Hurricane Carlotta (2000)
| Category 4 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Hurricane Carlotta shortly after peak intensity on June 21
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| Formed | June 18, 2000 |
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| Dissipated | June 25, 2000 |
| Highest winds |
1-minute sustained: 155 mph (250 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 932 mbar (hPa); 27.52 inHg |
| Fatalities | 18 direct |
| Damage | Minimal |
| Areas affected | Mexico |
| Part of the 2000 Pacific hurricane season | |
Hurricane Carlotta was the most powerful hurricane of the 2000 Pacific hurricane season. The third tropical cyclone of the season, Carlotta developed from a tropical wave on June 18 about 270 miles (470 km) southeast off the coast of Mexico. With favorable conditions for development, it strengthened steadily at first, followed by a period of rapid deepening to peak winds of 155 mph (250 km/h) on June 22. Cooler waters caused Carlotta to gradually weaken, and on June 25 it degenerated into a remnant area of low pressure while located about 260 miles (420 km) west-southwest of Cabo San Lucas.
The hurricane produced heavy rainfall and rough surf along the southwest coast of Mexico, though no serious damage was reported. A Lithuanian freighter traversing through the peak of the hurricane was lost after experiencing an engine failure; its crew of 18 was presumed killed.
A tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on June 3. It tracked westward across the unfavorable Atlantic Ocean, and on June 15 it crossed Central America into the eastern Pacific Ocean. The system continued westward, and late on June 16 a low pressure area developed about 300 miles (480 km) southwest of San José, Costa Rica. At around 1200 UTC on June 17, Dvorak classifications began on the disturbance, though initially its convection was broadly distributed and disorganized. The next day, however, an area of concentrated convection developed just south of the Gulf of Tehuantepec. Ships in the vicinity confirmed the development of a surface circulation within the system, while satellite imagery showed the development of a central dense overcast. Based on its organization, it is estimated the system developed into Tropical Depression Three-E late on June 18 while located about 270 miles (470 km) southeast of Puerto Angel, Oaxaca in Mexico.
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Wikipedia