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{{Infobox weather event
{{Infobox weather event
| name = Hurricane Rick
| name = Hurricane Rick
| image = Rick.A2009290.2020.250m.jpg
| image = Rick 2009-10-17 2020Z.jpg
| caption = Hurricane Rick near peak intensity south of Mexico, on October 17
| caption = Hurricane Rick near peak intensity south of Mexico, on October 17
| formed = October 15, 2009
| formed = October 15, 2009
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==Meteorological history==
==Meteorological history==
{{storm path|Rick 2009 track.png|alt=The track of a major hurricane starts off the southwestern Pacific coast of Mexico, heads northwestward, and ultimately turns northeastward before moving ashore.}}
{{storm path|Rick 2009 path.png|alt=The track of a major hurricane starts off the southwestern Pacific coast of Mexico, heads northwestward, and ultimately turns northeastward before moving ashore.|colors=new}}
Hurricane Rick originated from a strong [[tropical wave]] that moved off the west coast of Africa on October 3, 2009. [[Atmospheric convection|Convective activity]] was initially sparse as the system tracked westward across the Atlantic Ocean. By October&nbsp;8, an [[Low-pressure area|area of low pressure]] developed within the disturbance wave and convection increased. The low eventually moved over South America and dissipated on October&nbsp;11. The wave, however, remained well-defined and continued westward, entering the Pacific Ocean on October&nbsp;12.<ref name="TCR">{{cite web|author=John P. Cangialosi and Lixion A. Avila|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=December 3, 2009|access-date=December 14, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Tropical Cyclone Report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=EP202009_Rick}}|format=[[PDF]]}}</ref> By the morning of October&nbsp;15, the wave began to regain convection and eventually spawned a new area of low pressure roughly {{convert|475|mi|km nmi|0|abbr=on}} south-southwest of [[Puerto Ángel|Puerto Ángel, Mexico]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Eric S. Blake |publisher=National Hurricane Center |date=October 15, 2009 |title=Tropical Weather Outlook |access-date=October 18, 2009 |url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Outlook-P/2009101505.ABPZ20 }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> By the afternoon, the NHC reported that the system had become increasingly organized and was likely to develop into a tropical depression later that day.<ref>{{cite web|author=John P. Cangialosi |author2=Jack L. Beven |publisher=National Hurricane Center |date=October 15, 2009 |access-date=October 18, 2009 |title=Tropical Weather Outlook |url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Outlook-P/2009101517.ABPZ20 }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Around 11:00&nbsp;am [[Pacific Daylight Time|PDT]] (1800&nbsp;[[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]), the NHC declared that the low had developed into a tropical depression, the 20th of the [[2009 Pacific hurricane season]].<ref name="TCR"/><ref>{{cite web|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 15, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Tropical Depression Twenty-E Public Advisory One|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.public.001.shtml?}}</ref> The storm featured well-developed [[Outflow (meteorology)|outflow]] in all directions. Environmental conditions consisting of low [[wind shear]], high moisture content and above average [[sea surface temperature]]s in the path of the system were exceptionally favorable for [[Rapid intensification|rapid development]]. Additionally, the storm was being steered through this region by a low- to mid-level [[Ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] over Mexico.<ref name="D1">{{cite web|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 15, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Tropical Depression Twenty-E Discussion One|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.discus.001.shtml?}}</ref>
Hurricane Rick originated from a strong [[tropical wave]] that moved off the west coast of Africa on October 3, 2009. [[Atmospheric convection|Convective activity]] was initially sparse as the system tracked westward across the Atlantic Ocean. By October&nbsp;8, an [[Low-pressure area|area of low pressure]] developed within the disturbance wave and convection increased. The low eventually moved over South America and dissipated on October&nbsp;11. The wave, however, remained well-defined and continued westward, entering the Pacific Ocean on October&nbsp;12.<ref name="TCR">{{cite web|author=John P. Cangialosi and Lixion A. Avila|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=December 3, 2009|access-date=December 14, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Tropical Cyclone Report|url={{NHC TCR url|id=EP202009_Rick}}|format=[[PDF]]}}</ref> By the morning of October&nbsp;15, the wave began to regain convection and eventually spawned a new area of low pressure roughly {{convert|475|mi|km nmi|0|abbr=on}} south-southwest of [[Puerto Ángel|Puerto Ángel, Mexico]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Eric S. Blake |publisher=National Hurricane Center |date=October 15, 2009 |title=Tropical Weather Outlook |access-date=October 18, 2009 |url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Outlook-P/2009101505.ABPZ20 }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> By the afternoon, the NHC reported that the system had become increasingly organized and was likely to develop into a tropical depression later that day.<ref>{{cite web|author=John P. Cangialosi |author2=Jack L. Beven |publisher=National Hurricane Center |date=October 15, 2009 |access-date=October 18, 2009 |title=Tropical Weather Outlook |url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/Outlook-P/2009101517.ABPZ20 }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Around 11:00&nbsp;am [[Pacific Daylight Time|PDT]] (1800&nbsp;[[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]), the NHC declared that the low had developed into a tropical depression, the 20th of the [[2009 Pacific hurricane season]].<ref name="TCR"/><ref>{{cite web|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 15, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Tropical Depression Twenty-E Public Advisory One|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.public.001.shtml?}}</ref> The storm featured well-developed [[Outflow (meteorology)|outflow]] in all directions. Environmental conditions consisting of low [[wind shear]], high moisture content and above average [[sea surface temperature]]s in the path of the system were exceptionally favorable for [[Rapid intensification|rapid development]]. Additionally, the storm was being steered through this region by a low- to mid-level [[Ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] over Mexico.<ref name="D1">{{cite web|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 15, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Tropical Depression Twenty-E Discussion One|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.discus.001.shtml?}}</ref>


Six hours after being declared a depression, the system quickly intensified into a tropical storm, at which time it was given the name Rick.<ref>{{cite web|author=Eric S. Blake|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 15, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Tropical Storm Rick Public Advisory Two|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.public.002.shtml?}}</ref> Deep convection, an early indication of an [[Eye (cyclone)|eye]] forming, had begun wrapping around the center of the system.<ref name="D2">{{cite web|author=Eric S. Blake|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 15, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Tropical Storm Rick Discussion Two|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.discus.002.shtml?}}</ref> Early on October&nbsp;16, a ragged [[Eye (cyclone)|eyewall]] began to develop and several hours later,<ref name="D3">{{cite web|author=John P. Cangialosi|author2=Michael J. Brennan|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 16, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Tropical Storm Rick Discussion Three|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.discus.003.shtml?}}</ref> Rick intensified into a [[Category&nbsp;1 hurricane]] with winds of {{convert|75|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}.<ref>{{cite web|author=Chris W. Landsea|author2=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 16, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Public Advisory Four|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.public.004.shtml?}}</ref> The rapid intensification was fueled by waters of {{convert|30|C|F|abbr=on}}, several degrees above average.<ref name="TCR"/><ref name="D4">{{cite web|author=Chris W. Landsea|author2=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 16, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Discussion Four|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.discus.004.shtml?}}</ref> By the evening of October&nbsp;16, microwave satellite imagery depicted a well-defined eye; however, this feature was not present on infrared images. Despite this, the NHC upgraded Rick to a [[Category&nbsp;2 hurricane]] with winds now reaching {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}.<ref name="D6">{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 16, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Discussion Six|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.discus.006.shtml?}}</ref> Early the next morning, the storm intensified into a [[Category 3 hurricane|major hurricane]], a storm that ranks as a Category&nbsp;3 or higher on the [[Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale]]. The eye was clearly visible on satellite images and deep, very cold convection surrounded it, signifying a powerful cyclone.<ref name="D7">{{cite web|author=John P. Cangialosi|author2=Michael J. Brennan|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Discussion Seven|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.discus.007.shtml?}}</ref> Less than 40 minutes after this upgrade, the NHC issued a special advisory stating that Rick had further strengthened into a Category&nbsp;4 hurricane.<ref>{{cite web|author=John P. Cangialosi|author2=Michael J. Brennan|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Tropical Cyclone Update|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.update.10170937.shtml?}}</ref>
Six hours after being declared a depression, the system quickly intensified into a tropical storm, at which time it was given the name Rick.<ref>{{cite web|author=Eric S. Blake|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 15, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Tropical Storm Rick Public Advisory Two|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.public.002.shtml?}}</ref> Deep convection, an early indication of an [[Eye (cyclone)|eye]] forming, had begun wrapping around the center of the system.<ref name="D2">{{cite web|author=Eric S. Blake|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 15, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Tropical Storm Rick Discussion Two|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.discus.002.shtml?}}</ref> Early on October&nbsp;16, a ragged [[Eye (cyclone)|eyewall]] began to develop and several hours later,<ref name="D3">{{cite web|author=John P. Cangialosi|author2=Michael J. Brennan|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 16, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Tropical Storm Rick Discussion Three|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.discus.003.shtml?}}</ref> Rick intensified into a [[Category&nbsp;1 hurricane]] with winds of {{convert|75|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}.<ref>{{cite web|author=Chris W. Landsea|author2=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 16, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Public Advisory Four|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.public.004.shtml?}}</ref> The rapid intensification was fueled by waters of {{convert|30|C|F|abbr=on}}, several degrees above average.<ref name="TCR"/><ref name="D4">{{cite web|author=Chris W. Landsea|author2=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 16, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Discussion Four|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.discus.004.shtml?}}</ref> By the evening of October&nbsp;16, microwave satellite imagery depicted a well-defined eye; however, this feature was not present on infrared images. Despite this, the NHC upgraded Rick to a [[Category&nbsp;2 hurricane]] with winds now reaching {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}.<ref name="D6">{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 16, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Discussion Six|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.discus.006.shtml?}}</ref> Early the next morning, the storm intensified into a [[Category 3 hurricane|major hurricane]], a storm that ranks as a Category&nbsp;3 or higher on the [[Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale]]. The eye was clearly visible on satellite images and deep, very cold convection surrounded it, signifying a powerful cyclone.<ref name="D7">{{cite web|author=John P. Cangialosi|author2=Michael J. Brennan|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Discussion Seven|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.discus.007.shtml?}}</ref> Less than 40 minutes after this upgrade, the NHC issued a special advisory stating that Rick had further strengthened into a Category&nbsp;4 hurricane.<ref>{{cite web|author=John P. Cangialosi|author2=Michael J. Brennan|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Tropical Cyclone Update|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.update.10170937.shtml?}}</ref>


[[File:Hurricane Rick October 18, 2009 MODIS.jpg|thumb|right|Hurricane Rick after peak intensity, on October&nbsp;18|alt=Satellite photograph of a sprawling, mature storm with a pronounced eye at the center and curving rainbands. The southern Baja California peninsula protrudes from the north.]]
[[File:Rick 2009-10-18 1755Z.jpg|thumb|right|Hurricane Rick after peak intensity, on October&nbsp;18|alt=Satellite photograph of a sprawling, mature storm with a pronounced eye at the center and curving rainbands. The southern Baja California peninsula protrudes from the north.]]
Continuing to gain strength, Rick attained winds of {{convert|145|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} several hours later on October&nbsp;17. A possible outer eyewall, a second eye larger than the first that often forms at the beginning of an [[Eye (cyclone)#Eyewall replacement cycles|eyewall replacement cycle]], was noted at this time.<ref name="D9">{{cite web|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Discussion Nine|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.discus.009.shtml?}}</ref> The eye of the storm became very well-defined and nearly cloud free, measuring roughly {{convert|11.5|mi|km nmi|abbr=on}} in diameter. In addition to the rapid intensification, Rick was also growing in size.<ref name="D10">{{cite web|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Discussion Ten|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.discus.010.shtml?}}</ref> By the afternoon hours, tropical storm-force winds extended up to {{convert|155|mi|km nmi|0|abbr=on}} from the center of the storm, with a maximum gale diameter of {{convert|300|mi|km nmi|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Forecast Advisory Ten|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.fstadv.010.shtml?}}</ref> At 3:10&nbsp;pm PDT (2210&nbsp;UTC), the NHC issued its second special advisory for Rick, this time stating that the storm had become a Category&nbsp;5 hurricane, the first in the basin since [[Hurricane Kenna]] in [[2002 Pacific hurricane season|2002]].<ref name="Cat5">{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|author2=Robbie J. Berg|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Tropical Cyclone Update|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.update.10172208.shtml?}}</ref><ref name="HURDAT">{{cite web|author=Hurricane Research Division |publisher=National Hurricane Center |title=Eastern Pacific Best Tracks, 1949–2010 |year=2011 |access-date=April 27, 2011 |url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/tracks1949to2010_epa.txt }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Around 8:00&nbsp;pm PDT (0300&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;18), Rick attained its peak intensity as the third-strongest Pacific hurricane on record. Maximum sustained winds in the eyewall reached an estimated {{convert|180|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} and the [[barometric pressure]] is estimated to have bottomed out at {{convert|906|mbar|hPa inHg|2|lk=on|abbr=on}}. The pressure was not directly measured by [[Hurricane Hunter]] aircraft because the storm was too far from land at the time. [[Lixion Avila]], a senior hurricane specialist at the NHC, described Rick's satellite presentation at this time as "spectacular."<ref name="D11">{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Discussion Eleven|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.discus.011.shtml?}}</ref>
Continuing to gain strength, Rick attained winds of {{convert|145|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} several hours later on October&nbsp;17. A possible outer eyewall, a second eye larger than the first that often forms at the beginning of an [[Eye (cyclone)#Eyewall replacement cycles|eyewall replacement cycle]], was noted at this time.<ref name="D9">{{cite web|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Discussion Nine|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.discus.009.shtml?}}</ref> The eye of the storm became very well-defined and nearly cloud free, measuring roughly {{convert|11.5|mi|km nmi|abbr=on}} in diameter. In addition to the rapid intensification, Rick was also growing in size.<ref name="D10">{{cite web|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Discussion Ten|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.discus.010.shtml?}}</ref> By the afternoon hours, tropical storm-force winds extended up to {{convert|155|mi|km nmi|0|abbr=on}} from the center of the storm, with a maximum gale diameter of {{convert|300|mi|km nmi|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Forecast Advisory Ten|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.fstadv.010.shtml?}}</ref> At 3:10&nbsp;pm PDT (2210&nbsp;UTC), the NHC issued its second special advisory for Rick, this time stating that the storm had become a Category&nbsp;5 hurricane, the first in the basin since [[Hurricane Kenna]] in [[2002 Pacific hurricane season|2002]].<ref name="Cat5">{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|author2=Robbie J. Berg|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Tropical Cyclone Update|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.update.10172208.shtml?}}</ref><ref name="HURDAT">{{cite web|author=Hurricane Research Division |publisher=National Hurricane Center |title=Eastern Pacific Best Tracks, 1949–2010 |year=2011 |access-date=April 27, 2011 |url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/tracks1949to2010_epa.txt }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Around 8:00&nbsp;pm PDT (0300&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;18), Rick attained its peak intensity as the third-strongest Pacific hurricane on record. Maximum sustained winds in the eyewall reached an estimated {{convert|180|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} and the [[barometric pressure]] is estimated to have bottomed out at {{convert|906|mbar|hPa inHg|2|lk=on|abbr=on}}. The pressure was not directly measured by [[Hurricane Hunter]] aircraft because the storm was too far from land at the time. [[Lixion Avila]], a senior hurricane specialist at the NHC, described Rick's satellite presentation at this time as "spectacular."<ref name="D11">{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Discussion Eleven|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.discus.011.shtml?}}</ref>


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==Preparations==
==Preparations==
[[File:Rick 2009-10-20 2050Z.jpg|thumb|left|Tropical Storm Rick approaching Mexico on October&nbsp;20|alt=Satellite image of a more poorly organized and less intense storm. Thunderstorms no longer surround the center, and are instead concentrated on the northeastern side of the circulation. The hurricane is approaching land.]]
[[File:Rick 2009-10-20 2050Z.jpg|thumb|left|Tropical Storm Rick approaching Mexico on October&nbsp;20|alt=Satellite image of a more poorly organized and less intense storm. Thunderstorms no longer surround the center, and are instead concentrated on the northeastern side of the circulation. The hurricane is approaching land.]]
Officials in [[Oaxaca]] shut down beaches and warned people not to venture out into the water. Residents were advised of potentially heavy rainfall.<ref>{{cite web|work=Ciudadania-Express|date=October 16, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Emiten alerta por huracán Rick en zona costera; Oaxaca sin riesgo|url=http://ciudadania-express.com/2009/10/16/emiten-alerta-por-huracan-rick-en-zona-costera-oaxaca-sin-riesgo-ipc/|language=es}}</ref> Along coastal areas of Mexico, specifically around [[Acapulco]], officials closed ports to small crafts due to rough seas.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press |newspaper=The Oklahoman |date=October 18, 2009 |access-date=October 18, 2009 |title=Hurricane Rick builds to Category 5 |url=http://www.newsok.com/hurricane-rick-builds-to-category-5/article/3410139?custom_click=pod_headline_latin-america |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225090408/http://newsok.com/hurricane-rick-builds-to-category-5/article/3410139?custom_click=pod_headline_latin-america |archive-date=February 25, 2014 }}</ref> Residents around the city were also warned about the possibility of mudslides from heavy rain associated with the cyclone's [[Rainbands|outer bands]].<ref>{{cite web|agency=Associated Press |date=October 18, 2009 |access-date=October 18, 2009 |title=Rick avanza como huracán de categoría cinco frente a México |url=http://mx.news.yahoo.com/s/ap/amn_cli_rick |language=es |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091019060223/http://mx.news.yahoo.com/s/ap/amn_cli_rick |archive-date=October 19, 2009 }}</ref> Upon Rick's intensification to a Category&nbsp;4 hurricane, officials in Mexico raised the alert level in [[Guerrero]], [[Jalisco]] and [[Michoacán]] to severe.<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|newspaper=[[El Universal (Mexico City)|El Universal]]|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Huracán Rick provocará lluvias intensas|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/633929.html|language=es}}</ref> In [[Sonora]], the local government placed 14 municipalities under a blue alert, the pre-storm phase;<ref>{{cite news|author=Ulises Gutiérrez and Javier Valdez |newspaper=La Jornada |date=October 18, 2009 |access-date=October 18, 2009 |title=Rick llega a categoría 5; amaga costas del Pacífico |url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2009/10/18/index.php?section%3Destados%26article%3D027n2est |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091021013926/http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2009/10/18/index.php?section=estados&article=027n2est |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 21, 2009 |language=es }}</ref> the alert was upgraded to a yellow alert for the municipalities of Álamos, Benito Juárez, Navojoa, Etchojoa and Huatabampo on October 18.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/18102009/408836.aspx |author=Sebastian Moreno |title=Declaran alerta amarilla en cinco municipios de Sonora por 'Rick' |date=October 18, 2009 |work=El Imparcial |access-date=2009-10-19 |language=es |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091021041938/http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/18102009/408836.aspx |archive-date=October 21, 2009 }}</ref>
Officials in [[Oaxaca]] shut down beaches and warned people not to venture out into the water. Residents were advised of potentially heavy rainfall.<ref>{{cite web|work=Ciudadania-Express|date=October 16, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Emiten alerta por huracán Rick en zona costera; Oaxaca sin riesgo|url=http://ciudadania-express.com/2009/10/16/emiten-alerta-por-huracan-rick-en-zona-costera-oaxaca-sin-riesgo-ipc/|language=es}}</ref> Along coastal areas of Mexico, specifically around [[Acapulco]], officials closed ports to small crafts due to rough seas.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press |newspaper=The Oklahoman |date=October 18, 2009 |access-date=October 18, 2009 |title=Hurricane Rick builds to Category 5 |url=http://www.newsok.com/hurricane-rick-builds-to-category-5/article/3410139?custom_click=pod_headline_latin-america |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225090408/http://newsok.com/hurricane-rick-builds-to-category-5/article/3410139?custom_click=pod_headline_latin-america |archive-date=February 25, 2014 }}</ref> Residents around the city were also warned about the possibility of mudslides from heavy rain associated with the cyclone's [[Rainbands|outer bands]].<ref>{{cite web|agency=Associated Press |date=October 18, 2009 |access-date=October 18, 2009 |title=Rick avanza como huracán de categoría cinco frente a México |url=http://mx.news.yahoo.com/s/ap/amn_cli_rick |language=es |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091019060223/http://mx.news.yahoo.com/s/ap/amn_cli_rick |archive-date=October 19, 2009 }}</ref> Upon Rick's intensification to a Category&nbsp;4 hurricane, officials in Mexico raised the alert level in [[Guerrero]], [[Jalisco]] and [[Michoacán]] to severe.<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|newspaper=[[El Universal (Mexico City)|El Universal]]|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Huracán Rick provocará lluvias intensas|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/633929.html|language=es|archive-date=January 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102200826/http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/633929.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In [[Sonora]], the local government placed 14 municipalities under a blue alert, the pre-storm phase;<ref>{{cite news|author=Ulises Gutiérrez and Javier Valdez |newspaper=La Jornada |date=October 18, 2009 |access-date=October 18, 2009 |title=Rick llega a categoría 5; amaga costas del Pacífico |url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2009/10/18/index.php?section%3Destados%26article%3D027n2est |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091021013926/http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2009/10/18/index.php?section=estados&article=027n2est |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 21, 2009 |language=es }}</ref> the alert was upgraded to a yellow alert for the municipalities of Álamos, Benito Juárez, Navojoa, Etchojoa and Huatabampo on October 18.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/18102009/408836.aspx |author=Sebastian Moreno |title=Declaran alerta amarilla en cinco municipios de Sonora por 'Rick' |date=October 18, 2009 |work=El Imparcial |access-date=2009-10-19 |language=es |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091021041938/http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/18102009/408836.aspx |archive-date=October 21, 2009 }}</ref>


Early on October&nbsp;19, the Government of Mexico issued a [[Tropical cyclone warnings and watches|hurricane watch]] for areas of [[Baja California Sur]] between Santa Fe and San Evaristo.<ref name="TCR"/> Following the issuance of the watch, authorities in the region began planning to open shelters and begin evacuating residents from low-lying areas.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Denver Post|date=October 19, 2009|access-date=October 19, 2009|title=Weakening Rick threatens Baja California resorts|url=http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_13591159}}</ref> Later that day, the watch was replaced by a tropical storm warning as Rick weakened to a tropical storm. By October&nbsp;20, a new tropical storm watch was issued for mainland Mexico for areas between El Roblito and Altata.<ref name="TCR"/> Shortly after, officials had opened nine shelters in the region; however, schools remained open until further notice.<ref>{{cite web|work=Notimex|date=October 20, 2009|access-date=October 21, 2009|title=Esperan en BCS diluvio por tormenta tropical Rick|url=http://noroeste.com.mx/publicaciones.php?id=522387|language=es|archive-date=January 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102200403/http://noroeste.com.mx/publicaciones.php?id=522387|url-status=dead}}</ref> Later in the day, the tropical storm warning for Baja California was discontinued while the watch for mainland Mexico was upgraded to a warning. This warning was later discontinued on October&nbsp;21 as Rick dissipated over the mountains of Mexico.<ref name="TCR"/> Several cruises were affected by the storm throughout southern Baja California. The ''[[Carnival Splendor]]'' made a sudden docking as the storm formed and delayed its arrival in Cabo San Lucas by several days. The ''[[Carnival Spirit]]'', scheduled to dock in Acapulco on October&nbsp;21, delayed its arrival until October&nbsp;22. The ''[[Sapphire Princess]]'' rescheduled its course, remaining near [[San Francisco, California]], for several additional days instead of traveling south. The ''[[Norwegian Star]]'' skipped its planned docking in Cabo San Lucas and remained at sea until the passage of Rick. Other cruises affected by the storm include ''[[Radiance of the Seas]]'', ''[[Mariner of the Seas]]'', ''[[MS Veendam]]'' and ''[[MS Statendam]]''.<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|newspaper=USAToday|date=October 20, 2009|access-date=October 20, 2009|title=No longer a hurricane, Rick still causing trouble for cruise ships near Mexico|url=https://www.usatoday.com/travel/cruises/item.aspx?type=blog&ak=620000142.blog}}</ref>
Early on October&nbsp;19, the Government of Mexico issued a [[Tropical cyclone warnings and watches|hurricane watch]] for areas of [[Baja California Sur]] between Santa Fe and San Evaristo.<ref name="TCR"/> Following the issuance of the watch, authorities in the region began planning to open shelters and begin evacuating residents from low-lying areas.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Denver Post|date=October 19, 2009|access-date=October 19, 2009|title=Weakening Rick threatens Baja California resorts|url=http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_13591159}}</ref> Later that day, the watch was replaced by a tropical storm warning as Rick weakened to a tropical storm. By October&nbsp;20, a new tropical storm watch was issued for mainland Mexico for areas between El Roblito and Altata.<ref name="TCR"/> Shortly after, officials had opened nine shelters in the region; however, schools remained open until further notice.<ref>{{cite web|work=Notimex|date=October 20, 2009|access-date=October 21, 2009|title=Esperan en BCS diluvio por tormenta tropical Rick|url=http://noroeste.com.mx/publicaciones.php?id=522387|language=es|archive-date=January 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102200403/http://noroeste.com.mx/publicaciones.php?id=522387|url-status=dead}}</ref> Later in the day, the tropical storm warning for Baja California was discontinued while the watch for mainland Mexico was upgraded to a warning. This warning was later discontinued on October&nbsp;21 as Rick dissipated over the mountains of Mexico.<ref name="TCR"/> Several cruises were affected by the storm throughout southern Baja California. The ''[[Carnival Splendor]]'' made a sudden docking as the storm formed and delayed its arrival in Cabo San Lucas by several days. The ''[[Carnival Spirit]]'', scheduled to dock in Acapulco on October&nbsp;21, delayed its arrival until October&nbsp;22. The ''[[Sapphire Princess]]'' rescheduled its course, remaining near [[San Francisco, California]], for several additional days instead of traveling south. The ''[[Norwegian Star]]'' skipped its planned docking in Cabo San Lucas and remained at sea until the passage of Rick. Other cruises affected by the storm include ''[[Radiance of the Seas]]'', ''[[Mariner of the Seas]]'', ''[[MS Veendam]]'' and ''[[MS Statendam]]''.<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff Writer|newspaper=USAToday|date=October 20, 2009|access-date=October 20, 2009|title=No longer a hurricane, Rick still causing trouble for cruise ships near Mexico|url=https://www.usatoday.com/travel/cruises/item.aspx?type=blog&ak=620000142.blog}}</ref>
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===Mexico===
===Mexico===
[[File:Baja California Sur overcast skies and waves from Hurricane Rick.jpg|right|thumb|Overcast skies and increased wave action from the hurricane|alt=A beach is battered by choppy seas from an offshore storm and overcast, dark skies hang overhead.]]
[[File:Baja California Sur overcast skies and waves from Hurricane Rick.jpg|right|thumb|Overcast skies and increased wave action from the hurricane|alt=A beach is battered by choppy seas from an offshore storm and overcast, dark skies hang overhead.]]
Schools throughout southern [[Sinaloa]] were closed for two days beginning on October&nbsp;21 due to the arrival of Tropical Storm Rick. Residents in low-lying areas were urged to evacuate due to both [[storm surge]] and fresh water flooding from the anticipated {{convert|3|to|6|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} of rain.<ref>{{cite web|author=Catherine E. Shoichet |agency=Associated Press |date=October 21, 2009 |access-date=October 21, 2009 |title=Tropical storm threatens floods, slides in Mexico |url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gVWjsPEiqe1tEu2mhBIRaxxGi8owD9BFEFB00 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5khVy9P0S?url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gVWjsPEiqe1tEu2mhBIRaxxGi8owD9BFEFB00 |archive-date=October 21, 2009 }}</ref> Although several hundred miles from land, wind gusts up to {{convert|40|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} were felt along coastal areas in [[Mazatlán]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=La Comisión Federal de Electricidad |date=October 18, 2009 |access-date=October 18, 2009 |title=Situación meteorológica actual del ciclón tropical |url=http://www.cfe.gob.mx/es/LaEmpresa/meteorologico/Cargaboletines/boletinavisoshuracan.htm |language=es |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905153428/http://www.cfe.gob.mx/es/LaEmpresa/meteorologico/Cargaboletines/boletinavisoshuracan.htm |archive-date=September 5, 2009 }}</ref> Near the coast of [[Oaxaca]], large seas capsized a boat carrying three people. Two of the passengers were rescued; however, the third was found dead.<ref>{{cite web|work=La Jordana|date=October 21, 2009|access-date=October 21, 2009|title=Alerta en Los Cabos por la tormenta Rick|url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2009/10/21/index.php?section=estados&article=033n3est|language=es}}</ref> Large [[Swell (ocean)|swells]] killed one person along the southern end of [[Baja California Sur]] on October&nbsp;19.<ref name="fatality">{{cite news|author=Susy Buchanan|work=Reuters|date=October 19, 2009|access-date=October 20, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick kills man, nears Mexico coast|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUSN19392025._CH_.2400|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091023173710/http://www.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUSN19392025._CH_.2400|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 23, 2009}}</ref> Another fatality took place in the same region after a boy was swept away from an eroded beach.<ref>{{cite news|author=Pete Thomas|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=October 21, 2009|access-date=October 21, 2009|title=Cabo San Lucas bids farewell to Tropical Storm Rick, which caused minimal damage |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outposts/2009/10/cabo-san-lucas-bids-farewell-to-tropical-storm-rick-which-caused-miniml-damage-.html}}</ref> Roughly 320 people near Cabo San Lucas were evacuated due to the threat of flooding. Reports near the city also indicated that there was structural damage and significant traffic issues from rain-induced mudslides.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Agence France-Presse |newspaper=La Prensa |date=October 21, 2009 |access-date=October 21, 2009 |title=La tormenta tropical 'Rick' toca tierra en el noroeste mexicano |url=http://www.laprensahn.com/Internacionales/Ediciones/2009/10/21/Noticias/Rick-toca-tierra-en-noroeste-mexicano |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120903203403/http://www.laprensahn.com/Internacionales/Ediciones/2009/10/21/Noticias/Rick-toca-tierra-en-noroeste-mexicano |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 3, 2012 |language=es }}</ref>
Schools throughout southern [[Sinaloa]] were closed for two days beginning on October&nbsp;21 due to the arrival of Tropical Storm Rick. Residents in low-lying areas were urged to evacuate due to both [[storm surge]] and fresh water flooding from the anticipated {{convert|3|to|6|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} of rain.<ref>{{cite web|author=Catherine E. Shoichet |agency=Associated Press |date=October 21, 2009 |access-date=October 21, 2009 |title=Tropical storm threatens floods, slides in Mexico |url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gVWjsPEiqe1tEu2mhBIRaxxGi8owD9BFEFB00 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522094022/https://www.webcitation.org/5khVy9P0S?url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gVWjsPEiqe1tEu2mhBIRaxxGi8owD9BFEFB00 |archive-date=May 22, 2024 }}</ref> Although several hundred miles from land, wind gusts up to {{convert|40|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} were felt along coastal areas in [[Mazatlán]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=La Comisión Federal de Electricidad |date=October 18, 2009 |access-date=October 18, 2009 |title=Situación meteorológica actual del ciclón tropical |url=http://www.cfe.gob.mx/es/LaEmpresa/meteorologico/Cargaboletines/boletinavisoshuracan.htm |language=es |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905153428/http://www.cfe.gob.mx/es/LaEmpresa/meteorologico/Cargaboletines/boletinavisoshuracan.htm |archive-date=September 5, 2009 }}</ref> Near the coast of [[Oaxaca]], large seas capsized a boat carrying three people. Two of the passengers were rescued; however, the third was found dead.<ref>{{cite web|work=La Jordana|date=October 21, 2009|access-date=October 21, 2009|title=Alerta en Los Cabos por la tormenta Rick|url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2009/10/21/index.php?section=estados&article=033n3est|language=es}}</ref> Large [[Swell (ocean)|swells]] killed one person along the southern end of [[Baja California Sur]] on October&nbsp;19.<ref name="fatality">{{cite news|author=Susy Buchanan|work=Reuters|date=October 19, 2009|access-date=October 20, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick kills man, nears Mexico coast|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUSN19392025._CH_.2400|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091023173710/http://www.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUSN19392025._CH_.2400|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 23, 2009}}</ref> Another fatality took place in the same region after a boy was swept away from an eroded beach.<ref>{{cite news|author=Pete Thomas|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=October 21, 2009|access-date=October 21, 2009|title=Cabo San Lucas bids farewell to Tropical Storm Rick, which caused minimal damage |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outposts/2009/10/cabo-san-lucas-bids-farewell-to-tropical-storm-rick-which-caused-miniml-damage-.html}}</ref> Roughly 320 people near Cabo San Lucas were evacuated due to the threat of flooding. Reports near the city also indicated that there was structural damage and significant traffic issues from rain-induced mudslides.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Agence France-Presse |newspaper=La Prensa |date=October 21, 2009 |access-date=October 21, 2009 |title=La tormenta tropical 'Rick' toca tierra en el noroeste mexicano |url=http://www.laprensahn.com/Internacionales/Ediciones/2009/10/21/Noticias/Rick-toca-tierra-en-noroeste-mexicano |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120903203403/http://www.laprensahn.com/Internacionales/Ediciones/2009/10/21/Noticias/Rick-toca-tierra-en-noroeste-mexicano |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 3, 2012 |language=es }}</ref>


In Mazatlán, near where Rick made landfall, high winds downed trees and signs, leaving numerous residents without power. Heavy rain was also reported during the passage of the storm.<ref>{{cite news|author=Guillermo Arias (Associated Press)|newspaper=San Diego Union Tribune|date=October 21, 2009|access-date=October 21, 2009|title=Tropical storm hits Mexican resort, topples trees|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/oct/21/tropical-weather-102109/}}</ref> Throughout Mexico, damage from Rick amounted to 192&nbsp;million [[Mexican peso|pesos]] ($14.6&nbsp;million [[United States dollar|USD]]).<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres|date=October 2010|access-date=August 22, 2011|title=Características e Impacto Socioeconòmico de los Principales Desastres Ocurridos en la República Mexicana en el Año 2009|url=http://www.ordenjuridico.gob.mx/Publicaciones/CDs2010/CDProteccion/pdf/31D.pdf|page=6|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102201007/http://www.ordenjuridico.gob.mx/Publicaciones/CDs2010/CDProteccion/pdf/31D.pdf|archive-date=January 2, 2014}}</ref> On December&nbsp;29, the [[Government of Mexico]] allocated 381&nbsp;million pesos (US$29.6&nbsp;million) to assist in recovery from both Hurricanes Jimena and Rick.<ref>{{cite web|author=El Periódico de México |work=Crónica del Poder |date=December 29, 2009 |access-date=January 5, 2010 |title=Veracruz, de los estados que más recibieron recursos del Fonden |url=http://www.cronicadelpoder.com/Noticia.aspx?IdNoticia=21813 |language=es }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
In Mazatlán, near where Rick made landfall, high winds downed trees and signs, leaving numerous residents without power. Heavy rain was also reported during the passage of the storm.<ref>{{cite news|author=Guillermo Arias (Associated Press)|newspaper=San Diego Union Tribune|date=October 21, 2009|access-date=October 21, 2009|title=Tropical storm hits Mexican resort, topples trees|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/oct/21/tropical-weather-102109/}}</ref> Throughout Mexico, damage from Rick amounted to 192&nbsp;million [[Mexican peso|pesos]] ($14.6&nbsp;million [[United States dollar|USD]]).<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres|date=October 2010|access-date=August 22, 2011|title=Características e Impacto Socioeconòmico de los Principales Desastres Ocurridos en la República Mexicana en el Año 2009|url=http://www.ordenjuridico.gob.mx/Publicaciones/CDs2010/CDProteccion/pdf/31D.pdf|page=6|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102201007/http://www.ordenjuridico.gob.mx/Publicaciones/CDs2010/CDProteccion/pdf/31D.pdf|archive-date=January 2, 2014}}</ref> On December&nbsp;29, the [[Government of Mexico]] allocated 381&nbsp;million pesos (US$29.6&nbsp;million) to assist in recovery from both Hurricanes Jimena and Rick.<ref>{{cite web|author=El Periódico de México |work=Crónica del Poder |date=December 29, 2009 |access-date=January 5, 2010 |title=Veracruz, de los estados que más recibieron recursos del Fonden |url=http://www.cronicadelpoder.com/Noticia.aspx?IdNoticia=21813 |language=es }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
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Although no longer a tropical cyclone, remnant moisture from Rick enhanced a strong [[weather front|cold front]] over the [[Great Plains]] of the United States. Severe thunderstorms occurred over parts of the southern states, with at least three tornadoes touching down in Louisiana. Further north, the complex brought heavy rainfall to the northeast and parts of southern Canada. In [[Louisiana]], the storm system spawned seven tornadoes, two of which were ranked as [[Enhanced Fujita Scale|EF-1]].<ref name="NCDC">{{cite web|author=Stuart Hinson |publisher=National Climatic Data Center |year=2010 |access-date=January 21, 2010 |title=NCDC Storm Events Database |url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~storms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080814144145/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~storms |archive-date=August 14, 2008 }}</ref> One of these tornadoes damaged more than 10&nbsp;structures, destroyed a grain silo, flipped a tractor trailer and left numerous residents without power.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=USAToday|date=October 22, 2009|access-date=October 24, 2009|title=Tornado sweeps through southwest Louisiana|url=https://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/tornadoes/2009-10-22-louisiana-tornado_N.htm?csp=34}}</ref> In all, the tornadoes left nearly $1&nbsp;million in losses and injured one person.<ref name="NCDC"/>
Although no longer a tropical cyclone, remnant moisture from Rick enhanced a strong [[weather front|cold front]] over the [[Great Plains]] of the United States. Severe thunderstorms occurred over parts of the southern states, with at least three tornadoes touching down in Louisiana. Further north, the complex brought heavy rainfall to the northeast and parts of southern Canada. In [[Louisiana]], the storm system spawned seven tornadoes, two of which were ranked as [[Enhanced Fujita Scale|EF-1]].<ref name="NCDC">{{cite web|author=Stuart Hinson |publisher=National Climatic Data Center |year=2010 |access-date=January 21, 2010 |title=NCDC Storm Events Database |url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~storms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080814144145/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~storms |archive-date=August 14, 2008 }}</ref> One of these tornadoes damaged more than 10&nbsp;structures, destroyed a grain silo, flipped a tractor trailer and left numerous residents without power.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=USAToday|date=October 22, 2009|access-date=October 24, 2009|title=Tornado sweeps through southwest Louisiana|url=https://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/tornadoes/2009-10-22-louisiana-tornado_N.htm?csp=34}}</ref> In all, the tornadoes left nearly $1&nbsp;million in losses and injured one person.<ref name="NCDC"/>


In Texas, the remnants of Rick produced torrential rainfall, peaking at {{convert|9.34|in|mm|abbr=on}} within a concentrated area. Meteorologists did not anticipate the severity of the precipitation in this area.<ref name="HLN1"/> One person was killed after being swept away in her Jeep on a flooded roadway. Several homes were also flooded during the event and an estimated 300 homes were left without power. Following the floods, numerous roads were closed and some schools had delayed openings.<ref name="HLN1">{{cite web |author=Geoff West |work=Burnet Bulletin|publisher=Highland Lakes Newspapers |date=October 23, 2009 |access-date=October 24, 2009 |title=Storm saturates area, delays schools |url=http://www.burnetbulletin.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Storm%2Bsaturates%2Barea-%2Bdelays%2Bschools%20%26id%3D4103683%26instance%3Dhighlander_news |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5kln2Apwq?url=http://www.burnetbulletin.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Storm+saturates+area-+delays+schools%20&id=4103683&instance=highlander_news |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 24, 2009 }}</ref> Throughout the state, flood damage amounted to $690,000, with most of this being in [[Travis County, Texas|Travis County]].<ref name="NCDC"/> Heavy rainfall in Louisiana contributed to widespread flooding that resulted in the closure of several major highways.<ref>{{cite web|author=Stuart Hinson|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2010|access-date=January 21, 2010|title=Louisiana Event Report: Flash Flood|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~786345|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112110330/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~786345|archive-date=January 12, 2012}}</ref> In [[Union Parish, Louisiana|Union Parish]], rainfall exceeding {{convert|6|in|mm|abbr=on}} led to flash flooding that inundated several homes and a local school, inflicting over $100,000 in damage.<ref>{{cite web|author=Stuart Hinson|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2010|access-date=January 21, 2010|title=Louisiana Event Report: Flash Flood|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~786350|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112104748/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~786350|archive-date=January 12, 2012}}</ref>
In Texas, the remnants of Rick produced torrential rainfall, peaking at {{convert|9.34|in|mm|abbr=on}} within a concentrated area. Meteorologists did not anticipate the severity of the precipitation in this area.<ref name="HLN1"/> One person was killed after being swept away in her Jeep on a flooded roadway. Several homes were also flooded during the event and an estimated 300 homes were left without power. Following the floods, numerous roads were closed and some schools had delayed openings.<ref name="HLN1">{{cite web |author=Geoff West |work=Burnet Bulletin|publisher=Highland Lakes Newspapers |date=October 23, 2009 |access-date=October 24, 2009 |title=Storm saturates area, delays schools |url=http://www.burnetbulletin.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Storm%2Bsaturates%2Barea-%2Bdelays%2Bschools%20%26id%3D4103683%26instance%3Dhighlander_news |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522094103/https://www.webcitation.org/5kln2Apwq?url=http://www.burnetbulletin.com/pages/full_story/push%3Farticle-Storm+saturates+area-+delays+schools%20&id=4103683&instance=highlander_news |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 22, 2024 }}</ref> Throughout the state, flood damage amounted to $690,000, with most of this being in [[Travis County, Texas|Travis County]].<ref name="NCDC"/> Heavy rainfall in Louisiana contributed to widespread flooding that resulted in the closure of several major highways.<ref>{{cite web|author=Stuart Hinson|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2010|access-date=January 21, 2010|title=Louisiana Event Report: Flash Flood|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~786345|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112110330/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~786345|archive-date=January 12, 2012}}</ref> In [[Union Parish, Louisiana|Union Parish]], rainfall exceeding {{convert|6|in|mm|abbr=on}} led to flash flooding that inundated several homes and a local school, inflicting over $100,000 in damage.<ref>{{cite web|author=Stuart Hinson|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2010|access-date=January 21, 2010|title=Louisiana Event Report: Flash Flood|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~786350|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112104748/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~786350|archive-date=January 12, 2012}}</ref>


==Records and intensity forecasts==
==Distinctions and intensity forecasts==
{{Most intense Pacific hurricanes|align=right}}
{{Most intense Pacific hurricanes|align=right}}
On October&nbsp;17, Hurricane Rick was classified a Category&nbsp;5 hurricane, becoming the first in the [[Pacific hurricane|eastern Pacific basin]] since [[Hurricane Kenna]] in [[2002 Pacific hurricane season|2002]] and the first east of the [[International Date Line]] since [[Hurricane Ioke]] in [[2006 Pacific hurricane season|2006]].<ref name="Cat5"/> The storm also became the thirteenth cyclone of this intensity east of the [[International Date Line]] since official records in the Eastern Pacific began in 1949.<ref name="HURDAT"/> Shortly after being upgraded to Category&nbsp;5 status, Rick attained its peak intensity with winds of {{convert|180|mph|km/h kn|0|abbr=on}} and a [[barometric pressure]] of {{convert|906|mbar|hPa inHg|2|lk=on|abbr=on}},<ref name="PA11"/> making it the second-strongest hurricane ever recorded in the East Pacific, surpassing Kenna. Only [[Hurricane Linda (1997)|Hurricane Linda]] of [[1997 Pacific hurricane season|1997]] was stronger than Rick, with minimum pressure of {{convert|902|mbar|hPa inHg|abbr=on}}.<ref name="HURDAT"/> [[Hurricane Patricia]] in 2015 later far surpassed both Rick and Linda, attaining a pressure of 872 mbar (hPa; {{convert|872|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4|disp=out}}).<ref>{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 23, 2015|access-date=October 23, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Discussion Number 14|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.014.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> It also became the second storm in the basin to have sustained winds of {{convert|180|mph|km/h kn|0|abbr=on}} or higher, the first being Linda with {{convert|185|mph|km/h kn|0|abbr=on}} winds.<ref name="HURDAT"/><ref name="PA11">{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Public Advisory Eleven|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.public.011.shtml?}}</ref> Patricia surpassed both with {{convert|215|mph|km/h kn|0|abbr=on}} winds.
On October&nbsp;17, Hurricane Rick was classified a Category&nbsp;5 hurricane, becoming the first in the [[Pacific hurricane|eastern Pacific basin]] since [[Hurricane Kenna]] in [[2002 Pacific hurricane season|2002]] and the first east of the [[International Date Line]] since [[Hurricane Ioke]] in [[2006 Pacific hurricane season|2006]].<ref name="Cat5"/> The storm also became the thirteenth cyclone of this intensity east of the [[International Date Line]] since official records in the Eastern Pacific began in 1949.<ref name="HURDAT"/> Shortly after being upgraded to Category&nbsp;5 status, Rick attained its peak intensity with winds of {{convert|180|mph|km/h kn|0|abbr=on}} and a [[barometric pressure]] of {{convert|906|mbar|hPa inHg|2|lk=on|abbr=on}},<ref name="PA11"/> making it the second-strongest hurricane ever recorded in the East Pacific, surpassing Kenna. Only [[Hurricane Linda (1997)|Hurricane Linda]] of [[1997 Pacific hurricane season|1997]] was stronger than Rick, with minimum pressure of {{convert|902|mbar|hPa inHg|abbr=on}}.<ref name="HURDAT"/> [[Hurricane Patricia]] in 2015 later far surpassed both Rick and Linda, attaining a pressure of 872 mbar (hPa; {{convert|872|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4|disp=out}}).<ref>{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 23, 2015|access-date=October 23, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Discussion Number 14|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.014.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> It also became the second storm in the basin to have sustained winds of {{convert|180|mph|km/h kn|0|abbr=on}} or higher, the first being Linda with {{convert|185|mph|km/h kn|0|abbr=on}} winds.<ref name="HURDAT"/><ref name="PA11">{{cite web|author=Lixion A. Avila|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 17, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2009|title=Hurricane Rick Public Advisory Eleven|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2009/ep20/ep202009.public.011.shtml?}}</ref> Patricia surpassed both with {{convert|215|mph|km/h kn|0|abbr=on}} winds.

Latest revision as of 20:55, 16 August 2024

Hurricane Rick
Hurricane Rick near peak intensity south of Mexico, on October 17
Meteorological history
FormedOctober 15, 2009
DissipatedOctober 21, 2009
Category 5 major hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds180 mph (285 km/h)
Lowest pressure906 mbar (hPa); 26.75 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities3 direct, 1 indirect
Damage$14.6 million (2009 USD)
Areas affected
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata

Part of the 2009 Pacific hurricane season

Hurricane Rick was the third-most intense Pacific hurricane on record and the second-most intense tropical cyclone worldwide in 2009, only behind Typhoon Nida. Developing off the southern coast of Mexico on October 15, Rick traversed an area with favorable environmental conditions, favoring rapid intensification, allowing it to become a hurricane within 24 hours of being declared a tropical depression. An eye began to form during the afternoon of October 16; once fully formed, the storm underwent another period of rapid strengthening. During the afternoon of October 17, the storm attained Category 5 status on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale. Several hours later, Rick attained its peak intensity as the third-strongest Pacific hurricane on record with winds of 180 mph (290 km/h) and a barometric pressure of 906 mbar (hPa; 26.75 inHg).

After maintaining this intensity for several hours, Rick began to weaken in response to a combination of an eyewall replacement cycle and increasing wind shear. By October 19, the storm was downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane and the following day to a tropical storm. The long-anticipated northeast turn took place near the end of this phase, also accompanied by a brief decrease in forward motion. On October 21, Rick quickly moved northeast, brushing the tip of Baja California Sur before making landfall near Mazatlán with winds of 60 mph (97 km/h; 52 kn). Several hours after moving inland, the final advisory from the NHC was issued as the storm weakened to a tropical depression and dissipated.

Prior to landfall, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) initially forecast Rick to make landfall in southern Baja California as a high-end Category 2 hurricane, prompting hurricane watches. Officials ordered several hundred residents to evacuate from low-lying areas, although tropical storm warnings replaced the hurricane watches after the storm had weakened. Overall, the damage from Rick was significantly less than initially anticipated. In Mexico, three people were killed by the storm, one in Oaxaca and two in Baja California Sur.

Meteorological history

[edit]
The track of a major hurricane starts off the southwestern Pacific coast of Mexico, heads northwestward, and ultimately turns northeastward before moving ashore.
Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
  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

Hurricane Rick originated from a strong tropical wave that moved off the west coast of Africa on October 3, 2009. Convective activity was initially sparse as the system tracked westward across the Atlantic Ocean. By October 8, an area of low pressure developed within the disturbance wave and convection increased. The low eventually moved over South America and dissipated on October 11. The wave, however, remained well-defined and continued westward, entering the Pacific Ocean on October 12.[1] By the morning of October 15, the wave began to regain convection and eventually spawned a new area of low pressure roughly 475 mi (764 km; 413 nmi) south-southwest of Puerto Ángel, Mexico.[2] By the afternoon, the NHC reported that the system had become increasingly organized and was likely to develop into a tropical depression later that day.[3] Around 11:00 am PDT (1800 UTC), the NHC declared that the low had developed into a tropical depression, the 20th of the 2009 Pacific hurricane season.[1][4] The storm featured well-developed outflow in all directions. Environmental conditions consisting of low wind shear, high moisture content and above average sea surface temperatures in the path of the system were exceptionally favorable for rapid development. Additionally, the storm was being steered through this region by a low- to mid-level ridge over Mexico.[5]

Six hours after being declared a depression, the system quickly intensified into a tropical storm, at which time it was given the name Rick.[6] Deep convection, an early indication of an eye forming, had begun wrapping around the center of the system.[7] Early on October 16, a ragged eyewall began to develop and several hours later,[8] Rick intensified into a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 75 mph (120 km/h).[9] The rapid intensification was fueled by waters of 30 °C (86 °F), several degrees above average.[1][10] By the evening of October 16, microwave satellite imagery depicted a well-defined eye; however, this feature was not present on infrared images. Despite this, the NHC upgraded Rick to a Category 2 hurricane with winds now reaching 100 mph (160 km/h).[11] Early the next morning, the storm intensified into a major hurricane, a storm that ranks as a Category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale. The eye was clearly visible on satellite images and deep, very cold convection surrounded it, signifying a powerful cyclone.[12] Less than 40 minutes after this upgrade, the NHC issued a special advisory stating that Rick had further strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane.[13]

Satellite photograph of a sprawling, mature storm with a pronounced eye at the center and curving rainbands. The southern Baja California peninsula protrudes from the north.
Hurricane Rick after peak intensity, on October 18

Continuing to gain strength, Rick attained winds of 145 mph (235 km/h) several hours later on October 17. A possible outer eyewall, a second eye larger than the first that often forms at the beginning of an eyewall replacement cycle, was noted at this time.[14] The eye of the storm became very well-defined and nearly cloud free, measuring roughly 11.5 mi (18.5 km; 10.0 nmi) in diameter. In addition to the rapid intensification, Rick was also growing in size.[15] By the afternoon hours, tropical storm-force winds extended up to 155 mi (249 km; 135 nmi) from the center of the storm, with a maximum gale diameter of 300 mi (483 km; 261 nmi).[16] At 3:10 pm PDT (2210 UTC), the NHC issued its second special advisory for Rick, this time stating that the storm had become a Category 5 hurricane, the first in the basin since Hurricane Kenna in 2002.[17][18] Around 8:00 pm PDT (0300 UTC on October 18), Rick attained its peak intensity as the third-strongest Pacific hurricane on record. Maximum sustained winds in the eyewall reached an estimated 180 mph (290 km/h) and the barometric pressure is estimated to have bottomed out at 906 mbar (906.00 hPa; 26.75 inHg). The pressure was not directly measured by Hurricane Hunter aircraft because the storm was too far from land at the time. Lixion Avila, a senior hurricane specialist at the NHC, described Rick's satellite presentation at this time as "spectacular."[19]

Rick maintained its peak intensity for roughly two hours between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm PDT (0200 and 0400 UTC) on October 17, before it began to weaken in response to an eyewall replacement cycle and increasing wind shear.[20] Throughout the day, deep convection around the eye warmed slightly and a combination of dry air and wind shear restrained the extent of the storms' outflow to the west. The combination of these factors imparted steady weakening.[21] Later that day, Rick began to turn towards the northwest as the subtropical ridge north of the system began to weaken.[22] Early on October 19, Rick degraded to a Category 3 hurricane as it began its approach to the southern end of the Baja California peninsula.[23] Wind shear and dry air quickly entered the core of the system, with the eye disappearing from satellite imagery later that morning.[1][24]

During the evening of October 19, the center of Rick became devoid of convective activity, resulting in the NHC downgrading it to a tropical storm. According to meteorologists at the NHC, the weakening was "...almost as fast as it strengthened several days ago."[25] The first Hurricane Hunter reconnaissance mission into the storm took place during the afternoon of October 20. During the mission, sustained winds of 65 mph (105 km/h; 56 kn) and a surface pressure of 990 mbar (990.00 hPa; 29.23 inHg) were recorded.[26] Several hours after this, convection rapidly increased, with a large area of deep convection developing northeast of the center of circulation; however, this was not associated with intensification.[27] Around 7:00 am PDT (1400 UTC) on October 21. Tropical Storm Rick made landfall near Mazatlán with winds of 60 mph (95 km/h).[1][28] Following landfall, the storm rapidly weakened to a tropical depression[29] and roughly seven hours after moving inland, the surface circulation of Rick dissipated over the high terrain of Mexico.[30]

Preparations

[edit]
Satellite image of a more poorly organized and less intense storm. Thunderstorms no longer surround the center, and are instead concentrated on the northeastern side of the circulation. The hurricane is approaching land.
Tropical Storm Rick approaching Mexico on October 20

Officials in Oaxaca shut down beaches and warned people not to venture out into the water. Residents were advised of potentially heavy rainfall.[31] Along coastal areas of Mexico, specifically around Acapulco, officials closed ports to small crafts due to rough seas.[32] Residents around the city were also warned about the possibility of mudslides from heavy rain associated with the cyclone's outer bands.[33] Upon Rick's intensification to a Category 4 hurricane, officials in Mexico raised the alert level in Guerrero, Jalisco and Michoacán to severe.[34] In Sonora, the local government placed 14 municipalities under a blue alert, the pre-storm phase;[35] the alert was upgraded to a yellow alert for the municipalities of Álamos, Benito Juárez, Navojoa, Etchojoa and Huatabampo on October 18.[36]

Early on October 19, the Government of Mexico issued a hurricane watch for areas of Baja California Sur between Santa Fe and San Evaristo.[1] Following the issuance of the watch, authorities in the region began planning to open shelters and begin evacuating residents from low-lying areas.[37] Later that day, the watch was replaced by a tropical storm warning as Rick weakened to a tropical storm. By October 20, a new tropical storm watch was issued for mainland Mexico for areas between El Roblito and Altata.[1] Shortly after, officials had opened nine shelters in the region; however, schools remained open until further notice.[38] Later in the day, the tropical storm warning for Baja California was discontinued while the watch for mainland Mexico was upgraded to a warning. This warning was later discontinued on October 21 as Rick dissipated over the mountains of Mexico.[1] Several cruises were affected by the storm throughout southern Baja California. The Carnival Splendor made a sudden docking as the storm formed and delayed its arrival in Cabo San Lucas by several days. The Carnival Spirit, scheduled to dock in Acapulco on October 21, delayed its arrival until October 22. The Sapphire Princess rescheduled its course, remaining near San Francisco, California, for several additional days instead of traveling south. The Norwegian Star skipped its planned docking in Cabo San Lucas and remained at sea until the passage of Rick. Other cruises affected by the storm include Radiance of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, MS Veendam and MS Statendam.[39]

Impact and aftermath

[edit]

Mexico

[edit]
A beach is battered by choppy seas from an offshore storm and overcast, dark skies hang overhead.
Overcast skies and increased wave action from the hurricane

Schools throughout southern Sinaloa were closed for two days beginning on October 21 due to the arrival of Tropical Storm Rick. Residents in low-lying areas were urged to evacuate due to both storm surge and fresh water flooding from the anticipated 3 to 6 in (76 to 152 mm) of rain.[40] Although several hundred miles from land, wind gusts up to 40 mph (65 km/h) were felt along coastal areas in Mazatlán.[41] Near the coast of Oaxaca, large seas capsized a boat carrying three people. Two of the passengers were rescued; however, the third was found dead.[42] Large swells killed one person along the southern end of Baja California Sur on October 19.[43] Another fatality took place in the same region after a boy was swept away from an eroded beach.[44] Roughly 320 people near Cabo San Lucas were evacuated due to the threat of flooding. Reports near the city also indicated that there was structural damage and significant traffic issues from rain-induced mudslides.[45]

In Mazatlán, near where Rick made landfall, high winds downed trees and signs, leaving numerous residents without power. Heavy rain was also reported during the passage of the storm.[46] Throughout Mexico, damage from Rick amounted to 192 million pesos ($14.6 million USD).[47] On December 29, the Government of Mexico allocated 381 million pesos (US$29.6 million) to assist in recovery from both Hurricanes Jimena and Rick.[48]

United States

[edit]

Although no longer a tropical cyclone, remnant moisture from Rick enhanced a strong cold front over the Great Plains of the United States. Severe thunderstorms occurred over parts of the southern states, with at least three tornadoes touching down in Louisiana. Further north, the complex brought heavy rainfall to the northeast and parts of southern Canada. In Louisiana, the storm system spawned seven tornadoes, two of which were ranked as EF-1.[49] One of these tornadoes damaged more than 10 structures, destroyed a grain silo, flipped a tractor trailer and left numerous residents without power.[50] In all, the tornadoes left nearly $1 million in losses and injured one person.[49]

In Texas, the remnants of Rick produced torrential rainfall, peaking at 9.34 in (237 mm) within a concentrated area. Meteorologists did not anticipate the severity of the precipitation in this area.[51] One person was killed after being swept away in her Jeep on a flooded roadway. Several homes were also flooded during the event and an estimated 300 homes were left without power. Following the floods, numerous roads were closed and some schools had delayed openings.[51] Throughout the state, flood damage amounted to $690,000, with most of this being in Travis County.[49] Heavy rainfall in Louisiana contributed to widespread flooding that resulted in the closure of several major highways.[52] In Union Parish, rainfall exceeding 6 in (150 mm) led to flash flooding that inundated several homes and a local school, inflicting over $100,000 in damage.[53]

Distinctions and intensity forecasts

[edit]
Most intense Pacific hurricanes[54]
Rank Hurricane Season Pressure
hPa inHg
1 Patricia 2015 872 25.75
2 Linda 1997 902 26.64
3 Rick 2009 906 26.76
4 Kenna 2002 913 26.96
5 Ava 1973 915 27.02
Ioke 2006
7 Marie 2014 918 27.11
Odile
9 Guillermo 1997 919 27.14
10 Gilma 1994 920 27.17
Listing is only for tropical cyclones in the Pacific Ocean
north of the equator and east of the International Dateline

On October 17, Hurricane Rick was classified a Category 5 hurricane, becoming the first in the eastern Pacific basin since Hurricane Kenna in 2002 and the first east of the International Date Line since Hurricane Ioke in 2006.[17] The storm also became the thirteenth cyclone of this intensity east of the International Date Line since official records in the Eastern Pacific began in 1949.[18] Shortly after being upgraded to Category 5 status, Rick attained its peak intensity with winds of 180 mph (290 km/h; 156 kn) and a barometric pressure of 906 mbar (906.00 hPa; 26.75 inHg),[55] making it the second-strongest hurricane ever recorded in the East Pacific, surpassing Kenna. Only Hurricane Linda of 1997 was stronger than Rick, with minimum pressure of 902 mbar (902 hPa; 26.6 inHg).[18] Hurricane Patricia in 2015 later far surpassed both Rick and Linda, attaining a pressure of 872 mbar (hPa; 25.75 inHg).[56] It also became the second storm in the basin to have sustained winds of 180 mph (290 km/h; 156 kn) or higher, the first being Linda with 185 mph (298 km/h; 161 kn) winds.[18][55] Patricia surpassed both with 215 mph (346 km/h; 187 kn) winds.

Upon being declared a tropical depression on October 15, computer forecasting models already anticipated the likelihood of rapid intensification due to the unusually favorable environmental conditions ahead of the system. The Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting model (HWRF) showed the storm attaining a minimum pressure below 900 mbar (hPa; 26.58 inHg),[5] an intensity not attained by any Eastern Pacific hurricane on record at the time.[18] The Statistical Hurricane Intensity Prediction Scheme (SHIPS) rapid intensification index, a storm's probability of intensifying by 35 mph (56 km/h; 30 kn) or more within 24 hours, was set at 60%.[5] This percentage quickly increased to 82% several hours later, 11 times higher than the sample mean. The official forecast from the NHC by their second advisory stated that Rick would become a Category 4 hurricane by October 19; however, they mentioned that due to the favorable environment, the storm could intensify faster than forecast.[7] Once Rick had become a Category 2 storm on October 16, the NHC increased their forecast peak intensity to 145 mph (233 km/h; 126 kn), a mid-range Category 4 hurricane.[11]

The first mention of Rick possibly becoming a Category 5 hurricane was in the seventh discussion released by the NHC on October 17. In their advisory, it was noted that the storm had a 10% chance of reaching this intensity within 36 hours.[12] Several hours after this advisory was released, a special update advisory was issued. This new advisory placed the peak intensity of Rick just below Category 5 status, with maximum winds of 155 mph (249 km/h; 135 kn).[57] It was not until the late morning hours of October 17 that the NHC officially anticipated the storm to attain Category 5 status.[14] Upon attaining winds of 180 mph (290 km/h; 156 kn), Rick was forecast to peak with winds of 185 mph (298 km/h; 161 kn), which would have tied the record (at the time) intensity set by Hurricane Linda.[18][19]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h John P. Cangialosi and Lixion A. Avila (December 3, 2009). "Hurricane Rick Tropical Cyclone Report" (PDF). National Hurricane Center. Retrieved December 14, 2009.
  2. ^ Eric S. Blake (October 15, 2009). "Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 18, 2009.[permanent dead link]
  3. ^ John P. Cangialosi; Jack L. Beven (October 15, 2009). "Tropical Weather Outlook". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 18, 2009.[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ Jack L. Beven (October 15, 2009). "Tropical Depression Twenty-E Public Advisory One". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  5. ^ a b c Jack L. Beven (October 15, 2009). "Tropical Depression Twenty-E Discussion One". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  6. ^ Eric S. Blake (October 15, 2009). "Tropical Storm Rick Public Advisory Two". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  7. ^ a b Eric S. Blake (October 15, 2009). "Tropical Storm Rick Discussion Two". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  8. ^ John P. Cangialosi; Michael J. Brennan (October 16, 2009). "Tropical Storm Rick Discussion Three". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  9. ^ Chris W. Landsea; Jack L. Beven (October 16, 2009). "Hurricane Rick Public Advisory Four". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  10. ^ Chris W. Landsea; Jack L. Beven (October 16, 2009). "Hurricane Rick Discussion Four". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  11. ^ a b Lixion A. Avila (October 16, 2009). "Hurricane Rick Discussion Six". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  12. ^ a b John P. Cangialosi; Michael J. Brennan (October 17, 2009). "Hurricane Rick Discussion Seven". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  13. ^ John P. Cangialosi; Michael J. Brennan (October 17, 2009). "Hurricane Rick Tropical Cyclone Update". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  14. ^ a b Jack L. Beven (October 17, 2009). "Hurricane Rick Discussion Nine". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  15. ^ Jack L. Beven (October 17, 2009). "Hurricane Rick Discussion Ten". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  16. ^ Jack L. Beven (October 17, 2009). "Hurricane Rick Forecast Advisory Ten". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  17. ^ a b Lixion A. Avila; Robbie J. Berg (October 17, 2009). "Hurricane Rick Tropical Cyclone Update". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  18. ^ a b c d e f Hurricane Research Division (2011). "Eastern Pacific Best Tracks, 1949–2010". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 27, 2011.[permanent dead link]
  19. ^ a b Lixion A. Avila (October 17, 2009). "Hurricane Rick Discussion Eleven". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  20. ^ David P. Roberts; Michael J. Brennan (October 18, 2009). "Hurricane Rick Discussion Thirteen". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 19, 2009.
  21. ^ Michael J. Brennan (October 18, 2009). "Hurricane Rick Discussion Fourteen". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 19, 2009.
  22. ^ Robbie J. Berg (October 18, 2009). "Hurricane Rick Discussion Fifteen". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 19, 2009.
  23. ^ Richard J. Pasch (October 19, 2009). "Hurricane Rick Discussion Sixteen". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 19, 2009.
  24. ^ Michael J. Brennan (October 19, 2009). "Hurricane Rick Discussion Seventeen". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
  25. ^ Robbie J. Berg; Michael J. Brennan (October 19, 2009). "Tropical Storm Rick Discussion Nineteen". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
  26. ^ John P. Cangialosi; Lixion A. Avila (October 20, 2009). "Tropical Storm Rick Discussion Twenty-Two". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
  27. ^ Eric S. Blake; Daniel P. Brown (October 20, 2009). "Tropical Storm Rick Discussion Twenty-Three". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
  28. ^ John P. Cangialosi; Lixion A. Avila (October 21, 2009). "Tropical Storm Rick Public Advisory Twenty-Five". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
  29. ^ John P. Cangialosi; Lixion A. Avila (October 21, 2009). "Tropical Depression Rick Public Advisory Twenty-Five A". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
  30. ^ John Cangialosi and Daniel Brown (October 21, 2009). "Tropical Depression Rick Discussion Twenty-Six (Final)". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
  31. ^ "Emiten alerta por huracán Rick en zona costera; Oaxaca sin riesgo". Ciudadania-Express (in Spanish). October 16, 2009. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  32. ^ "Hurricane Rick builds to Category 5". The Oklahoman. Associated Press. October 18, 2009. Archived from the original on February 25, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  33. ^ "Rick avanza como huracán de categoría cinco frente a México" (in Spanish). Associated Press. October 18, 2009. Archived from the original on October 19, 2009. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  34. ^ Staff Writer (October 17, 2009). "Huracán Rick provocará lluvias intensas". El Universal (in Spanish). Archived from the original on January 2, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  35. ^ Ulises Gutiérrez and Javier Valdez (October 18, 2009). "Rick llega a categoría 5; amaga costas del Pacífico". La Jornada (in Spanish). Archived from the original on October 21, 2009. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  36. ^ Sebastian Moreno (October 18, 2009). "Declaran alerta amarilla en cinco municipios de Sonora por 'Rick'". El Imparcial (in Spanish). Archived from the original on October 21, 2009. Retrieved 2009-10-19.
  37. ^ "Weakening Rick threatens Baja California resorts". The Denver Post. Associated Press. October 19, 2009. Retrieved October 19, 2009.
  38. ^ "Esperan en BCS diluvio por tormenta tropical Rick". Notimex (in Spanish). October 20, 2009. Archived from the original on January 2, 2014. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
  39. ^ Staff Writer (October 20, 2009). "No longer a hurricane, Rick still causing trouble for cruise ships near Mexico". USAToday. Retrieved October 20, 2009.
  40. ^ Catherine E. Shoichet (October 21, 2009). "Tropical storm threatens floods, slides in Mexico". Associated Press. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
  41. ^ "Situación meteorológica actual del ciclón tropical" (in Spanish). La Comisión Federal de Electricidad. October 18, 2009. Archived from the original on September 5, 2009. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  42. ^ "Alerta en Los Cabos por la tormenta Rick". La Jordana (in Spanish). October 21, 2009. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
  43. ^ Susy Buchanan (October 19, 2009). "Hurricane Rick kills man, nears Mexico coast". Reuters. Archived from the original on October 23, 2009. Retrieved October 20, 2009.
  44. ^ Pete Thomas (October 21, 2009). "Cabo San Lucas bids farewell to Tropical Storm Rick, which caused minimal damage". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
  45. ^ "La tormenta tropical 'Rick' toca tierra en el noroeste mexicano". La Prensa (in Spanish). Agence France-Presse. October 21, 2009. Archived from the original on September 3, 2012. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
  46. ^ Guillermo Arias (Associated Press) (October 21, 2009). "Tropical storm hits Mexican resort, topples trees". San Diego Union Tribune. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
  47. ^ "Características e Impacto Socioeconòmico de los Principales Desastres Ocurridos en la República Mexicana en el Año 2009" (PDF) (in Spanish). Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres. October 2010. p. 6. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 2, 2014. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
  48. ^ El Periódico de México (December 29, 2009). "Veracruz, de los estados que más recibieron recursos del Fonden". Crónica del Poder (in Spanish). Retrieved January 5, 2010.[permanent dead link]
  49. ^ a b c Stuart Hinson (2010). "NCDC Storm Events Database". National Climatic Data Center. Archived from the original on August 14, 2008. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
  50. ^ "Tornado sweeps through southwest Louisiana". USAToday. Associated Press. October 22, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2009.
  51. ^ a b Geoff West (October 23, 2009). "Storm saturates area, delays schools". Burnet Bulletin. Highland Lakes Newspapers. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved October 24, 2009.
  52. ^ Stuart Hinson (2010). "Louisiana Event Report: Flash Flood". National Climatic Data Center. Archived from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
  53. ^ Stuart Hinson (2010). "Louisiana Event Report: Flash Flood". National Climatic Data Center. Archived from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
  54. ^ 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.
  55. ^ a b Lixion A. Avila (October 17, 2009). "Hurricane Rick Public Advisory Eleven". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  56. ^ Richard J. Pasch (October 23, 2015). Hurricane Patricia Discussion Number 14 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 23, 2015.
  57. ^ John P. Cangialosi; Jack L. Beven (October 17, 2009). "Hurricane Rick Special Discussion Eight". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
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