Hurricane Celia (2010)

Hurricane Celia

Category 5 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS)
Hurricane Celia intensifying in the open Pacific Ocean on June 24
Formed	June 18, 2010
Dissipated	June 30, 2010
(Remnant low after June 28)
Highest winds	1-minute sustained: 160 mph (260 km/h)
Lowest pressure	921 mbar (hPa); 27.2 inHg (Estimated)
Fatalities	None reported
Damage	None
Areas affected	Oaxaca, Guerrero and Clipperton Island
Part of the 2010 Pacific hurricane season

Hurricane Celia was a powerful, early-season Category 5 tropical cyclone that existed over the open waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean during late June 2010. Forming out of a tropical wave about 370 mi (595 km) southeast of Acapulco, Mexico on June 18, Celia quickly organized as deep convection consolidated around the center, attaining hurricane status by June 20. Over the following days, the hurricane's winds fluctuated as wind shear impeded significant development hindering it from becoming potientially dangerous. Once this shear lightened on June 24, the storm rapidly intensified to attain its peak strength with winds of 160 mph (260 km/h) and an estimated barometric pressure of 921 mbar (hPa; 27.2 inHg). Not long after reaching this strength, wind shear increased and the system entered a dry, stable environment. Over the following 42 hours, Hurricane Celia's sustained winds decreased to tropical storm force and the system began to stall over the open ocean by June 27. Despite highly unfavorable conditions, the storm managed to retain tropical storm status through June 28 and degenerated into a non-convective remnant low that evening. The remnants of Celia drifted northward, completing a counter-clockwise loop, and dissipated on June 30.

Although Celia remained far away from any populated landmasses, waves from the storm prompted storm advisories along the southern coastline of Mexico. Additionally, its outer bands brought moderate rainfall to parts of Oaxaca and Guerrero. Due to the high intensity and longevity of the hurricane, it significantly contributed to the record-high accumulated cyclone energy value for June 2010 in the eastern Pacific basin.