Hurricane Olaf (2003)
Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | October 3, 2003 |
Dissipated | October 8, 2003 |
Category 1 hurricane | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Highest winds | 75 mph (120 km/h) |
Lowest pressure | 987 mbar (hPa); 29.15 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 1 |
Damage | Minimal |
Areas affected | Mexico |
IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2003 Pacific hurricane season |
Hurricane Olaf was a minimal
Meteorological history
Olaf originated from a tropical wave that exited the coast of Africa on September 17. Over the next two weeks, it moved westbound into the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
Initially, wind shear from nearby Tropical Storm Nora was expected to weaken the system, but this did not occur.[4] Moving northwest, it steadily intensified into a moderate tropical storm late on October 3. The next day, Olaf weakened slightly,[1] only to resume intensification roughly 24 hours later.[1] At that time, it was noted that additional intensification was likely.[5] On October 5, radar imagery indicated a partial eyewall. Based on this, Olaf was upgraded into a minimal hurricane; at the same time, it reached its peak intensity at 75 mph (120 km/h) and a barometric pressure of 987 millibars. Olaf was hurricane for only six hours;[1] because the center was operationally believed to be further north, closer to the deep convection, Olaf was assessed in real-time to have been a hurricane for much longer.[6]
Shortly after reaching its peak, Olaf began to become less organized, resulting in steady weakening while the storm's motion slowed. By early October 6, Olaf was only a minimal tropical storm as the system recurved northwest.[1] However, Olaf rapidly reorganized that afternoon and the National Hurricane Center re-assessed the intensity at 50 mph (80 km/h) based on increased banding features.[7] Continued restrengthening occurred, and by October 8, Olaf made landfall with winds of 60 mph (97 km/h) near Manzanillo. Olaf weakened rapidly over the high terrain of the coast. Within 24 hours, Olaf had dissipated inland.[1]
Preparations and impact
While Olaf was at peak strength, a
Olaf was a part of a rainy year in Mexico,[1] producing more rain than Hurricane Nora.[10] One person was killed,[11] and flooding caused serve damage to roadways and crops in the Mexican state of Jalisco. In the same state, more than 12,000 homes were damaged.[1] In the state of Guanajuato, an estimated total of 15,000 people were impacted from the floods. In addition, two communities were isolated. After the hurricane, a program wanted donation from food to basic home supplies.[12] Moisture from the remnants of Nora and Olaf interacted with an upper-level low to produce heavy rainfall across Texas, producing flooding near Waco that forced a family to evacuate in McGregor. The floodwaters closed portions of Interstate 35, U.S. Route 84, and Texas State Highway 36.[13] It also spawned a tornado in Sugar Land that damaged four buildings, including a school.[14]
See also
- Other storms of the same name
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j National Hurricane Center (2003). "Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Olaf" (PDF). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2015-05-22.
- ^ John Brown/Lawrence (2010-10-02). "Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-07-01.
- ^ Franklin, James (2010-10-03). "Tropical Depression Eighteen-E Discussion 1". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
- ^ Franklin, James (2003). "Tropical Storm Olaf Discussion 2". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
- ^ Jarrvien (2003-10-04). "Tropical Storm Olaf Discussion 7". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
- ^ Franklin, James (2010-10-06). "Hurricane Olaf Discussion 13". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-30.
- ^ Franklin, James (2003-10-06). "Tropical Storm Olaf Discussion 15". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2010-06-30.
- ^ "Pacific hurricanes Nora and Olaf". OffGuard. 2003-10-06. Archived from the original on 2011-06-15. Retrieved 2010-06-03.
- ^ Staff Writer (2003-10-06). "Mexicans prepare for hurricane Olaf" (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 2013-02-04. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
- Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved 2008-10-31.
- ^ Sistema Nacional de Protección Civil: Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres (March 2004). Informe de la Temporada de Ciclones Tropicales del 2003 (PDF) (Report) (in Spanish). El Secretario de Gobernación de Mexico. Retrieved January 1, 2022.
- ^ Staff Writer (2003-06-23). "Post-hurricane appeal". Reliefweb.com. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
- ^ Staff Writer (2003-10-09). "Possible tornado hits Houston suburb; floods hit Waco area". Beaumont Enterprise. Associated Press. Retrieved 2011-06-26.
- ^ Staff Writer (2003-10-11). "Tornadoes Hit Part of Texas". Reading Eagle. Associated Press. Retrieved 2011-06-26.