Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | October 8,2023 |
Dissipated | October 10,2023 |
Tropical storm | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Highest winds | 70 mph (110 km/h) |
Lowest pressure | 990 mbar (hPa);29.23 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 2 total |
Damage | $10 million (2023 USD) |
Areas affected | Southwestern Mexico,Central Mexico,Gulf Coast of the United States |
[1] [2] | |
Part of the 2023 Pacific hurricane season |
Tropical Storm Max was the first of four tropical cyclones to make landfall along the Pacific Coast of Mexico in October 2023. The sixteenth tropical depression and thirteenth named storm of the 2023 Pacific hurricane season,Max originated from a trough that developed to the southwest of Central America on October 3,2023. Showers and thunderstorms associated with the disturbance gradually became better organized over the following days as it moved west-northwestwards to the south of Mexico. The disturbance was designated Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen-E on October 7 by the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC),as it had not yet become a tropical cyclone but was threatening the southwestern coast of Mexico. The disturbance developed a more well-defined circulation the following day and developed into a tropical depression;the depression strengthened into a tropical storm late on October 8 and was assigned the name Max. Max progressed northward toward the coast of Mexico and quickly strengthened;the storm made landfall near Puerto Vicente,Guerrero at 18:00 UTC on October 9 just below hurricane strength. Max rapidly weakened as it moved inland across southern Mexico and dissipated the following morning over the region's mountainous terrain.
Max resulted in significant flooding and strong winds across much of the coast of southwestern Mexico. Two deaths were reported in the Mexican state of Guerrero due to the storm,while an additional two people were seriously injured. Max caused MXN$180 million (USD$10 million) [a] in damage to Guerrero's commercial sector alone. Areas of southern Mexico affected by Max,particularly Guerrero,were severely affected by the much more powerful Hurricane Otis just two weeks after Max's landfall.
A tropical wave left the coast of Africa between September 19–20. Moving westward across the tropical Atlantic Ocean, the wave contributed to the formation of Tropical Storm Philippe to its north on September 23. The wave crossed Central America several days later, entering the eastern Pacific Ocean on October 3. A broad low-pressure area developed in association with the wave several hundred miles south of Mexico around 6:00 UTC on October 4. [1] [3] The disturbance progressed slowly northwestward within an environment conducive to tropical cyclogenesis. [4] The convective (shower and thunderstorm) activity associated with the disturbance initially remained limited and disorganized; [5] however, the system began to become more organized on October 6 amid favorable environmental conditions just southwest of the Gulf of Tehuantepec. [6] The disturbance continued to become better organized and develop more convective activity over the following day, although it still lacked curvature in its rainbands and a well-defined center; [7] [8] despite this, due to the impending threat it posed to the Mexican coastline, the system was designated a potential tropical cyclone at 3:00 UTC on October 8 and given the designation Sixteen-E. [9]
Sixteen-E continued to develop a more organized, cyclonic structure throughout October 8 as it moved slowly northwest, between a ridge to its northeast, over the Gulf of Mexico, and Tropical Storm Lidia to its west. [1] [8] The development of a more well-defined center and tight, spiral rainbands allowed the system to finally develop into a tropical depression by 18:00 UTC that day, about 125 nautical miles south of Zihuatanejo. [1] An increase in convective intensity and the development of gale-force winds allowed Sixteen-E to strengthen to a tropical storm six hours later, and it was assigned the name Max. [10] Max continued to move northward and strengthen as it neared the Mexican coastline, over warm sea surface temperatures of 86 °F (30 °C) while wind shear over the system decreased. [1] [11] The storm rapidly intensified by 55 km/h (35 mph) over a 24-hour period beginning on 18:00 UTC on October 8. The storm also began to develop an eye early the next day. [1] Max achieved peak intensity as a strong tropical storm at 18:00 UTC on October 9, with maximum sustained winds of 115 km/h (70 mph) and a minimum barometric pressure of 29.23 inHg (990 mbar). [1] The storm made landfall at peak intensity near the town of Puerto Vicente, Guerrero shortly thereafter. [12] Max rapidly weakened as it moved inland over southern Mexico's mountainous terrain. The storm dissipated inland around 6:00 UTC on October 10. [1]
Tropical storm watches and warnings were issued for a broad swath of the southwestern coast of Mexico as Max approached the area, in anticipation of severe flooding and mudslides from the storm, [13] as well as predicted rainfall of up to 300 mm (12 in). [14] Shelters were set up in advance of the storm in the municipalities of Tecpán de Galeana, Petatlán, Coyuca de Benítez, Acapulco and Zihuatanejo de Azueta. [15] In-person classes were cancelled across Guerrero ahead of the cyclone's landfall, as well as in the states of Nayarit and Jalisco due to the dual threat of Max and the more powerful and northerly-tracking Hurricane Lidia. [16]
Widespread flooding of homes and roadways occurred along Max's track throughout Guerrero. [17] Torrential rainfall, damage to houses, road closures, landslides, fence collapses, fallen trees and poles, and overflowing rivers were all reported across several coastal municipalities. [18] Extensive flooding was recorded throughout Michoacán, Guerrero and Oaxaca, with several areas reporting accumulations of up to 250 mm (9.8 in) across the latter two states. [19] Winds of up to 60 mph (95 km/h) were recorded as well. [20] Flash flooding washed out streets and public areas in Acapulco. [21] Max caused numerous rivers and streams to overflow their banks, which in turn flooded over 90 homes, four of which collapsed completely, [22] and felled many trees. Two deaths occurred in relation to Max, [23] both in the municipality of Tecpán de Galeana in Guerrero: one when a van fell into a sinkhole, and the other due to drowning in a flooded river. [15] The storm caused an additional sinkhole to form on a highway connecting Acapulco and Zihuatanejo along the coast. [22] An additional two people had to be rescued by helicopter after being stuck in a tree for nearly 10 hours due to the flooding of a river. [1] Max created dangerous swells and rip currents across the Mexican coast, affecting the tropical storm warning area from Acapulco to Lázaro Cárdenas. [14] Blackouts generated by the storm affected 80% of the state's commercial sector. Total losses in Guerrero reached at least MXN$180 million (USD$10 million), with MXN$2 million (USD$110,000) in damage to vehicles alone. [2] Max continued to generate heavy rains across Guerrero and further inland into October 10 and 11 as its remnant moisture spread over central Mexico. [15]
Following the storm, the Mexican federal government signed an emergency declaration for the Guerrerense municipalities of Benito Juárez, Atoyac de Álvarez, Tecpan de Galeana and Coyuca de Benítez, to allow affected residents to receive shelter, food and aid. [18] The damage Max delivered to crops, livestock and infrastructure across Guerrero would later be heavily compounded by the extremely powerful and destructive Hurricane Otis, which struck the state less than two weeks after Max and hampered recovery efforts. [24] The influx of tropical moisture from Max and Hurricane Lidia caused several days of hotter and wetter weather across several states in southwestern and central Mexico. [25] The remnants of the storms also combined with a frontal boundary over the Gulf of Mexico and contributed to beneficial rainfall along the Gulf Coast of the United States, which was suffering from drought conditions. [26]
The 2005 Pacific hurricane season was a near-average Pacific hurricane season which produced fifteen named storms, seven hurricanes and two major hurricanes. It was also the second consecutive season in which no tropical cyclone of at least tropical storm intensity made landfall. The season officially began on May 15 in the East Pacific Ocean, and on June 1 in the Central Pacific; they ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Pacific basin. However, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year.
The 1993 Pacific hurricane season included more than double the average number of major hurricanes – Category 3 or stronger cyclones on the Saffir–Simpson scale. This activity was the result of an El Niño event, which is the main factor contributing to above-average activity across the Pacific basin. The season featured 15 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and 9 major hurricanes. While the number of named storms was near the long-term average, the number of hurricanes was above the average of 8, and the number of major hurricanes far exceeded the long-term average of 4. Seasonal activity began on May 17 and ended on November 8, within the confines of a traditional hurricane season which begins on May 15 in the East Pacific and June 1 in the Central Pacific. The season ends on November 30 in both basins. These dates conventionally delimit the period during each year when most tropical cyclones form.
The 1987 Pacific hurricane season was the last year in which the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Center was the primary warning center for tropical cyclones in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The season officially started May 15, 1987, in the eastern Pacific, and June 1, 1987, in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30, 1987. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when the vast majority of tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
The 1981 Pacific hurricane season was a slightly below average Pacific hurricane season. The season officially started on May 15 in the eastern Pacific basin and June 1 in the central Pacific basin. Both basins' seasons ended on November 30; these dates conventionally delimit the period during which most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. The first tropical cyclone of the season was designated on May 30, and the final storm of the season, Hurricane Otis, dissipated on October 30. The season produced fifteen named storms and a total of eight hurricanes, which was near normal. However, the total of one major hurricane was below the average of three.
The 1976 Pacific hurricane season was a very deadly and costly season. Hurricanes Kathleen, Liza, and Madeline were the most notable storms this year. Hurricane Kathleen caused death and destruction in California and Arizona due to flooding. Hurricane Liza was the deadliest storm of the season when it killed over 600 people in Mexico. Hurricane Madeline is notable for being one of the most intense Pacific hurricanes at landfall.
Hurricane Tara was one of the deadliest Pacific hurricanes on record. The final tropical cyclone of the 1961 Pacific hurricane season, Tara formed on November 10 about 230 mi (365 km) off the coast of Mexico. It strengthened to reach maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 km/h) before making landfall in the Mexican state of Guerrero near Zihuatanejo. Hurricane Tara dissipated on November 12, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to locations inundated by 10 days of precipitation. Damage was light in the major port city of Acapulco, though further west along the coast, the effects of Tara were much worse. The city of Nuxco in Tecpan de Galeana municipality received the most damage and deaths from the hurricane. Throughout Mexico, at least 436 fatalities were reported, and damage exceeded $16 million.
Tropical Storm Carlos was the first of five tropical cyclones to make landfall during the 2003 Pacific hurricane season. It formed on June 26 from a tropical wave to the south of Mexico. It quickly strengthened as it approached the coast, and early on June 27 Carlos moved ashore in Oaxaca with winds of 65 mph (105 km/h). The storm rapidly deteriorated to a remnant low, which persisted until dissipating on June 29. Carlos brought heavy rainfall to portions of southern Mexico, peaking at 337 mm (13.3 in) in two locations in Guerrero. Throughout its path, the storm damaged about 30,000 houses, with a monetary damage total of 86.7 million pesos. At least nine people were killed throughout the country, seven due to mudslides and two from river flooding; there was also a report of two missing fishermen.
Hurricane Madeline was the second landfalling major hurricane along the Pacific coast of Mexico in a week. Madeline formed on September 29, not far from Central America. The next day, the circulation dissipated, and as a result weakened to a remnant low. Four days later, on October 3, the low regenerated into a tropical depression. The system remained weak for three days as it drifted west-northwest. When it began to recurve towards Mexico on October 6, the cyclone rapidly intensified and eventually made landfall at peak intensity as a Category 4. Shortly after landfall, the cyclone rapidly dissipated.
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.
Hurricane Dolores was regarded as the worst hurricane to strike Acapulco since 1938. Developing on June 13, 1974, the system rapidly organized into a tropical storm the next day off the southern coast of Mexico. Over the following day, Dolores developed an eye-like feature and attained hurricane status. With peak winds of 80 mph (130 km/h), the storm made landfall near Acapulco. Once onshore, Dolores rapidly dissipated and was last noted on June 17.
Hurricane Manuel was a catastrophic tropical cyclone that brought widespread flooding across much of Mexico in September 2013, in conjunction with Hurricane Ingrid. The fifteenth named storm and seventh hurricane of the annual hurricane season, Manuel originated from a strong area of low pressure south of Acapulco on September 13. Within favorable conditions aloft, the storm intensified into a tropical storm as it tracked northward. The following day, Manuel curved westward and strengthened to a point just shy of hurricane intensity before making its first landfall at that intensity on September 15. Due to interaction with land, the tropical storm quickly weakened, and its center dissipated over western Mexico on September 16. However, the storm's remnants continued to track northwestward into the Gulf of California, where they reorganized into a tropical cyclone the next day. Manuel regained tropical storm status on September 18 as it began to curve northeastward. Shortly thereafter, Manuel attained Category 1 hurricane intensity, before making its final landfall just west of Culiacán at peak intensity. Over land, Manuel quickly weakened due to interaction with Mexico's high terrain, and the storm dissipated early on September 20.
Tropical Storm Trudy was a short-lived tropical cyclone in October 2014 that caused significant flooding in southern Mexico. The storm originated from an area of low pressure associated with a monsoon trough near Central America in early October. A slow-moving system, the low eventually consolidated into a tropical depression on October 17 near the Mexican coastline. Favorable environmental conditions aided rapid development of Trudy. Within 15 hours of its designation, an eye formed over the storm's center. Trudy ultimately achieved its peak intensity as a strong tropical storm with 65 mph (100 km/h) winds as it made landfall just southeast of Marquelia, Mexico. The region's mountainous terrain quickly weakened Trudy and the cyclone dissipated early on October 19. Though the cyclone dissipated, its remnant energy later contributed to the formation of Tropical Storm Hanna in the Atlantic.
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 2022 Pacific hurricane season was a slightly above average hurricane season in the eastern North Pacific basin, with nineteen named storms, ten hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. Two of the storms crossed into the basin from the Atlantic. In the central North Pacific basin, no tropical cyclones formed. The season officially began on May 15 in the eastern Pacific, and on June 1 in the central; both ended on November 30. These dates historically describe the period each year when most tropical cyclogenesis occurs in these regions of the Pacific and are adopted by convention.
Tropical Storm Ileana was a small tropical cyclone that affected western Mexico in early August 2018, causing deadly flooding. The eleventh tropical cyclone and ninth named storm of the 2018 Pacific hurricane season, Ileana originated from a tropical wave that the National Hurricane Center began monitoring on July 26 as the wave left the west coast of Africa. The wave traveled across the Atlantic Ocean with no thunderstorm activity, before crossing into the Eastern Pacific Ocean early on August 4. Rapidly developing, the disturbance organized into a tropical depression on the evening of the same day. Initially, the depression was well-defined, but it soon degraded due to northerly wind shear. Despite the unfavorable conditions, the system began to strengthen on August 5, becoming Tropical Storm Ileana. A day later, on August 6, Ileana began to develop an eyewall structure as it reached its peak intensity with winds of 65 mph (100 km/h) and a pressure of 998 mbar (29.47 inHg). The storm gradually became intertwined with the nearby Hurricane John; over the next day, the circulation of John disrupted Ileana before ultimately absorbing it on August 7.
Tropical Storm Narda was a short-lived tropical storm that remained close to the Pacific coast of Mexico, causing flash flooding and mudslides in southwestern Mexico and the Baja California Peninsula in late September 2019. The fourteenth named storm of the 2019 Pacific hurricane season, Narda developed from a broad area of low pressure that formed off the Central American Pacific coast on September 26. The broad low gradually organized as it moved west-northwestward, and it became Tropical Storm Narda early on September 29 while located off the southern coast of Mexico. The cyclone strengthened slightly before it moved inland near Manzanillo. Narda weakened to a tropical depression after moving inland, but restrengthened into a tropical storm on September 30 as it emerged over the Pacific Ocean just south of the Gulf of California. Narda quickly strengthened, and reached its peak intensity with winds of 50 mph (85 km/h) that day before making a second landfall along the northwestern coast of Mexico. The tropical cyclone weakened rapidly as it moved along the coastline, and it weakened to a tropical depression before dissipating just off the coast of Sonora on October 1.
The 2023 Pacific hurricane season was an active and destructive Pacific hurricane season. In the Eastern Pacific basin, 17 named storms formed; 10 of those became hurricanes, of which 8 strengthened into major hurricanes – double the seasonal average. In the Central Pacific basin, no tropical cyclones formed for the fourth consecutive season, though four entered into the basin from the east. Collectively, the season had an above-normal accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) value of approximately 168 units. This season saw the return of El Niño and its associated warmer sea surface temperatures in the basin, which fueled the rapid intensification of several powerful storms. It officially began on May 15, 2023 in the Eastern Pacific, and on June 1 in the Central; both ended on November 30. These dates, adopted by convention, historically describe the period in each year when most tropical cyclogenesis occurs in these regions of the Pacific.
Hurricane Rick was a Category 2 Pacific hurricane that struck the southwestern coast of Mexico in late October 2021. Rick was the overall seventeenth named system and the eighth hurricane of the 2021 Pacific hurricane season, as well as the fifth named storm and fourth hurricane to make landfall along the Pacific coast of Mexico in 2021.
Tropical Storm Lester was a short-lived tropical cyclone that caused severe rainfall and flash flooding in southern Mexico in September 2022. The thirteenth named storm of the 2022 Pacific hurricane season, Lester developed from an area of disturbed weather that formed offshore the Pacific Coast of Mexico on September 13. The disturbance spawned an area of low pressure two days later, which quickly organized into a tropical depression at 18:00 UTC on September 15. Moving slowly northwestward, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Lester the following morning. Despite being located over very warm sea surface temperatures and in a moist environment, Lester was unable to intensify further and remained a minimal tropical storm as it slowly approached the coast of Mexico, due to moderately strong wind shear. Lester made landfall near Punta Maldonado in extreme southwestern Guerrero as a tropical depression around 12:00 UTC on September 17. The cyclone quickly dissipated over the rough terrain of Mexico later that day.
Hurricane Lidia was a powerful Category 4 Pacific hurricane that was one of four tropical cyclones to make landfall on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in October 2023. The fifteenth tropical depression, twelfth named storm, eighth hurricane and sixth major hurricane of the 2023 Pacific hurricane season, Lidia originated from a disturbance that developed to the south of Mexico in late September 2023. The disturbance developed into a tropical storm on October 3, and was given the name Lidia. Lidia initially meandered off the coast of Mexico for several days as a moderate tropical storm, while moving gradually northward. Lidia first turned northwestward before embarking on a northeastward course on October 9, at which time the storm began a phase of rapid intensification. Early on October 10, Lidia became a hurricane, and the storm continued to quickly intensify, reaching its peak intensity as a Category 4 hurricane late that day with sustained winds of 140 mph (220 km/h). Lidia made landfall shortly afterwards at peak intensity, making it the third-strongest landfalling Pacific hurricane on record at the time. Lidia rapidly weakened over the mountainous terrain of Mexico and dissipated the following morning over the inland state of Zacatecas.
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the National Weather Service .