Wikipedia

Hurricane Kay (2022)

Hurricane Kay was a Category 2 hurricane that made landfall along the Pacific coast of the Baja California peninsula as a tropical storm. The twelfth named storm and eighth hurricane of the 2022 Pacific hurricane season, Kay originated from an area of disturbed weather that formed south of southern Mexico. Overall, damage from Kay totaled $10.62 million and it was responsible for five fatalities. Rain from the storm proved beneficial for firefighters battling the Fairview Fire in Southern California.

Hurricane Kay
Hurricane Kay at peak intensity on September 7.
Meteorological history
FormedSeptember 4, 2022
Remnant lowSeptember 9, 2022
DissipatedSeptember 13, 2022
Category 2 hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds100 mph (155 km/h)
Lowest pressure968 mbar (hPa); 28.59 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities6
Damage$10.6 million (2022 USD)
Areas affectedSouthwestern Mexico, Baja California Peninsula, Southwestern United States
IBTrACS / [1]
Part of the 2022 Pacific hurricane season

Meteorological history edit

 
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
  Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

On August 29, the National Hurricane Center located two areas of disturbed thunderstorms that had formed south of Mexico.[2] While one of the areas intensified quickly, becoming Tropical Storm Javier, while the other slowly intensified, organizing itself slower than Javier.[3] By September 3, the NHC had given the area a 90% chance of forming.[4] The next day, the area organized itself, strengthening into Tropical Depression Twelve at 05:00.[5] By 11:00 on September 4, the depression had strengthened into Tropical Storm Kay.[6] Kay continued organizing and intensifying, resulting in Kay strengthening into a Category 1 hurricane only one day after becoming a tropical storm.[7] On September 6, the eye of Kay passed over Socorro Island with winds of around 85 mph (137 km/h).[8] Kay continued intensifying, becoming a Category 2 hurricane as it moved northwestward towards Baja California.[9] As Kay neared landfall in Baja California Sur, Kay stopped intensifying and organization and convection within Kay minimalized itself, resulting in Kay weakening back into a Category 1 hurricane on September 7.[10] The day after weakening into a Category 1 hurricane, Kay made landfall in the western central Baja California peninsula with winds of around 75 mph (121 km/h).[11] Shortly after landfall, Kay weakened into a tropical storm, before beginning to move northward as it passed by Cedros Island.[12][13] As Kay moved northward, it transitioned into a post-tropical cyclone overnight 9–10, not far southwest from San Diego, California.[14] Kay made a sudden turn southward and began moving south, though by September 11, Kay had completely dissipated after losing its identity.[15]

Preparations and impact edit

Mexico edit

From September 4 to 9, Hurricane Kay's expansive rainbands brought rainfall to a cumulative 16 states across Mexico. Precipitation progressed from southern states, such as Oaxaca and Guerrero, to Baja California in the northwest portion of the nation. Maximum daily rainfall totals in Guerrero and Jalisco reached 140 and 135.4 mm (5.51 and 5.33 in), respectively, on September 4. Rainfall was most significant across the Baja California Peninsula, with three-day totals reaching 383 mm (15.1 in) in Guadeloupe and 370 mm (14.6 in) in Sierra de San Francisco. The majority of these totals fell within 24-hour spans. The storm struck Socorro Island on September 6, bringing 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain that day.[16] In addition to flooding, landslides, and falling trees, the hurricane was also responsible for three deaths in Guerrero.[17] Kay also damaged most of the Baja California peninsula with strong winds and heavy rain, which caused much flooding and mudslides, though there were no reports of injuries. Shortly before the storm hit, over 1,600 people evacuated to shelters according to Baja California Sur state officials.[18] Road and agricultural damage in Baja California Sur exceeded 72 million pesos (US$3.6 million), though again, no injuries were reported.[19][20]

United States edit

Moisture associated with Hurricane Kay brought widespread heavy rain, flash floods, and damaging winds to the Southwestern United States.[21] The National Centers for Environmental Information tabulated $7.02 million in damage across four states in relation to the storm with the majority incurred by California. A mudflow in Southern California claimed the life of one person.[22][23][24][25]

California edit

 
Flash floods in Death Valley National Park washed out portions of Highway CA-190

Abundant moisture associated with the remnants of Kay led to scattered showers and thunderstorms in the Southwestern United States, particularly in California. Rainfall totals varied across the regions, with Mt. Laguna recording the highest rainfall amount of around 5 in (130 mm). In Imperial County, California, falling boulders created traffic along an area of I-8. Los Angeles set records for both a daily rainfall of 0.2 in (5.1 mm) as well as a daily heat record of 102 °F (39 °C) as Kay moved through on September 9.[21] Localized flooding in Death Valley National Park covered several roads, including a 6 mi (9.7 km) stretch of road in Badwater Basin. A section of Route 190 was washed out near Towne Pass. A bus became stuck in softened sand near this location, briefly stranding motorists.[26] A Major League Baseball game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers was delayed due to the rain.[27] The rainfall was beneficial to crews in Riverside County, California, battling the Fairview Fire, as it mitigated some of the threat posed by the high winds and dry conditions. This mitigated the risk to an estimated 18,000 homes.[21]

On September 12, mudflows affected several communities in the San Bernardino Mountains. A total of 2.4 in (61 mm) of rain fell within an hour over burn scars from the Apple and El Dorado fires. A series of flows impacted multiple valleys in Forest Falls, resulting in a cascade of water, mud, and debris. Initial evacuation orders were rescinded as travel became impossible. One person was killed when her home was crushed by debris.[28] A team of 120 personnel from various rescue departments were dispatched to search through mud piled 6 ft (1.8 m) deep for the killed person for several days. Heavy machinery and cadaver dogs were used throughout the search.[29] A total of six homes were destroyed in Forest Falls, two in Oak Glen, 22 other homes were otherwise damaged, and one business was severely damaged. Approximately 3,000 people were affected in the region.[30][31]

Powerful winds accompanied the storm's rainfall, particularly in San Diego County, reaching a maximum of 109 mph (175 km/h) at Cuyamaca Peak. Power outages affected tens of thousands across the Los Angeles Metro, though these generally lasted only a few hours.[21] Gale and surf warnings covered the southwestern counties of California, with officials in Long Beach providing sandbags to residents. Temporary berms were constructed in Alamitos Beach to protect coastal homes.[21] Severe beach erosion occurred in Southern California, with some coasts in the Los Angeles area losing 5 ft (1.5 m) of sand vertically.[32]

On September 16, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Imperial, Inyo, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties owing to damage caused by Kay.[33]

Elsewhere edit

Described as an "unusual setup" for Utah in particular, the National Weather Service issued slight and moderate flood-risk outlooks alongside flash flood watches for the aforementioned state along with Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. This rain followed deadly floods in the region just a month prior during one of the wettest monsoon seasons on record.[34] In Nevada, wind gusts associated with storms reached 62 mph (100 km/h) near Gold Hill.[35] Heavy rain across the Mojave Desert caused scattered flash floods. In Overton, Nevada, 1.89 in (48 mm) of rain fell, including 0.8 in (20 mm) in 20 minutes. This inundated roads in several parks and left vehicles stranded across Valley of Fire State Park.[36] Flood-related damage across the state was tabulated at $167,000.[24] Extensive flooding occurred in Mohave County, Arizona, along the border with Nevada, forcing the closure of multiple roads. In just under two hours, 3.86 in (98 mm) of rain fell in Getz which triggered flash floods. This inundated up to ten homes and necessitated eight water rescues in the community.[37] Another swift water rescue was performed along Oatman Highway.[38] Damage in Arizona reached $139,500.[23] In New Mexico, north-to-south propagating thunderstorms brought heavy rain and strong winds to the northern mountains. A peak gust of 67 mph (108 km/h) was observed near Stanley.[39] A nearly stationary thunderstorm produced over 2 in (51 mm) of rain over areas recently burned by the Calf Canyon fire in El Porvenir. The Beaver and Gallinas creeks flooded along Highway 65, leaving behind debris on the roads and inundating nearby homes.[40] Another storm similarly affected areas within the McBride Fire burn scar in Lincoln County.[41] Damage across New Mexico reached $220,000.[25]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Bucci, Lisa; Reinhart, Brad (April 3, 2023). Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Kay (PDF) (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  2. ^ "NHC Graphical Outlook Archive". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  3. ^ "NHC Graphical Outlook Archive". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  4. ^ "NHC Graphical Outlook Archive". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  5. ^ "NHC Graphical Outlook Archive". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  6. ^ "NHC Graphical Outlook Archive". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  7. ^ "Hurricane KAY". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  8. ^ "Hurricane KAY". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  9. ^ "Hurricane KAY". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  10. ^ "Hurricane KAY". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  11. ^ Dam, Derek Van; Jones, Judson; Br; Miller, on; Chinchar, Allison; Garrett, Monica; CNN (2022-09-09). "Hurricane Kay hits Mexico, triggers flood concerns in southern California". WISH-TV | Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana Traffic. Retrieved 2022-10-24. {{cite web}}: |last7= has generic name (help)
  12. ^ Chung, Christine (2022-09-10). "Kay, a Post-Tropical Cyclone, Moves Up Baja California's Western Coast". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  13. ^ "NHC Graphical Outlook Archive". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  14. ^ "NHC Graphical Outlook Archive". www.nhc.noaa.gov. Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  15. ^ News, Mercury (2022-09-10). "Is it raining? Bay Area could see isolated storms as Hurricane Kay dissipates". Head Topics. Retrieved 2022-10-24. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  16. ^ González Vázquez, Libia (2022). Huracán "Kay" del Océano Pacífico del 4 al 9 de septiembre de 2022 (PDF) (Report) (in Spanish). Servicio Meteorológico Nacional. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  17. ^ Marsh, Aygen (2022-09-07). "Kay is already a hurricane and will continue to strengthen off the coast of Mexico". Amico Hoops. Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  18. ^ "Tropical Storm Kay Dumps Rain on Mexico's Baja Peninsula". mexicodailypost.com.
  19. ^ Santiesteban, Gilberto (2022-09-27). "Dejó huracán "Kay" más de 60 MDP en daños en carreteras". Semanario ZETA (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  20. ^ Bautista, Damián (2022-10-05). "Huracán "Kay" dejó daños en sector acuícola de BCS por más de 12 mdp". Agencia Informativa de México (in Spanish). Retrieved 2022-10-24.
  21. ^ a b c d e Petri, Alexandra E.; Jany, Libor; Alpert Reyes, Emily (September 9, 2022). "Tropical Storm Kay breaks heat and rain records across Southern California". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  22. ^ "[California Event Reports: September 9 to 13, 2022]". National Centers for Environmental Information. 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  23. ^ a b "[Arizona Event Reports: September 10 to 13, 2022]". National Centers for Environmental Information. 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  24. ^ a b "[Nevada Event Reports: September 8 to 14, 2022]". National Centers for Environmental Information. 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  25. ^ a b "[New Mexico Event Reports: September 9 to 13, 2022]". National Centers for Environmental Information. 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  26. ^ "Death Valley officials say Hurricane Kay left heavy damage to park". KNTV. September 11, 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  27. ^ Padres game delayed due to rain from Tropical Storm Kay, Fox 5 San Diego, September 9, 2022
  28. ^ Gutglueck, Mark (September 16, 2022). "Tropical Storm Kay Deluge Wreaks Havoc & Death In The Southeast San Bernardino Mountains". San Bernardino County Sentinel. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  29. ^ Rokos, Brian (September 13, 2022). "After mudslides, firefighters hunt for missing Forest Falls resident in San Bernardino Mountains". San Bernardino Sun. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  30. ^ Yarbrough, Beau (September 15, 2022). "San Bernardino County declares public emergency following flooding, mudslides". San Bernardino Sun. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  31. ^ Buck, Fielding (January 27, 2023). "Oak Glen Steakhouse reopens after mudslide damage". San Bernardino Sun. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  32. ^ "Experts concerned with increased beach erosion in wake of Hurricane Kay". KCBS-TV. September 15, 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  33. ^ "Governor Newsom Takes Action to Support Communities Recovering from Extreme Weather Events Across California" (Press release). State of California. September 16, 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  34. ^ Gray, Jennifer (September 13, 2022). "The remnants of Kay to deliver flooding rains to the Desert Southwest". CNN. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  35. ^ [Nevada Event Report: High Wind] (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2023. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  36. ^ [Nevada Event Report: Flash Flood] (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2023. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  37. ^ [Arizona Event Report: Flash Flood] (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2023. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  38. ^ [Arizona Event Report: Flash Flood] (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2023. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  39. ^ [New Mexico Event Report: High Wind] (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2023. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  40. ^ [New Mexico Event Report: Flash Flood] (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2022. Retrieved February 3, 2023. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  41. ^ [New Mexico Event Report: Flash Flood] (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2022. Retrieved February 3, 2023. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)

External links edit

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hurricane Kay (2022).
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hurricane_Kay_(2022)&oldid=1192539008"