1996 Pacific hurricane season
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2008-06-08T05:13:21Z
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minor corrections and fixes
{{Infobox hurricane season
| first storm formed= [[May 13]], [[1996]]
| last storm dissipated=[[November 11]], 1996
| strongest storm=[[Hurricane Cesar-Douglas|Douglas]] - 946 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]]
| total storms=9
| major storms=2
| total damages=unknown
| total fatalities=10-51
| basin=Pacific hurricane
| five seasons=[[1994 Pacific hurricane season|1994]], [[1995 Pacific hurricane season|1995]], 1996, [[1997 Pacific hurricane season|1997]], [[1998 Pacific hurricane season|1998]]
}}
The '''1996 Pacific hurricane season''' was an ongoing event in [[tropical cyclogenesis|tropical cyclone formation]] and the second least active [[list of Pacific hurricane seasons|Pacific hurricane season]] in recorded history, behind only [[1977 Pacific hurricane season|1977]]. It officially began [[May 15]], [[1996]] in the eastern north Pacific and on [[June 1]], [[1996]] in the central north Pacific. It ended on [[November 30]], 1996. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
Few notable storms formed this season, however it was very eventful. Twelve tropical cyclones formed during this season, of which five made landfall and two other impacted land areas. Two tropical cyclones that formed in [[tropical cyclone basins|other basins]] entered the eastern north [[Pacific Ocean]]. Early in the season three tropical cyclones impacted [[Mexico]] in a ten day span, while the first cyclone of the season formed before it officially began. [[Hurricane Cesar-Douglas|Hurricane Douglas]] was the strongest storm, reaching Category 4 intensity on the [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale]] and had its beginnings in the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] as [[Hurricane Cesar-Douglas|Hurricane Cesar]].
==Season summary==
{{Saffir-Simpson small}}
This hurricane season officially started on [[May 15]], [[1996]] in the eastern Pacific, and on [[June 1]], [[1996]] in the central Pacific, and lasted until [[November 30]], [[1996]]. These dates limit the time period when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern [[Pacific Ocean]]. In actuality the season exceeded these limits slightly with the formation of Tropical Depression One-E on [[May 13]] and ended on [[November 11]] with the dissipation of Tropical Depression Twelve-E.
This season was below average in activity. In the eastern north Pacific, eleven tropical cyclones formed. Of these, four became hurricanes, one of which were major hurricanes because they reached Category 3 or higher on the [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale]]. The remainder were tropical storms.<ref name="NHC Overview">{{cite web|title=The 1996 East Pacific Hurricane Season|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1996epac.html|author=[[National Hurricane Center]]|year=1996|accessdate=2007-02-23}}</ref> In addition, one [[Atlantic hurricane]], [[Hurricane Cesar-Douglas|Hurricane Cesar]], crossed into this zone from the Atlantic Ocean and was renamed Douglas.<ref name=Douglas>{{cite web|title=Hurricane Douglas|author=[[Lixion Avila]]|date=1996-10-24|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1996douglas.html|accessdate=2007-02-23}}</ref> None of the systems in the eastern north Pacific crossed 140°W and entered the central Pacific. The last time that happened was in the [[1979 Pacific hurricane season|1979 season]].<ref name="CPHC Archive">{{cite web|title=Previous Tropical Systems of the Central Pacific|url=http://www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/summaries/|author=[[Central Pacific Hurricane Center]]|accessdate=2007-02-23}}</ref>
In the central north Pacific, one tropical depression formed. In addition, a depression crossed the dateline from the western Pacific before dissipating in this basin. None of these two systems reached tropical storm strength.<ref name="CPHC 1996">{{cite web|title=The 1996 Central Pacific Tropical Cyclone Season|url=http://www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/summaries/1996.php|author=[[Central Pacific Hurricane Center]]|accessdate=2007-02-23}}</ref>
In terms of the number of storms, the season was below average. Despite this, there were a large number of landfalls. Of note is the fact that three tropical cyclones approached close to Mexico during a ten-day span.<ref name=Cristina>{{cite web|title=Tropical Storm Cristina|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1996cristina.html|author=[[Max Mayfield]]|date=1996-08-11|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|accessdate=2007-02-08}}</ref>
==Storms==
===Unnamed Tropical Storm===
{{infobox hurricane small
| name=Unnamed Tropical Storm
| category=storm
| type=tropical storm
| image=Unnamed TS 14 may 1996 1451Z.jpg
| track=1-E 1996 track.png
| formed=[[May 13]]
| dissipated=[[May 16]]
| highest winds=50 [[miles per hour|mph]] (85 [[kilometres per hour|km/h]])
| lowest pressure=1000 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]]
}}
The season had an early start on [[May 13]] when a tropical wave in the open ocean organized into Tropical Depression One-E. The depression moved west-northwest and strengthened into a tropical storm on [[May 14]]. On that day, the tropical storm reached its peak intensity, with maximum sustained winds at {{convert|50|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} and a minimum central pressure of 1000 mb.<ref name=Unnamed>{{cite web|author=Edward Rappaport|title=Unnamed tropical storm|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1996unnamed.html|date=1996-11-09|accessdate=2007-02-17|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]}}</ref> [[Wind shear]] steadily weakened the cyclone until it dissipated early on [[May 17]]. This system was the only tropical storm to form in May during the period from 1992-99.<ref name=Padgett>{{cite web|title=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary May 2006|url=http://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2006/summ0605.htm|author=Gary Padgett|accessdate=2007-02-17}}</ref>
One-E storm was not assigned a name because it was determined to be a tropical storm after the season was over.<ref name=Unnamed/> The storm was initially forecast to become a tropical storm, but information available at the time did not warrant the upgrade.<ref name="Unnamed discussion">{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1996/unnamed/tropdisc/nep0196.001|author=Edward Rappaport|title=Tropical Depression One-E Discuission Number 1|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=1996-05-13|accessdate=2007-02-17}}</ref> Subsequently, wind reports relayed from the [[United States Coast Guard|US Coast Guard]] to the [[National Hurricane Center]] suggested that this cyclone was a tropical storm.<ref name=Unnamed/>
This tropical cyclone impacted two ships. The first - called the ''True Blue'' - was near the fringes of the storm and escaped. The other - the trimaran ''Solar Wind'' - provided wind observations until communications with the vessel were lost after 0600 [[UTC]] on [[May 14]]. Despite a search by the US Coast Guard, the ship and its two-person crew was never found.<ref name=Unnamed/>
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===Tropical Depression Two-E===
{{infobox hurricane small
| name=Tropical Depression Two-E
| category=depression
| type=tropical depression
| image=TD 2E 15 may 1996 1427Z.jpg
| track=2-E 1996 track.png
| formed=[[May 15]]
| dissipated=[[May 19]]
| highest winds=35 [[miles per hour|mph]] (55 [[kilometres per hour|km/h]])
| lowest pressure=1006 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]]
}}
On [[May 15]] an area of disturbed weather in the [[Intertropical Convergence Zone]] developed into a tropical depression. The disturbance was not readily traceable back to a tropical wave from the Atlantic. On its first day of its existence, Tropical Depression Two-E was a well-organized system with maximum sustained winds of {{convert|35|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} and a minimum central pressure of 1006 mb.<ref name="Two-E">{{cite web|title=Brief Information about Tropical Depression Two-E|author=Richard Pasch|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1996td2e.html|date=1996-06-05|accessdate=2006-02-23}}</ref> As it slowly moved west, Two-E experienced a few intermittent burts of convection. However, the depression gradually became less organized during the remainder of its life. On [[May 18]], the cyclone's organization deteriorated markedly until it dissipated the next morning.
Tropical Depression Two-E never threatened land. Consequently, there were no reports of deaths or damage.<ref name="Two-E"/>
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===Hurricane Alma===
{{infobox hurricane small
| name=Hurricane Alma
| category=cat2
| type=hurricane
| image=Alma 23 june 1996 1336Z.jpg
| track=Alma 1996 track.png
| formed=[[June 20]]
| dissipated=[[June 27]]
| highest winds=105 [[miles per hour|mph]] (165 [[kilometres per hour|km/h]])
| lowest pressure=969 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]]
}}
{{hurricane main|Hurricane Alma (1996)}}
On [[June 20]], the southern part of the same tropical wave that spawned [[1996 Atlantic hurricane season#Tropical Storm Arthur|Tropical Storm Arthur]] in the Atlantic overcame shear to strengthen into Tropical Depression Three-E. It reached tropical storm intensity that same day. When the shear relaxed, Alma strengthened into a hurricane. Weak steering currents sent Alma towards the Mexican coast. It made landfall near [[Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán]] on [[June 23]] and almost immediately went back out to sea. Alma slowly paralleled the coast as the topography disrupted the cyclone's cirulation. Alma weakened to tropical storm intensity on [[June 24]] and to tropical depression intensity on [[June 26]]. It dissipated the next day. Alma's maximum winds were {{convert|90|kn|km/h}} and Alma's minimum pressure was 969 mb.<ref name=Alma>{{cite web|title=Hurricane Alma|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1996alma.html|author=[[Lixion Avila]]|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=1996-07-24|accessdate=2007-02-17}}</ref>
Hurricane Alma was the first of three consecutive storms to come close to, or make landfall on, the Pacific coast of [[Mexico]] during a ten-day span. At least three, and possibly twenty, people were killed. Three were killed when a house near Lázaro Cárdenas collapsed. There were unconfirmed reports that 17 people were killed by floods in the state of [[Puebla]] caused by Alma's rains. Trees were downed and power was knocked out to many places. Roads were flooded and covered with debris throughout the affected area.<ref name=Alma/>
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===Hurricane Boris===
{{infobox hurricane small
| name=Hurricane Boris
| category=cat1
| type=hurricane
| image=Boris 29 june 1996 1956Z.jpg
| track=Boris 1996 track.png
| formed=[[June 27]]
| dissipated=[[July 1]]
| highest winds=90 [[miles per hour|mph]] (150 [[kilometres per hour|km/h]])
| lowest pressure=979 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]]
}}
On [[June 27]], a tropical wave developed convection and became Tropical Depression Four. It moved north and slowly intensified. The rate of intensification increased and the depression became a tropical storm on [[June 28]]. Boris reached hurricane intensity on [[June 28]] and peaked with winds of {{convert|80|kn|km/h}} and a central pressure of 979 mb.<ref name=Boris>{{cite web|title=Hurricane Boris|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1996boris.html|author=Miles Lawrence|date=1996-08-15|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-08-18}}</ref> Boris then made landfall on [[June 29]] about midway between Lázaro Cárdenas and [[Acapulco]]. Boris then moved offshore after turning to the southwest and dissipated on [[July 1]] while south of [[Puerto Vallarta]].
Hurricane Boris was, in general, a well-forecast storm. Due to the short time when the system was at or above tropical storm intensity, long-range forecasts were not verified. The average errors were {{convert|101|nmi|km|abbr=on}} at one and a half days in the future.<ref name=Boris/> As Hurricane Boris was approaching Mexico, a tropical storm watch was issued for the coast between [[Manzanillo]] and [[Puerto Escondido (Oaxaca)|Puerto Escondido]] on [[June 28]]. From Manzanillo to [[Puerto Maldonado]], the tropical storm replaced with a hurricane warning the same day.<ref name=Boris/>
Boris caused at least five deaths. One person was killed in Tecpan. Nearby, three other people drowned and five fishers were missing. In Acapulco, a child was killed when a roof collapsed.<ref name=Boris/> Rain was heavy throughout the impacted region, with the highest totals in [[Guerrero]]. A total of 12.16 in was recorded in [[Coyuca de Benítez]].<ref name=Boris/> The highest total was 14.98 in at Paso de San Antonio, to the east of the point of landfall.<ref name="HPC Boris">{{cite web|title=Hurricane Boris|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/boris1996.html|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Cente|accessdate=2007-02-15|year=2007}}</ref> Those rains caused a flood on the [[San Jeronimo River]], which left at least 5000 homeless. In Tecpan, a countless number of homes were washed away.<ref name=Boris/>
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===Tropical Storm Cristina===
{{infobox hurricane small
| name=Tropical Storm Cristina
| category=storm
| type=tropical storm
| image=Cristina 03 july 1996 1319Z.jpg
| track=Cristina 1996 track.png
| formed=[[July 1]]
| dissipated=[[July 3]]
| highest winds=70 [[miles per hour|mph]] (110 [[kilometres per hour|km/h]])
| lowest pressure=991 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]]
}}
On [[July 1]], a tropical wave organized into Tropical Depression Five-E.<ref name=Cristina/> The location of the depression was the easternmost since the depression that eventually became [[Hurricane Paul (1982)|Hurricane Paul]] in the [[1982 Pacific hurricane season|1982 season]].<ref name="Best Track">{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/tracks1949to2006_epa.txt|title=Eastern North Pacific Tracks File 1949-2006|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|year=2007|accessdate=2007-02-18}}</ref> Five-E strengthened into Tropical Storm Cristina on [[July 2]] as it continued its west-northwest track. Cristina was almost a hurricane at the time of its landfall near [[Puerto Angel]] on [[July 3]]. It peak strength, which occurred at landfall, was {{convert|60|kn|km/h}} and 991 mb. Cristina dissipated over the mountains of Mexico on [[July 3]].<ref name=Cristina/>
As a whole, both Cristina's intensity and track were well-forecast. However, the tropical cyclone's short life made verification of a small number of forecasts limited.<ref name=Cristina/> When Cristina was approaching, the Mexican government issued a tropical storm warning for the coast between [[Tapachula]] and [[Punta Maldonado]] on [[July 2]].<ref name=Cristina/>
Tropical Storm Cristina killed one person, a fisherman, who was aboard a boat caught at sea. Another person from that boat was missing, and a third individual was rescued. Eleven other fishing boats, with a total of twenty-two people aboard, were missing. Their fate is unknown.<ref name=Cristina/> The National Hurricane Center received no reports of damage due to Tropical Storm Cristina; however flooding due to [[storm surge]] and damage from wind and rain was likely to have occurred.<ref name=Cristina/>
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===Tropical Depression Six-E===
{{infobox hurricane small
| name=Tropical Depression Six-E
| category=depression
| type=tropical depression
| image=TD 6E 05 july 1996 1415Z.jpg
| track=6-E 1996 track.png
| formed=[[July 4]]
| dissipated=[[July 6]]
| highest winds=35 [[miles per hour|mph]] (55 [[kilometres per hour|km/h]])
| lowest pressure=1003 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]]
}}
On [[July 4]], a persistent area of thunderstorms organized into a tropical depression. Weak steering currents slowly moved it northwest.<ref name="TD6E discussion 1">{{cite web|title=Tropical Depression Six-e Discussion Number 1|author=[[Max Mayfield]]|date=1996-07-04|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1996/td6/tropdisc/nep0696.001|accessdate=2007-03-02}}</ref> Easterly wind shear inhibited the development of the system.<ref name="TD6E discussion 2">{{cite web|title=Tropical Depression Six-e Discussion Number 2|author=[[Max Mayfield]]|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1996/td6/tropdisc/nep0696.002|date=1996-07-05|accessdate=2007-03-02}}</ref> Despite the wind shear, Six-E was forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm,<ref name="TD6E discussion 3">{{cite web|title=Tropical Depression Six-E Discussion Number 3|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1996/td6/tropdisc/nep0696.003|author=Jerry Jarrell|date=1996-07-05|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|accessdate=2007-03-02}}</ref> but it instead weakened to a swirl of clouds and advisories were ended on [[July 5]].<ref name="TD6E discussion 5">{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1996/td6/tropdisc/nep0696.005|title=Tropical Depression Six-E Discussion Number 5|author=[[Lixion Avila]]|date=1996-07-05|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|accessdate=2007-03-02}}</ref> Tropical Depression Six-E dissipated on [[July 6]]. At its peak strength, Six-E had winds of {{convert|30|kn|km/h}} and a central pressure of 1003 mb.<ref name=6E>{{cite web|title=Tropical Depression 6-E|author=Richard Pasch|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1996td6e.html|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|accessdate=2007-03-02}}</ref>
This cyclone never came ashore. Consequently, no reports of damage or deaths were received by the National Hurricane Center.<ref name=6E/>
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===Hurricane Douglas===
{{infobox hurricane small
| name=Hurricane Douglas
| category=cat4
| type=hurricane
| image=Douglas 01 aug 1996 2044Z.jpg
| track=Douglas 1996 track.png
| formed=[[July 24]]
| dissipated=[[August 6]]
| highest winds=135 [[miles per hour|mph]] (110 [[kilometres per hour|km/h]])
| lowest pressure=946 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]]
}}
{{hurricane main|Hurricane Cesar-Douglas}}
Hurricane Douglas was a continuation of [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] Hurricane Cesar, which crossed [[Central America]]. Continuing Cesar's nearly due-west heading, it was still a tropical storm when it entered the Pacific on [[July 29]], and quickly regained hurricane status.<ref name="Douglas"/>
Douglas's strengthened over the next two days as it turned west-northwest, paralleling the coast of Mexico. It reached its peak intensity on [[August 1]],with winds of 135 mph (215 km/h) and a central pressure of 946 millibars, making it the strongest hurricane of the season at a [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale|Category 4]] strength.<ref name="Douglas"/> It slow weakening began on [[August 2]] as it entered cooler waters, and it officially dissipated on [[August 6]], though like many Pacific hurricanes, a remnant circulation could be tracked westward for several days afterward. At its peak strength, Douglas had a central pressure of 946 mb and winds of {{convert|115|kn|km/h}}.<ref name="Douglas"/>
Compared with the long-tern average, Hurricane Douglas was a well-forecast storm.<ref name=Douglas/> The cyclone passed close enough to Mexico to necessitate a tropical storm warning starting on [[July 29]] for the coast from [[Salina Cruz]] to Acapulco, with a watch along a further section of coast. The watches and warnings were discontinued on [[July 30]].<ref name=Douglas/>
Hurricane Douglas brought up to 6 inches (150 mm) of rain on the south coast of [[Mexico]] and resulted in a 4-foot (1.2-m) [[storm surge]].<ref name="Douglas Impact">{{cite web|url=http://wwwnotes.reliefweb.int/w/RWB.NSF/480fa8736b88bbc3c12564f6004c8ad5/225921ce1d150f66c1256377003249a6?OpenDocument|title=Hurricane Douglas leaves at least 35 dead as it crosses from Caribbean to Pacific|publisher=[[ReliefWeb]]|author=[[Associated Press]]|date=1996-07-30|accessdate=2007-02-23}}</ref> No deaths or damages were attributed to the Douglas portion of Hurricane Cesar-Douglas.<ref name=Douglas/>
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===Tropical Depression Seventeen-W===
{{infobox hurricane small
| name=Tropical Depression Seventeen-W
| category=depression
| type=tropical depression
| track=17-W 1996 track.png
| image=TD 17W 13 aug 1996 0118Z.jpg
| formed=[[August 13]]
| dissipated=[[August 17]]
| highest winds=35 [[miles per hour|mph]] (55 [[kilometres per hour|km/h]])
| lowest pressure=1000 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]]
}}
A tropical depression, which formed [[August 13]] from a [[cutoff]] area of [[low pressure area]], crossed the dateline on [[August 14]]. It continued to head east, passing close to [[Midway Island]]. It dissipated on [[August 14]], although the remnants of the system hung around the area for a few more days. At its strongest in the central north Pacific, Tropical Depression Seventeen-W had winds of {{convert|30|kn|km/h}} and a pressure of 1000 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]].<ref name="CPHC 1996"/><ref name="17W ATCR">{{cite web|title=Tropical Depression Seventeen-W ATCR|url=https://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc/atcr/1996atcr/pdf/wnp/17w.pdf|author=[[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]]|accessdate=2007-10-05}}</ref>
Seventeen-W brought light winds, with gusts reaching [[gale]]-force, to Midway Island. It also brought about 2.5 in (63.5 mm) of rain. After the cyclone dissipated, showers and gusty winds continued to occur on Midway and [[Kure Atoll|Kure]] for a few more days.<ref name="CPHC 1996"/>
Seventeen-W was the first tropical cyclone to cross the [[international dateline]] in either direction since [[Hurricane John (1994)|Typhoon John]] in the [[1994 Pacific hurricane season|1994 season]].<ref name="CPHC Archive"/>
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===Tropical Storm Elida===
{{infobox hurricane small
| name=Tropical Storm Elida
| category=storm
| type=tropical storm
| image=Elida 03 sept 1996 2124Z.jpg
| track=Elida 1996 track.png
| formed=[[August 30]]
| dissipated=[[September 6]]
| highest winds=65 [[miles per hour|mph]] (100 [[kilometres per hour|km/h]])
| lowest pressure=994 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]]
}}
A [[tropical wave]] organized into Tropical Depression Eight-E on [[August 30]]. The cyclone paralleled the coast of Mexico and also gradually decelerated. Despite some [[wind shear]], Eight-E strengthened into a tropical storm on [[September 2]] and was named Elida. On [[September 3]] and 4, Elida came close to the southern tip of the [[Baja California Peninsula]] at its peak intensity of 994 mb and {{convert|55|kn|km/h}}. The cyclone then drifted into cooler waters, was devoid of deep convection on [[September 5]], and dissipated the next day.<ref name=Elida>{{cite web|title=Tropical Storm Elida|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1996elida.html|author=Edward Rappaport|date=1996-07-11|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|accessdate=2007-02-23}}</ref>
The storm was forecast slightly better than the long term averages for the eastern North Pacific.<ref name=Elida/> Elida posed enough of a threat to the Baja California Peninsula to require a [[tropical cyclone warnings and watches|tropical storm warning]] for the Baja California Peninsula south of [[Cabo San Lazaro]] on [[September 3]]. The warning was lifted on [[September 5]] after the threat ended.<ref name=Elida/> Tropical Storm Elida caused no known deaths or damage.<ref name=Elida/>
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===Hurricane Fausto===
{{infobox hurricane small
| name=Hurricane Fausto
| category=cat3
| type=hurricane
| image=Fausto 12 sept 1996 2127Z.jpg
| track=Fausto 1996 track.png
| formed=[[September 10]]
| dissipated=[[September 14]]
| highest winds=120 [[miles per hour|mph]] (195 [[kilometres per hour|km/h]])
| lowest pressure=955 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]]
}}
The precursor disturbance to Fausto was first noticed over [[Venezuela]] as early as [[August 31]], and may have been related to the [[tropical wave]] that spawned [[Hurricane Fran]].<ref name=Fausto>{{cite web|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1996fausto.html|title=Hurricane Fausto|accessdate=2007-01-25|author=Miles Lawrence|date=1996-10-12}}</ref> By [[September 4]] the wave had crossed Central America into the Pacific; it steadily organized until it was upgraded to Tropical Storm Fausto on [[September 10]].<ref name=Fausto/>
Fausto intensified rapidly after it reached hurricane intensity on the [[September 12]], peaking with sustained winds of {{convert|105|kn|km/h}} and a minimum central pressure of 955 mb.<ref name=Fausto/> The hurricane weakened as an approaching [[trough]] increased shear over the storm; this same trough also turned the storm north on the [[September 13]], where it made landfall as a minimal hurricane on [[Baja California (peninsula)|Baja California]] that day.<ref name=Fausto/> On [[September 14]], the storm turned northeastward across the [[Gulf of California]], and dissipated inland over the [[Sierra Madre]] range after its second landfall as a hurricane.<ref name=Fausto/> Its [[extratropical cyclone|extratropical]] remnants flared up briefly over northern Mexico and the [[U.S. state]] of [[Texas]], but otherwise soon lost their identity.
Heavy rainfall was accompanied with the passage of this cyclone, with a storm total of 18.50 inches (470 mm) reported at San Vicente de la Sierra.<ref name="HPC Fausto">{{cite web|publisher=[[Hydrometeorological Prediction Center]]|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/fausto1996.html|title=Hurricane Fausto|accessdate=2007-01-26}}</ref> Damage in Mexico was relatively minor, with only a single casualty caused by a downed power line.<ref name=Fausto/> Damage totaled to around $800,000 (1996 USD).<ref name="Fausto Damage">{{cite web|accessdate=2007-03-02|publisher=Departamento de Comunicación para el Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada|url=http://gaceta.cicese.mx/ver.php?topico=especial&ejemplar=102&id=76|title=CICESE - La Paz: de proyecto a realidad en expansión|accedssdate=2007-02-23}}</ref> <!--Using currency converter for September 15, 1996. http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic -->
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===Tropical Depression One-C===
{{infobox hurricane small
| name=Tropical Depression One-C
| category=depression
| type=tropical depression
| image=TD 1C 17 sept 1996 2354Z.jpg
| track=1-C 1996 track.png
| formed=[[September 15]]
| dissipated=[[September 20]]
| highest winds=35 [[miles per hour|mph]] (55 [[kilometres per hour|km/h]])
}}
A tropical disturbance organized into a tropical depression on [[September 15]]. It headed west until [[September 17]]. That day, it turned to the west for two days before heading back west-northwest on [[September 19]]. It soon began to weaken and dissipated the next day. At its most intense, Tropical Depression One-C had winds of {{convert|30|kn|km/h}} and unknown pressure.<ref name="CPHC Archive"/>
The tropical cyclone caused no known impact and never came near land.<ref name="CPHC Archive"/>
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===Tropical Storm Genevieve===
{{infobox hurricane small
| name=Tropical Storm Genevieve
| category=storm
| type=tropical storm
| image=Genevieve 29 sept 1996 2143Z.jpg
| track=Genevieve 1996 track.png
| formed=[[September 27]]
| dissipated=[[October 9]]
| highest winds=50 [[miles per hour|mph]] (85 [[kilometres per hour|km/h]])
| lowest pressure=999 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]]
}}
In the [[Gulf of Tehuantepec]], an area of disturbed weather containing convection formed on [[September 23]]. It moved westward without incident until [[September 27]], when it developed stronger convection and became Tropical Depression Ten-E. Immediately thereafter, it strengthened into a tropical storm and was named Genevieve while it continued its westward track.<ref name=Genevieve>{{cite web|title=Tropical Storm Genevieve|author=[[Max Mayfield]]|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1996genev.html|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=1996-11-14|accessdate=2007-02-25}}</ref>
Genevieve slowly got better organized, and reached its peak intensity of 999 mb and {{convert|45|kn|km/h}} on [[September 29]].<ref name=Genevieve/> The tropical storm then turned to the [[boxing the compass|west-southwest]] as steering currents collapsed. The cyclone began a time of erratic motion, which included two loops. The erratic motion also exposed Genevieve to [[wind shear]], and the tropical storm weakened to a tropical depression on [[October 1]]. On [[October 6]], the shear temporarily weakened, and Tropical Depression Genevieve restrengthened into a tropical storm. The cyclone's wandering continued, and it entrained dry air. This dry air weakened the system to a depression for a second time on [[October 8]], and Genevieve dissipated the next day. Brief flare-ups of convection could still be seen for a few days thereafter.<ref name=Genevieve/>
Tropical Storm Genevieve was a rather poorly forecast storm. Most [[tropical cyclone prediction model]]s indicated a northwesterly track that never happened, and also over-intensified the system.<ref name=Genevieve/> In addition, advisories on Tropical Depression Genevieve were discontinued on [[October 3]], and only resumed three days later. Later analysis determined that Genevieve had been a tropical depression for this whole time.<ref name=Genevieve/>
Tropical Storm Genevieve never came near land, and consequently no watches or warnings were required for any location. The tropical cyclone had no impact on any land; indeed it is the only tropical storm or hurricane this season to directly impact no one.<ref name=Genevieve/>
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===Hurricane Hernan===
{{infobox hurricane small
| name=Hurricane Hernan
| category=cat1
| type=hurricane
| image=Hernan 02 oct 1996 2110Z.jpg
| track=Hernan 1996 track.png
| formed=[[September 30]]
| dissipated=[[October 4]]
| highest winds=85 [[miles per hour|mph]] (140 [[kilometres per hour|km/h]])
| lowest pressure=980 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]]
}}
On [[September 30]], a tropical wave organized into Tropical Depression Eleven-E. Gradual strengthening ensued, and the depression strengthened into a tropical storm twelve hours later and was named Hernan.<ref name=Hernan>{{cite web|title=Hurricane Hernan|author=Richard J. Pasch|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1996hernan.html|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=1997-01-17|accessdate=2007-03-01}}</ref> Hernan's initial track was to the west, but the system gradually started to recurve. Its center of circulation reformed, and Hernan briefly turned to the northwest again. By [[October 2]], and Hernan was close to the coast. It strengthened into a hurricane that day. Late on [[October 2]] and early on [[October 3]] Hernan closely paralleled the coast. Interaction with land weakened the cyclone, and when Hernan made landfall on [[October 3]] near [[Barra de Navidad]], it was only a minimal hurricane. Land weakened the cyclone, and by the time it emerged into the ocean north of [[Puerto Vallarta]], it was so disorganized that it dissipated on [[October 5]]. At its strongest, Hurricane Hernan had winds of {{convert|75|kn|km/h}} and a central pressure of 980 mb.<ref name=Hernan/>
Overall, Hurricane Hernan was generally forecast slightly worse than the "average" system. Errors by [[tropical cyclone prediction models]] were attributed mainly to Hernan's recurvature. In terms of intensity, this system was correctly predicted to become a hurricane although advisories underforecast its eventual intensity.<ref name=Hernan/> For the coast from [[Acapulco]] to [[Manzanillo]], a [[tropical cyclone watches and warnings|tropical storm warning]] was issued on [[October 1]]. A hurricane watch was issued from [[Zihuatanejo]] to Manzanillo on [[October 2]]. It was upgraded to a warning later that day. Also on [[October 2]], the coast from [[Manzanillo]] to [[San Blas]] was placed under a tropical storm warning. Meanwhile, the hurricane warning was extended to [[Cabo Corrientes]]. On [[October 3]], the hurricane warning was extended to [[San Blas]] and the tropical storm warning was extended to Mazatlán.<ref name=Hernan/>
Because it made [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] in a sparsely populated area, Hernan killed no one. Around 1,000 homes were damaged or destroyed and 100 people were injured. Flooding occurred in [[Melaque, Jalisco]]. Flooding also caused washed-out roads along [[Mexico Route 200]] and [[Mexico Route 80|80]]. In many areas, telephone service was interrupted and [[power outage]]s occurred. Along the coasts of [[Colima]] and [[Jalisco]], waves caused by Hernan reached 13 ft (3.9 m) in height.<ref name=Hernan/>
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===Tropical Depression Twelve-E===
{{infobox hurricane small
| name=Tropical Depression Twelve-E
| category=depression
| type=tropical depression
| image=TD 12E 07 nov 1996 2119Z.jpg
| track=12-E 1996 track.png
| formed=[[November 7]]
| dissipated=[[November 11]]
| highest winds=35 [[miles per hour|mph]] (55 [[kilometres per hour|km/h]])
| lowest pressure=1003 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]]
}}
A system acquired enough convection and became organized enough to be considered a tropical depression on [[November 7]].<ref name="TD12E discussion 1">{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1996/td12/tropdisc/nep1296.001|title=Tropical Depression Twelve-E Special Discussion Number 1|author=Richard Pasch|date=1996-11-07|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|accessdate=2007-03-02}}</ref> Although the environment was initially favourable and the system was almost upgraded into a tropical storm as was forecast,<ref name="TD12E discussion 4">{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1996/td12/tropdisc/nep1296.003|title=Tropical Depression Twelve-E Discussion Number 3|author=[[Max Mayfield]]|date=1996-11-07|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|accessdate=2007-03-02}}</ref> wind shear kept the cyclone weak. It's convection was eventually destroyed and advisories were ended on [[November 10]].<ref name="TD12E discussion 14">{{cite web|author=Miles Lawrence|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1996/td12/tropdisc/nep1296.014|title=Tropical Depression Twelve-E Discussion Number 14|date=1996-11-10|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|accessdate=2007-03-02}}</ref> Twelve-E dissipated on [[November 11]] and no deaths or damages were reported.<ref name=12E>{{cite web|title=Tropical Depression 12-E|date=1996-11-13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1996td12e.html|author=Edward Rappaport|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|accessdate=2007-03-02}}</ref>
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==Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE)==
{|class="wikitable" align=right style="margin:0 0 0.5em 1em;"
|-
!colspan=6|ACE (10<sup><small>4</small></sup>kt²) ([[Talk:Accumulated cyclone energy/EPac by year|Source]]) — Storm:
|-
! 1
| 19.96 || [[Hurricane Cesar-Douglas|Douglas]]
! 6
| 2.400 || Elida
|-
! 2
| 9.648 || Fausto
! 7
| 2.063 || Genevieve
|-
! 3
| 9.393 || Alma
! 8
| 1.473 || Cristina
|-
! 4
| 3.963 || Hernan
! 9
| 0.645 || Unnamed
|-
! 5
| 2.913 || Boris
!
| ||
|-
! colspan=6 | Total: 52.46
|}
[[Accumulated Cyclone Energy]] (ACE) is a measure of how active a season is. It is found by taking a tropical storm or hurricane's windspeed in knots every six hours, squaring it, adding up the results, and dividing the total by 10<sup>4</sup>. The ACE of this season makes it a below-normal season. It is one of the lowest totals ever recorded, indeed only the [[1977 Pacific hurricane season|1977 season]] has a lower total.
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==Storm names==
The following names were used for named storms that formed in the eastern Pacific in 1996. Names that were not assigned are marked in <font color="gray">gray</font>. No names were retired, so it was used again in the [[2002 Pacific hurricane season|2002 season]]. This is the same list used for the [[1990 Pacific hurricane season|1990 season]].
{| width="90%"
|
* [[Hurricane Alma (1996)|Alma]]
* Boris
* Cristina
* [[Hurricane Cesar-Douglas|Douglas]]
* Elida
* Fausto
* Genevieve
* Hernan
|
* <div style="color: #888;">Iselle (unused)</div>
* <div style="color: #888;">Julio (unused)</div>
* <div style="color: #888;">Kenna (unused)</div>
* <div style="color: #888;">Lowell (unused)</div>
* <div style="color: #888;">Marie (unused)</div>
* <div style="color: #888;">Norbert (unused)</div>
* <div style="color: #888;">Odile (unused)</div>
* <div style="color: #888;">Polo (unused)</div>
|
* <div style="color: #888;">Rachel (unused)</div>
* <div style="color: #888;">Simon (unused)</div>
* <div style="color: #888;">Trudy (unused)</div>
* <div style="color: #888;">Vance (unused)</div>
* <div style="color: #888;">Winnie (unused)</div>
* <div style="color: #888;">Xavier (unused)</div>
* <div style="color: #888;">Yolanda (unused)</div>
* <div style="color: #888;">Zeke (unused)</div>
|}
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No central Pacific names were used; the first name used would have been Oliwa.
==See also==
{{tcportal}}
* [[List of tropical cyclones]]
* [[1996 Atlantic hurricane season]]
* [[1996 Pacific typhoon season]]
* [[1995-96 Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone season]]
* [[1996-97 Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone season]]
* [[1995-1999 North Indian Ocean cyclone seasons]]
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==References==
{{reflist|2}}
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==External links==
{{Commonscat}}
* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1996epac.html NHC 1996 Pacific hurricane season archive]
* [http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/1996.html HPC 1996 Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Pages]
* [http://www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/summaries/1996.php Central Pacific Hurricane Center archive]
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{{1990-1999 Pacific hurricane seasons}}
[[Category:Pacific hurricane seasons|1996]]
[[Category:1996 Pacific hurricane season| ]]