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2006 Pacific hurricane season
<tr><th>First storm formed:</th><td>May 27, 2006</td></tr><tr><th>Last storm dissipated:</th><td>November 20, 2006</td></tr><tr style="background-color:#F0F0F0; border-top:1px solid #AAAAAA;"><th>Strongest storm:</th><td>Daniel (150 mph, 933 mbar) — East
Ioke (160 mph, 920 mbar) — Central (record)</td></tr><tr style="background-color:#F0F0F0;"><th>Total storms:</th><td>18 — East
1 — Central</td></tr><tr style="background-color:#F0F0F0; border-bottom:1px solid #AAAAAA;"><th>Major storms (Cat. 3+):</th><td>5 — East
1 — Central</td></tr><tr><th>Total damage:</th><td>$170.8 million (2006 USD)</td></tr><tr><th>Total fatalities:</th><td>14</td></tr><tr><td align=center colspan="2" style="white-space: nowrap;"></td></tr><tr align=center style="background-color:#F0F0F0; border-top:1px solid #AAAAAA;"><td colspan="2">Pacific hurricane seasons
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008</td></tr>
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The 2006 Pacific hurricane season was an event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation. It officially began May 15, 2006 in the eastern Pacific, designated as the area east of 140°W, and began on June 1 2006 in the central Pacific, which is between the International Date Line and 140°W. Both seasons officially ended on November 30, 2006. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the eastern Pacific basin.
[edit] Seasonal forecasts
On May 22, 2006, NOAA released their forecasts for the 2006 Atlantic, East Pacific, and Central Pacific hurricane seasons. They predicted a below-normal level of activity in the Eastern Pacific, with 12 to 16 named storms, of which 6 to 8 were expected to become hurricanes, and 1 to 3 expected to become major hurricanes.<ref name="NOAA May">Climate Prediction Center, NOAA (2006-05-22). NOAA Expects Below Average 2006 East Pacific Hurricane Season. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved on 2006-05-22.</ref> The Central Pacific basin was also expected to be below average, with only two to three tropical cyclones expected to form or cross into the area.<ref name="NOAA May CP">Central Pacific Hurricane Center, NOAA (2006-05-22). NOAA Announces Central Pacific Hurricane Season Outlook. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved on 2006-06-10.</ref> They expected that neither El Niño or La Niña will affect conditions significantly.<ref name="NOAA May"/>
[edit] Storms
- See also: Timeline of the 2006 Pacific hurricane season
[edit] Tropical Storm Aletta
An area of disturbed weather located south-southwest of the Mexican port of Acapulco, Guerrero, was first detected on May 23, just eight days into the season. It gradually gained organized convection and was classified as a tropical depression early on May 27. It became a tropical storm later that morning, the first of 2006 in the Western Hemisphere. While named tropical cyclones in May are infrequent events, Aletta marked the seventh consecutive year to have a named cyclone form in May.<ref name="NHC May">National Hurricane Center, NOAA (2006-06-01). May Tropical Weather Summary. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved on 2006-06-01.</ref>
That same day, Aletta strengthened to a tropical storm with 45 mph (75 km/h) sustained winds, while moving towards the Guerrero coast in southwestern Mexico, which forced the Mexican government to issue tropical storm watches between Punta Maldonado and Zihuatanejo.<ref name="SMN Aletta">Alberto Hernández Unzón; M. G. Cirilo Bravo Lujano. Resúmen de la Tormenta Tropical Aletta del Océano Pacífico ((Spanish)) (PDF). Servicio Meteorologico Nacional, Comisión Nacional del Agua. Retrieved on 2006-09-09.</ref> Aletta then became stationary over the Guerrero and Oaxaca coastlines, but it later turned to the west and weakened on May 29. Aletta continued to weaken until it dissipated on May 30.
Aletta produced moderate rainfall across Mexico, including a 24-hour rainfall total of 100.2 mm (3.94 in) in Jacatepec, Oaxaca on May 30, and 96.0 mm (3.78 in) in La Calera, Guerrero, the next day.<ref name="SMN Aletta"/> There were, however, no reports of damage, flooding, or casualties.<ref name="NHC May"/><ref name="AlettaTCR">National Hurricane Center (2006). Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Aletta (PDF). NOAA. Retrieved on 2006-07-18.</ref>
[edit] Tropical Depression Two-E
On June 1, an area of disturbed weather developed near the same area in which Aletta formed. High shear slowed the development of the system. However, it gained enough convection and organization to be classified as a tropical depression on June 3. The depression strengthened to near tropical storm status as it approached the coast of southwestern Mexico; however, shear persisted over the system and it weakened before dissipating on June 4.
Despite never becoming a named storm, heavy rain occurred, with Acapulco receiving between 10-12 inches (250-300 mm) of rain as a result of the depression. Mudslides and flooding occurred in association with 2-E[1]<ref>Comisión Federal de Electricidad (June 4, 2006). Aviso 12 de la Depresión Tropical 2-E ((Spanish)). CFE. Retrieved on 2006-06-07.</ref>
[edit] Hurricane Bud
After over a month of inactivity, a disturbance in the Eastern Pacific off the Peninsula of Baja California began to intensify, and it was designated as Tropical Depression Three-E on July 10 local time (July 11 UTC), while about 750 miles (1200 km) south of the tip of Baja California, and began to move away from the Mexican coast. On July 11, just six hours after the first advisory, it strengthened into Tropical Storm Bud. After that, Bud rapidly intensified under favorable conditions. It developed an eye on the afternoon of July 11 and was designated a hurricane in a special advisory in the late afternoon. It continued to intensify and eventually became a major hurricane late on July 12. On July 13, Bud reached a peak of maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 km/h)<ref name="SMN Bud">Alberto Hernández Unzón. Resúmen del Huracán Bud del Océano Pacífico ((Spanish)) (PDF). Servicio Meteorologico Nacional, Comisión Nacional del Agua. Retrieved on 2006-09-09.</ref> and a minimum pressure of 953 mbar as a strong Category 3 hurricane. It then weakened rapidly as it moved over much colder waters, losing almost all its convection and weakening to a tropical storm on July 14 and later weakening to tropical depression status on July 15. The depression continued losing convection and degenerated into a remnant low later that day, without ever threatening land.<ref name="SMN Bud"/>
[edit] Hurricane Carlotta
Late on July 11, a new tropical depression formed about 250 miles (400 km) southwest of the Mexican state of Guerrero. The depression intensified quickly, and six hours later it was upgraded to tropical storm status, receiving the name Carlotta.<ref name="NHC Carlotta Disc 2">National Hurricane Center. Tropical Storm Carlotta Discussion Number 2, 2 a.m. PDT, July 12, 2006. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved on 2006-07-12.</ref> The storm continued to strengthen, and became a hurricane 24 hours later.<ref name="NHC Carlotta Disc 6">National Hurricane Center. Tropical Storm Carlotta Discussion Number 6, 2 a.m. PDT, July 13, 2006. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved on 2006-07-13.</ref> However, the system encountered unfavorable conditions and cooler waters and weakened into a tropical storm during the afternoon of July 14.<ref name="NHC Carlotta Disc 12">National Hurricane Center. Tropical Storm Carlotta Discussion Number 12, 2 p.m. PDT, July 14, 2006. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved on 2006-07-14.</ref> However, Carlotta managed to regain some convection and restrengthened into a hurricane late that evening, only to weaken back into a tropical storm again the following morning. The system continued to weaken and was downgraded to tropical depression status on the morning of July 16. Carlotta degenerated into a non-convective remnant low later that night.
[edit] Hurricane Daniel
On July 16, a tropical disturbance formed far to the south of the Baja California Peninsula and quickly increased in convective activity and organization. The NHC designated it as a tropical depression that night (July 17 UTC). The depression continued to organize and was designated as a tropical storm the next day. The storm continued to intensify and was declared a hurricane on July 18. Early on July 20, Hurricane Daniel underwent rapid intensification and reached major hurricane status (Category 3) and was later upgraded further to Category 4 status. After several repeated eyewall replacement cycles, Daniel later became an annular hurricane, allowing it to maintain category 4 status for longer than it otherwise would have.
It crossed over into the Central North Pacific basin early on July 24 and was predicted to affect Hawaii as a tropical storm. However, Daniel encountered weak steering currents in the open ocean, causing it to slow down considerably. It rapidly degenerated to a tropical depression on July 25 and the CPHC issued its last advisory on July 26 while the storm was still well to the east of Hawaii.
[edit] Tropical Storm Emilia
A tropical depression formed on July 21 from an area of disturbed weather 380 miles (610 km) south-southwest of Acapulco, and became Tropical Storm Emilia on July 22. Tropical storm watches were issued on the Mexican coast soon afterwards due to uncertainties in its track, but were discontinued after the storm turned northwestwards away from the coast. It later approached the Baja California Peninsula and brought tropical storm-force winds to the southern tip and western coast of the peninsula before it turned northwestwards and rapidly weakened.
Emilia was expected to peak as a Category 1 or 2 hurricane on July 24 or July 25, but due to hostile conditions it did not gain hurricane strength. However, it did reach a peak of 70 mph (110 km/h) and was beginning to form an eyewall when it peaked in intensity.
[edit] Tropical Storm Fabio
An area of low pressure tracked westward over the open Pacific in the last week of July. It gradually developed better organization and became a tropical depression on the afternoon of July 31. It continued to organize and was designated Tropical Storm Fabio six hours later. The storm moved westward over open waters and did not strengthen significantly due to strong wind shear. Fabio weakened into a tropical depression on August 2 and degenerated into a remnant low on August 3.
[edit] Tropical Storm Gilma
Tropical Depression Eight-E formed off the coast of Central America late on July 31, and slowly strengthened into a tropical storm by August 1. It encountered shearing winds and dry air, weakened to a depression the next day, and dissipated on August 3.
[edit] Hurricane Hector
An area of low pressure tracked across the eastern Pacific in the second week of August. It gradually became better organized and became a tropical depression on the afternoon of August 15. It strengthened steadily and was designated a tropical storm early on August 16, reaching hurricane strength on August 17. Reaching cooler waters and higher wind shear, Hector weakened into a tropical storm on August 20, and finally dissipated two days later.
[edit] Hurricane Ioke
- Main article: Hurricane Ioke
A persistent tropical disturbance embedded in a trough gained convection and developed into a tropical depression about 775 miles south of Honolulu on August 19. It continued to strengthen, and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center designated the system with the name Ioke (IPA /iːˈəʊ.keɪ/), which is Hawaiian for the name Joyce,<ref name="Ioke name">Central Pacific Hurricane Center (August 3, 2005). Tropical Storm Ioke Discussion Number 2. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved on 2006-08-20.</ref> becoming the first tropical storm to form in the Central Pacific since 2002. After undergoing rapid development, Ioke strengthened into a hurricane just 24 hours after it had formed; it continued to rapidly intensify and became a major hurricane (Category 3 or greater) on the morning of August 21. Later that day, Ioke intensified even further into a Category 4 hurricane. On August 22, it began to weaken, and was downgraded back to a Category 2. The National Weather Service reported that the eastern eyewall of Ioke passed over the uninhabited Johnston Atoll <ref name="eyewall">Central Pacific Hurricane Center (2006-08-22). Hurricane Ioke Discussion Number 14...Corrected. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved on 2006-08-24.</ref>, buffeting it with hurricane-force winds. The storm began to deepen again late on August 23 as it moved over increasingly warm water, reaching major hurricane status for the second time while moving to the west-northwest.
Twelve people on a United States Air Force vessel in the Pacific were forced to abandon ship and take shelter in a hurricane-proof bunker on the island.<ref>Leone, Diana. "Hawaiian-named storm hits Johnston Isle", Star Bulletin, 2006-08-23. Retrieved on 2006-08-25.</ref> They were reported safe the next day, and a reconnaissance flight reported little damage on the island.<ref>Gima, Craig. "12 survive hurricane at Johnston Atoll", Star Bulletin, 2006-08-24. Retrieved on 2006-08-25.</ref>
Overnight between August 24 and August 25, Ioke strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane, the first system originating from the Central Pacific to reach that intensity while still in the Western hemisphere. Ioke then weakened back to a Category 4 while undergoing an eyewall replacement cycle, regaining Category 5 strength on August 26.<ref name="iokedis26">Central Pacific Hurricane Center (2006-08-25). Hurricane Ioke Discussion Number 26. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved on 2006-08-27.</ref> It is the most intense hurricane ever to develop in the Central Pacific, with a central pressure of 920 mbar (27.17 inHg). Ioke is only the fifth Category 5 hurricane on record in the Central Pacific, and the first one since Hurricane John in 1994.<ref>Central Pacific Hurricane Center (2006-08-25). Public Information Statement. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved on 2006-08-25.</ref>
[edit] Hurricane Ileana
Tropical Depression Ten-E formed 325 miles (520 km) south-southwest of Acapulco on August 21. 3 hours later it had strengthened sufficiently to be designated Tropical Storm Ileana. The storm was upgraded to hurricane intensity during the afternoon of August 22. It intensified rapidly, obtaining major hurricane status early on August 23. Ileana then underwent an eyewall replacement cycle, thus weakening.<ref name="Ileana ERC">National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Ileana Discussion Number 12. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved on 2006-08-25.</ref> Normally, after an eyewall replacement cycle, the cyclone would restrengthen, but due to the storm's movement over increasingly cooler water, it continued to weaken. The storm weakened to a tropical depression early on 27 August, and began dissipating later that day.
[edit] Hurricane John
- Main article: Hurricane John (2006)
On August 28, a persistent area of low pressure southwest of the Acapulco, Mexico developed into a tropical depression. Later that day it strengthened into a tropical storm, and it reached hurricane strength 24 hours later on August 29. John underwent rapid intensification and reached category 3 intensity later that day and category 4 on August 30. Hours later, the hurricane underwent another eyewall replacement cycle,<ref name="johndisc10">Mainelli/Pasch (2006). Hurricane John Discussion Ten. Retrieved on 2006-08-30.</ref> and subsequently weakened to Category 3 status as it paralleled the Mexican coastline a short distance offshore.<ref name="johndisc11">Rhome/Beven (2006). Hurricane John Discussion Eleven. NHC. Retrieved on 2006-08-30.</ref>
Potentially due to its eyewall replacement cycle of its interaction with land, Hurricane John weakened to a 105 mph hurricane by late on August 31<ref name="john14">Mainelli/Pasch (2006). Hurricane John Discussion Fourteen. NHC. Retrieved on 2006-08-31.</ref>, but restrengthened to a major hurricane shortly after. It made landfall near the southern tip of Baja California as a category 2 hurricane on September 1.<ref name="john19">Beven (2006). Hurricane John Discussion Nineteen. NHC. Retrieved on 2006-09-02.</ref>
The hurricane caused flooding along the west coast of Mexico and on Baja California. John caused moderate damage and five deaths, with one person missing.
[edit] Hurricane Kristy
On August 30, a tropical wave located about 525 miles south-southwest of Baja California became more organized and was designated as the twelfth tropical depression of the 2006 season. It strengthened into Tropical Storm Kristy before the first regular advisory and became Hurricane Kristy the next day. It did not retain this status for long, partly due to its proximity to Hurricane John. It weakened steadily and looked to be close to dissipating, but on September 3, and again on September 5, convection flared up and it returned to tropical storm strength.
Due to Kristy's close proximity to the larger Hurricane John, there was a possibility of a Fujiwhara interaction between both systems, causing Kristy to weaken or perhaps be absorbed into the circulation of John.<ref name="Kristy Discussion 6">Central Pacific Hurricane Center (2006-08-31). Hurricane Kristy Discussion Number 6. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved on 2006-08-31.</ref> However, this did not occur. After oscillating between storm and depression strength, the system degenerated into a remnant low on September 7.
[edit] Hurricane Lane
- Main article: Hurricane Lane (2006)
On September 13, a tropical disturbance located about 125 miles west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, gradually became better organized and was designated the thirteenth tropical depression of the 2006 season. The depression intensified in a favorable environment, and was upgraded to Tropical Storm Lane later that night.
Tropical Storm Lane produced heavy rainfall and high seas along the west coast of Mexico, including Acapulco where flood waters reached 16 inches (40 cm) in depth. The Acapulco airport also experienced flooding, though service was not interrupted. In addition, officials closed the port in Acapulco to small boats.<ref name="aplane">Associated Press (2006). Tropical Storm Lane lashes Mexico's Pacific coast, heads toward Baja. Retrieved on 2006-09-14.</ref> One person was killed in a landslide triggered by Lane.<ref>http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060915/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/hurricane_lane_2</ref>
As it moved parallel to the Mexican coast it continued to strengthen and became a hurricane on September 15, and a major hurricane early the next day. It made landfall on the coast of Sinaloa state on September 16.
[edit] Tropical Storm Miriam
A disturbance associated with a northerly extention of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and a tropical wave developed a closed circulation on September 15 while located to the west of Hurricane Lane. It moved northeastward under the influence of Lane, and organized enough to be declared Tropical Depression Fourteen-E on October 16 while located about 500 miles southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It quickly strengthened, and organized into Tropical Storm Miriam later that day. After reaching a peak intensity of 45 mph (70 km/h), vertical wind shear and cooler waters rapidly weakened the storm, and the circulation decoupled from the convection on September 17. After turning more towards the north, Miriam weakened to tropical depression status, and on September 18 it degenerated to a remnant low. The remnant circulation turned to the northwest, then to the east, and dissipated on September 21 a short distance west of Baja California. No deaths are damage are associated with Miriam, and only one ship recorded winds of over tropical storm force near the center.<ref name="miriamtcr">James Franklin (2006). Tropical Storm Miriam Tropical Cyclone Report. NHC. Retrieved on 2006-10-03.</ref>
[edit] Tropical Depression Two-C
On September 18, an area of disturbed weather became sufficiently organized and was designated Tropical Depression Two-C. The depression weakened into a remnant low on September 20, never reaching tropical storm status.
[edit] Tropical Depression Three-C
On September 26, another area of disturbed weather in the Central Pacific, very near the International Date Line became organized and was designated Tropical Depression Three-C.
However, wind shear was not favorable, inhibiting development, and the system dissipated 12 hours later, just as the system was crossing into the Western Pacific.
[edit] Tropical Storm Norman
Early in October, a low pressure system began to organize better to the west of the coast of Mexico. Late in the evening of October 8, it became Tropical Depression Fifteen-E as the circulation closed. It strengthened slowly overnight and became a tropical storm the next day, but strong wind shear and low sea-surface temperatures hindered development. It slowly began to weaken and on October 10 lost most convection. The remnant low of Norman combined with a new tropical disturbance while southwest of Manzanillo, and slowly began to reorganize. The system was redesignated a tropical depression on October 15, very near the coast of Mexico, only to dissipate as it approached the coast.
- See the NHC's archive on Tropical Storm Norman.
[edit] Tropical Storm Olivia
Less than a day after the formation of Fifteen-E a second depression formed even further to the south-west from Baja California and was desginated Tropical Depression Sixteen-E. It strengthened into Tropical Storm Olivia on October 10, after persistent deep convection. It encountered shearing winds and marginal temperatures and began to weaken the next day, dissipating on October 12. The remnant low became absorbed by the large area of disturbed weather associated with the remnants of Norman.
[edit] Tropical Depression Four-C
An area of thunderstorm activity and convection was first spotted in the ITCZ on October 8. Taking a long time to organise, Tropical Depression Four-C formed about 750 miles (1200 km) SW of Honolulu, Hawaii on October 13. Wind shear caused an exposed low-level circulation and therefore advisories were discontinued on October 14.
[edit] Hurricane Paul
- Main article: Hurricane Paul (2006)
On October 21, a tropical disturbance that had lingered for a few days near the Mexican coast quickly developed more convection, enough to strengthen to a tropical depression. The system quickly strengthened and was designated Tropical Storm Paul six hours later. Easterly shear prevented it from strengthening much in the first two days of its existence, but late on October 22 it began to strengthen steadily and became a hurricane. It reached Category 2 with a peak of 105 mph winds before rapidly weakening as it moved northwards, encountering heavy shear and unsuitable conditions on October 23.
While originally forecasted to hit the western Mexican coastline as a hurricane, Paul quickly weakened into a tropical storm while southwest of the Baja California peninsula. It steadily moved across the southern areas of the Gulf of California before weakening into a tropical depression a short distance off the Mexican coast. On October 26 it made landfall near southern end of Isla Altamura and became a remnant low shortly after.
- See the NHC's archive on Hurricane Paul.
[edit] Tropical Depression Eighteen-E
Just as Paul was weakening, a new area of disturbed weather was spotted by the NHC just southwest of Acapulco, Mexico. This area gained enough organization to be designated the 18th tropical depression of the season on October 26. However, on the morning of October 27, its low-level circulation center became exposed southeast of the convection, likely due to dry air. It became a remnant low later that day.
- See the NHC's archive on Tropical Depression Eighteen-E.
[edit] Tropical Storm Rosa
On November 6, an area of disturbed weather was noticed off the Central American Pacific coast. As it moved westward, a low formed and deepened, and on November 8 it was declared a tropical depression, the 19th of the season. It is the first November tropical cyclone in the eastern north Pacific since 2002's Tropical Depression Sixteen-E.<ref name="Hurricane seasons archive">National Hurricane Center. NHC/TPC Archive of Hurricane Seasons. NOAA. Retrieved on 2006-11-11.</ref> The depression struggled against vertical wind shear but finally strengthened into a tropical storm on November 9. Due to strong shear it weakened into a tropical depression later that day. On November 10, what was left of Rosa degenerated into a broad area of low pressure.
- See the NHC's archive on Tropical Storm Rosa.
[edit] Tropical Depression Twenty-E
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