Tropical Depression Nine (2001)

Tropical Depression Nine

Tropical depression (SSHWS/NWS)
Tropical Depression Nine near peak intensity on September 19.
Formed	September 19, 2001
Dissipated	September 20, 2001
Highest winds	1-minute sustained: 35 mph (55 km/h)
Lowest pressure	1005 mbar (hPa); 29.68 inHg
Fatalities	None reported
Areas affected	Nicaragua, El Salvador
Part of the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season

Tropical Depression Nine caused minor flooding in Central America in September 2001. The ninth tropical cyclone of the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season, the depression developed from a tropical wave in the southwestern Caribbean Sea on September 19. Without significant intensification, the depression made landfall in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua early on September 20, which was about six hours after becoming a tropical cyclone. Once inland over Central America, the depression significant deteriorated and dissipated later that day, after lasting for less than 24 hours. The remnants emerged into the Pacific Ocean and later developed into Hurricane Juliette. Impact from the depression was rather minor. Although sustained winds on land did not exceed 30 mph (55 km/h), a fallen tree injured three children in El Salvador. In addition, heavy rainfall flooded at least 200 homes in San Salvador and inundated 15 farms. The depression did not result in fatalities and damage caused by it is unknown.

A tropical wave exited the west coast of Africa and emerged into the Atlantic Ocean on September 11. After tracking westward for five days, the wave entered the Caribbean Sea on September 16. Convection steadily increased in both coverage and intensity, and by September 19, the system reached the southwestern Caribbean Sea. Satellite imagery and surface observations indicated that Tropical Depression Nine formed at 1800 UTC on September 19, while located 50 miles (80 km) north-northwest of San Andres Island.

Initially, the depression had two centers of circulation, one east of Costa Rica and one east of Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. Because the thunderstorm activity was more intense and persistent at the northern circulation, advisories were initiated using the latter. Computer forecast models predicted that the depression would make landfall in Nicaragua and then enter the eastern Pacific Ocean within 36 hours. Other computer forecast models separated it into two systems, with the northern center going into the Bay of Campeche and the southern center going westward through Costa Rica and into the Pacific while strengthening into a "significant tropical cyclone". Although only a tropical depression, upper level outflow was circular and was indicative of a more "mature" tropical cyclone.