| Category 2 hurricane (SSHS) | |
|---|---|
| Hurricane Paula near peak intensity on October 12 | |
| Formed | October 11, 2010 |
| Dissipated | October 15, 2010 |
| Highest winds | 1-minute sustained: 105 mph (165 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 981 mbar (hPa; 28.97 inHg) |
| Fatalities | 1 direct |
| Areas affected | Honduras, Mexico, Cuba, and Florida Keys |
| Part of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Hurricane Paula was a small but strong hurricane that impacted several areas surrounding the western Caribbean Sea. The sixteenth named storm of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season, Paula developed from an area of low pressure over the southwestern Caribbean in early October 2010. Moving northwestward, it slowly organized, and the National Hurricane Center declared it a tropical storm on October 11, about 105 miles (169 km) east-southeast of Isla Guanaja, Honduras. The storm quickly intensified and became a Category 2 hurricane on October 13, with winds peaking near 105 mph (165 km/h). Following a sharp curve in its track, Paula gradually began to weaken over the northern Caribbean due to strong wind shear and land interaction with Cuba. The weak cyclone subsequently emerged into the Atlantic, where it degenerated into a remnant low and dissipated on October 16.
Paula produced strong gusts and significant precipitation throughout its path, leading to trails of widespread destruction. Across Central America, thousands of people were displaced, and authorities were forced to cancel several flights. At least one death was linked to the storm.
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Tropical Storm Nicole exited the Caribbean Sea and dissipated on September 29, leaving behind a broad area of cyclonic circulation at the lower levels of the atmosphere. A southeasterly-moving cold front drifted from the Gulf of Mexico on October 5, and developed into a stationary north-south trough axis the following day. When a tropical wave that was associated with the previous development of Hurricane Otto traced into the Caribbean on October 7, there was an escalation in the convection associated with the system. Another tropical wave traveled from the Lesser Antilles to the western Caribbean between October 9 and 10. A large low-pressure area formed as the wave interacted with the trough; however, convection decreased on October 10.[1]
Convection appeared to increase again, and a tropical depression formed 100 nautical miles (190 km; 120 mi) southeast of Cabo Gracias a Dios at approximately 00:00 UTC on October 11. Six hours later, the tropical depression was designated Tropical Storm Paula. Paula moved toward the northwest and tracked into the northwestern Caribbean as it moved around the southwestern periphery of a subtropical ridge.[1][2] While facing light to moderate shear,[3] Paula moved over warmer waters and rapidly intensified, strengthening into a hurricane on October 12. Paula continued to intensify throughout the day, reaching peak winds of 105 mph (165 km/h),[1] while powerful upper-level west-southwesterly winds interacted with the system.[4] Paula moved north-northwest as the storm was impacted by a middle-latitude trough over the Gulf of Mexico. At this time hurricane-force winds extended only 20 nautical miles (37 km; 23 mi) from the center of Paula, while tropical storm-force winds extended 60 nautical miles (110 km; 69 mi) from the same point.[1]
Hurricane Paula slowly weakened on October 13 as it drifted towards the north and was impacted by an area of wind shear over the Gulf of Mexico. The storm turned north-northeastward on October 14, in advance of the middle-latitude trough. As a result of vertical shear and powerful westward upper-level winds, Paula weakened into a tropical storm. The system made landfall in the Cuban province of Pinar del Río with winds of 65 mph (105 km/h). By 06:00 UTC on October 15 Paula had weakened into a tropical depression, while moving eastward over Cuba. Paula dissipated into a remnant low at 12:00 UTC.[1]
Along the northeastern coast of Honduras, several homes were destroyed by the storm. Dangerous conditions produced by Paula also forced officials to evacuate low-lying areas and shut down schools.[5] Gale-force winds onshore resulted in the closure of the Puerto Lempira Airport.[6] Throughout coastal districts, rainfall from the storm ranged from 150 to 200 mm (5.9 to 7.9 in), resulting in widespread flooding. Winds from the storm were also estimated up to 60 mph (97 km/h), and locals in the region stated that the winds were stronger than those produced by Hurricane Mitch in 1998.[7] In Puerto Lempira, four homes and two roads were destroyed by high winds and flooding.[8] In the city, a total of 3.31 in (84 mm) of rain fell during Paula's passage on October 11.[9] More than a dozen structures in Cauquira, including a school and police station were also damaged by flood waters. Along the coast, waves up to 7 ft (2.1 m) pounded beaches, leading to fears of additional flooding. A state of emergency was declared for the Bay Islands Department on October 12 and was to remain in place for 48 hours.[8]
In Mexico, officials assured tourists their safety and did not issue evacuations; however, about 1,560 locals were evacuated from Isla Holbox and Isla Contoy. Roughly 28,800 people were estimated to be visiting the region, most of which were in Cancún. Between October 12 and 13, transportation officials canceled 22 international flights to and from Cancún. Off the coast of Cozumel, an American citizen drowned after being overcome by rough seas produced by the storm.[10] Only light to moderate rain fell along the northeastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula; throughout October 13, 0.91 in (23 mm) of rain had fallen in Cancún and winds gusted up to 27 mph (43 km/h).[11] Despite the storm's close passage to the Yucatán Peninsula, Paula's small size resulted in very little impact on land. According to Quintana Roo's governor Félix González Canto, the storm left no structural or vegetative damage. Following the hurricane's passage, the red alerts issued for four Mexican states were discontinued and ports were re-opened.[12]
In Cuba, the outer bands of Paula brought heavy localized rains, especially to the Isla de la Juventud where 71 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation was recorded on October 12.[13] As Hurricane Paula neared landfall in the country on October 13, heavy rain fell across much of Pinar del Río Province. In Cape San Antonio, 4.85 in (123 mm) of rain fell by the morning of October 14.[14][15] The highest winds recorded during the storm's passage were measured in Puerto Esperanza at 68 mph (109 km/h).[16] Throughout the country, Paula resulted in relatively little damage. Near Havana, a few homes lost their roofs and power was lost to many homes, mostly as a result of a precautionary power shutdown. High winds also downed numerous trees, blocking many roads. Along the coast, rough seas damaged parts of the capital city's seawall. Some streets near the shore were left under 1 to 2 ft (0.30 to 0.61 m) of water at the height of the storm. By the afternoon of October 15, emergency crews began clearing debris left behind by the storm.[17]
Further north in the nearby Florida Keys, the outer bands of Paula brought moderate rainfall and increased surf. In Key West, a total of 1.51 in (38 mm) of rain had fallen between October 13 and 15.[18][19][20] Following the threat of a landfalling storm in Florida, orange juice futures dropped by 8.9%, reaching their lowest value since September 9. Values for delivery fell to $1.409 a pound (453 grams) at the worst of the downturn.[21]