Hurricane Carlos (2015): Difference between revisions

{{Infobox hurricaneweather event

| Namename = Hurricane Carlos

| Remnantpressure low=June 17978

| Hurricane season = [[2015 Pacific hurricane season]]

'''Hurricane Carlos''' was an unusually small [[tropical cyclone]] which affected the western coast of [[Mexico]] in June 2015. Forming as the third [[Tropical cyclone naming|named storm]] and hurricane of the [[2015 Pacific hurricane season|annual hurricane season]], Carlos developed from a [[trough (meteorology)|trough]] first noted by the [[National Hurricane Center]] on June 7. The disturbance gradually organized and was designated as a tropical depression three days later while south of the [[Pacific Coast of Mexico|Mexican Pacific coast]]. Drifting slowly northwestward, the depression was upgraded further to a tropical storm. Although persistent [[wind shear]] and dry air hampered intensification early on, Carlos strengthened into a hurricane on June 13 after moving into a more favorable environment. However, the return of dry air and [[upwelling]] of cooler waters caused the system to deteriorate into a tropical storm. Paralleling the Mexican coast, Carlos later regained hurricane intensity on June 15 and attained peak winds of {{convert|90 |mph (150 |km/h)|abbr=on}} a day later. The reprieve was brief, however, as the onset of wind shear, land interaction, and dry air afterward led to rapid weakening. On June 17, Carlos degenerated into a remnant area of low pressure, having made landfall in [[Jalisco]] earlier that day. By the morning of June 18, Carlos was declared to have completely dissipated.

Carlos's close track to Mexico prompted coastal authorities to enact precautionary measures along states deemed at risk, including the issuance of [[tropical cyclone warnings and watches]] over a large swath of the coast, extending from [[Acapulco]] to [[Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco|Cabo Corrientes]]. In [[Guerrero]], more than 500 shelters were opened, and schools in most of the state were closed. Rough seas along the shore generated by the hurricane caused widespread damage, which included the sinking of 12 ships in [[:es:Playa Manzanillo|Playa Manzanillo]] harbor. The waves combined with heavy rain to inflict at least 5 million [[Mexican peso|pesosMXN$]]5 million ([[United States dollar|US$]]$326,000) of damage on [[Michoacán]]'s coastal installations. Strong winds produced by the passing storm also downed trees, power poles, and billboards along much of the western Mexican coast. In Jalisco, classes were also suspended in anticipation of heavy rains, however, damage in the state was relatively minor. Overall, Carlos caused roughly MXN$16 million pesos (US$1.04 million) worth of damage across Mexico.

Late on June&nbsp;2, the [[National Hurricane Center]] (NHC) highlighted the potential for an [[area of low pressure]] to form well south of the coasts of [[Guatemala]] and [[El Salvador]] over subsequent days.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jack L. Beven II|title=Tropical Weather Outlook valid 500pm PDT Tue Jun 2 2015|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOEP/2015/TWOEP.201506022324.txt|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=June 2, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=June 10, 2015|location=Miami, Florida|format=TXT}}</ref> This forecast came to fruition early on June&nbsp;7, when shower and thunderstorm activity began to increase in association with a [[Trough (meteorology)|trough]] south of the [[Gulf of Tehuantepec]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Eric S. Blake|title=Tropical Weather Outlook valid 500am PDT Sun Jun 7 2015|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOEP/2015/TWOEP.201506071142.txt|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=June 7, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=June 10, 2015|location=Miami, Florida|format=TXT}}</ref> Steered steadily northwestward by a [[subtropical ridge]], the disturbance acquired organized, deep convection near the center, prompting the NHC to upgrade it to a tropical depression at 18:00&nbsp;UTC on June&nbsp;10.<ref name="TCR">{{cite report|author1=John L. Beven II|author2=Christopher W. Landsea|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 27, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=May 21, 2017|title=Hurricane Carlos|series=Tropical Cyclone Report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=EP032015_Carlos}}|format=PDF|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Following the formation of a [[rainband|spiral band]] that wrapped more than half wayhalfway around the center, the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Carlos at 12:00&nbsp;UTC the following day while positioned about {{convert|230&nbsp;miles (370&nbsp;|mi|km)}} south of [[Acapulco|Acapulco, Mexico]].<ref name="TCR"/>

Following its designation as a named storm, Carlos drifted generally north-northwestward while embedded within a weak steering regime.<ref>{{cite web|author=Richard J. Pasch|author2=David A. Zelinsky|title=Tropical Storm Carlos Discussion Number 5|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep03/ep032015.discus.005.shtml|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=June 11, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=June 16, 2015|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> The cyclone struggled with a combination of northerly wind shear and dry air entrainment, limiting the storm's associated [[Atmospheric convection|deep convection]] to the eastern quadrant.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jack L. Beven II|title=Tropical Storm Carlos Discussion Number 10|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep03/ep032015.discus.010.shtml|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=June 12, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=June 16, 2015|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> By early on June&nbsp;13, however, a ragged [[Eye (cyclone)|eye]] became evident on visible satellite imagery as the upper-level environment became increasingly conducive for intensification, and Carlos was upgraded to a Category&nbsp;1 hurricane on the [[Saffir–Simpson scale]] at 12:00&nbsp;UTC.<ref name="TCR"/> Deep convection became increasingly symmetric about the eye, and the cyclone reached its initial peak intensity six hours later with winds of {{convert|85&nbsp;|mph (140&nbsp;|km/h)|abbr=on}} and a minimum pressure of 978&nbsp;mbar (hPa; 28.88&nbsp;inHg).<ref>{{cite web|author=Eric S. Blake|title=Hurricane Carlos Discussion Number 13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep03/ep032015.discus.013.shtml|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=June 13, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=June 16, 2015|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> However, early on June&nbsp;14, the presentation of Carlos began to deteriorate as a result of [[upwelling]] and the ingestion of dry air; the eye became obscured and banding features decreased as evident on satellite imagery, while the eyewall became increasingly ill-defined on [[radar]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Eric S. Blake|title=Hurricane Carlos Discussion Number 15|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep03/ep032015.discus.015.shtml|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=June 14, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=June 16, 2015|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> At 00:00&nbsp;UTC on June&nbsp;15, the storm was downgraded to a tropical storm about {{convert|75&nbsp;|mi (120&nbsp;|km)|abbr=on}} west-southwest of Acapulco.<ref name="TCR"/>

Over the next 24&nbsp;hours, Carlos changed little in structure as it tracked to the west-northwest under the influence of a mid-level [[Ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] across central Mexico.<ref>{{cite web|author=Dave P. Roberts|title=Tropical Storm Carlos Discussion Number 19|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep03/ep032015.discus.019.shtml|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=June 15, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=June 16, 2015|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> However, a [[microwave]] pass early on June&nbsp;15 indicated the presence of a small, closed eye,<ref>{{cite web|author=Stacy R. Stewart|title=Tropical Storm Carlos Discussion Number 20|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep03/ep032015.discus.020.shtml|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=June 15, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=June 16, 2015|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> and an [[Hurricane Hunters|Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft]] investigating the system a few hours later recorded peak 700 mb flight-level winds of {{convert|79&nbsp;|mph (127&nbsp;|km/h)|abbr=on}} and surface winds in the range of 74–77&nbsp;{{convert|74|–|77|mph (119–124&nbsp;|km/h)|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|author=Stacy R. Stewart|title=Hurricane Carlos Discussion Number 21|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep03/ep032015.discus.021.shtml|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=June 15, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=June 16, 2015|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> As a result, Carlos was once again upgraded to a Category&nbsp;1 hurricane.<ref>{{cite web|author=Stacy R. Stewart|title=Hurricane Carlos Intermediate Advisory Number 20A|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep03/ep032015.public_a.020.shtml|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=June 15, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=June 15, 2015|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Despite persistent northerly wind shear, the presentation continued to improve throughout the morning hours of June&nbsp;16, with deep convection near the center and a banding eye feature observable.<ref>{{cite web|author=Dave P. Roberts|title=Hurricane Carlos Discussion Number 23|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep03/ep032015.discus.023.shtml|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=June 16, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=June 16, 2015|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Concurrent with this period of intensification, Carlos's [[radius of maximum wind]] decreased to around {{convert|6&nbsp;|mi (9&nbsp;|km)|abbr=on}}, a feature noted as "very unusual" by the NHC.<ref name="TCR"/> A second reconnaissance mission into the storm around 18:00&nbsp;UTC that day found that the storm had attained winds of {{convert|90&nbsp;|mph (150&nbsp;|km/h)|abbr=on}}, despite the minimum pressure only reaching a low of 984&nbsp;mbar (hPa; 29.06&nbsp;inHg).<ref>{{cite web|author=Robbie J. Berg|title=Hurricane Carlos Discussion Number 25|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep03/ep032015.discus.025.shtml|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=June 16, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=June 17, 2015|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Over the next few hours, Carlos quickly weakened as the environment became unfavorable.<ref>{{cite web|author=Dave P. Roberts|title=Tropical Storm Carlos Discussion Number 27|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep03/ep032015.discus.027.shtml|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=June 17, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=June 21, 2015|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> At 09:00&nbsp;UTC on June&nbsp;17, the storm made landfall near Tenacatita, Jalisco, with winds of {{convert|50&nbsp;|mph (85&nbsp;|km/h)|abbr=on}}.<ref name="TCR"/> By that evening, Carlos had degraded into a depression,<ref>{{cite web|author=Stacy R. Stewart|title=Tropical Depression Carlos Intermediate Advisory Number 28a|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep03/ep032015.public_a.028.shtml?|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=June 17, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=June 21, 2015|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> and not long after Carlos was declared a remnant low.<ref>{{cite web|author=Stacy R. Stewart|title=Post-Tropical Cyclone Carlos Discussion Number 29|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep03/ep032015.discus.029.shtml?|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=June 17, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=June 21, 2015|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> The remaining vortex later moved back over water as it accelerated to the northwest, and dissipated near the [[Islas Marías]] before 06:00&nbsp;UTC on June&nbsp;18.<ref name="TCR"/>

Shortly after Carlos's designation, authorities in [[Guerrero]] suspended classes for five municipalities.<ref name=EU1>{{cite news|title=Suspenden clases 5 municipios de Guerrero por depresión tropical|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/estados/2015/suspenden-clases-5-municipios-de-guerrero-por-depresion-tropical--1106761.html|accessdateaccess-date=June 14, 2015|work=El Universal|date=June 10, 2015|language=Spanish}}</ref> Statewide, 507 shelters were opened, including 98 in [[Acapulco]].<ref name=OK>{{cite news|title=Tropical Storm Carlos hits at Acapulco with high winds, surf|url=http://newsok.com/tropical-storm-carlos-hits-at-acapulco-with-high-winds-surf/article/feed/850718|accessdateaccess-date=June 14, 2014|website=NewsOK|date=June 14, 2014}}</ref> The ports of Acapulco and [[Zihuatanejo]] were closed for navigation on June&nbsp;13 and swimming in the ocean was banned in the former.<ref name=EU2>{{cite news|title=Cierran Acapulco y Zihuatanejo a la navegación|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/estados/2015/cierran-puertos-de-acapulco-y-zihuatanejo-por-carlos--1107296.html|accessdateaccess-date=June 14, 2015|work=El Universal|date=June 13, 2015|language=Spanish}}</ref><ref name=EU4/> Simultaneously, a [[Tropical cyclone warnings and watches|tropical storm watch]] was issued for Acapulco to Punta San Telmo.<ref name="TCR" /> After Carlos became a hurricane, officials activated a red alert in southwestern Guerrero, while a yellow alert was declared for Michoacan and the rest of Guerrero.<ref name="EU3" /> Seven other states were placed under lower levels of alert.<ref name=EU3>{{cite news|title=Elevan a naranja la alerta por Carlos|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/estados/2015/elevan-a-naranja-la-alerta-por-carlos-se-estaciona-en-guerrero-1107324.html|accessdateaccess-date=June 14, 2015|work=El Universal|date=June 13, 2015|language=Spanish}}</ref> At 21:00 UTC on June 13, the tropical storm watch was upgraded to a warning, and a hurricane warning was issued from [[Tecpán de Galeana (city)|Tecpán de Galeana]] to [[Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán|Lázaro Cárdenas]].<ref name="TCR" /> On June&nbsp;15, despite Carlos weakening to a tropical storm, the remainder of Guerrero was placed on an orange alert.<ref name=EU5>{{cite news|title=Se amplía alerta naranja en Guerrero por Carlos|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/estados/2015/se-amplia-alerta-naranja-en-guerrero-por-carlos-1107399.html|work=El Universal|accessdateaccess-date=June 15, 2015|date=June 15, 2015|language=Spanish}}</ref> On the afternoon of June 15, the hurricane warning was discontinued, but a hurricane watch remained in effect from Punta San Telmo to Playa Perula.<ref name="TCR" /> Later, as Carlos restrengthened to a hurricane, the orange alert was relocated to most of [[Colima]], southern [[Michoacán]] and western Guerrero, while the yellow alert was moved to cover the rest of the three aforementioned states.<ref name=EU6>{{cite news|title=Mantienen alerta en 10 estados por huracán "Carlos"|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/articulo/estados/2015/06/16/mantienen-alerta-en-10-estados-por-huracan-carlos|work=El Universal|accessdateaccess-date=May 21, 2017|date=June 16, 2015|language=Spanish}}</ref> The tropical storm warning was extended to cover up to [[Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco|Cabo Corrientes]], however, the warnings south of [[Manzanillo, Colima|Manzanillo]] were discontinued at 18:00 UTC on June 17.<ref name="TCR" /> Classes in six municipalities of Jalisco were suspended by the authorities.<ref name=EU7>{{cite news|title=Suspenden clases en 6 municipios de Jalisco por Carlos|url=http://archivo.eluniversal.com.mx/estados/2015/clases-jalisco-carlos-1107794.html|accessdateaccess-date=May 21, 2017|work=El Universal|date=June 16, 2015|language=Spanish}}</ref> Eventually, the remaining warnings and watches, were discontinued as Carlos weakened and later dissipated.<ref name="TCR"/>

Strong winds downed several trees and power poles in coastal Guerrero.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Bajo Palabra|date=June 12, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=June 12, 2015|title=Se Registran, Hasta El Momento, Daños Menores Por 'Carlos' En Guerrero|url=http://bajopalabra.mx/2015/06/12/se-registran-hasta-el-momento-danos-menores-por-carlos-en-guerrero/|location=Acapulco, Guerrero|language=Spanish|archive-date=June 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614033356/http://bajopalabra.mx/2015/06/12/se-registran-hasta-el-momento-danos-menores-por-carlos-en-guerrero/|url-status=dead}}</ref> High waves caused localized flooding in tourist areas, leaving three automobiles trapped in Acapulco.<ref name=EU3 /> Within the city itself, 17 trees and three billboards were toppled and some locations lost power.<ref name=EU4>{{cite news|title=Carlos afecta servicio eléctrico en Acapulco|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/estados/2015/carlos-afecta-servicio-electrico-en-acapulco-1107367.html|date=June 14, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=June 14, 2015|work=El Universal|language=Spanish}}</ref> A total of 16 homes were washed away.<ref name=MN>{{cite news|title=Tropical Storm Carlos hits at Acapulco with high winds, surf|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/weather/ci_28311057/hurricane-carlos-weakens-some-nearly-stationary-off-mexico|accessdateaccess-date=June 14, 2015|agency=Associated Press|publishernewspaper=Mercury News|date=June 14, 2015|language=Spanish}}</ref> One person was injured when a wall collapsed.<ref name=EH>{{cite news|title=Huracán Carlos deja un muerto y daños a su paso por México|url=http://www.elnuevoherald.com/noticias/mundo/america-latina/article24310117.html|accessdateaccess-date=June 14, 2015|work=El Universal|date=June 14, 2014|language=Spanish}}</ref> At the [[:es:Playa Manzanillo|Playa Manzanillo]] harbor, 37&nbsp;ships were damaged, of which 12&nbsp;sunk.<ref>{{cite web|author=Héctor Briseño|publisher=''La Jordana''|date=June 21, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=June 22, 2015|title=Dueños de lanchas dañadas por 'Carlos' en Guerrero, sin recursos para repararlas|url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/ultimas/2015/06/21/duenos-de-lanchas-danadas-por-carlos-sin-recursos-para-repararlas-6943.html|language=Spanish|location=Acapulco, Mexico}}</ref> The ''Bellissima'', a luxury yacht reportedly worth MXN$11&nbsp;million pesos (US$663717,000) owned by businessman and politician [[Jorge Kahwagi]], was among the vessels sunk by the storm.<ref>{{cite web|website=SPDnoticias.com|date=June 18, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=May 21, 2017|title=Tormenta causada por huracán Carlos hundió yate de Jorge Kahwagi en Acapulco|url=https://www.sdpnoticias.com/enelshow/famosos/2015/06/18/tormenta-causada-por-huracan-carlos-hundio-yate-de-jorge-kahwagi-en-acapulco|language=Spanish|location=Mexico City}}</ref> Large waves up to {{convert|4.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} high and heavy rain caused at least MXN$5&nbsp;million pesos (US$326,000) in damage to coastal installations across [[Michoacán]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=MiMorelia|date=June 18, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=June 22, 2015|title=Enramaderos de Lázaro Cárdenas, señalan cuantiosas pérdidas económicas por Carlos|url=http://www.mimorelia.com/noticias/michoacan/enramaderos-de-lazaro-cardenas-senalan-cuantiosas-perdidas-economicas-por-carlos/172424|language=Spanish|location=[[Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán]]|deadurlurl-status=yesdead|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622090849/http://www.mimorelia.com/noticias/michoacan/enramaderos-de-lazaro-cardenas-senalan-cuantiosas-perdidas-economicas-por-carlos/172424|archivedatearchive-date=June 22, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=EU8>{{cite news|title=Mantienen alerta en 10 estados por huracán "Carlos"|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.co/ambiente/autoridades-mexicanas-vigilan-con-recelo-el-huracan-carlos-197059|work=El Universal|accessdateaccess-date=May 21, 2017|date=June 16, 2015|language=Spanish}}</ref> Farther north in [[Guadalajara]], [[Jalisco]], Carlos was thought to have caused one death when a person was fatally injured by falling metal.<ref name=EH /> However, the NHC later determined that the death was caused by severe weather unrelated to Carlos.<ref name="TCR"/>

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