Log in
Log out
Hurricane Newton
Status: Closed
| Type of posting | Posting date(EST): | Summary | Downloads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landfall | 9/6/2016 12:00:00 PM |
|
Landfall | Summary
Posting Date: September 6, 2016, 12:00:00 PM
Hurricane Newton made landfall on the Baja Peninsula early Tuesday morning near Cabo San Lucas as a Category 1 storm. Maximum sustained winds of 90 mph were recorded at 6:00 a.m. MDT (12:00 UTC), along with a minimum central pressure of 979 mb. Hurricane warnings have been issued for the southern half of the Peninsula, and tropical storm warnings are in effect for the northwestern coast of Mexico, where Newton is projected to make its second landfall early Wednesday morning as a lesser Category 1 hurricane after weakening along its path north-northwestward.
Track map of Hurricane Newton. (Source: NOAA)Meteorological Summary
Hurricane-force winds are expected throughout the southern Baja Peninsula today, heading toward northwestern Mexico late tonight into early Wednesday. Rainfall accumulations of 8–12 inches are forecast for the southern part of the Baja Peninsula, and northwestern Mexico may receive 5–10 inches; some areas may see isolated amounts of up to 18 inches. Flash floods and mudslides are expected for the coastal portions of the affected Mexican states through midweek, and flooding from storm surge may impact locales where Newton makes landfall.
Only six hurricanes have made landfall near Los Cabos, Mexico, since 1971, making Newton the seventh. The strongest hurricane of record to make landfall there was Hurricane Odile in 2014.
Reported Impacts
Before making landfall, the weather system that eventually became Hurricane Newton caused damage in the southern part of Mexico. At least 70 homes and schools were damaged in Acapulco in the state of Guerrero, and heavy rain in Guerrero on Saturday led to the flooding of at least 1,400 homes, according to reports. Civil protection authorities said 30 landslides impacted the state's highways, and at least three deaths in the southern state of Chiapas are being blamed on the system’s impacts.
Airlines canceled flights as Newton approached Los Cabos on Monday night, stranding about 14,000 tourists, according to State Tourism Secretary Genaro Ruiz. Some damage to luxury resorts in Los Cabos has been reported.
Exposure at Risk
Residential buildings in the region are predominantly of masonry and concrete construction; however, it is estimated that up to 50% of new homes built each year are constructed without a building permit. Commercial building stock in Mexico is varied, from poorly constructed low-rise masonry structures to well-maintained steel buildings.
Engineered structures and roof and wall claddings of non-engineered structures may see isolated instances of minor damage. Roof and wall claddings of many poorly constructed buildings will suffer minor damage. Some damage to signage, traffic lights, and trees can be expected.
Rainfall accumulation can cause significant damage to low-rise structures from precipitation-induced flooding, and storm surge may inundate buildings near the landfall locations.
Industry Impacts
Although properties in Mexico are at significant risk from tropical cyclones, residential take-up rates are still very low. Commercial take-up rates are much higher, covering a significant portion of insurable properties. Hurricane Newton made landfall near the resort towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, where some damage has already been reported. Potential industry impacts will become more evident as damage is reported and assessed.
Forecast Track
Hurricane Newton is expected to continue north-northwestward through Tuesday, turning northward later this evening and gradually weakening before making a second landfall at hurricane strength along the northwestern coast of mainland Mexico early Wednesday morning.
