2008 Pacific hurricane season

2008 Pacific hurricane season

Season summary map
Seasonal boundaries
First system formed May 29, 2008
Last system dissipated November 5, 2008
Strongest storm
Name Norbert
 • Maximum winds 130 mph (215 km/h)
(1-minute sustained)
 • Lowest pressure 945 mbar (hPa; 27.91 inHg)
Seasonal statistics
Total depressions 19
Total storms 17
Hurricanes 7
Major hurricanes
(Cat. 3+)		 2
Total fatalities 37 direct, 8 indirect
Total damage $152.5 million (2008 USD)
Related articles

The 2008 Pacific hurricane season was a near average hurricane season. 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. This season is the first since 1996 to have no cyclones cross into the central Pacific.[1] Activity this year was near average, with 16 storms forming in the Eastern Pacific proper and an additional 1 in the Central Pacific. There were 7 hurricanes, a low number compared to the typical 9, and only 2 major hurricanes, unlike the typical 5. There were only a few notable storms this year. Tropical Storm Alma made landfall along the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, becoming the first known storm to do so. It killed 9 and did $35 million in damage (2008 USD). It also became the first tropical storm to be retired in the Eastern Pacific basin. Hurricane Norbert became the strongest hurricane to hit the western side of the Baja Peninsula on record, killing 25.

Seasonal forecasts

Predictions of tropical activity in the 2008 season
for the Eastern North Pacific
Source Date Named
storms		 Hurricanes Major
hurricanes
CPC Average[2] 15.3 8.8 4.2
CPC[3] 22 May 2008 11 – 16 5 – 8 1 – 3
Record high activity 27 16 (Tie) 11
Record low activity 8 (Tie) 3 0 (Tie)
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Actual activity 17 7 2

On May 22, 2008, NOAA released their forecast for the 2008 Eastern Pacific and Central Pacific hurricane seasons. They predicted a below-normal level of activity in the Eastern Pacific, with 11 to 16 named storms, of which 5 to 8 were expected to become hurricanes, and 1 to 3 expected to become major hurricanes.[3]

The Central Pacific basin was also expected to be slightly below average, with three to four tropical cyclones expected to form or cross into the area.[4]

Timeline of Events

Tropical Storm Odile (2008) Hurricane Norbert (2008) Tropical Storm Lowell (2008) Tropical Storm Julio (2008) Hurricane Hernan (2008) Hurricane Fausto (2008) Tropical Depression Five-E (2008) Tropical Storm Alma Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

Systems

Tropical Storm Alma

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
Duration May 29 – May 30
Peak intensity 65 mph (100 km/h) (1-min)  994 mbar (hPa)

A nearly stationary trough of low pressure formed over the eastern reaches of the East Pacific in late May. The area of low pressure that organized into Tropical Storm Alma first developed early on May 27, perhaps aided by an eastward-travelling disturbance. It followed in that direction while steadily organizing, and the system organized into a tropical depression around 00:00 UTC on May 29, becoming the easternmost-forming tropical cyclone on record in the basin. The newly-formed system intensified into a tropical storm six hours later, earning the name Alma, and attained peak winds of 65 mph (100 km/h) as an eye-like feature became apparent on satellite. Moving northward, Alma made landfall near León, Nicaragua, at that strength before rapidly weakening inland. Its low-level circulation dissipated over the mountains of western Honduras around 18:00 UTC on May 30, but remnant convective activity aided in the formation of Tropical Storm Arthur in the western Caribbean a day later.[5]

León lost electricity and telephone services as the storm impacted the area, trees were toppled and some houses lost roofs.[6] In total nine people were killed with seven of them being indirect; the two direct deaths were in Nicaragua in León.[5]

Hurricane Boris

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
Duration June 27 – July 4
Peak intensity 80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min)  985 mbar (hPa)

A westward-moving tropical wave departed the western coast of Africa on June 14 and entered the eastern Pacific a week later. A broad surface low formed in association with the feature south of the Gulf of Tehuantepec on June 23, and its organization led to the formation of a tropical depression around 06:00 UTC on June 27. The cyclone only slowly organized in a moderate wind shear regime, becoming Tropical Storm Boris six hours later and remaining fairly steady state for a few days thereafter. Shear lessened on June 29, allowing Boris to attain hurricane intensity two days later as an eye developed. This feature was temporarily eroded late on July 1, but reappeared by 06:00 UTC on July 2 when the cyclone attained peak winds of 80 mph (130 km/h). Cold waters and a more stable environment then prompted rapid weakening, and Boris ultimately degenerated to a remnant low by 12:00 UTC on July 4. The post-tropical cyclone continued westward until dissipating early on July 6.[7]

Tropical Storm Cristina

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
Duration June 27 – June 30
Peak intensity 50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min)  999 mbar (hPa)

The season's third tropical depression developed around 18:00 UTC on June 27 from a tropical wave that crossed Central America four days prior. In an environment of low shear but abundant dry air and marginal ocean temperatures, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Cristina around 12:00 UTC on June 28 before attaining peak winds of 50 mph (85 km/h) six hours later. The cyclone moved west-northwest and then west as high pressure to its north expanded. Abundant dry air and stronger upper-level winds capped the storm's organization to intermittent, amorphous bursts of convection that eventually dissipated, and Cristina degenerated to a remnant low around 18:00 UTC on June 30. The low turned southward before dissipating on July 3.[8]

Tropical Storm Douglas

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
Duration July 1 – July 4
Peak intensity 40 mph (65 km/h) (1-min)  1003 mbar (hPa)

An organized tropical wave departed the western coast of Africa on June 19 and reached waters south of the Gulf of Tehuantepec late the next week. The system steadily congealed into a tropical depression by 18:00 UTC on July 1. Paralleling the coastline of southwestern Mexico, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Douglas and attained peak winds of 40 mph (65 km/h) around 12:00 UTC the next morning, despite the effects of strong northeasterly wind shear. As upper-level winds increased further and Douglas tracked northwest into cooler waters, it began a weakening trend that ended in its degeneration to a remnant low around 06:00 UTC on July 4. The low turned west within low-level flow and dissipated two days later.[9]

Due to the proximity to land, outer rain bands associated with Douglas produced tropical storm force winds in Manzanillo, Mexico.[9] Minor flood damage was reported along the coastline in Colima, Jalisco, and Nayarit.[10] Due to the proximity to land, the outerbands of Douglas produced tropical storm force winds in Manzanillo, Mexico.[9] Minor flooding was reported along the coastline in Colima, Jalisco, and Nayarit.[10] Moisture associated with Douglas produced light rain over parts of Baja California Sur, with heavier amounts in Todos los Santos.[11]

Tropical Depression Five-E

Tropical depression (SSHWS)
 
Duration July 5 – July 7
Peak intensity 35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min)  1005 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave departed the western coast of Africa on June 23 and began steady organization after entering the eastern Pacific over a week later. The system acquired sufficient organization to be declared a tropical depression around 18:00 UTC on July 5 and embarked on a northwesterly course parallel to the coastline of Mexico. The following day, however, a weakening mid-level ridge to its north directed the cyclone more poleward.[12] Strong easterly wind shear prevented the formation of banding features while keeping the overall cloud pattern disorganized,[13] and the depression moved ashore near Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán, early on July 7 without attaining tropical storm intensity. It dissipated over the mountainous terrain a few hours later.[12]

Hurricane Elida

Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
Duration July 11 – July 19
Peak intensity 105 mph (165 km/h) (1-min)  970 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave, indistinguishable in the Atlantic basin, crossed the coastline of Central America on July 8 and organized into a tropical depression three days later around 18:00 UTC. With a mid-level ridge extending from the Gulf of Mexico into western Mexico, the newly-formed cyclone moved west-northwest within an increasingly favorable environment, intensifying into Tropical Storm Elida by 06:00 UTC on July 12 and becoming the season's first hurricane around 12:00 UTC on July 14. An abrupt increase in wind shear briefly weakened the storm the next day, but by 18:00 UTC on July 16,[14] the formation of an eye within Elida's round central dense overcast showcased its peak as a Category 2 hurricane with winds of 105 mph (165 km/h).[15] The system then tracked into cooler waters and stronger upper-level winds, causing it to fall below hurricane intensity by 06:00 UTC on July 18 and degenerate to a remnant low early the next morning, although it maintained a well-defined circulation. The low ultimately dissipated well east-southeast of Hawaii by 00:00 UTC on July 22.[14]

Hurricane Fausto

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
Duration July 16 – July 22
Peak intensity 90 mph (150 km/h) (1-min)  977 mbar (hPa)

Fausto developed from a tropical wave that departed Africa on July 4 and entered the eastern Pacific eight days later. There, the disturbance steadily organized into a tropical depression around 06:00 UTC on July 16. After formation, the cyclone moved swiftly west-northwest, steered by a mid-level ridge to its north. Favorable environmental conditions allowed it to intensify into Tropical Storm Fausto six hours after formation and further strengthen into a hurricane by 12:00 UTC on July 18. The storm unexpectedly leveled off the next day, but Fausto ultimately attained its peak as a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 90 mph (150 km/h) around 12:00 UTC on July 20 as its eye became most distinct in infrared satellite imagery;[16][17] this value is slightly lower than its originally-assessed peak of 100 mph (155 km/h). Entering progressively cooler waters, the storm weakened below hurricane intensity late on July 21 and ultimately degenerated to a remnant low by 00:00 UTC on July 23. The post-tropical cyclone dissipated the next day.[16]

Clarion Island reported sustained winds of 64 mph (103 km/h), gusting to 94 mph (151 km/h), and Socorro Island reported sustained winds of 79 mph (127 km/h), gusting to 109 mph (175 km/h) at the height of Fausto. However, considering the storm's nearest approach brought it no closer than 115 mi (185 km) to the islands, these values are deemed suspect by the NHC.[16]

Hurricane Genevieve

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
Duration July 21 – July 27
Peak intensity 75 mph (120 km/h) (1-min)  987 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave moved off Africa on July 6, spawning an area of low pressure over the western Caribbean Sea ten days later. After crossing into the eastern Pacific, the disturbance organized into a tropical depression around 12:00 UTC on July 21 and intensified into Tropical Storm Genevieve six hours later. Moderate easterly wind shear gave way to more favorable upper-level winds following formation, but the system soon tracked over cooler ocean waters caused by Hurricane Fausto, limiting its development. By July 25, however, Genevieve moved into warmer waters and attained its peak as a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 75 mph (120 km/h);[18] its satellite presentation at this time was characterized by hints of an eye within a small central dense overcast.[19] Encountering strong northerly wind shear, the cyclone began a steady weakening trend shortly thereafter and ultimately degenerated to a remnant low around 12:00 UTC on July 27. The low continued west and dissipated four days later.[18]

Hurricane Hernan

Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
Duration August 6 – August 12
Peak intensity 120 mph (195 km/h) (1-min)  956 mbar (hPa)

On July 24 a tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa and traversed the Atlantic before entering the Pacific Ocean on August 2. By August 5, an area of low pressure developed along the wave. Convection associated with the low quickly developed and the low was declared a tropical depression the next day while located 775 mi (1230 km) to the south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Roughly twelve hours later, the depression was upgraded to a tropical storm and named Hernan. Hernan gradually intensified, reaching hurricane status on August 8 and major hurricane status (having winds of 111 mph (178 km/h) or higher) on August 9 after rapidly intensifying. Hernan reached its peak intensity with winds of 120 mph (195 km/h) with a minimum pressure of 956 mbar (hPa; 28.24 inHg) at 1200 UTC on August 9. Over the next several days, the combination of an eyewall replacement cycle and cooler waters caused the hurricane to weaken to a tropical storm on August 12. Shower and thunderstorm activity diminished throughout the rest of the day and Hernan degenerated into a remnant low early the next morning. The low moved in a general west-southwesterly direction and dissipated on August 16 while located 460 mi (740 km) southeast of the Island of Hawaii.[20]

Tropical Storm Kika

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
Duration August 7 – August 14 (Crossed basin)
Peak intensity 40 mph (65 km/h) (1-min)  1007 mbar (hPa)

On the morning of August 5, the CPHC began monitoring an area of low pressure 1,200 mi (1,930 km) east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii;[21] the system became better organized later in the day as the system was classified as a tropical disturbance[22] and was declared Tropical Depression One-C on August 7 850 mi (1,370 km) southeast of Hilo, Hawaii.[23] One-C was being steered toward the west due to easterly trade winds caused by large subtropical high pressure area located northeast of Hawaii.[24] The depression was quickly upgraded to Tropical Storm Kika later that night.[25] Despite strong wind shear,[26] the storm was expected to attain winds at 60 mph (95 km/h).[27] However, this did not occur. After turning west-northwest and attaining peak intensity,[28] Kika became less organized the following morning and the CPHC subsequently downgraded it to a tropical depression.[29] After a revival in convection[30]

Kika was re-upgraded to a tropical storm again that evening.[28] Even though wind shear was significantly diminishing, the storm became even less organized was moving over cooling water.[31] Late on August 9, Kika weakened to a tropical depression once more, but was briefly re-upgraded into a tropical storm as it became better organized very late that night.[32] By August 10, only isolated bursts of thunderstorms had remained around the center;[33] as such, Kika was downgraded into a tropical depression.[28] After a brief increase in thunderstorm activity, one Tropical cyclone forecast model showed Kika reaching hurricane status.[34] Kika degenerated into a remnant low-pressure area that night 400 mi (645 km) away from the Johnston Atoll.[28] The remnant low was last noted on August 14, as it crossed the International Date Line, out of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility.[35]

Tropical Storm Iselle

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
Duration August 13 – August 16
Peak intensity 50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min)  999 mbar (hPa)

A disturbance moved through Costa Rica and Panama, and showed some good sign of strengthening while in that region.[36] The disturbance then moved southwest of Mexico and showed no signs of strengthening until August 13, when it developed into Tropical Depression Ten-E. It further intensified into Tropical Storm Iselle, the ninth named storm of the season. Iselle reached its peak intensity of 50 mph, a moderate Tropical Storm, on August 14. No damage or deaths were linked to the storm. It never threatened any land masses. As Tropical Storm Iselle moved west, the cooler waters and northerly wind shear began to take its toll and it was downgraded to a tropical depression. Tropical Storm Iselle dissipated on August 16.

Tropical Storm Julio

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
Duration August 23 – August 26
Peak intensity 50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min)  998 mbar (hPa)

On August 23, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) upgraded an area of low pressure which was located in the eastern Pacific Ocean south of Baja California to Tropical Depression Eleven E.[37] Later that morning, Tropical Storm Watches went up. That afternoon, the depression intensified into a tropical storm after a ship report supported tropical storm intensity.[38] It made landfall in La Paz after becoming a tropical storm with 50 mph winds and a well-defined center, Mexico as a tropical storm on August 24, weakened, and dissipated August 26.

As Julio made landfall, it produced lightning and locally heavy rainfall,[39] which left more than a dozen communities isolated due to flooding. The flooding damaged several houses and killed one person.[40] Winds were generally light,[39] although strong enough to damage a few electrical poles and small buildings.[41] Moisture from Julio developed thunderstorms across Arizona, including one near Chandler which produced winds of 75 mph (120 km/h); the storm damaged ten small planes at Chandler Municipal Airport, as well as a hangar. The storms also dropped light rainfall, reaching over 1 inch (25 mm) in Gilbert, which caused flooding on Interstate 17.[42]

Tropical Storm Karina

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
Duration September 2 – September 3
Peak intensity 40 mph (65 km/h) (1-min)  1000 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave crossed Central America and entered the eastern Pacific basin on August 28.[43] After two days, the wave spawned an area of low pressure south of Manzanillo, Mexico.[43] By later that night, a low-level circulation developed partially underneath deep thunderstorm activity. In an area favorable for development, a tropical cyclone formation alert was issued on September 2.[44] However, strong easterly shear separated the showers and thunderstorms from the center of circulation. Despite the shear, sufficient convection developed around the center; the National Hurricane Center (NHC) classified it a tropical depression at 0600 UTC, while centered about 390 miles (630 km) south of the southern tip of Baja California.[43] The depression quickly intensified into Tropical Storm Karina while located about 25 mi (40 km) north of Socorro Island.[43] Located to the south of a weakening mid-level ridge Karina reached its peak with winds of 40 mph (65 km/h).[45] However, weakening soon took place and Karina weakened back to a tropical depression later that day, due to strong wind shear.[46] Convection was unable to redevelop, and Karina degenerated into a remnant low-pressure area early on September 3.[47] The remnant low quickly dissipated that afternoon.[43]

Tropical Storm Lowell

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
Duration September 6 – September 11
Peak intensity 50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min)  998 mbar (hPa)

Tropical Storm Lowell developed out of monsoonal trough located off the southwest coast of Mexico on the morning of September 5. A weak area of low pressure was found embedded within a large area of scattered moderate and isolated strong convection.[48] The low failed to develop and was not mentioned in the tropical weather discussions for the rest of the day.[49] On September 6, a new low had formed on the western side of the trough. The low was poorly defined but global forecast models were anticipating cyclogenesis within the next two days.[50]

Southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, the area of thunderstorms strengthened into Tropical Storm Lowell on the night of September 6. The system skipped tropical depression status and was named Lowell.[51] Lowell slowly strengthened into a 50 mph Tropical Storm. A tropical storm watch was issued for southern Baja California as the storm headed north, but it weakened to a tropical depression on September 9. The next day Tropical Depression Lowell made landfall with 35 mph winds. It moved inland and dissipated on September 11. The remnants of Tropical Storm Lowell continued across the United States and joined with a cold front bringing heavy rains to the central northern states before tracking into Canada. It caused the heaviest rainstorm ever recorded in Chicago since records began in 1877.

Lowell made landfall as a tropical depression in Baja California but its effects where felt at more inland areas. In Michoacán, Sonora, and Sinaloa, flooding from Lowell's remnants left more than 26500 people homeless. No deaths were reported.[52] Damage in Sonora totaled over 200 million pesos - $15.5 million in 2008 USD.[53]

Moisture from Lowell eventually joined with a cold front and the remnants of Hurricane Ike and caused significant damage. As this conglomeration of moisture traveled through the United States it caused extensive flooding in Illinois. In Chicago it broke flooding records dating back to 1871.[54]

Hurricane Marie

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
Duration October 1 – October 6
Peak intensity 80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min)  984 mbar (hPa)

Marie originated from a tropical wave that emerged from the west coast of Africa on September 6. The wave moved quickly westward with little or no associated convection until it reached Central America about two weeks later. On September 24 when the wave emerged over the eastern North Pacific, a few weak bands of convection finally developed. However, this system showed no signs of having a closed surface circulation until September 28 when the system was located about 300 miles (480 km) south of Manzanillo, Mexico.[55]

Tropical Depression Fourteen-E formed on October 1 from a broad area of low pressure SW of Baja California. It strengthened to become Tropical Storm Marie later the same day. Heading more or less westwards, by October 3 it became slow moving and strengthened into a hurricane, the sixth of the season. After unusually weak activity during the late August and September,[56] Marie was the first hurricane since Hernan, two months earlier. Marie weakened at a steady pace until its winds reached 40 mph, a weak tropical storm. Shortly thereafter, it was downgraded to tropical depression status. As it was dissipating, Tropical Depression Marie degenerated into an open trough before being absorbed into Intertropical Convergence Zone on October 19.[57]

Hurricane Norbert

Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
Duration October 4 – October 12
Peak intensity 130 mph (215 km/h) (1-min)  945 mbar (hPa)

Late in September, a vigorous tropical wave moved off the west coast of Mexico. By October 1, the National Hurricane Center issued a high probability (over 50% chance of development in the next 48 hours) for development into a tropical cyclone, but as the wave stalled offshore, it began losing vigor, with the NHC reducing the likelihood to medium (20-50% chance for development in the next 48 hours) the next day. As of 2100 UTC October 3, the likelihood of development within the next 48 hours was high again. Then, late that night, the wave developed into Tropical Depression Fifteen-E, and then into Tropical Storm Norbert 24 hours later.

Norbert ultimately became a hurricane on October 7 and rapidly intensified to a Category 2 hurricane and it became a major hurricane on October 8, the second of the season and the first since Hurricane Hernan. It continued to strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane before weakening back to a Category 3 by the morning of October 9, and weakened into a Category 1 hurricane that afternoon, but restrengthened into a Category 2 the next day, and became a minimal major hurricane the next morning, and it made landfall in Baja California as a Category 2 later that morning. Norbert then hit the mainland of Mexico as a Category 1 hurricane, killing 8. The final advisory on Norbert was issued on the morning of October 12.

Hurricane Norbert struck Mexico's Baja California peninsula with torrential rains and winds of up to 155 km/h. Strong winds bent palm trees along coastal areas. Some streets were in knee-deep water in the town of Puerto San Carlos. Norbert ripped off roofs, knocking down trees and left one person missing and more than 20,000 homes without electricity, local authorities say. Some 2850 people were housed in temporary shelters. Forty percent of homes were totally or partially damaged on the islands of Margarita and Magdalena, mainly having lost their roofs, said a report from state protection services. La Paz international airport suspended its activities at midday local time Saturday, but the tourist resort of Los Cabos remained open. Hotel reservations were down by around 40 per cent mainly in Los Cabos and Loreto, local tourism officials said.[58]

Norbert was a Category 2 hurricane at landfall, which made Norbert the first October hurricane to strike the western Baja California peninsula since Hurricane Pauline forty years prior, and Norbert was the stronger of the two.

Tropical Storm Odile

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
Duration October 8 – October 12
Peak intensity 60 mph (95 km/h) (1-min)  997 mbar (hPa)

In early October, a tropical wave formed near Nicaragua. Remaining Stationary until October 6 or October 7, the wave dumped heavy rain on the area, although damages or deaths, if any, have yet to be reported. On October 8, the wave became better organized as the National Hurricane Center increased the odds of development from the system. Then, later that day, the wave developed into Tropical Depression Sixteen-E, the sixteenth tropical cyclone of the active season. On the morning of October 9, it became Tropical Storm Odile, a short lived storm while located southwest of Guatemala.

Odile slowly strengthened over the next few days.[59] On October 10 tropical storm watches were issued in Mexico as it strengthened into a tropical storm with winds of 60 mph.[60] That night Odile made it closest approach to the area it came within 50 miles (80 km).[61] After making it closest approach to Mexico, an Aircraft investigated Odile as it peaked as a 65 mph tropical storm.[62] Over the next several days, however, Odile slowly weakened and dissipated on October 12, the same day that Hurricane Norbert met its demise.

Eighteen hours after it was named, a Tropical Storm Watch was issued from Punta Maldonado to Zihuatanejo.[63] It was replaced with a warning 12 hours later.[64] Before becoming a tropical wave, the precursor disturbance to Odile dumped heavy rainfall on Nicaragua, although any impact is unknown. Odile also caused heavy rain in Mexico. The system caused floods in Acapulco, which left 12 homes damaged.[65]

Tropical Depression Seventeen-E

Tropical depression (SSHWS)
 
Duration October 23 – October 24
Peak intensity 35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min)  1008 mbar (hPa)

An area of disturbed weather had been tracked west for a few days, until Tropical Depression Seventeen-E formed rapidly on October 23 a few hundred miles south of Manzanillo.[66] It dissipated the next day while over very cold waters and unfavorable upper level winds without reaching tropical storm status, the remnant low of this system moved west for next couple of days before it dissipated in the open sea.

Tropical Storm Polo

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
Duration November 2 – November 5
Peak intensity 45 mph (75 km/h) (1-min)  1003 mbar (hPa)

On October 31, the NHC began monitoring an area of disturbed weather south of the Mexican coast, noting the possibility for tropical cyclone formation. Strong convection lacked until November 2, when the NHC designated the area of low pressure 990 mi (1590 km) south of the southern tip of Baja California as Tropical Depression Eighteen-E.[67] Existing at a low latitude,[68] it slowly strengthened until it became a tropical storm and received the name Polo, the seventeenth named storm of the season. When it was named, the NHC forecasted Polo to become a strong tropical storm, but it remained a weak tropical storm with 45 mph winds, barely holding on to tropical storm status.[69] It remained a storm at the same intensity until November 4. At that time it was downgraded to a depression. The same day the storm was declared dissipated because it had degenerated into an open trough.

Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE)

ACE (104kn²) (Source) — Storm:
1 18.4 Norbert 10 (1.59) Kika
2 12.1 Hernan 11 1.41 Iselle
3 11.5 Elida 12 1.38 Julio
4 10.1 Fausto 13 1.33 Cristina
5 7.68 Boris 14 1.13 Polo
6 5.68 Genevieve 15 0.830 Alma
7 5.05 Marie 16 0.613 Douglas
8 2.56 Odile 17 0.245 Karina
9 2.18 Lowell
Total: 82.1 (1.59)

The table on the right shows the ACE for each storm in the season. ACE is, broadly speaking, a measure of the power of the hurricane multiplied by the length of time it existed, so storms that last a long time, as well as particularly strong hurricanes, have high ACEs. ACE is only calculated for full advisories on tropical systems at or exceeding 34 knots (39 mph, 63 km/h) or tropical storm strength.

The figures in parentheses are for storms in the Central Pacific basin west of 140°W; those not in parenthesis are for the Eastern Pacific basin.

Storm names

The following names were used for named storms that formed in the northeast Pacific in 2008. The names not retired from this list were used again in the 2014 season. This was the same list that was used in the 2002 season, except for Karina, which replaced Kenna. The name Karina was used for the first time in 2008. Names that weren't used are marked in gray.

  • Rachel (unused)
  • Simon (unused)
  • Trudy (unused)
  • Vance (unused)
  • Winnie (unused)
  • Xavier (unused)
  • Yolanda (unused)
  • Zeke (unused)

For storms that form in the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility, encompassing the area between 140 degrees west and the International Date Line, all names are used in a series of four rotating lists. The only name used was Kika.

  • Kika
  • Lana (unused)
  • Maka (unused)
  • Neki (unused)

Retirement

After the season the World Meteorological Organization's Hurricane Committee retired the name Alma from the Eastern Pacific naming list and replaced it with Amanda.[70]

Season effects

This is a table of the storms in 2008 and their landfall(s), if any. Deaths in parentheses are indirect; an example of such would be a traffic accident, but still storm-related. Damage and death totals include times when the storm was an extratropical storm or precursor wave.

Name Dates active Peak classification Sustained
wind speeds		 Pressure Areas affected Damage
(USD)		 Deaths Refs
Alma May 29 – 30 Tropical storm 65 mph (100 km/h) 994 hPa (29.35 inHg) Nicaragua $33 million 9 [71]
Boris June 27 – July 4 Category 1 hurricane 80 mph (130 km/h) 985 hPa (29.09 inHg) None None None [72]
Cristina June 27 – 30 Tropical storm 50 mph (85 km/h) 999 hPa (29.50 inHg) None None None
Douglas July 1 – 4 Tropical storm 40 mph (65 km/h) 1003 hPa (29.62 inHg) Northwestern Mexico, Baja California Peninsula None None
Five-E July 5 – 7 Tropical depression 35 mph (55 km/h) 1005 hPa (29.68 inHg) Western Mexico $2.2 million 2
Elida July 11 – 19 Category 2 hurricane 105 mph (165 km/h) 970 hPa (28.64 inHg) Southwestern Mexico, Hawaii None None
Fausto July 16 – 22 Category 1 hurricane 90 mph (150 km/h) 977 hPa (28.85 inHg) Socorro Island, Western Mexico Minimal None
Genevieve July 21 – 27 Category 1 hurricane 75 mph (120 km/h) 987 hPa (29.15 inHg) Hawaii None None
Hernan August 6 – 12 Category 3 hurricane 120 mph (195 km/h) 956 hPa (28.23 inHg) Hawaii None None
Kika August 7 – 16 Tropical storm 40 mph (65 km/h) 1007 hPa (29.74 inHg) None None None
Iselle August 13 – 16 Tropical storm 50 mph (85 km/h) 999 hPa (29.50 inHg) None None None
Julio August 23 – 26 Tropical storm 50 mph (85 km/h) 998 hPa (29.47 inHg) Baja California Peninsula, Arizona $1 million 1
Karina September 2 – 3 Tropical storm 40 mph (65 km/h) 1000 hPa (29.53 inHg) Socorro Island None None
Lowell September 6 – 11 Tropical storm 50 mph (85 km/h) 998 hPa (29.47 inHg) Baja California Peninsula, Northwestern Mexico, Central United States $15.5 million 6
Marie October 1 – 6 Category 1 hurricane 80 mph (130 km/h) 984 hPa (29.06 inHg) None None None
Norbert October 4 – 12 Category 4 hurricane 130 mph (215 km/h) 945 hPa (27.91 inHg) Baja California Peninsula, Northwestern Mexico, New Mexico, Texas $98.5 million 25
Odile October 8 – 12 Tropical storm 60 mph (95 km/h) 997 hPa (29.44 inHg) Southwestern Mexico Unknown None
Seventeen-E October 23 – 24 Tropical depression 35 mph (55 km/h) 1008 hPa (29.77 inHg) None None None
Polo November 2 – 5 Tropical storm 45 mph (75 km/h) 1003 hPa (29.62 inHg) None None None
Season aggregates
19 systems May 29 – November 5 130 mph (215 km/h) 945 hPa (27.91 inHg) 152.2 37 (8)

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Previous Tropical Systems in the Central Pacific". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on 22 December 2008. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
  2. ↑ Climate Prediction Center, NOAA (2006-05-22). "Background Information: East Pacific Hurricane Season". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on 3 May 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-22.
  3. 1 2 Climate Prediction Center, NOAA (2008-05-22). "NOAA: 2008 Tropical Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Outlook". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on 14 May 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-26.
  4. ↑ Central Pacific Hurricane Center, NOAA (2008-05-22). "NOAA Expects Slightly Below Average Central Pacific Hurricane Season" (PDF). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 June 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-26.
  5. 1 2 Daniel P. Brown (July 7, 2008). Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Alma (PDF) (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. pp. 1,4. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  6. ↑ "Tropical Storm Alma pummels Nicaragua,kills one". Reuters. 2008-05-29. Retrieved 2008-08-23.
  7. ↑ Eric S. Blake (October 17, 2008). Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Boris (PDF) (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. pp. 1,3. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  8. ↑ Richard J. Pasch (February 18, 2009). Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Cristina (PDF) (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. pp. 1,3. Retrieved July 13, 2017.
  9. 1 2 3 Lixion A. Avila (September 16, 2008). Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Douglas (PDF) (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. pp. 1,3. Retrieved July 13, 2017.
  10. 1 2 Oscar Gutierrez; Justin Miranda; Edgar Avila Perez (July 2, 2008). "Ocasiona tormenta tropical Douglas intensas lluvias" (in Spanish). El Universal. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
  11. ↑ Staff Writer (July 3, 2008). "Douglas Continues to Weaken". Bajan Insider. Archived from the original on October 8, 2008. Retrieved June 14, 2009.
  12. 1 2 Richard D. Knabb (September 9, 2008). Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Depression Five-E (PDF) (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
  13. ↑ Richard J. Pasch (July 6, 2008). Tropical Depression Five-E Discussion Number 4 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
  14. 1 2 James L. Franklin (September 28, 2008). Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Elida (PDF) (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. pp. 1,2,4,5. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  15. ↑ Lixion A. Avila (July 16, 2008). Hurricane Elida Discussion Number 20 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  16. 1 2 3 John L. Beven II (November 19, 2008). Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Fausto (PDF) (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. pp. 1,4. Retrieved July 19, 2017.
  17. ↑ David P. Roberts; Richard J. Pasch (July 21, 2008). Hurricane Fausto Discussion Number 21 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved July 19, 2017.
  18. 1 2 Jessica S. Clark; Jamie R. Rhome (December 16, 2008). Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Genevieve (PDF) (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. pp. 1,2,4,5. Retrieved July 24, 2017.
  19. ↑ Eric S. Blake (July 25, 2008). Hurricane Genevieve Discussion Number 18 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved July 24, 2017.
  20. ↑ Daniel P. Brown (2008-10-13). "Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Hernan" (PDF). National Hurricane Center. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 January 2009. Retrieved 2008-12-22.
  21. ↑ Houston (2008-08-05). "Central Pacific Tropical Weather Outlook, August 5, 0732 UTC". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on October 29, 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  22. ↑ Kinel (2008-08-06). "Central Pacific Tropical Weather Outlook, August 6, 0150 UTC". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on October 29, 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  23. ↑ Craig (2008-08-06). "Tropical Depression One-C Public Advisory One". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  24. ↑ Craig (2008-08-06). "Tropical Depression One-C Discussion One". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
  25. ↑ Kodama (2008-08-06). "Tropical Storm Kika Discussion Two". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
  26. ↑ Wroe/Houston (2008-08-07). "Tropical Storm Kika Discussion Three". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
  27. ↑ Donaldson (2008-08-07). "Tropical Storm Kika Discussion Four". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
  28. 1 2 3 4 National Hurricane Center; Hurricane Research Division; Central Pacific Hurricane Center. "The Northeast and North Central Pacific hurricane database 1949–2016". United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. A guide on how to read the database is available here.
  29. ↑ Donaldson (2008-08-08). "Tropical Depression Kika Discussion Eight". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
  30. ↑ Donaldson (2008-08-08). "Tropical Depression Kika Discussion Nine". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
  31. ↑ Burke (2008-08-09). "Tropical Storm Kika Discussion Twelve". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
  32. ↑ Donaldson (2008-08-09). "Tropical Storm Kika Discussion Fourteen". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
  33. ↑ Burke (2008-08-10). "Tropical Depression Kika Discussion Seventeen". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
  34. ↑ Powell (2008-08-11). "Tropical Depression Kika Discussion Nineteen". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
  35. ↑ Houston (2008-08-14). "Central Pacific Tropical Weather Outlook, August 14, 0745 UTC". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  36. ↑ http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOEP/2008/TWOEP.200808081157.txt
  37. ↑ "Tropical Depression 11E Advisory number 1". NHC. Archived from the original on 26 August 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-23.
  38. ↑ "Tropical Storm Julio Advisory Update". NHC. Archived from the original on 24 August 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-23.
  39. 1 2 Ignacio Martinez (2008-08-25). "Tropical Storm Julio expected to weaken in Mexico". Associated Press. Retrieved 2008-08-26.
  40. ↑ Gladys Rodríguez; et al. (2008-08-27). "'Julio' leaves 1 dead in BCS and Sonora" (in Spanish). El Universal. Retrieved 2008-08-27.
  41. ↑ Staff Writer (2008-08-25). "Julio weakens to tropical depression in Mexico". Associated Press. Retrieved 2008-08-26.
  42. ↑ Alyson Zepeda; Megan Boehnke (2008-08-26). "Monsoon storm brings rain, wind, thunder". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved 2008-08-28.
  43. 1 2 3 4 5 Lixion A. Avila (2008). "Tropical Storm Karina Tropical Cyclone Report" (PDF). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-10-20.
  44. ↑ "Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert September 2, 2008". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 2008. Archived from the original on September 2, 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-15.
  45. ↑ Franklin (2008). "Tropical Depression Karina Discussion One". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
  46. ↑ Blake (2008). "Tropical Depression Karina Discussion Three". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
  47. ↑ Rhome (2008). "Remnant Low Karina Discussion Five". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
  48. ↑ Schauer Clark (2008). "Tropical Weather Discussion 0950 UTC September 5, 2008". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-10-11.
  49. ↑ Cab (2008). "Tropical Weather Discussion 1534 UTC September 5, 2008". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-10-11.
  50. ↑ Kimberlain (2008). "Tropical Weather Discussion 0329 UTC September 6, 2008". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-10-11.
  51. ↑ "Tropical Storm Lowell Forecast Advisory 1". National Hurricane Center. September 6, 2008. Archived from the original on 23 September 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-06.
  52. ↑ "Monthly Tropical Weather Summary". National Hurricane Center. 2008-10-01. Archived from the original on 3 October 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
  53. ↑ http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/EP132008_Lowell.pdf
  54. ↑ "Chicago seeks aid after worst rain in at least 137 years". CNN. 2008-09-14. Archived from the original on 18 December 2008. Retrieved 17 December 2008.
  55. ↑ http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/EP142008_Marie.pdf
  56. ↑ "September MONTHLY TROPICAL WEATHER SUMMARY". NHC. Archived from the original on 3 October 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-03.
  57. ↑ http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/tws/MIATWSEP_oct.shtml?
  58. ↑ Hurricane tears into Mexico
  59. ↑ http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/ep16/ep162008.public.005.shtml?
  60. ↑ http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/ep16/ep162008.public.007.shtml?
  61. ↑ http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/ep16/ep162008.public_a.010.shtml?
  62. ↑ http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/ep16/ep162008.public_a.012.shtml?
  63. ↑ http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/ep16/ep162008.public.006.shtml?
  64. ↑ http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/ep16/ep162008.public.008.shtml?
  65. ↑ (in Spanish) http://www2.esmas.com/noticierostelevisa/mexico/017485/tormenta-odile-deja-daos-materiales-acapulco
  66. ↑ Brennan/Even (2008-10-23). "Tropical Depression SEVENTEEN-E Public Advisory". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2008-10-23.
  67. ↑ http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPEP3+shtml/022053.shtml
  68. ↑ http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/EP182008_Polo.pdf
  69. ↑ http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT3+shtml/
  70. ↑ "Four Hurricane Names Retired From List of Storms" (Press release). United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. May 1, 2009. Archived from the original on June 21, 2014. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  71. ↑ Daniel P Brown (2008-07-07). "Tropical Storm Alma Tropical Cyclone Report" (PDF). NHC. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 September 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-23.
  72. ↑ Blake, Eric S (July 7, 2008). Hurricane Boris — June 27 – July 4, 2008 (PDF) (Tropical Cyclone Report). United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 24, 2014. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.