2006 Pacific hurricane season

2006 Pacific hurricane season

First system formed	May 27, 2006
Last system dissipated	November 20, 2006
Strongest storm1	Ioke – 915 mbar (hPa) (27.02 inHg), 160 mph (260 km/h) (1-minute sustained)
Total depressions	25
Total storms	19
Hurricanes	11
Major hurricanes (Cat. 3+)	6
Total fatalities	14 total
Total damage	$355 million (2006 USD)
1Strongest storm is determined by lowest pressure
Pacific hurricane seasons 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Related article
Timeline of the 2006 Pacific hurricane season

The 2006 Pacific hurricane season was the most active since 2000, which also produced 19 tropical storms or hurricanes. Eighteen developed within the National Hurricane Center (NHC) area of warning responsibility, which is east of 140°W, and one storm formed between 140°W and the International Date Line, which is under the jurisdiction of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC). Of the 19 total storms, eleven became hurricanes, of which six attained major hurricane status. Within the NHC portion of the basin, the season officially began on May 15, and in the CPHC portion, it started on June 1; the season officially ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the eastern Pacific basin.

The strongest storm of the season was Hurricane Ioke, which reached Category 5 status on the Saffir-Simpson scale in the central Pacific Ocean; Ioke passed near Johnston Atoll and later Wake Island, where it caused heavy damage but no deaths. The deadliest storm of the season was Hurricane John, which killed six people after striking the Baja California Peninsula, and the costliest storm was Hurricane Lane, which caused $203 million in damage in southwestern Mexico (2006 USD, $238 million 2024 USD).

Seasonal activity began on May 27 when Tropical Storm Aletta formed off the southwest coast of Mexico. No storms formed in June, though the season became active in July when five named storms developed, including Hurricane Daniel which was the second strongest storm of the season, as well as Tropical Storm Emilia. During August, Hurricanes Ioke and John formed, as well as four other storms. September was a relatively quiet month with two storms, of which one was Hurricane Lane. Three storms developed in October including Hurricane Paul and two formed in November; this marked the second time on record, after 1961, when more than one tropical storm developed in the basin during the month of November.

Seasonal forecast

Predictions of tropical activity in the 2006 season
for the Eastern North Pacific

Source	Date	Named storms	Hurricanes	Major hurricanes
CPC	Average	15.3	8.8	4.2
NOAA	May 22, 2006	12–16	6–8	1–3
	Actual activity	18	10	5

On May 22, 2006, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) CPC (CPC) released their forecasts for the 2006 Atlantic and Pacific hurricane seasons. The Pacific season was expected to be hindered by the decades-long cycle that began in 1995, which generally increased wind shear across the basin. NOAA predicted a below-normal level of activity in the Eastern Pacific, with 12–16 named storms, of which 6–8 were expected to become hurricanes, and 1–3 expected to become major hurricanes. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility was also expected to be below average, with only two to three tropical cyclones expected to form or cross into the area. They expected that neither El Niño nor La Niña would affect conditions significantly.

On May 15, the hurricane season began in the Eastern Pacific basin, which is the area of the northern Pacific Ocean east of 140°W. On June 1, the season began in the Central Pacific warning zone (between 140°W and the International Dateline); however, no storms occurred in the region until July.

Seasonal summary

No tropical storms developed in June in the basin, which was unusual compared to the average of two storms forming during the month. Since 1966, there have been only three other seasons in which a tropical storm did not form in June, these being 1969, 2004, and 2007. After such an inactive month, the tropics became active in July when five named storms developed, including Hurricane Daniel which was the second strongest storm of the season. During August, Hurricanes Ioke and John formed, as well as four other storms. September was a relatively quiet month with two storms, of which one was Hurricane Lane. By that time, however, El Niño conditions became established across the Pacific, which is known to enhance Pacific hurricane activity.

Three storms developed in October, including Hurricane Paul. Tropical activity within the basin in November 2006 was the most active on record, based on the Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) Index. Three tropical cyclones formed, of which two became tropical storms; only two other seasons on record, 1961 and 2015, produced two tropical storms in the month of November. In addition, Mexico was struck by four tropical cyclones in 2006, none on the Atlantic coast and all along the Pacific coast. One hit Baja California Peninsula while the others made landfall on the mainland.

An extratropical storm persisted in the extreme northern central Pacific Ocean in late October. It drifted over unusually warm waters up to 3.6 °F (2 °C) above normal, and gradually developed convection near the center. By November 2, QuikSCAT satellite suggested the system attained winds of up to 60 mph (95 km/h) about 900 mi (1450 km) west of Oregon. The system also developed an eye and an eyewall. The cyclone tracked northeastward as it gradually weakened, and dissipated on November 4. NASA considered the cyclone to be a subtropical storm. However, as it formed outside of the territory of any monitoring organization, it was not named. Operationally, the United States Navy treated the system as a tropical disturbance, numbered 91C.

Storms

Main article: Timeline of the 2006 Pacific hurricane season

Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale
TD	TS	C1	C2	C3	C4	C5

Tropical Storm Aletta

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
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Duration	May 27 – May 30
Peak intensity	45 mph (75 km/h) (1-min)  1002 mbar (hPa)

Main article: Tropical Storm Aletta (2006)

On May 27, 12 days into the season, Tropical Depression One formed about 190 miles (305 km) south of Acapulco. It slowly organized and became a tropical storm with 45 mph (75 km/h) sustained winds. While named tropical cyclones in May are infrequent events, Aletta marked the seventh consecutive year to have a named cyclone form in May. The storm moved toward the Guerrero coast in southwestern Mexico, prompting the Mexican government to issue tropical storm watches between Punta Maldonado and Zihuatanejo. Aletta then became stationary over the Guerrero and Oaxaca coastlines, but it later turned to the west and dissipated on May 30.

Aletta produced moderate rainfall across Mexico, including a 24-hour rainfall total of 3.94 inches (100 mm) in Jacatepec, Oaxaca on May 30, and 3.78 inches (96 mm) in La Calera, Guerrero, the next day. There were no reports of damage, flooding, or casualties.

Tropical Depression Two-E

Tropical depression (SSHWS)
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Duration	June 3 – June 5
Peak intensity	35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min)  1005 mbar (hPa)

Main article: Tropical Depression Two-E (2006)

On the day after Aletta dissipated, a new area of disturbed weather developed off the southwest Mexican coast. High shear slowed the development of the system, although it gained enough convection and organization to be classified as a tropical depression on June 3. The depression strengthened to near tropical storm status as it approached the coast of southwestern Mexico; however, shear persisted over the system and it weakened before dissipating on June 4.

Despite never becoming a named storm, heavy rain occurred, including a total of 19.13 inches (486 mm) measured in a 48‑hour period in Acapulco. Mudslides and flash flooding were reported, forcing 72 people from their homes. No deaths or serious damage was reported.

Hurricane Bud

Main article: Hurricane Bud (2006)

Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS)
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Duration	July 11 – July 16
Peak intensity	125 mph (205 km/h) (1-min)  953 mbar (hPa)

On July 11, after over a month of inactivity, a disturbance off the Peninsula of Baja California developed into a tropical depression. It moved west-northwestward for its entire duration, quickly intensifying into a tropical storm and hurricane. A clear, well-defined eye developed, and Bud became the first major hurricane of the season. On July 13, the hurricane attained peak winds of 125 mph (205 km/h), although cooler waters and stable air caused a marked weakening trend. By July 15, Bud weakened to tropical depression status, and the next day it degenerated into a remnant low pressure area. The remnants of Bud produced light rainfall across Hawaii.

Hurricane Carlotta

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
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Duration	July 12 – July 16
Peak intensity	85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min)  981 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave exited Africa on June 30 and moved across the Atlantic Ocean without development. On July 9, while crossing Central America into the eastern North Pacific Ocean, thunderstorm activity increased, and the system organized into Tropical Depression Four-E early on July 12 about 290 mi (465 km) south of Zihuatanejo, Guerrero. The large depression moved quickly to the west-northwest to the south of a ridge over northwestern Mexico, and its outer rainbands moved across the coast. Rainfall totals were less than 1 inch (25 mm). The depression intensified into Tropical Storm Carlotta just six hours after forming. By late on July 12, the storm developed banding features, and early on July 13 Carlotta attained hurricane status about 430 mi (700 km) south of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula.

As Carlotta intensified, the system became more compact, and it reached peak winds of 85 mph (140 km/h) on July 13. An eye formed in the center, and the hurricane was briefly forecast to attain major hurricane status, or a Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale. However, Carlotta weakened due to increased wind shear from Hurricane Bud to its west, and the eye and convection deteriorated. Carlotta briefly weakened to tropical storm status late on July 14, although a decrease in shear allowed it to reintensify into a hurricane. This was short-lived as the center moved into the area of cooler waters, and Carlotta again weakened to tropical storm status. Late on July 15, the circulation became separated from the convection, and Carlotta weakened to tropical depression status on July 16, and the next day generated into a remnant low. The circulation continued generally westward, dissipating on July 20 about 1500 mi (2400 km) east of the Hawaiian islands.

Hurricane Daniel

Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS)
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Duration	July 16 – July 26
Peak intensity	150 mph (240 km/h) (1-min)  933 mbar (hPa)

Main article: Hurricane Daniel (2006)

On July 16, a tropical disturbance formed far to the south of the Baja California Peninsula and quickly increased in convective activity and organization, becoming a tropical depression. The system continued to organize and was designated as a tropical storm the next day. On July 18, Daniel attained hurricane status, and two days later underwent rapid intensification; it reached major hurricane status and was later upgraded further to Category 4 status on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. Its peak intensity was 150 mph (240 km/h). The hurricane underwent eyewall replacement cycles, which are internal mechanisms that occur in most intense hurricanes. Daniel later became an annular hurricane, which allowed it to maintain Category 4 status for longer than it otherwise would have.

It crossed over into the Central Pacific early on July 24 and was predicted to affect Hawaii as a tropical storm; however, Daniel encountered weak steering currents in the open ocean, causing it to slow down considerably. It rapidly degenerated to a tropical depression on July 25, and the CPHC issued its last advisory on July 26 while the storm was still well to the east of Hawaii. Its remnants later moved across the Hawaiian islands, dropping heavy rainfall and causing flooding. West Wailuaiki on Maui recorded 3.87 inches (98 mm) in one day, which was the highest daily rainfall total from the hurricane.

Tropical Storm Emilia

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
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Duration	July 21 – July 28
Peak intensity	65 mph (100 km/h) (1-min)  990 mbar (hPa)

Main article: Tropical Storm Emilia (2006)

The origins of Emilia were from a tropical wave that developed into a tropical depression on July 21, a short distance off the coast of Acapulco. It moved generally north-northwestward, reaching tropical storm status on July 22 and passing about 175 mi (280 km) southwest of Manzanillo, Colima. An eyewall began to form that day, and Emilia reached peak winds of 65 mph (105 km/h). It briefly weakened due to wind shear, although restrengthening occurred as the storm turned toward the Baja California peninsula. On July 26, Emilia again reached peak winds of 65 mph (105 km/h), and shortly thereafter it passed about 60 mi (95 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. It weakened as it turned into cooler waters, first to tropical depression status on July 27 and then to a convective-less remnant low on July 28. The remnants dissipated on July 31 about 495 mi (800 km) west-southwest of San Diego, California.

In southwestern Mexico, Emilia produced tropical storm force winds along the coastline. Rainfall in the southern portion of the Baja California peninsula caused minor flooding, and gusty winds caused damage to buildings and power lines. Moisture from Emilia reached the southwestern United States. Thunderstorms and rainfall occurred across Arizona, causing flooding. In southern California, the storm dropped light rainfall, which assisted firefighters in containing a wildfire.

Tropical Storm Fabio

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
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Duration	July 31 – August 3
Peak intensity	50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min)  1000 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave crossed the west coast of Africa on July 15 and entered the Pacific on July 25. Convection increased on July 28, and at 1800 UTC on July 31 the system became Tropical Depression Seven-E about 980 miles (1,580 km) southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. Six hours later, the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Fabio. It moved westward due to a ridge to its north, and on August 1 Fabio reached peak winds of 50 mph (85 km/h). Later, the storm began weakening due to increased wind shear and dry air. On August 3, Fabio deteriorated to tropical depression status, and later that day it degenerated into a remnant low pressure area. The remnants continued westward, moving across Hawaii on August 7.

Although Fabio did not impact land, its remnants produced heavy rainfall in Hawaii. In a 24 hour period, 2.89 inches (73 mm) of rainfall was recorded at Glenwood on the island of Hawaii; this was the highest daily rainfall total for the month on the island. However, the heaviest precipitation fell on Mount Waiʻaleʻale on Kauai, where 15.08 inches (383 mm) fell in 24 hours; this total alone was greater than all other monthly rainfall totals in the state. The heavy rainfall flooded the Hanalei River, which forced the closure of the Kuhio Highway when a bridge was inundated. On Oahu, the rainfall caused ponding on roadways and flooding along streams. One flooded stream stranded 24 hikers along a trail, all of whom required rescue by helicopter.

Tropical Storm Gilma

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
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Duration	August 1 – August 3
Peak intensity	40 mph (65 km/h) (1-min)  1004 mbar (hPa)

On July 17, a tropical wave exited Africa and crossed the Atlantic without developing. On July 25 it entered the Eastern Pacific, gradually developing an area of organized convection. Despite marginally favorable upper-level winds, the system organized enough to be declared a tropical depression on August 1, several hundred miles southwest of Acapulco, Mexico. Initially, the depression tracked west-northwestward. Despite wind shear in the area, the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Gilma later on August 1. The wind shear prevented further strengthening or organization, and Gilma weakened to a tropical depression early on August 2. The depression turned westward, and Gilma degenerated into a remnant low by August 4.

Hurricane Hector

Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS)
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Duration	August 15 – August 23
Peak intensity	110 mph (175 km/h) (1-min)  966 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave exited Africa on July 31, and after no development in the Atlantic, it crossed Central America into the northeastern Pacific Ocean on August 10. Convection gradually increased, and a broad low pressure area developed about 375 miles (605 km) south of Acapulco, Mexico on August 13. The system continued to become organized, and it developed into a tropical depression around 1800 UTC on August 15 about 650 mi (1,045 km) south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. It moved west-northwestward, located south of a ridge that extended westward from northern Mexico westward into the Pacific. The depression quickly intensified into Tropical Storm Hector early on August 16. Hector was able to steadily strengthen, reaching hurricane status at 0600 UTC on August 17. It is estimated that Hector reached its peak intensity of 110 mph (175 km/h) at 0600 UTC on August 18, while centered about 1,035 mi (1,665 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.

Hector remained a Category 2 hurricane for about 24 hours. Shortly thereafter, it encountered cooler waters and westerly shear, and Hector steadily weakened until becoming a tropical storm by August 20. Shortly thereafter, the storm reached a weakness in the subtropical ridge, which caused it to move slowly to the northwest. By August 21, deep convection was confined to the northeast portion of the circulation. The shear was not strong enough to completely weaken the tropical cyclone and Hector remained a tropical storm with 50 mph (85 km/h) winds for about 24 hours. After the remaining shower and thunderstorm activity dissipated on August 22, the cyclone turned westward in response to the low-level easterly wind flow. Hector weakened to a tropical depression at 0000 UTC on August 23, and to a remnant low six hours later. The remnant circulation of Hector dissipated on August 24 about 750 mi (1,210 km) east of the Hawaiian Islands.

Hurricane Ioke

Category 5 hurricane (SSHWS)
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Duration	August 20 – August 27 (Exited basin)
Peak intensity	160 mph (260 km/h) (1-min)  915 mbar (hPa)

Main article: Hurricane Ioke

The cyclone developed from the Intertropical Convergence Zone on August 20 far to the south of Hawaii. Encountering warm waters, little wind shear, and well-defined outflow, Ioke intensified from a tropical depression to Category 4 status within 48 hours. Late on August 22 it rapidly weakened to Category 2 status before crossing over Johnston Atoll. Two days later favorable conditions again allowed for rapid strengthening, and Ioke attained Category 5 status on August 25 before crossing the International Date Line. At the time, its barometric pressure was estimated at 915 mbar, thus becoming the strongest hurricane on record in the Central Pacific. As it continued westward its intensity fluctuated, and on August 31 it passed near Wake Island with winds of 155 mph (249 km/h). Ioke gradually weakened as it turned northwestward and northward, and by September 6 it had transitioned into an extratropical cyclone. By then, the cyclone had lasted 19 days, reaching the equivalent of Category 5 status on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale three times. The remnants of Ioke accelerated northeastward and ultimately crossed into Alaska.

Ioke did not affect any permanently populated areas in the Central Pacific or Western Pacific basins as a hurricane or a typhoon. A crew of 12 people stayed in a hurricane-proof bunker on Johnston Atoll during the hurricane's passage; the crew estimated winds reached over 100 mph (160 km/h), which damaged trees on the island but did not impact the island's bird population. The hurricane left moderate damage on Wake Island totaling $88 million (2006 USD), which resulted from blown off roofs and damaged buildings, although the infrastructure of the island was left intact. All military personnel were evacuated from the island, the first full-scale evacuation of the island since Typhoon Sarah in 1967. Later, the extratropical remnants of Ioke produced a severe storm surge along the Alaskan coastline, causing beach erosion.

Hurricane Ileana

Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS)
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Duration	August 21 – August 27
Peak intensity	120 mph (195 km/h) (1-min)  955 mbar (hPa)

Main article: Hurricane Ileana (2006)

The origins of Hurricane Ileana were from a tropical wave that moved off the coast of Africa on August 8. It entered the Eastern North Pacific on August 16 and developed into a tropical depression on August 21 near Acapulco. The depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Ileana six hours after forming. Ileana continued to strengthen, becoming a hurricane in 24 hours and a major hurricane a day after that. Ileana reached its peak intensity of 120 mph (195 km/h) before beginning a slow weakening phase on August 24 when it encountered cooler waters. Ileana weakened a tropical depression on the morning of August 27 and quickly degenerated into a remnant low, dissipating on August 29. As Ileana was heading north along the Mexican coastline, slight rainfall was recorded along the coast. There were also reports of hurricane-force winds on Socorro Island. One fatality was reported when a man drowned in heavy surf near Cabo San Lucas.

Hurricane John

Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS)
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Duration	August 28 – September 4
Peak intensity	130 mph (215 km/h) (1-min)  948 mbar (hPa)

Main article: Hurricane John (2006)

On August 28, a persistent area of low pressure southwest of Acapulco, Mexico developed into a tropical depression. Later that day it strengthened into a tropical storm, and it reached hurricane strength 24 hours later on August 29. John underwent rapid intensification and reached Category 3 intensity later that day and Category 4 on August 30. Hours later, the hurricane underwent another eyewall replacement cycle, and subsequently weakened to Category 3 status as it paralleled the Mexican coastline a short distance offshore. Potentially due to its eyewall replacement cycle or its interaction with land, Hurricane John weakened to a 105 mph hurricane by late on August 31, but restrengthened to a major hurricane shortly after. It made landfall near the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula as a Category 2 hurricane on September 1. John continued northwestward along the eastern Baja California peninsula, weakening to tropical depression status by September 3 and dissipating on September 4 in the Gulf of California.

Along the southwestern coast of Mexico, Hurricane John produced heavy surf, strong winds, and heavy rainfall, which flooded roads, caused mudslides, and downed trees. Along the Baja California Peninsula, the hurricane dropped heavy rainfall, with a 24-hour peak of 10.8 inches (276 mm) in Los Planes. The heavy rainfall caused flooding, closed roads, and caused a dam to overflow. The winds and rainfall destroyed thousands of flimsy houses across the region. Across Mexico, five people were killed, and damage amounted to $663 million (2006 MXN, $60.8 million 2006 USD). Moisture from the remnants of John produced flooding across Texas, which closed a ½ mile (800 m) portion of Interstate 10 in El Paso. In southern New Mexico, the rainfall caused widespread street flooding and some minor damage. Tropical moisture from the storm also produced rainfall in Arizona and southern California, where eight separate mudslides occurred, trapping 19 vehicles but causing no injuries.

Hurricane Kristy

Main article: Hurricane Kristy (2006)

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
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Duration	August 30 – September 8
Peak intensity	80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min)  985 mbar (hPa)

On August 30, a tropical wave located about 525 miles (850 km) south-southwest of Baja California became more organized and was designated as the twelfth tropical depression of the 2006 season. It strengthened into Tropical Storm Kristy and became Hurricane Kristy the next day. It did not retain this status for long, partly due to its proximity to Hurricane John. There was a possibility of a Fujiwhara interaction between both systems, causing Kristy to weaken or perhaps be absorbed into the circulation of John. This did not occur, however. Kristy weakened steadily after its peak intensity and looked to be close to dissipating, but on September 3 and again on September 5, convection flared up and it returned to tropical storm strength. After oscillating between storm and depression strength, the system degenerated into a remnant low on September 7, which dissipated on September 8 without affecting land.

Hurricane Lane

Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS)
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Duration	September 13 – September 17
Peak intensity	125 mph (205 km/h) (1-min)  952 mbar (hPa)

Main article: Hurricane Lane (2006)

On September 13, a tropical disturbance located about 125 miles (200 km) west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, gradually became better organized and was designated the thirteenth tropical depression of the 2006 season. The depression intensified in a favorable environment, and was upgraded to Tropical Storm Lane later that night. As it moved parallel to the Mexican coast it continued to strengthen and became a hurricane on September 15, and a major hurricane early the next day. Hurricane Lane reached peak winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) before it made landfall on the coast of Sinaloa on September 16. It quickly weakened over land and dissipated on September 17.

Tropical Storm Lane produced heavy rainfall and high seas along the west coast of Mexico, including Acapulco where flood waters reached 16 inches (40 cm) in depth. The Acapulco airport also experienced flooding, though service was not interrupted. Throughout Mexico, the hurricane caused four deaths and $2.2 billion (2006 MXN, $203 million 2006 USD) in damage, half of which in Sinaloa where heavy crop damage was reported. An estimated 4,320 homes were affected by the hurricane, and 19,200 miles (30,000 km) of roads and highways were damaged to some degree, including some destroyed bridges.

Tropical Storm Miriam

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
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Duration	September 16 – September 18
Peak intensity	45 mph (75 km/h) (1-min)  999 mbar (hPa)

A disturbance associated with a northerly extension of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and a tropical wave developed a closed circulation on September 15. It moved northeastward due to the influence from nearby Hurricane Lane, and organized enough to be declared Tropical Depression Fourteen-E on September 16 while located about 500 miles southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It quickly strengthened, and organized into Tropical Storm Miriam later that day. After reaching a peak intensity of 45 mph (70 km/h), vertical wind shear and cooler waters rapidly weakened the storm, and the circulation decoupled from the convection on September 17. After turning more towards the north, Miriam weakened to tropical depression status, and on September 18 it degenerated to a remnant low. The remnant circulation turned to the northwest, then to the east, and dissipated on September 21 a short distance west of Baja California. No deaths are damage are associated with Miriam, and only one ship recorded winds of over tropical storm force near the center.

Tropical Depression Two-C

Tropical depression (SSHWS)
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Duration	September 19 – September 20
Peak intensity	35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min)  1007 mbar (hPa)

On September 19, an area of disturbed weather associated with the Intertropical Convergence Zone became sufficiently organized to be designated Tropical Depression Two-C. Initially, it was thought that the depression formed from the remnants of Hurricane Kristy, although subsequent analysis confirmed they were two separate systems. Initially, the depression was in an area of favorable conditions, with little wind shear and warm waters. As a result, the CPHC predicted significant strengthening to at least hurricane status. Instead, a high pressure system to its north increased wind shear over the depression, causing the convection to become removed from the center. The depression weakened into a remnant low on September 20, never reaching tropical storm status.

Tropical Depression Three-C

Tropical depression (SSHWS)
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Duration	September 26 – September 27
Peak intensity	35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min)  1008 mbar (hPa)

During September, El Niño conditions became established across the Pacific, which produced an area of warmer waters along the International Date Line. A few days after Tropical Depression Two-C dissipated, another area of disturbed weather formed, and although it was disorganized, it was also persistent. The CPHC initiated advisories on Tropical Depression Three-C on September 26 after a circulation was evident in the system. Strong wind shear prevented any development, and the system dissipated on September 27.

Tropical Storm Norman

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
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Duration	October 9 – October 15
Peak intensity	50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min)  1000 mbar (hPa)

Main article: Tropical Storm Norman (2006)

Early in October, a low pressure system began to organize to the west of the Mexican coast, and on October 9 it developed into Tropical Depression Fifteen-E. It strengthened into a tropical storm the next day, but strong wind shear and low sea-surface temperatures hindered development. Norman slowly began to weaken, and on October 11 it degenerated into a remnant low pressure area. Turning eastward, the system combined with a new tropical disturbance off the southwest Mexican coast, and slowly began to reorganize. The system was re-designated a tropical depression on October 15 just south-southeast of Manzanillo, Colima, although within a few hours it again dissipated.

The storm brought heavy rainfall to southwestern Mexico, peaking at 6.35 inches (161 mm) in La Villita, Michoacán. The rainfall caused flooding and mudslides around Acapulco, affecting 170 homes, of which 20 were destroyed. About 300 hectares (740 acres) of crop fields sustained damage. Initially there were two people missing; however, a subsequent report indicated there were no casualties associated with the storm.

Tropical Storm Olivia

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
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Duration	October 9 – October 12
Peak intensity	45 mph (75 km/h) (1-min)  1000 mbar (hPa)

On September 18, a tropical wave exited Africa and later crossed into the eastern Pacific on September 29 without development. Convection increased in the Pacific along the wave axis, spawning a broad low pressure area on October 5. Despite the presence of wind shear, it organized enough for the NHC to initiate advisories on Tropical Depression Sixteen-E on October 9 about 1,360 miles (2,190 km) to the west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Influenced by a high pressure system, the depression drifted northward. Six hours after being upgraded to a tropical storm, Olivia attained peak winds of 45 mph (75 km/h), although the convection was limited to its northern side due to wind shear. On October 11, the convective activity diminished and Olivia weakened to tropical depression status. Olivia deteriorated into a remnant low on October 13. It moved towards the east-southeast, and on October 15 was absorbed into the remnants of Tropical Storm Norman. Olivia never affected land.

Tropical Depression Four-C

Tropical depression (SSHWS)
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Duration	October 13 – October 14
Peak intensity	35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min)  1007 mbar (hPa)

In the middle of October, the Intertropical Convergence Zone extended across the central Pacific Ocean, resembling an extension of the monsoon trough. An area of disturbed weather formed well to the southwest of Hawaii, organizing slowly for several days. Late on October 13, after the development of a low-level circulation and persistent convection, the CPHC classified the system as Tropical Depression Four-C about 750 mi (1,200 km) southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii. Upon being classified, the depression was located in an unusual steering flow that caused it to track eastward. Due to the approach of an upper-level trough, it was expected to dissipate quickly from wind shear, although forecasters noted the possibility for the trough to provide an outflow channel, which might allow strengthening. On October 14, strong wind shear removed the convection completely from the center, and the system degenerated into a remnant low.

The remnant circulation continued slowly eastward, dissipating on October 16. Concurrently, the convection tracked northeastward ahead of the upper-level trough, which contributed to heavy rainfall and flooding on the island of Hawaii on October 17. The rainfall event coincided with an earthquake striking the area.

Hurricane Paul

Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS)
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Duration	October 21 – October 26
Peak intensity	105 mph (165 km/h) (1-min)  970 mbar (hPa)

Main article: Hurricane Paul (2006)

Hurricane Paul developed from an area of disturbed weather on October 21, and slowly intensified as it moved into an area of warm waters and progressively decreasing wind shear. Paul attained hurricane status on October 23, and later that day it reached its peak intensity of 105 mph (165 km/h), a strong Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. A strong trough turned the hurricane to the north and northeast into an area of strong vertical shear, and Paul weakened to a tropical storm on October 24, later passing just south of the Baja California Peninsula. Paul weakened to a tropical depression on October 25 a short distance off the coast of Mexico, and after briefly turning away from the coast it made landfall on northwestern Sinaloa on October 26.

Paul was the third hurricane to threaten western Mexico in the season, the others being Hurricanes John and Lane. Rough surf killed two people along Baja California Sur, while two deaths from flooding were reported in Sinaloa. Paul dropped moderate rainfall across mainland Mexico, including a 24-hour total of 2.28 inches (58 mm) in Mazatlán, Sinaloa. Damage totaled more than $35 million (2006 MXN, $3.2 million 2006 USD).

Tropical Depression Eighteen-E

Tropical depression (SSHWS)
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Duration	October 26 – October 27
Peak intensity	35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min)  1007 mbar (hPa)

The origins of Tropical Depression Eighteen-E were from a tropical wave that exited the coast of Africa on October 7. It briefly spawned a low-pressure area as the wave continued westward without development. On October 20, the wave entered the Pacific Ocean, developing an area of thunderstorms about four days later. By 1200 UTC on October 26, a tropical depression formed about 155 mi (260 km) south of Manzanillo. Initially, Tropical Depression Eighteen-E was located in an area of light wind shear, and the NHC anticipated further organization and strengthening to near hurricane status. The tropical depression initially maintained a steady westward motion away from the Mexican coastline, due to a ridge north of the cyclone. By October 17, convection had decreased, and the depression was not forecast to intensify as much. Possibly due to intrusion of dry air, the circulation became exposed from the thunderstorms, and having weakened, it turned to a southward drift. By 0000 UTC on October 28, the system had weakened to a non-convective remnant low, which dissipated the following day.

Tropical Storm Rosa

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
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Duration	November 8 – November 10
Peak intensity	40 mph (65 km/h) (1-min)  1002 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave exited western Africa on October 22 and continued westward into the Pacific on November 2, spawning a tropical depression on November 8 about 440 mi (710 km) south of Manzanillo, Colima. Environmental conditions appeared favorable, although wind shear removed the convection from the circulation. Throughout its duration, the storm maintained a northwest track through a weakness in a subtropical ridge. By November 9, a new area of convection persisted near the center, and a banding feature formed. Despite the shear, the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Rosa, although the shear prevented intensification beyond its peak of 40 mph (65 km/h). Rosa remained a tropical storm for only 18 hours, becoming a tropical depression early on November 10 and dissipating later that day. Rosa was the first tropical storm in the basin to develop during November since 2000, and was also the first tropical depression to form in the month since 2002's Tropical Depression Sixteen-E. No impact was reported from the storm.

Tropical Depression Twenty-E

Tropical depression (SSHWS)
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Duration	November 11 – November 11
Peak intensity	35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min)  1007 mbar (hPa)

A tropical wave moved off the western coast of Africa on October 21, briefly developing two weak low pressure areas before the wave crossed into the Pacific Ocean on November 1. Thunderstorm activity slowly increased as the wave interacted within the Intertropical Convergence Zone. After a curved band of convection developed, it is estimated the system formed into Tropical Depression Twenty-E around 0000 UTC on November 11, about 550 mi (1,050 km) southwest of Manzanillo. Throughout its duration, the depression never completely separated from the Intertropical Convergence Zone. When the NHC issued its first advisory on the depression, the agency predicted slight intensification to tropical storm status and for the depression to last at least two days. This was due to a forecast of gradually increasing wind shear after the first 24 hours. Instead, the circulation became very elongated; it is estimated the cyclone degenerated into a trough by late on November 11.

Hurricane Sergio

Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS)
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Duration	November 13 – November 20
Peak intensity	110 mph (175 km/h) (1-min)  965 mbar (hPa)

Main article: Hurricane Sergio (2006)

Just days after Tropical Depression Twenty-E degenerated into an open trough, Tropical Depression Twenty One-E developed from a tropical wave on November 13 about 460 miles (740 km) south of Manzanillo, Colima. It steadily intensified as it tracked southeastward, reaching peak winds of 110 mph (175 km/h) on November 15. Subsequently it began to weaken due to increased wind shear as it turned to the north. Sergio later turned to the west, remaining well off the coast of Mexico, and it dissipated on November 20 about 320 miles (515 km) west-northwest of where it originally formed.

Sergio produced light rainfall along the coast of Mexico, though its effects were minimal. The formation of Sergio marked the 2006 season as the most active in 12 years and the second season in which more than one tropical storm formed in November, after 1961. Sergio set records for the month of November in the basin, becoming the third strongest hurricane, after Sandra from 2015, and Kenneth from 2011 as well as the longest-lived November Pacific tropical cyclone with a duration of seven days.

Storm names

The following names were used for named storms that formed in the northeast Pacific in 2006. This is the same list that was used in the 2000 season. There were no names retired from the northeast Pacific list. Therefore, the same list was reused in the 2012 season.

Aletta Bud Carlotta Daniel Emilia Fabio Gilma Hector

Ileana John Kristy Lane Miriam Norman Olivia Paul

Rosa Sergio Tara (unused) Vicente (unused) Willa (unused) Xavier (unused) Yolanda (unused) Zeke (unused)

For storms that form in the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility, encompassing the area between 140 degrees west and the International Date Line, all names are used in a series of four rotating lists. The next four names that were slated for use in 2006 are shown below, however only the name Ioke was used.

Ioke

Kika (unused)

Lana (unused)

Maka (unused)

Retirement

The name Ioke was retired from the north-central Pacific list by the WMO in the spring of 2007 and replaced with Iopa. During the 61st Interdepartmental Hurricane Conference, the Hawaii State Civil Defense requested the retirement of the name Daniel, citing that the storm had become memorable due to threat of damage. However, the request was denied, as the name remains on the tropical cyclone naming list.

Season effects

This is a table of the storms in 2006 and their landfall(s), if any; the table does not include storms that did not make landfall, which is defined as the center of the storm moving over a landmass. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but are still storm-related. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical or a wave or low.

Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale
TD	TS	C1	C2	C3	C4	C5

Name	Dates active	Peak classification	Sustained wind speeds	Pressure	Land areas affected	Damage (USD)	Deaths	Refs
Aletta	May 27 – May 30	Tropical storm	45 mph (72 km/h)	1,002 hPa (29.6 inHg)	None	Minimal	0
Two-E	June 3 – June 5	Tropical depression	35 mph (56 km/h)	1,005 hPa (29.7 inHg)	None	Unknown	0
Bud	July 11 – July 16	Category 3 hurricane	125 mph (201 km/h)	953 hPa (28.1 inHg)	None	none	0
Carlotta	July 12 – July 16	Category 1 hurricane	85 mph (137 km/h)	981 hPa (29.0 inHg)	None	none	0
Daniel	July 16 – July 26	Category 4 hurricane	150 mph (240 km/h)	933 hPa (27.6 inHg)	None	none	0
Emilia	July 21 – July 28	Tropical storm	65 mph (105 km/h)	990 hPa (29 inHg)	None	Unknown	0
Fabio	July 31 – August 3	Tropical storm	50 mph (80 km/h)	1,000 hPa (30 inHg)	None	none	0
Gilma	August 1 – August 3	Tropical storm	40 mph (64 km/h)	1,004 hPa (29.6 inHg)	None	none	0
Hector	August 15 – August 23	Category 2 hurricane	110 mph (180 km/h)	966 hPa (28.5 inHg)	None	none	0
Ioke	August 20 – 27	Category 5 hurricane	160 mph (260 km/h)	915 hPa (27.0 inHg)	Wake Island (Direct hit, no landfall) (August 30; 155 mph (249 km/h))	$88 million	0
Ileana	August 21 – August 27	Category 3 hurricane	120 mph (190 km/h)	955 hPa (28.2 inHg)	None	Minimal	1
John	August 28 – September 4	Category 4 hurricane	130 mph (210 km/h)	948 hPa (28.0 inHg)	Cabo del Este, Mexico (September 1; 110 mph (180 km/h))	$60.9 million	5
Kristy	August 30 – September 8	Category 1 hurricane	80 mph (130 km/h)	985 hPa (29.1 inHg)	None	none	0
Lane	September 13 – September 17	Category 3 hurricane	125 mph (201 km/h)	952 hPa (28.1 inHg)	Islas Marías (September 15; 105 mph (169 km/h))	$203 million	4
					El Dorado, Mexico (September 16; 125 mph (201 km/h))
Miriam	September 16 – September 18	Tropical storm	45 mph (72 km/h)	999 hPa (29.5 inHg)	None	none	0
Two-C	September 19 – September 20	Tropical depression	35 mph (56 km/h)	1,007 hPa (29.7 inHg)	None	none	0
Three-C	September 26 – September 27	Tropical depression	35 mph (56 km/h)	1,008 hPa (29.8 inHg)	None	none	0
Norman	October 9 – October 15	Tropical storm	50 mph (80 km/h)	1,000 hPa (30 inHg)	Manzanillo, Mexico (October 15; 35 mph (56 km/h))	none	0
Olivia	October 9 – October 12	Tropical storm	45 mph (72 km/h)	1,000 hPa (30 inHg)	None	none	0
Four-C	October 13 – October 14	Tropical depression	35 mph (56 km/h)	1,007 hPa (29.7 inHg)	None	none	0
Paul	October 21 – October 26	Category 2 hurricane	105 mph (169 km/h)	970 hPa (29 inHg)	Isla Altamura, Mexico (October 26; 30 mph (48 km/h))	$3.2 million	4
Eighteen-E	October 26 – October 27	Tropical depression	35 mph (56 km/h)	1,007 hPa (29.7 inHg)	None	none	0
Unnamed	October 30 – November 4	Subtropical storm	60 mph (97 km/h)	989 hPa (29.2 inHg)	None	none	0
Rosa	November 8 – November 10	Tropical storm	40 mph (64 km/h)	1,002 hPa (29.6 inHg)	None	none	0
Twenty-E	November 11 – November 11	Tropical depression	35 mph (56 km/h)	1,007 hPa (29.7 inHg)	None	none	0
Sergio	November 13 – November 20	Category 2 hurricane	110 mph (180 km/h)	965 hPa (28.5 inHg)	None	none	0
Season Aggregates
22 cyclones	May 27 – November 20		160 mph (260 km/h)	915 hPa (27.0 inHg)		$355 million	14

See also

• List of Pacific hurricanes
• List of Pacific hurricane seasons
• 2006 Atlantic hurricane season
• 2006 Pacific typhoon season
• 2006 North Indian Ocean cyclone season
• South-West Indian Ocean cyclone seasons: 2005–06, 2006–07
• Australian region cyclone seasons: 2005–06, 2006–07
• South Pacific cyclone seasons: 2005–06, 2006–07

External links

• National Hurricane Center's Eastern Pacific Tropical Weather Outlook - updated four times daily
• National Hurricane Center
• National Hurricane Center's 2006 Advisory Archive
• Central Pacific Hurricane Center