Tropical Storm Carlotta was a moderate tropical cyclone that caused flooding in

several states in southwestern and central Mexico. Carlotta, the third named storm of
the 2018 Pacific hurricane season, formed as the result of a breakdown in
the Intertropical Convergence Zone. On June 12, a broad area of low pressure developed
several hundred miles south of Mexico and strengthened into a tropical storm by June
15. The next day, the system stalled unexpectedly within a favorable environment,
which led to more intensification than originally anticipated. Early on June 17, Carlotta
reached peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 km/h) and
a minimum central pressure of 997 mbar (29.44 inHg) while located only 30 mi (50 km)
south-southeast of Acapulco. The system then began to interact with land and
experience wind shear, which resulted in the storm weakening to tropical depression
status later in the day. The system weakened to a remnant low early on June 19 and
dissipated several hours later.

Tropical Storm Carlotta

Tropical storm (SSHWS/NWS)

Tropical Storm Carlotta strengthening off the

southwestern coast of Mexico on June 16

Formed June 14, 2018

Dissipated June 19, 2018

 Highest winds 1-minute sustained: 65 mph (100
km/h)

Lowest pressure 997 mbar (hPa); 29.44 inHg

Fatalities 2 direct, 1 indirect

Damage > $7.6 million (2018 USD)

Areas affected Central and Southern Mexico

Part of the 2018 Pacific hurricane season

Carlotta prompted the issuance of multiple watches and warnings for the southern
coast of Mexico. The storm caused three deaths, two of which were
in Aguascalientes and the other in Oaxaca. Flooding and landslides also occurred
throughout the states of Aguascalientes, Guerrero, Michoacán, Oaxaca, and Puebla, as
well as in the Yucatán Peninsula. Damage from the system was reported to be minor.
Meteorological historyEdit

Map plotting the track and the intensity of the storm, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale

Tropical Storm Carlotta formed as the result of a breakdown in the Intertropical

Convergence Zone to the south of Mexico. A tropical wave that traversed Central
America around June 11 may have contributed to the storm's formation as well.[1] On
June 12, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that a broad area
of low pressure had formed several hundred miles south of southeastern Mexico.[2] The
NHC continued to monitor the disturbance over the next two days as it drifted
northward.[3] Initially, strong upper-level winds prevented development,[2] but the
system increased in organization unexpectedly on June 14.[4] Following further
structural improvements, the NHC upgraded the system to tropical depression status at
18:00 UTC while it was located about 140 mi (220 km) south of Acapulco.[1] Around
that time, the NHC forecast that a mid-level ridge over Mexico would weaken the
following day, and would leave the depression in an area of light steering
currents.[5] Despite being located in a favorable environment with low to
moderate wind shear and sea surface temperatures exceeding 86 °F (30 °C),[6] the
depression experienced minimal change in intensity over the next 18 hours. After the
system's center reformed farther north, the NHC amended its intensity forecast to
indicate reduced strengthening, citing the fact that the system would spend less time
over water.[7] Around 18:00 UTC on June 15, the system strengthened into a tropical
storm, after which it was assigned the name Carlotta. The system's intensity then
leveled off for about twelve hours.[1]
Early on June 16, Carlotta's forward motion began to fluctuate, changing
from northeast to southeast in six hours.[8] The storm began to intensify again around
06:00 UTC as it stalled off the coast of Mexico.[1][9] Soon after, the cyclone began moving
in a northerly direction.[10] Over the next twelve hours, Carlotta experienced little
change in organization before peaking at 00:00 UTC on June 17, with maximum
sustained winds of 65 mph (100 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of
997 mbar (29.44 inHg) while located only 30 mi (50 km) south-southeast of
Acapulco.[1] Around that time, the NHC noted that the system's structure had improved
significantly, with a contracting eye and more symmetric eyewall.[11] As the system
started tracking towards the northwest, Carlotta began to weaken because of increasing
interaction with land and northerly wind shear.[12] Around 18:00 UTC on the June 17,
the storm weakened into a tropical depression after lacking organized deep convection
for several hours.[1][13] Over the next day, the depression continued to weaken before
degenerating into a remnant low on June 19 at 00:00 UTC.[1] Shortly afterwards,
Carlotta's upper-level circulation decoupled entirely and drifted towards the southwest,
while the low- and mid-level remnants remained.[14] The system's remnants dissipated
around 06:00 UTC while located offshore of the Mexican coast
between Manzanillo and Zihuatanejo, having never made landfall as a tropical
cyclone.[1]
Preparations and impactEdit

Tropical Depression Carlotta weakening off the southern coast of Mexico on June 18.

On June 14 at 21:00 UTC, the Government of Mexico issued a tropical storm

watch for Tecpan de Galeana to Punta Maldonado [es],[15] which was upgraded to a
tropical storm warning six hours later.[16] At 15:00 UTC,the next day, the tropical storm
warning was extended to Lagunas de Chacahua.[17] Six hours later, the warning was
discontinued for Tecpan de Galeana to west of Acapulco.[18] On June 17 at 03:00 UTC,
the warning was extended westward from Acapulco to Tecpan de Galeana and cancelled
to the east of Punta Maldonado.[19] At 09:00 UTC, the warning was discontinued east of
Tecpan de Galeana and extended westward to Lazaro Cardenas.[20] The tropical storm
warning was canceled at 18:00 UTC, after the storm weakened into a tropical
depression.[21]
Tropical Storm Carlotta caused flooding in southern Mexico, with the states
of Aguascalientes, Guerrero, Michoacán, Oaxaca, and Puebla, being affected, as well as
the Yucatán Peninsula. In the Yucatán Peninsula, Carlotta, a tropical wave, and
another low-pressure system dropped 70–400 mm (3–20 in) of rain, causing severe
flooding.[22][23] In the Tizimín Municipality, the Popolnáh police station was inundated
and the DN-III-E Plan, a plan for the coordination of search and rescue operations and
disaster aid, was activated to help with recovery efforts.[23]
In Oaxaca, severe flooding killed one individual. Fishermen recovered the body of a 29-
year-old man about 10 mi (20 km) off the coast after he was dragged away by flood
waters and drowned.[24] The proximity of the storm prompted the closure of the ports
of Huatulco, Puerto Ángel, and Puerto Escondido as well as the suspension of fishing
operations.[25] Multiple landslides also occurred as a result of the extreme
rainfall.[26][27] Only minor damage was reported in Guerrero. In the Costa Chica region,
the storm damaged several palapas on a beach and the fishing equipment of at least
80 families, preventing them from working.[28] In the municipalities of Tecpan de
Galeana, Zihuatanejo and Petatlán, 42 homes were inundated by flood waters. A total of
138 trees were downed in Acapulco and several other municipalities. In Acapulco, a
hospital sustained damage to its windows and four injuries were reported. Additionally,
32 neighborhoods lost power, nine houses lost their roofs, and 11 roads
collapsed.[29][30] In Tehuacán, Puebla, homes and businesses were flooded, multiple cars
were stranded, and several trees fell. Nearby, a state highway and a bridge collapsed,
cutting off several towns in the area.[31]
In Michoacán, multiple cities along the coast experienced severe flooding. In Melchor
Ocampo, a peak rainfall total of 285.0 mm (11.2 in) occurred. Approximately 210.6 mm
(8.291 in) of rain fell in La Villita while 194.9 mm (7.673 in) was recorded in Presa La
Villita.[22] Rainfall caused the Acalpican River to overflow its banks.[32] In the Tiquicheo
Municipality, 10 houses were flooded after a river near the city overflowed its
banks.[33] Multiple homes were inundated in the Zamora Municipality. In Pátzcuaro,
multiple landslides occurred, damaging roads in the region. In Nuevo Urecho, the
overflow of the Los Hervores River damaged water pumps, resulting in a water shortage
throughout the municipality.[34] Throughout the storm, 35 temporary shelters were in
operation in Michoacán.[35][32] The insurance claims statewide reached MX$156 million
(US$7.6 million).[36]
In Aguascalientes, Carlotta caused infrastructural damage and two indirect deaths
in Aguascalientes City. Rainfall from the system flooded streets, sweeping away dozens
of cars and prompting the rescue of several people. Two women became trapped in
their vehicle because of rising flood waters and died of carbon monoxide
poisoning.[37][38] After 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain fell,[39] the city's drainage system
failed,[38] 12 houses were flooded, and 12 trees fell.[37] A waterspout also touched down
in the state. Mexican authorities alerted the public that the El Cedazo dam had the
potential to overflow because of the heavy rainfall,[38][39] although such an event did not
eventuate