Hurricane Carlotta (2012)

Hurricane Carlotta

Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS/NWS)
Hurricane Carlotta at peak intensity, nearing landfall in Mexico on June 15.
Formed	June 14, 2012
Dissipated	June 17, 2012
(Remnant low after June 16)
Highest winds	1-minute sustained: 110 mph (175 km/h)
Lowest pressure	973 mbar (hPa); 28.73 inHg
Fatalities	3 direct, 4 indirect
Damage	$12.4 million (2012 USD)
Areas affected	Southwestern Mexico
Part of the 2012 Pacific hurricane season

Hurricane Carlotta was the easternmost tropical cyclone in the Eastern Pacific to make landfall at hurricane intensity since 1966. The third tropical cyclone and third named storm of the 2012 Pacific hurricane season, Carlotta developed slowly into a tropical depression from a tropical wave southwest of Central America on June 14. It moved generally west-northwestward and by the following day, strengthened into tropical storm strength. Thereafter, gradual intensification occurred and the storm reached hurricane strength on June 15. Rapid intensification ensued further, as Carlotta peaked as a 110 mph (175 km/h) Category 2 hurricane on the same day. At 0100 UTC the following day, Carlotta made landfall near Puerto Escondido, the easternmost landfalling Pacific hurricane in recorded history at the time. The next day the storm began to weaken as it moved onshore Southwestern Mexico. Carlotta continued to weaken rapidly, eventually dissipating on June 16.

Throughout Mexico, widespread power outages and wind damage was reported, particularly in Oaxaca. Infrastructural damage was also reported due to winds and rain, as well as damage to crops. Rainfall from Carlotta peaked at 13.78 in (35.0 cm) in San Juan Bautista Tuxtepec. Numerous mudslides resulted from the heavy rains, which blocked roads and damaged structures. At least 29,000 homes and 2,500 businesses sustained damage from Carlotta, mostly in Oaxaca. Seven people were killed by Carlotta, and the state of Oaxaca requested MX$1.4 billion (US$107.7 million) for repairs to public infrastructure.

On June 12, a tropical disturbance developed off the west coast of Costa Rica, moved westward and entered the eastern Pacific after crossing Panama. The system became better organized as it tracked to the west-northwest as a westerly Kelvin wave provided favorable conditions for development.Convection increased around a developing low pressure area, and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) estimated a 50% chance of tropical cyclogenesis by late on June 12. After further organization, the NHC initiated advisories on Tropical Depression Three-E at 0300 UTC on June 14, while the system was located about 515 mi (830 km) south-southeast of Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca. At the time, the depression was located in an area of low wind shear and warm sea surface temperature conditions that were considered favorable for intensification. In addition, it had a small circulation, which increased the possibility for rapid deepening. The system moved northwestward after forming due to an extended ridge to the northeast. About six hours after forming, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Carlotta, after rainbands increased around the center.