Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | September 5,2017 |
Dissipated | September 9,2017 |
Category 2 hurricane | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Highest winds | 105 mph (165 km/h) |
Lowest pressure | 972 mbar (hPa);28.70 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 3 direct |
Damage | $3.26 million (2017 USD) |
Areas affected | Eastern Mexico |
IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season |
Hurricane Katia was a strong tropical cyclone which became the most intense storm to hit the Bay of Campeche since Karl in 2010. The eleventh named storm and sixth hurricane of the exceptionally active 2017 Atlantic hurricane season,Katia originated on September 5,out of a broad low-pressure area that formed in the Bay of Campeche. Located in an area of weak steering currents,Katia meandered around in the region,eventually intensifying into a hurricane on September 6. The nascent storm eventually peaked as a 105 mph (165 km/h) Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale while it began to move southwestward. However,land interaction began to weaken the hurricane as it approached the Gulf Coast of Mexico. Early on September 9,Katia made landfall near Tecolutla at minimal hurricane intensity. The storm quickly dissipated several hours later,although its mid-level circulation remained intact and later spawned what would become Hurricane Otis in the Eastern Pacific.
At least 53 municipalities in Mexico were affected by Katia. Heavy rainfall left flooding and numerous mudslides,with 65 mudslides in the city of Xalapa alone. Although damage estimates were unknown,preliminary reports indicated that 370 homes were flooded. Three deaths were confirmed to have been related to the hurricane,with two from mudslides and one from being swept away in floodwaters. Approximately 77,000 people were left without power at the height of the storm. Coincidentally,the storm struck Mexico just days after a major earthquake struck the country,worsening the aftermath and recovery. Hurricane Katia marked the first instance of three simultaneously active hurricanes since 2010. Katia's peak marked the second known time in Atlantic history and the first time since 1893 that three simultaneously active storms were at least of Category 2 strength.
On August 24, a tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic Ocean from the west coast of Africa. Although a concentrated area of deep convection accompanied the wave, thunderstorm activity soon diminished, and the wave progressed westward across the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea with little development for more than a week. The system subsequently interacted with a mid-level trough over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on September 3, [1] and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) began monitoring it for potential tropical cyclogenesis, despite largely unfavorable environmental conditions. Situated over the Yucatán Peninsula and adjacent Bay of Campeche, the system produced disorganized shower and thunderstorm activity. [2] Over subsequent days, conditions became more conducive for development. [3] A well-defined surface circulation formed on September 5, and thus, the system became a tropical depression at 12:00 UTC about 40 mi (65 km) east of the Tamaulipas – Veracruz state line. [1] The NHC initiated advisories on Tropical Depression Thirteen at 21:00 UTC, after ASCAT data indicated a well-defined circulation and winds of 35 mph (56 km/h). [4]
Located in an area of weak steering currents, the depression drifted slowly eastward. With gradually decreasing wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures, the system intensified into Tropical Storm Katia on September 6, as the convection became better organized. [5] An aircraft reconnaissance flight into the storm later on September 6 found a partial eyewall and surface winds of 76 mph (122 km/h); on that basis, the NHC upgraded Katia to hurricane status. [6] The convection organized into a central dense overcast as the system stalled. [7] With Irma and Jose also being hurricanes at the same time as Katia, it was the first occurrence of three simultaneous hurricanes in the Atlantic basin since Igor, Julia, and Karl in 2010. [8] On September 7, a developing ridge over the northern Gulf of Mexico caused Katia to turn west-southwestwards as it continued to slowly strengthen. The cyclone intensified into a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale at 12:00 UTC on September 8; this marked only the second time on record – the other being 1893 – that three hurricanes of at least Category 2 intensity existed simultaneously in the Atlantic basin. [8] Six hours later, Katia reached peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 972 mbar (hPa; 28.70 inHg). [1]
Thereafter, while Katia approached the coast of Veracruz, its circulation began to interact with land, causing it to quickly weaken. Around 03:00 UTC on September 9, Katia made landfall in Tecolutla with winds of 75 mph (120 km/h). Crossing the rugged terrain of eastern Mexico, the system rapidly weakened and dissipated around 18:00 UTC. [1] Katia's remnants traveled across Central America and later emerged over the Pacific Ocean, where they contributed to the development of Tropical Depression Fifteen-E. This new system later strengthened into Hurricane Otis about a week later. [9]
In preparation for the storm, tropical cyclone warnings and watches were issued in the state of Veracruz. At 21:00 UTC on September 6, a hurricane watch was issued from Tuxpan to the Laguna Verde Nuclear Power Station, before being extended northward to Cabo Rojo at 03:00 UTC on the next day. The hurricane watch was upgraded to a hurricane warning at 09:00 UTC on September 7, while a tropical storm warning was issued from Cabo Rojo to Pánuco River and from Laguna Verde to the city of Veracruz. The warnings were downgraded and discontinued as Katia moved inland and dissipated, with all warning canceled by 12:00 UTC on September 9. [1] Over 4,000 residents were evacuated from the states of Veracruz and Puebla. [10] The Servicio Meteorológico Nacional warned residents and tourists not to visit Popocatépetl and Pico de Orizaba due to the possibility of lahars. [11] The Protección Civil issued a red alert – the highest level – for northern and central Veracruz, as well as northern and eastern Puebla. An orange alert was declared for southern Tamaulipas and central and southern Puebla. The agency decreed a yellow alert for southern Veracruz, eastern Hidalgo, northern Oaxaca, and Tlaxcala. A green alert was posted for Mexico City, the State of Mexico, and eastern San Luis Potosí. Additionally, a blue alert – the lowest level – was issued for Morelos and Querétaro.[ citation needed ]
Katia made landfall near Tecolutla in Veracruz as a minimal hurricane on September 9. [1] The cyclone brought floods, mudslides, and strong winds to areas recently devastated by Mexico's most damaging earthquake in over 100 years. [12] The highest 24-hour rainfall total in relation to the hurricane was 11 in (280 mm) in Canseco, Veracruz. [1] Several roads were closed due to inundation, while early reports indicated that about 370 homes were flooded. Katia caused damage in at least 53 of Mexico's municipalities, though damage in each community was generally minimal. [13] About 5.43 in (138 mm) of precipitation fell in Xalapa, equivalent to nearly two months of rainfall. [14] Heavy rainfall resulted in 65 mudslides in 20 neighborhoods of the city and flooded 65 homes. [14] [15] Two fatalities were reported due to the mudslides. The storm toppled 22 trees and a number of branches in the city. [14] Another death occurred after a man was swept away by floodwaters in Jalcomulco. About 77,000 residents were left without power at the height of the storm. [16] The infrastructural damage were counted to be MX$7.2 million (US$407,000), while the insurance loss were estimated at MX$50.5 million (US$2.85 million). [17] [18]
Following the storm, it was requested of the Interior Secretariat to declare a state of emergency in 40 municipalities, granting the authority to use federal funds for disaster relief. The request was approved. [13] The federal government, in coordination with the Mexican Army, distributed approximately 30,000 litres of water and food for about 25,000 people, particularly in the vicinity of Xalapa. [19] The Secretario de Desarrollo Agropecuario, Rural y Pesca (SEDARPA) distributed MX$2.13 million (US$120,000) to those farmers who were affected by the hurricane. [20] As part of the relief effort, several student organizations at Cornell University started penny war fundraisers for victims of Hurricane Katia, as well as hurricanes Irma and Maria. [21]
Hurricane Diana was a deadly tropical cyclone which made landfall in Mexico in August 1990. The fourth named storm and second hurricane of the season, Diana developed from a tropical wave in the southwestern Caribbean on August 4. Forming as a tropical depression, the system brushed Honduras before intensifying into a tropical storm the following day. Continuing to gradually strengthen, Diana made its first landfall in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula as a strong tropical storm late on August 5. The cyclone weakened slightly due to land interaction, before emerging into the Bay of Campeche on August 6. Once over water, warm sea surface temperatures allowed Diana to quickly become a hurricane and later peak as a Category 2 on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale on August 7. Shortly thereafter, the storm made landfall near Tampico, Tamaulipas, with winds of 100 mph (160 km/h). Rapid weakening ensued once the storm moved over the high terrain of Mexico, with Diana diminishing to a tropical depression roughly 24 hours after moving onshore. The cyclone later emerged into the Gulf of California on August 9 shortly before dissipating. The remnant disturbance was monitored until losing its identity over Arizona on August 14.
Hurricane Stan was the deadliest tropical cyclone of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season. A relatively weak system that affected areas of Central America and Mexico in early October 2005, Stan was the eighteenth named storm and eleventh hurricane of the 2005 season, having formed from a tropical wave on October 1 after it had moved into the western Caribbean. The depression slowly intensified, and reached tropical storm intensity the following day, before subsequently making its first landfall on the Yucatán Peninsula. While traversing the peninsula, the tropical storm weakened, but was able to re-intensify once it entered the Bay of Campeche. Under favorable conditions for tropical cyclogenesis, Stan attained hurricane strength on October 4, and later reached peak intensity with winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 977 mbar (28.9 inHg). The hurricane maintained this intensity until landfall in the Mexican state of Veracruz later the same day. Once over the mountainous terrain of Mexico, however, Stan quickly weakened, and dissipated on October 5.
Tropical Storm Jose was a short-lived tropical storm which made landfall in central Mexico during August 2005. Jose was the tenth named storm of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season and the fourth of six tropical cyclones to make landfall in Mexico in that year.
Hurricane Lorenzo was a rapidly developing tropical cyclone that struck the Mexican state of Veracruz in late September 2007. The twelfth named storm and fifth hurricane of the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season, it formed in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico from a tropical wave. After meandering for two days without development, the storm began a steady westward track as its structure became better organized. In an 18‑hour period, Lorenzo's winds increased from 35 mph (55 km/h) to 80 mph (130 km/h), or from a tropical depression to a hurricane. On September 28 it struck near Tecolutla, Veracruz, a month after Hurricane Dean affected the same area, before it quickly dissipated over land.
The 2011 Atlantic hurricane season was the second in a group of three very active Atlantic hurricane seasons, each with 19 named storms, tied with 1887, 1995, 2010, and 2012. The above-average activity was mostly due to a La Niña that persisted during the previous year. Of the season's 19 tropical storms, only seven strengthened into hurricanes, and four of those became major hurricanes: Irene, Katia, Ophelia, and Rina. The season officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30, dates which conventionally delimit the period during each year in which most tropical cyclones develop in the Atlantic Ocean. However, the first tropical storm of the season, Arlene, did not develop until nearly a month later. The final system, Tropical Storm Sean, dissipated over the open Atlantic on November 11.
The 2013 Pacific hurricane season was an above average Pacific hurricane season with 21 tropical cyclones forming. Of these, 20 became named storms – 18 in the Eastern Pacific basin, and 2 in the Central Pacific basin. Of the 18 named storms in the east, 9 became hurricanes, with one, Raymond, becoming the season's only major hurricane. In the central, neither named storm became a hurricane. It was also a below-normal season in terms of Accumulated cyclone energy (ACE), as many of its systems were weak and short-lived. The season officially began on May 15 in the Eastern Pacific and started on June 1 in the Central Pacific; both ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical development occurs in these North Pacific basins. The first cyclone, Tropical Storm Alvin, formed on May 15, and the last, Tropical Storm Sonia, dissipated on November 4. It was below average only Category 3 storm was since 1981.
The 2017 Pacific hurricane season was an above average Pacific hurricane season in terms of named storms, though less active than the previous three, featuring eighteen named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. Despite the considerable amount of activity, most of the storms were weak and short-lived. The season officially started on May 15 in the eastern 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 respective regions. However, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year, as illustrated in 2017 by the formation of the season's first named storm, Tropical Storm Adrian, on May 9. At the time, this was the earliest formation of a tropical storm on record in the eastern Pacific basin proper. The season saw near-average activity in terms of accumulated cyclone energy (ACE), in stark contrast to the extremely active seasons in 2014, 2015, and 2016; and for the first time since 2012, no tropical cyclones formed in the Central Pacific basin. However, for the third year in a row, the season featured above-average activity in July, with the ACE value being the fifth highest for the month. Damage across the basin reached $375.28 million (2017 USD), while 45 people were killed by the various storms.
Hurricane Karl was the most destructive tropical cyclone on record to strike the Mexican state of Veracruz. The eleventh tropical storm, sixth hurricane, and fifth and final major hurricane of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season, Karl formed from an area of low pressure which had formed off of the northern coast of Venezuela on September 11. It crossed the Caribbean and was upgraded to Tropical Storm Karl on September 14. The cyclone made landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico as a strong tropical storm, and then rapidly strengthened in the Bay of Campeche before it made landfall near the city of Veracruz, on the central Mexican Gulf coast, as a major hurricane. This marked the first known time that a major hurricane existed in the Bay of Campeche. Afterwards, the storm rapidly weakened over the mountains of Mexico and dissipated on September 18.
The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season was a devastating and extremely active Atlantic hurricane season that became the costliest on record, with a damage total of at least $294.92 billion (USD). The season featured 17 named storms, 10 hurricanes, and 6 major hurricanes. Most of the season's damage was due to hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Another notable hurricane, Nate, was the worst natural disaster in Costa Rican history. These four storm names were retired following the season due to the number of deaths and amount of damage they caused. Collectively, the tropical cyclones were responsible for at least 3,364 deaths. The season also had the highest accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) since 2005 with an approximate index of 224 units, with a record three hurricanes each generating an ACE of over 40: Irma, Jose, and Maria. This season featured two Category 5 hurricanes, and the only season other than 2007 with two hurricanes making landfall at that intensity. The season's ten hurricanes occurred one after the other, the greatest number of consecutive hurricanes in the satellite era, and tied for the highest number of consecutive hurricanes ever observed in the Atlantic basin.
Tropical Storm Fernand was a short-lived but deadly tropical cyclone that struck parts of Veracruz state, Mexico, causing flash flooding and landslides. The sixth tropical storm of the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season, Fernand developed from the merger of two tropical waves that had moved off the coast of Africa in the Bay of Campeche on August 25. Quickly organizing, the cyclone strengthened into a tropical storm and eventually made landfall on the coast of Mexico as a moderate to strong tropical storm. Fernand persisted for another day inland before dissipating over the mountainous terrain of the country. During its relatively short lifespan, Fernand caused numerous flash floods in its wake which resulted in the deaths of 14 people in and around the areas of Veracruz.
Hurricane Ingrid was one of two tropical cyclones, along with Hurricane Manuel, to strike Mexico within a 24-hour period, the first such occurrence since 1958. Ingrid was the ninth named storm and second hurricane of the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season. It formed on September 12 in the Gulf of Mexico from a broad disturbance that also spawned Manuel in the eastern Pacific. After initially moving westward toward Veracruz, Ingrid turned northeastward away from the coast. Favorable conditions allowed it to attain hurricane status on September 14, and the next day Ingrid attained peak winds of 140 km/h (85 mph). Subsequently, increased wind shear weakened the convection as the storm turned more to the northwest and west. On September 16, Ingrid made landfall just south of La Pesca, Tamaulipas in northeastern Mexico as a strong tropical storm, and dissipated the next day. The hurricane was also the last one to form in the Gulf of Mexico until Hurricane Hermine in 2016.
Hurricane Marty was a tropical cyclone that produced heavy rains and flooding in several states in Southwestern and Western Mexico. The twentieth named storm and twelfth hurricane of the annual hurricane season, Marty developed from a tropical wave on September 26, 2015, to the southwest of Acapulco, Guerrero, in Mexico. Initially a tropical depression, the system strengthened into a tropical storm early on the following day. Due to favorable atmospheric conditions, Marty continued to intensify, but wind shear sharply increased as the storm approached a large mid- to upper-level trough. Despite this, the cyclone deepened further, becoming a hurricane on September 28 and peaking with sustained winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) shortly thereafter. Wind shear quickly took its toll on the hurricane, weakening it to a tropical storm early on September 29. About 24 hours later, Marty degenerated into a post-tropical low-pressure area offshore Guerrero. The low further degenerated into a trough later on September 30, and eventually dissipated on October 4.
Tropical Storm Beatriz was a short-lived tropical storm that made landfall in the Mexican state of Oaxaca in June 2017. The second named storm of the 2017 Pacific hurricane season, Beatriz developed from a tropical wave which had exited the coast of West Africa on May 18 and crossed Central America, and was designated as Tropical Depression Two-E on May 31. Shortly after being upgraded to a tropical storm, Beatriz made landfall near Puerto Angel, Mexico on the evening of June 1. It subsequently weakened into a tropical depression as it moved ashore, dissipating quickly afterwards.
Tropical Storm Selma was the first tropical storm on record to make landfall in El Salvador, and only the second Pacific tropical cyclone to attain tropical storm strength east of 90°W, the other being Alma of 2008. The twentieth tropical cyclone and eighteenth named storm of the 2017 Pacific hurricane season, Selma formed from a Central American gyre on October 27. The storm tracked northeastward and reached its peak intensity as a minimal tropical storm before making landfall east of San Salvador, El Salvador early on October 28. Selma rapidly weakened after making landfall, and its remnant circulation dissipated overland at 18:00 UTC on the same day.
Hurricane Max was a rapidly-forming tropical cyclone that made landfall in southwestern Mexico, causing minor damage. The sixteenth tropical cyclone, thirteenth named storm, and seventh hurricane of the 2017 Pacific hurricane season, Max developed from a trough of low pressure near the southwestern coast of Mexico on September 13. The storm tracked northeastward under the influence of a mid-level ridge and rapidly strengthened as a result of warm ocean temperatures in its path. Max strengthened into a hurricane on September 14 and peaked as a high-end Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale shortly before making landfall in the Mexican state of Guerrero. Rapid weakening ensued as Max moved over the mountainous terrain of Mexico, and it weakened below hurricane strength early on September 15. At 12:00 UTC that day, Max dissipated over the mountains of southern Mexico.
The 2021 Pacific hurricane season was a moderately active Pacific hurricane season, with above-average activity in terms of number of named storms, but below-average activity in terms of major hurricanes, as 19 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes formed in all. It also had a near-normal accumulated cyclone energy (ACE). The season officially began on May 15, 2021 in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, and on June 1, 2021, in the Central Pacific in the Northern Hemisphere. The season ended in both regions on November 30, 2021. These dates historically describe the period each year when most tropical cyclogenesis occurs in these regions of the Pacific and are adopted by convention. However, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year, as illustrated by the formation of Tropical Storm Andres on May 9, which was the earliest forming tropical storm on record in the Eastern Pacific. Conversely, 2021 was the second consecutive season in which no tropical cyclones formed in the Central Pacific.
Hurricane Nana was a small, short-lived tropical cyclone that caused relatively minor damage in Belize and Mexico in early September 2020. The sixteenth tropical cyclone, fourteenth named storm, and fifth hurricane of the record-breaking 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, Nana originated from a tropical wave that moved off the coast of West Africa on August 23. The system progressed westward with little development for the next week before crossing into the Caribbean Sea. The wave gradually developed organized convection and a defined surface low on September 1, signifying the formation of Tropical Storm Nana as it approached Jamaica. Persistent wind shear stifled development of the storm, though following repeated bursts of deep convection, it intensified into a minimal hurricane on September 3. Nana attained peak winds of 75 mph (121 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 994 mbar shortly before striking Belize. Once onshore, the hurricane rapidly degraded and its surface low dissipated over Guatemala on September 4. The mid-level remnants of Nana later reorganized over the Gulf of Tehuantepec and became Tropical Storm Julio.
Hurricane Gamma was a tropical cyclone that brought heavy rains, flooding, and landslides to the Yucatán Peninsula in early October 2020. The twenty-fifth depression, twenty-fourth named storm and ninth hurricane of the extremely active 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, Gamma developed from a vigorous tropical wave that had been monitored as it was entering the Eastern Caribbean on September 29. The wave moved westward and slowed down as it moved into the Western Caribbean, where it began to interact with a dissipating cold front. A low formed within the disturbance on October 1 and the next day, it organized into a tropical depression. It further organized into Tropical Storm Gamma early the next day. It continued to intensify and made landfall as a minimal hurricane near Tulum, Mexico, on October 3. It weakened over land before reemerging in the Gulf of Mexico. Gamma then briefly restrengthened some before being blasted by high amounts of wind shear, causing it to weaken again. It made a second landfall as a tropical depression in Nichili, Mexico on October 6 before dissipating as it was absorbed by the approaching Hurricane Delta.
Hurricane Grace was the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall in the Mexican state of Veracruz. Grace impacted much of the Leeward Islands and Greater Antilles as a tropical storm, before causing more substantial impacts in the Yucatán Peninsula and Veracruz as a hurricane. It was the seventh named storm, second hurricane, and first major hurricane of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. Originating from a tropical wave in the Main Development Region, the primitive system tracked west-northwest across the Atlantic Ocean towards the Antilles, becoming a tropical depression on August 14. It strengthened into Tropical Storm Grace later the same day, but weakened back to a depression due to an unfavorable environment. After moving near Haiti as a tropical depression, it strengthened back to a tropical storm and became a hurricane on August 18, reaching an initial peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) and a pressure of 986 mbar (29.12 inHg). It weakened back to a tropical storm after its landfall in the Yucatán Peninsula and emerged into the Bay of Campeche, entering a very favorable environment for intensification hours later. Grace then rapidly intensified into a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 120 mph (190 km/h) in about 24 hours. The storm made its final landfall in the state of Veracruz at peak intensity and quickly degenerated into a remnant low over mainland Mexico on August 21; however, its remnants later regenerated into Tropical Storm Marty in the Eastern Pacific on August 23.
Tropical Storm Chris was a weak and very short-lived tropical cyclone that brought heavy rainfall and flooding to parts of Mexico in early July 2024. The third named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Chris developed from a tropical wave that was first noted by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) on June 24. The wave struggled to organize as it moved westward across the Caribbean Sea and crossed the Yucatán Peninsula on June 30. Upon entering the Bay of Campeche, the wave coalesced into a tropical depression on June 30. Located within a favorable environment for strengthening, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Chris about six hours later. Shortly thereafter, Chris moved ashore near Alto Lucero, Veracruz. Chris rapidly weakened over the mountainous terrain of East Mexico and dissipated on July 1.