Pacific basin on August 22, and soon strengthened to become Tropical Storm Hilda. The next day it crossed the 140°W meridian and passed into the CPHC's area of responsibility. On August 26, Hilda quickly weakened to a depression after several small pulses of brief convection in the disorganized center, but these waned quickly when it weakened to depression status. Hilda also attempted, but failed, to reorganize its overall structure throughout the late 25th and most of the 26th. The system's structure continued to degrade, and finally, on August 28, the CPHC issued their final advisory on Hilda, as it had degenerated into a remnant low. The remnants of Hilda lingered for several days, until finally dissipating on August 31.
Ignacio formed as a portion of the same tropical wave that caused the formation of Tropical Storm Ana in the Atlantic. The portion of the wave that would become Ignacio crossed Central America on August 16. While the wave axis was located over the eastern Pacific on August 20, shower and thunderstorm activity began to increase, but associated convection remained minimal. Two days later, on August 22, the wave transformed into a broad area of low pressure, with convective activity organizing enough over the next couple of days to be classified as Tropical Depression Twelve-E on August 24 about 660 miles (1,060km) SW of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. Though convection within the rainband located along the western semicircle of the system diminished somewhat, the system continued to become better organized, and became a tropical storm that evening, receiving the name Ignacio. Despite the upgrade, the storm was not well organized, with several smaller circulations rotating around the center of circulation. Ignacio weakened to a tropical depression on the morning of August 27, as it moved over sub-26°C SSTs, the lowest temperature needed to support a tropical cyclone, and entered an environment of stable air. The system continued to weaken, and Ignacio degenerated into an area of low pressure later on that day.
Originating from a tropical wave that moved off the western coast of Africa on August 15, an area of disturbed weather associated with the tropical wave had formed in the western Caribbean.[49] Moving across Central America earlier in the week, and slowly developed off the west coast of Mexico, about 200 miles (320km) south of Acapulco, until it organized into a tropical depression early in the morning of August 29.[50] It soon strengthened to become Tropical Storm Jimena,[51] and intensified rapidly to become a Category 2 hurricane later the same day as a pinhole eye developed.[51] The next day it strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane, becoming the third major hurricane of season.[52] Later that day, it continued to intensify and became a Category 4 hurricane.[53] However, by the morning of August 31, the eye had become less defined, likely because of an eyewall replacement cycle.[51] As Jimena moved over cooler waters, and shear began to increase, it began to weaken starting on September 1, weakening below major hurricane status later that day.[54] The storm soon made first landfall of the season as a weak Category 2 early the next day near Cabo San Lazaro, Mexico. Jimena then made second landfall near Cabo San Lázaro at the same intensity just after re-entering Pacific. Moving over land, Jimena weakened into a Category 1 later that day, only to move back offshore as a Category 1 hurricane. The hurricane made a third landfall near San Junacio with 85mph (135km/h) winds. Finally, around 03:00UTC of September 3, Jimena weakened to a tropical storm, but despite reemerging in the Gulf of California, Jimena continued to weaken due to increased wind shear. On September 4, the storm weakened into a tropical depression and made a fourth and final landfall near Santa Rosalía, Baja California Sur. Five hours after Jimena made the final landfall, Jimena degenerated into a remnant low and dissipated by September 5.[51]
Owing to the storm's slow movement, torrential rains fell over much of Baja California Sur and Sinaloa, resulting in widespread flooding.[55] In Guaymas, a record 26.54 inches (674mm) of rain fell in association with Jimena. According to a report by Mexico's Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres, the magnitude of the event was analyzed to be a once in 2000 year occurrence.[56] Thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed across Baja California and much of Puerto Lopez Mateos was leveled. Significant damage to infrastructure not only left people without water and power, it hampered relief efforts as many towns were isolated from surrounding areas.[55] At least six people were killed and an estimated 72,000 were affected across the region.[57][58] Total losses related to Hurricane Jimena reached 2.3 billion pesos ($173.9 million).[59]
A small area of disturbed weather developed into Tropical Depression Two-C to the southwest of Kauai at 1200 UTC on August 28. Despite favorable conditions, sustained winds did not exceed 35mph (56km/h). Early the next day, the depression crossed the International Date Line and warning responsibility of the system was passed on to the Japan Meteorological Agency. By August 30, the depression began weakening and degenerated back into an area of disturbed weather. The remnants tracked further west-northwestward into the West Pacific for the next few days, before dissipating early on September 2.[60]
Kevin formed from Tropical Depression Fourteen-E on August 29 from an area of disturbed weather 1,000 miles (1,600km) southwest of Baja California. The system strengthened to Tropical Storm Kevin later that day. Kevin began to weaken early on August 30, and this trend continued for the next day or so, until early on the 31st, when Kevin weakened to a tropical depression. Kevin continued to degrade, and the NHC declared it dissipated on September 1, as it had weakened to a remnant low. It finally was absorbed into the ITCZ in the area of Central Pacific on September 8, seven days after it had weakened into a remnant low.[61]
A tropical wave exited Africa into the Atlantic Ocean on August 18, and the northern portion split to become Tropical Storm Danny. The wave continued westward without development, crossing Central America into the Pacific Ocean on August 28. Convection remained minimal until September 3, when the system became better organized. A Low-pressure area developed on September 6, and deep convection consolidated around the circulation. Early on September 7, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) designated the low as Tropical Depression Fifteen-E about 1,130 miles (1,820km) west-southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula.[62] Moving over warm water temperatures and modest wind shear, gradual intensification was anticipated.[63] The depression moved slowly to the west due to a weakening subtropical ridge to its north. Shortly after developing, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Linda. By September 9, a new ridge developed east of Linda, causing the storm to turn northwestward.[62] Despite intensifying into a strong tropical storm, Linda's low-level circulation was misaligned from its upper circulations, although the system developed expansive outflow to the south and east.[64]
Late on September 9, Linda attained hurricane status, and although an eye developed, it was not over the center due to increasing wind shear. Early on September 10, Linda attained peak winds of 80mph (130km/h) and a pressure of 985mbar (29.1inHg).[62] Operationally, the NHC assessed Linda to have been slightly stronger with peak winds of 85mph (137km/h).[65] Persistent wind shear eroded the eyewall and led to weakening.[66] Compounded with decreasing water temperatures, Linda deteriorated to tropical storm status early on September 11.[62] At that time, the center became exposed and lacked deep convection.[67] After the intrusion of dry air, the convection dissipated,[68] and late on September 11, the NHC issued their final advisory on Linda after it degenerated into a remnant low.[69] At this time, the system weakened below tropical storm intensity. The remnants of Linda persisted for several more days, initially tracking southwest before turning due west. The system eventually dissipated on September 15 roughly 1,195 miles (1,923km) east of the Hawaiian Islands.[62]
Tropical Storm Marty can be track back from an area of thunderstorm activity associated with a tropical wave that were off the south coast of Mexican state of Guerrero on September 11.[70] A weak mid-level cyclonic circulation was also find near that wave.[70] Clusters of scattered convection developed south of the circulation despite strong easterly wind shear.[71] Then the National Hurricane Center (NHC) began to issue Tropical Weather Outlooks for that wave around 11am EDT (1900UTC on September13).[72] The wave was part of a large area of disorganized multilayered clouds which is basically tied into a large monsoonal circulation.[73] It became better organized on the afternoon of September 14 with scattered convection occurring and also developing a 1008milibar (29.77inHg) surface low.[74] The NHC upgraded it to a tropical depression, around 4am PDT (1200UTC on September16) while it was located about 340mi (545km) south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.[75] As it was numbered, the circulation of Sixteen-E finally began to separate from the northeast end of the elongated monsoonal like circulation.[76] It was named Marty six hours later as it became a tropical storm with winds of 40mph (65km/h) and a barometric pressure of 1003 mbar (hPa; 29.62inHg).[77] Despite becoming a tropical storm, the low level circulation center of Marty was located on the eastern edge of its deep convection, possibly due to the influence of a ridge of high pressure locating inland Mexico.[78][79] Marty moved slowly, and did not become significantly better organized although associating with deep convective activity.[80] It began to slowly weaken after reaching a peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 45mph (70km/h) and a barometric pressure of 1001 mbar (hPa; 29.56inHg).[81] Despite this, and reaching sub-26.5°C water temperatures, Marty managed to remain at tropical storm strength until 1800 UTC on the 18th, when it finally weakened back to depression strength. With all environmental factors against it, and almost completely devoid of any convection, on September 19, the NHC issued their last advisory on Marty as it had weakened into a remnant low. The remnants lingered until eventual complete dissipation on September 23.
On September 21, a broad area of low pressure formed about 900mi west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. The disturbance slowly started to organize, strengthening into a tropical depression late on September 22 (September 23 in UTC time). On the early morning of September 23, the depression strengthened into a tropical storm and received the name Nora. On September 23, Tropical Storm Nora reached a peak intensity of 60mph (97km/h) before starting to weaken back into a depression on September 24. Early on September 25, the NHC issued their last advisory on Nora, as it weakened into a remnant low. However, the remnant low of Nora continued to drift westward for the next 4 days, before dissipating on September 29.[82]
Tropical Depression Eighteen-E formed from a broad area of low pressure on October 1, and quickly strengthened to become Tropical Storm Olaf. However, as it moved north or northeast towards the Baja California Peninsula, cooler waters and shearing winds caused it to weaken to a tropical depression on October 3. Later that day, the NHC issued their last advisory on Olaf, as it weakened into a remnant low. The remnant low of Olaf continued to drift eastward for the next day, before dissipating over Baja California Sur on October 4.[83]
In Baja California Sur, heavy rains from the remnants of Olaf resulted in flooding of low-lying areas in several municipalities, notably near the city of La Paz. Officials in the affected regions also opened shelters if residents wanted to seek refuge away from their home.[84] Heavy rains, amounting to 1.7in (43mm), fell across portions of Sonora hit hard by Hurricane Jimena a month earlier; however, no damage resulted from Olaf.[85]
Patricia developed from a tropical wave that traversed the Atlantic Ocean during September and was first classified as a tropical depression on October 11 several hundred miles south of the Baja California Peninsula. The system quickly intensified into a tropical storm as it tracked in a general northward direction. By October 12, Patricia attained its peak intensity with winds of 60mph (97km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 996mbar (29.4inHg). The following day, increasing wind shear and unfavorable conditions caused the storm to rapidly weaken. By the morning of October 14, Patricia had degenerated into a remnant low near the southern coastline of Baja California Sur. The remnants of the storm persisted until October 15, at which time they dissipated over open waters.[86]
Although the center of Patricia did not impact land,[86] the outer bands caused significant rainfall in portions of western Mexico. In Sonora, up to 240mm (9.4in) of rain fell,[87] leading to significant flooding that left 600 people homeless.[88][89]
The third-strongest eastern Pacific hurricane on record, Hurricane Rick originated from a very strong tropical disturbance wave that developed into a tropical depression on October 15. Situated off the southern coast of Mexico, the depression tracked west-northwest in a region favoring explosive development. Shortly after being classified as Tropical Depression Twenty-E, the system intensified into Tropical Storm Rick. Roughly 18 hours later, Rick had become a Category 1 hurricane as it underwent rapid intensification. After a brief pause in this phase, the storm went through another period of intensification, reaching Category 5 status on October 17, becoming the first storm of this intensity since Hurricane Kenna in 2002 east of 140°W.[90]
Early on October 18, the storm attained its peak intensity with winds of 180mph (290km/h) and a barometric pressure of 906mbar (26.8inHg).[90] Not long after attaining this intensity, the combination of increasing wind shear and dry air caused the storm to rapidly weaken. By October 19, Rick weakened below Category 3 status and began to turn north, towards the Baja California Peninsula. Continued degradation of the structure led to the hurricane being downgraded to a tropical storm on October 20. By this time, the storm had become highly asymmetric, with most deep convection being displaced to the northeast. The following day, Rick made landfall near Mazatlán with winds of 60mph (97km/h). The storm rapidly degenerated as it moved over land, dissipating within 12 hours of landfall.[90]
Prior to making landfall, the NHC initially forecasted Rick to make landfall in southern Baja California as a high-end Category 2 hurricane, prompting hurricane watches.[90] Officials ordered several hundred residents to evacuate from low-lying areas,[91] although tropical storm warnings replaced the hurricane watches after the storm had weakened.[90] Overall, the damage from Rick was significantly less than what was initially anticipated. Throughout Mexico, three people were killed by the storm, one in Oaxaca and two in Baja California Sur.[92][93][94] Total losses from the storm reached 192 million pesos ($14.6 million USD).[95]
The final tropical cyclone of the season developed on October 18 as an unusually large disturbance from a trough south of Hawaii. Moving northwestward, it slowly organized at first due to its large size. After reaching hurricane status on October 21, Neki intensified at a much faster rate and peaked with winds of 125mph (201km/h). It later turned to the north and north-northeast and weakened due to hostile conditions. While passing through the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Neki was downgraded to a tropical storm after the center became exposed from the deepest convection.[96] It caused little impact in the island chain.[97] After stalling and executing a small loop, Neki resumed its northward track and dissipated on October 27.[96]
Hurricane Neki caused relatively little damage in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. All of the structures were undamaged; however, two small natural habitat islands, Round and Disappearing Islands, were affected substantially. The former lost some land area and the latter was completely washed away.[98] The storm damaged coral reefs in the region, which quickly regrew in the subsequent years.[99] Neki did not affect the state of Hawaii, other than producing high clouds across the region.[100]
For storms that form in the North Pacific between 140°W to the International Date Line, the names come from a series of four rotating lists. Names are used one after the other without regard to year, and when the bottom of one list is reached, the next named storm receives the name at the top of the next list.[101][103] Three named storms, listed below, formed within the area in 2009.[40][44][96] Also, named storms in the table above that crossed into the area during the season are noted (*).[7]
This is a table of all of the tropical cyclones that formed in the 2009 Pacific hurricane season. It includes their name, duration, peak classification and intensities, areas affected, damage, and death totals. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but were still related to that storm. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical, a wave, or a low, and all of the damage figures are in 2009 USD.
↑ The total represents the sum of the squares of the maximum sustained wind speed (knots) for every (sub)tropical storm's intensity of over 33 knots (38mph; 61km/h), divided by 10,000 while they are above that threshold; therefore, tropical depressions are not included.
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↑ Jennifer M. Collins and David R. Roache (June 2011). "The 2009 Hurricane Season in the Eastern North Pacific Basin: An Analysis of Environmental Conditions". Monthly Weather Review. 139 (6). American Meteorological Society: 1673–82. Bibcode:2011MWRv..139.1673C. doi:10.1175/2010MWR3538.1. S2CID34777942.
↑ Christopher W. Landsea and Jack L. Beven (June 18, 2009). "Tropical Depression One-E Discussion Three". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved August 21, 2011.
↑ Dave Roberts and Michael Brennan (July 15, 2009). "Tropical Storm Dolores Discussion Four". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved August 24, 2011.
↑ "Mexico: Hurricane Jimena"(PDF). International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. March 19, 2010. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
↑ Yesika Ojeda (September 5, 2009). "'Jimena' cobra dos vidas" (in Spanish). El Imparcial. Archived from the original on 23 July 2011. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
↑ Thomas Birchard; Kevin Kodama; Raymond Tanabe; Ed Fudaka (May 13, 2010). "Tropical Depression Two-C Tropical Cyclone Report"(PDF). Central Pacific Hurricane Center & Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Retrieved June 9, 2019.
1 2 Christopher W. Landsea and Richard J. Pasch (November 10, 2009). "Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Patricia"(PDF). National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved January 4, 2010.
↑ National Hurricane Operations Plan(PDF) (Report). Washington, D.C.: NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research. May 2003. p.3-9. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
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