Tropical Storm Dolores (2021)

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Tropical Storm Dolores
Tropical storm (SSHWS/NWS)
Dolores 2021-06-19 1715Z.jpg
Tropical Storm Dolores at peak intensity on June 19, 2021.
FormedJune 18, 2021
DissipatedJune 20, 2021
Highest winds1-minute sustained: 70 mph (110 km/h)
Lowest pressure989 mbar (hPa); 29.21 inHg
Fatalities3 total
Damage$50 million (2021 USD)
Areas affectedOaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, Jalisco, Nayarit, Sinaloa
Part of the 2021 Pacific hurricane season

Tropical Storm Dolores was a strong tropical storm that affected several states in southwestern Mexico in June 2021. The fourth named storm of the 2021 Pacific hurricane season, Dolores developed from a low-pressure area that formed offshore the state of Oaxaca on June 16, 2021. The area steadily developed deep convection and a closed surface circulation, becoming Tropical Depression Four-E around 09:00 UTC on June 18. The depression quickly strengthened to Tropical Storm Dolores six hours later. As it gradually approached the coast, Dolores steadily intensified despite its proximity to land. It reached peak intensity at 15:00 UTC on June 19 with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (115 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 990 millibars (29 inHg), just below hurricane strength. Shortly afterward, Dolores made landfall just northwest of Punta San Telmo, Mexico, near the Colima-Michoacán state border. The storm rapidly weakened as it moved inland and dissipated early on June 20 over Zacatecas. However, the storm's mid-level circulation continued northward, before it dissipated later that day.

The precursor disturbance to Dolores and the Atlantic's Tropical Storm Claudette caused days of heavy rainfall across southeastern Mexico and Central America. Tropical storm watches and warnings and a hurricane watch were issued along the southwestern coast of Mexico shortly after Dolores' upgrade to a tropical storm, from Nayarit to Michoacán. At least three people died in Mexico, two of the deaths occurring within Guerrero and another in Jalisco.

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
▲ Extratropical cyclone / Remnant low / Tropical disturbance / Monsoon depression

On June 15, the United States' National Hurricane Center (NHC) noted the potential development of an area of low-pressure offshore the coast of southwest Mexico.[1] The following day, a broad area of low pressure developed as predicted, and started to produce a wide area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms.[2] The disturbance organized little until early on June 18, when convection surrounding the storm's center became more well-organized. Simultaneously, the closed surface-circulation developed, signaling the development of a tropical depression at 09:00 UTC that day.[3] Expanding deep convection over the center of the depression, as well as increasing Dvorak classifications, resulted in its upgrade to a tropical storm at 15:00 UTC, whereupon it was named Dolores.[4]

A broad and sprawling tropical storm, Dolores gradually intensified due to favorable conditions for the remainder of the day. The cyclone also underwent a general north-northwestward motion as it rounded the side of mid-level ridge.[5] Deep convection began to develop in more organized and large bands over Dolores's circulation around 09:00 UTC on June 19, and increased in coverage near its center.[6] The storm continued to become more organized as it neared the coastline of southwest Mexico, with an defined eye and almost closed eyewall. It reached peak intensity shortly before 15:00 UTC that day, with 1-minute sustained winds of 70 mph (115 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 990 millibars (29 inHg). Dolores made landfall just after reaching peak intensity near the border of the Mexican states of Colima and Michoacán, slightly northwest of the town of Punta San Telmo in the latter state.[7] Dolores rapidly weakened over western Mexico, due to the mountainous terrain of the area. The cyclone was downgraded to a tropical depression at 03:00 UTC on June 20.[8] Shortly afterward, Dolores's surface circulation dissipated over southwestern Zacatecas. However, its mid-level circulation and its associated moisture and shower activity continued northward over Mexico before dissipating later that day.[9]

Preparations and impact[]

The resort city of Puerto Vallarta opened 20 shelters in advance of Dolores due to expected heavy rainfall of up to 15 in (380 mm) and storm surge.[10] 198 shelters were opened in 35 municipalities of Jalisco prior to Dolores moving through the area as a weakening but large tropical storm. Torrential rainfall and flash flooding lashed southern portions of the state during Dolores's passage to the south and east.[11] The Mexican Secretary of National Defense, Luis Cresencio Sandoval, activated the Plan DN-III-E following Dolores's landfall, which allowed for the dispatch of 2,302 military units to assist in relief efforts in Colima, Guerrero, and Michoacán. Additionally, 190 shelters, 10 shelters, and 8 community kitchens were opened in these states.[12]

Insured losses across Mexico were estimated at US$50 million.[nb 1][13]

Guerrero and Oaxaca[]

See also: Tropical Storm Claudette (2021)

The precursor to Dolores, in sync with the precursor of Tropical Storm Claudette over the Bay of Campeche, caused days of heavy rainfall across southern Mexico and Central America.[14][15] Residents of several states in southwestern Mexico were advised of accompanying tropical-storm-force winds, power outages, landslides, overflowing rivers, and widespread punctual rains as Dolores approached.[16] Torrential rains lashed the coasts of Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Michoacán as the cyclone approached the coast.[17] 35 houses in Guerrero were damaged by landslides caused by the precursor disturbance of Dolores.[18] However, the disturbance's rainfall also brought relief to the widespread drought which was impacting Guerrero and helped the agricultural sector.[19]

In neighboring Oaxaca, at least ten Zapotec communities were impacted by overflowing streams and rivers and damage to agriculture and infrastructure due to Dolores's and Claudette's precursors. The worst damage in the state was in the Sierra Sur and Costa regions, where mudslides made roads unpassable.[20] Two people died in San Nicolás after being struck by lightning.[21]

Michoacán and Colima[]

Tropical Storm Dolores striking Mexico on June 19.

Upon landfall near the Michoacán and Colima state border, the Colima State Civil Protection Unit noted there was only minor damage to infrastructure in coastal areas.[22] However, at least 232 fallen trees were reported throughout the state while around 400 mm (15.75 in) of rain fell near Tecomán, the resulting floods damaging banana crops and threatening aquaculture.[22][18] More than 150 people rode out the storm at an evacuation center at a school in Cerra de Ortega, Tecomán.[23] At least two houses were seriously damaged by flooding.[24] 60% of banana crops in Colima were wiped out by floods produced by the tropical storm, causing the price of bananas to rise in the state.[25] In neighboring Michoacán, at least 20 municipalities were affected by Dolores after consistent rainfall for 30 hours caused flooding and winds downed trees.[26][27] Heavy rain caused floods and landslides blocked roads in Lázaro Cárdenas, Uruapan, Aquila, Chinicuila. Apatzingán, Morelia, and Arteaga.[26] A stream overflowed and caused flooding in Villa Victoria, Chinicuila.[26] The highway to Zihuatanejo was closed due to flooding.[28] Damage in Michoacán was considered minimal.[29]

Elsewhere[]

In Jalisco, at least 80 houses or 300 people living in El Rebalse were isolated in floods after the Marabasco River overflowed.[30] The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) reported 54,399 customers lost electricity across Jalisco, Nayarit, and Sinaloa due to Dolores.[31] A man died at a soccer field in Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco, after being struck by lightning.[32][33] The outer bands of Dolores also caused minor flooding in Sinaloa.[34]

See also[]

Notes[]

  1. ^ All damage totals are valued as of 2021 and in United States dollars, unless otherwise noted.

References[]

  1. ^ Andy Latto (June 18, 2021). "Five-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 18, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ^ Robbie Berg (June 18, 2021). "Five-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 18, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. ^ Philippe Papin; Eric Blake (June 18, 2021). "Tropical Depression Four-E Discussion Number 1". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 18, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ^ Berg, Robert (June 18, 2021). "Tropical Storm Dolores Discussion Number 2". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 18, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ Robbie Berg (June 18, 2021). "Tropical Storm Dolores Discussion Number 3". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 20, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ^ Phillipe Papin; Eric Blake (June 19, 2021). "Tropical Storm Dolores Discussion Number 5". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 20, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  7. ^ Robbie Berg (June 19, 2021). "Tropical Storm Dolores Discussion Number 6". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 20, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. ^ Andy Latto (June 19, 2021). "Tropical Depression Dolores Discussion Number 8". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 20, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. ^ Amanda Reinhart; Eric Blake (June 20, 2021). "Remnants of Dolores Discussion Number 9". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 20, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  10. ^ Vallarta Daily News (June 18, 2021). "Puerto Vallarta under Tropical Storm Watch as Delores is forecasted to make landfall near Cabo Corrientes". www.vallartadaily.com. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Retrieved June 18, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. ^ Jose Luis Rivas Rangel (June 20, 2021). "Tormenta tropical 'Dolores' deja inundaciones en regiones de Jalisco". www.noticieros.televisa.com (in Spanish). Retrieved June 21, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. ^ "Tras la tormenta tropical Dolores, vigilan nuevo temporal en el Océano Pacífico". www.infobae.com (in Spanish). June 21, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  13. ^ Global Catastrophe Recap June 2021 (PDF) (Report). Aon. July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 12, 2021.{{cite report}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  14. ^ Stacy Stewart (June 17, 2021). "Five-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 18, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  15. ^ Amanda Reinhart; Jack Beven (June 16, 2021). "Five-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 18, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  16. ^ infobae (June 18, 2021). "Alerta por la formación de la tormenta tropical Dolores: podría convertirse en huracán en el Pacífico". www.infobae.com (in Spanish). Retrieved June 18, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  17. ^ Reform Agency (June 18, 2021). "Trayectoria de la tormenta tropical Dolores en el Pacífico, camino a Jalisco". www.dallasnews.com (in Spanish). Retrieved June 18, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  18. ^ a b "Deja Dolores tres muertes y causa daño a 8 estados". La Razón. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  19. ^ "Guerrero, con daño menor por Dolores". La Razón. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  20. ^ Patricia Briseño (June 17, 2021). "Lluvias en Oaxaca dejan 10 municipios afectados". Excélsior. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  21. ^ "Dolores se disipa en México tras dejar tres muertes por tormentas eléctricas". www.efe.com (in Spanish). Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  22. ^ a b "La tormenta Dolores solo provocó daños materiales en Colima". www.milenio.com (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  23. ^ "Colima. Tecomán, el municipio más afectado por 'Dolores'". origin-www.milenio.com (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  24. ^ "Tormenta tropical "Dolores" dejó inundaciones y árboles caídos en Colima". El Heraldo de México (in Spanish). Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  25. ^ ""Dolores" deja más del 60 por ciento de cultivos de plátano afectados en Colima". Noticias Va de Nuez (in Spanish). June 21, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  26. ^ a b c ""Dolores" deja daños en 20 municipios de Michoacán". El Informador :: Noticias de Jalisco, México, Deportes & Entretenimiento (in European Spanish). Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  27. ^ Demos, Editorial; corresponsal, Ernesto Martínez Elorriaga. "La Jornada - Tormenta 'Dolores' deja inundaciones y árboles caídos en Michoacán". www.jornada.com.mx (in Spanish). Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  28. ^ "¡PRECAUCIÓN | Por inundación cierran carretera Zihuatanejo-Playa Azul; Dolores está cerca de Lázaro Cárdenas". La Voz de Michoacán (in Spanish). June 19, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  29. ^ "Mínimos, los daños por tormenta tropical "Dolores" en Michoacán". Meta Política (in Spanish). June 21, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  30. ^ "Tormenta tropical 'Dolores' deja inundaciones en regiones de Jalisco". Noticieros Televisa (in Mexican Spanish). June 20, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  31. ^ "CFE reestablece servicio en zonas afectadas por 'Dolores'". origin-www.milenio.com (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  32. ^ "Tormenta tropical 'Dolores' deja un muerto a su paso por Jalisco". Noticieros Televisa (in Mexican Spanish). June 21, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  33. ^ "Dolores se disipa en México tras dejar tres muertes por tormentas eléctricas". www.efe.com (in Spanish). Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  34. ^ "Tormenta tropical Dolores deja inundaciones leves en Sinaloa". El Universal (in Spanish). June 20, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2021.

External links[]

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