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Tropical Storm Carlotta (2018)

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Tropical Storm Carlotta
Tropical storm (SSHWS/NWS)
Tropical Storm Carlotta on June 16
FormedJune 14, 2018
DissipatedJune 19, 2018
Highest winds1-minute sustained: 65 mph (100 km/h)
Lowest pressure997 mbar (hPa); 29.44 inHg
Fatalities3 total
Areas affectedCentral and Southern Mexico
Part of the 2018 Pacific hurricane season

Tropical Storm Carlotta was a tropical cyclone that caused flooding within several states in southwestern and central Mexico. Carlotta formed as the result of a breakdown in the Intertropical Convergence Zone to the south of Mexico. On June 12, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that a broad area of low pressure had formed several hundred miles south of southeastern Mexico. The NHC continued to track the disturbance over the next couple of days as it drifted northward. Following an increase in organization, the system was designated as a tropical depression on June 14 and was upgraded to tropical storm status the following evening. On June 16, Carlotta unexpectedly stalled within a favorable environment, which led to more intensification than originally anticipated. Early on June 17, Carlotta reached peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 997 mbar (29.44 inHg). Soon after, Carlotta began to interact with land and experience wind shear, which resulted in the system weakening to tropical depression status later in the day. Carlotta weakened to a remnant low early on June 19 and dissipated several hours later.

Carlotta prompted the issuance of multiple watches and warnings for the southern coast of Mexico. Carlotta caused a total of three deaths; two in Aguascalientes and one in Oaxaca. Additionally, the storm caused flooding and landslides throughout the states of Aguascalientes, Guerrero, Michoacán, Oaxaca, and Puebla, as well as the Yucatán Peninsula. Damage from the system was reported to be minor.

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

Tropical Storm Carlotta formed as the result of a breakdown in the Intertropical Convergence Zone to the south of Mexico, however, a tropical wave that crossed over Central America around June 11 may have contributed to Carlotta's formation as well.[1] On June 12, the NHC reported that a broad area of low pressure had formed several hundred miles south of southeastern Mexico.[2] The NHC continued to monitor the disturbance over the next couple days as it drifted northward.[3] Initially, strong upper-level winds prevented organization,[2] but by the next day, conditions had become marginally conducive.[4] The system thereafter increased in organization, resulting in the formation of a tropical depression by 18:00 UTC on June 14.[1] Around that time, the NHC forecast that a mid-level ridge over Mexico would break down on the next day, leaving the depression in an area of light steering currents.[5] Despite being located in an environment with low-to-moderate wind shear and sea surface temperatures exceeding 30 °C (86 °F),[6] the depression experienced minimal change in intensity over the next 18 hours. The NHC later reduced its intensity forecast as the system's center had reformed further north, decreasing the amount of time until landfall.[7] Around 18:00 UTC on June 15, the system strengthened into a tropical storm, after which it was assigned the name Carlotta.[1]

Early on June 16, Carlotta's forward motion began to fluctuate, changing from northeast to southeast in six hours.[8] Carlotta began to intensify around 06:00 UTC as it stalled off the coast of Mexico.[1][9] Twelve hours later, the cyclone began moving in a northerly direction.[10] At 00:00 UTC on June 17, Carlotta reached peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 997 mbar (29.44 inHg).[1] Around that time, the NHC noted that the system's structure had improved significantly, with a contracting eye and more symmetric eyewall.[11] Soon after, Carlotta began to weaken due to increasing interactions with land and northerly wind shear. Meanwhile, the system had begun tracking towards the northwest.[12] Around 18:00 UTC, Carlotta weakened into a tropical depression after lacking organized deep convection for several hours.[1][13] Over the next day, Carlotta continued to weaken before degenerating into a remnant low on June 19 at 00:00 UTC.[1] Soon after, Carotta's upper-level circulation decoupled entirely and was drifting towards the southwest, while the low- and mid-level remnants remained.[14] Carlotta's remnants dissipated approximately six hours later.[1]

Preparations and impact

Tropical Depression Carlotta weakening off the southern coast of Mexico on June 18.

On June 14 at 21:00 UTC, a tropical storm watch was issued for Tecpan de Galeana to Punta Maldonado.[15] Six hours later, the watch was upgraded to a tropical storm warning.[16] On June 15 at 15:00 UTC, the tropical storm warning was extended to Lagunas de Chacahua.[17] Six hours later, the warning was discontinued for Tecpan de Galeana to west of Acapulco.[18] On June 17 at 03:00 UTC, the warning was extended westward from Acapulco to Tecpan de Galeana and cancelled to the east of Punta Maldonado.[19] At 09:00 UTC, the warning was discontinued east of Tecpan de Galeana and extended westward to Lazaro Cardenas.[20] The tropical storm warning was cancelled at 18:00 UTC, after Carlotta weakened into a tropical depression.[21]

Tropical Storm Carlotta caused flooding in southern Mexico, with the states of Aguascalientes, Guerrero, Michoacán, Oaxaca, Puebla, and the Yucatán Peninsula being affected. Additionally, Carlotta caused two deaths in Aguascalientes and one in Oaxaca. In the Yucatán Peninsula, Carlotta and multiple other systems dropped between 70–400 mm (3–20 in) of rain, causing severe flooding.[22] There, a total of 170 families were affected and the DN-III-E Plan, a plan for the coordination of search and rescue operations and disaster aid, was activated to help with recovery efforts.[23]

In Oaxaca, severe flooding killed one individual. The body of a 29-year-old man was recovered about 10 mi (20 km) off the coast of Oaxaca after he was dragged away by flood waters and drowned.[24] The ports of Huatulco, Puerto Ángel and Puerto Escondido were closed and fishing operations were suspended due to the proximity of Carlotta.[25] Additionally, multiple landslides occurred in the state.[26][27] In Guerrero, minor damage was reported. In the Costa Chica region, several palapas on a beach and the fishing equipment of at least 80 families was damaged, preventing them from working.[28] In the municipalities of Tecpan de Galeana, Zihuatanejo, and Petatlán, 42 homes were inundated by flood waters. A total of 138 trees were downed; 120 in Acapulco and the remaining 18 in the municipalities of Cuajinicuilapa, Florencio Villareal, Azoyu, Tecpan de Galeana, Benito Juárez, Coyuca de Benítez, Eduardo Neri, and Coyuca de Catalán. Additionally, a hospital reported window damage, 11 roads collapsed, nine houses lost their rooves, and 32 neighborhoods lost power in Acapulco.[29][30] In Puebla, it was reported that a state highway and a bridge collapsed, cutting off several towns in the area.[31]

In Michoacán, multiple cities along the coast experienced severe flooding. In Melchor Ocampo, a peak rainfall total of 285.0 mm (11.22 in) was reported. Approximately 210.6 mm (8.291 in) of rain fell in La Villita, while 194.9 mm (7.673 in) was recorded in Presa La Villita.[22] Rainfall caused the Acalpican River to overflow its banks.[32] In the Tiquicheo Municipality, it was reported that 10 houses flooded after a river near the city of Tiquicheo overflowed its banks.[33] Additionally, multiple homes were inundated in the Zamora Municipality. In Pátzcuaro, multiple landslides occurred, damaging roads in the region. In Nuevo Urecho, the overflow of the Los Hervores River damaged water pumps, resulting in a water shortage throughout the municipality.[34] Throughout the storm, 35 temporary shelters were in operation.[35][32]

In Aguascalientes, Carlotta caused infrastructural damage and two indirect deaths in Aguascalientes City. Rainfall from Carlotta flooded streets, sweeping away dozens of cars and prompting the rescue of several people. A 30-to-35-year-old woman and a 15-to-17-year-old girl became entrapped in their vehicle due to rising flood waters and died of carbon monoxide poisoning.[36][37] After 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain fell,[38] the city's drainage system collapsed.[37] It was reported that 12 trees fell and 12 houses were flooded.[36] Additionally, a waterspout was reported as having touched down in the state. Mexican authorities alerted the public that the El Cedazo dam had the potential to overflow due to the heavy rainfall.[37][38]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Pasch, Richard J. (19 December 2018). Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Carlotta (2018) (PDF). National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  2. ^ a b Blake, Eric (12 June 2018). "Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
  3. ^ Blake, Eric (14 June 2018). Tropical Weather Outlook. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
  4. ^ Blake, Eric (13 June 2018). Tropical Weather Outlook. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
  5. ^ Blake, Eric (14 June 2018). Tropical Depression Four-E Discussion Number 1. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
  6. ^ Zelinsky, David (15 June 2018). Tropical Depression Four-E Discussion Number 2. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
  7. ^ Blake, Eric (15 June 2018). Tropical Depression Four-E Discussion Number 4. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
  8. ^ Cangialosi, John (16 June 2018). Tropical Storm Carlotta Discussion Number 6. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 11 March 2019.
  9. ^ Avila, Lixion (16 June 2018). Tropical Storm Carlotta Discussion Number 7. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 11 March 2019.
  10. ^ Pasch, Richard (16 June 2018). Tropical Storm Carlotta Advisory Number 9. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric. Retrieved 11 March 2019.
  11. ^ Cangialosi, John (17 June 2018). Tropical Storm Carlotta Discussion Number 10. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 11 March 2019.
  12. ^ Avila, Lixion (17 June 2018). Tropical Storm Carlotta Discussion Number 11. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 11 March 2019.
  13. ^ Pasch, Richard (17 June 2018). Tropical Depression Carlotta Discussion Number 13. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 11 March 2019.
  14. ^ Stewart, Stacy (19 June 2018). Post-Tropical Cyclone Carlotta Discussion Number 18. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 11 March 2019.
  15. ^ Blake, Eric (14 June 2018). "Tropical Depression Four-E Advisory Number 1". National Hurricane Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
  16. ^ Zelinsky, David (15 June 2018). Tropical Depression Four-E Advisory Number 2. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
  17. ^ Blake, Eric (15 June 2018). Tropical Depression Four-E Advisory Number 4. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 11 March 2019.
  18. ^ Blake, Eric (15 June 2018). Tropical Storm Carlotta Advisory Number 5. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 11 March 2019.
  19. ^ Cangialosi, John (17 June 2018). Tropical Storm Carlotta Advisory Number 10. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 11 March 2019.
  20. ^ Avila, Lixion (17 June 2018). Tropical Storm Carlotta Advisory Number 11. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 11 March 2019.
  21. ^ Pasch, Richard (17 June 2018). Tropical Depression Carlotta Intermediate Advisory Number 12A. National Hurricane Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 11 March 2019.
  22. ^ a b Precipitación acumulada (mm) del 14 al 19 de junio de 2018 por la tormenta tropical Carlotta. gob.mx (Report) (in Spanish). Conagua. Retrieved 12 March 2019.
  23. ^ Rodriguez, Yazmin (17 June 2018). "Tormenta tropical Carlotta afecta a 170 familias en Yucatán". El Universal (in Spanish). Retrieved 9 April 2019.
  24. ^ "Recuperan cuerpo de joven que cayó a arroyo en Oaxaca". Televisa News (in Spanish). 20 June 2018. Retrieved 7 April 2019.
  25. ^ "Alerta en Oaxaca por cercanía de 'Carlotta'; cierran puertos a la navegación". Televisa News (in Spanish). 15 June 2018. Retrieved 7 April 2019.
  26. ^ Alvarez, Xochitl; Carrizales, David (20 June 2018). "Lluvias provcan serveras inundaciones en Aguascalientes y Nuevo Leon". El Universal (in Spanish). Retrieved 9 April 2019.
  27. ^ "Tormentas por 'Carlotta' causan derrumbe en carretera de Oaxaca". Debate (in Spanish). 19 June 2018. Retrieved 9 April 2019.
  28. ^ "'Carlotta' provoca daños menores en Costa Chica de Guerrero". Televisa News (in Spanish). 17 June 2018. Retrieved 9 April 2019.
  29. ^ "Carlotta deja daños en 19 municipios de Guerrero". El Sol de México (in Spanish). 18 June 2018. Retrieved 9 April 2019.
  30. ^ Reyes, Laura (17 June 2018). "La tormenta 'Carlotta' deja daños en Guerrero". Expansion (in Spanish). CNN Espanol. Retrieved 9 April 2019.
  31. ^ "Lluvias intensas de 'Carlotta' causan inundaciones en Tehuacán, Puebla". Televisa News (in Spanish). 18 June 2018. Retrieved 9 April 2019.
  32. ^ a b "Reportan lluvias en inundaciones en Michoacán por 'Carlotta'". Televisa News (in Spanish). 18 June 2018. Retrieved 7 April 2019.
  33. ^ Fuentes, Christian (19 June 2018). "El agua se mete a las casas en Tiquicheo; el alcalde, damnificado". La Voz de Michoacán (in Spanish). Retrieved 7 April 2019.
  34. ^ ""Carlotta" deja su huella en Michoacán". La Voz de Michoacán (in Spanish). 19 June 2018. Retrieved 7 April 2019.
  35. ^ Jaramillo, Tere (21 June 2018). "Tormenta tropical provocará lluvias en Michoacán". La Voz de Michoacán (in Spanish). Retrieved 7 April 2019.
  36. ^ a b Torres, David Julián (19 June 2018). "[Videos] Cobra dos vidas y deja afectaciones, intensa lluvia en Aguascalientes". El Sol de México (in Spanish). Retrieved 31 March 2019.
  37. ^ a b c "VIDEO: Tromba deja dos muertos y vehículos arrastrados en Aguascalientes". La Silla Rota (in Spanish). 20 June 2018. Retrieved 31 March 2019.
  38. ^ a b "Dos mueren atrapados en sus autos tras inundaciones en Aguascalientes". PSN en Linea (in Spanish). 20 June 2018. Retrieved 31 March 2019.
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