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{{About|the Pacific hurricane of 2002|other storms of the same name|Hurricane Kenna (disambiguation)}}
{{short description|Category 5 Pacific hurricane in 2002}}
{{About|the Pacific hurricane of 2002|other storms of the same name|List of storms named Kenna}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2012}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2012}}
{{Infobox Hurricane
{{Infobox weather event
| Name=Hurricane Kenna
| image = Hurricane Kenna 24 oct 2002 1750Z.jpg
⚫
| caption = Kenna near peak intensity on October 24
| Type=hurricane
| Year=2002
| formed = October 22, 2002
⚫
| dissipated = October 26, 2002
| Basin=EPac
}}{{Infobox weather event/NWS
| Image location=Hurricane Kenna 24 oct 2002 1750Z.jpg
⚫
| winds = 145
⚫
| Image name=Hurricane Kenna near peak intensity on October 24
| pressure = 913
| Formed=October 22, 2002
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
⚫
| Dissipated=October 26, 2002
⚫
| fatalities = 4 direct
⚫
| 1-min winds=145
| year = 2002
| Pressure=913
| damage = 101000000
| Pressurepost=fourth lowest in the [[Pacific hurricane|eastern Pacific]]
⚫
| areas = Western Mexico, [[Southern United States]]
| Damages=101
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| Inflated=0
⚫
| season = [[2002 Pacific hurricane season]]
⚫
| Fatalities=4 direct
⚫
| Areas=Western [[Mexico]], southern United States
⚫
| Hurricane season=[[2002 Pacific hurricane season]]
}}
}}
'''Hurricane Kenna''' was at the time tied as the second-most intense [[Pacific hurricane]] to strike the west coast of [[Mexico]]].<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR">{{cite techreport|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002kenna.shtml |title=Hurricane Kenna 2002 |author1=Franklin, James L |type=Tropical Cyclone Report |accessdate=May 26, 2012 |date=December 26, 2002 |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716085913/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2002kenna.shtml |archivedate=July 16, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Kenna was the sixteenth tropical depression, thirteenth tropical storm, seventh hurricane, sixth major hurricane, and third [[List of Category 5 Pacific hurricanes|Category 5]] hurricane of the [[2002 Pacific hurricane season]]. After forming on October 22 to the south of Mexico from a [[tropical wave]], forecasters consistently predicted the storm to strengthen much less than it actually did. Moving into an area of favorable [[Warm core|upper-level conditions]] and warm [[sea surface temperatures]], Kenna quickly strengthened to reach peak winds of 165&nbsp;mph (265&nbsp;km/h) on October 25 while located about 255&nbsp;mi (410&nbsp;km) southwest of [[Puerto Vallarta]], [[Jalisco]]. Weakening as it turned to the northeast, the hurricane struck near [[San Blas, Nayarit|San Blas]], [[Nayarit]], with winds of 140&nbsp;mph (225&nbsp;km/h) before dissipating on October 26 over the [[Sierra Madre Occidental]] mountains.<big><big><big><big><big><big>
'''Hurricane Kenna''' was the fourth-most intense [[tropical cyclone]] on record in the Eastern Pacific basin, and at the time the third-most intense [[Pacific hurricane]] to strike the west coast of [[Mexico]].<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR">{{cite report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=EP142002_Kenna}}|title=Hurricane Kenna 2002 |author1=Franklin, James L |type=Tropical Cyclone Report |access-date=May 26, 2012 |date=December 26, 2002 |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Kenna was the sixteenth tropical depression, thirteenth tropical storm, seventh hurricane, sixth [[major hurricane]], and third [[List of Category 5 Pacific hurricanes|Category 5]] hurricane of the [[2002 Pacific hurricane season]]. After forming on October 22 to the south of Mexico from a [[tropical wave]], forecasters consistently predicted the storm to strengthen much less than it actually did. Moving into an area of favorable [[Warm core|upper-level conditions]] and warm [[sea surface temperatures]], Kenna quickly strengthened to reach peak winds of {{convert|165|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=10}} as a Category 5 hurricane, on October 25, while located about {{convert|255|mi|km|abbr=on}} southwest of [[Puerto Vallarta]], [[Jalisco]]. Weakening as it turned to the northeast, the hurricane made landfall near [[San Blas, Nayarit|San Blas]], [[Nayarit]] as a Category 4 hurricane, with sustained winds of 140&nbsp;mph (220&nbsp;km/h), before dissipating on October 26 over the [[Sierra Madre Occidental]] mountains.

<big><big><big>
<big><big><big><big><big><big><big><big><big>'''PISSED'''</big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big>
</big>
The name "Kenna" was retired from the list of Pacific hurricane names due to its effects on Mexico, which included US$101&nbsp;million in damage and four deaths. The worst of the hurricane's effects occurred between San Blas in Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, where over 100&nbsp;people were injured and thousands of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed. 95% of the buildings in San Blas were damaged, and hundreds of buildings were destroyed along coastal areas of Puerto Vallarta.
The name "Kenna" was retired from the list of Pacific hurricane names due to its effects on Mexico, which included US$101&nbsp;million in damage and four deaths. The worst of the hurricane's effects occurred between San Blas in Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, where over 100&nbsp;people were injured and thousands of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed. 95% of the buildings in San Blas were damaged, and hundreds of buildings were destroyed along coastal areas of Puerto Vallarta.


==Meteorological history==
==Meteorological history==
{{storm path|Kenna 2002 path.png|colors=new}}
{{storm path|Kenna 2002 track.png}} The origin of Hurricane Kenna can be traced to a [[tropical wave]] moving westward through the [[Caribbean Sea]] on October 16, possibly the same wave that passed near [[Barbados]] two days earlier. The wave entered the eastern [[Pacific Ocean]] on October 19, and a tropical disturbance along the wave axis gradually became better organized. Conditions favored continued development, and [[Dvorak technique|Dvorak classifications]] began late on October 20. Early on October 22, the system developed into Tropical Depression Fourteen-E while located about 375&nbsp;mi (605&nbsp;km) south of [[Manzanillo, Colima|Manzanillo]], [[Colima]].<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/> Initially the depression was disorganized, with little inner convective structure and sporadic deep convection. Computer models predicted an increase in [[wind shear]] by 60&nbsp;hours; as such the [[National Hurricane Center]] forecast the depression to strengthen to a peak strength of 45&nbsp;mph (70&nbsp;km/h) before weakening.<ref name="lawrence1">{{cite web|author=Lawrence, Miles B.|author2=National Hurricane Center|date=October 21, 2002|title=Tropical Depression Fourteen-E Discussion One|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|accessdate=May 26, 2012|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2002/dis/ep142002.discus.001.html}}</ref>
The origin of Hurricane Kenna can be traced to a [[tropical wave]] moving westward through the [[Caribbean Sea]] on October 16, possibly the same wave that passed near [[Barbados]] two days earlier. The wave entered the eastern [[Pacific Ocean]] on October 19, and a tropical disturbance along the wave axis gradually became better organized. Conditions favored continued development, and [[Dvorak technique|Dvorak classifications]] began late on October 20. Early on October 22, the system developed into Tropical Depression Fourteen-E while located about {{convert|375|mi|km|abbr=on}} south of [[Manzanillo, Colima|Manzanillo]], [[Colima]].<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/> Initially the depression was disorganized, with little inner convective structure and sporadic deep convection. Computer models predicted an increase in [[wind shear]] by 60&nbsp;hours; as such the [[National Hurricane Center]] forecast the depression to strengthen to a peak strength of {{convert|45|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} before weakening.<ref name="lawrence1">{{cite web|author=Lawrence, Miles B.|author2=National Hurricane Center|date=October 21, 2002|title=Tropical Depression Fourteen-E Discussion One|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|access-date=May 26, 2012|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2002/dis/ep142002.discus.001.html}}</ref>


The depression quickly became better organized with a great increase in convection near the center, and six hours after forming it strengthened into Tropical Storm Kenna. Upper-level outflow and [[rainbands|banding features]] improved in organization, as well. With warm water temperatures of over {{Convert|29|C|F}} and updated model forecasts anticipating light amounts of vertical wind shear, forecasters predicted Kenna to slowly intensify to reach winds of 85&nbsp;mph (135&nbsp;km/h) within 72&nbsp;hours of October 22.<ref name="stewart2">{{cite web|author=Stewart, Stacy|author2=National Hurricane Center|date=October 22, 2002|title=Tropical Storm Kenna Discussion Two|accessdate=May 26, 2012|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2002/dis/ep142002.discus.002.html|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service}}</ref> The storm moved to the west-northwest around the periphery of a mid-level [[anticyclone|high-pressure system]], and initially failed to strengthen further with much of its convection being associated with outer rainbands. On October 23, the outer rainbands dissipated and convection became more concentrated near the center, which coincided with a steady increase in strength. Late on October 23, Kenna intensified into a hurricane while located about 380&nbsp;mi (615&nbsp;km) southwest of Manzanillo.<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/>
The depression quickly became better organized with a great increase in convection near the center, and six hours after forming it strengthened into Tropical Storm Kenna. Upper-level outflow and [[rainbands|banding features]] improved in an organization, as well. With warm water temperatures of over {{convert|29|C|F}} and updated model forecasts anticipating light amounts of vertical wind shear, forecasters predicted Kenna to slowly intensify to reach winds of {{convert|85|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} within 72&nbsp;hours of October 22.<ref name="stewart2">{{cite web|author=Stewart, Stacy|author2=National Hurricane Center|date=October 22, 2002|title=Tropical Storm Kenna Discussion Two|access-date=May 26, 2012|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2002/dis/ep142002.discus.002.html|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service}}</ref> The storm moved to the west-northwest around the periphery of a mid-level [[anticyclone|high-pressure system]], and initially failed to strengthen further with much of its convection being associated with outer rainbands. On October 23, the outer rainbands dissipated and convection became more concentrated near the center, which coincided with a steady increase in strength. Late on October 23, Kenna intensified into a hurricane while located about {{convert|380|mi|km|abbr=on}} southwest of Manzanillo.<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/>
<big><big><big><big><big><big>
<big><big><big>
<big><big><big><big><big><big><big><big><big>'''PISSED'''</big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big>
⚫
Shortly after becoming a hurricane, Kenna began to [[rapid deepening|rapidly intensify]] with a 17&nbsp;mi (27&nbsp;km) wide [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] located within its well-defined central dense overcast.<ref name="beven9">{{cite web|author=Beven II, Jack L.|author2=National Hurricane Center|year=2002|title=Hurricane Kenna Discussion Nine|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|accessdate=May 26, 2012|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2002/dis/ep142002.discus.009.html}}</ref> Early on October 24 Kenna became a [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale|major hurricane]], and in a 24‑hour period the hurricane more than doubled its windspeed from 70&nbsp;mph (115&nbsp;km/h) winds to 145&nbsp;mph (235&nbsp;km/h). After turning to the north and northeast in response to the flow ahead of a large mid to upper-level [[trough (meteorology)|trough]], Kenna attained peak winds of 165&nbsp;mph (265&nbsp;km/h) early on October 25 while located about 255&nbsp;mi (410&nbsp;km) southwest of [[Puerto Vallarta]], the third [[List of Pacific Category 5 hurricanes|Category 5 hurricane]] of the season. A [[Hurricane Hunters|Reconnaissance Aircraft]] flight into the hurricane while it was near peak intensity recorded a pressure of 913&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[Pascal (unit)|hPa]]),<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/> the fourth lowest recorded pressure for a [[Pacific hurricane]].<ref name="Juliette 01 TCR">{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2001juliette.html |title=Hurricane Kenna 2002 |author1=Lawrence, Miles B. |author2=Mainelli, Michelle M. |type=Tropical Cyclone Report |author3=National Hurricane Center |accessdate=May 26, 2012 |date=November 30, 2001 |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006122021/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2001juliette.html |archivedate=October 6, 2008 |df= }}</ref>{{EPAC hurricane best track}}


⚫
Shortly after becoming a hurricane, Kenna began to [[rapid deepening|rapidly intensify]] with a {{convert|17|mi|km|abbr=on}} wide [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] located within its well-defined central dense overcast.<ref name="beven9">{{cite web|author=Beven II, Jack L.|author2=National Hurricane Center|year=2002|title=Hurricane Kenna Discussion Nine|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|access-date=May 26, 2012|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2002/dis/ep142002.discus.009.html}}</ref> Early on October 24 Kenna became a [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale|major hurricane]], and in a 24‑hour period the hurricane more than doubled its windspeed from {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} winds to {{convert|145|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. After turning to the north and northeast in response to the flow ahead of a large mid to upper-level [[trough (meteorology)|trough]], Kenna attained peak winds of {{convert|165|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=10}} early on October 25 while located about {{convert|255|mi|km|abbr=on}} southwest of [[Puerto Vallarta]], the third [[List of Pacific Category 5 hurricanes|Category 5 hurricane]] of the season. A [[Hurricane Hunter]] flight into the hurricane while it was near peak intensity recorded a pressure of 913&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[Pascal (unit)|hPa]]),<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/> the fourth lowest recorded pressure for a [[Pacific hurricane]].<ref name="Juliette 01 TCR">{{cite report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2001juliette.html |title=Hurricane Kenna 2002 |author1=Lawrence, Miles B. |author2=Mainelli, Michelle M. |type=Tropical Cyclone Report |author3=National Hurricane Center |access-date=May 26, 2012 |date=November 30, 2001 |publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006122021/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2001juliette.html |archive-date=October 6, 2008 }}</ref>{{EPAC hurricane best track}}
⚫
Quickly after peaking, wind shear from the approaching trough weakened the hurricane, and by six hours after reaching peak intensity, the winds in Hurricane Kenna dropped to 150&nbsp;mph (240&nbsp;km/h) after the eye nearly dissipated. Despite a 27&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] increase in pressure in 12&nbsp;hours, [[convection|convective activity]] increased prior to Kenna making [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]]. On October 25 Hurricane Kenna struck near [[San Blas, Nayarit|San Blas]] in the state of [[Nayarit]] with estimated winds of 140&nbsp;mph (225&nbsp;km/h). The hurricane rapidly weakened over the mountainous terrain of western Mexico, and the circulation dissipated on October 26 over the [[Sierra Madre Occidental]] mountains. The remnants continued northeastward into the [[Gulf of Mexico]] and southeastern United States.<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/>

⚫
Quickly after peaking, wind shear from the approaching trough weakened the hurricane, and by six hours after reaching peak intensity, the winds in Hurricane Kenna dropped to {{convert|150|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}, after the eye nearly dissipated. Despite a 27&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] increase in pressure in 12&nbsp;hours, [[convection|convective activity]] increased prior to Kenna making [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]]. On October 25, Hurricane Kenna made landfall near [[San Blas, Nayarit|San Blas]] in the state of [[Nayarit]], as a Category&nbsp;4 hurricane, with estimated sustained winds of 140&nbsp;mph (220&nbsp;km/h). Hurricane Kenna was at the time, the third most intense [[Pacific hurricane]] to strike Mexico. The hurricane rapidly weakened over the mountainous terrain of western Mexico, and the circulation dissipated on October 26 over the [[Sierra Madre Occidental]] mountains. The remnants continued northeastward into the [[Gulf of Mexico]] and the southeastern United States later that day, producing rainfall across the region.<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/>


==Preparations==
==Preparations==
Line 40: Line 36:
About 27&nbsp;hours before landfall, [[Mexico|Mexican]] officials issued a [[tropical cyclone watches and warnings|hurricane watch]] from [[Mazatlán]] to [[Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco]], with a tropical storm watch issued further south to [[Manzanillo, Colima|Manzanillo]]. Six hours later when its track became more apparent, the watch was upgraded to a hurricane warning from Mazatlán to [[La Fortuna, Mexico|La Fortuna]], with a tropical storm warning southward to Manzanillo.<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/>
About 27&nbsp;hours before landfall, [[Mexico|Mexican]] officials issued a [[tropical cyclone watches and warnings|hurricane watch]] from [[Mazatlán]] to [[Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco]], with a tropical storm watch issued further south to [[Manzanillo, Colima|Manzanillo]]. Six hours later when its track became more apparent, the watch was upgraded to a hurricane warning from Mazatlán to [[La Fortuna, Mexico|La Fortuna]], with a tropical storm warning southward to Manzanillo.<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/>


Roughly 8,800 of the 9,000 residents in the landfall location, [[San Blas, Nayarit|San Blas]], evacuated, which ultimately contributed to a low death toll.<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/> Officials ordered for the evacuation of 50,000 residents and fishermen along the southwest coast of Mexico, including 3,000 in the [[Islas Marías]],<ref name="dpa">{{cite news |agency=Deutsche Presse Agentur |date=2002-10-25 |title=Mexico's Pacific coast bracing for Hurricane Kenna |accessdate=May 26, 2012 |url=http://reliefweb.int/node/112159}}</ref> 10,000 near Mazatlán, and 15,000 near flood-prone areas. Civil authorities closed all schools and docks in potentially affected areas. The [[Mexican Red Cross]] prepared for the storm by shipping 215&nbsp;[[ton]]nes of relief supplies such as food, water, clothing, and medicine to the Red Cross branch in [[Jalisco]]. Assistance from the [[Yucatán Peninsula]] delivered 10&nbsp;[[ton]]nes of food and water, as well.<ref name="sitr"/> The Mexican Red Cross prepared 20 emergency shelters in the state of Nayarit.<ref name="rrr">{{cite web|author=Gil, Santiago |author2=Horekens, John |year=2002 |title=Hurricane Kenna Information Bulletin |publisher=Mexican Red Cross |accessdate=January 1, 2007 |deadurl=yes |url=http://www.ifrc.org/cgi/pdf_appeals.pl?rpts02/mxHurricaneIB01.pdf |format=PDF |archivedate=September 4, 2009 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904050550/http://www.ifrc.org/cgi/pdf_appeals.pl?rpts02%2FmxHurricaneIB01.pdf |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Officials took security measures in [[Los Cabos]], [[Baja California Sur]], where the [[Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation]] was meeting during the passage of the hurricane. Early forecasts indicated a possible threat to the meeting, causing the government to prepare for a potential alternate site.<ref name="dpa"/> Officials recommended boats to stay at port due to severe conditions.<ref name="rq">{{cite web |author=Deutsche Presse Agentur |date=October 24, 2002|title=Hurricane Kenna strengthens, soaking Mexico's coast |accessdate=May 26, 2012 |url=http://reliefweb.int/node/112083}}</ref>
Roughly 8,800 of the 9,000 residents in the landfall location, [[San Blas, Nayarit|San Blas]], evacuated, which ultimately contributed to a low death toll.<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/> Officials ordered for the evacuation of 50,000 residents and fishermen along the southwest coast of Mexico, including 3,000 in the [[Islas Marías]],<ref name="dpa">{{cite news |agency=Deutsche Presse Agentur |date=2002-10-25 |title=Mexico's Pacific coast bracing for Hurricane Kenna |access-date=May 26, 2012 |url=http://reliefweb.int/node/112159}}</ref> 10,000 near Mazatlán, and 15,000 near flood-prone areas. Civil authorities closed all schools and docks in potentially affected areas. The [[Mexican Red Cross]] prepared for the storm by shipping 215&nbsp;[[ton]]nes of relief supplies such as food, water, clothing, and medicine to the Red Cross branch in [[Jalisco]]. Assistance from the [[Yucatán Peninsula]] delivered 10&nbsp;[[ton]]nes of food and water, as well.<ref name="sitr"/> The Mexican Red Cross prepared 20 emergency shelters in the state of Nayarit.<ref name="rrr">{{cite web|author=Gil, Santiago |author2=Horekens, John |year=2002 |title=Hurricane Kenna Information Bulletin |publisher=Mexican Red Cross |access-date=January 1, 2007 |url-status=dead |url=http://www.ifrc.org/cgi/pdf_appeals.pl?rpts02/mxHurricaneIB01.pdf |archive-date=September 4, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904050550/http://www.ifrc.org/cgi/pdf_appeals.pl?rpts02%2FmxHurricaneIB01.pdf |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Officials took security measures in [[Los Cabos]], [[Baja California Sur]], where the [[Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation]] was meeting during the passage of the hurricane. Early forecasts indicated a possible threat to the meeting, causing the government to prepare for a potential alternate site.<ref name="dpa"/> Officials recommended boats to stay at port due to severe conditions.<ref name="rq">{{cite web |author=Deutsche Presse Agentur |date=October 24, 2002|title=Hurricane Kenna strengthens, soaking Mexico's coast |access-date=May 26, 2012 |url=http://reliefweb.int/node/112083}}</ref>


==Impact==
==Impact==
{{Most intense landfalling Pacific hurricanes}}
{{Most intense landfalling Pacific hurricanes}}
[[Image:Hurricane Kenna 25 oct 2002.jpg|left|thumb|Hurricane Kenna making landfall in Mexico on October 25]]
[[Image:Hurricane Kenna 25 oct 2002.jpg|left|thumb|Hurricane Kenna making landfall in Mexico on October 25]]
Few official surface observations are available for the passage of the hurricane. Upon making landfall, Kenna was accompanied with an estimated 16&nbsp;foot (4.9&nbsp;m) [[storm surge]] in [[San Blas, Nayarit|San Blas]]. The surge also affected [[Puerto Vallarta]], with reports of 10&nbsp;foot (3&nbsp;m) waves rushing inland from the bay. The hurricane dropped about 1.38&nbsp;inches (35&nbsp;mm) of precipitation while passing about 60&nbsp;mi (95&nbsp;km) east of the offshore archipelago, [[Islas Marías]]. There, sustained winds reached an estimated 106&nbsp;mph (170&nbsp;km/h).<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/> On land, Kenna dropped heavy rainfall peaking at 18.91&nbsp;inches (480&nbsp;mm) at [[San Ignacio, Sinaloa|San Ignacio]], [[Sinaloa]], and 12.89&nbsp;inches (327&nbsp;mm) near [[Manzanillo, Colima|Manzanillo]], [[Colima]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Roth, David M.|author2=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/kenna2002.html|accessdate=January 4, 2007|title=Rainfall Summary for Hurricane Kenna}}</ref> The highest recorded sustained wind on land was about 100&nbsp;mph (161&nbsp;km/h) at [[Tepic, Nayarit]], with wind gusts at Puerto Vallarta reaching 50&nbsp;mph (80&nbsp;km/h).<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/> The hurricane also produced heavy rainfall in [[Guerrero]], [[Michoacán]], [[Colima]], and [[Jalisco]], and hit [[Baja California Sur]] with strong winds and rough seas.<ref name="rq"/>
Few official surface observations are available for the passage of the hurricane. Upon making landfall, Kenna was accompanied with an estimated {{convert|16|ft|m}} [[storm surge]] in [[San Blas, Nayarit|San Blas]]. The surge also affected [[Puerto Vallarta]], with reports of {{convert|10|ft|m}} waves rushing inland from the bay. The hurricane dropped about {{convert|1.38|in|mm}} of precipitation while passing about {{convert|60|mi|km|abbr=on}} east of the offshore archipelago, [[Islas Marías]]. There, sustained winds reached an estimated {{convert|106|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/> On land, Kenna dropped heavy rainfall peaking at {{convert|18.91|in|mm}} at [[San Ignacio, Sinaloa|San Ignacio]], [[Sinaloa]], and {{convert|12.89|in|mm}} near [[Manzanillo, Colima|Manzanillo]], [[Colima]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Roth, David M.|author2=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/kenna2002.html|access-date=January 4, 2007|title=Rainfall Summary for Hurricane Kenna}}</ref> The highest recorded sustained wind on land was about {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at [[Tepic, Nayarit]], with wind gusts at Puerto Vallarta reaching {{convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/> The hurricane also produced heavy rainfall in [[Guerrero]], [[Michoacán]], [[Colima]], and [[Jalisco]], and hit [[Baja California Sur]] with strong winds and rough seas.<ref name="rq"/>


In [[San Blas, Nayarit|San Blas]], strong winds from the hurricane damaged or destroyed 95% of the homes,<ref name="ncdc">{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2002|title=Tropical Cyclones of 2002|accessdate=January 1, 2007|url=http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/hazards/2002/oct#Tropical|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service}}</ref> with 1,540&nbsp;houses damaged and 8,800&nbsp;people affected.<ref name="situation">{{cite web|author=International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies|year=2002|accessdate=January 1, 2007|url=http://reliefweb.int/node/112231|title=Mexico: Hurricane Kenna Information Bulletin No. 02/02}}</ref> There, large commercial shrimp boats were swept up to 900&nbsp;feet (275&nbsp;m) inland from their docks. An elderly woman died in the city when the wall of her house collapsed on her.<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/> Large portions of the city were covered with building debris and sand washed from the ocean.<ref name="sitr">{{cite web|author=Booth, Mason|date=2002-10-27|publisher=Disasterrelief.org|accessdate=May 26, 2012|url=http://reliefweb.int/node/112203|title=Hurricane Kenna roars into Mexico}}</ref> Elsewhere in [[Nayarit]], flying debris killed a person in Santiago Escuintla. There, two elderly men drowned, one by falling into a river. Both were believed to have been killed during the storm as they fled their homes.<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/> In [[Santiago Ixcuintla]], the hurricane damaged 3,770&nbsp;homes,<ref name="situation"/> and throughout Nayarit, strong winds from the hurricane destroyed the roofs of hundreds of houses.<ref name="prmh">{{cite web|author=Nuño, Fernando|date=2002-10-28|title=Mexican subsistence farmers worst hit by hurricane Kenna|publisher=International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies|accessdate=May 26, 2012|url=http://reliefweb.int/node/112277}}</ref> Federal authorities lost communications with at least 30&nbsp;Indian villages due to the high winds of the hurricane.<ref name="sitr"/> Kenna destroyed the entire banana, tobacco, and tomato crops in the rural areas of San Blas, [[Tecuala]], and [[Acaponeta]], leaving more than 700&nbsp;subsistence farmers and their families in need of water and food.<ref name="situation"/>
In [[San Blas, Nayarit|San Blas]], strong winds from the hurricane damaged or destroyed 95% of the homes,<ref name="ncdc">{{cite web|author=National Climatic Data Center|year=2002|title=Tropical Cyclones of 2002|access-date=January 1, 2007|url=http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/hazards/2002/oct#Tropical|publisher=United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service}}</ref> with 1,540&nbsp;houses damaged and 8,800&nbsp;people affected.<ref name="situation">{{cite web|author=International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies|year=2002|access-date=January 1, 2007|url=http://reliefweb.int/node/112231|title=Mexico: Hurricane Kenna Information Bulletin No. 02/02}}</ref> There, large commercial shrimp boats were swept up to {{convert|900|ft|m}} inland from their docks. An elderly woman died in the city when the wall of her house collapsed on her.<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/> Large portions of the city were covered with building debris and sand washed from the ocean.<ref name="sitr">{{cite web|author=Booth, Mason|date=2002-10-27|publisher=Disasterrelief.org|access-date=May 26, 2012|url=http://reliefweb.int/node/112203|title=Hurricane Kenna roars into Mexico}}</ref> Elsewhere in [[Nayarit]], flying debris killed a person in Santiago Escuintla. There, two elderly men drowned, one by falling into a river. Both were believed to have been killed during the storm as they fled their homes.<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/> In [[Santiago Ixcuintla]], the hurricane damaged 3,770&nbsp;homes,<ref name="situation"/> and throughout Nayarit, strong winds from the hurricane destroyed the roofs of hundreds of houses.<ref name="prmh">{{cite web|author=Nuño, Fernando|date=2002-10-28|title=Mexican subsistence farmers worst hit by hurricane Kenna|publisher=International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies|access-date=May 26, 2012|url=http://reliefweb.int/node/112277}}</ref> Federal authorities lost communications with at least 30&nbsp;Indian villages due to the high winds of the hurricane.<ref name="sitr"/> Kenna destroyed the entire banana, tobacco, and tomato crops in the rural areas of San Blas, [[Tecuala]], and [[Acaponeta]], leaving more than 700&nbsp;subsistence farmers and their families in need of water and food.<ref name="situation"/>
<big><big><big><big><big><big>
<big><big><big>
<big><big><big><big><big><big><big><big><big>'''PISSED'''</big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big></big>
⚫
In [[Puerto Vallarta]], about 100&nbsp;mi (164&nbsp;km) southeast of the landfall location, the storm surge resulted in an estimated damage total of US$5&nbsp;million, primarily to hotels.<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/> The surge flooded the hotels and other waterfront areas, and extended up to 330&nbsp;feet (100&nbsp;m) inland. Waist-deep floodwaters swept away vans and cars,<ref name="dpaval">{{cite news|agency=Deutsche Presse Agentur|year=2002|title=Kenna makes landfall, pounds Mexico's coast|accessdate=January 1, 2007|url=http://reliefweb.int/node/112184}}</ref> ruining several vehicles. The passage of the hurricane destroyed 150&nbsp;stores near the ocean and extensively damaged three hotels. Damage to the city's port was minor.<ref name="afp">{{cite news |agency=Agence French-Presse |date=October 26, 2002 |title=Puerto Vallarta begins to rebuild following storm Kenna |url=http://reliefweb.int/node/112276 |accessdate=May 26, 2012 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/67w6kRFAf?url=http://reliefweb.int/node/112276 |archivedate=May 26, 2012 |deadurl=no |df=mdy-all }}</ref>


⚫
In [[Puerto Vallarta]], about {{convert|100|mi|km|abbr=on}} southeast of the landfall location, the storm surge resulted in an estimated damage total of US$5&nbsp;million, primarily to hotels.<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/> The surge flooded the hotels and other waterfront areas, and extended up to {{convert|330|ft|m}} inland. Waist-deep floodwaters swept away vans and cars,<ref name="dpaval">{{cite news|agency=Deutsche Presse Agentur|year=2002|title=Kenna makes landfall, pounds Mexico's coast|access-date=January 1, 2007|url=http://reliefweb.int/node/112184}}</ref> ruining several vehicles. The passage of the hurricane destroyed 150&nbsp;stores near the ocean and extensively damaged three hotels. Damage to the city's port was minor.<ref name="afp">{{cite news |agency=Agence French-Presse |date=October 26, 2002 |title=Puerto Vallarta begins to rebuild following storm Kenna |url=http://reliefweb.int/node/112276 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304210938/http://reliefweb.int/node/112276 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
⚫
The hurricane injured at least 52 in Puerto Vallarta<ref name="xna">{{cite news |agency=Xinhua News Agency |date=October 26, 2002 |archivedate=May 26, 2012 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/67w6qtoFU?url=http://reliefweb.int/node/112210 |title=Hurricane Kenna leaves three dead, scores injured in Mexico |accessdate=January 1, 2007 |url=http://reliefweb.int/node/112210 |deadurl=yes |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and dozens in San Blas from widespread flying glass and other forms of debris,<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/> with two people seriously injured due to the hurricane. Ten [[Municipalities of Mexico|municipalities]] suffered substantial damage,<ref name="afp"/> with insured damage in Mexico totaling {{ntsp|96000000||US$}}.<ref name="damage">{{cite report |publisher=Guy Carpenter Instrat |date=January 30, 2003 |title=2002 Tropical Cyclone Review |accessdate=May 26, 2012 |url=http://gcportal.guycarp.com/portal/extranet/popup/pdf/GCPub/tropcyc_02.pdf |format=PDF |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/67w70qET4?url=http://gcportal.guycarp.com/portal/extranet/popup/pdf/GCPub/tropcyc_02.pdf |archivedate=May 26, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Rainfall from the hurricane spread across northern Mexico, causing minor flash floods and mudslides.<ref name="situation"/>


⚫
The hurricane injured at least 52 in Puerto Vallarta<ref name="xna">{{cite news |agency=Xinhua News Agency |date=October 26, 2002 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304201601/http://reliefweb.int/node/112210 |title=Hurricane Kenna leaves three dead, scores injured in Mexico |access-date=January 1, 2007 |url=http://reliefweb.int/node/112210 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and dozens in San Blas from widespread flying glass and other forms of debris,<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/> with two people seriously injured due to the hurricane. Ten [[Municipalities of Mexico|municipalities]] suffered substantial damage,<ref name="afp"/> with insured damage in Mexico totaling {{ntsp|96000000||US$}}.<ref name="damage">{{cite report |publisher=Guy Carpenter Instrat |date=January 30, 2003 |title=2002 Tropical Cyclone Review |access-date=May 26, 2012 |url=http://gcportal.guycarp.com/portal/extranet/popup/pdf/GCPub/tropcyc_02.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206042923/http://gcportal.guycarp.com/portal/extranet/popup/pdf/GCPub/tropcyc_02.pdf |archive-date=February 6, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Rainfall from the hurricane spread across northern Mexico, causing minor flash floods and mudslides.<ref name="situation"/>
⚫
The remnants of Kenna entered the south-central United States, resulting in enhanced rainfall in various locations.<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/>


⚫
The remnants of Kenna entered the south-central United States on October 26, resulting in enhanced rainfall in various locations.<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/>
==Retirement, aftermath and records==
⚫
[[Image:Kenna damage (Vallarta).jpg|right|thumb|Damage in Puerto Vallarta]]
After the season had ended, the World Meteorological Organization retired the name Kenna and replaced it with Karina.<ref name="wmo">{{cite report|author=RA IV Hurricane Committee|year=2003|title=Final Report of the Twenty Fifth Session|type=|publisher=World Meteorological Organization}}</ref>


==Aftermath==
⚫
[[Image:Kenna damage (Vallarta).jpg|right|thumb|Damage in Puerto Vallarta]]
The [[Mexican government]] declared the region in Nayarit near the landfall of Kenna as a disaster area, allowing for the usage of emergency funds.<ref name="sitr"/> Immediately after the passage of the hurricane, the Mexican Red Cross prepared 180&nbsp;technical staff and volunteers from seven states to deliver 125&nbsp;[[ton|MT]] of food, medicine, and clothes to the areas most affected.<ref name="prmh"/> The Mexican government deployed the [[Mexican Army]] to the area to remove fallen trees and establish water treatment plants to assist the affected population. The [[Mexican Navy]] was sent to assist to support medical personnel in the San Blas area, and the government Department for Family Development assisted the Mexican Red Cross in delivering food. [[Grupo Modelo]], brewers of [[Corona (beer)|Corona beer]], sent 6,600&nbsp;[[gallon]]s (25,000&nbsp;liters) of drinking water and 1000&nbsp;food sets for the San Blas area.<ref name="situation"/>
The [[Mexican government]] declared the region in Nayarit near the landfall of Kenna as a disaster area, allowing for the usage of emergency funds.<ref name="sitr"/> Immediately after the passage of the hurricane, the Mexican Red Cross prepared 180&nbsp;technical staff and volunteers from seven states to deliver 125&nbsp;[[ton|MT]] of food, medicine, and clothes to the areas most affected.<ref name="prmh"/> The Mexican government deployed the [[Mexican Army]] to the area to remove fallen trees and establish water treatment plants to assist the affected population. The [[Mexican Navy]] was sent to assist to support medical personnel in the San Blas area, and the government Department for Family Development assisted the Mexican Red Cross in delivering food. [[Grupo Modelo]], brewers of [[Corona (beer)|Corona beer]], sent 6,600&nbsp;[[gallon]]s (25,000&nbsp;liters) of drinking water and 1000&nbsp;food sets for the San Blas area.<ref name="situation"/>


Backhoes and dump trucks gradually removed the debris and sand from San Blas.<ref name="sitr"/> Dozens of storeowners, municipal employees, and volunteers in Puerto Vallarta worked to clear the debris caused by the storm. The remaining stores, bars, and shops placed signs on their windows describing they were open in effort to attract the tourists still in the town.<ref name="afp"/> By about two months after the hurricane, most hotels, restaurants, and shops were reopened.<ref name="vallarta">{{cite web |author=Retzlaff, Brenda |date=October 6, 2003 |title=Hurricane Olaf is Now a Tropical Storm |publisher=Vallarta Online |accessdate=May 26, 2012 |url=http://www.vallartaonline.com/news/HurricaneOlafisNowaTropicalStorm/ |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/67w6TZUcM?url=http://www.vallartaonline.com/news/HurricaneOlafisNowaTropicalStorm/ |archivedate=May 26, 2012 |deadurl=yes |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
Backhoes and dump trucks gradually removed the debris and sand from San Blas.<ref name="sitr"/> Dozens of storeowners, municipal employees, and volunteers in Puerto Vallarta worked to clear the debris caused by the storm. The remaining stores, bars, and shops placed signs on their windows describing they were open in an effort to attract the tourists still in the town.<ref name="afp"/> By about two months after the hurricane, most hotels, restaurants, and shops were reopened.<ref name="vallarta">{{cite web |author=Retzlaff, Brenda |date=October 6, 2003 |title=Hurricane Olaf is Now a Tropical Storm |publisher=Vallarta Online |access-date=May 26, 2012 |url=http://www.vallartaonline.com/news/HurricaneOlafisNowaTropicalStorm/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208053038/http://www.vallartaonline.com/news/HurricaneOlafisNowaTropicalStorm/ |archive-date=February 8, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>


===Retirement===
Hurricane Kenna is currently tied with a [[1957 Pacific hurricane season#Hurricane Twelve|hurricane in 1957]] and the [[1959 Mexico hurricane]] as the third most intense [[Pacific hurricane]] to strike Mexico. The only Pacific hurricanes to strike Mexico at a greater intensity were [[Hurricane Patricia|Patricia]] of [[2015 Pacific hurricane season|2015]] and [[Hurricane Madeline (1976)|Madeline]] of [[1976 Pacific hurricane season|1976]].<ref name="Kenna 02 TCR"/> Kenna is the third most intense October tropical cyclone to have occurred in the East Pacific, and is the fourth most intense East Pacific hurricane on record, behind [[Hurricane Patricia]] of 2015, [[Hurricane Linda (1997)|Hurricane Linda]] of 1997 and [[Hurricane Rick (2009)|Hurricane Rick]] of 2009.<ref name="EPAC HURDAT"/>
In the spring of 2003, the [[World Meteorological Organization]] retired the name ''Kenna'' from its rotating eastern Pacific name lists due to the deaths and damage this hurricane caused, and it will never be used again for another tropical cyclone. ''Kenna'' was replaced with ''Karina'' for the [[2008 Pacific hurricane season|2008 season]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Padgett|first=Gary|title=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary|date=March 2008|url=https://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2008/summ0803.htm|website=australiasevereweather.com|access-date=March 28, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/Publications/NatHurricaneOpsPlans/NHOP-FCM-P12-2003.pdf|page=3{{hyphen}}8|publisher=[[NOAA]] Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research|location=Washington, D.C.|title=National Hurricane Operations Plan|date=May 2003|access-date=March 28, 2024}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
*[[List of Pacific hurricanes]]
*[[List of Pacific hurricanes]]
*[[Hurricane Willa]] – A similarly intense Category&nbsp;5 hurricane that took a nearly identical track in late October 2018.
*[[List of retired Pacific hurricane names]]
*[[Hurricane Patricia]] – The strongest and most intense tropical cyclone ever recorded in the [[Western Hemisphere]], took a nearly identical track in late October 2015.
*[[List of Category 5 Pacific hurricanes]]
*[[Hurricane Lidia (2023)]] - A powerful hurricane that make landfall at a similar intensity and a similar location.
*[[Hurricane Patricia]] – Similar track and time of formation, but explosively intensified to become second-strongest tropical cyclone worldwide during October 2015.
*[[Hurricane Otis]] (2023) - A Category 5 hurricane that made landfall in [[Acapulco]] near peak intensity, also initially forecast to remain a tropical storm.


==References==
==References==
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{{2002 Pacific hurricane season buttons}}
{{2002 Pacific hurricane season buttons}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Kenna}}
[[Category:2002 Pacific hurricane season|Kenna]]
[[Category:2002 Pacific hurricane season|Kenna]]
[[Category:2002 in Mexico]]
[[Category:2002 in Mexico]]
[[Category:Category 5 Pacific hurricanes|Kenna]]
[[Category:Category 5 Pacific hurricanes|Kenna]]
[[Category:Pacific hurricanes in Mexico|Kenna]]
[[Category:Retired Pacific hurricanes|Kenna]]
[[Category:Retired Pacific hurricanes|Kenna]]
[[Category:Hurricanes and tropical depressions of the Gulf of California|Kenna]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in 2002|Kenna]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Guerrero]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Michoacán]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Colima]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Jalisco]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Baja California Sur]]

Latest revision as of 08:30, 3 November 2024

This article is about the Pacific hurricane of 2002. For other storms of the same name, see List of storms named Kenna.

Hurricane Kenna
Kenna near peak intensity on October 24
Meteorological history
FormedOctober 22, 2002
DissipatedOctober 26, 2002
Category 5 major hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds165 mph (270 km/h)
Lowest pressure913 mbar (hPa); 26.96 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities4 direct
Damage$101 million (2002 USD)
Areas affectedWestern Mexico, Southern United States
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata
Part of the 2002 Pacific hurricane season

Hurricane Kenna was the fourth-most intense tropical cyclone on record in the Eastern Pacific basin, and at the time the third-most intense Pacific hurricane to strike the west coast of Mexico.[1] Kenna was the sixteenth tropical depression, thirteenth tropical storm, seventh hurricane, sixth major hurricane, and third Category 5 hurricane of the 2002 Pacific hurricane season. After forming on October 22 to the south of Mexico from a tropical wave, forecasters consistently predicted the storm to strengthen much less than it actually did. Moving into an area of favorable upper-level conditions and warm sea surface temperatures, Kenna quickly strengthened to reach peak winds of 165 mph (270 km/h) as a Category 5 hurricane, on October 25, while located about 255 mi (410 km) southwest of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Weakening as it turned to the northeast, the hurricane made landfall near San Blas, Nayarit as a Category 4 hurricane, with sustained winds of 140 mph (220 km/h), before dissipating on October 26 over the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains.

The name "Kenna" was retired from the list of Pacific hurricane names due to its effects on Mexico, which included US$101 million in damage and four deaths. The worst of the hurricane's effects occurred between San Blas in Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, where over 100 people were injured and thousands of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed. 95% of the buildings in San Blas were damaged, and hundreds of buildings were destroyed along coastal areas of Puerto Vallarta.

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

The origin of Hurricane Kenna can be traced to a tropical wave moving westward through the Caribbean Sea on October 16, possibly the same wave that passed near Barbados two days earlier. The wave entered the eastern Pacific Ocean on October 19, and a tropical disturbance along the wave axis gradually became better organized. Conditions favored continued development, and Dvorak classifications began late on October 20. Early on October 22, the system developed into Tropical Depression Fourteen-E while located about 375 mi (604 km) south of Manzanillo, Colima.[1] Initially the depression was disorganized, with little inner convective structure and sporadic deep convection. Computer models predicted an increase in wind shear by 60 hours; as such the National Hurricane Center forecast the depression to strengthen to a peak strength of 45 mph (72 km/h) before weakening.[2]

The depression quickly became better organized with a great increase in convection near the center, and six hours after forming it strengthened into Tropical Storm Kenna. Upper-level outflow and banding features improved in an organization, as well. With warm water temperatures of over 29 °C (84 °F) and updated model forecasts anticipating light amounts of vertical wind shear, forecasters predicted Kenna to slowly intensify to reach winds of 85 mph (137 km/h) within 72 hours of October 22.[3] The storm moved to the west-northwest around the periphery of a mid-level high-pressure system, and initially failed to strengthen further with much of its convection being associated with outer rainbands. On October 23, the outer rainbands dissipated and convection became more concentrated near the center, which coincided with a steady increase in strength. Late on October 23, Kenna intensified into a hurricane while located about 380 mi (610 km) southwest of Manzanillo.[1]

Shortly after becoming a hurricane, Kenna began to rapidly intensify with a 17 mi (27 km) wide eye located within its well-defined central dense overcast.[4] Early on October 24 Kenna became a major hurricane, and in a 24‑hour period the hurricane more than doubled its windspeed from 70 mph (110 km/h) winds to 145 mph (233 km/h). After turning to the north and northeast in response to the flow ahead of a large mid to upper-level trough, Kenna attained peak winds of 165 mph (270 km/h) early on October 25 while located about 255 mi (410 km) southwest of Puerto Vallarta, the third Category 5 hurricane of the season. A Hurricane Hunter flight into the hurricane while it was near peak intensity recorded a pressure of 913 mbar (hPa),[1] the fourth lowest recorded pressure for a Pacific hurricane.[5][6]

Quickly after peaking, wind shear from the approaching trough weakened the hurricane, and by six hours after reaching peak intensity, the winds in Hurricane Kenna dropped to 150 mph (240 km/h), after the eye nearly dissipated. Despite a 27 mbar increase in pressure in 12 hours, convective activity increased prior to Kenna making landfall. On October 25, Hurricane Kenna made landfall near San Blas in the state of Nayarit, as a Category 4 hurricane, with estimated sustained winds of 140 mph (220 km/h). Hurricane Kenna was at the time, the third most intense Pacific hurricane to strike Mexico. The hurricane rapidly weakened over the mountainous terrain of western Mexico, and the circulation dissipated on October 26 over the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. The remnants continued northeastward into the Gulf of Mexico and the southeastern United States later that day, producing rainfall across the region.[1]

Preparations

[edit]
Hurricane Kenna rainfall in Mexico

About 27 hours before landfall, Mexican officials issued a hurricane watch from Mazatlán to Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, with a tropical storm watch issued further south to Manzanillo. Six hours later when its track became more apparent, the watch was upgraded to a hurricane warning from Mazatlán to La Fortuna, with a tropical storm warning southward to Manzanillo.[1]

Roughly 8,800 of the 9,000 residents in the landfall location, San Blas, evacuated, which ultimately contributed to a low death toll.[1] Officials ordered for the evacuation of 50,000 residents and fishermen along the southwest coast of Mexico, including 3,000 in the Islas Marías,[7] 10,000 near Mazatlán, and 15,000 near flood-prone areas. Civil authorities closed all schools and docks in potentially affected areas. The Mexican Red Cross prepared for the storm by shipping 215 tonnes of relief supplies such as food, water, clothing, and medicine to the Red Cross branch in Jalisco. Assistance from the Yucatán Peninsula delivered 10 tonnes of food and water, as well.[8] The Mexican Red Cross prepared 20 emergency shelters in the state of Nayarit.[9] Officials took security measures in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, where the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation was meeting during the passage of the hurricane. Early forecasts indicated a possible threat to the meeting, causing the government to prepare for a potential alternate site.[7] Officials recommended boats to stay at port due to severe conditions.[10]

Impact

[edit]
Pacific hurricanes with a wind speed of 140 mph (220 km/h) or higher at landfall
Hurricane Season Wind speed Ref.
Otis 2023 160 mph (260 km/h) [11]
Patricia 2015 150 mph (240 km/h) [12]
Madeline 1976 145 mph (230 km/h) [13]
Iniki 1992 [14]
Twelve 1957 140 mph (220 km/h) [15]
"Mexico" 1959 [15]
Kenna 2002 [16]
Lidia 2023 [17]
Hurricane Kenna making landfall in Mexico on October 25

Few official surface observations are available for the passage of the hurricane. Upon making landfall, Kenna was accompanied with an estimated 16 feet (4.9 m) storm surge in San Blas. The surge also affected Puerto Vallarta, with reports of 10 feet (3.0 m) waves rushing inland from the bay. The hurricane dropped about 1.38 inches (35 mm) of precipitation while passing about 60 mi (97 km) east of the offshore archipelago, Islas Marías. There, sustained winds reached an estimated 106 mph (171 km/h).[1] On land, Kenna dropped heavy rainfall peaking at 18.91 inches (480 mm) at San Ignacio, Sinaloa, and 12.89 inches (327 mm) near Manzanillo, Colima.[18] The highest recorded sustained wind on land was about 100 mph (160 km/h) at Tepic, Nayarit, with wind gusts at Puerto Vallarta reaching 50 mph (80 km/h).[1] The hurricane also produced heavy rainfall in Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco, and hit Baja California Sur with strong winds and rough seas.[10]

In San Blas, strong winds from the hurricane damaged or destroyed 95% of the homes,[19] with 1,540 houses damaged and 8,800 people affected.[20] There, large commercial shrimp boats were swept up to 900 feet (270 m) inland from their docks. An elderly woman died in the city when the wall of her house collapsed on her.[1] Large portions of the city were covered with building debris and sand washed from the ocean.[8] Elsewhere in Nayarit, flying debris killed a person in Santiago Escuintla. There, two elderly men drowned, one by falling into a river. Both were believed to have been killed during the storm as they fled their homes.[1] In Santiago Ixcuintla, the hurricane damaged 3,770 homes,[20] and throughout Nayarit, strong winds from the hurricane destroyed the roofs of hundreds of houses.[21] Federal authorities lost communications with at least 30 Indian villages due to the high winds of the hurricane.[8] Kenna destroyed the entire banana, tobacco, and tomato crops in the rural areas of San Blas, Tecuala, and Acaponeta, leaving more than 700 subsistence farmers and their families in need of water and food.[20]

In Puerto Vallarta, about 100 mi (160 km) southeast of the landfall location, the storm surge resulted in an estimated damage total of US$5 million, primarily to hotels.[1] The surge flooded the hotels and other waterfront areas, and extended up to 330 feet (100 m) inland. Waist-deep floodwaters swept away vans and cars,[22] ruining several vehicles. The passage of the hurricane destroyed 150 stores near the ocean and extensively damaged three hotels. Damage to the city's port was minor.[23]

The hurricane injured at least 52 in Puerto Vallarta[24] and dozens in San Blas from widespread flying glass and other forms of debris,[1] with two people seriously injured due to the hurricane. Ten municipalities suffered substantial damage,[23] with insured damage in Mexico totaling US$96 million.[25] Rainfall from the hurricane spread across northern Mexico, causing minor flash floods and mudslides.[20]

The remnants of Kenna entered the south-central United States on October 26, resulting in enhanced rainfall in various locations.[1]

Aftermath

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Damage in Puerto Vallarta

The Mexican government declared the region in Nayarit near the landfall of Kenna as a disaster area, allowing for the usage of emergency funds.[8] Immediately after the passage of the hurricane, the Mexican Red Cross prepared 180 technical staff and volunteers from seven states to deliver 125 MT of food, medicine, and clothes to the areas most affected.[21] The Mexican government deployed the Mexican Army to the area to remove fallen trees and establish water treatment plants to assist the affected population. The Mexican Navy was sent to assist to support medical personnel in the San Blas area, and the government Department for Family Development assisted the Mexican Red Cross in delivering food. Grupo Modelo, brewers of Corona beer, sent 6,600 gallons (25,000 liters) of drinking water and 1000 food sets for the San Blas area.[20]

Backhoes and dump trucks gradually removed the debris and sand from San Blas.[8] Dozens of storeowners, municipal employees, and volunteers in Puerto Vallarta worked to clear the debris caused by the storm. The remaining stores, bars, and shops placed signs on their windows describing they were open in an effort to attract the tourists still in the town.[23] By about two months after the hurricane, most hotels, restaurants, and shops were reopened.[26]

Retirement

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In the spring of 2003, the World Meteorological Organization retired the name Kenna from its rotating eastern Pacific name lists due to the deaths and damage this hurricane caused, and it will never be used again for another tropical cyclone. Kenna was replaced with Karina for the 2008 season.[27][28]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Franklin, James L (December 26, 2002). Hurricane Kenna 2002 (PDF) (Tropical Cyclone Report). United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
  2. ^ Lawrence, Miles B.; National Hurricane Center (October 21, 2002). "Tropical Depression Fourteen-E Discussion One". United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
  3. ^ Stewart, Stacy; National Hurricane Center (October 22, 2002). "Tropical Storm Kenna Discussion Two". United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
  4. ^ Beven II, Jack L.; National Hurricane Center (2002). "Hurricane Kenna Discussion Nine". United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
  5. ^ Lawrence, Miles B.; Mainelli, Michelle M.; National Hurricane Center (November 30, 2001). Hurricane Kenna 2002 (Tropical Cyclone Report). United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Archived from the original on October 6, 2008. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
  6. ^ National Hurricane Center; Hurricane Research Division; Central Pacific Hurricane Center (April 26, 2024). "The Northeast and North Central Pacific hurricane database 1949–2023". United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Archived from the original on May 29, 2024. A guide on how to read the database is available here. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  7. ^ a b "Mexico's Pacific coast bracing for Hurricane Kenna". Deutsche Presse Agentur. October 25, 2002. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
  8. ^ a b c d e Booth, Mason (October 27, 2002). "Hurricane Kenna roars into Mexico". Disasterrelief.org. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
  9. ^ Gil, Santiago; Horekens, John (2002). "Hurricane Kenna Information Bulletin" (PDF). Mexican Red Cross. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 4, 2009. Retrieved January 1, 2007.
  10. ^ a b Deutsche Presse Agentur (October 24, 2002). "Hurricane Kenna strengthens, soaking Mexico's coast". Retrieved May 26, 2012.
  11. ^ Brown, Daniel; Kelly, Larry (October 25, 2023). Hurricane Otis Tropical Cyclone Update (Report). Miami, Florida. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
  12. ^ Kimberlain, Todd B.; Blake, Eric S.; Cangialosi, John P. (February 1, 2016). Hurricane Patricia (PDF) (Report). Tropical Cyclone Report. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
  13. ^ Gunther, Emil B. (April 1977). "Eastern North Pacific Tropical Cyclones of 1976". Monthly Weather Review. 105 (4). Eastern Pacific Hurricane Center: 508–522. Bibcode:1977MWRv..105..508G. doi:10.1175/1520-0493(1977)105<0508:EPTCO>2.0.CO;2. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  14. ^ The 1992 Central Pacific Tropical Cyclone Season (PDF) (Report). Honolulu, Hawaii: Central Pacific Hurricane Center. 1993. Retrieved November 24, 2003.
  15. ^ a b Blake, Eric S; Gibney, Ethan J; Brown, Daniel P; Mainelli, Michelle; Franklin, James L; Kimberlain, Todd B; Hammer, Gregory R (2009). Tropical Cyclones of the Eastern North Pacific Basin, 1949-2006 (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on April 11, 2024. Retrieved June 14, 2013.
  16. ^ Franklin, James L. (December 26, 2002). Hurricane Kenna (PDF) (Report). Tropical Cyclone Report. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
  17. ^ Bucci, Lisa; Brown, Daniel (October 10, 2023). Hurricane Lidia Intermediate Advisory Number 31A (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  18. ^ Roth, David M.; Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. "Rainfall Summary for Hurricane Kenna". United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Retrieved January 4, 2007.
  19. ^ National Climatic Data Center (2002). "Tropical Cyclones of 2002". United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service. Retrieved January 1, 2007.
  20. ^ a b c d e International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies (2002). "Mexico: Hurricane Kenna Information Bulletin No. 02/02". Retrieved January 1, 2007.
  21. ^ a b Nuño, Fernando (October 28, 2002). "Mexican subsistence farmers worst hit by hurricane Kenna". International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
  22. ^ "Kenna makes landfall, pounds Mexico's coast". Deutsche Presse Agentur. 2002. Retrieved January 1, 2007.
  23. ^ a b c "Puerto Vallarta begins to rebuild following storm Kenna". Agence French-Presse. October 26, 2002. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
  24. ^ "Hurricane Kenna leaves three dead, scores injured in Mexico". Xinhua News Agency. October 26, 2002. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2007.
  25. ^ 2002 Tropical Cyclone Review (PDF) (Report). Guy Carpenter Instrat. January 30, 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 6, 2012. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
  26. ^ Retzlaff, Brenda (October 6, 2003). "Hurricane Olaf is Now a Tropical Storm". Vallarta Online. Archived from the original on February 8, 2012. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
  27. ^ Padgett, Gary (March 2008). "Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary". australiasevereweather.com. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  28. ^ National Hurricane Operations Plan (PDF) (Report). Washington, D.C.: NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research. May 2003. p. 3-8. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
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