2001 Pacific hurricane season
Encyclopedia
The 2001 Pacific hurricane season was an event in tropical cyclone meteorology. The most notable storm that year was Hurricane Juliette
, which caused devastating floods in Baja California, leading to 12 fatalities and $400 million (2001 USD; $ USD) worth of damage. No other tropical cyclones in the 2001 Pacific hurricane season were notable.
The season officially began on May 15, 2001 in the eastern Pacific, and on June 1, 2001 in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30, 2001. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in this part of the Pacific Ocean
. The first storm developed on May 25, while the last storm dissipated on November 3.
The 2001 Pacific hurricane season officially started May 15, 2001 in the eastern Pacific, and June 1, 2001 in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30, 2001. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. In practice, however, the season lasted from May 25, the formation date of its first system, to November 3, the dissipation date of the last.
There were fifteen tropical storms in the eastern Pacific Ocean in the 2001 season. Of those, seven became hurricanes, of which two became major hurricanes by reaching Category 3 or higher on the Saffir Simpson Scale. Four tropical depressions formed and dissipated before reaching the intensity of a named storm. In the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility, only one tropical depression developed. In the eastern Pacific proper, the season saw average activity in terms of the number of systems, but with the intensity of the storms, the season was considered below average, with only seven hurricanes and two major hurricanes. This season had only one named storm in the month of June, and only one during August. Also of note this season is an unusual gap in storm formation during the first three weeks of August. That time usually sees several nameable storms, but for some reason there were none.
. On, May 22 the wave crossed over, and on May 25 it intensified into Tropical Depression One-E, about 250 mi (402.3 km) south-southwest of Acapulco
, Mexico. The system, after drifting a while, intensified into Tropical Storm Adolph the next day. Later, on May 27 Adolph was upgraded to a hurricane. Intensifying into a hurricane, Adolph rapidly intensified, and reached to Category 4 strength on May 28. Two days after, Adolph went under an eyewall replacement cycle, and weakened to a 115 mph (185.1 km/h) hurricane, which is minimal category 3 intensity. This trend of weakening continued, and deteriorated into a tropical storm. Passing over cooler waters, and stable air, Adolph dissipated on June 1.
on June 1. The wave eventually entered the Pacific Ocean
on June 10, and no signs of organization occurred until June 18. The system slowly organized further over the next two days, and the National Hurricane Center initiated advisories on Tropical Depression Two-E on June 20. After Tropical Depression Two-E had developed, the National Hurricane Center noted that banding features had improved just hours before advisories were initiated. However, post-analysis conclude that Tropical Depression Two-E had developed at midnight (UTC) on June 20, while operationally monitored as a depression nine hours later. Deep convection associated with the depression continued to organized, although the amount remained minimal. Although the depression remained poorly organized, winds were estimated at 40 mph (65 km/h), and the National Hurricane Center upgraded the system to Tropical Storm Barbara. By early on June 21, Barbara was nearing a region of higher wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures, and no further intensification was predicted. In addition, no further intensification was predicted since it was also appeared that the outflow was becoming elongated, and no banding features were present, along with weakening central deep convection, which indicated that Barbara succumbing to the unfavorable conditions. Increasing south-westerly vertical shear caused weakening, and Barbara became a depression as it crossed 140W into the Central Pacific. The depression passed north of the Hawaiian Islands on June 25, then weakened to an easterly wave to the northwest of Kauai on June 26. The remnants of Barbara continued west-northwest until being absorbed by a frontal zone near the International Dateline on June 30.
Barbara is the first, and so far as of the end of the 2010 season
, the only June tropical cyclone in the Central Pacific.
, Mexico, and the system received its first Dvorak satellite classification. Over the next two days, the system moved generally west-northwestward as multiple low-level circulations developed within a broad area of low pressure. During this period, development of the disturbance was hindered by southerly shear from an upper-level trough to the west of the disturbance that caused the system to become elongated north-south. On July 12, the upper trough cut off southwest of the disturbance and the organization improved. By early on July 13, a single low-level circulation center had become established and it is estimated that a tropical depression formed at 330 mi (531.1 km) southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico
.
Tropical Depression Three-E moved west-northwestward, and quickly became Tropical Storm Cosme on July 13, about 425 mi (684 km) south of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The forward motion then slowed over the next 12 hours. Cosme's development was hindered by easterly shear; its peak intensity of 45 mph (72.4 km/h) was reached late on July 13. By early on July 14, convection was limited and well removed from the center. Cosme weakened back to a tropical depression, when it was about 400 mi (643.7 km) southwest of Cabo San Lucas. Cosme produced no more significant convection after about on July 15, at which point the tropical cyclone became a non-convective low center. The low then moved slowly westward until it dissipated on July 18 about 820 mi (1,319.7 km) west-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
. Thereafter, deep convection gradually developed around a large cyclonic gyre which accompanied the wave.
It was not until July 20 that a well-defined center of circulation formed and satellite intensity estimates supported tropical depression status. Moving on a general west-northwest track, the system became a tropical storm and reached maximum winds of 40 mph (64.4 km/h) and 1001 mbar (hPa; 29.56 inHg) minimum pressure July 22. It then moved over relatively cooler waters and weakened as the deep convection quickly vanished. By July 24, it was just a non-convective and dissipating swirl of low clouds, although some showers re-developed intermittently.
and Central America
on the July 15 through July 17 accompanied by vigorous thunderstorm activity, and then entered the Pacific basin on July 18 as an organized area of disturbed weather. Early on July 21, the system acquired a low-level circulation and became Tropical Depression Five-E, about 250 mi (402.3 km) south of the Gulf of Tehuantepec
. Moving west-northwestward, it became Tropical Storm Dalila with 40 mph (64.4 km/h) winds 12 hours later.
Dalila's track was toward the west-northwest at forward speeds between five and 17 mph (27.4 km/h). The direction of motion was rather steady, varying between 285 and 300 degrees heading. This is attributed to a persistent subtropical ridge of high pressure located north of the cyclone. The center reached its point of closest approach to the coast of Mexico between Acapulco and Manzanillo on the July 22 and July 23, when it came within about 100 mi (160.9 km) of the coast.
With warm sea surface temperature
s and minimal vertical shear, the winds increased from 40 to 70 mph (64.4 to 112.7 km/h) on July 22 and July 23. The wind speed briefly reached an estimated 75 mph (120.7 km/h) on July 24, although Dalila quickly weakened back to a strong tropical storm. The storm passed directly over Socorro Island on July 25. By July 27, most of the associated deep convection dissipated as the storm moved over colder water. Reduced to a swirl of low clouds, Dalila dissipated as a tropical cyclone on July 28, while located about 650 mi (1,046.1 km) west of the southern tip of Baja California.
three days later. After tracking westward toward the Yucatan Peninsula, the southern portion of the tropical wave split from Tropical Storm Chantal, and entered the Pacific Ocean on August 21 after crossing Central America. The system showed minimal indication of further organization for two days as it paralleled the coast of Mexico. Although convection remained somewhat disorganized, QuikSCAT imagery revealed a closed surface circulation on August 23. On August 25, outer bands associated with the system produced tropical storm force winds near Manzanillo, Mexico; but the circulation was considered too broad and disorganized to be classified as a tropical depression. The low-level circulation began to become well-defined as it moved away from the coast of Mexico on August 26, while convection had consolidated near the center. Several hours later on August 26, it was estimated that Tropical Depression Seven-E had developed. Although conditions appeared very favorable for development, the intensity forecast was described as "rather conservative". As banding features began to improve, intensity estimates were raised to 40 mph (65 km/h), and the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Flossie later that day. By August 27, it was mentioned of the possibility of Flossie intensifying into a hurricane, which would be the East Pacific hurricane in nearly a month. While steering currents weakened, Flossie began to develop a cloud-filled eye on August 27, and was upgraded to a hurricane based on that and wind estimates of 75 mph (120 km/h).
After becoming a hurricane on August 27, Flossie underwent a period of binary interaction with an extratropical low, while slowly intensifying. By early on August 29, further intensification was forecast to be minimal, however, Flossie suddenly deepened to a category 2 hurricane, with winds reaching 100 mph (155 km/h). After winds reached 105 mph (165 km/h) six hours later, the National Hurricane Center noted that Flossie had likely attained its peak intensity, as it would soon be entering a region with sea surface temperatures less than 79°F (26°C). Post-analysis confirm that Flossie had then attained peak intensity. Flossie weakened quickly, and was only a minimal hurricane 24 hours after peak intensity, which is when the National Hurricane Center noted an ill-define eye. Early on August 30, Flossie had weakened further, and was downgraded to a tropical storm. While Flossie was only a minimal tropical storm on September 1, the National Hurricane Center mentioned that Flossie was approaching land and Forecaster Jack Beven noted "even if the center of Flossie does not reach the coast...the moisture will". Six hours later, Flossie was downgraded to a tropical depression. Flossie became devoid of deep convection later that day, and the National Hurricane Center declared that the system had degenerated into a remnant low. The remnants of Flossie moved inland over Baja California
, eventually entering the southwestern region
of the United States
and dissipating.
Flossie had no direct impact on land as a hurricane. Its remnants caused flash-flooding in San Diego
and Riverside Counties
, California, dropping two in (50.8 mm) of rain in one hour. A strong downdraft knocked a tree onto a house. In addition, four people were struck by lightning, two of them fatally. The total cost of damage caused by Flossie's remnants was $35,000 (2001 USD, $ USD).
. Entering the Pacific on August 24, Tropical Depression Eight-E did not developed until early on September 4. Situated roughly 850 mi (1,370 km) southwest of Cabo San Lucas
, Mexico, the system quickly intensified, and became a tropical storm six hours later, although operationally upgraded after nine hours. By early on September 5, banding features became well-defined; the National Hurricane Center simultaneously noted the possibility for interaction between Tropical Storm Gil and Tropical Depression Nine-E (later Tropical Storm Henriette), which was 863 mi (1389 km) east-northeast. Although outflow from Tropical Storm Henriette was predicted to slow or prevent intensification, Gil managed to become a hurricane early on September 6. Late on September 6, Hurricane Gil intensified into a category 2 hurricane, and attained its peak intensity, with winds reaching 100 mph (155 km/h).
After becoming a category 2 hurricane, Gil curved northwestward, and began to become affected by northeasterly outflow associated with Tropical Storm Henriette. By September 7, Hurricane Gil became noticeably disorganized, and weakened back to a category 1 hurricane. After weakening to a category 1 hurricane, Hurricane Gil accelerated due north, around the circulation of Henriette. Further shearing from Henriette occurred, and early on September 8, the National Hurricane Center noted that the center of Gil was near the edge of the associated deep convection. After over a region with sea surface temperatures near 73°F (23°C), Gil rapidly weakened, and was downgraded to a tropical storm six hours later. Gil continued to weaken, and was downgraded to a tropical depression early on September 9. Weakening to a tropical depression, Gil eventually absorbed the remnants of Henriette, but dissipated by midnight UTC, on September 10.
A ship known as the Pacific Highway passed 236 mi (380 km) southeast of Gil on September 7, and reported waves heights at 22 ft (6.7 m) and winds gusting to 46 mph (76 km/h). However, Hurricane Gil did not affect land.
on August 28 - August 19, began showing some signs of development some hundreds south of Acapulco
, Mexico. Early morning visible satellite images on September 4 revealed a partially exposed, but well defined low-level circulation. While deep convection was confined to the southwestern half of the circulation, the convection was close enough to the center for Dvorak satellite intensity estimates to increase to 30-35 mph (45-55 km/h), and the system became Tropical Depression Nine-E on September 4, about 300 mi (482.8 km) west-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico
, and also about 765 mi (1,231.1 km) east of Tropical Depression Eight-E (which was to become Hurricane Gil). Early on September 5, as the depression's heading turned to the west, the separation between the circulation center and the deep convection.
Tropical Depression Nine-E became Tropical Storm Henriette on September 5, about 350 mi (563.3 km) south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. At this time, Tropical Storm Gil was located about 690 mi (1,110.4 km) to the west of Henriette. Henriette slowly became better organized on September 6. The convective pattern became more symmetric and the intensity increased to 60 mph (96.6 km/h). Meanwhile, Henriette turned to the northwest and accelerated to a forward speed of 17-20 mph (27-32 km/h) as it began to feel the influence of Hurricane Gil, then located 286 mi (460.3 km) to the southwest. Upper-level easterly flow, which was still evident over the cyclone early on September 6, lessened and a more favorable outflow pattern began to develop. Convective banding near the center became better defined, and Henriette reached its peak intensity of 65 mi/h on September 7.
Tropical Storm Henriette began weakening due to cold waters, and its proximity to Gil. A Fujiwhara interaction began with Henriette and Gil on September 8. Henriette dissipated as a tropical cyclone when it lost its own closed low-level circulation, as evidenced by low-cloud trajectories, shortly after on the September 8. At the time of dissipation, Henriette was located about 210 mi (338 km) west of Tropical Storm Gil.
. The cloud pattern gradually became better organized and by September 9, satellite images showed a low to middle level circulation centered near Acapulco, Mexico. The next day, a portion of the system moved over water and it became a tropical depression about 118 mi (189.9 km) south-southwest of Acapulco at September 10.
The center of the depression moved slowly west and west-northwestward with its circulation hugging the southwest coast of Mexico. There was moderate easterly shear over the depression as indicated by the location of the convection to the west of the center. Satellite images and a report from a ship indicated that the depression reached tropical storm status by 0600 UTC September 11. Thereafter, there was only slight strengthening and Ivo reached its maximum intensity of 50 mi/h and an estimated minimum pressure of 997 mbar (hPa; 29.44 inHg) on September 12. The tropical storm moved toward the northwest and then west over increasingly cooler waters, and gradually weakened. It became a low pressure system devoid of convection by the end of September 14.
organized directly into Tropical Storm Juliette on September 21. Sustained intensification began the next day. Juliette eventually peaked as a Category 4 hurricane with a central pressure
of 923 mbar (hPa; 27.26 inHg), which made it the fifth-most intense Pacific hurricane at the time. Juliette turned north and weakened and made landfall as a minimal hurricane. Juliette's remnants hung on for a few more days until they dissipated on October 3.
Juliette dumped heavy rains on the Baja California Peninsula
and in Sonora
, where it caused two deaths. Its effects were especially hard on Cabo San Lucas
, Baja California Sur
, which was cut off from the outside world for a few days. The remnants of Juliette moved into the state of California
, where they caused thunderstorms, rain, and some downed power lines. The total estimated cost of damage was $400 million (2001 USD; $ USD).
over the eastern Atlantic on September 7 also seems to have produced Kiko. This wave moved westward at low latitudes, crossing northern South America on September 13-September 14 and Central America
on September 15 and September 16. By September 17, cloudiness and showers increased near the Gulf of Tehuantepec. The area of disturbed weather moved westward for the next few days, without much increase in organization. On September 21, the system's cloud pattern became more consolidated, and curved bands of showers were evident. It is estimated that Tropical Depression Twelve-E had formed that day, at which time it was centered about 634 mi (1,020.3 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.
After forming, the system, which was located in an environment of easterly vertical shear, strengthened slowly. By September 22 the organization of the cloud pattern improved to the extent that tropical storm strength was estimated to have been reached. Kiko turned from a northwestward to a west-northwestward heading that day. Although some easterly shear continued to affect the system, very deep convection persisted near the center, and based on Dvorak intensity estimates, Kiko strengthened into a hurricane around September 23. A little later on September 23, deep convection decreased in coverage and intensity and Kiko weakened back to a tropical storm.
The system continued to lose intensity on September 24, at least in part due to the entrainment of more stable air at low levels. Kiko weakened to a tropical depression on September 25, by which time southwesterly shear also became prevalent. Later on September 25, the cyclone degenerated into a westward-moving swirl of low clouds with little or no deep convection. Kiko's remnant low persisted and continued moving generally westward for several more days with intermittent, minor occurrences of deep convection within the circulation. It was finally absorbed into a frontal system to the northeast of the Hawaiian Islands on October 1.
, Mexico. The wave possessed a well-defined closed low-level circulation at that time.
Convection steadily increased and banding features developed during the day on October 1. Satellite intensity estimates indicate the system became Tropical Depression Thirteen-E at October 2. Low-level circulation had tightened up considerably and satellite intensity estimates indicated the depression had strengthened into Tropical Storm Lorena about 350 mi (563.3 km) south-southwest of Acapulco. Lorena tracked steadily west-northwestward at eight to 14 mph (22.5 km/h) the remainder of the day and gradually turned toward the northwest early on October 3. The peak intensity of 60 mph (96.6 km/h) occurred later that day as Lorena took a more northerly track when it was located about 205 mi (329.9 km) southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico
.
By October 4, the forward speed of Tropical Storm Lorena had decreased to around seven to nine mph (11 to 14 km/h) and strong upper-level southwesterly shear began to adversely affect the cyclone. Lorena weakened to a tropical depression and dissipated into a non-convective low later that day about 120 mi (193.1 km) southwest of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The remnant low-level cloud circulation remained offshore and persisted for another day or so before completely dissipating just west of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico.
from the Atlantic Basin. The core circulation of Iris had dissipated over the mountains of eastern Mexico, while new convection was developing a short distance away over the waters of the Pacific. This area became better organized over the next 18 hours and became Tropical Depression Fifteen-E at October 10, about 175 mi (281.6 km) south-southeast of Acapulco
, Mexico. The depression moved at 15-16 mph (24-26 km/h), first westward and then west-northwestward. An upper-level anticyclone centered over southern Mexico was producing some easterly shear in the environment of the depression, but when this shear lessened the system became Tropical Storm Manuel on October 11, about 200 mi (321.9 km) south-southwest of Zihuatanejo, Mexico. An estimated initial peak intensity of 50 mph (80.5 km/h) was reached that day when the first clear banding features developed. However, the banding was short-lived, deep convection diminished, and satellite microwave imagery early on October 12 suggested that the circulation was becoming elongated. Wind shear returned, this time from the northwest, and Manuel turned to a west-southwesterly track and slowed. By October 12, Manuel had weakened to a tropical depression.
Manuel remained a disorganized depression for the next two and a half days. It continued moving to the west-southwest, but slowed to a drift as a mid-level ridge to the north of the cyclone gradually weakened. An upper-level trough dug southward to the west of Manuel early on October 15, and Manuel began to move to the north-northwest. Convection redeveloped near the center and Manuel regained tropical storm strength on October 15 about 596 mi (959.2 km) south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Wind shear decreased and Manuel strengthened, reaching its peak intensity of 60 mph (96.6 km/h) winds, and a pressure of 997 mbar (hPa; 29.44 inHg) on October 16 about 540 mi (869 km) southwest of Cabo San Lucas. By this point, water temperatures under the cyclone were decreasing and shear, this time from the southwest, was increasing. Manuel began to weaken while moving to the west-northwest and northwest. It became a depression at October 17 about 660 mi (1,062.2 km) west-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, and dissipated to a non-convective low shortly after October 18. The remnant low moved slowly westward for a couple of days over cool waters before its circulation dissipated completely.
when it produced a large burst of convection in the Bay of Campeche
on the October 15. The southern portion of the wave continued westward over the Pacific waters south of Mexico and under favorable upper-level winds, it began to acquire banding features and several centers of circulation. The system finally consolidated and developed one center at October 20. It became a tropical depression about 1150 mi (1,850.7 km) southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Moving on a west-northwest track, it intensified and reached tropical storm status later that day. The cloud pattern continued to become better organized and visible satellite imagery showed an intermittent eye feature, and it is estimated that Narda became a hurricane at October 21. Narda peak's intensity of 980 mbar (hPa; 28.94 inHg) occurred on October 22. Thereafter, a gradual weakening began and strong shear took a toll on Narda. The tropical cyclone became a tight swirl of low clouds with intermittent convection on October 24, as it moved westward steered by the low-level flow and crossing 140°W over the Central Pacific
area of responsibility. It then continued westward as a tropical depression until dissipation.
on October 22. By October 27, convection had increased over a large area between 95 - 115° W longitude and between eight and 15° north latitude. A low-level circulation gradually developed within this area and became a tropical depression on October 31 while centered about 1180 mi (1,899 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California
. Becoming a tropical depression, it was initially affected by easterly upper-level winds, and outflow was restricted on the eastern quadrant. The cyclone started out to the south of a mid-layer ridge, but a weakness soon developed in this ridge from a trough approaching from the west. The depression intensified, and with evidence of banding features and increased organization, the storm was upgraded to Tropical Storm Octave. Although cloud tops began to warm on October 31, Octave continued to improve on organization, and the National Hurricane Center noted that the storm began to resemble a hurricane early on November 1.
Shortly thereafter, no significant further intensification was predicted, as the cloud pattern was becoming elongated, vertical wind shear would soon increase, and Octave would soon entering a region of decreasing sea surface temperatures. Octave began to re-organize, and an eye feature began developing on November 1. A ragged eye eventually developed, and T-numbers of 4.0 were reached on the Dvorak Scale, which resulted in the National Hurricane Center upgrading Octave to a hurricane. Wind quickly increased to 85 mph (140 km/h), and because of unfavorable conditions predicted to affect Octave, the National Hurricane Center believed that it had attained peak intensity. Octave had in fact, attained its peak intensity, with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 980 mbar (hPa; 28.94 inHg). Wind shear began to increase, while sea surface temperatures were decreasing, and infrared satellite imagery revealed that the low-level circulation was becoming displaced from the associated deep convection just after peak intensity, it had remained a hurricane, until the National Hurricane Center downgraded Octave to a tropical storm on November 2. By early on November 3, only minimal deep convection was associated with Octave, and the National Hurricane Center downgraded the system to a tropical depression later on that day. Deep convection associated with Octave remained minimal, and the system had degenerated into a remnant low located about 1715 mi (2,760 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California
. Hurricane Octave remained far from land, and no damage or fatalities were reported.
. This is the same list used for the 1995 season
except for Ivo, which replaced Ismael
. A storm was named Ivo for the first time in 2001. No central Pacific names were used; the first name used would have been Alika. Names that were not assigned are marked in gray.
. It was replaced in the 2007 Pacific hurricane season by Alvin.
Israel was also removed from the list during the season. It originally replaced Ismael, but due to its connection with Israel
and the unfortunate coincidence that the first name of 2001 was Adolph, this was changed to Ivo after the season began, but before it reached the "I" storm.
Hurricane Juliette (2001)
Hurricane Juliette was a long lasting Category 4 hurricane in the 2001 Pacific hurricane season. It caused 12 deaths and $400 million in damage when it hit Baja California in late September.-Meteorological history:...
, which caused devastating floods in Baja California, leading to 12 fatalities and $400 million (2001 USD; $ USD) worth of damage. No other tropical cyclones in the 2001 Pacific hurricane season were notable.
The season officially began on May 15, 2001 in the eastern Pacific, and on June 1, 2001 in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30, 2001. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in this part of the Pacific Ocean
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the Earth's oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, bounded by Asia and Australia in the west, and the Americas in the east.At 165.2 million square kilometres in area, this largest division of the World...
. The first storm developed on May 25, while the last storm dissipated on November 3.
Season summary
The 2001 Pacific hurricane season officially started May 15, 2001 in the eastern Pacific, and June 1, 2001 in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30, 2001. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. In practice, however, the season lasted from May 25, the formation date of its first system, to November 3, the dissipation date of the last.
There were fifteen tropical storms in the eastern Pacific Ocean in the 2001 season. Of those, seven became hurricanes, of which two became major hurricanes by reaching Category 3 or higher on the Saffir Simpson Scale. Four tropical depressions formed and dissipated before reaching the intensity of a named storm. In the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility, only one tropical depression developed. In the eastern Pacific proper, the season saw average activity in terms of the number of systems, but with the intensity of the storms, the season was considered below average, with only seven hurricanes and two major hurricanes. This season had only one named storm in the month of June, and only one during August. Also of note this season is an unusual gap in storm formation during the first three weeks of August. That time usually sees several nameable storms, but for some reason there were none.
Hurricane Adolph
Hurricane Adolph originated from a tropical wave that left Africa on May 7, and was poorly organized. It was not until May 18 that the storm showed some signs of development in the Atlantic OceanAtlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's oceanic divisions. With a total area of about , it covers approximately 20% of the Earth's surface and about 26% of its water surface area...
. On, May 22 the wave crossed over, and on May 25 it intensified into Tropical Depression One-E, about 250 mi (402.3 km) south-southwest of Acapulco
Acapulco
Acapulco is a city, municipality and major sea port in the state of Guerrero on the Pacific coast of Mexico, southwest from Mexico City. Acapulco is located on a deep, semi-circular bay and has been a port since the early colonial period of Mexico’s history...
, Mexico. The system, after drifting a while, intensified into Tropical Storm Adolph the next day. Later, on May 27 Adolph was upgraded to a hurricane. Intensifying into a hurricane, Adolph rapidly intensified, and reached to Category 4 strength on May 28. Two days after, Adolph went under an eyewall replacement cycle, and weakened to a 115 mph (185.1 km/h) hurricane, which is minimal category 3 intensity. This trend of weakening continued, and deteriorated into a tropical storm. Passing over cooler waters, and stable air, Adolph dissipated on June 1.
Tropical Storm Barbara
The origin of Tropical Storm Barbara can be traced to a tropical wave that moved off the coast of AfricaAfrica
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
on June 1. The wave eventually entered the Pacific Ocean
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the Earth's oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, bounded by Asia and Australia in the west, and the Americas in the east.At 165.2 million square kilometres in area, this largest division of the World...
on June 10, and no signs of organization occurred until June 18. The system slowly organized further over the next two days, and the National Hurricane Center initiated advisories on Tropical Depression Two-E on June 20. After Tropical Depression Two-E had developed, the National Hurricane Center noted that banding features had improved just hours before advisories were initiated. However, post-analysis conclude that Tropical Depression Two-E had developed at midnight (UTC) on June 20, while operationally monitored as a depression nine hours later. Deep convection associated with the depression continued to organized, although the amount remained minimal. Although the depression remained poorly organized, winds were estimated at 40 mph (65 km/h), and the National Hurricane Center upgraded the system to Tropical Storm Barbara. By early on June 21, Barbara was nearing a region of higher wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures, and no further intensification was predicted. In addition, no further intensification was predicted since it was also appeared that the outflow was becoming elongated, and no banding features were present, along with weakening central deep convection, which indicated that Barbara succumbing to the unfavorable conditions. Increasing south-westerly vertical shear caused weakening, and Barbara became a depression as it crossed 140W into the Central Pacific. The depression passed north of the Hawaiian Islands on June 25, then weakened to an easterly wave to the northwest of Kauai on June 26. The remnants of Barbara continued west-northwest until being absorbed by a frontal zone near the International Dateline on June 30.
Barbara is the first, and so far as of the end of the 2010 season
2010 Pacific hurricane season
The 2010 Pacific hurricane season was the least active Pacific hurricane season, in terms of the number of named storms and hurricanes, on record, due to a moderate La Niña, unlike the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season, which was one of the most active on record...
, the only June tropical cyclone in the Central Pacific.
Tropical Storm Cosme
A tropical wave that crossed Central America and emerged into the eastern Pacific basin on July 6.The wave moved slowly westward from July 6 - July 10. On July 10, the convective pattern began to show signs of organization about 403 mi (648.6 km) south of AcapulcoAcapulco
Acapulco is a city, municipality and major sea port in the state of Guerrero on the Pacific coast of Mexico, southwest from Mexico City. Acapulco is located on a deep, semi-circular bay and has been a port since the early colonial period of Mexico’s history...
, Mexico, and the system received its first Dvorak satellite classification. Over the next two days, the system moved generally west-northwestward as multiple low-level circulations developed within a broad area of low pressure. During this period, development of the disturbance was hindered by southerly shear from an upper-level trough to the west of the disturbance that caused the system to become elongated north-south. On July 12, the upper trough cut off southwest of the disturbance and the organization improved. By early on July 13, a single low-level circulation center had become established and it is estimated that a tropical depression formed at 330 mi (531.1 km) southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico
Manzanillo, Colima
The name Manzanillo refers to the city as well as its surrounding municipality in the Mexican state of Colima. The city, located on the Pacific Ocean, contains Mexico's busiest port. Manzanillo was the third port created by the Spanish in the Pacific during the New Spain period...
.
Tropical Depression Three-E moved west-northwestward, and quickly became Tropical Storm Cosme on July 13, about 425 mi (684 km) south of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The forward motion then slowed over the next 12 hours. Cosme's development was hindered by easterly shear; its peak intensity of 45 mph (72.4 km/h) was reached late on July 13. By early on July 14, convection was limited and well removed from the center. Cosme weakened back to a tropical depression, when it was about 400 mi (643.7 km) southwest of Cabo San Lucas. Cosme produced no more significant convection after about on July 15, at which point the tropical cyclone became a non-convective low center. The low then moved slowly westward until it dissipated on July 18 about 820 mi (1,319.7 km) west-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Tropical Storm Erick
Erick apparently formed from a poorly-defined tropical wave that traveled westward across the tropical Atlantic and reached the eastern North Pacific on July 16. The thunderstorm activity associated with the wave increased on July 18 when the disturbance was centered about 808 mi (1,300.3 km) south of the southern tip of Baja CaliforniaBaja California
Baja California officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Baja California is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is both the northernmost and westernmost state of Mexico. Before becoming a state in 1953, the area was known as the North...
. Thereafter, deep convection gradually developed around a large cyclonic gyre which accompanied the wave.
It was not until July 20 that a well-defined center of circulation formed and satellite intensity estimates supported tropical depression status. Moving on a general west-northwest track, the system became a tropical storm and reached maximum winds of 40 mph (64.4 km/h) and 1001 mbar (hPa; 29.56 inHg) minimum pressure July 22. It then moved over relatively cooler waters and weakened as the deep convection quickly vanished. By July 24, it was just a non-convective and dissipating swirl of low clouds, although some showers re-developed intermittently.
Hurricane Dalila
Dalila's origin is a tropical wave that moved westward from Africa and over the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean on July 10. It crossed northern South AmericaSouth America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
and Central America
Central America
Central America is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast. When considered part of the unified continental model, it is considered a subcontinent...
on the July 15 through July 17 accompanied by vigorous thunderstorm activity, and then entered the Pacific basin on July 18 as an organized area of disturbed weather. Early on July 21, the system acquired a low-level circulation and became Tropical Depression Five-E, about 250 mi (402.3 km) south of the Gulf of Tehuantepec
Gulf of Tehuantepec
Gulf of Tehuantepec is a large body of water on the Pacific coast of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, southeastern Mexico, at . Most of the hurricanes that form in the Eastern Pacific organize in or near this body of water...
. Moving west-northwestward, it became Tropical Storm Dalila with 40 mph (64.4 km/h) winds 12 hours later.
Dalila's track was toward the west-northwest at forward speeds between five and 17 mph (27.4 km/h). The direction of motion was rather steady, varying between 285 and 300 degrees heading. This is attributed to a persistent subtropical ridge of high pressure located north of the cyclone. The center reached its point of closest approach to the coast of Mexico between Acapulco and Manzanillo on the July 22 and July 23, when it came within about 100 mi (160.9 km) of the coast.
With warm sea surface temperature
Sea surface temperature
Sea surface temperature is the water temperature close to the oceans surface. The exact meaning of surface varies according to the measurement method used, but it is between and below the sea surface. Air masses in the Earth's atmosphere are highly modified by sea surface temperatures within a...
s and minimal vertical shear, the winds increased from 40 to 70 mph (64.4 to 112.7 km/h) on July 22 and July 23. The wind speed briefly reached an estimated 75 mph (120.7 km/h) on July 24, although Dalila quickly weakened back to a strong tropical storm. The storm passed directly over Socorro Island on July 25. By July 27, most of the associated deep convection dissipated as the storm moved over colder water. Reduced to a swirl of low clouds, Dalila dissipated as a tropical cyclone on July 28, while located about 650 mi (1,046.1 km) west of the southern tip of Baja California.
Tropical Depression Six-E
The origins of the sixth tropical depression of the season are somewhat unknown, but it is possibly as a result of a westward moving tropical wave, which crossed the Atlantic and Caribbean. By 2100 UTC on August 22, the National Hurricane Center began issuing advisories on Tropical Depression Six-E. However, post-analysis indicate that developed of Tropical Depression Six-E occurred nine hours earlier. Three hours before the National Hurricane Center initiated advisories, it was indicated that Tropical Depression Six-E had attained its peak intensity, remaining just below tropical storm intensity. Further intensification was deemed unlikely by the National Hurricane Center, as Tropical Depression Six-E would soon enter a region of sea surface temperatures less than 77°F (25°C). In addition to lowering sea surface temperatures, Tropical Depression Six-E began to be affected by southerly wind shear, which displaced the mid-level circulation and deep convection from the low-level circulation. The National Hurricane Center later noted the disorganized state of the tropical depression as being only "... a swirl of low clouds with a few showers to the north and northeast of the center". Tropical Depression Six-E was becoming elongated, and the final advisory was issued early on August 24. Because Tropical Depression Six-E remained far from land, there were no associated fatalities or damage.Hurricane Flossie
A tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic Ocean from the west coast of Africa on August 11, and spawned Atlantic Tropical Storm ChantalTropical Storm Chantal (2001)
Tropical Storm Chantal was an Atlantic tropical cyclone that moved across the Caribbean Sea in August 2001. Chantal developed from a tropical wave on August 14 in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. It tracked rapidly westward for much of its duration, and after degenerating into a tropical wave...
three days later. After tracking westward toward the Yucatan Peninsula, the southern portion of the tropical wave split from Tropical Storm Chantal, and entered the Pacific Ocean on August 21 after crossing Central America. The system showed minimal indication of further organization for two days as it paralleled the coast of Mexico. Although convection remained somewhat disorganized, QuikSCAT imagery revealed a closed surface circulation on August 23. On August 25, outer bands associated with the system produced tropical storm force winds near Manzanillo, Mexico; but the circulation was considered too broad and disorganized to be classified as a tropical depression. The low-level circulation began to become well-defined as it moved away from the coast of Mexico on August 26, while convection had consolidated near the center. Several hours later on August 26, it was estimated that Tropical Depression Seven-E had developed. Although conditions appeared very favorable for development, the intensity forecast was described as "rather conservative". As banding features began to improve, intensity estimates were raised to 40 mph (65 km/h), and the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Flossie later that day. By August 27, it was mentioned of the possibility of Flossie intensifying into a hurricane, which would be the East Pacific hurricane in nearly a month. While steering currents weakened, Flossie began to develop a cloud-filled eye on August 27, and was upgraded to a hurricane based on that and wind estimates of 75 mph (120 km/h).
After becoming a hurricane on August 27, Flossie underwent a period of binary interaction with an extratropical low, while slowly intensifying. By early on August 29, further intensification was forecast to be minimal, however, Flossie suddenly deepened to a category 2 hurricane, with winds reaching 100 mph (155 km/h). After winds reached 105 mph (165 km/h) six hours later, the National Hurricane Center noted that Flossie had likely attained its peak intensity, as it would soon be entering a region with sea surface temperatures less than 79°F (26°C). Post-analysis confirm that Flossie had then attained peak intensity. Flossie weakened quickly, and was only a minimal hurricane 24 hours after peak intensity, which is when the National Hurricane Center noted an ill-define eye. Early on August 30, Flossie had weakened further, and was downgraded to a tropical storm. While Flossie was only a minimal tropical storm on September 1, the National Hurricane Center mentioned that Flossie was approaching land and Forecaster Jack Beven noted "even if the center of Flossie does not reach the coast...the moisture will". Six hours later, Flossie was downgraded to a tropical depression. Flossie became devoid of deep convection later that day, and the National Hurricane Center declared that the system had degenerated into a remnant low. The remnants of Flossie moved inland over Baja California
Baja California
Baja California officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Baja California is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is both the northernmost and westernmost state of Mexico. Before becoming a state in 1953, the area was known as the North...
, eventually entering the southwestern region
Southwestern United States
The Southwestern United States is a region defined in different ways by different sources. Broad definitions include nearly a quarter of the United States, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah...
of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and dissipating.
Flossie had no direct impact on land as a hurricane. Its remnants caused flash-flooding in San Diego
San Diego County, California
San Diego County is a large county located in the southwestern corner of the US state of California. Hence, San Diego County is also located in the southwestern corner of the 48 contiguous United States. Its county seat and largest city is San Diego. Its population was about 2,813,835 in the 2000...
and Riverside Counties
Riverside County, California
Riverside County is a county in the U.S. state of California. One of 58 California counties, it covers in the southern part of the state, and stretches from Orange County to the Colorado River, which forms the state border with Arizona. The county derives its name from the city of Riverside,...
, California, dropping two in (50.8 mm) of rain in one hour. A strong downdraft knocked a tree onto a house. In addition, four people were struck by lightning, two of them fatally. The total cost of damage caused by Flossie's remnants was $35,000 (2001 USD, $ USD).
Hurricane Gil
Gil originated from a tropical wave that emerged into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa on August 14 or August 15. By August 21, the tropical wave began to show signs of development as it neared the Lesser Antilles, with the northern portion becoming Tropical Storm DeanTropical Storm Dean (2001)
Tropical Storm Dean was a strong tropical storm that affected at least twelve islands along its path from the tropical Atlantic Ocean to east of Atlantic Canada. Dean developed from a tropical wave on August 22 over the Lesser Antilles, and was initially predicted to intensify further to reach...
. Entering the Pacific on August 24, Tropical Depression Eight-E did not developed until early on September 4. Situated roughly 850 mi (1,370 km) southwest of Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas , commonly called Cabo, is a city at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, in the municipality of Los Cabos in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. As of the 2010 census, the population was 68,463 people...
, Mexico, the system quickly intensified, and became a tropical storm six hours later, although operationally upgraded after nine hours. By early on September 5, banding features became well-defined; the National Hurricane Center simultaneously noted the possibility for interaction between Tropical Storm Gil and Tropical Depression Nine-E (later Tropical Storm Henriette), which was 863 mi (1389 km) east-northeast. Although outflow from Tropical Storm Henriette was predicted to slow or prevent intensification, Gil managed to become a hurricane early on September 6. Late on September 6, Hurricane Gil intensified into a category 2 hurricane, and attained its peak intensity, with winds reaching 100 mph (155 km/h).
After becoming a category 2 hurricane, Gil curved northwestward, and began to become affected by northeasterly outflow associated with Tropical Storm Henriette. By September 7, Hurricane Gil became noticeably disorganized, and weakened back to a category 1 hurricane. After weakening to a category 1 hurricane, Hurricane Gil accelerated due north, around the circulation of Henriette. Further shearing from Henriette occurred, and early on September 8, the National Hurricane Center noted that the center of Gil was near the edge of the associated deep convection. After over a region with sea surface temperatures near 73°F (23°C), Gil rapidly weakened, and was downgraded to a tropical storm six hours later. Gil continued to weaken, and was downgraded to a tropical depression early on September 9. Weakening to a tropical depression, Gil eventually absorbed the remnants of Henriette, but dissipated by midnight UTC, on September 10.
A ship known as the Pacific Highway passed 236 mi (380 km) southeast of Gil on September 7, and reported waves heights at 22 ft (6.7 m) and winds gusting to 46 mph (76 km/h). However, Hurricane Gil did not affect land.
Tropical Storm Henriette
A tropical wave, that crossed over Central AmericaCentral America
Central America is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast. When considered part of the unified continental model, it is considered a subcontinent...
on August 28 - August 19, began showing some signs of development some hundreds south of Acapulco
Acapulco
Acapulco is a city, municipality and major sea port in the state of Guerrero on the Pacific coast of Mexico, southwest from Mexico City. Acapulco is located on a deep, semi-circular bay and has been a port since the early colonial period of Mexico’s history...
, Mexico. Early morning visible satellite images on September 4 revealed a partially exposed, but well defined low-level circulation. While deep convection was confined to the southwestern half of the circulation, the convection was close enough to the center for Dvorak satellite intensity estimates to increase to 30-35 mph (45-55 km/h), and the system became Tropical Depression Nine-E on September 4, about 300 mi (482.8 km) west-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico
Manzanillo, Colima
The name Manzanillo refers to the city as well as its surrounding municipality in the Mexican state of Colima. The city, located on the Pacific Ocean, contains Mexico's busiest port. Manzanillo was the third port created by the Spanish in the Pacific during the New Spain period...
, and also about 765 mi (1,231.1 km) east of Tropical Depression Eight-E (which was to become Hurricane Gil). Early on September 5, as the depression's heading turned to the west, the separation between the circulation center and the deep convection.
Tropical Depression Nine-E became Tropical Storm Henriette on September 5, about 350 mi (563.3 km) south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. At this time, Tropical Storm Gil was located about 690 mi (1,110.4 km) to the west of Henriette. Henriette slowly became better organized on September 6. The convective pattern became more symmetric and the intensity increased to 60 mph (96.6 km/h). Meanwhile, Henriette turned to the northwest and accelerated to a forward speed of 17-20 mph (27-32 km/h) as it began to feel the influence of Hurricane Gil, then located 286 mi (460.3 km) to the southwest. Upper-level easterly flow, which was still evident over the cyclone early on September 6, lessened and a more favorable outflow pattern began to develop. Convective banding near the center became better defined, and Henriette reached its peak intensity of 65 mi/h on September 7.
Tropical Storm Henriette began weakening due to cold waters, and its proximity to Gil. A Fujiwhara interaction began with Henriette and Gil on September 8. Henriette dissipated as a tropical cyclone when it lost its own closed low-level circulation, as evidenced by low-cloud trajectories, shortly after on the September 8. At the time of dissipation, Henriette was located about 210 mi (338 km) west of Tropical Storm Gil.
Tropical Storm Ivo
Ivo formed from a large tropical wave that moved off the African coast on August 26. The wave was accompanied by a large cyclonic rotation at the low to middle levels and numerous thunderstorms when it entered the eastern Atlantic. On August 28, the wave spawned a northward-moving vortex in the eastern Atlantic, but the wave's southern portion continued westward with very limited convective activity. Once the wave reached the western Caribbean Sea on September 5, the shower activity increased and the whole system continued slowly westward over Central AmericaCentral America
Central America is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast. When considered part of the unified continental model, it is considered a subcontinent...
. The cloud pattern gradually became better organized and by September 9, satellite images showed a low to middle level circulation centered near Acapulco, Mexico. The next day, a portion of the system moved over water and it became a tropical depression about 118 mi (189.9 km) south-southwest of Acapulco at September 10.
The center of the depression moved slowly west and west-northwestward with its circulation hugging the southwest coast of Mexico. There was moderate easterly shear over the depression as indicated by the location of the convection to the west of the center. Satellite images and a report from a ship indicated that the depression reached tropical storm status by 0600 UTC September 11. Thereafter, there was only slight strengthening and Ivo reached its maximum intensity of 50 mi/h and an estimated minimum pressure of 997 mbar (hPa; 29.44 inHg) on September 12. The tropical storm moved toward the northwest and then west over increasingly cooler waters, and gradually weakened. It became a low pressure system devoid of convection by the end of September 14.
Tropical Depression One-C
Tropical Depression One-C formed on September 11 more than 400 mi (644 km) southeast of the Island of Hawaii. The system moved west northwestward to 15°N 153°W by September 11, and then southwestward shortly thereafter. The system was poorly organized, and the convection of Tropical Depression One-C dissipated later on September 11. Having only lasted 12 hours as a depression; Tropical Depression One-C never reached tropical storm strength.Hurricane Juliette
An area of disturbed weather associated with the remnants of Atlantic Tropical Depression NineTropical Depression Nine (2001)
Tropical Depression Nine was the ninth tropical depression of the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season. It formed off the Nicaraguan coast on September 19 and made landfall three hours later. The system quickly dissipated the next morning causing no reports of damage or deaths...
organized directly into Tropical Storm Juliette on September 21. Sustained intensification began the next day. Juliette eventually peaked as a Category 4 hurricane with a central pressure
Atmospheric pressure
Atmospheric pressure is the force per unit area exerted into a surface by the weight of air above that surface in the atmosphere of Earth . In most circumstances atmospheric pressure is closely approximated by the hydrostatic pressure caused by the weight of air above the measurement point...
of 923 mbar (hPa; 27.26 inHg), which made it the fifth-most intense Pacific hurricane at the time. Juliette turned north and weakened and made landfall as a minimal hurricane. Juliette's remnants hung on for a few more days until they dissipated on October 3.
Juliette dumped heavy rains on the Baja California Peninsula
Baja California Peninsula
The Baja California peninsula , is a peninsula in northwestern Mexico. Its land mass separates the Pacific Ocean from the Gulf of California. The Peninsula extends from Mexicali, Baja California in the north to Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur in the south.The total area of the Baja California...
and in Sonora
Sonora
Sonora officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Sonora is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided into 72 municipalities; the capital city is Hermosillo....
, where it caused two deaths. Its effects were especially hard on Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas , commonly called Cabo, is a city at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, in the municipality of Los Cabos in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. As of the 2010 census, the population was 68,463 people...
, Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur , is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. Before becoming a state on October 8, 1974, the area was known as the South Territory of Baja California. It has an area of , or 3.57% of the land mass of Mexico and comprises...
, which was cut off from the outside world for a few days. The remnants of Juliette moved into the state of California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, where they caused thunderstorms, rain, and some downed power lines. The total estimated cost of damage was $400 million (2001 USD; $ USD).
Hurricane Kiko
A tropical wave that led to the formation Atlantic Hurricane Felix2001 Atlantic hurricane season
The 2001 Atlantic hurricane season was a fairly active Atlantic hurricane season that produced 17 tropical cyclones, 15 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. The season officially lasted from June 1, 2001, to November 30, 2001, dates which by convention limit the period of each...
over the eastern Atlantic on September 7 also seems to have produced Kiko. This wave moved westward at low latitudes, crossing northern South America on September 13-September 14 and Central America
Central America
Central America is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast. When considered part of the unified continental model, it is considered a subcontinent...
on September 15 and September 16. By September 17, cloudiness and showers increased near the Gulf of Tehuantepec. The area of disturbed weather moved westward for the next few days, without much increase in organization. On September 21, the system's cloud pattern became more consolidated, and curved bands of showers were evident. It is estimated that Tropical Depression Twelve-E had formed that day, at which time it was centered about 634 mi (1,020.3 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.
After forming, the system, which was located in an environment of easterly vertical shear, strengthened slowly. By September 22 the organization of the cloud pattern improved to the extent that tropical storm strength was estimated to have been reached. Kiko turned from a northwestward to a west-northwestward heading that day. Although some easterly shear continued to affect the system, very deep convection persisted near the center, and based on Dvorak intensity estimates, Kiko strengthened into a hurricane around September 23. A little later on September 23, deep convection decreased in coverage and intensity and Kiko weakened back to a tropical storm.
The system continued to lose intensity on September 24, at least in part due to the entrainment of more stable air at low levels. Kiko weakened to a tropical depression on September 25, by which time southwesterly shear also became prevalent. Later on September 25, the cyclone degenerated into a westward-moving swirl of low clouds with little or no deep convection. Kiko's remnant low persisted and continued moving generally westward for several more days with intermittent, minor occurrences of deep convection within the circulation. It was finally absorbed into a frontal system to the northeast of the Hawaiian Islands on October 1.
Tropical Depression Two-C
Tropical Depression Two-C formed near 10°N 147.4°W on September 22, southwest of Tropical Storm Kiko (in the East Pacific). Throughout September 23, Tropical Depression Two-C remained a poorly organized system that slowly moved west-northwestward. A slight increase in convection became apparent on September 24, and was followed by a period of consistent thunderstorm activity near the circulation center. Tropical Depression Two-C continued in the west-northwest direction, but weakened by September 25.Tropical Storm Lorena
The tropical wave that eventually developed into Lorena moved off the west coast of Africa on September 13. The poorly-defined wave tracked rapidly westward across the Atlantic for more than a week. There was little or no thunderstorm activity associated with the wave until it moved across Central America on September 27. Significant deep convection finally developed on September 29 and satellite classifications began on September 30 when the system was located about 300 mi (482.8 km) south of AcapulcoAcapulco
Acapulco is a city, municipality and major sea port in the state of Guerrero on the Pacific coast of Mexico, southwest from Mexico City. Acapulco is located on a deep, semi-circular bay and has been a port since the early colonial period of Mexico’s history...
, Mexico. The wave possessed a well-defined closed low-level circulation at that time.
Convection steadily increased and banding features developed during the day on October 1. Satellite intensity estimates indicate the system became Tropical Depression Thirteen-E at October 2. Low-level circulation had tightened up considerably and satellite intensity estimates indicated the depression had strengthened into Tropical Storm Lorena about 350 mi (563.3 km) south-southwest of Acapulco. Lorena tracked steadily west-northwestward at eight to 14 mph (22.5 km/h) the remainder of the day and gradually turned toward the northwest early on October 3. The peak intensity of 60 mph (96.6 km/h) occurred later that day as Lorena took a more northerly track when it was located about 205 mi (329.9 km) southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico
Manzanillo, Colima
The name Manzanillo refers to the city as well as its surrounding municipality in the Mexican state of Colima. The city, located on the Pacific Ocean, contains Mexico's busiest port. Manzanillo was the third port created by the Spanish in the Pacific during the New Spain period...
.
By October 4, the forward speed of Tropical Storm Lorena had decreased to around seven to nine mph (11 to 14 km/h) and strong upper-level southwesterly shear began to adversely affect the cyclone. Lorena weakened to a tropical depression and dissipated into a non-convective low later that day about 120 mi (193.1 km) southwest of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The remnant low-level cloud circulation remained offshore and persisted for another day or so before completely dissipating just west of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico.
Tropical Depression Fourteen-E
Tropical Depression Fourteen-E developed from a small swirl of low clouds that was first observed along the Intertropical Convergence Zone well to the south-southwest of Baja California on September 30. Little development occurred until October 3, which is when the system began to generate more persistent deep convection. While the system was located about 800 mi (1,287.5 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, the National Hurricane Center began to classify it as Tropical Depression Fourteen-E. Although it appeared that wind shear was at initially predicted to remain at a favorable level, an upper-level low to the southwest of the depression generated wind shear greater than expected, and convection significantly weakened only hours later. Despite significant affects from wind shear, the depression was still forecast to intensify into a tropical storm. Later that day, the low-level center of the depression became more difficult to locate on satellite images, and the location of the poorly-defined center was estimated. Convection significantly decreased again early on October 4, and the depression was declared dissipated 900 mi (1,448.4 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. The remnant low cloud swirl continued westward for another 24–36 hours before dissipating completely.Tropical Storm Manuel
Tropical Storm Manuel formed from the remnants of Hurricane IrisHurricane Iris
Hurricane Iris was a Category 4 hurricane that devastated Belize in October 2001. It was the eleventh tropical cyclone, ninth named storm, fifth hurricane, and third major hurricane of the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season. It was the second strongest storm of the season behind Hurricane...
from the Atlantic Basin. The core circulation of Iris had dissipated over the mountains of eastern Mexico, while new convection was developing a short distance away over the waters of the Pacific. This area became better organized over the next 18 hours and became Tropical Depression Fifteen-E at October 10, about 175 mi (281.6 km) south-southeast of Acapulco
Acapulco
Acapulco is a city, municipality and major sea port in the state of Guerrero on the Pacific coast of Mexico, southwest from Mexico City. Acapulco is located on a deep, semi-circular bay and has been a port since the early colonial period of Mexico’s history...
, Mexico. The depression moved at 15-16 mph (24-26 km/h), first westward and then west-northwestward. An upper-level anticyclone centered over southern Mexico was producing some easterly shear in the environment of the depression, but when this shear lessened the system became Tropical Storm Manuel on October 11, about 200 mi (321.9 km) south-southwest of Zihuatanejo, Mexico. An estimated initial peak intensity of 50 mph (80.5 km/h) was reached that day when the first clear banding features developed. However, the banding was short-lived, deep convection diminished, and satellite microwave imagery early on October 12 suggested that the circulation was becoming elongated. Wind shear returned, this time from the northwest, and Manuel turned to a west-southwesterly track and slowed. By October 12, Manuel had weakened to a tropical depression.
Manuel remained a disorganized depression for the next two and a half days. It continued moving to the west-southwest, but slowed to a drift as a mid-level ridge to the north of the cyclone gradually weakened. An upper-level trough dug southward to the west of Manuel early on October 15, and Manuel began to move to the north-northwest. Convection redeveloped near the center and Manuel regained tropical storm strength on October 15 about 596 mi (959.2 km) south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Wind shear decreased and Manuel strengthened, reaching its peak intensity of 60 mph (96.6 km/h) winds, and a pressure of 997 mbar (hPa; 29.44 inHg) on October 16 about 540 mi (869 km) southwest of Cabo San Lucas. By this point, water temperatures under the cyclone were decreasing and shear, this time from the southwest, was increasing. Manuel began to weaken while moving to the west-northwest and northwest. It became a depression at October 17 about 660 mi (1,062.2 km) west-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, and dissipated to a non-convective low shortly after October 18. The remnant low moved slowly westward for a couple of days over cool waters before its circulation dissipated completely.
Hurricane Narda
Narda developed from a westward moving tropical wave that crossed Dakar, Senegal around the October 3. The wave became convectively active after it crossed Central AmericaCentral America
Central America is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast. When considered part of the unified continental model, it is considered a subcontinent...
when it produced a large burst of convection in the Bay of Campeche
Bay of Campeche
The Bay of Campeche is the southern bight of the Gulf of Mexico. It is surrounded on three sides by the Mexican states of Campeche, Tabasco and Veracruz. It was named by Francisco Hernández de Córdoba and Antonio de Alaminos during their expedition in 1517...
on the October 15. The southern portion of the wave continued westward over the Pacific waters south of Mexico and under favorable upper-level winds, it began to acquire banding features and several centers of circulation. The system finally consolidated and developed one center at October 20. It became a tropical depression about 1150 mi (1,850.7 km) southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Moving on a west-northwest track, it intensified and reached tropical storm status later that day. The cloud pattern continued to become better organized and visible satellite imagery showed an intermittent eye feature, and it is estimated that Narda became a hurricane at October 21. Narda peak's intensity of 980 mbar (hPa; 28.94 inHg) occurred on October 22. Thereafter, a gradual weakening began and strong shear took a toll on Narda. The tropical cyclone became a tight swirl of low clouds with intermittent convection on October 24, as it moved westward steered by the low-level flow and crossing 140°W over the Central Pacific
Central Pacific
Central Pacific can refer to:* The Central Pacific Railroad, the western part of the Transcontinental Railroad in the United States* The Central Pacific Area, a subdivision of the Pacific Ocean Areas in World War II...
area of responsibility. It then continued westward as a tropical depression until dissipation.
Hurricane Octave
Octave originated in the intertropical convergence zone and its development was likely initiated by a weak tropical wave that had moved westward across Central AmericaCentral America
Central America is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast. When considered part of the unified continental model, it is considered a subcontinent...
on October 22. By October 27, convection had increased over a large area between 95 - 115° W longitude and between eight and 15° north latitude. A low-level circulation gradually developed within this area and became a tropical depression on October 31 while centered about 1180 mi (1,899 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California
Baja California
Baja California officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Baja California is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is both the northernmost and westernmost state of Mexico. Before becoming a state in 1953, the area was known as the North...
. Becoming a tropical depression, it was initially affected by easterly upper-level winds, and outflow was restricted on the eastern quadrant. The cyclone started out to the south of a mid-layer ridge, but a weakness soon developed in this ridge from a trough approaching from the west. The depression intensified, and with evidence of banding features and increased organization, the storm was upgraded to Tropical Storm Octave. Although cloud tops began to warm on October 31, Octave continued to improve on organization, and the National Hurricane Center noted that the storm began to resemble a hurricane early on November 1.
Shortly thereafter, no significant further intensification was predicted, as the cloud pattern was becoming elongated, vertical wind shear would soon increase, and Octave would soon entering a region of decreasing sea surface temperatures. Octave began to re-organize, and an eye feature began developing on November 1. A ragged eye eventually developed, and T-numbers of 4.0 were reached on the Dvorak Scale, which resulted in the National Hurricane Center upgrading Octave to a hurricane. Wind quickly increased to 85 mph (140 km/h), and because of unfavorable conditions predicted to affect Octave, the National Hurricane Center believed that it had attained peak intensity. Octave had in fact, attained its peak intensity, with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 980 mbar (hPa; 28.94 inHg). Wind shear began to increase, while sea surface temperatures were decreasing, and infrared satellite imagery revealed that the low-level circulation was becoming displaced from the associated deep convection just after peak intensity, it had remained a hurricane, until the National Hurricane Center downgraded Octave to a tropical storm on November 2. By early on November 3, only minimal deep convection was associated with Octave, and the National Hurricane Center downgraded the system to a tropical depression later on that day. Deep convection associated with Octave remained minimal, and the system had degenerated into a remnant low located about 1715 mi (2,760 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California
Baja California
Baja California officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Baja California is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is both the northernmost and westernmost state of Mexico. Before becoming a state in 1953, the area was known as the North...
. Hurricane Octave remained far from land, and no damage or fatalities were reported.
Storm names
The following names were used for named storms that formed in the northeast Pacific in 2001. The names not retired from this list were used again in the 2007 Pacific hurricane season2007 Pacific hurricane season
The 2007 Pacific hurricane season was an event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation. It officially started on May 15, 2007 in the eastern Pacific, designated as the area east of 140°W, and on June 1, 2007 in the central Pacific, which is between the International Date Line and 140°W,...
. This is the same list used for the 1995 season
1995 Pacific hurricane season
The 1995 Pacific hurricane season was the least active Pacific hurricane season since 1979. Of the eleven tropical cyclones that formed during the season, four affected land, with the most notable storm of the season being Hurricane Ismael, which killed at least 116 people in Mexico...
except for Ivo, which replaced Ismael
Hurricane Ismael
Hurricane Ismael was a weak, but deadly Pacific hurricane that killed over one hundred people in northern Mexico in September of the 1995 Pacific hurricane season. It developed from a persistent area of deep convection on September 12, and steadily strengthened as it moved to the north-northwest...
. A storm was named Ivo for the first time in 2001. No central Pacific names were used; the first name used would have been Alika. Names that were not assigned are marked in gray.
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Hurricane Juliette (2001) Hurricane Juliette was a long lasting Category 4 hurricane in the 2001 Pacific hurricane season. It caused 12 deaths and $400 million in damage when it hit Baja California in late September.-Meteorological history:... |
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Retirement
Adolph was removed following the 2001 season for political reasons, due to the name's similarity to Adolf HitlerAdolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler was an Austrian-born German politician and the leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party , commonly referred to as the Nazi Party). He was Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945, and head of state from 1934 to 1945...
. It was replaced in the 2007 Pacific hurricane season by Alvin.
Israel was also removed from the list during the season. It originally replaced Ismael, but due to its connection with Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
and the unfortunate coincidence that the first name of 2001 was Adolph, this was changed to Ivo after the season began, but before it reached the "I" storm.
See also
- List of Pacific hurricanes
- List of Pacific hurricane seasons
- 2001 Atlantic hurricane season2001 Atlantic hurricane seasonThe 2001 Atlantic hurricane season was a fairly active Atlantic hurricane season that produced 17 tropical cyclones, 15 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. The season officially lasted from June 1, 2001, to November 30, 2001, dates which by convention limit the period of each...
- 2001 Pacific typhoon season2001 Pacific typhoon seasonThe 2001 Pacific typhoon season has no official bounds; it ran year-round in 2001, but most tropical cyclones tend to form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean between May and November...
- 2001 North Indian Ocean cyclone season2001 North Indian Ocean cyclone seasonThe 2001 North Indian Ocean cyclone season had no bounds, but cyclones tend to form between April and December, with peaks in May and November. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northern Indian Ocean.-Season summary:Four tropical...
- South-West Indian Ocean cyclone seasons: 2000–01, 2001–02
- Australian region cyclone seasons: 2000–012000–01 Australian region cyclone seasonThe 2000–01 Australian region cyclone season was an event in the ongoing cycle of tropical cyclone formation. It began on 1 November 2000 and ended on 30 April 2001...
, 2001–02 - South Pacific cyclone seasons: 2000–01, 2001–02