Hurricane Eugene (1987)
Encyclopedia
Hurricane Eugene was the only tropical cyclone
to make landfall
in Mexico
during the busy 1987 Pacific hurricane season
. The eight tropical cyclone, fifth named storm, and first hurricane of the season, Eugene developed on July 22 from a tropical disturbance centered well offshore of Mexico. Later that day, the system intensified into a tropical storm, as it was curving northwestward. The cyclone eventually reached hurricane status on July 24; it briefly peaked as a Category 2 hurricane two days later. Hurricane Eugene weakened back to a Category 1 hurricane, it made landfall near Manzanillo, Colima
. Eugene rapidly weakened inland, and was only a tropical storm when it re-emerged into the Gulf of California
. It quickly dissipated over open water. Throughout Mexico, Eugene produced high winds and heavy rainfall, especially in the southwestern portions of the country. The hurricane deluged the southwest Mexican coastline, resulting in the highest rainfall totals from a tropical cyclone in five Mexican states. Over 5,000 people were left homeless due to the hurricane. In addition, heavy crop damage occurred. Overall, Eugene caused three fatalities and $2.6 million (1987 USD) in damage.
on July 18. Over the next two days it moved across Central America
and was located off the coast of Nicaragua
on July 20. Over the next few days, the system was steered westward due to easterly flow. By 0000 UTC on July 22, the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Center
began classifying the system as Tropical Depression Eight-E, while centered 746 mi (1,200.6 km) south of Manzanillo, Colima
, Mexico. After developing, the depression slowly began curving to the north-northwest, towards a stationary inverted trough
over central Mexico
. Later that day, the depression had intensified enough to be upgraded to Tropical Storm Eugene.
Eugene continued intensifying as it tracked at a steady pace towards the north-northwest. By July 24, Eugene's motion slowed down and curved west-northwestward while it was located southwest side of an upper-level low. Around this time, Forecasters predicted the tropical cyclone
to remain offshore. Eugene was upgraded into a hurricane on July 24, the first of the 1987 Pacific hurricane season
. Further intensification occurred, and Eugene attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 km/h) the next day. However, the minimum barometric pressure is unknown. Interacting with land, Eugene weakened back to a Category 1 six hours later.
At 1200 UTC on July 25, Eugene made landfall
near Manzanillo with winds of 90 mph (145 km/h). This made Hurricane Eugene the only storm to make landfall during 1987, though one hurricane and one tropical storm also came close to land in September and October respectively. The rough topography caused the storm to rapidly weaken, and Eugene was downgraded to a tropical storm six hours after landfall. After briefly moving ashore, Eugene emerged into the southern Sea of Cortez. However, re-intensification did not occur; instead, Eugene continued weakening due to its close proximity to land. The tropical cyclone
was downgraded to a tropical depression early on July 26, and dissipated by 1200 UTC that day.
. The port of Manzanillo
was closed, as were other ports along the coastline. The Mexican navy
was put on alert for Acapulco to Guaymas
for a total distance of 945 mi (1,520.8 km). The weather service
issued navigation warnings for three coastal states and ships were urged to maintain contact with officials.
Hurricane Eugene caused extremely heavy rain in coastal parts of Mexico. The highest rain was 20.68 in (525.3 mm) at Aquila, Michoacán
. Eugene is responsible for the highest tropical cyclone rainfall in the Mexican states
of Aguascalientes
, Michoacán
, Querétaro
, Tlaxcala
, and Zacatecas
. It was also responsible for 15 ft (4.6 m) waves.
The system produced widespread flooding, heavy rain
, and high winds
across Mexico. Many homes made out of wood and palm trees were leveled by gusty winds and heavy rain. In Manzanillo, the storm knocked down trees and beach huts, but no injures were reported. Power was knocked out for most of the city. Most of the damage was the scattering of debris and mud. Two to three hundred houses were destroyed in Colima
. Elsewhere, the control tower in Manzanillo Airport
's was damaged, necessitating closure for a few days. Six people were injured, and a man in Venustiano Carrazano was killed when a palm tree was blown over. Two other people, including a six year-old girl, were killed. Over 5,000 people were left homeless including 60 people in Manzanillo. Heavy crop damage was reported and the hurricane destroyed about 15 sq. mi (39 sq. km) of fruit crop throughout the country. The damage amounted to more than $2.6 million in damage (1987 USD).
In the aftermath of the storm, the navy and army and local government devised a cleanup plan. They worked quickly to restore water and power service, and within a few days the services had been restored for most of the impacted area. Since Hurricane Eugene, the only other landfalling Pacific hurricane in the month of July is 1993's
Hurricane Calvin
.
Tropical cyclone
A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a large low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor...
to make landfall
Landfall (meteorology)
Landfall is the event of a tropical cyclone or a waterspout coming onto land after being over water. When a waterspout makes landfall it is reclassified as a tornado, which can then cause damage inland...
in Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
during the busy 1987 Pacific hurricane season
1987 Pacific hurricane season
The 1987 Pacific hurricane season was the last year in which the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Center was the primary warning center for tropical cyclones in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The season officially started May 15, 1987 in the eastern Pacific, and June 1, 1987 in the central Pacific, and lasted...
. The eight tropical cyclone, fifth named storm, and first hurricane of the season, Eugene developed on July 22 from a tropical disturbance centered well offshore of Mexico. Later that day, the system intensified into a tropical storm, as it was curving northwestward. The cyclone eventually reached hurricane status on July 24; it briefly peaked as a Category 2 hurricane two days later. Hurricane Eugene weakened back to a Category 1 hurricane, it made landfall near Manzanillo, Colima
Manzanillo, Colima
The name Manzanillo refers to the city as well as its surrounding municipality in the Mexican state of Colima. The city, located on the Pacific Ocean, contains Mexico's busiest port. Manzanillo was the third port created by the Spanish in the Pacific during the New Spain period...
. Eugene rapidly weakened inland, and was only a tropical storm when it re-emerged into the Gulf of California
Gulf of California
The Gulf of California is a body of water that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland...
. It quickly dissipated over open water. Throughout Mexico, Eugene produced high winds and heavy rainfall, especially in the southwestern portions of the country. The hurricane deluged the southwest Mexican coastline, resulting in the highest rainfall totals from a tropical cyclone in five Mexican states. Over 5,000 people were left homeless due to the hurricane. In addition, heavy crop damage occurred. Overall, Eugene caused three fatalities and $2.6 million (1987 USD) in damage.
Meteorological history
The origins of Hurricane Eugene were from a tropical disturbance that formed in the southwest Caribbean SeaCaribbean Sea
The Caribbean Sea is a sea of the Atlantic Ocean located in the tropics of the Western hemisphere. It is bounded by Mexico and Central America to the west and southwest, to the north by the Greater Antilles, and to the east by the Lesser Antilles....
on July 18. Over the next two days it moved across Central America
Central America
Central America is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast. When considered part of the unified continental model, it is considered a subcontinent...
and was located off the coast of Nicaragua
Nicaragua
Nicaragua is the largest country in the Central American American isthmus, bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. The country is situated between 11 and 14 degrees north of the Equator in the Northern Hemisphere, which places it entirely within the tropics. The Pacific Ocean...
on July 20. Over the next few days, the system was steered westward due to easterly flow. By 0000 UTC on July 22, the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Center
Eastern Pacific Hurricane Center
The Eastern Pacific Hurricane Center was formerly the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center responsible for forecasting Pacific hurricanes in the eastern north Pacific east of 140°W...
began classifying the system as Tropical Depression Eight-E, while centered 746 mi (1,200.6 km) south of Manzanillo, Colima
Manzanillo, Colima
The name Manzanillo refers to the city as well as its surrounding municipality in the Mexican state of Colima. The city, located on the Pacific Ocean, contains Mexico's busiest port. Manzanillo was the third port created by the Spanish in the Pacific during the New Spain period...
, Mexico. After developing, the depression slowly began curving to the north-northwest, towards a stationary inverted trough
Trough (meteorology)
A trough is an elongated region of relatively low atmospheric pressure, often associated with fronts.Unlike fronts, there is not a universal symbol for a trough on a weather chart. The weather charts in some countries or regions mark troughs by a line. In the United States, a trough may be marked...
over central Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
. Later that day, the depression had intensified enough to be upgraded to Tropical Storm Eugene.
Eugene continued intensifying as it tracked at a steady pace towards the north-northwest. By July 24, Eugene's motion slowed down and curved west-northwestward while it was located southwest side of an upper-level low. Around this time, Forecasters predicted the tropical cyclone
Tropical cyclone
A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a large low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor...
to remain offshore. Eugene was upgraded into a hurricane on July 24, the first of the 1987 Pacific hurricane season
1987 Pacific hurricane season
The 1987 Pacific hurricane season was the last year in which the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Center was the primary warning center for tropical cyclones in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The season officially started May 15, 1987 in the eastern Pacific, and June 1, 1987 in the central Pacific, and lasted...
. Further intensification occurred, and Eugene attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 km/h) the next day. However, the minimum barometric pressure is unknown. Interacting with land, Eugene weakened back to a Category 1 six hours later.
At 1200 UTC on July 25, Eugene made landfall
Landfall (meteorology)
Landfall is the event of a tropical cyclone or a waterspout coming onto land after being over water. When a waterspout makes landfall it is reclassified as a tornado, which can then cause damage inland...
near Manzanillo with winds of 90 mph (145 km/h). This made Hurricane Eugene the only storm to make landfall during 1987, though one hurricane and one tropical storm also came close to land in September and October respectively. The rough topography caused the storm to rapidly weaken, and Eugene was downgraded to a tropical storm six hours after landfall. After briefly moving ashore, Eugene emerged into the southern Sea of Cortez. However, re-intensification did not occur; instead, Eugene continued weakening due to its close proximity to land. The tropical cyclone
Tropical cyclone
A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a large low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor...
was downgraded to a tropical depression early on July 26, and dissipated by 1200 UTC that day.
Preparations, impact, and aftermath
When the storm first posed a threat to Mexico on July 24, the port of Zinuhuatenjo was closed for small craft. Navigation classes were suspended in AcapulcoAcapulco
Acapulco is a city, municipality and major sea port in the state of Guerrero on the Pacific coast of Mexico, southwest from Mexico City. Acapulco is located on a deep, semi-circular bay and has been a port since the early colonial period of Mexico’s history...
. The port of Manzanillo
Manzanillo, Colima
The name Manzanillo refers to the city as well as its surrounding municipality in the Mexican state of Colima. The city, located on the Pacific Ocean, contains Mexico's busiest port. Manzanillo was the third port created by the Spanish in the Pacific during the New Spain period...
was closed, as were other ports along the coastline. The Mexican navy
Navy
A navy is the branch of a nation's armed forces principally designated for naval and amphibious warfare; namely, lake- or ocean-borne combat operations and related functions...
was put on alert for Acapulco to Guaymas
Guaymas
Guaymas is a city and municipality located in the southwest part of the state of Sonora in northwestern Mexico. The city is located 117 km south of the state capital of Hermosillo, and 242 miles from the U.S. border, and is the principal port for the state. The municipality is located in the...
for a total distance of 945 mi (1,520.8 km). The weather service
Servicio Meteorológico Nacional
The Servicio Meteorológico Nacional is Mexico's national weather organization. It collects data and issues forecasts, advisories, and warnings for the entire country.-History:...
issued navigation warnings for three coastal states and ships were urged to maintain contact with officials.
Hurricane Eugene caused extremely heavy rain in coastal parts of Mexico. The highest rain was 20.68 in (525.3 mm) at Aquila, Michoacán
Aquila, Michoacán
Aquila is a town in the northwest part of the Mexican state of Michoacán. It is 23 mi/43 km southeast of Tecoman. Its population was 1,915 in 2002. It is located at Latitude: 18°35'N Longitude: 103°31'W and at elevation 989 ft/510 m. It has harsh terrain. Agriculture consists of small...
. Eugene is responsible for the highest tropical cyclone rainfall in the Mexican states
States of Mexico
The United Mexican States is a federal republic formed by 32 federal entities .According to the Constitution of 1917, the states of the federation are free and sovereign. Each state has their own congress and constitution, while the Federal District has only limited autonomy with a local Congress...
of Aguascalientes
Aguascalientes
Aguascalientes is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 11 municipalities and its capital city is Aguascalientes....
, Michoacán
Michoacán
Michoacán officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Michoacán de Ocampo is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 113 municipalities and its capital city is Morelia...
, Querétaro
Querétaro
Querétaro officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Querétaro de Arteaga is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided into 18 municipalities and its capital city is Santiago de Querétaro....
, Tlaxcala
Tlaxcala
Tlaxcala officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Tlaxcala is one of the 31 states which along with the Federal District comprise the 32 federative entities of Mexico. It is divided into 60 municipalities and its capital city is Tlaxcala....
, and Zacatecas
Zacatecas
Zacatecas officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Zacatecas is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 58 municipalities and its capital city is Zacatecas....
. It was also responsible for 15 ft (4.6 m) waves.
The system produced widespread flooding, heavy rain
Rain
Rain is liquid precipitation, as opposed to non-liquid kinds of precipitation such as snow, hail and sleet. Rain requires the presence of a thick layer of the atmosphere to have temperatures above the melting point of water near and above the Earth's surface...
, and high winds
Wind
Wind is the flow of gases on a large scale. On Earth, wind consists of the bulk movement of air. In outer space, solar wind is the movement of gases or charged particles from the sun through space, while planetary wind is the outgassing of light chemical elements from a planet's atmosphere into space...
across Mexico. Many homes made out of wood and palm trees were leveled by gusty winds and heavy rain. In Manzanillo, the storm knocked down trees and beach huts, but no injures were reported. Power was knocked out for most of the city. Most of the damage was the scattering of debris and mud. Two to three hundred houses were destroyed in Colima
Colima
Colima is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, make up the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It shares its name with its capital and main city, Colima....
. Elsewhere, the control tower in Manzanillo Airport
Playa de Oro International Airport
Playa de Oro International Airport is located in Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico. It is the most important international airport in Colima, and an important tourist airport.-Airlines and destinations:-External links:*...
's was damaged, necessitating closure for a few days. Six people were injured, and a man in Venustiano Carrazano was killed when a palm tree was blown over. Two other people, including a six year-old girl, were killed. Over 5,000 people were left homeless including 60 people in Manzanillo. Heavy crop damage was reported and the hurricane destroyed about 15 sq. mi (39 sq. km) of fruit crop throughout the country. The damage amounted to more than $2.6 million in damage (1987 USD).
In the aftermath of the storm, the navy and army and local government devised a cleanup plan. They worked quickly to restore water and power service, and within a few days the services had been restored for most of the impacted area. Since Hurricane Eugene, the only other landfalling Pacific hurricane in the month of July is 1993's
1993 Pacific hurricane season
The 1993 Pacific hurricane season was a very active season that officially started May 15, 1993 in the eastern Pacific, and June 1, 1993 in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30, 1993...
Hurricane Calvin
Hurricane Calvin (1993)
Hurricane Calvin was a deadly tropical cyclone that made an unusual July landfall on the Pacific coast of Mexico. The fourth tropical cyclone, third named storm, and second hurricane of the 1993 Pacific hurricane season, Calvin developed from an area of convection to the south of Mexico on July 4....
.
See also
- List of Pacific hurricanes
- Hurricane Calvin (1993)Hurricane Calvin (1993)Hurricane Calvin was a deadly tropical cyclone that made an unusual July landfall on the Pacific coast of Mexico. The fourth tropical cyclone, third named storm, and second hurricane of the 1993 Pacific hurricane season, Calvin developed from an area of convection to the south of Mexico on July 4....
-another rare landfalling July hurricane