Tropical Storm Dolores
Tropical Storm Dolores at peak intensity on June 19, 2021.
Meteorological history
FormedJune 18, 2021
DissipatedJune 20, 2021
Tropical storm
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds70 mph (110 km/h)
Lowest pressure989 mbar (hPa); 29.21 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities3 total
Damage$50 million
Areas affectedOaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, Jalisco, Nayarit, Sinaloa
IBTrACS / [1]
Part of the 2021 Pacific hurricane season

Tropical Storm Dolores was a strong tropical storm that affected several states in southwestern Mexico in June 2021. The fourth named storm of the 2021 Pacific hurricane season, Dolores developed from a low-pressure area that formed offshore the state of Oaxaca on June 16, 2021. The low steadily developed organized deep convection and a closed surface circulation, becoming Tropical Depression Four-E around 09:00 UTC on June 18. The depression quickly strengthened to Tropical Storm Dolores six hours later. Gradually approaching the southwestern coast of Mexico, Dolores steadily intensified despite its close proximity to land. The storm reached peak intensity at 15:00 UTC on June 19 with maximum sustained winds of 70 miles per hour (115 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 990 millibars (29 inHg), just below hurricane strength. Shortly afterward, Dolores made landfall just northwest of Punta San Telmo, Mexico, near the Colima-Michoacán state border. The storm rapidly weakened as it moved inland and dissipated early on June 20 over Zacatecas.

The precursor disturbance to Dolores and the Atlantic's Tropical Storm Claudette caused several days of heavy rainfall across southeastern Mexico and Central America. Tropical storm watches and warnings and a hurricane watch were issued along the southwestern coast of Mexico shortly after Dolores' upgrade to a tropical storm, from Nayarit southeastward to Michoacán. At least three people died in Mexico due to the storm, with two of the deaths occurring in Guerrero and the third in Jalisco. Total damage across Mexico was estimated at USD$50 million dollars.[nb 1][1]

Meteorological history

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

A convectively enhanced monsoon trough developed over the eastern Pacific Ocean in early June 2021, offshore the western coast of Central America. A tropical wave crossing Central America interacted with the trough, resulting in a broad circulation forming over the region by June 12. The northern part of this disturbed weather pattern moved north into the Gulf of Mexico, where it eventually developed into Tropical Storm Claudette. The southern portion produced a new low-pressure area over to the south of Mexico by June 16, and this new system started to produce a wide area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms.[1][2] The disturbance organized little until early on June 18, when convection surrounding the system's center became more well-organized. Simultaneously, a closed surface circulation developed, signaling the development of a tropical depression at 06:00 UTC that day.[3] Expanding deep convection over the center of the depression, as well as increasing Dvorak classifications, resulted in its upgrade to a tropical storm at 15:00 UTC, where upon it was named Dolores.[4]

A large tropical storm, Dolores gradually intensified due to favorable environmental conditions for the remainder of the day, characterized by warm sea surface temperatures and low wind shear. The cyclone also underwent a general north-northwestward motion as it rounded the western side of mid-level ridge.[5] Deep convection began to develop in more organized, large rainbands over Dolores's circulation around 09:00 UTC on June 19, and increased in coverage near the storm's center.[6] Dolores continued to become more organized as it neared the coastline of southwest Mexico, with a defined eye and almost closed eyewall developing. The storm reached peak intensity shortly before 15:00 UTC that day, with 1-minute sustained winds of 70 mph (115 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 990 millibars (29 inHg). Dolores made landfall just after reaching peak intensity near the border of the Mexican states of Colima and Michoacán, slightly northwest of the town of Punta San Telmo in the latter state.[7] Dolores rapidly weakened as it moved inland over western Mexico, due to the mountainous terrain of the area. The cyclone was downgraded to a tropical depression at 03:00 UTC on June 20.[8] Shortly afterward, Dolores's surface circulation dissipated over southwestern Zacatecas.[9] However, mid-level moisture associated with Dolores' remnants continued over west-central Mexico for another 12-24 hours.[1]

Preparations, impact and aftermath

The resort city of Puerto Vallarta opened 20 shelters in advance of Dolores due to expected heavy rainfall of up to 15 in (380 mm) and anticipated storm surge.[10] 198 shelters were opened in 35 municipalities of Jalisco prior to Dolores moving through the area.[11] Residents of several states in southwestern Mexico were advised to prepare for tropical-storm-force winds, power outages, landslides, overflowing rivers and widespread punctual rains as Dolores approached.[12]

Tropical Storm Dolores making landfall in Mexico on June 19.

The precursor to Dolores, in sync with the precursor of Tropical Storm Claudette over the Bay of Campeche, caused days of heavy rainfall across southern Mexico and Central America.[13][14] Torrential rains lashed the coasts of Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Michoacán as the cyclone approached the coast.[15] 35 houses in Guerrero were damaged by landslides caused by Dolores' precursor.[16] In neighboring Oaxaca, at least ten communities of the indigenous Zapotec peoples experienced overflowing streams and rivers, as well as damage to agriculture and infrastructure due to the combined effects of Dolores' and Claudette's precursor system. The worst damage Oaxaca occurred in the Sierra Sur and Costa regions, where debris strewn across roads and extensive mudslides rendered many streets impassable.[17]

Upon landfall near the Michoacán and Colima state border, the Colima State Civil Protection Unit noted there was only minor damage to infrastructure in coastal areas statewide.[18] However, at least 232 fallen trees were reported throughout the state while around 400 mm (15.75 in) of rain fell near Tecomán, the resulting floods damaging banana crops and threatening agriculture.[18][16] More than 150 people rode out the storm at an evacuation center at a school in Cerra de Ortega, Tecomán.[19] At least two houses were seriously damaged by flooding in the state.[20] 60% of banana crops in Colima were wiped out by floods produced by the tropical storm, causing the price of bananas to rise statewide.[21] In neighboring Michoacán, at least 20 municipalities were affected by Dolores after consistent rainfall for 30 hours caused flooding and winds uprooted trees.[22][23] Heavy rain caused floods and landslides blocked roads in Lázaro Cárdenas, Uruapan, Aquila, Chinicuila. Apatzingán, Morelia, and Arteaga.[22] A stream overflowed and caused flooding in Villa Victoria, Chinicuila.[22] The highway to Zihuatanejo was closed due to flooding.[24] Damage in Michoacán was considered also considered minor in most areas, however.[25]

The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) reported 54,399 customers lost electricity across Jalisco, Nayarit and Sinaloa due to Dolores.[26] Torrential rainfall and flash flooding lashed southern portions of Jalisco during Dolores' passage to the south and east of the state.[11] At least 80 houses and 300 people living in El Rebalse were isolated in floodwaters after the Marabasco River overflowed.[27] A man died at a soccer field in Ciudad Guzmán after being struck by lightning.[28] The outer bands of Dolores also caused minor flooding in neighboring Nayarit and further north in Sinaloa.[29] Insured losses from Dolores across Mexico were estimated at US$50 million by professional services corporation Aon.[30]

The Mexican Secretary of National Defense, Luis Cresencio Sandoval, activated Plan DN-III-E following Dolores' landfall, which allowed for the dispatch of 2,302 military units to assist in relief efforts in Colima, Michoacán and Guerrero. Additionally, 190 shelters, 10 shelters, and 8 community kitchens were opened in these states to assist affected residents.[31] Despite its destructive effects, the heavy rainfall from Dolores and its precursor also benefited parts of Guerrero, which was suffering from drought conditions, by helping its agricultural sector.[32]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ All damage totals are valued as of 2021 and in United States dollars, unless otherwise noted.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Philippe P. Papin (January 5, 2022). Tropical Cyclone Report: Tropical Storm Dolores (PDF) (Report). Miami, Florida, United States: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  2. ↑ Robbie Berg (June 18, 2021). Five-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida, United States: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  3. ↑ Philippe Papin; Eric Blake (June 18, 2021). Tropical Depression Four-E Discussion Number 1 (Report). Miami, Florida, United States: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  4. ↑ Robert Berg (June 18, 2021). Tropical Storm Dolores Discussion Number 2 (Report). Miami, Florida, United States: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  5. ↑ Robbie Berg (June 18, 2021). Tropical Storm Dolores Discussion Number 3 (Report). Miami, Florida, United States: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  6. ↑ Phillipe Papin; Eric Blake (June 19, 2021). Tropical Storm Dolores Discussion Number 5 (Report). Miami, Florida, United States: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  7. ↑ Robbie Berg (June 19, 2021). Tropical Storm Dolores Discussion Number 6 (Report). Miami, Florida, United States: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  8. ↑ Andy Latto (June 19, 2021). Tropical Depression Dolores Discussion Number 8 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  9. ↑ Amanda Reinhart; Eric Blake (June 20, 2021). Remnants of Dolores Discussion Number 9 (Report). Miami, Florida, United States: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  10. ↑ "Puerto Vallarta under Tropical Storm Watch as Delores is forecasted to make landfall near Cabo Corrientes". Puerto Vallarta Daily News. June 18, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  11. 1 2 Jose Luis Rivas Rangel (June 20, 2021). "Tormenta tropical 'Dolores' deja inundaciones en regiones de Jalisco". www.noticieros.televisa.com (in Spanish). Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  12. ↑ "Alerta por la formación de la tormenta tropical Dolores: podría convertirse en huracán en el Pacífico" [Alert for the formation of tropical storm Dolores: it could become a hurricane in the Pacific]. Infobae (in Mexican Spanish). June 18, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  13. ↑ Stacy Stewart (June 17, 2021). Five-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  14. ↑ Amanda Reinhart; Jack Beven (June 16, 2021). Five-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  15. ↑ "Trayectoria de la tormenta tropical Dolores en el Pacífico, camino a Jalisco" [Path of Tropical Storm Dolores in the Pacific, on the way to Jalisco]. Al Día Dallas (in Mexican Spanish). June 18, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  16. 1 2 "Deja Dolores tres muertes y causa daño a 8 estados" [Dolores leaves three deaths and causes damage to 8 states]. La Razón de México (in Mexican Spanish). June 21, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  17. ↑ Patricia Briseño (June 17, 2021). "Lluvias en Oaxaca dejan 10 municipios afectados" [Rains in Oaxaca affect 10 municipalities]. Excélsior (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  18. 1 2 Arnoldo Delgadillo (June 20, 2021). "Tormenta tropical 'Dolores' deja daños en Colima; descartan personas muertas" [Tropical storm 'Dolores' leaves damage in Colima; leaves dead people]. Milenio (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Colima. Tecomán, el municipio más afectado por 'Dolores'". origin-www.milenio.com (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  20. ↑ "Tormenta tropical "Dolores" dejó inundaciones y árboles caídos en Colima". El Heraldo de México (in Spanish). Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  21. ↑ ""Dolores" deja más del 60 por ciento de cultivos de plátano afectados en Colima". Noticias Va de Nuez (in Spanish). June 21, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  22. 1 2 3 ""Dolores" deja daños en 20 municipios de Michoacán". El Informador :: Noticias de Jalisco, México, Deportes & Entretenimiento (in European Spanish). Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  23. ↑ Demos, Editorial; corresponsal, Ernesto Martínez Elorriaga. "La Jornada - Tormenta 'Dolores' deja inundaciones y árboles caídos en Michoacán". www.jornada.com.mx (in Spanish). Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  24. ↑ "¡PRECAUCIÓN | Por inundación cierran carretera Zihuatanejo-Playa Azul; Dolores está cerca de Lázaro Cárdenas". La Voz de Michoacán (in Spanish). June 19, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  25. ↑ "Mínimos, los daños por tormenta tropical "Dolores" en Michoacán". Meta Política (in Spanish). June 21, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  26. ↑ "CFE reestablece servicio en zonas afectadas por 'Dolores'". origin-www.milenio.com (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  27. ↑ "Tormenta tropical 'Dolores' deja inundaciones en regiones de Jalisco". Noticieros Televisa (in Mexican Spanish). June 20, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  28. ↑ "Tormenta tropical 'Dolores' deja un muerto a su paso por Jalisco". Noticieros Televisa (in Mexican Spanish). June 21, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  29. ↑ "Tormenta tropical Dolores deja inundaciones leves en Sinaloa". El Universal (in Spanish). June 20, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  30. ↑ Global Catastrophe Recap June 2021 (PDF) (Report). Aon. July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
  31. ↑ "Tras la tormenta tropical Dolores, vigilan nuevo temporal en el Océano Pacífico". www.infobae.com (in Spanish). June 21, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  32. ↑ "Guerrero, con daño menor por Dolores". La Razón. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
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