2002 Pacific hurricane season

Infobox hurricane season
Basin=EPac
Year=2002
Track=2002 Pacific hurricane season map.png First storm formed=May 24, 2002
Last storm dissipated=November 16, 2002
Strongest storm name=Kenna
Strongest storm winds=145
Strongest storm pressure=913
Average wind speed=1
Total depressions=19
Total storms=15
Total hurricanes=8
Total intense=6
Fatalities=4
Da

Inflated=1
five seasons=2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004The 2002 Pacific hurricane season was an event in tropical cyclone meteorology. The most notable storm that year was Hurricane Kenna, which reached Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. It made landfall near Puerto Vallarta, in the Mexican state of Jalisco, on October 25. It killed four people and was one of the most powerful hurricanes to ever strike the western coast of Mexico, hitting with winds of 140 mph (the strongest since Hurricane Madeline in 1976). Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Julio made landfall in Mexico, and Tropical Storm Boris dumped torrential rain along the Mexican coast, although it remained offshore.

The season officially began on May 15 in the eastern Pacific, and June 1 in the central Pacific. It ended on November 30. These dates delimit the time when most tropical cyclones form in this part of the Pacific Ocean. The first system formed on May 24 and the final depression dissipated on November 16. The season was 176 days long.

Other storms were individually unusual. Hurricanes Elida and Hernan also reached Category 5 intensity, but neither did any damage. Hurricane Fausto, while it had no effect on land, regenerated into a tiny tropical storm at a very high latitude.

eason summary

The 2002 Pacific hurricane season officially started May 15, 2002 in the eastern Pacific, and June 1, 2002 in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30, 2002. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean.cite web|work=FAQ: Hurricanes, Typhoons, and Tropical Cyclones|title=Subject: G1) When is hurricane season?|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/G1.html|publisher=Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory Hurricane Research Division|accessdate=2008-09-14|author=Neal Dorst] In practice, however, the season lasted from May 24, the formation date of its first system, to November 16, the dissipation date of the last.cite web|title=Eastern North Pacific Tracks File 1949-2007|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/tracks1949to2007_epa.txt|format=Plaintext|date=2008-03-21|accessdate=2008-09-13|publisher=National Hurricane Center]

There were twelve tropical storms in the eastern Pacific Ocean in the 2002 season. Of those, six became hurricanes, of which five became major hurricanes by reaching Category 3 or higher on the Saffir Simpson Scale. Three reached Category 5 intensity, a record shared with the 1994 season.cite web|url=http://www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/summaries/1994.php|title=The 1994 Central Pacific Tropical Cyclone Season|accessdate=2008-09-14|publisher=Central Pacific Hurricane Center] Four tropical depressions formed and dissipated before reaching the intensity of a named storm.cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002epac.shtml|title=2002 Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-09-14] In the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility, one tropical storm and two hurricanes formed, of which one was a major hurricane. In the eastern Pacific proper, the season saw below average activity in terms of the number of systems, but about average activity in terms of the strength of storms.cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2002/tws/MIATWSEP_nov.html|title=Monthly Tropical Weather Summary|date=2002-11-30|author=Franklin, Avila, Beven, Lawrence, Pasch, & Stewart|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-09-16] cite web|url=http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/Epac_hurr/background_information.html|title=Background Information: Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season|publisher=Climate Prediction Center|accessdate=2008-09-16] A moderately-strong El Niño, ongoing during the season, may have contributed to the disproportionate number of major hurricanes,cite web|url=http://www.climas.arizona.edu/forecasts/archive/aug2002/aug2002figs/19_tropicalstorms.html|publisher=University of Arizona|accessdate=2008-09-16|title=Figure 19. Tropical Storms, El Niño, and the Southwest|month=August|year=2002] as well as reduced activity in the Atlantic.cite web|url=http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outreach/proceedings/cdw27_proceedings/gbell_2002.pdf|publisher=Climate Prediction Center|accessdate=2008-09-16|author=Gerald Bell, Eric Blake, Muthuvel Chelliah, Stanley Goldenberg, Chris Landsea, & Richard Pasch|format=PDF|title=The 2002 North Atlantic Hurricane Season] Also of note this season is an unusual gap in storm formation during the first three weeks of August. That time usually sees several nameable storms, but for some reason there were none.cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastprofile.shtml|title=Tropical Cyclone Climatology|accessdate=2008-09-14|publisher=National Hurricane Center]

Only three systems, Tropical Storms Boris and Julio and Hurricane Kenna, had significant impact on land. Julio and Kenna were the only landfalls. Most of the season's impact, including all casualties and most of the damage, was due to Kenna.

torms

Hurricane Alma

Infobox Hurricane Small
Basin=EPac

---

Track=Alma 2002 track.pngFormed=May 24
Dissipated=June 1
1-min winds=100
Pressure=960A complex formation involving a tropical wave and a gale over the Gulf of Tehuantepec formed Tropical Depression One-E on May 24. It slowly strengthened into the first tropical storm of the season two days later. Alma then turned north, moving near the edge of a subtropical ridge over Mexico. Its rate of intensification picked up, and Alma became a hurricane on May 28. Alma reached Category 3 intensity on May 30. The hurricane began to weaken almost immediately thereafter under the influence of wind shear and cool water. Alma rapidly fell apart, and degenerated into a weak low pressure area by June 1.cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002alma.shtml|publisher=National Hurricane Center|title =Tropical Cyclone Report Hurricane Alma|author=Stacy Stewart|date=2002-07-24|accessdate=2008-09-13]

The hurricane was of no threat to land. Alma the one of the earliest major hurricanes in the east Pacific, and the second-strongest May hurricane. The only other May major hurricane was Adolph in 2001.

Tropical Storm Boris

Infobox Hurricane Small
Basin=EPac


Track=Boris 2002 track.pngFormed=June 8
Dissipated=June 11
1-min winds=50
Pressure=997On June 8, an area of disturbed weather that had absorbed a tropical wave spawned Tropical Depression Two-E. It became a tropical storm the next day. After peaking on June 9, with a pressure of 997 mb, steering currents collapsed and Boris stalled out in the ocean between two ridges of high pressure. Shear increased, and the cyclone weakened to a depression on June 10. The next day, Boris degenerated into a remnant low. The remnant drifted east and then southeast before dissipating on June 12.cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002boris.shtml|publisher=National Hurricane Center|title=Tropical Cyclone Report Tropical Storm Boris|date=2002-06-24|author=James Franklin|accessdate=2008-09-13]

Boris dumped heavy rains on sections of the Mexican coast. The maximum amount was convert|10.60|in|mm at San Felipe Usila.cite web|title=Tropical Storm Boris - June 5-12, 2002|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/boris2002filledrainblk.gif|author=David M. Roth|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|accessdate=2008-09-13|format=GIF] These rains damaged several homes at an unspecified location. In addition, rainfall damaged several homes in Tequila, Jalisco, but the National Hurricane Center does not think that it is likely that Boris caused this rain. There were no deaths.

Tropical Depression Three-E

Infobox Hurricane Small
Basin=EPac

---

Formed=June 27
Dissipated=June 29
1-min winds=30
Pressure=1006A tropical wave that crossed Central America organized and developed into a depression on June 27.cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002three-e.shtml|title=Tropical Depression Report Tropical Depression Three-E|author=Lixion Avila|date=2002-07-06|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-09-13] Contrary to forecasts,cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2002/dis/ep032002.discus.001.html|title=Tropical Depression Three-E Discussion Number 1|author=Lawrence|date=2002-06-27|accessdate=2008-09-13|publisher=National Hurricane Center] the depression did not strengthen further because of strong wind shear. By June 29, the depression had become a remnant low, which hung on as a swirl of clouds for a few more days.

Tropical Storm Cristina

Infobox Hurricane Small
Basin=EPac

---

Track=Cristina 2002 track.pngFormed=July 9
Dissipated=July 16
1-min winds=55
Pressure=994An area of disturbed weather near Panama drifted to a location south of Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca, and organized into Tropical Depression Four-E on July 9. It moved westward through a hostile environment of strong shear. The wind shear disrupted the cyclone's convection and weakened its circulation. Despite the shear, the depression strengthened into a tropical storm early on July 12 and was named Cristina. This broke down the steering ridge, and Cristina turned to the north and peaked on July 14. Then, the wind shear won out and Cristina quickly weakened. Cristina dissipated into a swirl of clouds on July 16, without ever threatening land. No impact was reported.cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002cristina.shtml|publisher=National Hurricane Center|title=Tropical Cyclone Report Tropical Storm Cristina|date=2002-11-30|author=Miles Lawrence & Eric Blake|accessdate=2008-09-13]

Hurricane Douglas

Infobox Hurricane Small
Basin=EPac

---

Track=Douglas 2002 track.pngFormed=July 20
Dissipated=July 26
1-min winds=90
Pressure=970A relaxation of wind shear allowed a tropical wave to organize and become Tropical Depression Five-E on July 20. The depression rapidly strengthened into a tropical storm that moved northward, turned westward, and then northwestward. Douglas strengthened into a hurricane on July 22 and peaked as a Category 2 the next day. It began to weaken due to cooler waters and an eyewall replacement cycle. Douglas's forward speed increased due to a strong ridge of high pressure. The hurricane continued to decay, and fell to a tropical storm on July 24 and a tropical depression two days later. Convection ceased on July 26, and a swirl of clouds was all that remained. The remnant lost its closed circulation and degenerated later that day as it continued to accelerate. Douglas had no impact on land.cite web | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002douglas.shtml |publisher=National Hurricane Center| title =Tropical Cyclone Report Hurricane Douglas|date=2002-12-13|author=Richard Pasch|accessdate=2008-09-13]

Hurricane Elida

Infobox Hurricane Small
Basin=EPac

---

Track=Elida 2002 track.pngFormed=July 23
Dissipated=July 30
1-min winds=140
Pressure=921A tropical wave generated into Tropical Depression Six-E on July 23. It moved westward and reached storm strength 12 hours after it formed. Elida rapidly deepened, developing a "pinhole" eye, becoming a hurricane on July 24 and a major hurricane six hours later. Elida's rapid intensification continued, becoming a Category 5 hurricane for six hours on July 25.cite web | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002elida.shtml |publisher=National Hurricane Center| title =Tropical Cyclone Report Hurricane Elida|accessdate=2008-09-13|date=2002-12-13|author=Jack Beven]

Despite moving over warm waters, Elida began to weaken because it began an eyewall replacement cycle. When the cycle ended, the cyclone was over cooler water and unsteadily weakened. Elida fell to a tropical storm on July 27, then degenerated into a remnant low and turned to the northeast. The remnant dissipated over the open ocean about 465 nm west of Los Angeles, California.

Elida is one of the fastest intensifying eastern Pacific hurricanes. Its rate of intensification is rivaled only by 1997's Linda. Elida had no direct impact on land. However, it did send heavy waves along the shores of Mexico. No one was killed and there was no damage.

Tropical Depression Seven-E

Infobox Hurricane Small
Basin=EPac

---

Track=7-E 2002 track.pngFormed=August 6
Dissipated=August 8
1-min winds=30
Pressure=1008A tropical wave that had reached the Eastern Pacific from Africa was first spotted on July 23. The wave continued westward with little development occurring until August 3, when convection increased. After additional slow organization, the wave was classified as Tropical Depression Seven-E on August 6 near the tip of Baja California. The system did not strengthen much, and development was halted when wind shear destroyed the system on August 8. The depression never came near land and hence no one was killed or injured.cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002seven-e.shtml|date=2002-11-20|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2008-09-13|author=Jack Beven|title=Tropical Cyclone Report Tropical Depression Seven-E] Like Tropical Depression Three-E, this cyclone was forecast to reach tropical storm intensity, but never did.cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2002/dis/ep072002.discus.001.html|author=Franklin|date=2002-08-06|title=Tropical Depression Seven-E Discussion 1|accessdate=2008-09-13|publisher=National Hurricane Center]

Hurricane Fausto

Infobox Hurricane Small
Basin=EPac

---

Track=Fausto 2002 track.pngFormed=August 21
Dissipated=September 3
1-min winds=125
Pressure=936After a rather lengthy lull punctuated by only Tropical Depression Seven-E, a tropical wave formed Tropical Depression Eight-E on August 21. Initially taking a westward track, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Fausto on August 22. It turned to the west-northwest and stayed on that path for the next six days. Fausto steadily strengthened and intensified into a hurricane on August 22. It continued to intensify, peaking as a Category 4 on August 24, and also substantially increased in size. The hurricane began to weaken thereafter, and was a minimal tropical storm by the time it entered the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility on August 27.cite web | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002fausto.shtml |publisher=National Hurricane Center| title = Tropical Cyclone Report Hurricane Fausto|accessdate=2008-09-13|author=James Franklin|date=2002-12-06] The tropical cyclone dropped to a depression and spun down into a non-convective swirl of clouds on August 28.cite web|url=http://www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/summaries/2002.php|publisher=Central Pacific Hurricane Center|title=2002 Central North Pacific Tropical Cyclones|accessdate=2008-08-26|author=Andy Nash, Hans Rosendal, Brooke Bingaman, Treena Loos, & Jeff Fournier]

Fausto's remnants passed north of the Hawaiian Islands uneventfully until they interacted with a tropical upper-tropospheric trough (TUTT) on August 30. In combination with warm waters, a tropical depression with some subtropical features developed. At this time it was located around latitude 30°N. By September 1, Fausto had redeveloped into a tiny but tropical ministorm. Its rebirth was brief, however, as a mid-latitude cyclone absorbed the system early on September 3.

Fausto's regeneration north of Hawaii was unusual but not unprecedented. The other time this happened since 1966 was in the 1975 season. That time, another TUTT absorbed the remnant of Hurricane Ilsa, which led to the formation of an unnamed hurricane at high latitude. Other tropical cyclones have strengthened north of Hawaii, but the actual formation of one is rare.

Tropical Storm Alika

Infobox Hurricane Small
Basin=EPac


Track=Alika 2002 track.pngFormed=August 22
Dissipated=August 28
1-min winds=55
Pressure=995An area of convection acquired a closed circulation and became Tropical Depression One-C on August 22. It stayed disorganized for the next several days. It organized more fully and intensified into a tropical storm on August 25 and was named Alika. After peaking as a moderately-strong tropical storm on August 25, wind shear caused by the pre-Ele tropical depression and an upper-level low near Hawaii weakened the storm to a depression on August 27. Alika dissipated the next day, having never threatened land.

Tropical Storm Genevieve

Infobox Hurricane Small
Basin=EPac

---

Track=Genevieve 2002 track.pngFormed=August 26
Dissipated=September 1
1-min winds=60
Pressure=989A tropical wave formed Tropical Depression Nine-E on August 26. It was upgraded and named Genevieve the next day. It moved westward and strengthened almost to hurricane strength, peaking on August 28. At that point, the cyclone encountered cooler waters, which caused it to weaken slowly, dropping to a depression on August 30. The depression hung on until it lost convection on the second day of September. A swirl of remnant clouds persisted for a few more days. Genevieve had no impact on land, with no reports of casualties or damage being received by the National Hurricane Center.cite web | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002genevieve.shtml | publisher =National Hurricane Center| title =Tropical Cyclone Report Tropical Storm Genevieve|accessdate=2008-09-13|author=Lixion Avila|date=2002-10-12]

Hurricane Ele

Infobox Hurricane Small
Basin=EPac

---

Track=Ele 2002 track.pngFormed=August 26
Dissipated=August 30
1-min winds=110
Pressure=945An eastern extension of the monsoon trough south of Hawaii organized into Tropical Depression Two-C on August 27 and strengthened into Tropical Storm Ele six hours later. Despite the nearby presence of Alika, Ele developed rapidly and strengthened into a hurricane on August 28. After contributing to the demise of Alika, Ele continued strengthening. It reached Category 2 intensity late on August 28 and became a major hurricane six hours later. Ele then crossed the International Date Line and became a typhoon in the 2002 Pacific typhoon season. Typhoon Ele turned to the northwest after crossing the dateline and continued to strengthen. It reached Category 4 before turning north and weakening again. After briefly restrengthening back into a Category 4, the typhoon declined and turned to the northwest. Ele fell to a tropical storm on September 7, a depression on September 9, and dissipated shortly after that. Ele was of no threat to land.

Hurricane Hernan

Infobox Hurricane Small
Basin=EPac

---

Track=Hernan 2002 track.pngFormed=August 30
Dissipated=September 6
1-min winds=140
Pressure=921A weak wave in the ITCZ organized into Tropical Depression Ten-E on August 30. It headed west-northwest and quickly intensified into a tropical storm and later a hurricane. Hernan then began a rapid deepening, and reached Category 5 intensity on September 1. It was at that intensity for 12 hours. Hernan then tracked over cooler waters. The storm weakened steadily, and wind shear continued its deterioration. Hernan degenerated into a remnant low on September 6. The low turned to the southwest and dissipated three days later.cite web | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002hernan.shtml |publisher=National Hurricane Center| title =Tropical Cyclone Report Hurricane Hernan|accessdate=2008-09-13|date=2002-12-10|author=Miles Lawrence]

Hernan passed close enough to Socorro Island to bring strong winds to the island. In addition, the hurricane's large and powerful wind field caused waves between convert|12|foot|m and convert|20|foot|m in height and strong rip currents on the southwest coast of California.cite web|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~450914|title=Event Record Details|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|accessdate=2002-09-14] Other than these areas, Hernan had no significant impact on land.

Tropical Depression Eleven-E

Infobox Hurricane Small
Basin=EPac

---

Track=11-E 2002 track.pngFormed=September 5
Dissipated=September 8
1-min winds=30
Pressure=1006Of the four tropical depressions this season that did not become named storms, only Eleven-E threatened land. An area of disturbed weather associated with a tropical wave formed into a tropical cyclone on September 5. It tracked northwestward, before turning southwest. It weakened into a remnant low on September 8. The remnant turned north and dissipated on September 10 offshore of the Baja California peninsula. The cyclone was nearly a tropical storm when it peaked on September 6. It was forecast to become a tropical storm and pass close to the peninsula. This prompted a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch. With the weakening of the cyclone the watch and warning were discontinued. No damage or casualties were reported in association with this tropical cyclone.cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002eleven-e.shtml|author=Richard Pasch|date=2002-01-21|title=Tropical Cyclone Report Tropical Depression Eleven-E|accessdate=2008-09-14|publisher=National Hurricane Center]

Tropical Storm Iselle

Infobox Hurricane Small
Basin=EPac

---

Track=Iselle 2002 track.pngFormed=September 15
Dissipated=September 20
1-min winds=60
Pressure=990Part of the same tropical wave that formed Tropical Depression Seven in the Atlantic organized into Tropical Depression Twelve-E on September 15. It strengthened into Tropical Storm Iselle the next day. The storm headed northwest and paralleled the coast of Mexico. Iselle strengthened into nearly a hurricane late on September 17. While near its peak intensity, a trough abruptly recurved the system to the northeast. Shear also increased, and Iselle fell apart. It weakened to a depression on September 19. It degenerated the next day and rapidly disintegrated, dissipating on September 20. Iselle never nade landfall.cite web | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002iselle.shtml |publisher=National Hurricane Center| title =Tropical Cyclone Report Tropical Storm Iselle|accessdate=2008-09-13|date=2002-11-10|author=Stacy Stewart]

Iselle threatened parts of southwestern Mexico and warnings and watches were issued for that area. Heavy rains were reported over parts of the Baja California Peninsula. The highest amount of rainfall was convert|6.16|in|mm at Guadeloupe and Mulege, Baja California Sur.cite web|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/iselle2002filledrainblk.gif|author=David M. Roth|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|format=GIF|title=Tropical Storm Iselle - September 16-20, 2002|accessdate=2008-09-14] There were no reports of damage or casualties.

Tropical Storm Julio

Infobox Hurricane Small
Basin=EPac

---

Track=Julio 2002 track.pngFormed=September 25
Dissipated=September 26
1-min winds=40
Pressure=1000An area of convection and disturbed weather possibly related to outflow from Hurricane Isidore in the Atlantic developed a circulation on September 23 and organized into Tropical Depression Thirteen-E on September 25. The depression headed northward and strengthened into a tropical storm the same day. Julio turned to the northwest and peaked just before landfall near Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán, on September 26. The storm quickly dissipated over Mexico.cite web | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002julio.shtml |publisher=National Hurricane Center| title =Tropical Cyclone Report Tropical Storm Julio|accessdate=2008-09-13|date=2002-12-11|author=Jack Beven]

No one was killed by Julio. In Guerrero, around 100 houses in Acapulco and Zihuatanejo were damaged or washed away by flash flooding. The highest rainfall reported was convert|16.10|in|mm at Zihuatanajo and La Unión, Guerrero.cite web|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/julio2002.html|author=David M. Roth|accessdate=2002-09-14|title=Tropical Storm Julio - September 23-27, 2002|format=GIF|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center]

Hurricane Kenna

Infobox Hurricane Small
Basin=EPac

---

Track=Kenna 2002 track.pngFormed=October 22
Dissipated=October 26
1-min winds=145
Pressure=913A disturbance possibly associated with a tropical wave organized into Tropical Depression Fourteen-E on October 22. It strengthened into a tropical storm that same day and a hurricane the next. The next day, Kenna became the third Category 5 hurricane of the season. A trough over Mexico recurved the hurricane, and it started accelerating towards Mexico. Despite moving over waters that were still warm, wind shear weakened the system to a minimal Category 4 by the time of its landfall late on October 25. Mountainous terrain quickly weakened Kenna, and the system dissipated early on October 26.cite web | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002kenna.shtml |publisher=National Hurricane Center| title =Tropical Cyclone Report Hurricane Kenna|accessdate=2008-09-13|date=2002-12-26|author=James Franklin]

Hurricane Kenna was the third-strongest Pacific hurricane to make landfall ever recorded. It was also the strongest October hurricane in any season, and the second strongest Pacific hurricane overall. In San Blas, Nayarit, 8800 people were affected; 1540 houses were damaged or destroyed,cite web|url=http://wwww.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/ACOS-64CLEP?OpenDocument&rc=2&emid=ST-2002-0669-MEX|title=Mexico: Hurricane Kenna Information Bulletin No. 02/02|date=2002-10-28|author=International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies|publisher=ReliefWeb|accessdate=2008-09-14] , which was 80% to 90% of houses in the town. In Santiago Ixcluintla, 3770 houses were damaged. Agriculture in the affected area was disrupted. Farmers required aid, and many fruit crops were destroyed. Tourism in Puerto Vallarta was disrupted, with much of the damage to hotels. Insurance companies reported that Kenna's total damage was $96 million (2002 USD).cite web|author=Guy Carpenter|year=2003|title=2002 Tropical Cyclone Review|accessdate=2008-09-14|url=http://gcportal.guycarp.com/portal/extranet/popup/pdf/GCPub/tropcyc_02.pdf|format=PDF|date=2003-01-30|page=ii]

Kenna killed four people in Mexico and injured over a hundred. The low death toll is likely due to massive evacuations in San Blas, Nayarit, and elsewhere ahead of the hurricane.

Tropical Storm Lowell

Infobox Hurricane Small
Basin=EPac

---

Track=Lowell 2002 track.pngFormed=October 22
Dissipated=October 31
1-min winds=45
Pressure=1002A weak tropical wave located over the open ocean organized into Tropical Depression Fifteen-E on October 22. It strengthened into a tropical storm the next day. Just after that, shear increased. Lowell's convection was disrupted, and its center of circulation became exposed. The cyclone crossed into the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility on October 26. The shear relaxed, and the depression restrengthened into a tropical storm. Lowell drifted in slow steering currents until it approached the next storm of the season, Huko. The proximity of the other system caused a gradual weakening, and Lowell dissipated on October 31.cite web | url = http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002lowell.shtml |publisher=National Hurricane Center| title =Tropical Cyclone Report Tropical Storm Lowell|accessdate=2008-09-13|date=2002-12-27|author=Lixion Avila]

Hurricane Huko

Infobox Hurricane Small
Basin=EPac

---

Track=Huko 2002 track.pngFormed=October 24
Dissipated=November 3
1-min winds=75
Pressure=980An area of convection formed in the Central Pacific and was designated as Tropical Depression Three-C on October 24 by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. The depression then intensifed slowly and on October 26 had intensifed enough to be designated as a tropical storm, and was named Huko. Huko intensifed into a hurricane later that day, reaching wind speeds of convert|75|mph|km/h. The storm stayed at this intensity during the next day, and then weakened in to a tropical storm, due to some interaction with Tropical Storm Lowell which was located at the other end of the central Pacific Ocean.

After Lowell's demise on October 31, Huko started to move towards the west and became a hurricane again later that day. Huko then reached its peak 1-minute wind speeds ofconvert|85|mph|km/h early on November 1. On November 2 Huko passed to the south of a high pressure cell, causing it to acelerate towards the International dateline. It then reached the dateline early the next day and crossed over in to the Western Pacific, becoming a typhoon in the 2002 Pacific typhoon season.cite web|url=http://www.australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2003/summ0210.htm|publisher=Gary Padgett|title=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary October 2002|accessdate=2008-06-06]

Tropical Depression Sixteen-E

Infobox Hurricane Small
Basin=EPac

---

Track=16-E 2002 track.pngFormed=November 14
Dissipated=November 16
1-min winds=30
Pressure=1006Tropical Depression Sixteen-E formed from a disturbance in the intertropical convergence zone. Despite being located in a hostile environment, it managed to organize into a tropical depression on November 14.cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002sixteen-e.shtml|title=Tropical Cyclone Report Tropical Depression Sixteen-E|author=Miles Lawrence|date=2002-12-04|accessdate=2008-09-14|publisher=National Hurricane Center] It was briefly forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm.cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2002/dis/ep162002.discus.002.html|title=Tropical Depression Sixteen-E Discussion Number 2|author=Stewart|date=2002-11-14|accessdate=2008-09-14|publisher=National Hurricane Center] However, wind shear prevented that. It degenerated into a remnant low on November 16 and dissipated soon after that.

eason statistics

Timeline

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barset:Hurricane width:10 align:left fontsize:S shift:(4,-4) anchor:till from:24/05/2002 till:01/06/2002 color:C3 text:"Alma" from:08/06/2002 till:11/06/2002 color:TS text:"Boris" from:27/06/2002 till:29/06/2002 color:TD text:"Three-E" from:09/07/2002 till:16/07/2002 color:TS text:"Cristina" from:20/07/2002 till:26/07/2002 color:C2 text:"Douglas" from:23/07/2002 till:30/07/2002 color:C5 text:"Elida" from:06/08/2002 till:08/08/2002 color:TD text:"Seven-E" barset:break from:21/08/2002 till:03/09/2002 color:C4 text:"Fausto" from:22/08/2002 till:28/08/2002 color:TS text:"Alika" from:26/08/2002 till:01/09/2002 color:TS text:"Genevieve" from:26/08/2002 till:30/08/2002 color:C3 text:"Ele" from:30/08/2002 till:06/09/2002 color:C5 text:"Hernan" from:05/09/2002 till:08/09/2002 color:TD text:"Eleven-E" barset:break from:15/09/2002 till:20/09/2002 color:TS text:"Iselle" from:25/09/2002 till:26/09/2002 color:TS text:"Julio" from:22/10/2002 till:26/10/2002 color:C5 text:"Kenna" from:22/10/2002 till:31/10/2002 color:TS text:"Lowell" from:24/10/2002 till:03/11/2002 color:C1 text:"Huko" from:14/11/2002 till:16/11/2002 color:Td text:"Sixteen-E" barset:break

barset:skip

bar:Month width:5 align:center fontsize:S shift:(0,-20) anchor:middle color:canvas from:01/05/2002 till:01/05/2002 text:May from:01/06/2002 till:01/06/2002 text:June from:01/07/2002 till:01/07/2002 text:July from:01/08/2002 till:01/08/2002 text:August from:01/09/2002 till:01/09/2002 text:September from:01/10/2002 till:01/10/2002 text:October from:01/11/2002 till:30/11/2002 text:November

TextData = pos:(570,30) text:"(From the" pos:(617,30) text:"Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale)"

The season began with the formation of Tropical Depression One-E on May 24 and ended with the dissipation of Tropical Depression Sixteen-E on November 16. One named storm formed in May, one in June, three in July, five in August, two in September, three in October, and none in November. The total length of the season, from the formation of the first depression to the dissipation of the last, was 176 days.

Accumulated Cyclone Energy

Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) is a measure of the activity of a hurricane season. It is calculated by squaring the windspeed of a cyclone with at least tropical storm-force winds every six hours, summing the results, and dividing that total by 10⁴. As a tropical cyclone does not have gale-force winds until it becomes a tropical storm, tropical depressions are not included in these tables. For all storms, ACE is given to three significant figures. The ACE in the east Pacific proper (140°W to North America) is given; the ACE in the central Pacific (the international dateline to 140°W) is given in brackets.

The table includes the ACE for Ele and Huko accumulated only when those storms were located east of the dateline; their ACE west of the dateline is part of the totals of the 2002 typhoon season.

The National Hurricane Center uses ACE to rank hurricane seasons as above-normal, near-normal, and below-normal. It defines below-normal as having an ACE less than 95*10⁴ kt² kt²; It defines above normal as having an ACE above 150*10⁴ kt² along with the numbers of any two of the following above average: tropical storms (15), hurricanes (9), or major hurricanes (4); It defines near-normal as having an ACE between 100*10⁴ kt² and 150*10⁴ kt², or an ACE above 150*10⁴ kt² with fewer than two of the numbers of the following above average: tropical storms (15), hurricanes (9), or major hurricanes (4).

The 2002 season had a total of fifteen tropical storms, eight hurricanes, and 7 major hurricanes. The total ACE of the season was 101*10⁴ kt² in the east Pacific proper. This qualifies the 2002 season as above-normal.cite web|url=http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/Epac_hurr/figure2.gif|publisher=Climate Prediction Center|title=Historical East Pacific Seasonal Activity |accessdate=2008-09-18|format=GIF]

torm names

The following names were used for named storms that formed in the northeast Pacific in 2002. The names not retired from this list were used again in the 2008 Pacific hurricane season. This is the same list used for the 1996 season. Names that were not assigned are marked in gray.

In addition to these, three central Pacific names, taken from a list used for storms forming in the jurisdiction of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center — Alika, Ele, and Huko — were used. This was the first usage for all of them.

Retirement

The World Meteorological Organization retired one name in the spring of 2003: Kenna.cite web|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/B3.html|title=Subject: B3) What names have been retired in the Atlantic and East Pacific basin?|publisher=Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory Hurricane Research Division|work=FAQ: Hurricanes, Typhoons, and Tropical Cyclones|author=Gary Padgett, Jack Beven, & James Lewis Free|accessdate=2008-09-14|date=2006-12-06] It was replaced in the 2008 Pacific hurricane season by Karina.cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2008/ep12/ep122008.discus.001.shtml?|date=2008-09-02|author=Franklin|accessdate=2008-09-14|title=Tropical Storm Karina Special Discussion Number 1|publisher=National Hurricane Center]

ee also

*List of Pacific hurricanes
*List of Pacific hurricane seasons
*2002 Atlantic hurricane season
*2002 Pacific typhoon season
*2002 North Indian Ocean cyclone season
*South-West Indian Ocean cyclone seasons: 2001–02, 2002–03
*Australian region cyclone seasons: 2001–02, 2002–03
*South Pacific cyclone seasons: 2001–02, 2002–03

References

External links

* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002epac.shtml NHC 2002 Pacific hurricane season archive]
* [http://www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/summaries/2002.php CPHC 2002 season archive]
* [http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/2002.html HPC 2002 Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Pages]
* [http://www.weather.unisys.com/hurricane/e_pacific/2002H/index.html Unisys archive]