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Hurricane Norbert (2008)
Encyclopedia
Hurricane Norbert was the strongest tropical cyclone
in the below-average 2008 Pacific hurricane season
. Norbert originated as a tropical wave
, developed into a tropical depression on October 3, and into a tropical storm the next day. Norbert ultimately rapidly intensified to a major hurricane—Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
—on October 8. It continued to strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane before weakening making landfall in Baja California Sur
as a Category 2 hurricane on October 11. Norbert then crossed into the Gulf of California
and hit Sonora
as a Category 1 hurricane. Norbert dissipated on the morning of October 12. Norbert claimed 25 lives with three people missing and caused $716.4 million in damages (2008 USD) throughout Mexico, with the worst damage in Baja California Sur
and Álamos
, Sonora.
that crossed Central America
on September 26 and September 27. An area of disturbed weather formed near the Gulf of Tehuantepec
on September 28, which at that time was mentioned on the Tropical Weather Outlook (an outlook issued every six hours during hurricane season by the National Hurricane Center
(NHC) that notes the possibility of tropical cyclogenesis
during the next 48 hours). Drifting westward off the coast of Mexico, the system initially consisted of a broad low pressure area
and an area of disorganized convection. It slowly organized for several days, and by early on October 4 the system developed enough organized convection to be classified as Tropical Depression Fifteen; at that point, it was located about 230 miles (370.1 km) south of Acapulco
. The depression was located over an area of warm water temperatures and moderate vertical wind shear
, and as such was forecast to intensify gradually.
About six hours after forming, the circulation of the depression became exposed from the deep convection, due to the wind shear. At the same time, two tropical cyclone forecast models predicted the tropical cyclone
formation of a larger disturbance to the southeast of the depression. One model predicted the new cyclone to absorb the depression, although most other models forecast for the depression to remain the dominant system. By early on October 5, deep convection developed and organized around the center of the depression, and satellite intensity estimates using the Dvorak technique
suggested that the tropical cyclone
had tropical storm force-winds; as a result, the NHC upgraded the depression to Tropical Storm Norbert, about 245 mi (394.3 km) south of Zihuatanejo
. Norbert slowly intensified, and was upgraded to a hurricane on October 6 as very deep atmospheric convection remained stable despite easterly wind shear
.
On October 7, Hurricane Norbert reached Category 2 intensity on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
while Norbert developed well-defined and closed eyewall
as seen in microwave imagery
. Overnight on October 8, an eye
appeared on infrared satellite
, indicating that Norbert was intensifying and the storm was upgraded to a major hurricane respectively. Continuing to rapidly strengthen
over warm sea surface temperatures, it reached Category 4 status late on October 8, after intensifying 45 mph (75 km/h) over the previous 24 hours. The storm peak intensity was 135 mph (215 km/h) and a peak pressure of 945 mbar (hPa
; 27.91 inHg) while located 350 mi (563.3 km) south of Cabo San Lucas
, Mexico. The peak intensity of Norbert is uncertain as aircraft-based wind speed observations were lower than estimates via Dvorak Technique
. However, the cloud pattern became less impressive early on October 9, and was thus downgraded into a Category 3 hurricane, with winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) as it moved. The eye began to erode and as such Norbert underwent an eyewall replacement cycle
, where one eye is replaced by another. As a result, when Hurricane Hunters
investigated the storm later that day, they found that Norbert had weakened considerably. At that time, it was downgraded into a weak Category 1 hurricane on October 9.
On October 10, Norbert turned towards the north while slowing down as it reached the western edge of a subtropical ridge
. In an area of light wind shear, Norbert began to re-intensify as the eyewall replacement cycle completed. The cyclone turned to the north-northeast due to a mid to upper level trough
that was moving over the Southwest United States. Norbert managed to restrengthen into a Category 3 hurricane on 0600 UTC October 11, and made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane near Puerto Charley
. The next day, Norbert struck southern Sonora
at Category 1 intensity. Norbert rapidly dissipated by October 12 while inland over Mexico. Norbert was a Category 2 hurricane at landfall and is currently tied with Hurricane J
imena for the strongest storm to strike the west coast of Baja California Sur
.
to Guaymas
. Hurricane watches were issued from Agua Blanca to Cabo San Lucas
, and were extended around the Baja California peninsula
to La Paz
; these same areas were also under tropical storm warnings as well. Tropical storm warnings also extended from Loreto northward to Mulegé
on the eastern side of the peninsula.
On October 10, officials in Baja California declared the municipalities of Loreto, Comondú and La Paz disaster areas in anticipation of severe damage from the hurricane.
The mayor of Los Cobos, Oscar Nunez, strongly advised residents living in sub-par housing and in low-lying areas to prepare to evacuate. The local civil protection official stated bridges are ready to begin evacuating As the storm produced cloudy skies in Baja California, fishermen moved their boats onto the beach in La Paz. Beach officials warned people to stay out of the water. As flood water rose, residents fled from their homes and into shelters. "All precautions are in place ... we have prepared temporary shelters," said Jose Gajon, director of Baja California Sur
rescue services. The NHC
warned interests in the area to monitor the progress of Norbert. The storm was forecasted by the NHC to reach the U.S. States
of New Mexico
, Texas
, and Arizona
as a tropical depression. In Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, farmers rushed to fertilize the fields prior to the passage of Norbert.
Throughout Baja California Sur
, officials estimated that damages from the hurricane was MXN
8.8 billion 2008 MXN ($650 million USD). Roughly 5,000 homes sustained severe damage and roads throughout the state were also severely affected. About 100,000 people were without power at the height of the storm. The worst damage occurred in the municipality of Comondú where 16,000 residents reported damage to their homes. A total of 2,850 people were housed in temporary shelters. According to tourism officials, hotel reservations were down 40% in Las Cobos and Loreto Roofs were ripped off buildings and many trees were damaged. On the islands of Santa Margarita
and Magdalena
, 40% of homes received some damage, mostly roof damage. The La Paz airport
closed prior to the arrival of the system, but the Los Cabos International Airport
remained open throughout the passage of the tropical cyclone
. In La Paz
, the storm produced violent winds, a few last-minute drivers on streets with fallen trees. Rescue workers had to rescue many Mexicans in low lying areas from their wood and sheet metal
homes. In a drive-thru entrance, a happy hour sign was ripped off due to strong winds. Local residents south shelter by school bus
es and army truck
s as flood
waters entered their homes. High winds uprooted palm trees and the water was knee-deep in many areas of Puerto San Carlos.
The storm also affected cruise ships. While Carnival Pride
and Island Princess
survived the worst of the hurricane, the Carnival Elation was expected to arrive one day earlier than initially anticipated.
, Norbert made landfall in Sonora as a strong Category 1 hurricane. A total of 25 people were killed, five of which were in Álamos
. In addition, three others were reported as missing. Total damage in Sonora, excluding the town of Álamos was estimated at MXN 800 million (2008, $59.1 million). At the port of Topolobampo, rough seas from the storm sank four ships and damaged 70 others. The town of Álamos sustained the most severe damage in the area, with damage in the town exceeding MXN 200 million ($14.7 million). In Álamo, water rushed down the mountain
s nearby, flooding almost every channel in the city. Some scared residents fled to roof
tops and higher ground. A total of 95 homes were destroyed and concrete walls were knocked down. Cars and trucks smashed in trees. Furniture and other personal items were on the streets after the storm.
sustained severe losses, with 200 shrimp boats being destroyed leaving MXN 8 million (2008, $600,000 USD ) in damages. Roughly 6,000 people were left homeless in Sinaloa as hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed by Norbert. Officials evacuated 6,000 people in four municipalities (Guasave
, Ahome
, Choix
and El Fuerte). Due to flooding, officials announced that would evacuate seven communities. The port Mazatlan
was closed for navigation. A state of emergency
was declared for five municipalities throughout the region.
, but there were no immediate issues. Across New Mexico
, a deep upper-level low enhanced moisture across the region. A severe thunderstorm moved over Torrance County. Six power poles were snapped, a steel building was destroyed and blown onto Interstate 40
and three water tanks were severely damaged. Winds of 60 mph (96.6 km/h) to 70 mph (112.7 km/h) were recorded with gusts up to 100 mph (160.9 km/h). Throughout the state, total damage equaled $143,000.
, El Fuerte, Choix
, Guasave
and the city of Sinaloa de Leyva were declared disaster areas following the storm, allowing federal funding and supplies to be sent to the regions. The government in Sonora provided at least MXN 400 million ($29.5 million) in relief funds following the hurricane. Most of northern Sinaloa was also declared a disaster area.
Tropical cyclone
A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a large low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor...
in the below-average 2008 Pacific hurricane season
2008 Pacific hurricane season
The 2008 Pacific hurricane season was an event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation. It officially started May 15, 2008 in the eastern Pacific, started on June 1, 2008 in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30, 2008....
. Norbert originated as a tropical wave
Tropical wave
Tropical waves, easterly waves, or tropical easterly waves, also known as African easterly waves in the Atlantic region, are a type of atmospheric trough, an elongated area of relatively low air pressure, oriented north to south, which move from east to west across the tropics causing areas of...
, developed into a tropical depression on October 3, and into a tropical storm the next day. Norbert ultimately rapidly intensified to a major hurricane—Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
The Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale , or the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale , classifies hurricanes — Western Hemisphere tropical cyclones that exceed the intensities of tropical depressions and tropical storms — into five categories distinguished by the intensities of their sustained winds...
—on October 8. It continued to strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane before weakening making landfall in 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...
as a Category 2 hurricane on October 11. Norbert then crossed into the Gulf of California
Gulf of California
The Gulf of California is a body of water that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland...
and hit 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....
as a Category 1 hurricane. Norbert dissipated on the morning of October 12. Norbert claimed 25 lives with three people missing and caused $716.4 million in damages (2008 USD) throughout Mexico, with the worst damage in 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...
and Álamos
Álamos
The town and municipality of Álamos in the Mexican state of Sonora was founded in the late 17th century following discoveries of silver in the region. It was named by the conquistador Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, and became the capital of the surrounding region...
, Sonora.
Meteorological history
The origins of Norbert were from a tropical waveTropical wave
Tropical waves, easterly waves, or tropical easterly waves, also known as African easterly waves in the Atlantic region, are a type of atmospheric trough, an elongated area of relatively low air pressure, oriented north to south, which move from east to west across the tropics causing areas of...
that crossed 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 26 and September 27. An area of disturbed weather formed near 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...
on September 28, which at that time was mentioned on the Tropical Weather Outlook (an outlook issued every six hours during hurricane season by the National Hurricane Center
National Hurricane Center
The National Hurricane Center , located at Florida International University in Miami, Florida, is the division of the National Weather Service responsible for tracking and predicting weather systems within the tropics between the Prime Meridian and the 140th meridian west poleward to the 30th...
(NHC) that notes the possibility of tropical cyclogenesis
Tropical cyclogenesis
Tropical cyclogenesis is the term that describes the development and strengthening of a tropical cyclone in the atmosphere. The mechanisms through which tropical cyclogenesis occurs are distinctly different from those through which mid-latitude cyclogenesis occurs...
during the next 48 hours). Drifting westward off the coast of Mexico, the system initially consisted of a broad low pressure area
Low pressure area
A low-pressure area, or "low", is a region where the atmospheric pressure at sea level is below that of surrounding locations. Low-pressure systems form under areas of wind divergence which occur in upper levels of the troposphere. The formation process of a low-pressure area is known as...
and an area of disorganized convection. It slowly organized for several days, and by early on October 4 the system developed enough organized convection to be classified as Tropical Depression Fifteen; at that point, it was located about 230 miles (370.1 km) 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...
. The depression was located over an area of warm water temperatures and moderate vertical wind shear
Wind shear
Wind shear, sometimes referred to as windshear or wind gradient, is a difference in wind speed and direction over a relatively short distance in the atmosphere...
, and as such was forecast to intensify gradually.
About six hours after forming, the circulation of the depression became exposed from the deep convection, due to the wind shear. At the same time, two tropical cyclone forecast models predicted the tropical cyclone
Tropical cyclone
A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a large low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor...
formation of a larger disturbance to the southeast of the depression. One model predicted the new cyclone to absorb the depression, although most other models forecast for the depression to remain the dominant system. By early on October 5, deep convection developed and organized around the center of the depression, and satellite intensity estimates using the Dvorak technique
Dvorak technique
The Dvorak technique is a widely used system to subjectively estimate tropical cyclone intensity based solely on visible and infrared satellite images. Several agencies issue Dvorak intensity numbers for cyclones of sufficient intensity...
suggested that the tropical cyclone
Tropical cyclone
A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a large low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor...
had tropical storm force-winds; as a result, the NHC upgraded the depression to Tropical Storm Norbert, about 245 mi (394.3 km) south of Zihuatanejo
Zihuatanejo
Zihuatanejo or Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, is the fourth-largest city in the Mexican state of Guerrero. Politically the city belongs to the municipality of Zihuatanejo de Azueta in the western part of Guerrero, but both are commonly referred to as Zihuatanejo...
. Norbert slowly intensified, and was upgraded to a hurricane on October 6 as very deep atmospheric convection remained stable despite easterly wind shear
Wind shear
Wind shear, sometimes referred to as windshear or wind gradient, is a difference in wind speed and direction over a relatively short distance in the atmosphere...
.
On October 7, Hurricane Norbert reached Category 2 intensity on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
The Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale , or the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale , classifies hurricanes — Western Hemisphere tropical cyclones that exceed the intensities of tropical depressions and tropical storms — into five categories distinguished by the intensities of their sustained winds...
while Norbert developed well-defined and closed eyewall
Eye (cyclone)
The eye is a region of mostly calm weather found at the center of strong tropical cyclones. The eye of a storm is a roughly circular area and typically 30–65 km in diameter. It is surrounded by the eyewall, a ring of towering thunderstorms where the second most severe weather of a cyclone...
as seen in microwave imagery
Microwave
Microwaves, a subset of radio waves, have wavelengths ranging from as long as one meter to as short as one millimeter, or equivalently, with frequencies between 300 MHz and 300 GHz. This broad definition includes both UHF and EHF , and various sources use different boundaries...
. Overnight on October 8, an eye
Eye (cyclone)
The eye is a region of mostly calm weather found at the center of strong tropical cyclones. The eye of a storm is a roughly circular area and typically 30–65 km in diameter. It is surrounded by the eyewall, a ring of towering thunderstorms where the second most severe weather of a cyclone...
appeared on infrared satellite
Weather satellite
The weather satellite is a type of satellite that is primarily used to monitor the weather and climate of the Earth. Satellites can be either polar orbiting, seeing the same swath of the Earth every 12 hours, or geostationary, hovering over the same spot on Earth by orbiting over the equator while...
, indicating that Norbert was intensifying and the storm was upgraded to a major hurricane respectively. Continuing to rapidly strengthen
Rapid deepening
Rapid deepening, also known as rapid intensification, is a meteorological condition that occurs when the minimum sea-level atmospheric pressure of a tropical cyclone decreases drastically in a short period of time. The National Weather Service describes rapid deepening as a decrease of...
over warm sea surface temperatures, it reached Category 4 status late on October 8, after intensifying 45 mph (75 km/h) over the previous 24 hours. The storm peak intensity was 135 mph (215 km/h) and a peak pressure of 945 mbar (hPa
Pascal (unit)
The pascal is the SI derived unit of pressure, internal pressure, stress, Young's modulus and tensile strength, named after the French mathematician, physicist, inventor, writer, and philosopher Blaise Pascal. It is a measure of force per unit area, defined as one newton per square metre...
; 27.91 inHg) while located 350 mi (563.3 km) south 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 peak intensity of Norbert is uncertain as aircraft-based wind speed observations were lower than estimates via Dvorak Technique
Dvorak technique
The Dvorak technique is a widely used system to subjectively estimate tropical cyclone intensity based solely on visible and infrared satellite images. Several agencies issue Dvorak intensity numbers for cyclones of sufficient intensity...
. However, the cloud pattern became less impressive early on October 9, and was thus downgraded into a Category 3 hurricane, with winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) as it moved. The eye began to erode and as such Norbert underwent an eyewall replacement cycle
Eyewall replacement cycle
Eyewall replacement cycles, also called concentric eyewall cycles, naturally occur in intense tropical cyclones, generally with winds greater than 185 km/h , or major hurricanes...
, where one eye is replaced by another. As a result, when Hurricane Hunters
Hurricane Hunters
The Hurricane Hunters are aircraft that fly into tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic Ocean and Northeastern Pacific Ocean for the specific purpose of directly measuring weather data in and around those storms. In the United States, the Air Force, Navy, and NOAA units have all participated in...
investigated the storm later that day, they found that Norbert had weakened considerably. At that time, it was downgraded into a weak Category 1 hurricane on October 9.
On October 10, Norbert turned towards the north while slowing down as it reached the western edge of a subtropical ridge
Ridge (meteorology)
A ridge is an elongated region of relatively high atmospheric pressure, the opposite of a trough....
. In an area of light wind shear, Norbert began to re-intensify as the eyewall replacement cycle completed. The cyclone turned to the north-northeast due to a mid to upper level trough
Trough (meteorology)
A trough is an elongated region of relatively low atmospheric pressure, often associated with fronts.Unlike fronts, there is not a universal symbol for a trough on a weather chart. The weather charts in some countries or regions mark troughs by a line. In the United States, a trough may be marked...
that was moving over the Southwest United States. Norbert managed to restrengthen into a Category 3 hurricane on 0600 UTC October 11, and made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane near Puerto Charley
Puerto Charley
Puerto Chale is a town located on the Pacific coast side of La Paz Municipality in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. Hurricane Norbert made landfall in Puerto Chale on October 11, 2008, with 105 mph winds, a Category 2 hurricane. It had a population of 373 inhabitants in the 2010...
. The next day, Norbert struck southern 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....
at Category 1 intensity. Norbert rapidly dissipated by October 12 while inland over Mexico. Norbert was a Category 2 hurricane at landfall and is currently tied with Hurricane J
Hurricane Jimena (2009)
Hurricane Jimena was a Category 4 storm that is tied with Hurricane Norbert as the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall on western Baja California. Forming from a tropical wave late on August 28, off Mexico's Pacific coast, the system rapidly intensified into a Category 2...
imena for the strongest storm to strike the west coast of 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...
.
Preparations
A hurricane warning was issued on October 10 for parts of central Baja California from Puerto San Andresito southward to Agua Blanca, and they extended around the peninsula from La Paz to Loreto. The warnings were put in place on the mainland west coast from TopolobampoTopolobampo
Topolobampo is a port on the Gulf of California in northwestern Sinaloa, Mexico. It is the fourth-largest town in the municipality of Ahome , reporting a 2005 census population of 6,032 inhabitants....
to Guaymas
Guaymas
Guaymas is a city and municipality located in the southwest part of the state of Sonora in northwestern Mexico. The city is located 117 km south of the state capital of Hermosillo, and 242 miles from the U.S. border, and is the principal port for the state. The municipality is located in the...
. Hurricane watches were issued from Agua Blanca to 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...
, and were extended around 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...
to La Paz
La Paz, Baja California Sur
La Paz is the capital city of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur and an important regional commercial center. The city had a 2010 census population of 215,178 persons, but its metropolitan population is somewhat larger because of surrounding towns like el Centenario, el Zacatal and San Pedro...
; these same areas were also under tropical storm warnings as well. Tropical storm warnings also extended from Loreto northward to Mulegé
Mulegé
Mulegé is an oasis town in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, situated at the mouth of the Río de Santa Rosalía. It is the fourth-largest community in Mulegé Municipality...
on the eastern side of the peninsula.
On October 10, officials in Baja California declared the municipalities of Loreto, Comondú and La Paz disaster areas in anticipation of severe damage from the hurricane.
The mayor of Los Cobos, Oscar Nunez, strongly advised residents living in sub-par housing and in low-lying areas to prepare to evacuate. The local civil protection official stated bridges are ready to begin evacuating As the storm produced cloudy skies in Baja California, fishermen moved their boats onto the beach in La Paz. Beach officials warned people to stay out of the water. As flood water rose, residents fled from their homes and into shelters. "All precautions are in place ... we have prepared temporary shelters," said Jose Gajon, director of 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...
rescue services. The NHC
National Hurricane Center
The National Hurricane Center , located at Florida International University in Miami, Florida, is the division of the National Weather Service responsible for tracking and predicting weather systems within the tropics between the Prime Meridian and the 140th meridian west poleward to the 30th...
warned interests in the area to monitor the progress of Norbert. The storm was forecasted by the NHC to reach the U.S. States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
of New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, and Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
as a tropical depression. In Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, farmers rushed to fertilize the fields prior to the passage of Norbert.
Baja California Sur
The storm was responsible for 13 ft (4 m) waves. Norbert was also responsible produced peak winds of 60 mph (96.6 km/h) and a 70 mph (112.7 km/h) gust in Los Mochis. This observation occurred at 0200 UTC October 12. The maximum single-day rainfall total from Norbert was 4.78 in (121.4 mm) in Ciudad Constitucion.Throughout 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...
, officials estimated that damages from the hurricane was MXN
Mexican peso
The peso is the currency of Mexico. Modern peso and dollar currencies have a common origin in the 15th–19th century Spanish dollar, most continuing to use its sign, "$". The Mexican peso is the 12th most traded currency in the world, the third most traded in the Americas, and by far the most...
8.8 billion 2008 MXN ($650 million USD). Roughly 5,000 homes sustained severe damage and roads throughout the state were also severely affected. About 100,000 people were without power at the height of the storm. The worst damage occurred in the municipality of Comondú where 16,000 residents reported damage to their homes. A total of 2,850 people were housed in temporary shelters. According to tourism officials, hotel reservations were down 40% in Las Cobos and Loreto Roofs were ripped off buildings and many trees were damaged. On the islands of Santa Margarita
Isla Santa Margarita
Isla Santa Margarita is an island in the Pacific Ocean off the South West coast of Baja California Sur, at the entrance of Magdalena Bay. Its area is 231 km²....
and Magdalena
Isla Magdalena (Baja California Sur)
Isla Magdalena is an island off the Pacific Ocean coast of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, west of Ciudad Constitución. Its area is 314 km².-Weblinks:*...
, 40% of homes received some damage, mostly roof damage. The La Paz airport
Manuel Márquez de León International Airport
Manuel Márquez de León International Airport is an international airport located at La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. It handles national and international air traffic of the city of La Paz. In 2010, the airport handled 558,800 passengers, representing a 9.0% increase over 2009.-Airlines and...
closed prior to the arrival of the system, but the Los Cabos International Airport
Los Cabos International Airport
Los Cabos International Airport is the seventh busiest airport in Mexico, located at San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The airport serves Los Cabos area: San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. This airport has three terminals with 4 concourses...
remained open throughout the passage of the tropical cyclone
Tropical cyclone
A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a large low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor...
. In La Paz
La Paz, Baja California Sur
La Paz is the capital city of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur and an important regional commercial center. The city had a 2010 census population of 215,178 persons, but its metropolitan population is somewhat larger because of surrounding towns like el Centenario, el Zacatal and San Pedro...
, the storm produced violent winds, a few last-minute drivers on streets with fallen trees. Rescue workers had to rescue many Mexicans in low lying areas from their wood and sheet metal
Sheet metal
Sheet metal is simply metal formed into thin and flat pieces. It is one of the fundamental forms used in metalworking, and can be cut and bent into a variety of different shapes. Countless everyday objects are constructed of the material...
homes. In a drive-thru entrance, a happy hour sign was ripped off due to strong winds. Local residents south shelter by school bus
School bus
A school bus is a type of bus designed and manufactured for student transport: carrying children and teenagers to and from school and school events...
es and army truck
Truck
A truck or lorry is a motor vehicle designed to transport cargo. Trucks vary greatly in size, power, and configuration, with the smallest being mechanically similar to an automobile...
s as flood
Flood
A flood is an overflow of an expanse of water that submerges land. The EU Floods directive defines a flood as a temporary covering by water of land not normally covered by water...
waters entered their homes. High winds uprooted palm trees and the water was knee-deep in many areas of Puerto San Carlos.
The storm also affected cruise ships. While Carnival Pride
Carnival Pride
Carnival Pride is a Spirit class cruise ship that was built by Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Helsinki. She is owned by Carnival Corporation & PLC and operated by Carnival Cruise Lines. She has 1,062 staterooms; eighty percent of the staterooms have ocean views and eighty percent of those have private...
and Island Princess
Island Princess
Island Princess is a cruise ship for the Princess Cruises line. She is the sister ship to the Coral Princess and together they are the only Panamax ships in Princess's fleet. Built at Chantiers de l'Atlantique - France. The ship features a combined diesel and gas turbine electric powerplant. This...
survived the worst of the hurricane, the Carnival Elation was expected to arrive one day earlier than initially anticipated.
Sonora
After crossing the Gulf of CaliforniaGulf of California
The Gulf of California is a body of water that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland...
, Norbert made landfall in Sonora as a strong Category 1 hurricane. A total of 25 people were killed, five of which were in Álamos
Álamos
The town and municipality of Álamos in the Mexican state of Sonora was founded in the late 17th century following discoveries of silver in the region. It was named by the conquistador Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, and became the capital of the surrounding region...
. In addition, three others were reported as missing. Total damage in Sonora, excluding the town of Álamos was estimated at MXN 800 million (2008, $59.1 million). At the port of Topolobampo, rough seas from the storm sank four ships and damaged 70 others. The town of Álamos sustained the most severe damage in the area, with damage in the town exceeding MXN 200 million ($14.7 million). In Álamo, water rushed down the mountain
Mountain
Image:Himalaya_annotated.jpg|thumb|right|The Himalayan mountain range with Mount Everestrect 58 14 160 49 Chomo Lonzorect 200 28 335 52 Makalurect 378 24 566 45 Mount Everestrect 188 581 920 656 Tibetan Plateaurect 250 406 340 427 Rong River...
s nearby, flooding almost every channel in the city. Some scared residents fled to roof
Roof
A roof is the covering on the uppermost part of a building. A roof protects the building and its contents from the effects of weather. Structures that require roofs range from a letter box to a cathedral or stadium, dwellings being the most numerous....
tops and higher ground. A total of 95 homes were destroyed and concrete walls were knocked down. Cars and trucks smashed in trees. Furniture and other personal items were on the streets after the storm.
Sinaloa
The fishing industry in SinaloaSinaloa
Sinaloa officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Sinaloa is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 18 municipalities and its capital city is Culiacán Rosales....
sustained severe losses, with 200 shrimp boats being destroyed leaving MXN 8 million (2008, $600,000 USD ) in damages. Roughly 6,000 people were left homeless in Sinaloa as hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed by Norbert. Officials evacuated 6,000 people in four municipalities (Guasave
Guasave
Guasave is a city and its surrounding municipality in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. It is located in the northwestern part of the state, southeast of the city of Los Mochis. It stands at ....
, Ahome
Ahome
Ahome is a municipality on the coast of the Sea of Cortez in the northwestern part of the Mexican state of Sinaloa; it is adjacent to Higuera de Zaragoza, Sinaloa, and the southern border of Sonora state. It reported 388,344 inhabitants in the 2005 census. Ahome is also the name of the...
, Choix
Choix
Choix is a municipality in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. It stands atThe municipality reported 29 355 inhabitants in the 2000 census....
and El Fuerte). Due to flooding, officials announced that would evacuate seven communities. The port Mazatlan
Mazatlán
Mazatlán is a city in the Mexican state of Sinaloa; the surrounding municipio for which the city serves as the municipal seat is Mazatlán Municipality. It is located at on the Pacific coast, across from the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula.Mazatlán is a Nahuatl word meaning...
was closed for navigation. A state of emergency
State of emergency
A state of emergency is a governmental declaration that may suspend some normal functions of the executive, legislative and judicial powers, alert citizens to change their normal behaviours, or order government agencies to implement emergency preparedness plans. It can also be used as a rationale...
was declared for five municipalities throughout the region.
United States
The remnants of the storm dropped moderate precipitation across western TexasTexas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, but there were no immediate issues. Across New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
, a deep upper-level low enhanced moisture across the region. A severe thunderstorm moved over Torrance County. Six power poles were snapped, a steel building was destroyed and blown onto Interstate 40
Interstate 40
Interstate 40 is the third-longest major east–west Interstate Highway in the United States, after I-90 and I-80. Its western end is at Interstate 15 in Barstow, California; its eastern end is at a concurrency of U.S. Route 117 and North Carolina Highway 132 in Wilmington, North Carolina...
and three water tanks were severely damaged. Winds of 60 mph (96.6 km/h) to 70 mph (112.7 km/h) were recorded with gusts up to 100 mph (160.9 km/h). Throughout the state, total damage equaled $143,000.
Aftermath
On October 14, Governor Eduardo Bours Castelo of Sonora announced a two year reconstruction plan for Álamos with an initial budget of MXN 100 million ($7.3 million). The municipalities of AhomeAhome
Ahome is a municipality on the coast of the Sea of Cortez in the northwestern part of the Mexican state of Sinaloa; it is adjacent to Higuera de Zaragoza, Sinaloa, and the southern border of Sonora state. It reported 388,344 inhabitants in the 2005 census. Ahome is also the name of the...
, El Fuerte, Choix
Choix
Choix is a municipality in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. It stands atThe municipality reported 29 355 inhabitants in the 2000 census....
, Guasave
Guasave
Guasave is a city and its surrounding municipality in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. It is located in the northwestern part of the state, southeast of the city of Los Mochis. It stands at ....
and the city of Sinaloa de Leyva were declared disaster areas following the storm, allowing federal funding and supplies to be sent to the regions. The government in Sonora provided at least MXN 400 million ($29.5 million) in relief funds following the hurricane. Most of northern Sinaloa was also declared a disaster area.
External links
Mexico's National Weather Service report on Hurricane Norbert- National Hurricane Center's Eastern Pacific Tropical Weather Outlook - updated four times daily
- National Hurricane Center