Hurricane Otis (2005)

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Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
ArrowUp.svg Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

A tropical wave emerged from the west coast of Africa on September 9, later spawning Hurricane Philippe. [1] The southern portion of the wave continued westward, crossing into the eastern Pacific Ocean on September 22. As the wave entered a monsoon-like environment, convection increased on September 23, although proximity to land and wind shear prevented quick development. [2] [3] [4] A tropical depression formed at 00:00 UTC on September 28, while located about 140 miles (230 km) to the south of Manzanillo, Mexico. [2] It moved to the southwest at first before turning to the northwest. On September 29, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Otis. [2] That evening, wind shear relented and conditions became more favorable for the storm's intensification. Convection wrapped almost fully around the center, [5] and early on September 3, Otis was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale. [2] Shortly thereafter, a ragged eye feature developed, [6] tracked by weather radar in Cabo San Lucas. [7] Despite moving over cooler waters, [8] Otis intensified to reach maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 km/h) early on October 1. The barometric pressure was estimated at 970 mbar (hPa; 28.64 inHg). [2] Soon after, Otis weakened due to southwesterly wind shear and dry air. [9] The cloud pattern associated with the hurricane deteriorated on October 2, and the center of circulation was separated from the convective activity. [10] Otis weakened to a tropical storm and drifted erratically toward the north-northwest as a result of weak steering currents. [2] Over increasingly cold waters, the cyclone further weakened to a depression on October 3 and consisted of a small swirl of low-level clouds. [2] [11] It became a remnant low pressure area the next day. The system abruptly turned southeastward and drifted parallel to the coast of the Baja California Peninsula until dissipating on October 5. [2]

Preparations and impact

The Mexican government issued hurricane warnings for the west coast of the Baja California peninsula from Agua Blanca to San Andresito. [2] In advance of the storm, the governor of Baja California Sur, Narciso Agúndez Montaño, ordered emergency personnel to Comondú, Lorteo, and Mulege. Approximately 700 families fled to shelters in Cabo San Lucas; elsewhere, an additional 200 families evacuated in San Jose del Cabo. Some residents in Miraflores and Santiago also left their homes. [12] Agundez asked soldiers to assist the isla Magdalena and Margarita in preparing for the storm. [13] Five communities in Mexico, including Cabo San Lucas, declared a state of emergency. [14] Authorities throughout the region opened numerous shelters, and in some locations, police officers went door-to-door asking residents to leave. The port in Cabo San Lucas was closed due to the storm's threat, although the airport remained open. [15]

At Cabo San Lucas, an automated weather station recorded a wind gust to 63 mph (101 km/h) on September 30, with sustained winds of 49 mph (79 km/h). [2] There, periods of heavy rainfall mixed with fair skies as the storm passed. [16] The storm caused flooding in parts of the southern Baja California peninsula. [2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ James L. Franklin (February 9, 2006). "Hurricane Philippe Tropical Cyclone Report" (PDF). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved February 15, 2009.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Jack Beven (January 18, 2006). "Hurricane Otis Tropical Cyclone Report" (PDF). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved February 14, 2009.
  3. ↑ Franklin (September 26, 2005). "September 26 Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center (FTP). Retrieved February 15, 2009.[dead ftp link](To view documents see Help:FTP)
  4. ↑ Stewart (September 27, 2005). "September 27 Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center (FTP). Retrieved February 15, 2009.[dead ftp link](To view documents see Help:FTP)
  5. ↑ Beven (September 29, 2005). "Tropical Storm Otis Discussion Number 8". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 15, 2010.
  6. ↑ Avila (September 30, 2005). "Hurricane Otis Discussion Number 9". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 15, 2010.
  7. ↑ Stewart (September 30, 2005). "Hurricane Otis Discussion Number 11". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 15, 2010.
  8. ↑ Beven (September 30, 2005). "Hurricane Otis Discussion Number 12". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 15, 2010.
  9. ↑ Roberts/Knabb (October 2, 2005). "Hurricane Otis Discussion Number 17". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 15, 2010.
  10. ↑ Avila (October 2, 2005). "Hurricane Otis Discussion Number 18". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 15, 2010.
  11. ↑ Avila (October 3, 2005). "Hurricane Otis Discussion Number 23". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 15, 2010.
  12. ↑ "A crawling Hurricane Otis batters Mexico coast". The Boston Globe. Associated Press. October 2, 2005. Retrieved February 14, 2009.
  13. ↑ Staff Writer (October 2, 2005). "Families Flee as Hurricane Otis Brushes Mexico". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on October 19, 2012. Retrieved February 14, 2009.
  14. ↑ "Hurricane Bears Down On Mexico". The Washington Post. Associated Press. October 2, 2005. Retrieved February 14, 2009.
  15. ↑ Ignacio Martinez (September 30, 2005). "Hurricane Otis strengthens, moves toward Baja peninsula". The Union Tribune. Retrieved February 14, 2009.
  16. ↑ "Otis weakens to tropical storm". USA Today. Associated Press. October 2, 2005. Retrieved February 14, 2009.
Hurricane Otis
Hurricane Otis 2005.jpg
Hurricane Otis near peak intensity on September 30
Tropical cyclones of the 2005 Pacific hurricane season
2005 Pacific hurricane season summary map.png

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