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In a low shear and moist environment, Alex strengthened steadily on June 30. The pressure continued to fall with a more rapid drop occuring that afternoon and evening.<ref>{{cite web|author=Avila, Lixion|date=2010-06-30|title=Hurricane Alex Discussion Twenty-one|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2010-06-30|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2010/al01/al012010.discus.021.shtml?}}</ref> It strengthened into a Category 2 storm late on June 30 as it was approaching the northeastern Mexican coast. The pressure fell as low as 948 mbar (27.99 inHg) despite the relatively low intensity.<ref>Discussion Twenty-two, forthcoming at 0300 UTC</ref>
In a low shear and moist environment, Alex strengthened steadily on June 30. The pressure continued to fall with a more rapid drop occuring that afternoon and evening.<ref>{{cite web|author=Avila, Lixion|date=2010-06-30|title=Hurricane Alex Discussion Twenty-one|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2010-06-30|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2010/al01/al012010.discus.021.shtml?}}</ref> It strengthened into a Category 2 storm late on June 30 as it was approaching the northeastern Mexican coast. The pressure fell as low as 948 mbar (27.99 inHg) despite the relatively low intensity.<ref>Discussion Twenty-two, forthcoming at 0300 UTC</ref>

At 9:00 P.M. [[Central Daylight Time|CDT]], the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Hunters, and the National Weather Service office in Brownsville, Texas, confirmed that Alex had made landfall around the same time.<ref>{{cite web|author=Pasch, Berg|date=2010-06-30|title=Hurricane Alex Landfall Statement|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2010-06-30|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCUAT1+shtml/010158.shtml}}</ref>


==Records==
==Records==

Revision as of 02:07, 1 July 2010

Hurricane Alex
Current storm status
Category 2 hurricane (1-min mean)
Satellite image
Forecast map
As of:9 p.m. CDT June 30 (0200 UTC July 1)
Location:24.3°N 97.7°W ± 25 nm
About 35 mi (55 km) N of La Pesca, Mexico
About 110 mi (180 km) S of Brownsville, Texas
Sustained winds:90 knots | 105 mph | 165 km/h (1-min mean)
gusting to 110 knots | 125 mph | 205 km/h
Pressure:947 mbar (hPa) | 27.96 inHg
Movement:W at 9 kt | 10 mph | 17 km/h
See more detailed information.

Hurricane Alex is the first tropical cyclone to form in the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season. Forming from a tropical wave on June 25, it slowly developed in the Caribbean Sea and struck Belize as a tropical storm. After entering the Gulf of Mexico, Alex became very large and encountered conditions favorable for slow development. Early on June 30, the cyclone attained hurricane status as it approached northeastern Mexico, the first June hurricane in the Atlantic basin since Hurricane Allison in 1995.

Meteorological history

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

For several days, a large tropical wave moved across western Africa until emerging into the Atlantic Ocean on June 12.[1] It moved slowly westward, and as it crossed the Atlantic, most of its associated convection, or thunderstorm activity, was embedded within the Intertropical Convergence Zone.[2] The National Hurricane Center (NHC) first mentioned the wave on June 20, while it was crossing the Windward Islands into the the southeastern Caribbean Sea; at the time, upper-level wind shear was considered only marginally favorable for development.[3] The system moved through the Caribbean, combining with part of another tropical wave while waxing and waning in organization. On June 21, the system developed to the extent that the NHC assessed a 50% chance of development into a tropical depression within two days.[4] The next day, however, it became less organized as its convection spread across Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and eastern Cuba, although upper-level conditions were favorable for eventual development.[5]

On June 24 the low-level circulation gradually became better established to the south of Jamaica, although the convection was displaced and poorly organized.[6] Later that day, the shower activity increased over the center, and concurrently the atmospheric pressures decreased across the region.[7] Late on June 25, hurricane hunters confirmed the development of a low-level circulation, and the system was classified as Tropical Depression One about 75 miles (120 km) northeast of the eastern coast of Honduras. At the time of its formation, the depression was moving west-northwestward, steered by a high pressure system over the northern Gulf of Mexico.[8] With light wind shear, due to its position beneath an anticyclone, the depression quickly intensified into Tropical Storm Alex.[9]

As Tropical Storm Alex progressed through the western Caribbean Sea, it developed a large area of cloudiness, as well as well-established outflow throughout its circulation. Its inner structure was initially poorly organized,[10] although by late on June 26, it became better defined. A hurricane hunters flight reported winds of 65 mph (100 km/h),[11] and early on June 27 Alex made landfall just north of Belize City, Belize. Upon moving ashore, an area of convection increased over the center,[12] and the convection initially became better defined as it crossed the Yucatan Peninsula; most tropical cyclones weaken and become disorganized after landfall, but the NHC noted that Alex's structure more closely resembled a hurricane than a deteriorating storm.[13] Subsequently, the thunderstorms markedly decreased, and Alex weakened to tropical depression status as it approached the coastline.[14] Late on June 27, the depression emerged into the Gulf of Mexico, with a large overall convective structure and little thunderstorm activity near the center, due to land interaction.[15]

When Alex was still located over the Yucatan Peninsula, the NHC noted the potential for significant strengthening due to low wind shear and very warm water temperatures, possibly to a major hurricane, or a Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.[13] By early on June 28, some convection had reformed over the center, and the depression re-intensified into a tropical storm.[16] For the next day, the combination of increasing wind shear and slightly cooler water temperatures prevented significant convection from developing over the center.[17] At the same time, it was moving slowly off the northwest coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, although conditions became more favorable as Alex tracked away from the coast.[18] The circulation envelop of Alex remained very large, and by June 29 the rainbands covered the entire western half of the Gulf of Mexico, with rainfall occurring along the Texas and Louisiana coasts while the center was several hundred miles offshore.[19] Based on reports from the hurricane hunters, it is estimated that Alex attained hurricane status during the late night of June 29 at 10pm CDT, about 255 miles (415 km) southeast of Brownsville, Texas.

In a low shear and moist environment, Alex strengthened steadily on June 30. The pressure continued to fall with a more rapid drop occuring that afternoon and evening.[20] It strengthened into a Category 2 storm late on June 30 as it was approaching the northeastern Mexican coast. The pressure fell as low as 948 mbar (27.99 inHg) despite the relatively low intensity.[21]

At 9:00 P.M. CDT, the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Hunters, and the National Weather Service office in Brownsville, Texas, confirmed that Alex had made landfall around the same time.[22]

Records

It was the first Atlantic hurricane in the month of June since Allison in 1995.[23] and the strongest June hurricane since Hurricane Alma in 1966. Late June 30, Alex is also the most intense june hurricane since Hurricane Audrey.

Preparations

Caribbean

Immediately after formation on June 25, a tropical storm warning was issued for the entire east coast of Quintana Roo on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Shortly thereafter, the tropical storm warning was extended to include the east coast of Belize.[24]

Late on June 25, the Government of Honduras issued a tropical storm warning for the islands of Roatan, Guanaja and Utila. On shore, there was also tropical storm watches issued from Limón to the border with Guatemala.[25]

Western Gulf Coast

On the evening of June 28, as Alex neared hurricane strength, a hurricane warning was issued for the coast of Texas, south of Baffin Bay to the mouth of the Rio Grande. A hurricane warning was also issued by the Mexican Government from the Rio Grande south to La Cruz. A tropical storm warning was also issued for coastal Texas from Baffin Bay northward to Port O'Conner. The Governor of Texas declared a state of disaster in 19 counties; President Obama also declared a state of emergency, freeing federal funds for 25 counties in Texas.[26][27]

Prior to moving ashore, the Brownsville, Texas National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the southernmost region of the state. The storm was expected to produce heavy rainfall for up to 18 hours in the region, which would potentially cause significant flooding in poor drainage areas, especially those flooded in Hurricane Dolly in 2008. Officials opened hurricane shelters, and voluntary evacuations were put into place for South Padre Island.[19]

Impact

Caribbean

In the central Caribbean Sea, the system produced rainfall across the Greater Antilles.[5] In the Dominican Republic, the rainfall causing flooding that prompted the evacuations of more than 3,000 people, mostly due to swollen rivers. In the capital city of Santo Domingo, there were 160 flooded houses, one death, and one person reported missing,[28][29][30] while in nearby San Juan de la Maguana there were more than 500 flooded houses.[31][32] In neighboring Haiti, minor flooding was reported in Gonaïves.[33] The Jamaica Meteorological Service issued a flash flood warning for the entire country, as the tropical wave produced thunderstorms across the nation.[34]

Ten people were killed in Central America as a result of flooding related to Alex, six in Nicaragua, two in Guatemala and two in El Salvador.[35][36]

Gulf of Mexico

The storm was expected to impact operations regarding the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, with both containment and cleanup operations being affected by repercussions from the storm (such as wave action and wind direction).[37] Although it has stayed relatively clear of the site, the approach of Tropical Storm Alex did cause BP to delay by a week plans to increase oil capture from the leak.

Current storm information

Hurricane warning levels
Hurricane warning
Hurricane conditions
expected within 36 hours.
Hurricane watch
Hurricane conditions
possible within 48 hours.
Tropical storm warning
Tropical storm conditions expected within 36 hours.
Tropical storm watch
Tropical storm conditions possible within 48 hours.
Storm surge warning
Life-threatening storm surge possible within 36 hours.
Storm surge watch
Life-threatening storm surge possible within 48 hours.
Extreme wind warning
Winds reaching Category 3 status or higher likely (issued two hours or less before onset of extreme winds).
See also: Tropical cyclone watches and warnings

As of 9 p.m. CDT June 30 (0200 UTC July 1), the center of Hurricane Alex was located within 25 nautical miles of 24.7°N 97.7°W, about 35 miles (55 km) north of La Pesca, Tamaulipas, and about 110 miles (180 km) south of Brownsville, Texas. Maximum sustained winds are estimated at 105 mph (165 km/h), with higher gusts. The minimum central pressure is estimated to be 947 mbar (hPa; 27.96 inHg) and the storm is moving west at 11 mph (17 km/h).

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Alex, and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles (335 km) from the center of Alex.

Hurricane Warning
Tropical Storm Warning

Expected impacts:

  • Rainfall amounts of 6 to 12 inches (150 to 300 mm) likely in Tamaulipas and northern Veracruz coastal areas and South Texas, with isolated amounts up to 20 inches (500 mm) possible.
  • Tropical storm force sustained winds are currently occuring along the coast of South Texas and northeastern Mexico. Hurricane force sustained winds are currently occuring over parts of northeastern Mexico.
  • A storm surge of at least 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m) is likely near and to the north of the landfall location.
  • Isolated tornadoes are possible near and along the Texas coast, particularly in extreme South Texas. A tornado watch is currently in effect.

For latest official information see:

See also

References

  1. ^ Marshall Huffman (2010-06-12). "Tropical Weather Discussion". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-24.
  2. ^ Mike Tichacek (2010-06-15). "Tropical Weather Discussion". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-24.
  3. ^ Stewart/Landsea (2010-06-20). "Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-24.
  4. ^ Stacy Stewart (2010-06-21). "Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-24.
  5. ^ a b Brown/Blake (2010-06-22). "Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-24.
  6. ^ Robbie Berg (2010-06-24). "Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-24.
  7. ^ Avila/Blake (2010-06-24). "Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-24.
  8. ^ Avila/Brennan (2010-06-25). "Tropical Depression Special Discussion One". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  9. ^ Jack Beven (2010-06-26). "Tropical Storm Alex Discussion Three". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  10. ^ Lixion Avila (2010-06-26). "Tropical Storm Alex Discussion Four". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  11. ^ Lixion Avila (2010-06-26). "Tropical Storm Alex Discussion Five". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  12. ^ Michael Brennan (2010-06-27). "Tropical Storm Alex Discussion Six". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  13. ^ a b Stacy Stewart (2010-06-27). "Tropical Storm Alex Discussion Seven". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  14. ^ Michelle Brennan (2010-06-27). "Tropical Depression Alex Discussion Eight". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  15. ^ Erick Blake (2010-06-27). "Tropical Depression Alex Discussion Nine". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  16. ^ Kimberlain/Pasch (2010-06-28). "Tropical Storm Alex Discussion Ten". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  17. ^ Michelle Brennan (2010-06-28). "Tropical Storm Alex Discussion Thirteen". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  18. ^ Pasch/Kimberlain (2010-06-29). "Tropical Storm Alex Discussion Fourteen". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  19. ^ a b BSG (2010-06-29). "Tropical Storm Alex Local Statement". Brownsville, Texas National Weather Service. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  20. ^ Avila, Lixion (2010-06-30). "Hurricane Alex Discussion Twenty-one". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-30.
  21. ^ Discussion Twenty-two, forthcoming at 0300 UTC
  22. ^ Pasch, Berg (2010-06-30). "Hurricane Alex Landfall Statement". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-30.
  23. ^ Richard Pasch (2010-06-30). "Hurricane Alex Discussion Eighteen". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  24. ^ Avila and Brennan (June 25, 2010). "Tropical Depression One Special Discussion Number 1". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 26 June 2010.
  25. ^ Brennan and Kimberlain (June 25, 2010). "Tropical Depression One Tropical Cyclone Update". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 26 June 2010.
  26. ^ "Texas is Prepared for Hurricane Alex". Retrieved 30 June 2010.
  27. ^ Federal Emergency Management Agency (2010-06-29). "President Declares Emergency For Texas". United States Department of Homeland Security. Retrieved 2010-06-30.
  28. ^ Diariolibre.com
  29. ^ Elnuevodiario.com
  30. ^ Clavedigital.com
  31. ^ Listindiario.com
  32. ^ Staff Writer (2010-06-22). "Dominican Republic evacuates 3,000 in heavy rains". Associated Press. Retrieved 2010-06-24.
  33. ^ Staff Writer (2010-06-24). "Small-scale flooding reported in northwest Haiti". Associated Press. Retrieved 2010-06-25.
  34. ^ Jamaica Observer (2010-06-24). "Flash flood warning extended across Jamaica". Retrieved 2010-06-24.
  35. ^ Miami correspondents, AFP (June 28, 2010). "Alex strengthens into tropical storm, kills 10 in Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador". news.com.au. Retrieved 30 June 2010.
  36. ^ The Mercury (2010-06-28). "Hurricane Alex moves into Gulf of Mexico, will bypass BP spill area". Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  37. ^ Newsquench.com, Could Hurricane Alex Affect BP Oil Spill, Accessed 28 June 2010.
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