User:Hurricane Noah/Hurricane Sergio (2018)

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Hurricane Sergio
Category 4 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS)
Hurricane Sergio shortly after peak intensity on October 4
FormedSeptember 29, 2018
DissipatedOctober 13, 2018
Highest winds1-minute sustained: 140 mph (220 km/h)
Lowest pressure942 mbar (hPa); 27.82 inHg
FatalitiesNone
Damage$2.668 million (2018 USD)
Areas affectedBaja California Peninsula, Northwestern Mexico, Southwestern United States, Texas
Part of the 2018 Pacific hurricane season

Hurricane Sergio was a powerful and long-lived tropical cyclone that affected the Baja California Peninsula as a tropical storm. Sergio became the eighth Category 4 hurricane in the East Pacific for 2018, breaking the old record of seven set in 2015. The twentieth named storm, eleventh hurricane, and ninth major hurricane of the season, Sergio originated from a broad area of low pressure that formed a few hundred miles south-southeast of the southern coast of Mexico on September 26. The National Hurricane Center monitored the disturbance for a few days until it organized into a tropical storm, after which it was assigned the name Sergio. The system gradually strengthened for the next couple of days, becoming a hurricane on October 2. Sergio then began a period of rapid intensification, becoming a major hurricane later that day. Intensification then halted for about twelve hours before resuming on October 3. The next day, Sergio peaked as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (220 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 942 mbar (27.82 inHg). Sergio maintained peak intensity for six hours before beginning to weaken. On October 5, the system bottomed out as a low-end Category 3 hurricane. Sergio then began another period of intensification, achieving a secondary peak on October 6. The next day, Sergio began to weaken again, falling below major hurricane strength. At the same time, Sergio unexpectedly assumed the structure of an annular tropical cyclone. By October 9, Sergio had weakened into a tropical storm. On October 12, Sergio made landfall as a tropical storm on the Baja California Peninsula, and later in northwestern Mexico as a tropical depression before dissipating early on October 13.

On October 10, Sergio's approach warranted the issuance of tropical storm watches and warnings along the western and eastern coasts of Baja California. Sergio made landfall in western Baja California Sur and Sonora on October 13 as a weak tropical storm, causing over US$2 million1 in damage, over a thousand school closures, and a few hundred evacuations due to severe flooding. The remnants of Sergio also brought heavy rainfall to Arizona, resulting in the closure of its state fair. Throughout Mexico and Arizona, no injuries or deaths were reported. Heavy rainfall also occurred in Texas and Arizona, resulting in around US$548,000 in damage. Multiple tornadoes also spawned as a result of the increased moisture.

Meteorological history[edit]

Map plotting the track and the intensity of the storm, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

The origins of Hurricane Sergio can be traced to a system that was located over northwestern South America on September 24.[1] On September 25, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasted that an area of low pressure would form a few hundred miles south or southwest of the Gulf of Tehuantepec in a couple days.[2] On September 26 at 12:00 UTC, a broad area of low pressure formed a few hundred miles south-southeast of the southern coast of Mexico.[3] The NHC continued to track the disturbance for a couple more days as it moved west-northwest.[4] On September 29 at 12:00 UTC, Tropical Storm Sergio formed approximately 345 miles (555 km) south-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico.[1][5] The NHC later discussed that Sergio was indeed a tropical storm, but without an inner wind core. Instead, the maximum sustained winds were located in a band approximately 125 mi (205 km) east of the center.[6]

Sergio continued to gradually intensify over the next couple of days, becoming a hurricane on October 2 at 00:00 UTC.[1] At this time, the storm had a well defined eye underneath a deep convective overcast with cloud tops around −85 °C (−121 °F).[7] Sergio then began a period of rapid intensification, becoming a major hurricane at 18:00 UTC.[1] Soon after, the intensification halted as northwesterly shear affected the system's inner core, with microwave data indicating an open eyewall on the north side of the hurricane.[8] Sergio maintained its intensity for 18 hours before resuming intensification.[1] At the same time, the mid-level ridge to the north had weakened, resulting in the storm travelling to the northwest.[9] On October 4 at 00:00 UTC, Sergio became the eighth Category 4 hurricane of the season, breaking the old record of seven set in 2015.[1][10] Six hours later, Sergio peaked with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (220 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 942 mbar (27.82 inHg). The storm maintained peak intensity for 12 hours before beginning to weaken.[1] At 03:00 UTC on October 5, it was noted that Sergio's structure had deteriorated, with cloud tops warming and the eye becoming ragged and less distinct.[11] At 09:00 UTC, the cyclone began to turn due to a mid-level ridge that was developing to the northwest. Over the next couple of days, Sergio turned from the northwest to the southwest.[12][13] At 06:00 UTC, Sergio bottomed out as a low-end Category 3 hurricane.[1]

Hurricane Sergio acquiring annular characteristics on October 7

Late on October 5, Sergio began another period of intensification, reaching a secondary peak with winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) on October 6 at 00:00 UTC.[1] Twelve hours later, a shortwave trough weakened the ridge to the northwest, resulting in the commencement of another turn. Over the next few days, Sergio turned from the southwest to the northeast.[14][15] After maintaining secondary peak intensity for eighteen hours, Sergio began to weaken due to upwelling at 00:00 UTC on October 7.[1][16] On October 7, after having weakened to a Category 2 hurricane, Sergio unexpectedly acquired the structure of an annular hurricane. At the same time, it was reported that the eye had doubled in size overnight.[17] At 00:00 UTC the next day, Sergio weakened to a Category 1 hurricane. On October 9, at 18:00 UTC, the system weakened to a tropical storm, due to deteriorating conditions.[1] Around 12:00 UTC on October 12, Sergio made landfall near Los Castros, Baja California Sur, as a tropical storm, with winds of 50 mph (85 km/h). Shortly after 18:00 UTC, the storm made landfall near Guaymas, Sonora, as a tropical depression.[1][18] At 00:00 UTC on October 13, Sergio dissipated over northwestern Mexico.[1]

Preparations and impact[edit]

Mexico[edit]

Tropical Storm Sergio approaching the Baja California Peninsula on October 11
Tropical Storm Sergio approaching the Baja California Peninsula on October 11

On October 10, the Government of Mexico issued a tropical storm watch along the western coast of the Baja California Peninsula from Punta Eugenia to Cabo San Lazaro and along the eastern coast from Bahia San Juan Bautista [sv] to San Evaristo. Early the next day, as Sergio rapidly approached the peninsula, the tropical storm watch on the west coast was upgraded to a tropical storm warning. The watches on the east coast were also upgraded to warnings later the same day. All watches and warnings were discontinued as Sergio moved inland.[1]

Sergio made landfall in western Baja California Sur and Sonora,[1] bringing heavy rains and strong winds to northern Mexico.[19] In Baja California Sur, multiple roads and schools in Loreto were damaged. In Sonora, almost 400 people had to evacuate to a temporary shelter due to the threat of flooding. Strong winds up to 43 mph (70 km/h) downed trees, utility poles, and damaged homes and businesses in Guaymas, causing approximately MX$40 million (US$2.12 million) in damage.[20] In Punta de Aqua II, over 5.05 inches (128 mm) of rain was reported. Additionally, Mazatlán and Plutarco Elías Calles reported rainfall totals of 4.59 inches (117 mm) and 4.53 inches (115 mm), respectively.[19] More than 1,000 schools were closed in Chihuahua and classes in 8 municipalities of Sinaloa were suspended. However, there were no deaths or injuries.[21] Throughout the state of Michoacán, the combined effects from Sergio and nearby Hurricane Rosa destroyed 86,000 acres (35,000 ha) of crops.[22]

United States[edit]

The moisture from Sergio's remnants moved into Arizona, California and Texas, generating heavy rains and spawning multiple tornadoes.[23][24] In Arizona, a Pacific upper-level low and moisture from Sergio led to heavy rainfall, with some areas in Phoenix recording rainfall totals of 3 in (80 mm) and ankle-deep flooding. The Arizona State Fair was closed due to flooding, the first time in "recent memory".[25] Damage on the fairgrounds and to the surrounding roads was estimated at US$50,000.[26] A portion of Old U.S. Route 80 was closed between Gila Bend and Buckeye after rainfall exceeding 1 in (30 mm) per hour caused flooding in the area.[27] Moderate to heavy rainfall in the deserts southeast of Phoenix caused flash flooding, halting traffic on State Route 187 between state routes 87 and 387.[28] Runoff from heavy rainfall in the Maricopa Mountains flowed across State Route 238, resulting in multiple closures from Mobile to Bosque and US$2,000 in damage. Numerous other road closures2 occurred throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area as a result of flash floods, with damage in the region totaling approximately US$73,000.[29] Moisture from Sergio's remnants also entered Southern California, producing thunderstorms mainly to the south of Point Conception.[30] Widespread storms caused flash floods throughout the Coachella Valley, with a 12-hour rainfall total of 0.72 in (18 mm) observed at Palm Desert.[31] In nearby Indio, hail up to 1 in (25 mm) in diameter was reported.[32] Floodwaters up to 1.5 ft (0.46 m) deep were reported on a segment of Interstate 10 near Cactus City.[33] Multiple flood-related road closures also occurred near Rimlon and Thousand Palms.[34][35][36]

The remnants of Sergio moved through Texas from October 12–13, producing severe thunderstorms that caused US$475,000 in damage throughout the state.[37] About US$15,000 in damage was reported after 60 kn (69 mph; 110 km/h) wind gusts damaged a storage unit between Eureka and Mildred.[38] Wind gusts of 65 kn (75 mph; 120 km/h) caused about US$4,000 in damage to power lines and a carport near Greenwood.[39] Outside of Shiloh, 65 kn (75 mph; 120 km/h) wind gusts destroyed a metal barn and either damaged or destroyed multiple trees, resulting in US$5,000 in damage.[40] Wind gusts between 56–60 kn (64–69 mph; 104–111 km/h) were reported3 in numerous other counties.[41]

At least ten tornadoes spawned in Texas as a result of the increased moisture.[23][42] An EF2 tornado near Knickerbocker extensively damaged a metal building and either uprooted or snapped many trees, causing US$200,000 in damage.[43] In Brady, an EF0 tornado uprooted one tree, caused another to fall on a home, and generated roof damage, resulting in US$150,000 in damage.[44] Approximately US$25,000 in damage occurred near Sardis when an EF0 tornado damaged a corner of a gymnasium, broke out windows on cars, bent down lightpoles and handicap signs in a parkinglot, and threw a trailer into a nearby field.[45] Two tornadoes occurred near Chat. The first was an EF0 tornado that damaged a few trees as well as shingles and fences at multiple homes, generating US$15,000 in damage.[46] The second was an EF1 tornado that substantially damaged one home, damaged the roof and deck of another, destroyed a shed, and tossed a boat and RV trailer, resulting in about US$50,000 in damage.[47] An EF0 tornado near Brandon caused about US$5,000 in tree damage.[48] At least four more EF0 tornadoes occurred:3 two in Navarro County,[49][50] one in Freestone County,[51] and one in Panola County.[52]

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

1 All damage values are in 2018 USD unless otherwise stated.
2 Links to information regarding other road closures in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area and the US$73 thousand damage total may be found in any NCEI reference for Arizona.
3 No significant damage was reported.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Blake, Eric S. (26 February 2019). Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Sergio (PDF). National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 4 March 2019.
  2. ^ Zelinsky, David (26 September 2018). NHC Graphical Outlook Archive. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  3. ^ Roberts, Dave (26 September 2018). NHC Graphical Outlook Archive. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  4. ^ Stewart, Stacy (29 September 2018). NHC Graphical Outlook Archive. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 7 October 2018.
  5. ^ Beven, Jack (29 September 2018). Tropical Storm Sergio Special Advisory Number 1. National Hurricane Center (Report). Retrieved 7 October 2018.
  6. ^ Beven, Jack (29 September 2018). Tropical Storm Sergio Discussion Number 2. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 7 October 2018.
  7. ^ Beven, Jack (2 October 2018). Hurricane Sergio Discussion Number 11. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 7 October 2018.
  8. ^ Blake, Eric (3 October 2018). Hurricane Sergio Discussion Number 15. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 7 October 2018.
  9. ^ Brown, Daniel (3 October 2018). Hurricane Sergio Discussion Number 16. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 7 October 2018.
  10. ^ Blake, Eric (4 October 2018). Hurricane Sergio Discussion Number 19. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 7 October 2018.
  11. ^ Brennan, Michael (5 October 2018). Hurricane Sergio Discussion Number 23. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 7 October 2018.
  12. ^ Berg, Robbie (5 October 2018). Hurricane Sergio Discussion Number 24. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 7 October 2018.
  13. ^ Stewart, Stacy (6 October 2018). Hurricane Sergio Advisory Number 27. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 7 October 2018.
  14. ^ Zelinsky, David (6 October 2018). Hurricane Sergio Discussion Number 29. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 7 October 2018.
  15. ^ Roberts, Dave (9 October 2018). Hurricane Sergio Advisory Number 40. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 10 October 2018.
  16. ^ Stewart, Stacy (7 October 2018). Hurricane Sergio Discussion Number 31. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 7 October 2018.
  17. ^ Zelinsky, David (7 October 2018). Hurricane Sergio Discussion Number 33. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 8 October 2018.
  18. ^ Avila, Lixion (12 October 2018). Tropical Depression Sergio Intermediate Advisory Number 53A (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
  19. ^ a b Encarnacion, Adelina Albanil; Ramirez, Reynaldo Pascual; Quiroz, Minerva Lopez; Martinez Sanchez, Julio Nemorio; Chable Pech, Luis Alberto; Espejo Madrigal, Abril Zaira (October 2018). "2. Precipitación". Reporte del Clima en México – Octubre 2018 (PDF) (Report). Reporte del Clima en México (in Spanish). Vol. 8 (10 ed.). Comisión Nacional del Agua (Government of Mexico). Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  20. ^ Ojeda, Yesicka (17 October 2018). "Pedirán recursos al Fonden tras daños que causó "Sergio"" (in Spanish). El Imparcial. Retrieved 23 October 2018.
  21. ^ "Four northern states feel the effects of Tropical Storm Sergio". Mexico News Daily. 13 October 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
  22. ^ "Al menos 35.000 hectáreas de cultivo afectadas en México por fuertes lluvias". NTN 24 (in Spanish). 30 September 2018. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
  23. ^ a b "Remnant of Former Hurricane Sergio Triggered Flooding Rain, Some Tornadoes in the Southern Plains". The Weather Channel. The Weather Channel. Retrieved 25 November 2018.
  24. ^ Don (17 October 2018). "Deadly floods hit Texas after extreme rainfall, state of emergency declared". The Watchers. The Watchers. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
  25. ^ Cruz, Mike (13 October 2018). "A first time for everything. Hurricane Sergio heavy rainfall, flooding close Arizona State Fair". Arizona Republic. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
  26. ^ Event: Flash Flood in Maricopa, AZ [2018-10-13 12:50 MST-7] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
  27. ^ Event: Flash Flood in Maricopa, AZ [2018-10-13 11:00 MST-7] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
  28. ^ Event: Flash Flood in Pinal, AZ [2018-10-13 09:00 MST-7] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
  29. ^ Event: Flash Flood in Maricopa, AZ [2018-10-13 08:30 MST-7] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  30. ^ Area Forecast Discussion [1056 PM PDT Fri Oct 12 2018] (Report). National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard CA. 12 October 2018. Retrieved 18 July 2019.
  31. ^ Event: Heavy Rain in Riverside, CA [2018-10-12 21:00 PST-8] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  32. ^ Event: Hail in Indio, CA [2018-10-12 22:00 PST-8] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  33. ^ Event: Flash Flood in Riverside, CA [2018-10-12 23:30 PST-8] (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  34. ^ Event: Flash Flood in Riverside, CA [2018-10-13 00:00 PST-8] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  35. ^ Event: Flash Flood in Riverside, CA [2018-10-13 00:30 PST-8] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  36. ^ Event: Flash Flood in Riverside, CA [2018-10-13 00:30 PST-8] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  37. ^ Floyd, Caroline (16 October 2018). "Stunning video shows bridge washed away in Texas flood". The Weather Network. Retrieved 20 October 2018.
  38. ^ Event: Thunderstorm Wind in Navarro, TX [2018-10-13 13:13 CST-6] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  39. ^ Event: Thunderstorm Wind in Midland, TX [2018-10-13 03:05 CST-6] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  40. ^ Event: Thunderstorm Wind in Limestone, TX [2018-10-13 14:24 CST-6] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  41. ^ Event: Thunderstorm Wind in Nacogdoches, TX [2018-10-13 18:35 CST-6] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  42. ^ Mitchell, Chaffin (14 October 2018). "Tornadoes reported in Texas as storms push through, causing damage". AccuWeather. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  43. ^ Event: Tornado in Tom Green, TX [2018-10-13 05:56 CST-6] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  44. ^ Event: Tornado in McColloch, TX [2018-10-13 09:17 CST-6] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  45. ^ Event: Tornado in Ellis, TX [2018-10-13 11:47 CST-6] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  46. ^ Event: Tornado in Hill, TX [2018-10-13 11:52 CST-6] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  47. ^ Event: Tornado in Hill, TX [2018-10-13 12:02 CST-6] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  48. ^ Event: Tornado in Hill, TX [2018-10-13 12:13 CST-6] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  49. ^ Event: Tornado in Navarro, TX [2018-10-13 13:13 CST-6] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  50. ^ Event: Tornado in Navarro, TX [2018-10-13 12:50 CST-6] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  51. ^ Event: Tornado in Freestone, TX [2018-10-13 15:03 CST-6] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  52. ^ Event: Tornado in Panola, TX [2018-10-13 16:19 CST-6] (Report). Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved 23 July 2019.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hurricane Sergio (2018).


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