Hurricane Lane (2006)

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Hurricane Lane
Category 3 hurricane (SSHS)
Hurricane Lane, as seen from TERRA MODIS

Hurricane Lane, as seen from TERRA MODIS
Formed September 13, 2006
Dissipated September 17, 2006
Highest
winds
125 mph (205 km/h) (1-minute sustained)
Lowest pressure 952 mbar (hPa; 28.12 inHg)
Fatalities 4 direct
Damage $203 million (2006 USD)
$217 million (2008 USD)
Areas
affected		 Northern Pacific coast of Mexico, Southern Texas
Part of the
2006 Pacific hurricane season

Hurricane Lane was the strongest Pacific hurricane to make landfall in Mexico since Hurricane Kenna of 2002. The thirteenth named storm, ninth hurricane, and sixth major hurricane of the 2006 Pacific hurricane season, Lane developed from a tropical wave on September 13 to the south of Mexico. It moved northwestward parallel to the coast of Mexico, and steadily intensified in an area conducive to further strengthening. After turning to the northeast, Lane attained peak winds of 125 mph (205 km/h), and made landfall in the Mexican state of Sinaloa at peak strength. It rapidly weakened and dissipated on September 17, and later brought precipitation to southern Texas.

Throughout its path, Lane resulted in four deaths and moderate damage. Damage was heaviest in Sinaloa where the hurricane made landfall, including reports of severe crop damage. Across Mexico, an estimated 4,320 homes were impacted by the hurricane, with about 248,000 people affected. Moderate flooding was reported in Acapulco, resulting in mudslides in some areas. Damage across the country totaled $2.2 billion (2006 MXN, $203 million (2006 USD).

Contents

[edit] Storm history

Storm path
Storm path

A tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on August 31, 2006. It moved westward without development, and entered the eastern Pacific Ocean on September 10.[1] An area of convection developed along the wave axis,[2] several hundred miles south of the Gulf of Tehuantepec. It moved slowly westward[3] and steadily organized.[4] Convection and banding features organized around a developing center, and the system developed into Tropical Depression Thirteen-E on September 13.[5] The system continued to organize and strengthened into Tropical Storm Lane early on September 14 about 90 miles (145 km) off the coast of Mexico. Based on a potentially developing anticyclone over the storm and a track over warm water temperatures, the Statistical Hurricane Intensity Prediction Scheme model issued a 46 percent probability for rapid intensification of the storm.[6]

Lane continued to become better organized, with deep convection developing into a central dense overcast and well-defined outflow in the western half of the storm.[7] Late on September 14, an eyewall began to develop a short distance off the Mexican coastline.[8] Lane continued to strengthen as it turned more to the north-northwest, a motion caused due to the storm moving around the western periphery of a mid-level ridge over Mexico.[9] Based on reports from Reconnaissance Aircraft, Lane was upgraded to hurricane status on September 15 about 40 miles (65 km) west-northwest of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico.[10] Subsequently it quickly strengthened, and by six hours after it became a hurricane it attained winds of 105 mph (165 km/h), a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Later that day, the 10 mile (16 km) wide eye crossed over the Islas Marías.[11] Early on September 16, Lane strengthened into a 115 mph (185 km/h) hurricane just 50 miles (85 km) off the coast of Mexico, becoming the sixth major hurricane of the season.[12]

Hurricane Lane continued to organize with its 9 mile (14 km) wide eye surrounded by very deep convection, and the storm strengthened further to reach peak winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) by midday on September 16.[13] It turned unexpectedly to the northeast, and at 1915 UTC on the 16th, Hurricane Lane made landfall in a sparsely populated region of Sinaloa, 20 miles (32 km) southeast of El Dorado.[14][15][14] This made Lane the most intense hurricane to strike Mexico since Hurricane Kenna in the 2002 season.[16] The combination of the mountainous terrain of Mexico and increasing west-southwesterly wind shear caused the storm to rapidly weaken,[17] and the storm dissipated on September 17.[18] The remnants of Lane later moved into Texas.[19]

[edit] Preparations

Due to Lane's projected path near the western coast of Mexico, authorities closed ports to small boats in the cities of Acapulco.[20] Just weeks after Hurricane John took a similar path through the area, several tourists voluntarily left their vacations to fly home. Many residents boarded up buildings and bought hurricane supplies in preparation for the storm. Officials also closed schools across the state of Guerrero.[21] In all, 40,400 tourists were evacuated from the Mexican coastline.[22] According to the Secretaría de Gobernación, under which the Mexican Civil Protection Service operates, there were 5.5 million homes and 21 million people in 21 states threatened by the system in all of Mexico.[23] As a result, authorities evacuated about 2,000 people to emergency shelters.[24]

As Lane came closer to the Mexican coastline, all the seaports between Michoacán and Sinaloa were closed, and the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (National Meteorological Service, in Spanish) warned the general population about the threat of flooding and landslides. When the hurricane made landfall, the government of the state of Sinaloa issued a state of emergency for the municipalities of Ahome, Guasave, Angostura, Salvador Alvarado, Culiacán, Navolato, Elota, San Ignacio and Mazatlán.[25] The arrival of the hurricane forced the closure of several flights at the General Rafael Buelna International Airport in Mazatlán, Sinaloa.[15]

Prior to entering the area, the National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for large portions of Texas due to the remnants of Lane.[19]

[edit] Impact

Lane making landfall in Sinaloa
Lane making landfall in Sinaloa

In Acapulco, the storm produced strong waves and heavy rain, leaving coastal streets with up to 16 inches (405 mm) of water. The heavy rainfall flooded 200 houses and caused a mudslide, resulting in the death of a seven year-old boy. Flooding also occurred at the airport in Acapulco, though service was not interrupted. Offshore, strong waves capsized a boat, leaving one person missing. Heavy rainfall in the Michoacán city of Lázaro Cárdenas overflowed a canal, forcing over 500 people to evacuate their homes.[21] 500 acres (2 km²) of crops were destroyed by Lane in Michoacán. Road and airport damage in Colima totaled to about $30 million (2006 MXN, $2.7 million 2006 USD).[22] In Cajon de Pena in the state of Jalisco, rainfall totaled to 7.36 inches (187 mm).[26] One man died in Pueblos Unidos after being knocked over by strong winds.[27] Throughout Jalisco, 109 people had to evacuate their homes due to landslides and heavy rainfall.[28]

In El Dorado, near where the storm made landfall, the hurricane washed out away roads and destroyed many flimsy homes. Strong winds knocked down electricity towers, trees, and traffic signs, leaving many without power.[27] In Mazatlán, to the southeast of where Lane moved ashore, the hurricane produced strong winds and heavy rains, causing street flooding and power outages.[15] The threat of the hurricane forced the cancellation of a Mexican Independence Day Parade.[29] Between Mazatlán and the Sinaloa capital city of Culiacán, the hurricane destroyed a bridge, leaving dozens of trucks stranded. In Culiacán, one person died when he drove his car into a river, while several streets were flooded from the storm.[27] Throughout Sinaloa, several damaged roads left many communities cut-off from the rest of the country. Lane caused severe agricultural damage in the state, possibly reaching as high as $600 million (2006 MXN, $55 million 2006 USD). The hurricane also damaged water treatment facilities and distribution systems in multiple communities, prompting the Mexican Department of Health to declare a sanitary alert in Sinaloa.[30] Damage in Sinaloa totaled to around $1.2 billion (2006 MXN, $109.3 million (2006 USD).[31]

Throughout Mexico, Hurricane Lane killed four people.[30] An estimated 4,320 homes were impacted by the hurricane, with about 248,000 people affected. Water systems were damaged in nine municipalities, leaving thousands temporarily without water. A total of 19,200 miles (30,000 km) of roads and highways were damaged to some degree, including some destroyed bridges. In all, the hurricane caused about $2.2 billion (2006 MXN, $203 million 2006 USD) in damage in the country.[24] The remnants of Lane brought precipitation to southern Texas.[32]

[edit] Aftermath

By the day after Hurricane Lane made landfall, most of the evacuated people returned to their homes to begin the cleanup process. Some tourists who remained in the area for the storm continued their vacations, while others tried to leave the area.[33] The Mexican government declared a state of emergency for nine municipalities in Sinaloa, allowing emergency funds to give relief support to the affected population.[22] Helicopters were used to distribute foods and locate cut-off residents. The government set up three temporary shelters in Mazatlán for 360 people and three shelters in Culiacán for about 1,000 affected residents.[30] To prevent the spread of Dengue fever, officials sent epidemiologists to 67 communities, with 18 mobile units and 15 Nebulizer units. By a month after the storm, all roads and highways impacted by the hurricane were open for transportation.[24]

Despite the damage, the name was not retired, and the name Lane is scheduled to be used again for the 2012 season.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Richard Knabb (2006). Hurricane Lane Tropical Cyclone Report (PDF). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2006-11-30.
  2. ^ Cobb/Pasch (2006). September 12 Tropical Weather Outlook. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2006-09-15.
  3. ^ Aguirre/Avila (2006). September 11 Tropical Weather Outlook. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2006-09-15.
  4. ^ Aguirre/Avila (2006). September 12 Tropical Weather Outlook (2). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2006-09-15.
  5. ^ Blake/Beven (2006). Tropical Depression Thirteen-E Discussion One. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2006-09-15.
  6. ^ Rhome/Knabb (2006). Tropical Storm Lane Discussion Three. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2006-09-15.
  7. ^ Beven (2006). Tropical Storm Lane Discussion Four. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2006-09-15.
  8. ^ Franklin (2006). Tropical Storm Lane Discussion Five. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2006-09-15.
  9. ^ Rhome/Knabb (2006). Tropical Storm Lane Discussion Seven. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2006-09-15.
  10. ^ Beven (2006). Hurricane Lane Discussion Nine. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2006-09-15.
  11. ^ Roberts/Stewart (2006). Hurricane Lane Discussion Ten. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2006-09-15.
  12. ^ Rhome/Knabb (2006). Hurricane Lane Discussion Eleven. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2006-09-16.
  13. ^ Beven (2006). Hurricane Lane Discussion 12. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2006-09-16.
  14. ^ a b Beven (2006). Hurricane Lane Update. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2006-09-16.
  15. ^ a b c Will Weissert (2006). Lane weakens after lashing Mexico coast. Associated Press. Retrieved on 2006-09-16.
  16. ^ Hurricane Research Division (2007). Hurricane Data for Pacific Hurricanes 1949-2006. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved on 2008-01-12.
  17. ^ Roberts/Stewart (2006). Hurricane Lane Discussion Fourteen. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2006-09-17.
  18. ^ Avila (2006). Tropical Depression Lane Discussion Sixteen. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2006-09-17.
  19. ^ a b Fortbendnow.com (2006). Fort Bend Under Flood Watch as Storm System Blankets The Region. Retrieved on 2006-09-18.
  20. ^ Associated Press (2006). Tropical Storm Lane lashes Mexico's Pacific coast. Retrieved on 2006-09-15.
  21. ^ a b Will Weissert (2006). Hurricane Lane Heading Toward Baja. AP. Retrieved on 2006-09-15.
  22. ^ a b c United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (2006). Mexico: Hurricane Lane OCHA Situation Report No. 1. Retrieved on 2006-09-23.
  23. ^ (Spanish) Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (2006). El huracan 'Lane' crece en la costa oeste del país. Retrieved on 2007-09-06.
  24. ^ a b c (Spanish) Coordinación General de Asesoria y Políticas Públicas Gobierno del Estato (2006). Sociedad y gobierno unidos ante los daños del Huracán Lane. Retrieved on 2007-09-05.
  25. ^ (Spanish) Staff writer. "Toca tierra el ojo del huracán ‘Lane’", Notimex, September 16, 2006. Retrieved on 2006-09-16. 
  26. ^ Beven (2006). Hurricane Lane Public Advisory 12A. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved on 2006-09-16.
  27. ^ a b c Tomas Sarmiento (2006). Hurricane Lane leaves destruction in Mexico. Reuters. Retrieved on 2006-09-17.
  28. ^ Margot Habiby (2006). Lane Strengthens to Hurricane on Approach to Mexico. Bloomberg.com. Retrieved on 2006-09-15.
  29. ^ AP (2006). Hurricane Lane hits Mexico coast. Retrieved on 2006-09-18.
  30. ^ a b c United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (2006). Mexico: Hurricane Lane OCHA Situation Report No. 2. Retrieved on 2006-09-23.
  31. ^ (Spanish) Valdez Cardenas, Javier & Leon, Raymundo. "En Sinaloa, los daños por Lane suman 1,200 millones de pesos", La Jornada, 2006-09-24. Retrieved on 2006-10-03. (Spanish) 
  32. ^ National Hurricane Center (2006). 2006 Tropical Weather Summary. Retrieved on 2008-01-12.
  33. ^ Will Weissert (2006). Cleaning up, clearing out after Lane. AP. Retrieved on 2006-09-18.

[edit] See also

Tropical cyclones Portal

[edit] External links

Tropical cyclones of the 2006 Pacific hurricane season
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Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
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* Central Pacific system