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Hurricane Hector (2018)

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by TheAustinMan (talk | contribs) at 23:58, 11 August 2018 (→‎Preparations and impact: Add thumbnail for a relevant image of Hector at its closest approach to Hawaii. Perhaps a radar image may be suitable as a means to denote distance). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Hurricane Hector
Current storm status
Category 2 hurricane (1-min mean)
Satellite image
Forecast map
As of:11:00 a.m. HST (21:00 UTC) August 11
Location:20°06′N 170°54′W / 20.1°N 170.9°W / 20.1; -170.9 (Hurricane Hector) ± 20 nm
About 695 mi (1,115 km) SE of Midway Island
About 460 mi (740 km) SSE of Lisianski Island
Sustained winds:95 kt (110 mph; 175 km/h) (1-min mean)
gusting to 115 kt (130 mph; 210 km/h)
Pressure:960 mbar (hPa; 28.35 inHg)
Movement:NW at 12 kt (14 mph; 22 km/h)
See more detailed information.

Hurricane Hector is currently a weakening tropical cyclone that is tracking through the Central Pacific Ocean. The eighth named storm, fourth hurricane, and third major hurricane of the 2018 Pacific hurricane season, Hector originated from an area of low pressure that formed a couple hundred miles west-southwest of Mexico on July 28. Amid favorable weather conditions, a tropical depression formed a few days later on July 31. The depression continued strengthening and became Tropical Storm Hector on the next day. Hector became a hurricane on August 2, and rapidly intensified into a strong Category 2 hurricane later in the day. After weakening while undergoing an eyewall replacement cycle, Hector quickly strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane late on August 4. The system briefly weakened back into a Category 3 hurricane before regaining Category 4 strength on August 5, and then slowly intensified to reach peak intensity on August 7 as a high-end Category 4 hurricane. At the time of the storm's peak intensity, the storm displayed the characteristics of an annular tropical cyclone. Shortly after peaking, Hector began a period of steady weakening over the next couple days that took the hurricane back down to Category 3 status. However, Hector began re-intensifying and became a Category 4 hurricane for a third time. Hector was at Category 4 status, in its three periods at that intensity, longer than any other Pacific hurricane on record, before weakening back to a Category 3 hurricane early on August 11. At the same time, Hector also set a record with the most consecutive time as a major hurricane in the northeast Pacific. At 21:00 UTC on the same day, Hector weakened back into a Category 2 hurricane.

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

On July 26, the National Hurricane Center indicated that an area of low pressure was forecast to form a couple hundred miles south-southwest of Mexico early next week.[1] Two days later, on July 28, a broad area of low pressure formed several hundred miles south-southeast of Acapulco, Mexico.[2] The system gradually developed over the next few days and formed a tropical depression on July 31. The NHC designated the depression as Tropical Depression Ten-E.[3] Six hours later, on August 1, the depression strengthened into a tropical storm and was given the name Hector.[4] The NHC predicted later in the day that steady strengthening would occur for the next 96 to 120 hours, due to favorable weather conditions, and result in the formation of a hurricane.[5]

For the next several days, Hector generally traveled west without gaining much latitude. On August 1, Hector began to quickly strengthen and was near hurricane strength by 02:00 UTC on August 2.[6] At the same time, microwave imagery indicated the emergence of a mid-level eye and that rapid intensification would soon take place.[7] During the next 12 hours, Hector rapidly intensified into a strong category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph (175 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 973 mbar (28.73 inHg). At this time, Hector was a small hurricane, with hurricane force winds only extending 15 miles (25 km) and tropical storm force winds 60 miles (95 km) from the center.[8] Due to Hector's small size, rapid fluctuations in strength were possible. By 15:00 UTC on August 3, had weakened into a Category 1 hurricane.[9] The weakening of Hector was caused by a combination of light wind shear from the north as well as dry air. During this period, Hector also began to undergo an eyewall replacement cycle.[10]

Hurricane Hector shortly before its initial peak intensity on August 4

As Hector completed the eyewall replacement cycle, it quickly strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane on August 4.[11] During the next several hours, the size of Hector increased dramatically.[12] One day later, Hector strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane, achieving its initial peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 953 mbar (28.14 inHg).[13] Six hours later, on August 5, Hector subsequently weakened back into a strong Category 3 hurricane.[14] By 15:00 UTC that day, the eye of Hector had become less distinct as microwave data indicated that a second eyewall replacement cycle was occurring.[15] Hector reached Category 4 status once again 6 hours later and acquired some annular characteristics around this time. Satellite data indicated that the eye of Hector was much more defined than it was earlier in the day, as the second eyewall replacement cycle had concluded.[16] Despite gradual weakening having been forecast, Hector subsequently began rapidly strengthening.[17] At 03:00 UTC, Hector entered the Central Pacific Basin where the Central Pacific Hurricane Center began monitoring the system.[18]

Early on August 7, Hector intensified further, almost reaching Category 5 status, with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph (250 km/h).[19] Later on the same day, Hector weakened into a Category 4 hurricane due to interactions with drier air.[20] As the weakening progressed, Hector's wind field began to expand.[21] At 09:00 UTC on August 8, Hector weakened to a category 3 hurricane.[22] At 21:00 UTC, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center reported that Hector was passing about 200 miles (320 km) south of Hawaii's Big Island as a low-end category 3 hurricane.[23] At the same time, it was reported that microwave data indicates Hector had begun a third eyewall replacement cycle.[24] Although the wind field of Hector initially increased when the cyclone began to weaken, it later began to steadily decrease due to the inner eyewall shrinking.[25] By 09:00 UTC on August 9, Hector had completed the eyewall replacement cycle. The satellite presentation of Hector had immensely improved throughout the day, the eye became much more identifiable than earlier. Unlike previous eyewall replacements, Hector maintained its intensity at that time.[26] By 15:00 UTC on the same day, Hector's winds had increased to 120 mph (195 km/h) as it moved due west, away from the Hawaiian Islands.[27] Early on August 10, Hector's winds increased yet again, making it a high-end category 3 once more.[28] Six hours later, Hector regained category 4 status with winds of 130 mph (210 km/h).[29] At 21:00 UTC on the same day, Hector continued to strengthen, achieving its secondary peak intensity with winds of 140 mph (220 km/h). At the same time, Hector took a turn to the west-northwest after having travelled due west for several days straight.[30] On August 11, Hector began another weakening trend as increasing wind shear began to have an impact on the system.[31] At around this time, the hurricane set the record for the longest consecutive duration as a major hurricane in the East and Central Pacific.[32] On August 11, at 09:00 UTC, Hector weakened back into a category 3 hurricane.[33] At 21:00 UTC, on the same day, Hector weakened into a category 2 hurricane due to increasing wind shear as it took a turn to the northwest.[34]

Current storm information

As of 11:00 p.m. HST August 9 (09:00 UTC August 10), Hurricane Hector is located within 20 nautical miles of 20°06′N 170°54′W / 20.1°N 170.9°W / 20.1; -170.9 (Hector), about 695 miles (1,115 km) southeast of Midway Island, or about 460 miles (740 km) south-southeast of Lisianski Island. Maximum sustained winds are 95 knots (110 mph; 175 km/h), with gusts to 115 knots (130 mph; 210 km/h). The minimum barometric pressure is 960 mbar (hPa; 28.35 inHg), and the system is moving northwest at 12 knots (14 mph; 22 km/h). Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Hector, while tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Hector.

Watches and warnings

Template:HurricaneWarningsTable

Preparations and impact

Hector making its closest approach south of Hawaii on August 8

Although forecasts depicted Hector remaining south of Hawaii, concerns were raised over the safety of residents displaced by the ongoing eruption of Kīlauea. Many remained in temporary tent structures that could not withstand a hurricane; however, plans were made to relocate people to sturdier structures.[35] Additionally, concerns were raised about the possibility of rain from Hector combining with sulfur dioxide from Kīlauea to form toxic acid rain that would cause damage to infrastructure and crops as well as poison the water supply. Officials have warned residents to have emergency supplies and a hurricane plan ready.[36] As Hector began to approach Hawaii, a tropical storm watch was issued for Hawaii County on August 6.[37] On August 8, the tropical storm watch was upgraded to a tropical storm warning as Hector's northern fringes continued to approach Hawaii.[38] The tropical storm warning was discontinued later that day as the tropical storm-force winds from Hector were no longer expected to affect Hawaii.[39]

On August 9, Johnston Atoll received a tropical storm watch as Hector approached the atoll,[40] however, on the next day, the watch was discontinued. [41] The same day, the CPHC advised interests in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands to monitor the progress of Hector.[42] On August 11, a tropical storm watch was issued for portions of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument from Lisianski Island to Pearl and Hermes Atoll as Hector approached.[43]

Records and notability

Hector currently holds the record for most consecutive days as a major hurricane in the northeast Pacific with 7.75 days (174 hours).[44][45] The previous record holder was 1984's Hurricane Norbert with 7.00 days.[46] In addition, Hector currently holds the record for most hours as a category 4 in the northeastern Pacific, with 4 days (96 hours) total,[47][48][49] surpassing the previous record holder, 2015's Hurricane Jimena with 84 hours.[47]

Hector has the most Accumulated cyclone energy in the Northeast Pacific since 1999's Hurricane Dora.[50]

See also

References

  1. ^ "NHC Graphical Outlook Archive". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  2. ^ "NHC Graphical Outlook Archive". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  3. ^ Stewart. "Tropical Depression TEN-E". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  4. ^ Brown. "Tropical Storm HECTOR". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  5. ^ Blake. "Tropical Storm HECTOR". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  6. ^ Zelinsky. "Tropical Storm HECTOR". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  7. ^ Zelinsky. "Tropical Storm HECTOR". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  8. ^ Blake. "Hurricane HECTOR". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  9. ^ Blake. "Hurricane HECTOR". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  10. ^ Blake. "Hurricane HECTOR". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  11. ^ Beven. "Hurricane HECTOR". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  12. ^ Blake. "Hurricane HECTOR". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  13. ^ Beven. "Hurricane HECTOR". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  14. ^ Stewart. "Hurricane HECTOR". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  15. ^ Brown. "Hurricane HECTOR". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  16. ^ Brown. "Hurricane Hector Forecast Discussion". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  17. ^ Beven. "Hurricane HECTOR". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  18. ^ Beven. "Hurricane HECTOR". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  19. ^ Wroe. "Hurricane Hector Advisory Number 26". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  20. ^ Jelsema. "Hurricane Hector Discussion Number 28". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  21. ^ Ballard, R. "Hurricane Hector Advisory Number 30". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  22. ^ Houston. "Hurricane Hector Advisory Number 32". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  23. ^ Birchard. "Hurricane Hector Advisory Number 34". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  24. ^ Birchard. "Hurricane Hector Discussion Number 34". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  25. ^ Birchard. "Hurricane Hector Advisory Number 34". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  26. ^ Houston. "Hurricane Hector Discussion Number 36". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  27. ^ Houston. "Hurricane Hector Advisory Number 37". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  28. ^ Kodama. "Hurricane Hector Advisory Number 39". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  29. ^ Houston. "Hurricane Hector Advisory Number 40". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  30. ^ Wroe. "Hurricane Hector Advisory Number 42". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  31. ^ Wroe. "Hurricane Hector Discussion Number 43". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  32. ^ Philip Klotzbach [@philklotzbach] (August 11, 2018). "Philip Klotzbach on Twitter" (Tweet). Retrieved August 11, 2018 – via Twitter.
  33. ^ Birchard. "Hurricane Hector Advisory Number 44". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  34. ^ Powell. "Hurricane Hector Discussion Number 46". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  35. ^ Mika Miyashima (August 4, 2018). "Hawaii Island officials prepare for Hurricane Hector". KITV. Retrieved August 5, 2018.
  36. ^ Mack, Eric. "Kilauea Has Been Erupting For 3 Months; Now A Hurricane Is Headed For Hawaii". Forbes. Forbes. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  37. ^ Wroe. "Hurricane Hector Advisory Number 26". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  38. ^ Ballard, R. "Hurricane Hector Advisory Number 31". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  39. ^ Birchard. "HURRICANE HECTOR FORECAST/ADVISORY NUMBER 34". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  40. ^ Houston. "Hurricane Hector Advisory Number 37". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  41. ^ Houston. "Hurricane Hector Forecast/Advisory Number 41" Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
  42. ^ Houston. "Hurricane Hector Forecast Discussion Number 40". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
  43. ^ Wroe. "Hurricane Hector Advisory Number 43". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  44. ^ "Hurricane HECTOR Advisory Archive". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  45. ^ "Product Archive". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  46. ^ Philip Klotzbach [@philklotzbach] (August 11, 2018). "Philip Klotzbach on Twitter" (Tweet). Retrieved August 11, 2018 – via Twitter.
  47. ^ a b National Hurricane Center; Hurricane Research Division; Central Pacific Hurricane Center (April 26, 2024). "The Northeast and North Central Pacific hurricane database 1949–2023". United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Archived from the original on May 29, 2024. A guide on how to read the database is available here. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  48. ^ "Hurricane HECTOR Advisory Archive". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  49. ^ "Product Archive". Central Pacific Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 11 August 2018.
  50. ^ Philip Klotzbach [@philklotzbach] (August 11, 2018). "Philip Klotzbach on Twitter" (Tweet). Retrieved August 11, 2018 – via Twitter.
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