| Category 2 hurricane (SSHS) | |
|---|---|
| Hurricane Eugene on July 25, 1987 | |
| Formed | July 22, 1987 |
| Dissipated | July 26, 1987 |
| Highest winds | 1-minute sustained: 100 mph (155 km/h) |
| Fatalities | 3 direct |
| Damage | $2.6 million (1987 USD) |
| Areas affected | Mexico |
| Part of the 1987 Pacific hurricane season | |
Hurricane Eugene was the only tropical cyclone to make landfall in Mexico during the busy 1987 Pacific hurricane season. The eight tropical cyclone, fifth named storm, and first hurricane of the season, Eugene developed on July 22 from a tropical disturbance centered well offshore of Mexico. Later that day, the system intensified into a tropical storm, as it was curving northwestward. The cyclone eventually reached hurricane status on July 24; it briefly peaked as a Category 2 hurricane two days later. Hurricane Eugene weakened back to a Category 1 hurricane, it made landfall near Manzanillo, Colima. Eugene rapidly weakened inland, and was only a tropical storm when it re-emerged into the Gulf of California. It quickly dissipated over open water. Throughout Mexico, Eugene produced high winds and heavy rainfall, especially in the southwestern portions of the country. The hurricane deluged the southwest Mexican coastline, resulting in the highest rainfall totals from a tropical cyclone in five Mexican states. Over 5,000 people were left homeless due to the hurricane. In addition, heavy crop damage occurred. Overall, Eugene caused three fatalities and $2.6 million (1987 USD) in damage.
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The origins of Hurricane Eugene were from a tropical disturbance that formed in the southwest Caribbean Sea on July 18. Over the next two days it moved across Central America and was located off the coast of Nicaragua on July 20.[1] Over the next few days, the system was steered westward due to easterly flow. By 0000 UTC on July 22, the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Center began classifying the system as Tropical Depression Eight-E, while centered 746 mi (1,201 km) south of Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico. After developing, the depression slowly began curving to the north-northwest, towards a stationary inverted trough over central Mexico. Later that day, the depression had intensified enough to be upgraded to Tropical Storm Eugene.[2]
Eugene continued intensifying as it tracked at a steady pace towards the north-northwest. By July 24, Eugene's motion slowed down and curved west-northwestward[3] while it was located southwest side of an upper-level low.[1] Around this time, Forecasters predicted the tropical cyclone to remain offshore.[4] Eugene was upgraded into a hurricane on July 24, the first of the 1987 Pacific hurricane season.[2] Further intensification occurred, and Eugene attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 km/h) the next day. However, the minimum barometric pressure is unknown.[3] Interacting with land, Eugene weakened back to a Category 1 six hours later.[2]
At 1200 UTC on July 25, Eugene made landfall near Manzanillo with winds of 90 mph (145 km/h). This made Hurricane Eugene the only storm to make landfall during 1987, though one hurricane and one tropical storm also came close to land in September and October respectively.[2] The rough topography caused the storm to rapidly weaken, and Eugene was downgraded to a tropical storm six hours after landfall. After briefly moving ashore,[5] Eugene emerged into the southern Sea of Cortez. However, re-intensification did not occur; instead, Eugene continued weakening due to its close proximity to land. The tropical cyclone was downgraded to a tropical depression early on July 26, and dissipated by 1200 UTC that day.[1][3][2]
When the storm first posed a threat to Mexico on July 24, the port of Zinuhuatenjo was closed for small craft. Navigation classes were suspended in Acapulco. The port of Manzanillo was closed, as were other ports along the coastline. The Mexican navy was put on alert for Acapulco to Guaymas for a total distance of 945 mi (1,521 km). The weather service issued navigation warnings for three coastal states and ships were urged to maintain contact with officials.[5]
Hurricane Eugene caused extremely heavy rain in coastal parts of Mexico. The highest rain was 20.68 in (525 mm) at Aquila, Michoacán.[1] Eugene is responsible for the highest tropical cyclone rainfall in the Mexican states of Aguascalientes, Michoacán, Querétaro, Tlaxcala, and Zacatecas.[6] It was also responsible for 15 ft (4.6 m) waves.[5]
The system produced widespread flooding, heavy rain, and high winds across Mexico.[2] Many homes made out of wood and palm trees were leveled by gusty winds and heavy rain. In Manzanillo, the storm knocked down trees and beach huts, but no injures were reported. Power was knocked out for most of the city.[5] Most of the damage was the scattering of debris and mud. Two to three hundred houses were destroyed in Colima. Elsewhere, the control tower in Manzanillo Airport's was damaged, necessitating closure for a few days. Six people were injured, and a man in Venustiano Carrazano was killed when a palm tree was blown over.[7] Two other people, including a six year-old girl, were killed. Over 5,000 people were left homeless[8] including 60 people in Manzanillo.[9] Heavy crop damage was reported[8] and the hurricane destroyed about 15 sq. mi (39 sq. km) of fruit crop throughout the country. The damage amounted to more than $2.6 million in damage (1987 USD).[10]
In the aftermath of the storm, the navy and army and local government devised a cleanup plan. They worked quickly to restore water and power service, and within a few days the services had been restored for most of the impacted area.[8] Since Hurricane Eugene, the only other landfalling Pacific hurricane in the month of July is 1993's Hurricane Calvin.[11]
