Hurricane Ismael

Infobox Hurricane
Name=Hurricane Ismael
Type=Hurricane
Year=1995
Basin=EPac
Image location=Hurricane Ismael 14 sept 1995 2016Z big.jpg


Formed=September 12, 1995
Dissipated=September 16, 1995
1-min winds=70
Pressure=983
Da

Inflated=1
Fatalities=116 direct
Areas=Northern Mexico
Hurricane season=1995 Pacific hurricane season

Hurricane Ismael was a weak Pacific hurricane that killed over one hundred people in northern Mexico in September of the 1995 Pacific hurricane season. It developed from a persistent area of deep convection on September 12, and steadily strengthened as it moved to the north-northwest. Ismael attained hurricane status on September 14 while located 210 miles (340 km) off the coast of Mexico. It continued to the north, and after passing a short distance east of Baja California it made landfall on Topolobampo in the state of Sinaloa with winds of 80 mph (130 km/h). Ismael rapidly weakened over land, and dissipated on September 16 over northwestern Mexico. The remnants entered the United States and extended eastward into the Mid-Atlantic States.

Offshore, Ismael produced waves of up to 30 feet (9 m) in height. Hundreds of fishermen were unprepared by the hurricane, which was expected to move more slowly, and as a result 52 ships were wrecked, killing 57 fishermen. The hurricane destroyed thousands of houses, leaving 30,000 people homeless. On land, Ismael caused 59 casualties in mainland Mexico and resulted in $26 million in damage (1995 USD, $34.4 million 2006 USD). Moisture from the storm extended into the United States, causing heavy rainfall and localized moderate damage in southeastern New Mexico.

Meteorological history

A poorly-organized area of convection persisted about convert|170|mi|km off the southern coast of Guatemala on September 9. It moved west-northwestward, and after three days without further organization a circulation developed off the southwest coast of Mexico. The system quickly organized, resulting in Dvorak classifications beginning later that day. Convective banding became better organized, and late on September 12 it developed into Tropical Depression Ten while located about convert|350|mi|km south-southwest of Manzanillo, Colima. The depression moved to the northwest, and following an increase in deep convection it intensified into Tropical Storm Ismael early on September 13.cite web|author=Max Mayfield|year=1995|title=Hurricane Ismael Tropical Cyclone Report|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2006-11-04|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1995ismael.html]

Upon attaining tropical storm status, Ismael was located in an area of warm water temperatures with well-established upper-level outflow.Cite web|author=Max Mayfield|year=1995|title=Tropical Storm Ismael Discussion Two|publisher=NHC|accessdate=2006-11-04|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1995/ismael/tropdisc/nep1095.002] Initially the storm moved to the northwest, though in response to the interaction with an upper-level low over Baja California Ismael gradually turned to the north. Such a change in motion was not operationally predicted by forecasters, though they noted uncertainty in Ismael's track due to the low. Ismael steadily strengthened as it moved northward, though it failed to organize significantly; early on September 14 the center remained poorly defined despite winds of convert|70|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on. However, the outflow remained well-organized as it remained over warm waters.cite web|author=Max Mayfield|year=1995|title=Tropical Storm Ismael Discussion Six|publisher=NHC|accessdate=2006-11-04|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1995/ismael/tropdisc/nep1095.006] Ismael became better organized, and later on September 14 it intensified into a hurricane while located 210 miles (340 km) west-southwest of Puerto Vallarta.

Ismael quickly developed a poorly-defined eye, and six hours after becoming a hurricane it reached a peak intensity of convert|80|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on. Steered between a mid- to upper-level trough to its west and a ridge to its east, Ismael accelerated as it moved just west of due north. Late on September 14 Ismael passed 65 miles (100 km) east of Cabo San Lucas. The hurricane maintained its strength as it continued northward, and made landfall on Topolobampo in the state of Sinaloa on September 15. Ismael rapidly weakened as the circulation crossed the high terrain of the Sierra Madre Occidental, and it dissipated early on September 16 about 55 miles (95 km) south of the Mexico/United States border. The remnants of Ismael continued northward, and moisture from the storm extended over the southwestern United States eastward through the Mid-Atlantic States.

Preparations

Initially, Hurricane Ismael was predicted to remain over the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. However, when a northward motion became apparent, the government of Mexico issued a tropical storm warning from Manzanillo, Colima, to Cabo Corrientes and for the Islas Marias. Shortly thereafter, the warning was extended to Los Mochis and issued for the eastern coast of Baja California Sur south of 25° N. Ten hours before Ismael made its final landfall, the Mexican government issued a hurricane warning from Mazatlán to Los Mochis. Prior to the arrival of the hurricane, 1,572 people evacuated to five emergency shelters.Cite web|author=El Presidente de la Comisión Nacional|year=1996|title=La Recomendación 64/96, del 30 de julio de 1996 por Huracan Ismael|publisher=Comisión Nacional de los Derechos Humanos|language=Spanish|accessdate=2006-11-09|url=http://www.cndh.org.mx/recomen/1996/064.htm]

Impact

Hurricane Ismael produced 30 foot (9 m) waves over the Gulf of California and coastal waters off of Mexico. The hurricane, which was forecast to move more slowly, left hundreds of fisherman unprepared due to deficient communications between the boats and harbor authorities. As a result 52 boats were wrecked, of which 20 sank. 57 fishermen died offshore,cite web|author=Daniel Bitrán Bitrán|year=2001|title=Caracterásticas del Impacto Socioeconómico de los Principales Desastres Ocurridos en México en el Período 1980 – 99|publisher=Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres|language=Spanish|accessdate=2006-11-09|url=http://www.proteccioncivil.gob.mx/upLoad/Publicaciones/ised_80_89.pdf] with dozens washing ashore as the high tides receded. About 150 fishermen survived the storm by waiting on islands, sandbars, or disabled fishing boats.Cite web|author=Associated Press|year=1995|title=Hurricane kills 91 in Mexico|accessdate=2006-11-05|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1995/ismael/news/ss0920p1.gif] Navy rescue teams and other fishermen searched for days off the Mexican coast to find victims and survivors from the storm.cite web|author=Sun-Sentinel Wire Services|year=1995|title=Hurricane Toll in Mexico Passes 100; Marilyn Fades|accessdate=2006-11-05|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1995/ismael/news/ss0921p1.gif]

While moving through northwestern Mexico, Hurricane Ismael dropped moderate to heavy rainfall including a state maximum of convert|7.76|in|mm in Sinaloa, resulting in the flooding of four municipalities. In one municipality, the passage of the hurricane destroyed 373 cardboard houses and damaged 4,790 others. The passage of the hurricane left 177 houses without drinking water and left four municipalities without power.Damage was heaviest where the hurricane made landfall. In Los Mochis, the winds from Ismael knocked down houses and telephone poles, though no deaths were reported. 59 people were killed in Sinaloa.

Ismael produced heavy rainfall further to the north, peaking at 10.9 inches (276 mm) in Sonora. Severe flooding was reported in Huatabampo. The hurricane directly affected 24,111 people in 8 municipalities. Throughout Sonora, the strong winds destroyed 4,728 houses and removed the roofs of 6,827 homes. The hurricane also destroyed 107 schools and 2 health centers in the state. The passage of Hurricane Ismael damaged high-tension power lines and cable lines, causing interruptions to the communication system. The hurricane also weakened 2,163 miles (3,481 km) of gravel roads and damaged about 100 miles (165 km) of paved highways. 250 people lost their jobs in Sonora due to sunken or damaged fishing boats. In addition, about 83 sq. miles (215 sq. km) of crop lands were impacted. Damage in Sonora amounted to $8.6 million (1995 USD, $50 million 1995 MXN, $11.4 million 2006 USD).

Throughout Mexico the hurricane left 30,000 people homeless. Including offshore casualties, Ismael caused at least 116 deaths and damage totaling to $26 million (1995 USD, $197 million 1995 MXN, $34.4 million 2006 USD).cite web|author=Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres|year=2006|title=Impacto Socioeconómico de los Ciclones Tropicales 2005|language=Spanish|accessdate=2006-11-09|url=http://www.ine.gob.mx/dgicurg/cclimatico/download/cancun_analisis_costos.pdf]

Moisture from the remnants of Ismael extended into southwestern Arizona and southern New Mexico. The storm dropped heavy precipitation near the New Mexico/Texas border, including a peak total of convert|8.53|in|mm in Hobbs, New Mexico.cite web|author=David Roth|year=2005|title=Rainfall Summary for Hurricane Ismael|publisher=Hydrometerological Prediction Center|accessdate=2006-11-05|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/ismael1995.html] In addition, there were unofficial estimates of over convert|10|in|mm. The rainfall led to flooding of roads and buildings. Multiple highways and railroads were closed due to washed outs. Damaged totaled to $250,000 (1995 USD) in New Mexico.cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=1995|title=Event Report for New Mexico|accessdate=2006-11-05|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~223386] In Lubbock, Texas, the rainfall led to flash flooding, closing many intersections and roads.cite web|author=NCDC|year=1995|title=Event Report for Texas|accessdate=2006-11-05|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~245750] The remnants of Ismael produced over convert|3|in|mm of rain in southwestern Oklahoma and northern Arkansas, with moisture extending eastward into the Mid-Atlantic States.

Aftermath

Following the passage of the hurricane, reinforcement workers quickly repaired the communication network, and other workers distributed aid to victims in Sonora. The Mexican government allocated about $4.5 million (1995 USD, $34 million 1995 MXN, $5.9 million 2006 USD) in funds for the restoration of houses and the overall infrastructure. Officials distributed 4,800 sheets, 500 cushions, and 1,500 blankets to hurricane victims. All sunken ships and drowned bodies were ultimately recovered by divers.

Due to the damage and deaths, the World Meteorological Organization retired the name Ismael with Israel, another Spanish name beginning with the letter "I" set to be used in the 2001 Pacific hurricane season. During the 2001 season, a reporter stationed in Israel felt offense from the name choice, and the president of the Anti-Defamation League felt it was insensitive. Hundreds of people sent e-mails or called the National Hurricane Center, and as a result Max Mayfield called the members of the World Meteorological Organization.cite web|author=Hanna Rosin|year=2004|title=Hurricane Names|publisher=Washington Post|accessdate=2006-11-09|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A50952-2004Aug8_2.html] The name Israel was replaced with Ivo during the season. cite web|author=World Meteorological Organization|year=2006|title=Regional Association IV (North America, Central America and the Caribbean) Hurricane Operational Plan 2006 Edition|accessdate=2006-11-09|url=http://www.wmo.ch/web/www/TCP/OperationPlans/TCP30-2006%20EN.pdf]

ee also

* List of Pacific hurricanes
* List of retired Pacific hurricane names

External links

* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1995ismael.html NHC Ismael Preliminary Report]
* [http://www.cndh.org.mx/recomen/1996/064.htm Spanish Report]

References